Rafale and surgical strike political-gaming must not hurt our ability to wage war
Air Marshal Brijesh Jayal cautions that the
Carl von Clausewitz was a military theorist who stressed the moral and political aspects of war. His treatise ‘On War’ is considered standard text to military doctrine and is study material in military leadership establishments across democracies. The text has many aphorisms, of which the most famous is: “War is the continuation of politics by other means.” Politics here refers to the larger principle of governance, of guiding or influencing government policy with the welfare of the state in mind.
It is unlikely that a majority of practitioners of politics in our democracy today would have heard of this text, let alone have enlightened themselves on its finer points. Considering the current level of political discourse, it is doubtful whether they even comprehend the difference between this higher aim of politics and electoral politics, which today appears far removed from the interest of welfare of the state.
The reason why this text needs to be mentioned is because, of late, Indian electoral politics, through which the process of national governance is born, appears to be wounding the state’s instrument of war, namely the military. In this convoluted manner, our ability to wage war is becoming a victim of politics by other means.
This brings us down from the exalted heights of a classical text to the mundane level of national dailies, where two competing narratives are currently vying for public attention.
The first was a directive issued to universities and higher educational institutions across the country by the University Grants Commission to observe 29 September as the ‘Surgical Strike Day’ and to “celebrate this in a befitting manner by conducting various activities.”
It will be recalled that on this day two years ago, in response to a militant attack army personnel in J&K in which 19 army personnel lost their lives, the Indian Army had undertaken surprise attacks by special
forces on seven terror launch pads along the Line of Control and inflicted significant damage. Such operations by their very nature carry an element of surprise, are conducted by special forces and carry a very high level of risk to those involved. They are also meant to convey a subtle message to the adversary – but are not advertising tools.
This action in later public discourse came to be termed ‘surgical strike’, and, rather than be considered as another tactical action by the army in the face of a decades-long proxy war in J&K, it seems to have been adopted by the government as a landmark event justifying commemoration. By glorifying one specific tactical action over others, we undermine the dangers, challenges, successes and sacrifices that our soldiers are facing and making on a daily basis including the conduct of such high risk actions where necessary. This may appear good political optics, but it is bad for the morale of those in the daily line of fire.
Regrettably, a tactical commando action has now become the subject of political oneupmanship. This bodes ill not just for the morale of the force but also their respect for the moral values of the civil leadership under whose authority they derive their legitimacy to serve and fight, and to kill if necessary.
The second narrative being played out is the very vocal and concerted attempt by the opposition to label the recent governmentto-government agreement for the purchase of much needed combat aircraft to shore up IAF’s seriously depleting force level, as involving corruption and cronyism.
So ugly has the Rafale debate become that the IAF top brass have indirectly jumped into an unfortunate political fray.
It may be recalled that towards meeting the IAF’s requirement for a medium multi-role combat aircraft, the MoD had floated a global tender for 126 aircraft in 2007 after having floated the first ‘Request for Information’ as early as 2004. After comprehensive technical and flight evaluations, the GOI shortlisted two aircraft and after due commercial process, identified the French Rafale as the “winner” in 2012.
There are differing narratives on why contract negotiations for the Rafale did not make headway while the previous government was in saddle and with the change of government the original proposal to buy 18 aircraft outright and licence produce 108 at HAL was dropped and the government-to-government route chosen to make an urgent outright purchase of 36 aircraft. It is worth noting that virtually all major aircraft purchases in the recent past have been through the governmentto-government route, examples being the C-17 Heavy Lift transport, the C-130J Hercules, P-8I Maritime Reccee aircraft, Chinook heavy helicopter and others. The principal reason is that a Bofors syndrome still haunts our defence procurement system and few are willing to stick their necks out and take decisions where the open tender route is concerned.
This action of the government has now been faulted by the opposition on many counts, not least of which are “crony capitalism, higher prices, corruption”, with a leader of the principal opposition party dubbing the PM a thief. So ugly has this debate become that, for the first time, top brass of the IAF have come out publicly in favour of the process, thus indirectly jumping into an unfortunate political fray.
Ironically, amidst all the finger pointing, the one issue that seems to be of least concern to all is why it should have taken national governance eight long years (fourteen years if RFI is considered the starting point) to have taken a decision when the IAF is seriously deficient of its combat squadron strength. This clearly shows how our politics is about other peripheral issues and not about keeping national security and welfare of the state foremost in mind.
It is not the purpose of this piece to delve into which side is right or wrong in either of the narratives mentioned above. It is only to remind ourselves that the armed forces are not only watching these developments with dismay but no doubt debating it and following it on social media and perhaps being driven by one side of the argument or the other. Since both these narratives relate to the respective armed service, its operation and leadership, any perception driven by other than professional agenda is harmful to the unity of the military, the morale of the forces, and their confidence in the civil leadership, whatever be its political colour. We then run the risk of introducing a dangerous cancer of politicisation in the military that is injurious to the health of civil-military relations and of our cherished democracy.
It is imperative that political parties draw a mutually agreed, self- imposed line beyond which electoral politics will not stray into military affairs. Let any such issues instead be deliberated within constitutionally mandated institutions to ensure confidentiality, probity and accountability. In our bitterly fractured polity, whilst the temptation to take advantage when a political adversary appears on weak ground or to exploit a political opportunity may appear legitimate, let politics by other means not hurt our ability to wage war.
Contract signed for S-400 Triumf
On 5 October 2018 in New Delhi, Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) signed a contract to supply India with the S- 400 Triumf long- range air defence missile system (ADMS).”The S-400 supply agreement with India is a new landmark in the history of military-technical cooperation between our countries. The deal demonstrates the highest level of trust and understanding between India and Russia. I am sure that this agreement will also be a new impulse for strengthening and deepening our cooperation in civil industry,” stated Head of Rostec State Corporation Sergey Chemezov.
“The main advantage of the S- 400 lies in its versatility. The system is able to engage both all types of aerodynamic targets and ballistic missiles, up to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The Triumf is far superior to its foreign counterparts in maximum engagement range and minimum engagement altitude, emplacement/displacement time, as well as in a number of other key characteristics.The contract for the supply of S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems to India is the biggest for the entire period of military-technical cooperation between Russia and India and the largest in history of Rosoboronexport” continued Head of Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheev.
Nirmala Sitharaman visits France, Rafale production line
Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited France in midOctober and held “wide ranging talks with her French counterpart Florence Parly on ways to deepen strategic and defence cooperation between the two countries”. This was under the framework of the annual Indo-French defence ministerial dialogue and according to
official sources, “both sides deliberated on co-production of military platforms and weapons by the two countries besides expanding cooperation between their armed forces, particularly in the maritime domain”. Ms Sitharaman also visited the Dassault production facilities at Bordeaux where the IAF’s Rafales are under production ( seen in photo with M. Eric Trappier, Head of Dassault Aviation).
‘Super Sukhoi’ offered to the IAF
It is understood that the IAF has conveyed that acquisition of more Su-30MKIs currently in service with a dozen squadrons, is “not an option” to meet the new MMRCA requirement, the latter type to have next generation avionics, engines, radar and other state-ofthe art systems. The IAF presently has 247 Su-30s in its inventory with another 25 expected to be inducted over the next two years, taking the total to 272.
However, it is learnt that the Russian OEM has offered upgradation of the Su-30MKI to ‘Super Sukhoi’ standard, making it an aircraft with “nearly fifth generation capabilities”. This will become “an effective multi-role weapon system equipped with AESA radar, a more powerful electronic warfare suite, jamming systems, along with high performance engines” much of these incorporated in the Sukhoi Su-35.
Barak 8 LR-SAMs for Indian Navy
Israel Aerospace Industries have been awarded an additional US$ 777 million contract by the Government of India for the supply of Barak 8 LR-SAMs for installation on seven warships of the Indian Navy. The contract is with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) which serves as main contractor for the project. IAI CEO Nimrod Sheffer stated in Tel Aviv, “This deal reflects the direction in which IAI is heading: business focus, profitability and growth. IAI’s partnership with India dates many years back and has culminated in joint system development and production.”
CNS on IAC-2 and the MRCBF
In an interview on eve of Navy Day 2018, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba has said that the Indian Navy’s quest for a second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2) is still on track and the overall size and propulsion systems have been decided upon. This will be a 65,000 tonne CATOBAR (catapult assisted take off but arrested landing) carrier and conventionally powered. ‘This is central to the Navy’s philosophy to have three aircraft carrier battle groups”.
As for the 57 multirole carrier borne fighters for which an RFI was issued some years back, the CNS said that “we should be able to issue the RFP towards the end of 2019”.
India and Britain to enhance naval interaction
In enhancing their strategic relationship, India and the UK are planning to increase joint training between their navies through carrier battle group operations. During his visit to India UK’s Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Stephen Lovegrove reportedly discussed training with Indian forces and particularly Carrier Battle Groups. Mr Lovegrove also said that the Indian and Royal Navies are in discussion on such cooperation as a prelude to the intended deployment of the Royal Navy’s latest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth in the Straits of Malacca. Continuing, Lovegrove said, “I think the most relevant item
is comparing practices and techniques of carrier battle groups, which will be happening when our new carrier ( Queen Elizabeth) is fully operational... The two navies are discussing those types of cooperation on carrier battle groups.”
On the UK playing a greater role in the Indian Ocean Region, he said, “We have enduring interests in the region. We want to continue to play our part in maintaining security here...the Queen Elizabeth will also represent some of our commitment to our trading relations. It's important for us that the Indian Ocean and South China Sea remain open to trade, navigation.” Mr Lovegrove also referred to interaction of Special Forces, essentially the Royal Marines training with their Indian Naval counterparts ( Marcos) in contested environments, on sea boarding techniques and interdiction. The UK Minister also referred to the IAF’s interest in the Advanced Hawk, combat version of the Hawk AJT, presently operated by the IAF and Navy.
Indian President in Vietnam
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on his visit to Vietnam on 20 November has stated that the country would expand maritime security cooperation with Vietnam. In his discussions with Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong, Mr Kovind referred to further strengthening of bilateral cooperation in defence, atomic energy, oil & gas, and outer space research. It is understood that the two sides also discussed the situation in the South China Sea and implementation of India’s defence related $500 million line of credit.
RFP for 12 minesweepers
The Indian Government is expected to issue an RFP for 12 mine-counter measure vessels (MCMVs or minesweepers), in collaboration with a foreign shipyard under a Rs 32,640 crore programme. South Korean shipyard Kangnam Corporation and Italian shipbuilder Intermarine are expected to compete for the project, both shipyards having responded to the expression of interest (EoI) for the project in May.
This is the third attempt in a decade to strengthen the Indian Navy’s mine warfare capabilities. India would be without a single minesweeper till 2021, as per the March 2017 parliamentary report on the alarming decline in naval force levels. Facilities have been created at GSL for building glass-reinforced plastic hulls, a design that reduces the ship’s magnetic signature, allows safer navigation through mine-infested waters.
According to Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital head of Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) they hope to build the MSMVs in India. “The navy is finalising its qualitative requirements for the minesweepers before holding discussions with the defence ministry to take the project ahead”. The Indian Navy’s present mine counter-measure force consists of just two vessels, of the six acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union in the late 1970s but requires at least 24 minesweepers to secure major harbours in the country.
HAL HTT-40 ‘spin tested’
The HAL HTT-40 was `spin tested’, putting it through two turn spins and subsequently recovering with the appropriate controls, on 9 November 2018. The aircraft was piloted by Gp Capt
KK Venugopal, DGM-Test Pilot (FW) from front cockpit and Gp Capt S Chaki, Sr Test Pilot (FW) in the rear. The stall testing was earlier completed with the project proceeding to spin tests. The final certification process of the HTT-40 has also progressed with completion of the fuselage Structural Test Specimen (STS) tests to 6g, as per the Preliminary Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) some six months ahead of schedule.
R Madhavan, CMD, HAL said that the successful start of spin testing “gave a boost to HAL and also restored credibility of HAL in effectively designing a spin worthy aircraft”. HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) had carried out extensive wind tunnel testing and mathematical model analyses to arrive at spin characteristics of the aircraft.
According to Arup Chatterjee, HAL’s Director ( Engg and R&D) “the PSQR test points have been met and the spin completion was the last metric which needed to be accomplished before the aircraft enters service. As a matter of fact, the HTT-40 exceeds the Preliminary Services Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) on most fronts and offers a technologically advanced product than its competitor” [ read Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II. It may be recalled that in October 2013, the then CAS had suggested that HAL should licencebuilt the remaining 106 PC-7 BTAs as follow-on to the 75 directly imported from Pilatus. HAL’s then Chairman however gave full support to HAL designers to complete development of the HTT-40].
Detail design of the HTT-40 began in August 2013, with internal funding and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of 70 such Basic Trainer Aircraft, from HAL. Production clearance for the HTT-40 is expected to be accorded by end of this year.
Foreign delegations visit HAL
Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falacy, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, United Arab Emirates visited HAL facilities in Bengaluru on 17 October 2018 when the UAE delegation was briefed on ongoing projects and taken around the Helicopter Complex, LCA Division and Hawk Final Assembly hangar. The Minister reportedly “evinced keen interest in the LCA”.
Other recent visitors to HAL were Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, CAS Bangladesh Air Force and a senior delegation from the Kingdom of Morocco, who were given presentations on the Tejas LCA and Dhruv ALH.
DAC clears upgrade of 17 HAL-Dornier 228s
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved midlife upgrade of 17 Dornier 228s of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), at an approximate cost of Rs. 950 crore. The upgrades will be carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at their Transport Aircraft Division in Kanpur.
ICG is responsible for protecting national interests in the maritime zones of India which entails surveillance of approximately 2.01 million square kilometres of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). ICG is also the nodal agency in India for maritime pollution response. The Coast Guard has a fleet of 39 Dornier 228s which play a pivotal role in various maritime tasks including surveillance, search & rescue, pollution monitoring and control. The DAC approval involves upgradation of these aircraft with state-of-the-art technology, spares, Special Maintenance Tools (SMT) and Special Test Equipment (STE). The DAC also approved equipping of three Dornier 228s with Pollution Surveillance Systems.
Naval Commanders’ Conference
During the second edition of this years’ bi- annual Naval Commanders’ Conference on 2 November 2018, the Navy’s modernisation plan was reviewed including induction of the new aircraft carrier, warships, nuclear-powered submarines, conventional submarines, re-vitalisation of aviation and sub-surface assets and induction of certain state-of-the-art weapons, sensors and equipment. Further, development of technical and support infrastructure for maintenance of these assets were also discussed in consonance with the ‘Indian Naval Indigenisation Plan 2015-30’, which has formulated requirements of the Indian Navy towards indigenous development of equipment and systems over the next 15 years.
10thAnniversary of IONS
IONS marked its 10th Anniversary at Kochi on 13-14 November 2018 in presence of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, who was accompanied by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, FOC-in-C, Southern Naval Command. The IONS Seminar was held at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, which was attended by Chiefs and senior representatives from navies of the most member nations. As a part of the anniversary celebration CNS also inaugurated the ‘Tall Ships Sail Together’ event on 14 November 2018.
In line with vision of the Prime Minister, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the theme for the 10th anniversary seminar was IONS as a Catalyst for SAGAR, which is in consonance with India’s ‘Act East’ policy and the nation’s diplomatic, economic and military outreach in the region. 26 of the 32 countries which constitute membership of IONS participated in the seminar that focused on maritime issues pertaining to cooperative capacitybuilding to deal with common security concerns in the region. “The IONS initiative endeavoured to generate a flow of information among naval professionals so as to enable a common understanding of regional maritime issues and in turn facilitate generation of mutually beneficial maritime security outcomes.”
Indian Coast Guard expansion plans
In their long term perspective plans (2017-2032) the Indian Coast Guard have projected a requirement to become a 190-ship and 100-aircraft force by 2023, with a total outlay of Rs 2.09 lakh crore
spread over the next 15 years. The Coast Guard presently have a total of 136 surface platforms, including 18 hovercraft, 39 HAL-Dornier 228s, 19 Chetak and 4 Dhruv helicopters. Phase II of the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN), will have 38 more stations with static radars, forr mobile surveillance stations and integration of 13 radar stations of the VTMS (vessel traffic management systems) sites in the Gulfs of Kutch and Khambat
“IAF very much alive to emerging threats”: CAS
In a recent interview, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, CAS has reiterated that the Indian Air Force is fully equipped to take on threats which occur from across the border be it in the realm of sub conventional or other domains, including the Indo-Pacific region. In this context, the US has been pushing for a greater role for India in the Indo-Pacific region even as a year ago India, Australia, Japan and the US gave shape to the long pending ‘Quad’ Coalition to develop news strategies. The Indian Air Force have the second largest fleet of C-17 Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft in the world which would play a strategic part in the region. The Chief also made indirect reference to China’s rapid modernisation of its Air Force and also about the infrastructure development being carried out in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), bordering India.
Air Force Commander’s Conference
The second Bi-annual IAF Commanders’ Conference of 2018 was inaugurated by the RRM Dr Subhash Bhamre at Air HQ (Vayu Bhawan) who stressed the PM’s SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) Doctrine. “I commend the IAF leadership in promoting indigenisation in multiple ways. The IAF’s resolve
to wholeheartedly support the indigenous LCA programme by committing to procure 18 squadrons of the LCA and its variants, endorsing its capability, is notable and praiseworthy. The RRM wished success to the innovative Mehar Baba Swarm Drone Competition as also complemented the IAF in beginning an Artificial Intelligence Project with participation of the private industry.
The CAS emphasised the need for robust training of IAF personnel to maintain The IAF’s operational competence and reiterated the need for joint training with the Indian Army and Indian Navy “to enhance the synergy between the services for ensuring national security”. Preparations for future inductions including the Rafale and Tejas fighters, Chinook and Apache helicopters, SPYDER and MRSAMs was also discussed. The Commanders later interacted with senior officials from HAL on issues pertaining to production, upgradation, indigenisation, design & development of various equipment and aircraft.
WAC Station Commanders Conference 2018
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff presented trophies to various Commanders of WAC at HQ Western Air Command at Subroto Park, New Delhi during WAC Commanders’ Conference on 1 November 2018.
35 ‘decommissioned’ Jaguars procured for ‘spares’
The Government of India has reportedly identified sources to procure decommissioned Jaguar fighters to be used for spare parts in support of the current Jaguar fleet with the Indian Air Force. The IAF has six squadrons of Jaguars in its present order of battle, with the initial 40 received as ‘fly aways’ from the manufacturers in the UK the balance of some 110 produced under licence by HAL at its Bangalore Complex. The Jaguars are being upgraded in tranches to DARIN III standard which involves integration of EL/M-2052 AESA radar from Elta plus other advanced systems. Some 31 Jaguar airframes have been provided “without cost” by France and two by Oman while Britain has sold two trainer variants plus 381 types of spares at nominal cost.
IBSAMAR-VI Multi-National Maritime Exercise
Sixth edition of IBSAMAR, the joint Multi–National Maritime Exercise between the Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies, was held at Simons Town, South Africa in mid-October 2018. Aim of the exercise was to undertake collective training for participating navies, building interoperability and mutual understanding as well as sharing of best practices. The Indian Navy was represented by
the guided missile frigate INS Tarkash, guided missile destroyer Kolkata, long range maritime patrol aircraft P-8(I), Seaking and Chetak helicopters as well as a MARCOS detachment.
The exercise included both harbour and sea phases with various navigation and seamanship evolutions, surface weapons firing, force protection exercises, anti-piracy exercise, anti-air and anti-submarine exercise as well as flying operations.
JIMEX 18 maritime exercises
In mid-October 2018, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) Ships Kaga, an Izumo- class helicopter destroyer and Inazuma, a guided missile destroyer sailed to Visakhapatnam. The JMSDF ships under the command of Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukada, Commander, Escort Flotilla-4 (CCF-4) participated in the third edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) with the ships of Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy. JIMEX-18 is aimed to enhance interoperability, improve understanding and “imbibe the best practices of each other.”
Participating IN ships included the INS Satpura multipurpose stealth frigate, INS Kadmatt anti-submarine warfare corvette, and INS Shakti fleet tanker. In addition, one submarine, a P-8(I) aircraft and a number of integral helicopters also participated in the exercise, under command of Rear Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, FOC, Eastern Fleet.
General Atomics establishes India Office
General Atomics has established a new office at New Delhi and Pratesh Gandhi will serve as Director of India Strategic Development with responsibilities for directing business and
strategic outreach efforts for General Atomics in India. As director of Strategic Development, Mr. Gandhi brings his experience in defence acquisition to support General Atomics strategic initiatives in India. He is a veteran Naval Aviator with over 3,000 flying hours on a variety of aircraft and has held flying, staff, and project office positions in the Indian Navy.
General Atomics is working with both governments in an effort to provide India with a variety of systems and technologies supporting national defence, including General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aerial System, and electromagnetic aircraft launch and recovery systems (EMALS) for Indian aircraft carriers.
Honeywell launches commercial UAV IDAS in India
Honeywell is launching its commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Inspection and Data Analytics Service (IDAS) in India. Targeted at utilities and oil and gas companies, the new service is designed to help customers across the country improve and modernise critical structural inspections. Using UAVs to carry out this work and collate necessary data reduces the need for employees to conduct inspections manually, which in turn increases safety by eliminating many of the risks associated with dangerous structural examinations.
INS Rana at Korea for IFR
INS Rana which was on operational deployment to the North West Pacific region in wake of India’s Act East Policy, visited Jeju in the Republic of Korea to participate in the International Fleet Review (IFR) held during 8-15 October 2018. During the seven day visit, INS Rana, commanded by Capt Atul Deswal was involved in a series of confidence-building engagements with Republic of Korea Navy and other foreign Navies participating in the IFR.
INS Rana visits Manila
The Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer INS Rana (D52), commanded by Capt Atul Deswal then visited Manila in the Philippines, docking at Pier 15, South Harbor on 24 October 2018 for a four-day goodwill visit. The ship was accorded a welcome ceremony upon arrival, with a PN band in attendance. The four-day visit included a series of confidence-building engagements between Philippine and Indian Navy personnel, such as shipboard tours, goodwill games and reciprocal receptions.
Indian Navy ship and aircraft in Indonesia for CORPAT
INS Kulish, a Kora- class missile corvette commanded by Commander Deepak Bali and an Indian Navy Dornier 228 of INAS 318 from Andaman and Nicobar command were at Belawan
in Indonesia for the 32nd edition of India – Indonesia coordinated patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT), held during 11–27 October 2018.
The Indian side was led by Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, Naval Component Commander, A&N Command. Ships and aircraft from both countries carried out patrolling on respective sides of 236 nautical mile long International Maritime Boundary Line, followed by the closing ceremony at Port Blair in the Andamans.
GRSE to build 4 large survey vessels
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has been given contracts worth Rs 2,435.15 crore for building four large survey vessels for the Indian Navy, covering their design, construction and supply. The first ship will be delivered within 36 months from date of signing contract and subsequent ships within an interval of six months for each vessel, the project completion being 54 months. The four survey vessels (large) shall be 110 m
long with a deep displacement of 3300 ton and complement of 231, capable of full scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic survey of ports and harbours, approaches and determination of navigational channels/routes.
Meanwhile, L- 55 which is a Mark IV LCU vessel, built by GRSE, was formally handed over to the Indian Navy on 28 September 2018 at Kolkata. Currently 12 ships are under construction with nine ships (1 ASW Corvette, 3 LCUs, 5 FPVs) in advanced stages of construction, expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by end 2019. Three ships of Project P17A advanced stealth frigates with an order value of Rs 192,934.60 million are being constructed using modular construction technology and various softwares such as Aveva Marine, NAPA etc. GRSE is in competitive bidding for 12 ships (4 Survey Vessels (Large) and 8 ASW SWCs) for the Indian Navy.
HSL to construct Diving Support Vessels
Hindustan Shipyard Limited at Vishakhapatnam will build two Diving Support Vessels (DSV) to augment the Indian Navy’s submarine support operations on both coasts, to be based at Vishakhapatnam and Mumbai respectively. The DSVs would be 118 m in length and of approximately 7,650 tonne displacement. The DSV will facilitate various activities such as submarine rescue, under water inspection, testing or salvage, and recovery of objects/ ship aircraft lost at sea. The DSV is also equipped with a Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which significantly enhances its Submarine Rescue Capabilities ( Representative image above).
4th Offshore Patrol Vessel for Coast Guard
Shipbuilders L&T launched their fourth Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ahead of schedule for the Indian Coast Guard on 2 November 2018 at Kattupalli Shipyard, near Chennai. This is fourth in the series of seven Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) designed
and constructed by L&T for the Ministry of Defence awarded in March 2015. In April 2018, L&T set a new benchmark by delivering the ‘First of Class’ OPV named ICGS Vikram ahead of schedule, followed by the second OPV, ICGS Vijaya in August 2018. Third OPV, which was also launched in August 2018, is presently being readied for sea trials.
L&T has so far delivered 45 defence vessels to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, all these vessels comprehensively designed in-house at L&T’s Warship Design Centre using sophisticated design and digital analysis tools. The Floating Dock FDN-2 for the Indian Navy, designed and built for the first time in India, was delivered in March 2018 and is now fully operational. Further, 42 Interceptor Boats have been delivered from the series of 54 such boats being built for the Coast Guard and the remaining 12 are also ready for delivery, this programme being ahead of schedule by about two years.
Operational preparedness of the Indian Coast Guard
The MoD’s Consultative Committee met on 17 November 2018 to review the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) operational preparedness, infrastructure development and coastal security mechanism. During the meeting, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was briefed about the coastal security mechanism and
preparedness of the Coast Guard to tackle maritime emergencies, and in particular Coast Guard’s initiative of making fishermen its “eyes and ears”.
Ms Sitharaman reiterated that the ICG discharges ‘a silent but invaluable service to the nation’ and lauded the efforts of all personnel of Coast Guard for multiple successful search and rescue missions, humanitarian aid, assistance to fishermen and increased surveillance capability. She also laid emphasis on modernisation of the ICG with the definitive action programme 2017– 22 which envisages acquisition of 43 ships, 20 aircraft and increased infrastructure.
New engines for T-72 tanks
The MoD has approved procurement of 1,000 engines for the Indian Army’s Russian-origin T-72 tanks, estimated at over Rs 2,300 crore, while also making a few amendments to the Defence Procurement Procedure to reduce timelines in acquisition of these. “The tank engines of 1000 BHP (brake horsepower) will be procured under the ‘buy & make’ category. After technology transfer, most of these engines will be made by the Ordnance Factories Board. The engines will enhance mobility, agility and acceleration of the tanks, making them more effective in battlefield,” said an official.
Military Exercises with the US, Russia and Japan
Indian armed forces will conduct three major military exercises with the United States, Russia and Japan in keeping with its balanced and inclusive strategic construct. Taking their military cooperation forward, India and Japan held their first joint army exercise ‘ Dharma Guardian-2018’, at the Counter-Insurgency Warfare School in Vairengte, Mizoram, November 1 to 14, the Indian contingent consisting of troops from 6/1Gorkha Rifles, while the Japanese fielded troops from their 32nd Infantry Regiment.
“Emphasis was on increasing interoperability between forces from both countries. Both sides were to jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario. Experts from both sides also held detailed discussions to share their expertise on operational aspects,” said the Indian Army’s spokesman.
The Indian Army will hold another exercise ‘Indra’ with their Russian counterparts at Babina, the Army’s 5th Mechanised Infantry participating in this even as special forces from India and the US will be exercising on counter-terrorism skills in the ‘ Vajra Prahar’ exercise at Mahajan in Rajasthan.
Lockheed Martin and Tatas host F-16 Supplier Conference
On 9 October 2018, Lockheed Martin Corp. and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) hosted an F-16 industry supplier conference in Bangalore, involving current F-16 suppliers and prospective Indian industry partners for discussing opportunities on the F-16 programme. “The F-16 provides unmatched opportunities for Indian companies of all sizes, including micro, small & medium enterprises and suppliers throughout India, to establish new business relationships with Lockheed Martin, Tata and other US and global industry leaders,” stated Vivek Lall, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “Exclusive F-16 production integrates Indian industry into a US$165 billion fighter aircraft sustainment market.”
Lockheed Martin has recently emphasised its commitment to India by announcing a significant initiative that positions TASL “to become the provider of F-16 wings for all future customers”.
SASMOS delivered 1000th F/A-18 electrical panel assembly to Boeing
SASMOS HET Technologies Limited has delivered the 1000th F/A-18 Super Hornet electrical panel assembly to Boeing, “on schedule.” SASMOS manufactures electrical panels for the F/A-18 Super Hornet and this delivery marks a significant milestone in the ‘Make in India’ initiative, “which underscored the importance of Indian manufacturers in building the future of aerospace and defence globally.” SASMOS also produces mission-critical equipment and cockpit panel assemblies for Boeing’s F-15 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft, and has delivered more than 3,000 F-15 panels to date.
Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp., has recently launched its Industry Capability Enhancement programme to support medium and small scale enterprises serving global aerospace majors through precision manufacturing and highly specialised engineering services from India. As part of this Pratt & Whitney organised a special training session with its suppliers Belcan and QuEST Global Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., at its Hyderabad training centre 26-28 October, 2018.
90- seater Q400 for SpiceJet
Bombardier has delivered its first 90-seat Q400 aircraft to launch airline SpiceJet. “We are excited to induct the 90-seat Q400 aircraft into our fleet,” stated Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet. “The additional seats and performance improvements will result in substantial reduction in unit costs and we will also be able to address our market needs in the regional space.”
In related news, SpiceJet, operated its first daily direct flight on the Kolkata-Pakyong (Gangtok)-Kolkata route on 4 October, being the first (and only) airline to offer daily direct air connectivity between Kolkata and Pakyong. SpiceJet launched a second flight connecting Guwahati with Pakyong on 16 October.
CDB Aviation and SpiceJet agreement for 3 B-737 MAX 8
China’s CDB Aviation has signed an agreement with SpiceJet for long-term lease of three Boeing 737 MAX 8, the first such aircraft expected to arrive in Delhi in December 2018, with
the remaining two aircraft slated for delivery in September and November 2019. Meanwhile, KSU has initiated TaxiBot operations in Delhi International Airport the first commercial flight using the TaxiBot being of SpiceJet on 29 October 2018.
Funds infusion for Vistara
Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines have committed Rs 2,000 crore ($285 million) for Vistara even as the airline is expanding with order for 56 more aircraft, to be delivered between 2019 and 2023, with firm orders already for 13 Airbus A320neos and six Boeing 787-9s, while some 37 A320neos will be taken on lease. The fund infusion will help in pre-delivery payments to Airbus and Boeing, and help plans for international expansion.
With this infusion, Tatas and Singapore Airlines will have invested over Rs 3800 crore ($ 543 million) in equity into the JV till now. “Vistara invests in short-term and long-term initiatives to be more cost-competitive. We have digitised some of our internal processes and leveraged technology. Our new aircraft order, with deliveries starting from next year, comprises fuel-efficient aircraft. We will continue to keep a close watch on our expenses as we expand our wings,” the spokesman said.
According to CEO Leslie Thng “the aircraft order would provide a fillip for profitable operations, as it would enable the airline to make its network denser and operate on more profitable international routes and we will use the A320 and A321 to boost our domestic network as well as to launch international destinations from Delhi. The Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be used on the medium- and long-haul international routes.”
SpiceJet flights from Amritsar to Bangkok, Goa
SpiceJet have launched two daily flights from Amritsar to Bangkok and Amritsar to Goa, with services beginning on 6 November. Lauding the initiative, Punjab’s Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said there was a huge potential for tourism in Punjab, which State expects increased traffic to Amritsar which is visited by a large number of Indian and foreign tourists.
GECAS contract with Vistara for 7 A320neo
GECAS has signed a lease contract for seven A320neos to enter service with Vistara, the joint venture airline between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, following deliveries from Airbus in the latter part of 2019 and continuing into 2020.
The government may well withdraw the routes allotted to Air Deccan and Air Odisha under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN, “if they fail to operate on routes given to them.” The two airlines, citing lack of funds and pilots, have only operated flights to just 10 of the 84 routes originally awarded. Under the first round of UDAN, some 70 airports including 31 unserved and 12 under-served ones, were to be air connected. Five airlines won bids to operate UDAN flights on 128 routes with these two airlines getting 84 routes.
A Civil Aviation Ministry official stated that the routes will be bid out again and “we expect that serious airline operators will fly these routes”. However, experts have opined that “lack of planning in terms of choice of routes and manpower was the main reason behind bad shape of the airlines”. Without much capital, these two airlines had leased four 19-seater Beechcraft 1900-Ds which are “a maintenance nightmare for any airline. Spare parts are hard to find, and there is no adequate support system. Engine manufacturers have no incentive to create an ecosystem, with just a handful of aircraft flying. Even engineers and pilots do not see a bright career prospect in training for an aircraft that is not much in use”. Meanwhile, HAL has built two new Dornier 228s for the civil market which are available for commercial operation.
Wow Air to connect Delhi with Vancouver
Icelandic long-haul budget carrier Wow Air, which is set to commence flight services to India from December, plan to fly direct to Vancouver from Delhi, starting June 2019, the proposed flights to be operated thrice a week. Wow Air has announced inaugural fares starting Rs 21,999 for economy class and Rs 63,610 for business class tickets on the New Delhi-Vancouver flight. The transatlantic airline had earlier announced services from New Delhi to multiple destinations in North America and Europe through its Reykjavik hub in Iceland from December.
GSAT-29 communication satellite launched
India’s GSAT- 29 communication satellite was successfully launched by the second developmental flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MarkIII ( GSLV MkIII- D2) on 15 November 2018 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. GSLV MkIII-D2, carrying the 3423-kg GSAT29 satellite lifted off and 17 minutes later, the vehicle injected the satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) as planned.
ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan then assumed control of the satellite and three orbit raising manoeuvers were executed to position the satellite in Geostationary Orbit at its designated location. GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Two massive boosters with solid propellant constitute the first stage, the core with liquid propellant form the second stage and the cryogenic engine completes the final stage.