Indian Defense Briefs

[buglerbilly]

(Source: Press Information Bureau of India; issued April 26, 2010)

STRENGTH OF SUBMARINES

Government constantly reviews the security environment and accordingly decides induction of appropriate equipment including submarines for Navy. This is a continuous process undertaken for the modernisation of Armed Forces to keep them in a state of readiness to meet any eventuality. Acceptance of necessity for the construction of additional submarines under Project – 75 (India) has been accorded. The proposal is being progressed.

A programme for construction of six submarines is currently underway at Mazagon Dock Limited. In addition, efforts are made to maintain force level by upgrading / modernising the existing assets. Government has not entered into agreement with foreign countries for procurement of submarines in the recent past.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri MI Shahavas and Shri Anand Prakash Paranjpe in Lok Sabha today.

BRAHMOS MISSILE

Based on the approval of the Government to induct the BrahMos missile into the Indian Air Force (IAF), a contract has recently been signed for the production and induction of one squadron of land attack version of the BrahMos in mobile complex. The Government has also approved development of air-launched version of the BrahMos missile to be fitted [to] Sukhoi SU-30 MK-1 to be ready in 2012.

BrahMos supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia is a world leader in the cruise missile family. The missile has a range of 290 km weighing three tonnes, and flying at a maximum speed of 2.8 times the speed of sound. It is configured for universality for multiple platforms like ship, submarine, road-mobile complex.

For the air launched version the missile has been modified with a reduced weight of 2.5 tonnes. The missile has been proved in successive successful flight trials from various platforms and proved to be highly reliable, accurate and lethal. The missile system has already been inducted in the Indian Navy and Indian Army.

The Joint Venture was established in 1998 with a share capital of US $ 250 million through an Inter Governmental Agreement between India and Russia, sharing the technologies for the development of this advanced weapon system for ship and land applications. The share capital was increased by an additional US $ 50 million in 2005 for the development of the air version.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Pradeep Majhi in Lok Sabha today.

PHASING OUT OF MIG AIRCRAFT

MiG-series aircraft constitute bulk of the combat fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). A total number of 21 MiG series aircraft have crashed during the last three years. Besides the loss of aircraft, four pilots were killed in these accidents. No civilian was killed / injured in these accidents.

Maintenance of MiG series fleet is based on the maintenance philosophy prescribed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer as given in the Maintenance Manuals and evolved with practical experience of flying in IAF over the years. The space parts of MiG series aircraft are procured through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and indigenous vendors as per policies in vogue ensuring adequate quality control. The trainees are undergoing full stipulated duration / training in their flying courses.

Phasing out of the particular aircraft and its replacement is decided based on operational requirements of IAF which is reviewed from time to time. Adequate funds are budgeted for the same.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Naveen Jindal and others in Lok Sabha today.

MBT ARJUN

The decision on the further order of the MBT Arjun tanks would be based on the results of recently concluded comparative trials of MBT Arjun and T-90 tanks.
Certain components of MBT Arjun are imported based on the indigenous design of their configurations. The other systems are indigenously designed and produced.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri S Semmalai and Shri GS Basavaraj in Lok Sabha today.

SQUADRON STRENGTH OF AIR FORCE

The Government constantly reviews the security environment to ensure adequate defence preparedness and combat strength of the Indian Air Force. The IAF is in the process of modernizing its fleet by procuring various aircraft including the Sukhoi – 30 MKI, the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Aircraft Warning & Control System aircraft and Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft to increase its combat strength. In addition to the above procurements, the existing fleet of MiG-29, AN-32 and IL-76 are undergoing life extension.

Procurement proposals are processed in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure which envisages a time frame of two to three years for finalization of such proposals. The IAF has prepared a long term perspective plan 2012-2027 which provides the road map for development and growth of the IAF taking into account the security environment and technological advancements.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Mangani Lal Mandal and others in Lok Sabha today.

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[buglerbilly]

Tank Buy, Missile Test Boost Indian DRDO

May 20, 2010



By Anantha Krishnan M.

BENGALURU, India — The Indian army’s decision to order 124 additional Arjun main battle tanks and the successful launch of the nuclear-capable Agni-II ballistic missile by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is seen as a shot in the arm for the country’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony, a staunch campaigner for indigenous military programs, said that the army’s decision to induct more Arjuns was its own, and signals that the tank is finally “coming of age.”

Senior officials at DRDO headquarters reacted cautiously to the news. With a series of changes waiting in the wings following the recent restructuring of DRDO (Aerospace DAILY, May 14), most of the DRDO think tanks are adopting a wait-and-see approach.

“Getting additional orders [for] Arjun is definitely a step that will boost the morale of DRDO, considering what we had [been] through over the years,” an official says. “We were sure after the comparative trials that some orders [would] come through.”

When asked whether DRDO was disappointed with the number of tanks ordered, which was less than some had expected, the official says: “Let’s wait and see. The product will speak for itself.”

The Arjun project was sanctioned in 1974, and following many internal battles the program finally bagged an initial order for 124 tanks in 2000. The army had problems with the tank’s weight and fire control system, and critics were quick to write off the machine. However, DRDO’s persistence paid off despite the media onslaught and an upset user.

The comparative trials in March against Russian T-90S tanks were the last hope for DRDO on the program; the machine emerged victorious after some extreme desert trials. “Arjun outperformed the Russian tank in almost all departments and finally [the army] was convinced [of] the worth of the Indian tank,” a source says.

Though DRDO was pitching three to four times more than the current order, it is pleased with what it got. “This is the best of a bad deal after so many trials and modifications,” former DRDO Chief Advisor K.G. Narayanan tells AVIATION WEEK. “With the current order, the total Arjun MBTs would go up to 248. The order could have been more, maybe 500-plus, but then it is a good sign that an Indian machine has finally proved its battleworthiness.”

Each Arjun costs around Rs 16 crore ($3.6 million), and DRDO is confident that the cost will come down if orders increase. “In production parlance, more orders means less cost and we are confident that it’s a matter of time before we get further orders,” a source says.

The government’s announcement of a next-generation Mark-II version of the Arjun has further boosted morale at DRDO. “After many years of trials, it has now proved its worth by its superb performance under various circumstances, such as driving cross country over rugged sand dunes, detecting, observing and quickly engaging targets and accurately hitting stationary and moving targets,” a defense ministry spokesperson says.

In addition to Arjun, “we hope DRDO’s critics would sit down and take stock of the success of our missile programs,” sources say. “The recent Agni-2 [test] was a perfect, textbook launch and it was part of [a] user training mission. The missile was tested for its full range [2,000 km.] and the 660-second flight matched all that we wanted.” The previous two launches of the missile were a failure.

“In a span of just five months, the SFC had successfully launched Agni-I (700-km.-range), Agni-II and Agni-III [3,500-km.-range] and [do not] forget the vertical launch of [the] BrahMos missile, this March,” sources add.

Credit: DRDO

[buglerbilly]

India Embraces Defense Technology Road Map

May 24, 2010

By Asia-Pacific Staff
New Delhi

India is embracing medium- and long-range precision-strike weapons, short-range directed-energy air defenses and unmanned combat air vehicles as key aspirations for its future arsenal, according to a technology plan expected to be released imminently.

The need for these capabilities is spelled out in the defense ministry’s ambitious Technology Perspective and Capability Road Map 2010, its first effort to provide industry with an overview of what the armed services hope to field by the middle of the next decade. The document’s stated intent is to drive the “technology and development process” of prospective developers, contractors and bidders in India and abroad, and to “provide industry an overview” of ministry aims. The extent to which such desires can be adequately funded, and met by industry, national or otherwise, remains a big question.

The position paper identifies as a goal the ability to field long-range subsonic cruise missiles for precision strikes against high-value targets. The 625-mi.-range Nirbhay cruise missile is now being developed for both land and air launch.

At the other end of the precision-strike range, the road map spotlights interest in loitering munitions. New Delhi has already tapped Israeli and European guided-weapons manufacturers in this area, and in March, the Indian army formally expressed interest in a medium-range loitering missile system.

In terms of directed-energy systems, the paper calls for the ability to be able to engage “enemy unmanned aerial vehicles in the 8-10-km. [5-7.2-mi.] range, capable of being designated and controlled by appropriate detection and tracking systems.” Such systems would likely be laser-based. The directed-energy requirements also include “dazzlers,” low-power lasers, for special forces to disrupt optical sensors.

India’s list of air power, surveillance and missile needs are also detailed in the road map, reflecting the capital commitments the Indian air force is already making in these areas. The document glosses over New Delhi’s well-known requirement for fixed-wing aircraft (fighters and tactical and heavy-lift), while emphasizing the critical technologies the air force wants as part of its rotary-wing procurements.

The air force could sign deals for the acquisition of 150 helicopters in the next four years. Arguing that Indian airpower will progressively focus on air dominance and effects-based operations—until recently a vocabulary associated with the U.S. Air Force and Europe’s main air forces—the document underscores the need for day/night standoff strike, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV) and an increased number of force-multiplier platforms such as airborne early warning (AEW) and tanker aircraft. The air force is also in the process of developing the capabilities provided by the A-50 Phalcon AEW aircraft, along with its Ilyushin Il-78 tankers.

While India continues to look to Israel as a provider of tactical UAVs—the addition of further Searchers or Herons is likely—the state-owned Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is conducting a feasibility study of an indigenous UCAV design concept.

“UAVs with advanced sensors and weapons are going to dominate all facets of the future battlefield and hence the need to acquire the necessary UAV expertise indigenously,” the road map document states. “These should be capable of carrying payloads such as weapons, [synthetic aperture radar] payloads, electro-optical devices, [and] electronic and communications intelligence.”

As a complement to increasing its inventory of precision-guided weapons, the document also spells out the air force’s far-reaching surveillance and target-acquisition capabilities, including long-range battlefield surveillance, remote sensor systems and the ability to track cruise missiles from airborne platforms.

Improved air defenses are identified as a near-to-medium-term requirement, including an overhaul of India’s air defense ground environment. The military is looking to replace its obsolescent Soviet-era surface-to-air missile systems through programs with Israeli and European industry. The air force will look to acquire air defense weapons “from ground-based mobile platforms capable of engaging all kinds of projectiles-—rockets, mortar/ artillery, UAVs, missiles, fighter aircraft, helicopters, precision guided munitions and other stand off armament.”

The emphasis on air defense reflects the findings of numerous parliamentary committees and government-led security audits that have identified shortcomings in India’s air defenses.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Hypersonic BrahMos Missile Ready for Testing by 2015: CEO

Posted by Ares at 5/27/2010 1:49 AM CDT

The Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic missile program has made its mark in the international arena with a series of successful launches and subsequent rapid induction by the Indian Army and Navy. Now an air version of the missile is currently under development and will be fitted on to the Su-30MKI platform when ready. AVIATION WEEK’s correspondent Anantha Krishnan M. caught up with BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director A. Sivathanu Pillai to learn more.

AW: Indian media has often hailed your role in making BrahMos a major hit. What do you think has led to your successes so far?

A.S.P.: Joint venture BrahMos is built upon the technological synergy of strengths of the two nations – India and Russia. Moreover, the superiority of the product such as Speed, Precision and Power has ensured the realization of this high-tech product and attracted the users to go for induction of the system in the shortest possible time. It can be proudly said that the Indian Army is the only land force in the entire globe to have a supersonic maneuverable land-attack cruise missile regiment.

AW: Could you please give an update on the program? How many missiles (squadrons) have the Army and Navy inducted?

A.S.P.: As you are aware, the development of both antiship and land-attack versions of BrahMos had been completed successfully and we are in the process of delivering the systems to the Navy and Army. Recently, contracts have been signed for induction of the mobile complex for Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Further orders are in the pipeline. The number of systems will depend on the force strength the services need to have.

AW: What kind of additioanl orders are we talking about for Army and Navy? What’s the order value?

A.S.P.: As BrahMos will be the first strike weapon with punch, there will be a greater number of ships, mobile launchers and aircraft fitted with the missile. Our order value will exceed $5 billion.

AW: When will the hypersonic version come out? What’s the latest from this front?

A.S.P.: The hypersonic version is on the drawing board and mutual discussions are in progress. We would like to freeze the design aspects in the near future. The realization of the missile would be taken up. Probably five years down the line, we can start testing of the missile.

AW: What kind of role are private industries playing in the success of BrahMos?

A.S.P.: BrahMos is an ideal example for the public-private industries consortium. Many industries had been identified in both India and Russia for manufacture of subsystems. Industries have become the production partners and are extending full support in the timely manufacture of the systems/subsystems. In short, the Missile Industry Consortium has been established in both the countries.

AW: Over the last two years BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd. (BATL) has taken shape in Kerala. Where do you see BATL in the next couple of years?

A.S.P.: BATL was established as a leading aerospace industry and a role model for Kerala. It is expected to grow in the coming years. BATL is primarily for supporting various projects of BrahMos, Defense Research Development Organization and Indian Space Research Organization. In addition, we will be supporting Bhabha Atomic Research Center for the robotic system and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for engines. The Phase-II expansion will begin after we get additional land and the Phase-III thereafter. The first fully-integrated BrahMos missile is expected to roll out from BATL by 2012.

[buglerbilly]

Indian Defense Briefs

(Source: Press Information Bureau India; issued August 16, 2010)

Purchase of Anti-Tank Missile

The Ministry of Defence proposes to issue a Letter of Request to the Government of USA under their Foreign Military Sales route for procurement of 3rd Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile along with transfer of technology.

After the issue of the Letter of Request, further procurement-related necessary action will follow.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri M Jagannath in Lok Sabha today.

Submarine Fleet

The delay in the scheduled delivery of Scorpene Submarines is likely to have an impact on the envisaged force level. However, the gap in submarine capacity has been addressed by modernization/upgradation with the state-of-the-art weapon and sensor fit on the existing submarines which have significantly enhanced their combat worthiness against any eventuality.

The delay is not due to work overload on Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL). MDL has a separate line for submarine construction and is in the process of making one more line. However, delivery schedule of submarines was adversely affected due to initial teething problems, absorption of technology, augmentation of MDL infrastructure and procurement of MDL Purchased Material (MPM) items.

There are no indigenous/foreign private companies in India that could have individually made full Scorpene submarines. However, MDL is outsourcing works relating to this project to capable Indian companies.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Dr Sanjeev Ganesh Naik and Shri Anandrao Adsul in Lok Sabha today.

Procurement of Helicopters

A contract for the procurement of 12 AW-101 helicopters was signed between Ministry of Defence and M/s Agusta Westland Limited, United Kingdom on February 08, 2010. The cost of the project is Rs. 3546.17 crore. Out of these 12 helicopters, eight helicopters will be configured for VVIP transportation and four helicopters will be the non-VVIP version.

The helicopters were procured to replace the ageing Mi-8 helicopters being used in this role that are nearing completion of their technical life. There were no objections raised by the Ministry of Finance relating to any security concerns raised by the Special Protection Group (SPG) or the Indian Air Force.

Tendering process was held in this deal. A global Request for Proposal was issued and a multi-vendor procurement procedure followed as per Defence Procurement Procedure – 2006.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Shivarama Gouda and Shri Asaduddin Owaisi in Lok Sabha today.

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[buglerbilly]

India Developing Laser-Based Anti-Missile Systems

By Vivek Raghuvanshi

Published: 25 Aug 2010 17:01

NEW DELHI - Indian scientists are developing laser-based anti-ballistic missile systems called Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs).

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), DEW weapons can kill incoming ballistic missiles by bombarding them with subatomic particles or electromagnetic waves. The weapons could intercept missiles soon after they were launched toward India.

A DRDO scientist said laser-based weapons have been tested. One of these weapons is the air defense dazzler, which can engage enemy aircraft and helicopters at a range of 10 kilometers. This weapon will be ready for induction in two years.

India's laser weapons can be deployed in the Navy's submarines and destroyers, and Air Force fighters and transport planes.

The DEW laser weapon is capable of producing 25-kilowatt pulses that can destroy a ballistic missile within seven kilometers, the scientist said.

In addition, Indian scientists are testing the Prithvi homemade anti-ballistic missile system, which can kill ballistic missiles at a height of up to 80 kilometers. The first-phase Prithvi is likely to be inducted by 2013, said the DRDO scientist.

Scientists are working on developing second-phase Prithvis capable of killing incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles.

[buglerbilly]

Indian MoD comments various defence and security issues

13:53 GMT, August 25, 2010 According to the Indian Press Information Bureau, the following information was recently given by Indian Defence Minister, Shri AK Antony in written replies to members of the Parliament of India:

Development of Indigenous Cauvery Engine for LCA

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Kaveri engine for Light Comber Aircraft (LCA). The technologies / productions of Kaveri engine which attained maturity during the development process are given below:

(i) All major engine sub-assemblies have been tested for aerodynamic performance and structural integrity (life & safety) requirements from qualification point of view.
(ii) Critical sub-systems have been developed.
(iii) Full authority Kaveri Digital engine Control System (KADECS) has been designed and developed.
(iv) Various critical technologies in the fields of instrumentation/measurement, health monitoring, data acquisition, etc. have been developed.
(v) Twelve materials (Titanium, Steel and super alloys) have been developed and type certified.
(vi) Directionally Solidified (DS) casting technology and high temperature tip brazing technology for the High Pressure and Low Pressure turbine blades & vanes have been developed.
(vii) Adequate manufacturing technology base has been established.

The reasons for the delay in developing the said engine are as follows:

(i) Non-availability of critical materials, viz., nickel and titanium based alloys in the country.
(ii) Low priority from foreign manufacturing agencies in view of the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) vis-à-vis the production order quantity from other engine houses.
(iii) Lack of manufacturing infrastructure for critical components.
(iv) Flying Test Bed (FTB) trials were not originally envisaged but included subsequently, based on the recommendations of Certification Agency and IAF.
(v) US sanctions imposed during 1998 affected the delivery of critical systems & components.
(vi) Lack of infrastructure of engine testing and component / system level testing within the country leading to dependency on foreign agencies.

Kaveri engine testing under simulated altitude and forward speed conditions during February 2010 has been successfully completed. Another engine has been integrated with IL-76 aircraft at Gromov Flight Research Institute (GFRI), Moscow for ground and flight test which is expected to complete by October 2010.

These two major milestones would make ‘Kaveri’ engine certified for flight operations. Productions of LCAs are, meanwhile, as decided by user, being fitted with imported engines. The details of funds allocated and utilized year wise, during the last three years, are as below:

Financial Year / Allocation (Rs. in crore) / Expenditure (Rs in crore)
2007-2008 / 157.05 / 152.51
2008-2009 / 153.54 / 153.54
2009-2010 / 123.20 / 122.06

Delivery of Admiral Gorshkov Aircraft Carrier

The Government proposes to acquire an aircraft carrier ‘Admiral Gorshkov’ from Russia. The delivery of the ship has been planned for December 2012. A team of Indian specialists comprising of officers, sailors and civilian personnel have been deputed to Russia as part overseeing team who are constantly monitoring the progress of work onboard the ship. Additionally, the Refit work is being monitored through regular project reviews at the shipyard by sending composite delegation.

Modernisation of T-72 Tanks Vis-a-Vis Arjun Tanks

The Army follows a philosophy of having a mix of legacy equipment, equipment with matured technology and state-of-the-art equipment. T-72 tank is not an antiquated equipment. Therefore, the Army intends to retrofit/upgrade these tanks to enhance their mission reliability and life expectancy.

Orders for 124 Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun have already been placed on the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi. As on date, 85 MBT Arjun Tanks have been issued to the Army. Keeping in view the production capacity for MBT Arjun Tanks and strategic considerations, the Government is also exercising the option for modernising T-72 tanks instead of total replacement of these tanks on completion of their life span.

Strengthening of Coastal Defence

Government has initiated several measures to strengthen coastal security, including surveillance mechanism. For this purpose, an integrated approach has been put in place. The coastal surveillance and patrolling have been enhanced. Joint and operational exercises are taking place on regular basis among the Navy, the Coast Guard, Coastal State Police, Customs and others to check the effectiveness of the new systems. The intelligence-sharing mechanism has been streamlined through the creation of Joint Operational Centres and multi-agency coordination mechanism. Measures have also been taken to further strengthen the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. Towards this existing naval Commanders-in-Chief are also designated as the Commander-in-Chief Coastal Defence. The Indian Coast Guard has been additionally designated as the authority responsible for coastal security in territorial waters including areas to be patrolled by coastal police.