III/ 2018

Aerospace & Defence Review

Gaganshakti 2018 DefExpo 2018

Military Diplomacy The Chinese Way
Re-energising Air Power IAF’s new RFI
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 III/ 2018
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Aerospace & Defence Review

Gaganshakti 2018 The Chinese Way Minister Ms Nirmala Sitharaman

29 36 justified this new location while Prime
Minister Narendra Modi came the next
day to address the mammoth crowd
in his characteristic oratorical style.
The Indian Defence Industry showed
their wares while the defence forces
Gaganshakti 2018
Military Diplomacy
DefExpo 2018
The Chinese Way
demonstrated some of their prowess
Re-energising Air Power IAF’s new RFI
The IAF conducted its largest air on the beach (see Cover).
exercise extant (Gaganshakti) for two
Cover : ‘Made in India’ : HAL-built aircraft weeks in April 2018, its dimension,
68 Plus BRIEFINGS
flypast over the beach during DefExpo 2018. range and lethality described as ‘Shaking
(Photo : MoD). the Heavens and splitting the Earth’.
Extracted from his lecture given at Re-energising
The IAF flew a reported 11000 sorties,
the College of Air Warfare (CAW), India’s Air Power
Editorial Panel
Dr Manoj Joshi analyses the Chinese
most of them by fighters but there was
approach to ‘Transformation and
also unprecedented employment of
Jointness’ with the PLA’s shift from being
MANAGING EDITOR
transport aircraft and helicopters for
a continental Army to an integrated
special missions.
Vikramjit Singh Chopra joint force capable of operations within
and without China’s borders. India’s
EDITORIAL ADVISOR
31 Fighting a experience with the A&N Command
Admiral Arun Prakash two-front War has certainly offered an opportunity to
experiment in this realm.
EDITORIAL PANEL The Delhi Forum for Strategic Studies
and Vayu Aerospace & Defence Review
Pushpindar Singh
41 Military Diplomacy recently organised a round table
Air Marshal Brijesh Jayal
conference at New Delhi where a
Dr. Manoj Joshi
score and more former senior Air
Lt. Gen. Kamal Davar Force, Navy and Army officers, defence
Lt. Gen. BS Pawar bureaucrats and heads of industry met
Air Marshal M. Matheswaran to agonise on the IAF’s dwindling fighter
strength. Detailed presentations on the
Gp Capt JC Malik
situation were followed by animated
Cdr M Nirmal discussions on the way forward. Major
Monica Arora Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal urges General Ashok Mehta encapsulates the
that given the ever deepening nexus IAF’s current crisis.
Nitin Konde
between China and Pakistan and the Lt Gen Kamal Davar articulates on
Sayan Majumdar probability of a two-front threat, India
Sameer Joshi must upgrade its present military
the need for ‘military diplomacy’ as
being a vital tool for furthering national 72 Submarines and
Richard Gardner (UK) strategy of dissuasion against China interests. With India at a defining autonomous UUVs
Reuben Johnson (USA) to one of deterrence with the capacity moment in its history, the Government
to take the war into the adversary’s is urged to shed some of its antiquated
Bertrand de Boisset (France) territory. practices in governance and priorities,
Dr Nick Evesenkin (Russia)
even as it reaches out to fulfill national
Tamir Eshel (Israel)
33 Victim of politics or aspirations.
ADVERTISING & MARKETING MANAGER serious intent ?
Husnal Kaur 47 Thunder amidst the
Temples Covert mine reconnaissance has many
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
advantages and Igor Vilnit, CEO of
Premjit Singh
Rubin Design Bureau explains how
submarines and UUVs would work in
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Matheswaran writes on the IAF’s recent trainers; An American Air Show;
Fax: +91 11 24628615 Exercise Iniochos; Frisian Flag 2018;
RFI issued on 6 April 2018, for fighter The biennial DefExpo Land, Naval &
e-mail: vayuaerospace@lycos.com aircraft, this detailed document deriving EART 2018.
Internal Homeland Security Systems
e-mail: vayu@vayuaerospace.in much from the earlier fully evaluated Exhibition 2018 was held “in the land
MMRCA project which was scrapped of a thousand temples” in southern
Printed at Aegean Offset Printers in 2015. Since much of the information India, specifically at Kancheepuram on Regular features :
of already available with the IAF, he the Coromandel coast. Considering Commentary, Viewpoint, Opinion,
The opinions expressed in the articles
opines that with the Government the short time given to organisers in Policy, Aviation & Defence in India,
published in the Vayu Aerospace & Defence moving into 2019 election mode, this an rather unlikely location, the event World Aviation & Defence News,
Review do not necessarily reflect the views second round may go on much longer was pulled off with satisfactory results. Ancient Aviator Anecdotes, Vayu 25
or policies of the Publishers. than anticipated. In her Press Conference, Defence Years Back, Tale Spin.

Visit us at: www.vayuaerospace.in

 C O MM E N T A R Y
technologies are not readily available on tap. There may hardly be
Protecting India an example of a foreign defence behemoth transferring sensitive

I n a significant defence reform, a new integrated institutional

mechanism called the Defence Planning Committee has been set
up under chairmanship of the national security adviser. It is tasked
technology. They prefer to export ready-made jets or, at best,
assemble them in the recipient country.
India’s procurement culture is marked by a lack of transparency
with preparing a national military and security strategy, assessing and often national security becomes the standard argument to avoid
external security risks and defining security priorities. It will have accountability for professional neglect. No heads are likely to roll
on board the principal secretary to the prime minister, chairman for having kept the IAF fleet depleted for over a decade. The malaise
chiefs of staff committee, service chiefs, defence secretary, foreign extends to the other two services as well — outgoing service chiefs at
secretary and secretary (expenditure) in the finance ministry. The times have drawn attention to the danger of India falling behind the
composition of the committee reflects its goal of bringing both equipment curve. Apart from failing to efficiently manage its arms
military and civilian components of defence planning on one procurement decisions, the absence of the Planning Commission
platform. This is absolutely vital for a modern defence strategy that means the government is unable to take into account national and
is nimble and adaptable to changing security realities. societal needs while planning to induct expensive advanced weapons
At present defence planning in India is very disjointed, with systems. This absence of a national planning system may prove costly
lopsided emphasis on acquisitions. There is little coordination for the country’s national security in the long run.
between ministries, while the bureaucracy and the military are
often not on the same page. This leads to situations as witnessed From The Tribune
recently where the military submitted to the parliamentary standing
committee on defence that this year’s defence budget barely made Army needs a fine balance
room for modernisation. There’s a yawning gap between the
expectations of the armed forces and the diplomatic priorities and
financial capacity of government. The new committee is expected to
I t is not surprising to find India among the world’s top five military
spenders, given that the country has been grappling for some
time with the urgent requirement of modernising its armed forces
bridge these various needs, and refine recommendations for defence to cope with a challenging security environment. The Stockholm
procurement by taking a long-term view of security. International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has placed India
Functionally, the committee will be aided by sub-committees behind only the US, China, Saudi Arabia and Russia in terms of
on policy and strategy, plans and capability development, defence defence spending. India’s military expenditure last year was about
diplomacy and defence manufacturing ecosystem – so that defence $63.9 billion, far less than the spending of the US ($610 billion)
planning isn’t confined to silos. At a time when India’s security and China (an estimated $228 billion) but more than the spending
environment is fast changing with an assertive China increasingly by countries widely seen as global military powers, such as the UK
flexing its muscle in India’s geo-strategic domain, integration ought ($47.2 billion) and France ($57.8 billion).
to be the buzzword within the defence establishment. This is the only India faces a shortage of combat aircraft. It also needs new
way procurement can be streamlined and decisions implemented warships, aircraft carriers, submarines, artillery and a host of
in a timely fashion. equipment for the army. However, military hardware is not bought
From The Times of India off the shelf. It is built and supplied over several years, and payments
too are made over an extended period. Therefore, as India inducts
more new equipment, the outlay for capital expenditure should
Fresh tenders for fighters increase over the coming years. This will also require sustained

T he Defence Ministry’s disclosure about its plans to invite a

foreign manufacturer to make 110 fighter jets in India has
expectedly set the world’s major military-industrial complexes agog
growth of the GDP so that adequate funds can be set aside for big
ticket defence deals. In fact, the defence budget to GDP ratio for
2018-19 is 1.49%, the second lowest since 1950, while most experts
with expectations. Nearly three years after the Modi government believe it should be around the 3% mark.
scrapped the tender for 126 fighters and then opted to buy 36 Reports on defence spending such as the one by SIPRI do not
from the French, the wheel has come around in a full circle. The always present the complete picture. For instance, a chunk of India’s
government had defended its retail-level purchase of just two defence budget goes towards the salaries of around 1.4 million
fighter squadrons by hinting at another purchase plan up its serving personnel and pensions for some two million veterans. In
sleeve that would bridge the gap between the requirement (42 2017, 67% of the defence budget went towards these heads and
squadrons) and the inventory (31 squadrons). It now appears only 33% was spent on new acquisitions of hardware. There is a
that the government has formalised its often-aired intention of need for a healthier ratio here, which can be achieved by increasing
asking a foreign company to set up a combat jet manufacturing the outlay for capital expenditure. It may be imperative for the
plant in India. government to hike the allocation for capital expenditure if it wishes
This is an opportunity pregnant with several possibilities. If to go ahead with the speedy acquisition of new platforms such as
the plan succeeds, India will be able to lift itself in the technology Predator drones from the US. This is all the more necessary to keep
adaptation ladder by several notches. The combat jet plant could the military prepared for all eventualities, especially challenges from
become a strategic asset if the planes are exported to neighbouring China and Pakistan.
countries. But as the UPA I discovered after ineffectually grappling
with the 126 fighter jet tender for the bulk of its term, defence From The Hindustan Times

2 VAYU
 C O MM E N T A R Y

Irkut

SU-30MKI
ONLY THE BEST

www.irkut.com 3
III/2018
 C O MM E N T A R Y
after two hours on the road, I didn’t waste a minute. I met
Indian Air Force seeks commitment head on with a tank fitted with the upgraded Schilka weapon

G lobal aerospace manufacturers with huge stakes in India’s proposed

procurement of hundreds of fighter aircraft, are struck by the level of
detail the Indian Air Force (IAF) has sought in a Request for Information
system which boasts to be self-propelled; a low air defence
weapon system capable of firing multiple rounds under all
weather conditions. Also in the vicinity were artillery guns
(RFI) issued in early April 2018.The 72-page RFI, apart from specifying one generally only see in news casts and films.
the IAF’s requirement in minute detail, seeks a clear commitment The real star was the Arjun battle tank with its big guns and
from vendors of their willingness to supply sensitive technologies, machine guns — children thronged around it to take pictures.
documentation, training facilities and performance guarantees.The level It was surreal to witness people take selfies beside machines
of detail in the current  RFI  contrasts starkly with the sketchy, one- like this: all sophisticated military hardware capable of a single
page RFI issued in 2004 in the ultimately aborted contest to supply the purpose — destruction.What’s artillery without intelligence?
IAF with 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). The outdoor display had various fixed radar systems and a tour
In October 2016, the IAF issued an even shorter, one-paragraph inside the LLTR (Low Level Transportable Radar System)
RFI, soliciting interest in supplying the IAF with 100-200 single- which was soon closed due to the crowd.
engine fighters. “The latest RFI seeks to avoid the mistakes of previous People also had a chance to get up-close with missiles such
procurements, especially the MMRCA tender. In those, vendors were as Akash, an air missile; Varunastra, a heavy torpedo; Nirbhay,
not pinned down to clear commitments about transferring technology. a sub-sonic cruise missile system.
This time, the commitments demanded to ensure that non-serious The best was saved for the last. The Dhruv advanced light
vendors would be eliminated at the RFI stage itself.” The RFP is a formal helicopter was cordoned off, but people tried to squeeze their
tender that is issued to vendors whose response to the RFI meets the cameras into the area. Fitted with sophisticated vision systems
military’s key requirements. It will be issued after detailed scrutiny of and missiles, this was the crowd-winner. “I had a different
vendor responses to the RFI, which must be submitted by 6 July. IAF perception of the Armed Forces until today. It was exciting
sources hope the RFP would be issued by this year-end, but admit that to learn how the tax-payers money is being spent,” said MJ
the defence ministry’s track record makes this an optimistic time frame. Krithikaa, a visitor.
In the MMRCA procurement, the RFI was issued in 2004; and the RFP The PAS suddenly announced that people shift their gaze
eventually in 2007. towards the sky. There was a roar of cheers as the audience
The October 2016 RFI, which specified “single-engine fighters”, watched paratroopers descend. The crowd shifted towards the
effectively reduced the contest to two  aerospace vendors,  Lockheed sea for the air show. Moving through, I heard three consecutive
Martin  and  Saab, since they were the only companies with high- explosions with three pillars of water shooting up into the sky.
performance, single engine aircraft: the F-16 Block 70 and Gripen E By the time I got to a vantage point, I had missed the Tejas
respectively. However, the current RFI opens the doors to four more jets soar by. It was only later that I realised people had to cross
vendors with twin-engine fighters on offer. These include Boeing through the ECR, effectively blocking the entire stretch for a
(F/A-18E/F Super Hornet), Russian Aircraft Corporation (MiG- good one hour. A crowd this size was only expected, because
35),  Eurofighter  GmbH (Typhoon) and Dassault, which is already this was a rare chance to witness such aircraft fly close to civilian
executing a contract for 36 Rafale fighters, signed in June 2016. A key air space. I just wish the traffic had been better planned.
gainer is Boeing, which is already well placed in the navy’s acquisition Hopes still high, I finally managed to perch on high ground
of 57 carrier-borne multi-role fighters. So too is Dassault, with the IAF and set my camera up to get real close to the flying mavericks.
already having ordered 36 of its Rafale fighters.  The coordinated fly-by by the Sarang air display team was
Eurofighter  GmbH is another possible gainer, with the  Typhoon an impressive spectacle. I eavesdropped on the awestruck
fighter back in the fray. Along with the Rafale, the Typhoon was the only children beside me: “Wouldn’t it be awesome if they showered
other aircraft to clear the MMRCA flight trails. However, Airbus, which chocolates from the sky? I wish they took us for a ride.”
owns a 46 per cent stake in Eurofighter (BAE Systems owns 33 per cent The crowd had begun leaving as the sea and air displays
and Leonardo owns the remaining 21 per cent) stated only that it would wrapped up, with the National Flag hoisted from a chopper,
examine the RFI. Surprisingly, Lockheed Martin, which now faces enlarged but then the land show picked up with a cloud of dust. For a
competition, is the most upbeat of the vendors. Saab, a Swedish aerospace moment, ECR looked like the dust storm scene from Mad Max.
company, which similarly finds a two-horse field now expanded to 5-6, “The event was a good experience. It was worth the hassle to
has reserved comment until it analyses the RFI. “We believe Gripen is the get here; a well spent half-day,” said ManojMadhavan, a visitor.
best choice for India and that Gripen will satisfy the Indian needs in the
best possible way”, according to a statement from Saab. All the halls were completely packed by the time we got
From Business Standard back from the air show. The security had to stop entry into the
halls until it was cleared. Exhausted and drenched in sweat, I
decided to turn back and hit the road before getting caught in
Innocents at the DefExpo traffic again.When I finally set my hands on a cold beverage,

I t was a surprisingly pleasant Saturday morning. I can still remember

every dent and scratch on the car in front of me. Despite being recently-
widened, East Coast Road was crawling with traffic heading towards
only one phrase stuck in my mind: Si vispacempara bellum,
meaning, ‘If you want peace, prepare for war’.

Tiruvidenthai for the 10th edition of Defexpo 2018. Reaching the venue Prathap Ravishankar in the Hindu

4 VAYU
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Saab

III/2018 5
 VIEWPOINT

“Weapons Procurement Process is

In Tatters ”
I
ndia’s weapons-buying is frequently
crippled by “multiple and diffused
structures with no single point
accountability, multiple decision-heads,
duplication of processes, delayed comments,
delayed execution, no real-time monitoring,
no project-based approach and a tendency
to fault-find rather than to facilitate,”
assesses a very candid Defence Ministry
report. As a result of these flaws, the
government’s flagship ‘Make in India’
initiative for the defence sector, launched
in 2014, “continues to languish at the
altar of procedural delays and has failed to
demonstrate its true potential.”
The 27-point internal report prepared
late in 2017 by Minister of State for Defence
Subhash Bhamre is a stinging indictment of
The Tejas LCA
the way the Defence Ministry functions. Of
144 projects in the last three financial years,
“only 8-10% fructified within the stipulated the ‘Request for Proposal’ (RFP) stage, the TOC has brought up any relevant issue,
time period.” Significantly, a chart identifies average time taken to clear files is 120 weeks and is assessed to be yet another delay in
how each step of the nine-stage process of or six times more than rules laid down by the the procurement procedure. “The Cost
ordering weaponry sees enormous delays. MoD in 2016. “The fastest RFP clearance Negotiation Committee (CNC) stage
From the stage of Request for Proposal was accorded in 17 weeks while the slowest sees delays about 10 times more than that
(RFP), when the government formally took a monumental 422 weeks (over eight allowed because of the inability of the
reaches out to OEMs to submit their years),” the report noted. Defence Ministry to benchmark costs with
proposal to the deal-closing clearance given The report points out that the Armed global standards especially where an item is
by the Competent Financial Authority, the Forces, as eventual users of the weapon being procured for the first time or involved
delays are a whopping 2.6 times to 15.4 systems, “continue to view the Acquisition Transfer of Technology.”
times the deadline set. Wing (of the Defence Ministry) as an Shockingly, even if a weapons system
The problems actually begin at the level obstacle rather than a facilitator”. So there actually makes its way through this
of the headquarters of the individual armed needs to be a “tectonic change in mindset bureaucratic quagmire, an acquisition can
forces, when the demand for new purchases of the ministry officials and the need of be “shot down” when the file reaches the
is first raised. Pointing at a “lack of synergy the hour is assigning responsibility and Finance Ministry or the Cabinet Committee
between the three services”, the report says accountability.” At the level of Trials and of Security since “currently, the MoF or
that the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Evaluation conducted by the Armed forces, CCS is not aware” of the defence ministry’s
Guard do not work as a system, which “puts “the average time taken is 89 weeks, which plans and needs. The report also flags the
greater strain on the limited defence budget is three times more than authorised.” The “raining of numerous queries, a few of them
and as a result, we are unable to meet the armed forces are a part of the problem here, even of a basic nature.”
critical capability requirements.” as they list “ambiguous trial directives, In other words, the Finance Ministry
What is more, different departments leaving scope for varied interpretation.” does not seem to have any idea of what
of the ministry “appear to be working Dr Bhamre observes in his report to do with a complex agreement once
in independent silos” driven by their that the Technical Oversight Committee it is presented by the Defence Ministry
interpretation of policy and procedures. (TOC) stage needs to be done away with for financial clearance so that a contract
Thereafter, once a weapons purchase enters altogether. “I am not sure whether any can be signed. Given the fairly hopeless

6 VAYU
 Saab’s Gripen D on takeoff

bureaucratic jumble within the government, heavier and more capable, “MRCA” warped larger numbers, made in India and bought
the report lists a series of remedies to into “MMRCA,” or Medium Multirole at considerably lower per-unit costs.
de-clutter the process, revolving around Combat Aircraft, a programme which was With the decision to confuse this
“accountability” and “ownership”, to ensure ultimately scrapped altogether in 2015, programme (with a new RFI issued in April
the purchase of weapons can realistically be after an incredible 15-year process. Finally, 2018) and given the ministry’s own track
expected. But ridding the government of in 2015, realising that the Indian Air Force record, it seems clear that the Indian Air
this debilitating red-tape will not be easy. was desperate, the government agreed, Force will not be inducting any new type of
Very recently, 17 years after the Air controversially, to directly buy 36 Rafale fighter for several years to come other than
Force stated a requirement for 126 new fighters from France in an off-the-shelf the indigenous Tejas LCA, which is smaller
gen fighters, the Defence Ministry stalled purchase worth more than Rs. 58,000 crores. and arguably less capable than variants of the
the process to build more than 100 of these But there still remained a some F-16 or Gripen that the Air Force is really
jets in India under ‘Make in India’. The two semblance of hope because in October looking to acquire.
main firms competing for this requirement 2016, the government had also began
were America’s Lockheed Martin, which a new process for single-engine fighters, Vishnu Som, as assessed by NDTV.
offered its F-16 Block 70IN fighter, and which would be acquired in significantly Photos: Angad Singh
Sweden’s SAAB, which was competing with
its Gripen E/F multi-role combat aircraft.
Now, the government wants the Indian
Air Force to “broaden the scope” of its RFI
to also include multi-engine fighters, a
decision taken soon after the controversy
over the Rafale fighter deal where the
government was accused by the opposition
of not being transparent in its handling of
the contract with the French government.
For the Indian Air Force, which is
seeing its squadron strength fall drastically
because older jets need to be retired, there
is a strange sense of deja-vu about this all. In
2001, the IAF had projected its requirement
under the Medium Range Combat Aircraft
(MRCA) deal for single-engine jet fighters.
The scope of the deal changed dramatically
when the government said that they wanted
to include twin-engine fighters in the IAF’s Lockheed Martin F-16 with afterburner
fighter evaluation. Since twin-engine jets are

III/2018 7
O P I N I O N

Chasing a Chimera ?
Dr Manoj Joshi on the IAF’s latest RFI for fighters

Not representative ! Image of a futuristic (tenth-generation?) fighter with which the IAF could well be equipped with at turn of the century !

S
o now, two decades after the Indian Air It is no secret that the IAF is in dire the exchequer to pay double or even triple
Force (IAF) projected a requirement straits, both because of its declining fighter the sum that would be needed if one simply
for 126 medium-role combat aircraft aircraft numbers and the government’s imported the aircraft off the shelf. When
(MRCA), we are back to the starting point. refusal to raise the defence budget. The India purchased the Su-30MKI from
That journey had ended in 2012 when numbers are telling. The IAF has 31 combat Russia directly, its average cost was Rs
the government, after a laboured process, squadrons today as against a desired 42. It 270.28 crore, but some years later when its
selected the Dassault Rafale and began will lose nine in the next five years when manufacture from raw material was begun
negotiations for its procurement—only the remaining 7 MiG-21 and 2 MiG-27 by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd it cost
to have the succeeding Narendra Modi squadrons retire. And presuming it gets Rs 417.85 crore.
administration scrap the deal and decide the two Rafale, two LCA and one more But the Air Force certainly is to blame
in 2015 to purchase only 36 Rafales off Su-30MKI squadrons, it still will be at an as well. In crafting an RFI that mixes single-
the shelf. uncomfortable 27 by 2022. If it repeats and twin-engine aircraft, it makes selection
On 6 April 2018, the IAF issued a the fiasco of the first MMRCA deal, taking that much more difficult. Actually, the
request for information (RFI) for the more than a decade to select an aircraft, it IAF knows what it wants and has tacitly
purchase of 110 fighters. Three-fourth of could well end up in a disaster where it is been saying so loudly for decades: a lighter
these will be single-seaters and the balance down to just 15 squadrons in 2032, when fighter, cheap to operate, one that would
twin-seat aircraft. Eighteen or so of the its remaining six Jaguar, three MiG-29 and be the work-horse of its fighter fleet. After
aircraft would be bought off the shelf. The as many Mirage 2000 squadrons also retire. the forced rejigging of the Rafale purchase
rest would be ‘Made in India’ through a The budgetary part is vital because the in 2015, the IAF had issued another RFI
partnership between the manufacturer and a IAF, at the insistence of the government, for buying and building 100-200 single
strategic partner. The fighters would thus add wants the bulk of the aircraft to be ‘Made engine fighters in 2016. This had in effect
six squadrons to the IAF and the order could in India’. Setting up an assembly line for become a competition between Lockheed
be worth between $9 billion and 15 billion. just 80 or so fighters will actually require Martin’s F-16 and Saab’s Gripen. By

8 VAYU
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Deliveries - FY15-16

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India
Since 60 years
Deliveries - FY17-18
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06 CG OPVs 02 Sri Lanka OPVs 02 Mauritius FPVs
11 Mauritius FIBs 02 DCS 01 NOPV 03 Fuel Barges (1000T)
Ÿ Gearing up to execute 02 x 1135.6 (Talwar Class) Missile Frigates
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scrapping its 2016 aim, the IAF has
muddied the competition again. Instead of
narrowing down the choice, the Air Force
has broadened it to the point of obtuseness.
The problem is that by the time RFIs
and RFPs (request for proposals) are
sent, lobbies enter the picture and muddy
issues. That is what happened the last time
around, and that is what is happening now.
With the inclusion of twin-engine fighters,
the competition is back to the startlines.
In other words, it is a repeat of the old
MMRCA competition. Thus, the Rafale
can re-enter it and conceivably win again.
Because in a competition against the single-
engine fighters, the heavier twin-engine Watch out for drone swarms guided by artificial intelligence !
fighter will end up being superior in range, but those that are being phased out by them. maritime strike, electronic warfare, buddy-
endurance and capability. If budgetary But they will certainly not offer their crown refuelling capability and so on. The
issues are taken into account, as they most jewels, say, technology related to next-gen RFI is loaded with all sorts of possible
certainly should, it is 40 per cent or more engines. This is one area where the West requirements. One asking whether the
expensive to run a twin-engine machine. retains its edge and even the Russians are fighter on offer will “allow crew members
Incidentally, an analysis of the accidents in not quite there. The Chinese have spent an to relieve themselves and take provisions
the IAF has shown that twin-engine aircraft arm and a leg and are only slowly moving in flight”. Now, existing fighters do have
like Jaguars have had more losses than the towards developing a viable fighter engine, provision for urine collection, but for
single-engine Mirage. but not one that can be compared to which defecation, things are more complicated!
Given the detailed questions relating to power the western fighters. In any case, why The Russian Su-34 would seem to be the
the ToT (transfer of technology) component would anyone offer cutting-edge technology only one to fit this bill since it even has a
in the RFI, perhaps this time around, the for a deal involving 110 aircraft and at $15 small toilet and kitchen behind the tandem
key element in the decision-making matrix billion ? cockpit crew cabin. Then, the RFI wants an
will not be the fighter’s performance alone, If India thinks the acquisition will help aircraft that “can fly in excess of 10 hours
but the willingness of the partner to transfer it leapfrog its way to acquiring world-class with air-to-air refuelling”. Now ten hours
technology. According to the RFI, the fighter aircraft design and development of flying in a fighter is well beyond human
transferred technology would have to be capability, it is chasing a chimera. Such endurance. US Navy pilots, for example,
state-of-the-art and boost India’s indigenous capabilities, as the Chinese story suggests, are not expected to be in the air more than
design and development, production and take place over decades and are directed by 6 hours at a time.
maintenance capabilities as well. Also, those in authority. They involve not simply In all this, everyone seems to have
the transfer should also aid the country’s ToT, but espionage and, as the Americans forgotten that there was another important
indigenous programmes. now charge, forced technology transfer. programme the IAF was looking for. That
Actually we have been doing ‘Made in An advanced capability to design and was for a fifth-generation fighter to be built
India’ kind of license production of fighters manufacture aircraft involves thousands jointly with the Russians—a deal that also
since the mid-1960s, beginning with the of engineers and technicians and takes incorporated sharing a great deal of design
MiG-21. Subsequently, the MiG units gave decades to build. So, it requires a systematic and development know-how. But that
way to the Su-30MKI production line in the build-up of design, development and seems to have receded into the background,
1990s. Yet, we learnt little in the design and manufacturing capacities, accompanied by (see news item).
development of fighter aircraft. a symbiotic effort to develop engineering The threats we confront by 2025 will
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is now allegedly and technical institutes to support the most certainly include fifth-generation
manufactured from “raw material”. But this effort. Most importantly, it needs sustained fighters like the Chinese J-20 and possibly
is deceptive. For example, the raw material higher strategic direction, much in the way the J-31, the latter possibly even be exported
that goes into the fighter such as titanium that the Space Commission has provided in to Pakistan. Speed and manoeuvrability may
and steel must be sourced from Russia, building up the capabilities of the Indian matter less than sensors and weapons, and
along with nuts, bolts and rivets. Likewise, Space Research Organisation. The members the manner in which they are fused. Beyond
while some of the Al-31FP engine is made of the Space Commission include Nripendra this is the possibility that threats will mutate
with Indian-made components, key high- Misra, principal secretary to the PM, and to include autonomous unmanned aerial
end composites and special alloys—some National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, besides combat vehicles and drone swarms guided
47 per cent by value of the engine—are the Cabinet, Finance and Foreign secretaries. by artificial intelligence. In the meantime,
imported. This latest RFI suggests that the IAF are we trying to play catch-up in a game
Countries could well be willing to offer wants a heavy fighter, capable of everything: where the rules have changed beyond
some design and development technology air defence, deep strike, reconnaissance, comprehension?

10 VAYU
Policy

Defence planning:
Old wine in new bottle?
I
n what has been declared, by some an arbitrary, sporadic and neglected The two-fold panacea offered by the
media, as a ‘major step’ towards activity in India. Recent revelations about GoM was: integration of the Service
reforming the process of higher India’s stalled military modernisation HQs with MoD and creation of a Chief
defence planning, the government has and shortfalls in war-reserves provide of Defence Staff (CDS). One of the
created a new mechanism; designated worrisome proof of this. vital tasks of the CDS would be to bring
the Defence Planning Committee (DPC) Post-independence history bears out “effectiveness to the planning/budgeting
under the chairmanship of the National the short shrift given to this vital process process” through intra-Service and inter-
Security Advisor (NSA). This permanent in the Indian system. A ‘defence planning Service prioritisation and the preparation
committee has been tasked to undertake cell’ was created as late as in 1962, in the of a Joint Services Plan. The government’s
a strategic defence review, prepare a aftermath of the India-China War, to be surrender to bureaucratic pressure and
draft national security strategy, and replaced by a Committee for Defence abandonment of the GoM’s substantive
formulate an international defence Planning in 1977, under the Cabinet recommendations is now history, and does
engagement strategy. Taken at face value, Secretary. It was only in the Rajiv Gandhi- not bear repetition.
this step deserves a cautious welcome Arun Singh era that a properly constituted, It merits recall that in the past two
by the Services as well as the strategic inter-Service Defence Planning Staff decades, actions of UPA as well as NDA
community, even if only as a long overdue (DPS) was set up. Headed by a 3-star governments in the arena of national
token of the government’s concern for Director-General, the DPS was charged security reform have been disappointing.
national security. with the preparation of force-level and Both have convened groups, committees
The past 14 years, that include a hardware perspective plans, in consultation and task-forces to examine issues relating
decade of stasis during the UPA regime, with the Service HQ. However, lacking to higher defence management, defence-
and four years of NDA (that saw four support from the military, as well as MoD, research and defence-production.
Raksha Mantris), have also witnessed a the DPS failed to gain any credibility and Submitted for bureaucratic scrutiny,
steady deterioration in India’s security was wound up in 2001. rather than political decision-making, the
environment. While China’s spectacular The near-disaster of May 1999 saw the findings and recommendations of these
economic and military rise is helping Kargil Review Committee (KRC) bluntly bodies, have generally disappeared in dusty
it reshape the fundamentals of global highlighting the fact that India’s system MoD cupboards.
power, our immediate concerns relate to of defence planning and management Notwithstanding past omissions,
the rapid modernisation and integration had remained utterly stagnant “despite the there is need to curb scepticism in the
of different arms of the Chinese military 1962 debacle, the 1965 stalemate and the case of the newly constituted DPC.
into a cohesive ‘joint’ entity. Heightened 1971 victory, the growing nuclear threat, Possibly, there is just enough time for it to
military activity on our land borders, end of the cold-war, continued proxy war tackle its weighty task and generate some
incursions into the Indian Ocean and the in Kashmir…” Reacting swiftly to the deliverables before the next general election
brandishing of tactical nuclear weapons by KRC’s criticism, the NDA government is upon us. However, the constitution of
Pakistani generals, speak of an unfolding of the day constituted under Deputy this committee, at this juncture, and its
Sino-Pak strategy. PM, LK Advani, a Group of Ministers composition, does leave an unanswered
The ‘first charge’ on a nation’s (GoM) whose report declared its intent question in the air.
exchequer is universally acknowledged to of “bringing about improvements in the The exclusion of issues like civil-
be national security. But in India, defence organisation, structures and process through military integration, ‘jointness’ and CDS,
expenditure, having been relegated to the integration of civil and military components from the Committee’s charter, means
‘non-plan’ category, budgetary allocations of MoD and by ensuring ‘jointness’ among that they are obviously not on the NDA
are whimsical, and pay no heed to factors the armed forces” (emphasis added). The agenda – which is a pity – but does it also
like threat assessment, force-planning, defence planning process, according to this imply that the NSA has, now, replaced
self-reliance or alignment of ‘ends, ways Report, had remained deeply flawed due to the Defence Secretary as de-facto Chief
and means’. This is largely because of the the absence of a national security doctrine of Defence Staff ?
defence-planning process has remained and inter-service prioritisation. Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd)

III/2018 11
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
Establishment of Defence Planning 2 A4Ms + External fuel. The airborne multi-mode radar should be
AESA, and there are a slew of EW systems + SP jammers included.
Committee Importantly, there is a section on transfer of technology for
indigenous manufacture of the aircraft in India, being state-of-the-
T he government of India has issued notification for the
establishment of a Defence Planning Committee (DPC) under
the present National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. Mandate of the
art “to ensure rapid build-up of indigenous design and development,
production and maintenance capabilities of the aircraft, its sub-
systems and support equipment.”
committee is to be monitored by four sub-committees which include As there are no restrictions on size or weight or number of
Policy and Strategy, Planning and Capability Development, Defence engines in the RFI, observers believe that there could well be an
Diplomacy and Defence Manufacturing, the latter focusing on increase in number of OEMs responding, perhaps beyond the
‘Make in India’. The DPC will include Chiefs of the Army, Navy and original six that took part in the MMRCA tender issued in 2007
Air Force, the Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Expenditure which resulted in selection of the Dassault Rafale.
Secretary and Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) to the (See several commentaries on the subject in this Issue).
Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) as members. Possible
inclusion of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister has also
been indicated. India’s participation in FGFA uncertain
It is expected that the Committee “will expedite and smoothen
defence acquisition by removing bottlenecks which have made the
process protracted over the years.” The DPC will define priorities
and decide between the competing proposals of the Services with
the adequate inputs from supporting Ministries and will address
the need for the continuity of understanding, the necessity for
relevant ministries to be on the same page and a review system for
the NSS. A vital task of the DPC will be to refine recommendations
for defence procurement, taking a long term view of the acquisition
as they relate to current and future scenarios. “The committee will
function through various sub-committees responsible for providing
inputs for senior functionaries and assessing unconventional and
emerging threats, apart from developing workable defence concepts

A
related to evolving geopolitical situations.” ccording to reliable reports, India’s plans to participate in
joint development of the Russian Fifth Generation Fighter
IAF issues new RFI for fighters Aircraft (variously known as the PAK-FA or T.50 and now officially
the Su-57, as depicted in the painting above) have been finally
abandoned. The two countries had agreed in 2007 that HAL would
partner the Sukhoi Design Bureau in further developing and then
manufacturing this stealth fighter for the Indian Air Force, and
team of HAL engineers were seconded to Sukhoi in this context.
The Government of India had also paid an initial $300 million for
certain documentation but uncertainties continued, not the least
because of the scope of design & development as also the IAF’s
reduced requirement (halved to some 140 aircraft) and some short
falls in performance but most importantly, uncertainty in numbers
required by the Russian Air Force itself.

O n 6 April 2018, the Indian Air Force formally issued a ‘Request

for Information’ concerning procurement of 110 aircraft of
which 75% would be single-seaters and the balance twin-seaters,
An Experts Committee headed by Air Marshal (retired) S
Varthaman opined in 2017 that the FGFA programme would be
complementary, and not competitive to the Advanced Medium
“but having full operational capability.” The aircraft would be truly Combat Aircraft (AMCA) which is to be India’s fifth generation
multirole, including for air superiority, air defence, air to surface fighter developed by ADA at Bangalore. It is understood that
operations, reconnaissance, maritime, EW missions, capable of financial limitations may have finally swung the case in favour of
buddy refuelling. In the given narrative, OEMs are required to the AMCA, as also the Indian Government’s support of building
respond by 6 July 2018, following which will be issued a formal indigenous capabilities. According to reports, Indian NSA Ajit
request for proposal to those shortlisted, the acquisition process to Doval, who attended the recent meeting in Moscow along with
be carried out under the provisions of DPP 2016. Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra conveyed this decision to their
The 73-page document details technical parameters and counterparts; however, that India might possibly join the project
operational characteristics, giving a typical mission profile including later or procure the finally developed fighter after it has entered
that in the strike role with 2 PGMs + Designator Pod + 2 BVRs + service with the Russian Air Force.

12 VAYU
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India

Boeing 2
MULTI-ROLE
COMBAT-PROVEN
BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

As the most advanced and lowest-cost fighter per flight hour, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will deliver next-gen
superiority and survivability to India. By assembling, testing and certifying this aircraft at a state-of-the-art
Factory of the Future in India, Boeing will help grow the country’s aerospace ecosystem. And with a plan
for growth, the F/A-18 Super Hornet will continue to outpace threats—and make India stronger.

III/2018 13
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
Tripartite agreement between
HAL-Boeing-Mahindra

very strategic market”. Although, there was no official word on

Sweden’s interest in offering the Gripen multirole fighter to meet
the Indian Air Force’s requirement, this matter was reportedly part

T he US Aerospace giant company Boeing have signed a of the discussions.

tripartite agreement with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics
Ltd. (HAL) and private company Mahindra Defence Systems
(MDS) for the manufacture of F/A-18 Super Hornet multirole IAF’s Exercise GaganShakti 2018
combat aircraft in India (painting above). Announcing this at
the recently held DefExpo 2018 in Chennai, Pratyush Kumar,
Boeing India President, said: “Our partnership with HAL and
Mahindra will enable us to optimise the full potential of India’s
public and private sector to deliver next-generation F/A-18 fighter
capabilities. Together we can deliver an affordable, combat-proven
fighter platform for India, while adding growth momentum to the
Indian aerospace ecosystem with manufacturing, skill-development,
innovation and engineering and job creation,” he added. Boeing
will reportedly be responding not only to the IAF’s recently issued
RFI for 110 aircraft for the IAF but has earlier received the Indian
Navy’s RFI for 57 carrier-borne fighters.
Boeing’s objective is not only to build the F/A-18 Super Hornet
in an entirely new and state-of-the-art production facility in India
but one which can be utilised for other futuristic programmes
including the Indian Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
F or two weeks in April 2018 (8-22), the Indian Air Force carried
out its largest exercise extant, the aim of GaganShakti 2018 being
“deployment and employment of IAF assets in a short and intense
T Suvarna Raju, HAL Chairman and MD, said: “The battle scenarios.” Conducted in two phases, to test the efficacy of
partnership with Boeing and Mahindra Defence Systems will create various Commands, Phase-I involving Western, South Western
an opportunity to develop capabilities of the aerospace industry and and Southern Air Commands, with affiliated Army and Navy
strengthen indigenous platforms in India.” components while Phase-II meant relocating bulk of the forces to
the East and Northeast, within a short span of 48 hours.
According to official debriefing, of the 11, 000 sorties during
India-Sweden defence and the pan-India exercise, around 9000 were of fighters including
security links Sukhoi Su-30MKIs, Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, MiG-21s, MiG-29s,
Tejas and Hawk advanced jet trainers (in a combat support role). Air

D uring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden

from 16 April, a number of defence and security cooperation
matters were reportedly discussed, with a strategic innovation
Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa metaphorically stated that the IAF was
“Shaking the Heavens and splitting the Earth” with the extremely
rapid operational tempo maintained during the Exercise. There were
partnership plan announced. PM Modi had several meetings also reports that Su-30MKIs from airbases in Southern India, carried
with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven, the media reporting out long range simulated attacks, also with BrahMos supersonic
a “win-win” outcome, it being noted that defence and security cruise missiles on targets in the Malacca Straits, 9 Degree Channel
cooperation remained a “key pillar” in the bilateral ties. The Indian and other sensitive places in the seas around the Indian peninsula.
PM has invited top Swedish firms to invest in India which is “a (See article in this issue).

14 VAYU
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
Chinese/Pakistanis monitor several past issues of the Vayu, including I/2018 which reported on
Chengdu J-20 stealth fighters also exercising in Tibet. Chinese state
IAF exercises run media have released photographs of J-10s and J-11s flying over
Tibet, the PLA’s website further clarifying that the fighters belonged
to an Aviation Brigade under the PLA Western Theatre Command:
“With India importing new jets, China will continue strengthening
fighter jets in Western Theatre Command.”

India seeks US ‘exemption’ for

buying Russian S-400

I t is learnt that the PLAAF closely monitored various aspects of

the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Exercise GaganShakti 2018 which
took place in April 2018 particularly the second phase when IAF
assets were swung from the western to eastern theatre in less than
48 hours. On 16-17 April, it is learnt that IAF fighters including
Su-30MKIs carried out firing of air-to-ground ordnance against
practice targets at high altitudes areas, while the IAF’s considerable
air transport fleet, including Boeing C-17s, Ilyushin Il-76s, C-130J
Super Hercules and Antonov An-32s, flew numerous sorties with

I
logistic-support equipment for fighter squadrons being re-deployed n an extraordinary example of realpolitik, the Indian government
to eastern airbases as also mobile radars and air defence missile is reportedly in discussion with US authorities “for an exemption
units. It is learnt that the Pakistan Air Force too closely monitored to allow it to procure the S-400 advanced air defence missile
the Exercise during the first phase, also using their airborne early system from Russia”. This is because a waiver is now needed from
warning aircraft for the purpose. the “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions ACT
(CAATSA), for the procurement of this weapon system worth
IAF Chief flags PLAAF activities $5.5 billion (Rs 39,000 crore).” Some years earlier, India and
Russia finalised an inter-governmental agreement on the S-400
Triumf air defence systems, in October 2016 and are currently in
advance negotiations for at least five systems. The discussions have
been stalled because of price issues and related matters. The S-400
matter could set India and the US on a “collision course” as at stake
is India’s half century-long major defence relationship with Russia/
Soviet Union, which fact has been acknowledged by US Defence
Department officials who opined that “forcing India to abruptly
cut off Russian supplies would create unacceptable risks to India’s
self-defence.”Other recipients of the S-400 are China and Turkey,
the latter having earlier reacted strongly to US pressures.

A ir Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, CAS IAF has

made pointed reference to increasing Chinese combat aircraft India to participate in SCO
activities in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the PLAAF now
considerably ramping up its aerial prowess in the plateau north of military exercises
Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The Indian Chief said that “The
deployment of Sukhoi Su-27 and J-10 fighters for continuous
operations during the winter months affords them a credible all
I n a first, as recently announced by Defence Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman, India is to participate in a multi-nation military
exercise to be conducted in Russia during September 2018.
round capability. Many years ago, they used to only occupy the air Addressing the Defence Ministers’ meeting of the Shanghai
fields in summers.” Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Beijing on 24 April, she stated,
Upgradation of Chinese air defences along the 3,500 km long “We are guided in our relations with China (as per) consensus
Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India has been recorded in reached between our leaders that at the time of global uncertainty,

III/2018 15
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India

India-China relations could be a factor of stability and that we must

not allow our differences to become disputes.” Although India along
with China, Pakistan, Russia and several other countries are a part
of the SCO bloc of largely Asian countries, this will be first ever
exercise which will have the militaries of India and Pakistan taking Interestingly, M. Eric Trappier, who is Chairman of GIFAS and
part in anti-terrorist exercises. This exercise Peace Mission 2018 is Chairman/CEO of Dassault Aviation also chaired meetings of the
scheduled to begin in end August at Russia’s Ural Mountains and Dassault Aviation Executive Committee in New Delhi, stressing
slated to conclude in the first week of September. the importance of India in the Company’s vision and his own
dedication to successfully implement his company’s commitments
IAF to upgrade 90 Mi-17 to ‘Make in India’. This is the first time that such a Board meeting
took place away from the company’s headquarters in Saint Cloud,
helicopters France and was “to reinforce the existing links and to finalise the
roadmap for the establishment of concrete methods and processes
to ensure the efficiency and competitiveness of Dassault Aviation
in setting up its facilities at Nagpur.” The joint venture Dassault
Reliance Aerospace Limited was established in April 2015 and
foundation stone of the manufacturing facility in Mihan at Nagpur
laid in end-October 2017.

IAF Chief affirms faith in Tejas

R esponding to a question Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh
Dhanoa, CAS Indian Air Force said that the Tejas LCA, which

S o as to enhance their self-defence capabilities, the Indian Air also took part in GaganShakti 2018, is “the aircraft of the future”
Force is upgrading some 90 earlier variant Mi-17 helicopters as compared with the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder. He alluded to
with Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. Of these medium-lift an article in one of the aviation journals (hinted as the Vayu) where
helicopters, 56 Mi-17 and 34 Mi-17 1V, will be upgraded by No.3 the author says JF-17 is not as technologically advanced as Tejas.
Base Repair Depot at Chandigarh in collaboration with Bharat So, he said, “JF-17 is the aircraft of today because they have fielded
Electronics Limited (BEL). The new EW suite is equipped with more squadrons than us, and Tejas is the aircraft of the future. It
radar warning receiver (RWR), a missile approach warning system has much better systems.” Although, however, some of the Tejas
(MAWS) and counter measure dispensing system (CMDS). It is LCAs initially reported snags during GaganShakti 2018, these
expected that the upgradation task will be completed within 48 were quickly sorted out and continued operating operations from
months including training an initial batch of pilots, flight engineers their desert locations. The Air Chief later attributed this to the fact
and flight gunners to operate the new systems. that the Tejas had been relocated from their Bangalore base with
temperate climatic conditions to the hot and dusty environment.

Dassault reaffirms commitments to

‘Make in India’
D uring their four-day visit to Delhi, Banaglore, Mumbai and
Hyderabad in April 2018, major French companies, as part
of GIFAS, the French aerospace industries association, reaffirmed
their plans for ‘Making in India’ of key aerospace products.

16 VAYU
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
Tejas LCA in BVR missile test in India” with Russian collaboration. The mega Indian private
company Larsen & Toubro signed deals for naval programmes and
for Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) as also co-production of
rockets in India. Ananth Technologies signed an agreement for opto-
electronic sighting and navigation systems for Su-30MKI aircraft.
Ananth also signed another to set up technical and logistics support
in India for T-90S and T-72 MBTs in service with the Army.
Russia’s JSC AGAT signed agreements for after-sale support and
modernisation of the Fregat radar, installed on Indian naval ships.

Shipborne variant of Kamov

Ka-226T proposed

O perating from the Naval Air Station INS Hansa (Goa), an

LCA carried out test firing of a Derby air-to-air beyond visual
(BVR) range missile on 27 April as part of the process to attain
final operational clearance (FOC). Piloted by Wing Commander
Siddharth Singh, the firing was preceded by an exhaustive study of
the missile separation characteristics and plume envelope.

Exercise Samvedna 2018

A five-day multi-national exercise Samvedna 2018
was conducted by the Indian
R ussian Helicopters are reportedly proposing a shipborne variant
of its Kamov Ka-226T helicopter to the Indian Navy. The
Ka-226T was subject of an agreement signed in October 2016
Air Force 12-16 March wherein, HAL took a 50.5% majority stake in the joint venture
2018 “with the aim of with Russian Helicopters having 49.5%. The first 60 Ka-226Ts
sharing procedures and will be imported as ‘flyaway’ for the Indian Army/Air Force with
capabilities of air forces 140 thereafter to be built under licence by HAL.
to improve disaster Issues concerning compatibility of the Ka-226T on board
response.” Besides Indian naval ships has been addressed by Russian Helicopters who
India, the air forces of believe they can modify the type for meeting the Indian Navy’s
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, requirement for 111 naval utility helicopters (NUH). According
Nepal and the UAE took to Russian Helicopters, “A delegation from the Indian MoD is to
part in the multilateral visit Kamov Design Bureau in order to participate in demonstration
Humanitarian Assistance of the Kamov rotorcraft and familiarise themselves with the ship-
and Disaster Relief (HADR) based version.”
exercise which showcased disaster
preparedness of Indian Air Force’s Rapid Action Medical Team
(RAMT) and its flying capabilities at the Air Force station at Army Commanders deliberate on
Shangumugam Beach, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala. A mass casualty
demonstration by the RAMT involved evacuation by An-32 aircraft security dynamics
was also carried out. The Indian Air Force’s RAMT is equipped
with modern 25 bedded transportable tent based Medical Shelters
which include ICU, Operation Theatre, X-Ray and Laboratory,
T he biannual Army Commanders’
Conference took place at New
Delhi from 16 April 2018, chaired
and capable of handling 100 Outpatients per day. by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of
the Army Staff, when senior Indian
Army commanders deliberated
Defence agreements between on specific issues. These included
India and Russia management of extant security
dynamics, mitigation of future security threats and enhancement

A slew of agreements between India and Russia were reportedly

signed at the DefExpo 2018, which included on helicopters,
naval systems and combat vehicles. According to MoD sources,
of the combat edge over potential adversaries. Other issues like
infrastructure development for capacity enhancement along the
Northern borders, review of strategic railway lines, optimisation
some 48 items covering major platforms were identified for “making of limited budgets to ensure making up of critical deficiency in

III/2018 17
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
ammunition, issues related to Border Road Organisation projects,
ECHS, as also other matters relevant to operations, administration
and welfare of troops were reportedly discussed in some detail.
According to analysts, the Indian Army is working on a
proposal to utilise its budget in the judicious way to meet its critical
requirements. The plan is reportedly to spend less on certain types
of ammunition, such as particular missile and spares for vintage
vehicles, and instead exploit that money on buying new equipment
and procurement of making up the ammunition level for “10 days
of intense war”. The Army believes these measures will not only
save the some thousand crores, but also help substantially meet its
requirement of ammunition for the next three years.

First M777 howitzers by September

numbers of indigenous Nag anti-tank missiles and Nag missile
carrier (Namica) would be initially
ordered to supplement the current,
earlier generation Konkurs and Milan
2T ATGMs.

Bulletproof jackets
ordered
T he MoD has contracted with an
indigenous defence manufacturer
SMPP Pvt Ltd for procurement of
186,000 bulletproof jackets for the
Indian Army at a cost of Rs 639
crore. “The contracted BPJs have
contemporary and state-of-the-art
specifications with added protection
levels and coverage area. These
ergonomically designed BPJs have
modular parts, thereby providing
immense protection and flexibility to

A ccording to BAE Systems, a first batch of five M777 ultralight

howitzers are likely to be delivered to the Indian Army by
September 2018 while the remaining 140 guns ordered would be
soldiers operating in different operational situations ranging from
long-distance patrolling to high-risk room intervention scenarios.”
SMPP will begin the supply of the BPJs within the next few months
delivered in batches from June 2019. The induction rate from June and complete the entire order within a period of three years.
next year is expected to be five guns per month till the complete
consignment is received by mid-2021. Made of titanium, each gun
weighs 4, 000 kg. allowing its lift by CH-47 Chinook helicopters
in mountainous terrain and thereby enhancing mobility at high
altitude.

Rafael Spike ATGMs for Indian Army

T he Ministry of Defence has reportedly been deliberating on
the procurement of Israeli-origin Spike anti-tank guided
missiles, made by Rafael. According to MoD sources, the Minister
of Defence was to chair a meeting of the Defence Procurement
Committee in late April 2018, for clearing the Army’s proposal for
5000 Spikes to meet the urgent requirement of infantry battalions
as also 500 launchers and 20 simulators. At the same time, some

18 VAYU
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In India
Export of BrahMos and Akash to
“friendly nations”

amphibian aircraft. As Yasuo Kawanishi, Director, ShinMaywa

Industries Limited stated, “This is a versatile aircraft ideally suited
for Indian conditions. The US-2 with its unmatched capability is

A ccording to reliable reports, the Government of India is in

discussion with some “friendly nations” for sale of BrahMos
supersonic cruise missiles and Akash air defence missiles, as also
considered to be extremely useful for strengthening the safety and
security of SLOCs, long range fleet support and island/off shore
assets (both overseas and coastal) support functions. These missions
other military hardware and systems. Defence Minister Nirmala when combined in a single multimodal platform such as the US-2
Sitharaman has stated that, “The interest in Indian missiles is can earn for India the precious goodwill of nations of the Indian
definitely growing and we are addressing it. India wants to sell them Ocean region commensurate with its identity as a responsible rising
to the friendly nations.” Although she did not name any specific power. Japan Maritime Defence Force have extensively used this
country, India is known to have offered the BrahMos missile to aircraft for many years now.”
Vietnam. There are also requests for the BrahMos missiles from
seven other countries in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the
Middle East regions.
Bharat Electronics forecasts
Defence Minister urges defence 12-15% annual growth
PSUs “to be more dynamic”
D efence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman  has underlined the
need for revitalising defence PSUs and ordnance factories
for meeting the requirements of India’s defence forces. “The
management of these organisations need to be ahead of the curve 
and show dynamism as they possess immense and valuable assets that
could offer manufacturers huge production opportunities,” she said.
The government is also encouraging private investment in defence
production, including liberalisation of foreign direct investment and
also proposes to bring out an industry-friendly Defence Production
Policy 2018 to promote domestic production by public sector, the
private sector and MSMEs. She said that the Defence Ministry was
encouraged by the quantum of outsourced components in defence
manufacturing which had risen to 29% in FY 2016-17.

Mahindra Defence and

A lthough Bharat Electronics (BEL) received reduced orders in
2017-18, still the state-owned PSU expects large sales in the
coming three years, which include Akash surface-to-air missiles,
EW Samyukta , Commander Thermal Imagers and quick reaction
ShinMaywa MoU on US-2 surface-to-air missiles (QR SAM). BEL is also venturing into the

M ahindra Defence has signed an MoU with ShinMaywa

Industries Ltd of Japan to set up MRO services/manufacturing
and assembling of structural parts and components for the US-2
manufacture of ammunition, and setting up two factories in Andhra
Pradesh for the purpose. MV Gowtama, Chairman/MD expects a
12-15% annual growth over the next three years.

III/2018 19
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
48 private sector defence Formation of Tata Aerospace &
projects approved Defence
T he Home Ministry has reportedly given security clearances to 48
private sector companies investing in the defence sector, which
clearance follows ‘stream lining’ of the security clearance mechanism
T ata Sons are in the process of consolidating their various
businesses across Aerospace and Defence sectors under a single
entity known as Tata Aerospace & Defence (Tata A&D) “to leverage
from May 2015. The government expects the domestic private share their full range of expertise, experience, and capabilities from across
in defence budget to go up by 20% in four years from the present the Group related to Land Mobility Solutions, Aerospace, Weapon
5% after liberalising the FDI regime and ‘Make in India’ initiative. Systems, Sensors and Command, Control, Communication,
According to a senior official, the MHA has cleared around 1,200 Computers and Intelligence (C4I).” Tata A&D will also be deeply
applications annually over the last few years to promote ‘Make in invested in the development of indigenous platforms specifically
India’. The ministry also cleared foreign investments from the US, for the Indian Defence Forces, “which is central to Tata A&D’s
UK, Israel, Belgium, China and Japan. long-term strategy”.

MoD delegation visits Russian Thales opens new office in

defence production facilities Bengaluru
T hales established their new office in Bengaluru on 18 April
2018, inaugurated by Emmanuel de Roquefeuil, VP & Country
Director for Thales in India. As Emmanuel de Roquefeuil stated,
“The new office marks an important milestone in our commitment
to India. Supporting our growth plans for local team and business,
it opens up a new space for commitment and excellence. As we
move forward, we will continue to work closely with our customers
and partners, helping them to master every decisive moment along
the way.”

BEL and L&T sign MoU

B harat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Larsen & Toubro have
signed an MoU “to share their expertise in design, development,
engineering and manufacturing to develop and produce products
and systems to meet the requirement of the defence services as well as
for export markets.” Seen in the picture are M V Gowtama, CMD,
BEL and J D Patil, Director and Senior Executive Vice President

A purva Chandra, Director General Acquisition, MoD has (L&T Defence) at signing of the MoU.
recently visited facilities of Russia’s Ulyanovsk-based Aviastar-
SP, constituting a part of the United Aircraft Corporation’s
Transport Aviation Division. He was given detailed presentations on
the Ilyushin-Il76MD-90A and Il-78MK-90A aircraft. “The Indian
Air Force and Navy have between them considerable numbers of Il-
76s, Il-78s, and Il-38s… Russia is ready to upgrade both the aircraft
already in service and supply new equipment meeting long-term
requirements of Indian partners,” noted UAC’s Vice President for
Transport Aviation and CEO of Ilyushin Aleksey Rogozin.
The Indian delegation also visited the National Centre of
Helicopter Building in Moscow witnessing flight demonstration of
the Ka-226T helicopter, and thereafter were at Baltic Shipbuilding
Plant ‘Yantar’ in the city of Kaliningrad. As Rosoboronexport’s
Director General Alexander Mikheev stated, “We are happy to
receive such a representative delegation of the Indian Ministry of
Defence and to demonstrate to our partners unique capabilities of
the Russian shipbuilding enterprises and promising Russian-Indian
projects in the military and technical area in general.”

20 VAYU
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BEL wins AIMA ‘Outstanding PSU and manufacturing of critical components. “HAL is engaged in
design and development of medium thrust and shaft engines and
of the Year’ award this MoU will facilitate further testing of these indigenous engines,”
said T. Suvarna Raju, HAL Chairman. Motorsich JSE and Ivchenko
Progress are  manufacturers of Aero Engines for various platforms,
situated in Ukraine. Motorsich supplies PV-117MT engines for the
Mi-7 helicopter and AL-20D engines for An-32 tactical transport
aircraft (see photograph).

Goa Shipyard Limited and MTU to

manufacture engines in India

B harat Electronics Limited (BEL) have been given the All India
Management Association (AIMA) Managing India Award for
being the ‘Outstanding PSU of the Year’. M V Gowtama, CMD,
BEL, received the award from Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore,
Minister of State for Youth Affairs &  Sports and Information &
Broadcasting, at the awards ceremony held at New Delhi on 18
April 2018 (see photograph above).

Boeing and TAL Manufacturing

announce new contract
T AL Manufacturing Solutions have announced a contract for
manufacturing the Advanced Composite Floor Beam (ACFB)
for Boeing’s 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners. Boeing had awarded
G oa Shipyard Limited and MTU of Germany are to cooperate
in production of MTU Series 8000 engines in India. Under
the agreement, the companies will manufacture the 16-cylinder
the first contract to TAL for the floor beams in October 2011 and and 20-cylinder MTU Series 8000 engines at GSL’s new facility in
TAL recently delivered the 13,000th floor beam to 787 fuselage Goa. The agreement includes transfer of MTU technology related
suppliers. TAL has a dedicated manufacturing facility for Boeing to local manufacture of engine components, engine assembly,
at Nagpur from where it manufactures and delivers the ACFBs. testing, painting and major overhauls. MTU Series 8000 engines
are the largest and most powerful MTU diesel engines with a power
HAL in tripartite MoU with Motorsich output of up to 10 MW, fitted onboard Offshore Patrol Vessels
(OPV) built or currently under construction in India. This includes
JSC and Ivchenko Progress SE eleven Coast Guard OPVs by GSL (six completed and five under
construction), five Naval OPVs under construction at Reliance
H AL has signed an MoU with Motorsich JSC and Ivchenko
Progress SE, Ukraine for engine design, development, testing
Defence Engineering and seven Coast Guard OPVs by L&T.

Mahindra Defence and Aeronautics

of Israel in partnership
M ahindra Defence and Aeronautics of Israel have signed an
MoU for naval shipborne UAVs, as launched and recovered
from warships. Aeronautics manufacture the Orbiter series of
UAVs, the Aeronautics Orbiter 4 being an advanced multi-mission
platform with an ability to carry and operate two different payloads
simultaneously. Mahindra Defence and Aeronautics will supply the
maritime version of Orbiter 4 for the Indian Navy, the UAV carrying
advanced sensor payloads and capable of launch and recovery from
small warships.

III/2018 21
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems developed with MKU “will be well suited for Indian conditions
and requirements.” 
(KRAS) expansion plans
Adani Group collaborates with
K alyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS), a joint venture
between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. and Rafael Advanced
Defence Systems Ltd. of Israel plan to expand their product profile. Punj Lloyd and Rave Gears
T
The JV will be involved in missile systems with New Generation he Adani Group is to collaborate with Punj Lloyd and Rave
Precision Guided Munitions (NGPGM), as also various air defence Gears (USA) for the design, manufacture and assembly of
systems for the MRSAM, LLQRM and QRSAM programmes. The high precision gears and transmission systems for rotary platforms,
expansion will also include the Drone Dome system (radar and laser currently under production by HAL, and for future programmes
beam system for detecting, jamming and destroying drones) and including the Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) and Naval Multi
the naval remote control weapon station systems programme, to Role Helicopter (NMRH). This entity in India will also export to
be manufactured at Hyderabad. global OEMs, both in the military and civil aerospace domain. As
Ashish Rajvanshi, Head of Adani Defence & Aerospace stated, “The
Kalyani Group and BAE Systems in collaboration is another step in Adani Group’s vision of creating a
vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem by bringing world-class
strategic partnership capabilities to the country. It will help establish new production
lines in India, generate employment and build sustainable skills.”
K alyani Group and BAE Systems are to develop air defence
guns for the Indian Defence Forces. As Rajinder Singh Bhatia,
President and CEO (Defence and Aerospace) of Bharat Forge Ltd Godrej Aerospace’s “Centre of
stated, “The Kalyani Group are now expanding their profile in the
defence segment to include air defence guns and ammunition in Excellence”
G
order to provide solutions to Indian security forces for terminal air odrej Aerospace, a unit of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.
defence. The Group and BAE Systems have agreed to partner for have recently inaugurated their Centre of Excellence (CoE) in
transfer of technology for air defence guns and ammunition. This Mumbai, following the expansion in partnership with Rolls-Royce
will be the perfect example of Make in India solutions.” which had recently awarded contracts worth US$ 30 million over
next five years to manufacture unison rings, complex fabrication and
MKU and Thales to develop external brackets commodities. As Kishore Jayaraman, President,
India and South Asia, Rolls-Royce, stated, “The expansion of
optronic devices partnership with Godrej & Boyce for manufacturing of aero
engine components showcases our commitment to developing an
aerospace ecosystem in the country. We are constantly developing
and rationalising strategic partnerships across our supply chain. With
the expansion of this partnership with Godrej & Boyce, our focus
will be to meet our customers’ strategic requirements in quality,
cost and delivery.”

Nucon and Alkan in JV

N ucon and Alkan of France have formalised a Joint Venture for
manufacture and supply of ‘Weapon Carriage Systems’ for the
Indian Air Force, DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as well
as various equipment for their military aircraft facilitating carriage
of any type of bombs, missiles, pods, tanks.

MoU between GIFAS and SIDM

M KU Limited and Thales have signed two MoUs for
development and production of optronic devices and F90
close quarter battle (CQB) rifles at MKU’s facilities in Kanpur.
T he Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the
Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales
(GIFAS) have entered into an MoU to promote a sustainable
Neeraj Gupta, MD of MKU stated, “This partnership will not only framework for present and future partnerships and cooperative
focus on meeting the requirements of our forces in India, but will actions between the French aerospace industry and the Indian
also look at exporting the products to other parts of the world.” defence industry and “to expand trade, through industrial
Light, balanced and accurate, the F90CQB (Close Quarter Battle) cooperation between France and India.”

22 VAYU
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In India
Tata Lockheed Martin
Aerostructures new facility
T ata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a
joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
and Lockheed Martin, have inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind
metal-to-metal bonding facility at Adibatla, Hyderabad. The new
4,700 square-metre metal-to-metal bonding facility will directly
support indigenisation of C-130 manufacturing by transitioning
the production of approximately 2,000 previously imported
empennage parts to Tata Sikorsky Aerospace, Ltd. (TSAL), another
Tata-Lockheed Martin joint venture located there. warfare and embarkation of ships at sea. First phase of the exercise
involved joint anti-submarine training off the Indian coast in Goa,
with the participation of both a French nuclear submarine and the
Goa Shipyard Limited and Naval INS Kalvari (Scorpene-class submarine), while the second focused
on amphibious operations off Chennai’s coast, also involving the
Group in cooperation French landing helicopter dock LHD Dixmude.
The exercise included participation of two major vessels of the
Indian Navy, the destroyer INS Mumbai and the Talwar -class
frigate INS Trikand, and the maiden deployment at Reunion
Island of IN’s P-8I multimission maritime patrol aircraft, along
with units of the French Navy deployed at Reunion Island,
including the frigate Nivôse. 

Deployment of
Indian aircraft in Maldives

G oa Shipyard Limited and the Naval Group have signed a Letter

of Intent to expand their collaboration in the field of design
and production of all shore based simulators for Scorpene submarines
and for other future advanced simulator requirements of the Indian
Navy, “with significant indigenous content.” The two companies
had earlier signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) for
submarine Combat Management System (CMS) simulators. The
two entities had also collaborated earlier on future projects including
advanced simulators for Integrated Platform Management System
(IPMS) and Submarine Escape Training Tower (SETT). With
C ontinuing uncertainties regarding deployment of Indian
Navy HAL-Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and HAL
Dhruv advanced light helicopter in the Maldives have exacerbated
this renewed collaboration with Naval Group, GSL will be able to relationships between India and the Indian Ocean island republic.
offer complete suite of simulators, including 3D simulators for the Tensions have remained with the Abdulla Yameen regime in
different future platforms of the Indian Navy. the Maldives refusing to renew the letter of exchange (LoE) for
deployment of a Dornier 228 in the archipelago and two Dhruv
ALHs which India had gifted the Maldives. The latter were to
Exercise Varuna 2018 operate from the Addu and Laamu atolls, the latter being one

F rom 1 to 7 May, the Indian and French Navies participated in

Naval Exercise Varuna 2018 in the vicinity of Reunion Island
administered by France in the Indian Ocean. The seven-day exercise
of the southern most and at entrance of the one-and-half degree
channel, a major international shipping passage through the
Maldives. Speculations are that the Chinese may have influenced
witnessed simulated scenarios, including air defence, asymmetric the Maldivian decision.

III/2018 23
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
L&T-built OPV commissioned by Expansion of Vistara
Indian Coast Guard

L arsen & Toubro-built Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Vikram has

been commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard in presence
of Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre, at L&T’s Defence
T he joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airline,
Vistara which currently operates a score of Airbus A320s,
in services around India, is on the cusp of ordering wide-bodied
shipyard at Kattupalli, near Chennai. The vessel is the ‘First of Class’ airliners as part of plans to expand to overseas routes. According to
of seven new generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) contracted sources within the airline, the first international destinations could
by the Ministry of Defence to L&T in March 2015. The ship was include Tehran as also some in Southeast Asia. Although decision
completed in just 25 months and is tasked to conduct coastal and on the type is yet to be announced, possible options are the Airbus
offshore patrolling, policing maritime zones of India, control & A330neo, Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
surveillance, anti-smuggling & anti-piracy operations with limited
wartime roles.
Jet Airways to acquire 75 Boeing
Regional Level Marine Search and 737 MAX airliners
Rescue Exercise 2018 Jetto Airways are to acquire 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, a follow on
its first order for 75 MAX aircraft in 2015 as part of the strategy
to modernise its fleet. In this context, GECAS has committed to
lease twelve Boeing 737 MAX8s to Jet Airways with deliveries
commencing from12 June 2018 and continuing till 2020. Six of
these MAX aircraft will be from GECAS’ skyline order while the
other six are from sale and lease back transactions from Jet Airways’
order book. These new technology aircraft are powered by CFM-
LEAP-1B27 engines.

T he Regional Level Marine Search and Rescue Exercise 2018

was conducted off Port Blair in March 2018 to ascertain
preparedness of the Indian Coast Guard along with stakeholders in
responding to a major marine/aircraft accident in the Andaman Seas
in line with the provisions of National Maritime Search and Rescue
(NMSAR) manual. Highlight of the exercise was participation of
the newly commissioned Coast Guard Ship Sujay along with 8
Coast Guard ships of the A&N Region; were deployed Indian Coast
Guard Dornier 228s and Chetak helicopters alongside Indian Air
Force MI-17s for SAR operations.

24 VAYU
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
ATR 42 services to Pasighat 19 minutes, the vehicle achieved its Sub Geosynchronous Transfer
Orbit with a perigee (nearest point to earth) of 281.5 km and an
apogee (farthest point to earth) of 20,730 km inclined at an angle
of 19.2 degree to the equator  following which, the IRNSS-1I
separated from PSLV.

‘Chandrayaan-2’
to cost Rs 800 crore

M aiden landing of an ATR 42 of Alliance Air at Pasighat ALG

in Arunachal Pradesh took place on 23 April 2018, adding
A ccording to ISRO Chairman K Sivan, India’s second lunar
mission, ‘Chandrayaan-2’ scheduled for launch in October-
November 2018, would cost Rs 200 crore for the launch and
air connectivity to this remote town in India’s north east. The flight Rs 600 crore for the satellite itself. “This cost, is almost half of
from Guwahati took about two hours and as Pema Khandu, Chief what it would cost if the same mission had to be launched from
Minister, Arunachal Pradesh stated, “Soon we would have the first a foreign launching site,” K Sivan stated. India’s first lunar probe,
civilian aircraft fly from Pasighat and I am optimistic the same
would follow in various ALGs of the state, taking our state to the
country’s flight map.”

15 AAI-managed airports to be
privatised
A ccording to reliable reports, about 15 ‘profitable’ airports,
presently managed by the Airport Authority of India
including those at Chennai and Ahmedabad, could be put under
private management in the first such privatisation initiative by the
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Earlier, the
UPA government had privatised India’s two biggest airports, at
Mumbai and Delhi, besides the two southern airports at Bangalore
and Hyderabad. Amongst the airports now under consideration
for privatisation are Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata and Lucknow,
the plans being prepared by NITI Aayog and the Department of
Economic Affairs.

Lufthansa Technik contract

with Jet Airways
L ufthansa Technik AG and Jet Airways have signed a Total
Component Maintenance (TCM) contract for the airliner’s fleet
of 80 Boeing 737NGs, with single components repaired in a “closed-
loop and flat rate-based process.” In addition, the existing Total
Component Support (TCS) contract for Jet Airways’ widebody fleet
has been extended by another seven years. The contract comprises
an extensive component pooling-based support for ten Boeing 777
and eight Airbus A330 aircraft. ‘Chandrayaan-1’, launched on 22 October 2008, (impression above)
had been lauded for costing a fraction of what other lunar missions
had cost: $80 million as compared with Japan’s ‘SELENE’ mission’s
PSLV-C41 launches IRNSS-1I $480 million as an example. The ‘Chandrayaan-2’ is an advanced
navigation satellite version of its predecessor, will weigh 3,250 kg at the launch, with
orbiter, lander and rover that are all indigenously developed. “The

O n 12 April 2018, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch

Vehicle  PSLV-C41 launched the 1425 kg IRNSS-1I
Navigation Satellite from Sriharikota.  After a flight lasting about
probe will descend the surface of the moon, from where they will
collect samples of soil, water etc. to carry back home for detailed
analysis and research,” Sivan stated.

III/2018 25
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
India and France in joint inter- Ashok Leyland MoU with
planetary missions Rosoboronexport
A shok Leyland Defence Systems (ALDS) has signed an
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation
with Russia’s Rosoboronexport (ROE). Ashok Leyland (AL) has
been a supplier of Logistics and Special Role Vehicles to the Indian
Army for the past 25 years. Congratulating ALDS, ELCOM and
the Rosoboronexport team, Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director of
Ashok Leyland stated, “Ashok Leyland is fully committed to making
the Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ in Defence sector, a resounding
success. The signing of this MOU is a step in the direction as this
new partnership will allow Ashok Leyland to provide tracked vehicle
solutions to the Armed Forces.”

HAL’s record turnover in

FY 2017-18
T he Indian and French government have signed an MoU

H
to collaborate on inter-planetary missions, as part of their industan Aeronautics
joint vision for space cooperation. “ISRO and CNES will work Limited recorded
together on autonomous navigation of rovers on Moon, Mars a turnover of over Rs.
and other planets, aero-braking technologies for planetary 18,000 crores (provisional
exploration and modelling of Mars and Venus atmosphere as also and unaudited) for the
inflatable systems for the exploration of Venus,” according to the year ending 31 March
Document. Dr K Sivan, Chairman ISRO added that “Based on 2018 (corresponding
ISRO’s Announcement of Opportunity for the MOM-2 mission, figure for the previous year
we shortlisted some payloads. We will study the payloads and was Rs. 17,605 crores).
configure a spacecraft for the mission. Currently, there is no plan The Company expects
for collaboration with the CNES for the mission. However, we may continued ‘Excellent
consider joint cooperation with CNES for the MOM-2 mission.” MoU’ rating for the FY
2017-18 for meeting
India to buy 240 KAB-1500s from relevant parameters
related to its performance.
Rosoboronexport During FY 2017-18,
the Company produced
40 new aircraft/helicopters
and 105 new engines, and
also carried out overhaul
of 220 aircraft/helicopters T. Suvarna Raju, Chairman & Managing
Director of HAL
and 550 engines. HAL
received orders for 41 Advanced Light Helicopters and 8
Chetak helicopters from Indian Armed Forces during FY 2017-
18.  Amongst other major achievements, the Company received
Initial Operational Clearance(IOC) certificate for its Light
Combat Helicopter (LCH), Certificate of Airworthiness for
its civil variant Dornier Do-228 from DGCA, acceptance of

M oD has announced purchase of 240 precision-guided bombs Mirage 2000 upgrade by Air HQ after its Final Operational
at a cost of Rs 1,254 crore from Russia’s Rosoboronexport; Clearance, first successful run of Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine
the smart KAB-1500 laser-guided bombs will be procured for -1200 and successful test firing of BrahMos missile from the Su-30
Sukhoi-Su-30MKI fighters and will “address the deficiency of MKI.
precision guided munitions in the IAF arsenal, besides enhancing T Suvarna Raju, Chairman & Managing Director of
the offensive capabilities of the IAF.” The bomb’s warhead weighs HAL stated that,“The Company strongly supports the Indian
1,100 kg and has folding fins that allow it to manoeuvre while being Armed Forces with its indigenous and licence manufactured
guided to the target. products. The Company has also continued to emphasise on

26 VAYU
 AVIATION & DEFENCE
In India
self-reliance towards development of indigenous products,
diversification into civil segment, enhancement of capacity, support
development of defence manufacturing eco-system by developing
domestic vendors (including MSMEs) and enhance outsourcing.
These efforts will provide steady growth of the Company
and opportunities to capitalise on the future requirements of the
Indian Armed Forces.”

BEL’s landmark turnover

B harat Electronics Limited (BEL) achieved a landmark
turnover of more than
Rs.10,000 Crores (Provisional
& Unaudited) during FY
2017-18, sustaining double
digit growth over the previous
Ka-226T
year’s turnover of Rs.8,825
Crores. Some of the flagship
projects executed during “During negotiations, we plan to concentrate on after-sales
the year include Integrated service, repair and modernisation of equipment that has already been
Air Command & Control delivered to India. Moreover, we will discuss the implementation
System (IACCS), weapon of a joint project,  a Russian-Indian joint venture for assembling
locating radar (WLR), hand Ka-226T helicopters. A presentation of the Ka-226T naval
held thermal imager (HHTI), helicopter which, as we believe, could be assembled under the
Akash Weapon System (Army), joint venture, will be included,” stated Andrey Boginsky, CEO,
naval fire control system, Russian Helicopters.
integrated communication
system, 3-D Tactical Control
Radar (TCR), electronic warfare systems, L-70 gun upgrade,
ShinMaywa seeking parts
electronic voting machines (EVM) and voter verifiable paper audit
trail (VVPAT).
manufacture, MRO of US-2i in India
BEL’s Chairman & Managing Director, Mr Gowtama MV,
stated: “The focus on indigenisation for self-reliance has continued I n a move to augment its network in India, Japan’s ShinMaywa
is considering the at manufacture of parts and sub-assemblies
besides part -manufacture of the full flight simulator of its US-2i
with more vigour, besides capacity building, expansion and
enhanced outsourcing to SME sector. Also, BEL has been able amphibious aircraft in India. The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast
to maintain good order acquisition this year. These efforts will Guard are seeking 12-18 of these search and rescue aircraft (SAR)
complement BEL to sustain growth, capitalise future opportunities to expand their reach and capability. The Japanese have offered
and consolidate market leadership in the defence business.” to not only ‘Make in India’ but setting up MRO and re-exports.
However, “There is still no clarity about the number of aircraft
that will be manufactured in India and what components will be
Russian Helicopters on helicopter identified for export.”

maintenance in India
R ussian Helicopters (part of the Rostec State Corporation) have
held discussions on after-sales service of Russian helicopters.
Currently, Mi-8/17 medium multi-mission helicopters, Mi-26
heavy helicopters, Mi-25 attack helicopters and the Ka-25/28/31
naval helicopters are in operation with the Indian Armed Forces,
the total Russian helicopter fleet in India being some 400.
At DefExpo 2018, Russian Helicopters showcased models of
the Ka-226T helicopter (which is expected to be manufactured
in a Russian-Indian joint venture) and the latest offshore version
of the Mi-171A2. In November 2017, Russian Helicopters had
signed with Vectra  Group of India, for delivery of a Mi-171A2
multi-mission helicopter and the agreement stipulates an option
to purchase another helicopter of this type.

III/2018 27
 Tribute to an iconic leader, soaring air warrior
Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif (1923-2018)
A
ir Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif, Maintenance Command and a short others, particularly subordinates were truly
an exceptionally-gifted ‘peoples’ stint as the VCAS, Idris Latif took over inspiring. There were many instances of his
leader, towering air warrior, former as Chief of the Air Staff in 1978. “It was firmness, ‘loyalty downwards’ and moral
Governor of Maharashtra, and Ambassador an epochal event”, avers Air Marshal strength to stand up for his juniors, whom
to France flew into eternity on 30 April 2018 ‘Rags’ Raghavendran, “the morale of the he always encouraged to speak freely if
at Hyderabad after a brief illness quietly and personnel changed dramatically with Latif’s they had suggestions to offer for improved
courageously borne. He would have been 95 professional, fair and caring approach.” operational preparedness.
on 9 June. India lost a great son, an elder Key procurements across a wide capability Idris and his charming wife Bilkees Latif
statesman and a much-admired public figure spectrum like the Jaguar, MiG-23, MiG-25 were unquestionably a couple extraordinaire,
of exalted stature. (which trisonic aircraft he also flew) and the epitome of civility and culture with wide
Idris Latif clocked many ‘firsts’ in heavy-lift Mi-26 helicopter came to fruition ranging interests. He embodied the richest
independent India: first Muslim as armed during his tenure which also witnessed the values and core belief systems of a democratic
forces Chief; first retired armed forces Chief initiation of cases for the Mirage 2000, and inclusive India founded on a rich and
to be both Governor and Ambassador; and An-32 and the Il-76. In recognition of his plural civilisation. Their home bespoke
the first retired armed forces Chief to be exemplary work and the respect he enjoyed of highly refined and aesthetic ambience.
asked (in great confidence by Prime Minister in the Government he was appointed Shrinivas S Sohoni, who was Secretary to
Rajiv Gandhi) if he would agree to be the Governor, Maharashtra, and later India’s Governor when the Latifs adorned the Raj
Vice President of India, an offer he very Ambassador to France. Bhawan in Mumbai, saw them as “perfect
politely declined, “as his insistence on a high So, what was iconic about Chief for the role of Governor, Maharashtra and
standard of discipline, which had become Latif ? Not for him leadership through his spouse…few indeed would have held
so much a part of him, may well [prove] to hard coercive authority. His working any different view of that remarkable and
be, in the Rajya Sabha, a cause of serious culture, unfailing pursuit of excellence, charming couple.” Sharat Sabarwal, former
embarrassment for the government.” This easy sense of humour, highest standards High Commissioner of India to Pakistan,
was the quintessential Idris Latif ! of professionalism and utmost caring for who was First Secretary when Chief Latif
Rewinding to early years, soon after was Ambassador to France, echoes in a
commissioning in 1941, he was under similar vein, “the Latifs were an exceptionally
training in the UK for air operations to gracious couple and excellent representatives
support D Day landings at Normandy. But of the country with admirable warmth and a
the gravity of the situation on the Burma generous nature. He provided incomparable
front took him there, and he completed his leadership for his team.”
full combat tour on Hurricanes with No.3 In conclusion what the Greek General
Squadron. He flew some 22 aircraft types in and statesman Pericles said nearly 2,500 years
his career, with the Spitfire—on which he ago, is so tellingly apt for the redoubtable
had the maximum flying hours—being his Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif:
all-time favourite. What you leave behind is not what is
Idris Latif commanded No.4 Squadron, engraved in stone monuments
Air Force Stations Begumpet, Hakimpet, But what is woven into the lives of others
Poona, Operations (J&K) and was Air you touch
Attaché, in Washington (1961-64) where he
Air Vice Marshal (retired) Kapil Kak
persuaded Head of Mission BK Nehru to fly a
familiarisation sortie on the F-104 Starfighter
that earned him the sobriquet “supersonic
ambassador”! In staff and higher command
assignments, Idris Latif kept unfailingly in
touch with flying fighters, bombers, transport
aircraft and helicopters of all varieties. I had
the privilege to fly with him on most of his
sorties on the Canberra with No.35 Squadron
at Poona when he was Base Commander.
These invariably meant live armament work,
including heavy-weight bombs.
After tenures as ACAS (Plans), AOA,
AOC-in-C Central Air Command and After his flight in the MiG-25 trisonic strategic reconnaissance aircraft of No. 102 Squadron at Bareilly

28 VAYU
 Gaganshakti 2018
“Shaking the Heavens and splitting the Earth”

Tejas LCAs were ‘operationally deployed’ for the first time

T
he IAF conducted its Exercise
Gaganshakti from 8 to 22 April
2018 but planning for this had
reportedly been set in motion almost nine
months earlier. Described as the largest
exercise in the past three decades, with its
dimension range and lethality translated
into ‘shaking the heavens and splitting
the earth’, this was quite in contrast to the
general public perception that the IAF is
much in need of enhancement of its fighter
squadron strength from the present 31 to 42
and more, along with drastic modernisation
and substantial increase in its other assets.
“India has not witnessed anything
on this scale since Exercise Brass Tacks in Su-30MKIs on long-range missions
1987”, stated Air Chief Marshal Birender
Singh Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff, and As enunciated by the CAS, “The effective at the new locations within a short
added that the western neighbour was intention of the Exercise was to validate span of 48 hours. This was made possible
apparently concerned by the sheer scale and our operational capabilities and concepts by round the clock operations of heavy lift
complexity of Gaganshakti 2018. According in a realistic war-like scenario as well as transport aircraft like the C-17 and Il-76
to the Air Chief, the country’s western check our ability to sustain high-tempo as well as by employing a large number of
neighbour had monitored the Exercise operations. It is not aimed at any country.” tactical airlift aircraft, C-130s and An-32s.
closely through their airborne warning and The exercise was conducted in two The IAF also used civil chartered flights
control systems. phases so that all Commands of the IAF got and trains for mobilisation of its resources.
Considering that this massive adequate opportunity to test the efficacy of During the exercise, a spectrum of
exercise was during peace time, in a real their preparedness. Phase-I of the exercise combat missions, encompassing various
confrontation, vital assets and ammunition involved activation of Western, South air situations, were conducted. Fighter
(missiles, bombs, etc) would have been Western and Southern Air Commands, with aircraft were involved in surge operations,
used resulting in diminishing war reserves. the affiliated Army and Naval components. generating maximum number of sorties
The aim of the exercise was to surmount Phase-II of the exercise involved activation in a 24-hour cycle. These included long
constraints of economy for conserving air of Western, Central, Eastern and Southern range missions with concentrated live
power needed when the real challenges Air Commands. Re-deployment for Phase- and simulated weapon release at various
occured. II involved relocating the forces so as to be air-to-ground ranges in India, creation

III/2018 29
 some legacy systems that were over 40 years
old. Focused effort enabled a dispatch of
more than 95% for combat assets, 100%
availability of combat support systems and
almost 100% dispatch rates of combat
enablers.
There were no reports of casualties
in various missions in the air or on the
ground. Amongst the few glitches was that
of a Jaguar veering off the runway at Bhuj
owing to unfavourable weather conditions
and six of the eight Tejas LCAs developing
some snags, but quickly fixed by HAL
engineers.
During the Exercise, Defence Minister
IAF Hercules airdropped Special Forces in critical sectors Nirmala Sitharaman visited Chabua airbase
in Assam and Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh
of an air defence umbrella to facilitate Tactical Battle Areas in various sectors and and expressed satisfaction with the manner
operation of ground forces and Counter some Army exercises were dovetailed with in which the Exercise was conducted.
Surface Force Operations in support of air operations for simulation of realistic What stood out was the demonstration
the Army in various sectors. During both battlefield environment. Warships were by the IAF through deep sea missions that
phases, Maritime Operations involving deployed, both in the Arabian Sea and the military bases alongside Indian maritime
long range maritime strikes with Maritime Bay of Bengal, for simulating anti-shipping boundary are within its striking range of
Reconnaissance provided by Indian Navy strikes by IAF aircraft operating from bases the IAF. Su-30MKI aircraft took off from
aircraft also took place. The integration on the east and west coast, as well as from bases in Southern India including Tanjavur
of Tejas LCAs and Akash SAMs in the the island territories. and Sulur with Brahmos supersonic cruise
operational matrix of the IAF was checked “The Exercise emphatically missiles, having a range of 300 km and
out. In addition, capabilities of upgraded demonstrated the IAF’s proven command carried out simulated strikes in the Malacca
Mirage 2000s and MiG-29s were tested over operationalisation of its assets yielding straits, Nine Degree Channel and other
in an operational environment. Various airpower in defence of the century.” The sensitive areas.
types of aerial weapons, including standoff Su-30MKIs, with a combat radius of 1500 An impressive aspect of the Exercise
and precision weapons, were employed to km without mid-air refueling operated was the massive deployment of air and
validate their use in air operations. from an eastern coastal airbase to strike a ground crew plus other personnel setting
Combat Support Operations involved multiple targets in the western seaboard an unprecedented record of sorties flown
missions by force enablers like AWACS over distances beyond 2200 km before by the fighter and transport aircraft. The
and mid-air refuellers, Special Operations recovering to a southern base covering a IAF flew some 11000 sorties during the
including a Battalion Group paradrop, total distance of about 4000 km in single Exercise, 9000 by fighters including Su-
Special Operations by IAF’s Garud non-stop missions. 30MKIs, Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, MiG-29s,
Commandos, Combat Search and Rescue The IAF was able to achieve 80% MiG-21s, MiG-27s, Tejas and some Hawk
for effective extraction of downed aircrew serviceability of aircraft while radars and advanced jet trainers.
behind enemy lines, rescue from the sea surface-to-air guided weapons maintained Based on information released by PRO,
and operations from Advanced Landing a serviceability of 97%, which included IAF and MoD sources
Grounds. The transport aircraft undertook
mass casualty evacuation missions both in
Eastern and Western Sectors. Helicopter
missions included Special Heliborne
Operations, casualty evacuation, strike
missions against ‘enemy’ formations and
Inter-Valley troop transfers.
For joint operations, the IAF’s joint
command and control structures alongside
the Indian Army and the Navy, involving
Advance Headquarters of the IAF co-
located with Army Commands, Tactical Air
Centres, Maritime Air Operations Centre
and Maritime Elements of the Air Force
were activated. Army troops and combat ‘Garud’ special forces deploying from Hercules
vehicles were deployed in simulation

30 VAYU
Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal on

Fighting a two-front war

S
everal times in recent years, the chiefs to China to intervene, China chose to Liberation Army (PLA) have been engaged
of staff have publicly emphasised the restrict its support once again to threatening in road and hydel projects in Gilgit-
need for the Indian armed forces to noises. It is noteworthy that during the Baltistan (GB) for over a decade.
prepare to fight a two-front war. Given the Kargil conflict in 1999, Chinese military It is believed that Pakistan has
ever-deepening nuclear warhead-ballistic advisers were reported to have been present outsourced counter-terrorism operations in
missile-military hardware nexus between in Skardu in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir GB against extremists of the East Turkistan
China and Pakistan, now supplemented by (POK). Islamic Movement (ETIM), active in
close economic cooperation, the probability Since the early 1990s, China has been China’s restive Xinjiang, to the PLA. Also,
of a two-front threat is constantly increasing. using Pakistan as a proxy to embroil India Pakistan has handed over its Gwadar port
The history of military collusion between in perpetual conflict. It provided nuclear on the Makran Coast to China. It is possible
China and Pakistan goes back over 50 years. warhead designs to Pakistan and reportedly that as part of China’s ‘string of pearls’
During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, some fissile material as well. China helped strategy, the port will be turned into a
though Pakistani president General Ayub Pakistan to test its prototype warhead at its Chinese naval base.
Khan had asked China for military aid, Lop Nur range and gave it M-9 and M-11 It was in the light of these developments
China limited its support to making some nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles that former army chief General Deepak
threatening military manoeuvres in Tibet. (SRBMs). Kapoor had said during the Army Training
The aim was to keep Indian military reserves China also facilitated the transfer of Command doctrine seminar in December
tied down so that additional divisions could Nodong and Taepo Dong ballistic missiles 2009 that the Indian Army must prepare for
not be moved from the eastern theatre to from North Korea to Pakistan. American a two-front war. Several armed forces chiefs
the western front. journalist Selig Harrison wrote in The New have repeated this formulation since and
Similarly in the 1971 India-Pakistan York Times that close to 10,000 Chinese it has become the sine qua non for India’s
war, despite Henry Kissinger’s entreaties engineers and personnel of the People’s defence preparedness.

III/2018 31
 In fact, some former chiefs have spoken
on the need to prepare for a two and a
half-front war. The implication is that
the army is already engaged in a ‘half-
front war’ by way of counter-insurgency
operations that drain resources in Jammu
and Kashmir (J&K) and some of the north-
eastern states. Also, during a future war
with either China or Pakistan, given the
unstable internal security environment,
there will be a requirement to keep the
internal lines of communication safe from
interdiction and sabotage. The term ‘half-
front war’ was coined by General Shankar
Roychowdhury, former COAS.
Strategic Partnerships
The conventional wisdom in the policy
community in New Delhi is that if there is a
war between India and Pakistan, China may The IAF Su-30MKI forms backbone of the force (photo: Angad Singh)
not come to Pakistan’s aid militarily unless
Chinese troops are directly under attack,
for example in Gilgit-Baltistan. China will
raise the issue in the UN Security Council,
provide weapons and defence equipment
as well as logistics support and probably
demonstrate some military manoeuvres
in Tibet to prevent India’s dual-tasked
divisions from being moved to the western
sector, as it has done in the past.
However, if there is a war between India
and China, Pakistan is unlikely to hold
back. It is certain to take advantage of the
situation in various ways. Pakistan will step
up the infiltration of trained terrorists to
play havoc with the lines of communication
of the Indian armed forces and may, under
certain circumstances, open another front
against India. If Pakistan does launch
offensive operations in support of China,
these will probably begin in J&K, but may Dassault’s Rafale will be a strategic asset (photo: Angad Singh)
not necessarily remain limited to J&K.
Can India fight both China and Pakistan to preserve its strategic autonomy. Ideally, interests of both countries are threatened
simultaneously? The armed forces will be India’s key strategic partnerships should simultaneously. This will ensure that a
stretched to the limit but, given adequate be of sufficient significance to ensure that situation similar to 1971 obtains in future
resources, they could fight a holding India is never required to fight a two-front and India’s military adversaries are deterred
action successfully, though with large-scale war. Though it was not a military alliance, from ganging up against India.
casualties. However, with the present force the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Simultaneously, India should upgrade
levels and combat capabilities, they cannot Cooperation, which India had signed with its present military strategy of dissuasion
fight and win. That implies that they cannot the erstwhile Soviet Union before the 1971 against China to deterrence, which will
hope to terminate the conflict on India’s war, had ensured that China refrained from come from the capacity to take the war into
terms and impose the nation’s will upon aiding Pakistan militarily during the war. the adversary’s territory, the ability to cause
the adversaries. As such, the political and The Indo-US strategic partnership has unacceptable damage and the wherewithal
military aims and objectives will have to been described as India’s ‘principal’ strategic to dominate the sea-lanes of the Indian
be kept low. partnership. Its defence cooperation Ocean.
Should India enter into a military element must be taken to the next higher Gurmeet Kanwal
alliance with friendly powers? Military trajectory - joint threat assessment, joint (The writer is Distinguished Fellow,
alliances are passe as these are generally contingency planning and the conduct of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses,
too restrictive and it is necessary for India joint operations when the vital national New Delhi)

32 VAYU
 Air Marshal M. Matheswaran on the new RFI

Victim of politics or serious intent ? Saab Gripen

T
he Indian Air Force issued a fully evaluated MMRCA project, scrapped Effectively, the RFI signals a repeat of the
RFI (Request for Information) in 2015. Much of all the information is MMRCA process for the same multi-role
on 6 April 2018 to global OEMs already available with the IAF, thanks to aircraft, technologies and production intent.
of fighter aircraft, and in the process the earlier evaluation. Nevertheless, the RFI The players are the same, similar processes
abandoning the RFI for single-engine signals an intent, and allows the OEMs to and methodologies, and so, what is different
fighters floated two years earlier. The current furnish certain technical and policy related now? Going by GOI’s track record on major
RFI of 73 pages is a detailed document, information that would be very useful in acquisitions, this would well be another
which has derived much from the earlier formulating a very practical and viable RFP. 5-year cycle, which means if everything goes
well and efficiently, the first aircraft may be
with the IAF not before 8 years, that is not
before 2026! Why couldn’t the government
fast-track the process through a sensible G to
G agreement? Quite obviously, affordability
is an issue but MMRCA has also become a
victim of the politics of the day.
There are some significant differences
that come into play in this repeat MMRCA
process. In the previous evaluation, there
were one or two aircraft that may have been
considered as still under development, for
example the Gripen-NG and the MiG-35.
In the current scenario all competitors
will have fully developed and matured
platforms, particularly the Gripen E and
the MiG-35. New upgraded avionics and
sensors may be in operation. In the last
evaluation, AESA radar, which was a critical
requirement, was mostly part of subjective
evaluation as except for the Americans,
none had operationalised AESA radar. In
the current scenario, all the contenders will
Lockheed Martin F-16
field operational AESA radars. Technology
requirements asked for in the current RFI

III/2018 33
 Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet

are virtually a repeat

of what was asked for in
the earlier RFP, but it is now
supported by DPP 2016 with better clarity
in policies with respect to categorisation,
TOT requirements, and indigenous content
strategies. More importantly, while the
previous RFP dealt with HAL as the
sole production agency and technology
partner, the RFI indicates the options for take decades
Indian private sector as the production to imbibe the hi-
agency. This could be a double-edged tech manufacturing and
sword. Unless Indian private sector with innovation culture, provided
strong foundation in manufacturing and its apex leadership moves away
technology innovation are involved, they from trading culture to technocrat
could end up as glorified licence-production culture. It is therefore, imperative that the
agents of foreign OEMs. We can see various government creates a strategic mechanism
OEMs and Indian private sectors adopting a to closely monitor and steer the Indian
hedging strategy by announcing MOUs for private sector towards achieving strategic
partnership. With the recent announcement objectives of technology acquisition and
of Boeing, the alignments are clear: Boeing development, much like the French DGA.
with HAL and Mahindra, Lockheed Martin DPP 2016 has brought in major Enhanced
with Tata (TASL), Dassault with Reliance changes which will impact on how the Performance
Defence, and Saab with Adani. Eurofighter evaluation is now reinterpreted. As opposed Parameters (where each O E M c a n
to the earlier simple set of ‘mandatory highlight additional or extra technology
SQRs’, DPP 2016 permits SQR to be listed strengths, which could give them additional
in three sets: Essential Parameters A (which evaluation credits). This could make the
will be tested fully in evaluation), evaluation more comprehensive, as well as
Essential Parameters B (which complex and tricky.
need to be validated in a Why is it that India’s major acquisitions
and the Mikoyan certain timeframe), and are always delayed repeatedly causing
have not announced
anything yet but it is most
likely that they would prefer HAL
as their partner. In all these groupings,
other than HAL there is really no private
sector with any significant aerospace and
fighter aircraft manufacturing experience.
While Tatas and Mahindras have the
manufacturing culture and foundation, the
other two, Reliance and Adani are primarily
trading and infrastructure companies.
Given the complexity of fighter aircraft
technologies, these private sectors will Eurofighter Typhoon

34 VAYU
 Russia’s MiG-35

grievous damage to the country in terms of If defence ministers are not technocrats a decision would be made by the CCS,
adverse impact on force structures, higher and lack the depth in understanding irrespective of whoever is the L1. The
costs, opportunities lost, and missing the military operational and strategic issues, it implication of this is that governments
technology bus ? The IAF’s AJT selection compounds the problem. should get involved, and CCS should
was completed first in 1985 but it took 20 The original MMRCA RFP was a path- make the final decision as to who should
years more to sign the contract. The air-to- breaking one and could have benefitted the be negotiated with. Quite obviously, this
air refuelling tanker proposal continues to country immensely if it had been followed was too complex for officials involved, and
go around in circles for more than 10 years. in earnest. While forwarding the draft RFP was ignored with conveniently different
LUH for the Army and Air Force went for MOD approval (which took two more interpretation. Para 59 is repeated verbatim
through three repetitions over the last 12 years), a most important issue was flagged as para 73 in DPP 2006, and a watered
years, and there are many more cases. – that the final decision on this selection down version as para 105 in DPP 2016.
The problem lies in the absence of right should be in consonance with para 59 of It is very evident that the government
coupling of defence industrial strategy and DPP 2005. This said that in major high has already moved into 2019 election
military modernisation. It becomes worse value acquisitions, considerations should mode. If the RFP process and the trial
when political leaderships do not have the come into play in terms of strategic, evaluation are not completed before it,
expertise or the time for defence issues, technological, political, and economic which looks very unlikely, the second round
which allows the generalist bureaucratic benefits that would accrue to India from of MMRCA may go on much longer than
system to play the decision making game. the competing vendor’s country, and such anticipated.

Dassault will be delivering 36 Rafales to the IAF

III/2018 35
Dr Manoj Joshi on

Transformation and Jointness :

The Chinese Way*
T
ransformation and jointness are two well as the mind set among military officers made in peacetime—the steady evolution
concepts that need examination, who facilitate it, has progressed unevenly in joint doctrine and exercises, for one
the first obviously being a since the passage of the Goldwater Nichols example. But it is also the case that jointness
more expansive concept incorporating Act of 1986. has failed to evolve in other areas in which it
concepts, doctrines, equipment and America now fights wars almost solely was anticipated and intended by the framers
organisation. Rightly understood, military under joint commands. Most recently and of the Goldwater-Nichols Act. There are still
transformation is less about emerging vividly, this was seen in the integration of only few standing joint forces ready for joint
technologies, hardware and software, and combat effects in Afghanistan and Iraq. In deployment and employment and, rather,
far more about the mindset of military and addition, there were operations in the so-called forces are, by and large, still assembled only
civilian professionals dealing with defence. global war on terrorism. What these operations at the time of deployment. Further, there
The term ‘jointness’, means different revealed that from the top to the tactical level, has been only glacial movement toward
things to different people; in the US there was a great deal of interoperability. I such joint force.
Dictionary of Military and Associated recall an example of an article I read which The Goldwater Nichols perspective was
Terms, ‘joint’ is as in any activity, operation said that a captain seeking a strike against a to leverage the capabilities of individual
or organisation in which elements of two particular target could expect his needs to be services to meet the requirements of the joint
military departments participate. In this met through an air force jet flying overhead, force. While the challenge now is to move
analysis the term is used to mean the effective an Army ATACMS missile or a cruise missile towards a joint interdependency where, as
integration of the combat capabilities of the fired by a Navy ship or submarine. the Chinese see it, 1+1+1+1 will be greater
three services. In the United States, the There also have been less pronounced than 4, or in other words, service capabilities
evolution of this ‘effective integration’, as but consistent successes toward jointness are magnified through integration.

36 VAYU
Integrated Joint Operations (IJO) The Goldwater Nichols Defence components of jointness. Finally, after
Combined arms operations have been Reorganisation Act of 1986 focused a many stumbles, China is moving towards
taking place since WW II where the great deal of attention on joint officer a military transformation based on the
services broadly tended to fight their management policies so as to focus on PLA analysis of IT- driven revolution in
battles separately. Of course the value of the quality and capabilities of officers military affairs. This has arisen because of
‘coordinated joint operations’ was well serving on joint staffs and joint military the awareness that the many traditional
understood and most of our military operations. There is however a debate as strategic and operational concepts and
exercises have sought to practice these. to the extent to which jointness can be practices must be revised as potential threats
The shift now is towards ‘integrated joint spread. In an influential article in 2003, and economic imperatives that China
operations’. In the former, services conduct Don Snider argued that there was need confronts have changed. An important
operations towards the same operational for further legislation to create a new joint aspect of this was contained in the China
goals but with limited interactions at the warfare profession, a new joint doctrine Military Strategy document of 2015 which
lower echelons. But IJO is what countries and education command and a new joint declared that “China is a major maritime as
like the US, and now China, believe is vital personnel command. While Michael A well as a land country.”
for winning wars. IJO is all about highly Coss argued that the US already had a joint The other imperative has been the
integrated and networked operations and profession and the processes to develop and growth of technology : new missile, naval,
joint force groupings down to the tactical manage the body of joint knowledge, in his air, as well as cyber and electronic warfare
levels. view, the process of diffusion of jointness capabilities which demand integrated
Fielding an integrated C4ISR has to be done with the view that future command and control. The reforms
architecture is the key to IJO. This is not a conflicts required decentralised operations undertaken by Xi Jinping are aimed
simple step as it requires effective integration where interdependent joint capabilities at accelerating the long-term military
of systems and training of operators, as and associated forces would hold the key modernisation programmes that had been
well as commanders at the campaign and to victory. slowed down by inertia and widespread
tactical levels. In essence, there has to be an corruption.
The application of IT to weapons understanding that service identities must This has involved new multi-service
and equipment–what the Chinese call remain strong because they are the core joint headquarter organisations at the
informationisation–requires a change in all of the expertise, which is required in ever national (strategic) level and the theatre
aspects of the military : strategy, operations, greater measure in the modern battlefield (operational) level. The former is the new
tactics, organisation, equipment, force but their perspective needs to be joint to not Central Military Commission which has
structure, training and exercises. only meet the new warfighting challenges folded the erstwhile General Departments
The US and China believe that IJO are but to magnify the capabilities. into fifteen departments, institutions
a more advanced form of Joint Operations and commissions (three commissions on
where modular organisations can provide the What is happening in China discipline inspection, politics and Law,
ideal force mix from existing organisational The first Gulf war triggered the interest of S&T; five institutions on strategic planning,
divisions which can be integrated through the PLA on the RMA based on precision reform and organisational structure,
joint command and a communications strike and IJO capability, beginning as international military cooperation,
systems architecture. an experiment and to exercise individual audit, agency for office administration;
seven departments including general
office, joint staff, political work, logistics
support, equipment development, national
defence mobilisation and training and
administration).
This new ‘flatter’ command structure
of the CMC provides greater political
oversight over PLA affairs. These new
headquarters will seek to build an Integrated
Joint Operations (IJO) system and enhance
the PLA’s ability, in the words of Xi Jinping,
“to fight and win” an ‘informationised’ war.
The Theatre Commands which will,
through the Joint Operations Command
Centre, be directly commanded by Xi
Jinping, are now responsible for the
planning of joint operations in a particular
zone, and have the responsibility for the
joint training of the forces, keeping in mind
the potential joint missions they could be
New Flat Command Structure from PLA System of Systems Operations : Enabling Joint Operations
(as per analyst Kevin McCauley)
entrusted with.

III/2018 37
 and tactics and logistics, and command
structures, all of which are being addressed
in the current reform.
According to analyst Kevin McCauley,
what the PLA is seeking to do is to
successfully implement, what he says, is a
system of systems operational capability which
would synergise the combat effectiveness of
the various component systems : weapons,
equipment, units beyond their individual
capabilities. In other words, this system of
system operational capabilities based on
information systems is viewed as the key
enabler for IJOs.
The PLA is developing a theoretical
basis for a new joint operations doctrine :
integrated joint operations which is aimed
at enhancing its capabilities to execute
PLAAF J-11 fighters on 'Quick Reaction Alert' at a Tibetan air base. There are reports that the
contingency operations in potential crises.
Chinese have recently carried out air exercises over the Tibetan Plateau 'in order to confront any Developing this capability is slowly but
threat from India" (see separate news item) surely moving the PLA away from the
Army-dominated system.
Each of the four service HQ—the new and improving joint training, doctrines, In essence, the development of such
Army HQ, that of the Air Force, Navy and tactics, logistics and standardisation and ‘system of systems’ operations and IJO
the PLA Rocket Force—will supervise their working out procedures in establishing are vital for the PLA’s transformation.
force development and training. joint command procedures to support the System of system operations are essentially
The reforms which have actually led weapon and equipment modernisation. system war fighting capability based on
to a reduction of the PLA strength by This cycle is expected to continue till 2020. information systems. Success here requires
300,000, also stresses the enhancement of The three-stage phase actually involves the development of an integrated C4ISR
the professional military education, joint a long and complex process that would system linking the services in a joint
training, of NCOs and so on. The current go on till the middle of the 21st century. operations command system down to the
reforms are aimed at operationalising The PLA’s joint operations research and tactical level, realistic training, battle labs
a joint operations doctrine through a experimentation has revealed weakness in its and simulation centres for experimentation
joint command system. This involves military training institutes, joint proficiency and innovation in joint operations and
enhancement of joint officer development of its officer cadre, joint training, doctrine tactics, better military academic institutions,

The KJ-200 AEW&C aircraft incorporates an AESA radar system, mounted on a top fuselage beam. The aircraft is based on the Y-8 transport aircraft,
itself based on the An-12 but with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150B turboprops

38 VAYU
 The Chinese SH-5 amphibious maritime patrol
aircraft has been developed by the Harbin
Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC)
for maritime warfare, SAR and transportation
of key stores to ships at sea

optimisation of the force structure and the Indian perspectives take on the Soviets in Europe, in India the
creation of new type of operational forces. In India the three services have their distinct coordination came sans any doctrine since
The PLA has been experimenting since cultures which go back a long time and all there was no institutional or legislative
2009 with ‘Jointness’ in the erstwhile Jinan of them have tended to fight their fight imperative to change. We have, of course,
Military region which covers the north separately. Not for nothing did the Army seen a joint doctrine emerge in 2016, but
eastern part of the country and includes the term its campaign in Kargil as Operation this appears to be severely flawed.
Shandong peninsula. They have validated Vijay and the Air Force this as Operation Not that there have been no efforts :
various ideas and concepts for implanting Safed Sagar. But as the Karachi operations various commissions have including the
the IJO system. An important element of revealed in 1971, the battle space could Arun Singh Committee which was set up in
this is to train a new generation of joint get crowded with overlapping operations. the specific context of the financial crisis of
operations commanders and staff officers Subsequently, this challenge has only 1990-91. The idea of the Committee which
and evolve mechanisms to select, train grown and the Army and the Air Force, for was called the ‘Committee on Defence
and appoint joint operation commanders. example, learnt to coordinate their air and Expenditure’, was to propose ways of
Simultaneously, the PLA educational ground attacks so that there was no overlap. managing India’s security challenges within
systems and universities need to adapt their Various exercises have also revealed that the budgets available. In line with this, Arun
curriculum and student composition to both services saw jointness as a means to an Singh proposed major changes, including
prepare officers for the joint assignments. effective end. Where the US developed an the appointment of a Chief of Defence
By 2020, one will get a clearer idea entire doctrine, the Air Land Doctrine to Staff and the move towards joint theatre
of whether the PLA moves have been
successful and the one indicator of this is the
proportion of non-Army senior officers who
get the new billets in the Theatre commands.
Already the Southern Theatre Command
has a naval commander, Vice Admiral Yuan
Yubai and we may soon see an Air Force
officer heading the Eastern Theatre which is
oriented towards Taiwan and Japan.
The shift of the PLA from being a
continental army to an integrated joint
force capable of operations within and
without China’s borders could take at least
a generation. The senior military leadership
understands the challenges, even though
there is some unease among the younger
officers as they confront a career which
could be quite different from the one they
envisaged. Indian Navy MiG-29Ks on board the INS Vikramaditya during exercises at sea

III/2018 39
 Indian Naval landing craft disgorging troops and
armoured fighting vehicles during amphibious
exercises in the Andamans

commands. However, this report never saw logistics, training and administrative areas.
light of the day, leave alone move towards He would be responsible for the preparation
any kind of implementation. of the annual Defence Operations Status
The Group of Ministers proposals for Report and the idea of joint logistics.
reform in 2001 was led by the top-most Further, among the tasks of the CDS
ministers of the Union Cabinet, indeed, they would be to begin experimentation for
were all members of the CCS. However, they implementing the Theatre Command idea.
were assisted by specialist task forces and the
one on military issues was headed by Arun Experience of the A&N Command
Singh. This, too, proposed the creation of The Andaman & Nicobar Command
a CDS as a starting point of a process of has certainly offered an opportunity to
creating joint war fighting capabilities. experiment, especially on issues like joint
The Naresh Chandra Committee was an logistics, joint campaign formations, joint Challenges towards creating an
expert committee which also recommended tactical formations, refining joint command Integrated Joint Operations capability are
a CDS-like appointment : a Permanent and coordination procedures and fielding an of course manifest and require :
Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee: integrated command system. Yet, the first
He would be selected from the three chiefs such exercise took place only recently ! The  Integrating operational theories of the
and have chief of staff from another service; ANC has suffered neglect, again because different services.
He would coordinate and prioritise the 15 of turf wars, lack of resources and general  Standardising the joint operations
year LTIPP, the 5-year Plan and the Annual bureaucratic apathy and the fact that it does orders and procedures which will
acquisition plan of the three Services; He not have an “owner”. However, there now also take into account the level of
would administer the tri-service institutions; seems to be a shift underway. independence of the component services
He would command the A&N Command, Implementation of an advanced
Special Operations forces and those forces integrated joint operations doctrine is  The establishment of a joint command
for out-of-area contingencies (expeditionary the key to our ability to employ modern structure with clearly defined authority.
forces); He would have administrative weapons and equipment, form and employ  Creating an integrated C4ISR
control over the SFC, and be an invitee to expeditionary forces at the campaign and architecture going down to the tactical
the NSC and CCS meetings; He would plan tactical level to generate increased combat level.
joint service exercises to lay the foundations effectiveness to fight and win wars in South
Asia and the IOR. Above all, there is the need to integrate
for operational, logistics and command knowledge by having trained personnel at
control of future operational contingencies. The deployment of integrated
command, control, communications, all levels of joint command and operations
Such exercises would serve as proving with extensive knowledge of the operations
ground for the Integrated or Theatre computer, intelligence and surveillance and
reconnaissance C4ISR will be foundation and capabilities of all services at all times.

*
Command concept, and he would also push
the integration of common functions now of the integrated joint operations capability Extracted from lecture given at
performed by individual services such as (IJO). the College of Air Warfare (CAW)

40 VAYU
 Lt Gen Kamal Davar articulates on the need for

Military Diplomacy

A Vital Tool for Furthering National Interests

A
nation’s strength to thwart diverse military diplomacy to further its interests to be, inexplicably, ambivalent about the
threats to its interests and adequately all around the globe. Its theatre commands utilisation of military diplomacy in the
address the varied transformational are staffed and chartered to pursue US furtherance of its interests. That absence of
geo-political challenges in today’s highly objectives all across the world. The US a strategic culture in India and thus it not
troubled world rests primarily on its has consciously implemented what one being strongly inter-woven in the Indian
Comprehensive National Power (CNP). of its renowned and popular presidents, way of life, perhaps, is the answer to India
The various parameters which contribute John F Kennedy, once wisely expressed, not giving adequate priority to its military.
to CNP should be robust, sustainable and “Diplomacy and defence are not substitutes Military diplomacy is not an exclusive
ever improving. Some of the constituents for one another, either alone would fail.” instrument, but supplements a nation’s
of CNP are a nation’s economic power, As currently the sole superpower in the foreign and security policies objectives…
military capabilities, industrial and world, however, with an assertive China
technological prowess, infrastructural making frantic efforts to catch up, the US Military Diplomacy: An Overview
architecture, its population and the resultant rightly believes that, even in a democratic There is no official definition or standard
demographic dividends, educational and dispensation, a nation’s effective power is interpretation of military or defence
medical reach, societal harmony within synonymous with the power of its military diplomacy. Both the words, military
and, more importantly, the respect its – to be pragmatically employed both in its and defence, though being different,
diplomacy enjoys in the comity of nations. hard and soft connotations. are customarily interchangeable in their
The CNP gets enhanced from a judicious But is India, a regional power currently usage. On the face of it, the term (Military
amalgam of hard and soft power leading and aspiring to be a global power, conscious Diplomacy) appears to be an oxymoron! As
to augmentation in its smart power. of the fact that it underplays and under- the military normally achieves the nation’s
Diplomacy to further a nation’s goals is, utilises the beneficial impact of its military objectives with hard power by employment
unquestionably, a critical dynamic and, in various hues and roles? In keeping with its of force, on the other hand, diplomacy
if supplemented with defence/military rising status, is India according the necessary endeavours to accomplish the nation’s goals
diplomacy, will prove vastly beneficial for impetus to another eminently useful by soft power, be it dialogue, persuasion,
a nation. ingredient of its CNP, namely, military cooperation, treaties and alliances, aid
The world’s leading power, the United diplomacy within the overall gambit of which may include both economic and
States, like many other Western nations, overall diplomacy? The answer would be, military and other humanitarian assistance.
since decades has effectively employed woefully, in the negative ! India appears Somewhere, coercion is also an aspect

III/2018 41
 enhance inter-operability, visit by ships its March 2013 issue in its lead article on
and aircraft to each other’s bases, bilateral ‘India as a Great Power’ had pithily opined
meetings, staff dialogue, intelligence sharing, that, “The Indian Armed Forces have grown
high level engagements between senior exponentially since independence, but no
military hierarchies, anti-piracy missions, civilian leader has the faintest idea of how to
communications assistance, humanitarian use India’s growing military clout !”
and disaster-relief operations, sharing Military diplomacy endeavours to fill the
of logistical support and various other gaps, as required, to make its parent nation
mutual confidence-building measures. The responsive to the challenges and complexities
positioning of Defence and Military Attachés of disruptive, rapidly-changing, strife-torn
(DAs/MAs) in each other’s country is also geo-political scenarios, albeit in concert with
a significant aspect of military diplomacy. other instruments of the state. It must be
Fly the flag! In this form of interplay among nations, appreciated by all stakeholders that military
conflict waging yields place to conflict diplomacy is not an exclusive instrument, but
prevention attributable to the successful supplements a nation’s foreign and security
of diplomacy – thus the term ‘gunboat exercise of diplomacy, including military policies objectives. In addition, it endeavours
diplomacy’ since many decades being diplomacy, even among recalcitrant nations. to acquire/develop, with technologically
a part of the overall diplomatic lexicon advanced nations, the wherewithal for
when a threat or recourse to hard power Goals of Military Diplomacy state-of-the art weaponry, equipment and
is sought to be conveyed. Nevertheless, One of the ills that has plagued India’s systems. In addition, knowledge of modern
pragmatism dictates that a nation must higher defence management and its overall concepts and techniques of combating newer
not compartmentalise its diplomatic security preparedness, is the civil-military traditional and non-traditional threats, each
or military endeavours in achieving its disconnect…To put it in simple and clear- other’s Standard Operating Procedures to
strategic objectives. As the famed Prussian cut terms, military/defence diplomacy ensure inter-operability can be shared for
strategist Karl von Clausewitz had astutely aims to achieve both national security and mutual benefits. Cooperation in meeting
opined, military force was “a true political a nation’s foreign policy objectives. The disasters – both natural and man-made –
instrument, a continuation of political renowned author, Dr Marc Faber in his countering terrorist challenges, pandemic
intercourse, carried on with other means.” best seller, ‘Gloom, Boom and Doom’, has threats, anti-piracy operations and synergy
Overall, military diplomacy is the succinctly observed that, “India continues in various humanitarian activities between
non-violent and peaceful utilisation of to be ambivalent about power. It has failed nations is also an important objective of
varied and wide-ranging military resources to develop a strategic agenda commensurate military diplomacy.
in establishing positive and cooperative with its growing economic and military
relations with other foreign nations, both capabilities. Throughout history, India has Evolution of India’s Military
bilateral and multi-lateral. This form of failed to master the creation, deployment Diplomacy
diplomacy covers activities like defence and uses of its military instruments in India at its independence in 1947 was
cooperation across a wide spectrum, mutual support of its national objectives.” The categorised as a ‘third-world nation’. Owing
security pacts, training and exercises to London-based, widely-read Economist, in to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s

IAF transport aircraft in aid to civil power

42 VAYU
 Indian Army troops on a UN peace keeping mission in the Lebanon

global vision and idealistic dreams of a diplomacy a chance. Since the inception of Egypt, Nepal, Bhutan, Iraq (where the
peaceful world, diplomacy was given its due UN peace-keeping missions, India has been author has also served) and Afghanistan,
significance. However, military diplomacy in the largest contributor participating in over among others, have eagerly sought Indian
its true sense was overlooked. Former Chief 45 peace-keeping assignments in Korea, military assistance in training personnel
of the Army Staff, General Ved Malik, in his Congo, Egypt, Haiti, Lebanon, Rwanda and of their armed forces. This is another
book entitled ‘India’s Military Conflicts and recently in strife-torn South Sudan. Indian significant extension of military diplomacy
Diplomacy’, candidly expresses that “India police forces including a women’s contingent contributing to national objectives and
started poorly in making use of military have also commenced participation in these image-building.
diplomacy as a national security and foreign UN missions. Currently, India is the third
policy tool.” He further opines that, “There largest contributor to the UN in peace- Current Status of Military
were several reasons for this, the foremost keeping missions. But it is also a fact that Diplomacy
being a steep erosion of every aspect of bureaucratic and diplomatic powers in India India’s military diplomacy is, overall,
India’s military’s capability; civil-military have steadily ensured that Indian military still to touch the desired levels in its
relations, leadership and morale. Nehruvian diplomacy never attained its full potential. endeavours and impact. However, since
India was distrustful of the armed forces and Notwithstanding discouragement from the last decade or so, a few qualitative
kept them out of the Ministry of Defence the powers-that-be in India, the Indian changes for the better have certainly taken
and important decision making. The Armed Forces has made some modest efforts place. Currently, 120 officers from the
prevalent practice of ‘bureaucratic control’ in fostering military diplomacy. Since 1950, three services belonging to 73 nations
instead of ‘political control’ in South Block India’s prestigious Defence Services Staff from across the globe, are represented in
ensured that policy-making was crafted by College in Wellington, Tamil Nadu and in their embassies/high commissions in New
bureaucrats and strategy by diplomats. Both later years, the National Defence College, Delhi. Meanwhile India has over 70 officers,
lacked military expertise or perspective.” New Delhi, have hosted (some on the basis posted as Defence/Military/Air Force/Naval
In keeping with Nehru’s world view, of diplomatic reciprocity) officer students attachés in 44 nations with their numbers
however, India, right from the beginning, from advanced Western nations and later increasing as India spreads its diplomatic
did contribute a fair number of troops for from the Afro-Asian bloc. This step has footprint across the world. As India shuns
various United Nations peace-keeping been a successful ingredient in fostering its traditional reluctance to get militarily
missions. When Prime Minister Nehru India’s military diplomacy contributing to closer to some nations, especially countries
chaired the UN-sponsored Neutral Nations improvement of India’s image in the world. like the US and Israel, military diplomacy
Repatriation Commission in Korea in More importantly, some of the officer- will surely play its part.
1953, India sent a large contingent and students who have attended training courses With the US, the world’s sole super-
a field ambulance under Major General in India, have risen to high positions in their power, India’s diplomatic relations
KS Thimayya (later to be the COAS); this nations, some becoming heads-of-state. including in military cooperation is on the
step and the professional competence of Globally, the Indian Armed Forces upswing. The fillip to Indo-US military
the Indian Army contingent was widely enjoy a sterling professional reputation. Thus relations came about with the formulation
acclaimed by the global community. many friendly foreign nations, especially of the Kickleighter proposals in 1991-1992.
Even with an adversarial nation like from the ‘Third World’ nations such as The conduct of army and naval exercises
Pakistan, India ought to give military Botswana, Nigeria, Angola, Malaysia, such as Malabar has become a regular

III/2018 43
feature leading to unprecedented military can be fruitfully tapped along with their national security. This malaise needs to be
cooperation between the two nations. participation in India’s lagging ‘Make in speedily addressed by the government. As
In June 2005, India and the US signed India’ programmes. India, deservingly, seeks its rightful place at
a new agreement for strengthening their India’s pioneering ‘Look East’ policy the global high table, it has to ensure that
relationship over the next ten years. This initiated by Prime Minister Narsimha Rao all the constituents of CNP are coordinated
was again renewed for another ten years in the mid-nineties and now ambitiously adequately and synergistically addressed by
in 2015. captioned by Prime Minister Modi as ‘Act the various organs of the government. The
The US is now the third largest weapons East’ cannot be a success without giving Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry
exporter to India and many earlier military it a military dimension. It is a matter of of Defence (MOD), National Security
troublesome issues pertaining to Transfer satisfaction that since 1995, the Indian Council and where applicable, the Ministry
of Technology, intellectual property rights Navy has been vigorously reaching out to of Home affairs have to jointly conceive and
and inspections are being resolved, thanks all the Indian Ocean littoral nations. The implement the security roadmap. India’s
to military diplomacy at work. The three Indian Navy has been conducting multi- diplomacy will get energised and rise to
services of both the nations are regularly national cooperation exercises codenamed greater heights if appropriately supported
now exercising with each other including in Milan in its outreach to nations in the Bay of by military diplomacy.
the globe’s latest theatre of the ‘great game’, Bengal. In February 2016, the International Within the armed forces, the Integrated
namely the Indo-Pacific region. Defence Fleet Review, conducted by the Indian Navy Defence Staff has been making some
trade is gradually assuming a significant area at Vishakapatnam that was attended by 99 efforts to rejuvenate the nation’s military
of India-US strategic convergence and India warships from 50 nations was a spectacular diplomacy. The Defence Intelligence
could well become a recipient of high-grade showcasing of India’s military diplomacy at Agency (DIA) is the appropriate institution
US military capabilities. work (see lead image). to provide the much required fillip to the
The much heralded ‘Make in India’ Although India seeks harmonious nation’s efforts towards military diplomacy.
initiative can do extremely well with US relations with the other global power in the The DIA, on behalf of the MOD and the
military cooperation. The Quadrilateral making – China– the latter’s propensity for three services, can foster defence diplomacy,
Initiative comprising the US, India, Japan assertive and aggressive behaviour along the in close cooperation with the MEA to
and Australia for ensuring maritime stability ill-defined Line of Actual Control between achieve the nation’s diplomatic goals. The
and freedom of navigation for all in the the two nations, its irrational and belligerent Government of India may wish to flag
Indian and Pacific Oceans – to counter a stance in the Indo-Pacific region and the that many nations in the world are ruled
belligerent China – will be a natural outcome launch of its China Pakistan Economic by military/quasi-military governments
of India’s far-reaching military diplomacy Corridor running through the disputed and a large number of heads of state have
goals. Incorporating the ASEAN countries Gilgit-Baltistan and POK areas, are hardly a military background. All these foreign
in this framework will be highly beneficial conducive to improvement in India- luminaries generally respond favourably
for India and all other nations who wish to China relations. However, it is pertinent to the uniformed community and that
thwart China’s continually rising ambitions to note that China accords tremendous is the strength of military diplomacy. In
in these maritime commons. significance to the role of military diplomacy nations like Nepal for instance, why cannot
For decades, Russia (formerly the Soviet in furthering their national objectives. India have a retired senior Army officer, a
Union), has had deeply fraternal relations, President Xi Jinping himself has frequently Gurkhali-speaking High Commissioner
including in the military, with India and spoken about the importance of military from the Indian Army’s Gorkha regiments?
even today, India’s military arsenal is over diplomacy in today’s world. The Chinese The late Lt Gen SK Sinha’s tenure in Nepal,
65 to 70 per cent of Russian origin. As India have strived to ensure synergy between as India’s Envoy, is still fondly recalled
must continue to sustain this time-tested its People’s Liberation Army and the all by many Nepalese. Similarly, in nations
military relationship with Russia, some powerful Chinese Politburo. China has its ruled by the military, some retired and
changes in the geo-political contours of the military attachés in 109 countries and has suitable senior officers of the Indian Armed
South Asian region and India’s deepening established strategic and military linkages Forces will be able to represent the nation
ties with the US, are causing these age-old with nations such as Pakistan, North Korea, better. Even with an adversarial nation
relations to drift. India will have to manage Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Seychelles like Pakistan, India ought to give military
the Indo-Russia association astutely and and the Maldives among others. The diplomacy a chance!
in the area of military trade, avoid putting Chinese Navy frequently makes goodwill As India stands at a defining moment
all its ‘eggs in one basket.’ Russia too visits to many countries in the world to of its history, the Indian government has
can further assist in India’s indigenous showcase its reach and display its emerging to shed some of its antiquated practices in
production programmes. naval technologies and prowess. governance and priorities. The world looks
With Israel, India’s military relations up to India to show the way in many fields
emerging from a never-ever-seen-before Roadmap: Military Diplomacy of human endeavour. India, as it banks on
bonhomie, are unquestionably on the One of the ills that has plagued India’s higher enlightened diplomacy to attain national
ascendant. Thus India must prudently defence management and its overall security objectives, the optimum utilisation of
whip up its military diplomacy to the preparedness, is the civil-military disconnect. military diplomacy by the nation will surely
maximum to ensure attainment of mutually Inexplicably, since independence, the add to India’s image in the comity of nations
beneficial objectives. Israel’s expertise in Indian military has been kept out even and, more importantly, the fulfillment of
certain military high-technology areas in strategising in macro-level matters of national aspirations.

44 VAYU
 Admiral Arun Prakash rues
India’s missed maritime opportunities

The Yulin Naval and Underground Base is shaping up to be the most strategically important military base
in the South China Sea. ( photo: Google Earth/ the diplomat.com)

S
even decades ago, Indian historian- which a ‘non-violent’ India would be an “dream of national rejuvenation”, has seen
diplomat, KM Panikkar presciently exemplar by eschewing the use of force. China’s economic heft and coercive military
observed, “That China intends to China’s realist founders, on the other power take a quantum jump.
embark on a policy of large scale naval hand, had set two basic objectives for the Panikkar’s prophesy came true in
expansion is clear enough... with her bases newborn Communist nation; that China 2000, when China started construction
extending as far south as Hainan, China will would attain ‘great power’ status via the of its southern-most naval base at Yulin,
be in an advantageous position...” nuclear-weapon route; and that it would on Hainan Island. Built at colossal cost,
No one paid attention to Panikkar, brook no rival for leadership of Asia. The Yulin’s tunnel-complexes house China’s
because, just weeks before independence, quarter century that elapsed between Deng submarine nuclear-deterrent, while its
India was busy with the 1947 Asian Xiaoping’ splea to his countrymen to piers will accommodate aircraft-carrier
Relations Conference, where Nehru “hide your capabilities, bide your time and strike-groups. This is a maritime hub
articulated his grand vision of India’s role never take the lead” ‘Chairman-forever’ Xi created for the PLA Navy (PLAN) to
in emerging Asia – an idealistic dream, in Jinping’s authoritative declaration of his exercise sea-control and power-projection,

III/2018 45
across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Whether they herald a renewed impetus from Mauritius, should have been taken
whose waters carry China’s vital trade and to India’s maritime outreach or perhaps up years ago;the Maldives imbroglio,
energy sea-lanes. President Hu Jintao’s the actualisation of PM Modi’s 2015 should have been pre-empted and, must of
‘Malacca dilemma’ encapsulated anxiety ‘Sagar’ vision, depends on whether they are all, our disregard of distant Mozambique
about China’s vulnerability to possible random actions, or part of a coherent Indian and Madagascar, remains a huge maritime
interdiction of its sea borne trade by the maritime grand-strategy. ‘missed opportunity’. The IOR strategic
Indian Navy. China consequently, decided China has been releasing Defence White agenda may be soon taken out of India’s
to become a major player in the Indian Papers every two years, and its 10th White hands, as the Chairmanship of two
Ocean Region (IOR). Deftly playing its Paper, issued in 2015, enunciated; that “It important bodies, the Indian Ocean Rim
economic and diplomatic cards, China has is necessary for China to develop a modern Association (IORA) and the Indian Ocean
established a chain of maritime footholds maritime military force, commensurate with Naval Symposium (IONS) devolves on
in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Pakistan,and its ... maritime rights and interests; and to UAE and Iran respectively.
acquired its first overseas military base in protect the security of strategic sea lanes”. There is no doubt that, today, Mr
Djibouti last year. Accordingly, Beijing has built a powerful Modi strides the world stage like a
The tiny, but strategically located navy that will soon overtake the US Navy colossus, gaining entry for India into select
archipelagic Republic of Maldives has in numbers, lagging only in capability. international clubs and striking strategic
traditionally maintained warm and friendly New Delhi, on the other hand, has shown deals in national interest. However, at
links with India. However, alert diplomats no tangible signs of strategic-thinking or home, the fixation of our political leadership
should have picked up early signs of long-term security planning, as evident from with unending electioneering and political
Maldives slipping out India’s ambit; the a total absence of defence white papers or survival has resulted in egregious neglect in
appearance of radical Islam via Pakistan security doctrines to-date. The navy did spell many spheres, including national security.
and Saudi Arabia, the warming of relations out, in 2004-05, its own vision of India’s If India’s political leadership is to spare
with China and the decline in India’s maritime interests and challenges through mental space for national security issues
stock. President Yameen’s actions, albeit a Maritime Doctrine and a Maritime of existential import, there needs to be
unconstitutional and arbitrary, still remain Strategy. But, in the absence of higher a semblance of harmony in the political
an ‘internal affair’ of the Maldives and strategic guidance in the form of a national- domain. This will not happen as long
China’s thinly-veiled threats enable him to level document, they are of limited utility. as India’s deep internal divisions and
defy India. Thus, while lack of political resolve and instabilities continue to be exploited and
New Delhi has, very sensibly, resisted the diplomatic lassitude have been contributory its polity remains so bitterly divided that
urge to invoke an ‘Indian Monroe Doctrine’ factors, it is the absence of an over-arching Parliament is rendered dysfunctional.
and attempt regime-change in Male through vision which conceptualises the IOR in Let us remember that ‘great power’
military action; its forbearance is bound to a 50-75 year perspective, that have led status is not pre-ordained for India. If we
be rewarded. Alarmist reports about possible to the neglect of maritime issues critical do not get our political and economic acts
PLAN’s ‘gunboat diplomacy’ need to be to India’s vital interests. Examples: the together, India could well remain a large,
viewed against the geographic reality that Chah Bahar port project should have been over-populated and chaotic third-world
a Chinese warship would take 8-10 days to completed long ago,notwithstanding US nation–even if with the world’s 3rd largest
cover the 3500 miles from Yulin to Male. sanctions; the offer of Agalega Islands, GDP.
The flip side of this reality is that Indian
troops were in Male within 16 hours to
save that nation from a coup in 1988, and
it took the IN just 24 hours to come to the
aid of tsunami-hit Maldivians in 2004. The
Maldivian participation in the IN exercise
‘Milan’ is always a token one, and too much
need not be read into their absence this year.
Against this backdrop, India’s recent
agreement with Oman, providing access
for ‘military use and logistical support’ in
the new Port of Duqm, has raised hopes
that India is, belatedly, strengthening its
maritime posture in the Indian Ocean
Region (IOR). There have been other
significant developments too, such as
President Kovind’s visit to Djibouti and
its impending recognition by India; the
conclusion of an Indo-Seychelles agreement
for creation of air and naval facilities on
Assumption Island and the agreement
with UAE for joint naval exercises. India’s vital interests in the IOR cannot be over-emphasised

46 VAYU
 10
18

Thunder amidst the Temples

The DefExpo 2018 at Kancheepuram

T
his time around, the biennial announced a little over two months before
DefExpo Land, Naval & Internal the event. This naturally resulted in frenzied
Homeland Security Systems organisational activity, which true to the
Exhibition was held in the land of a Indian tradition of being “JIT”, was pulled
thousand temples in southern India, off with surprising results, and the obvious
specifically at Arulmigu Nithyakalyana shortcomings accepted with patience.
Perumal Temple, Thiruvidanthai, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited who took
Thiruporur Taluk, Kancheepuram, on on the mantle of organising this DefExpo,
the Coromandel coast of southern India. did a Herculean job !
According to the Defence Ministry, over However, unlike during past DefExpos, Press Conference, alongside RRM Subhas
670 firms, including 154 foreign OEMs, there was no inaugural ceremony but instead Bhamre. They were flanked on the stage
participated in this exhibition, whose on Day One, Defence Minister Nirmala by all senior defence ministry bureaucrats,
dates and location had officially only been Sitharaman held an expectedly well-attended including DRDO’s Dr S Christopher,

III/2018 47
Defence Secretary Sanjay Mittra and Dr Defence Minister also articulated how much by the Defence Minister to her Defence
Ajay Kumar, Secretary Defence Production. she felt “extreme pride” in showcasing these. Secretary, who continually evaded a clear
In her characteristic and cryptic style, the Taking questions from the audience, cut response, simply repeating that “this
Minister fielded questions in English, patiently managed by the DPR Ms was too early.” (Considering that the IAF
Hindi – and frequently in Tamil, which Rajshekhar, Nirmala Sitharaman walked the have been struggling for near two decades
was perhaps understandable considering the diplomatic thin ice in context of indigenous to identify options to augment their fast
locale. Upon being questioned on the choice production versus import of foreign weapon depleting combat strength, this is as much an
of the venue as Kanchipuram in Chennai, systems. “When I am promoting Indian understatement as it gets ! Ed)
Nirmala Sitharaman stated that this was exports and Indian manufacturing, I am Now, Day Two of DefExpo 2018 saw
“a conscious decision. Of the two defence also telling the forces to procure from the official inauguration by Prime Minister
corridors in India recently announced, them. They do too. But I would want to Narendra Modi, who arrived at the show
one is in southern India, being a swath draw a thin line –and I am conscious that amidst thundering applause. There was a
between Chennai and Coimbatore and also it is a thin line – between the government’s posse of ministers from the Ministry of
in Western UP. Historically too, this was enthusiasm on making sure the production Defence, the Tamil Nadu legislature as well
from where the ancient ships of the Cholas capabilities are such that they can meet as the three Chiefs from the Army, Navy and
set sail to Southeast Asia.” with international standards and be export- Air Force, all of whom joined the thousands
Pre-empting some criticism, Mrs worthy; and the other side of the line where present in the make-shift hall when the
Nirmala Sitharaman defended the total the Army or the Navy or the Air Force make invocation Neeraarum Kadaludutha (Tamil
count of participants at DefExpo which must their decision on what they want, what State anthem) was played: which had some
take into account the numerous entities of combination of equipment they want and eyebrows raised.
DRDO and left it at that. The two distinct in that combination, if an Indian-produced The Prime Minister electronically
features of this year’s edition were the “clear item fits in.” launched iDEX (Innovation for Defence
accent” on Indian defence companies vis-à- “I can only go that far and not further, Excellence), the entire event being telecast
vis foreign participants, who were dutifully just as they can go that far and not any live to missions in several foreign countries,
showcasing their products at DefExpo. further without compromising each others’ including Australia, Russia, Germany, Italy,
As many ‘Made in India’ products were interest–and my interest is not different Nigeria Bhutan, Nepal and other places.
receiving support for export, the Minister from theirs, because after all the MoD has The PM thereafter addressed the
hoped that India would soon be emerging to take care of the forces as much as the mammoth crowd in his characteristic
as a major defence-manufacturing hub. defence production aspect,” she admitted. oratorical style and bluntly criticised the
Select DPSUs, including HAL, BEL, and As expected, there were several previous UPA government’s “laziness,
those under the aegis of the DRDO, who questions on the recent RFI issued for incompetence or perhaps some hidden
are engaged in independent R&D, have the procurement of 110 fighters for the Indian motives” for delays in defence procurement.
potential of acquiring “so many patents.” The Air Force but these were smartly deflected Mr Modi re-iterated that “the present
government had initiated a new process to
procure 110 fighter aircraft. We do not want
to spend ten years in discussions without
any tangible outcome…but, we do not want
to take short cuts.”
In another dig at the UPA, the PM
said the “policy paralysis” that had set in
the defence sector was a thing of the past
and “it shall not happen again.” Addressing
concerns of the industry, Modi emphasised:
“Our goal is not merely to tinker but to
transform. We want to move fast, but with
no shortcuts... I am aware we need to do
a lot more, we are committed to do so”,
even as he promised extensive consultation
with all stakeholders—both Indian and
foreign companies. The PM concluded
that “Dreams must be transformed into
thoughts, and thoughts into actions.”
Invitees then trooped out to the nearby
‘Demonstration Area’ on the nearby beach
to witness flypasts by HAL-built aircraft
even as tanks and guns churned up the
sand and warships sailed offshore with
some aplomb.

48 VAYU
Demonstrating defence prowess on the beach!

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with Vice Admiral Dissimilar formation of HAL-built aircraft types, led by Dornier 228 and flanked
Karambir Singh, FOC-in-C Eastern Naval Command by HTT-40 turboprop trainer and Hawk-i advanced jet trainer (see cover).

Curtain raiser: quadrat of HAL Dhruv ALHs of the Sarang

formation display team DRDO-developed Arjun MBT Mk II MBT and other AFVs at the demonstration area

Indian Navy Mk. 42C Seaking hovers along the coast line, even as The Indian Navy sailed several warships along the Coromandel coast as IN
Indian Army field howitzer is prepared for firing helicopters disgorged marine commandos on the beach

III/2018 49
 Into the Halls, where the airconditioning was divine !

Hall 3 housed a large number of exhibitors from Europe and the United States

Seen in Hall 2 is Admiral Sunil Lanba, CNS, launching the 3D Air Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and CEO Rubin Igor Vilnit
Surveillance Radar at the Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited (BEL) stand, next to a model of Amur-class submarine 1650 being offered to India in
along with M V Gowtama, CMD BEL the Project 75I competition

Signing a tripartite MoU: HAL Chairman T Suvarnaraju and Director

Venkatesh along with executives of Motorsich JSC and Ivchenko The Lakshya pilotless target aircraft (PTA) at the ADE section of the
Progress SE, of the Ukraine large DRDO display area in Hall 2

50 VAYU
 The M777 155mm Lightweight Towed Artillery System
was at entrance of the BAE Systems’ display in Hall 1

Several foreign defence delegations were invited

to DefExpo 2018 and were given briefings on
Indian-developed and manufactured systems

Seen with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser guided rocket are Alan
Garwood, Tom Fillingham, John Gay and Nik Khanna of BAE Systems

The thematic scope of the large Rosoboronexport stand included armoured vehicles, missiles and artillery systems, small arms, air defence systems, naval
equipment, military clothing, communication means, engines, environmental control assets, optoelectronic devices, space and satellite technologies,
telecommunication systems, information systems, explosives, maintenance and servicing of defence products

III/2018 51
 IAI focussed on Indian-specific requirements including remotely piloted aerial systems, special mission aircraft, equipped with the Phalcon AWACS,
state-of-the-art radars, air defence systems and military robotics solutions

Aeronautics Group presented its wide range of UAS platforms, which included the
Dominator XR , the Aerostar, and state-of-the-art unmanned mini UASs: the Orbiter family

Nammo’s MD for India Karanjit Singh explaining features of

the M-72 lightweight shoulder-launched weapon system

The Lockheed Martin display in Hall 3 concentrated on its F-16 fighter, contender Gary Hopper, VP Strategic Development of General Atomics at
for the IAF’s new fighter requirement DefExpo 2018

52 VAYU
 The large Boeing stand showcased various aircraft and systems
including models of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and CH-47 Model of Safran’s maritime surveillance version of its
Chinook heavy lift helicopter Patroller UAV displayed at their stand

Next gen version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was on display
in Hall 2 alongside the air-launched version, depicted on the underside of
an IAF Su-30 MKI

Inaugurating the Saab display at DefExpo 2018 were Klas Molin, Sweden’s
Ambassador to India, General John Stjernfalk and Captain Karl Henriksson
along with senior Saab executives. The products and systems displayed
by Saab included the Gripen E, RBS 70 NG VSHORAD; the BAMSE SRSAM;
RBS15 Mk3 surface-to-surface missile; Carl Gustaf M4 and AT4, Electronic
Warfare portfolio with IDAS; SOTAC & MCS camouflage systems; TAURUS
long-range precision attack missiles; GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning
& Control (AEW&C) systems; Giraffe 1X Ground Based Air Defence radars;
super stealth A26 submarines; Visby corvettes and AUV62-MR mine The large HAL stand in Hall 2 included models of the Kanpur-built
countermeasures Dornier 228 LTA and Nasik-built Sukhoi Su-30MKI

III/2018 53
 Dr AK Ghosh, Project Director of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project which Model of the proposed Indian AWACS to be
development has reportedly been accelerated at ADA developed by CABS on an Airbus A330 platform

On outdoor display was an Arjun

main battle tank (MBT) developed
by th e D e fe n ce Res e a rch a n d
Development Organisation (DRDO).
Featuring a 120mm main rifled gun
with indigenously developed armour-
piercing fin-stabilised discarding-sabot
ammunition, the Arjun is powered by
a MTU multi-fuel diesel engine rated
at 1,400 hp. Subsequently, delays and
other problems in its development
from the 1990s to the 2000s, resulted in
the order for T-90S tanks from Russia.
In March 2010, the Arjun was pitted
against the T-90 in comparative trials
and performed well. The Army placed an
The Adani Group had their stand adjoining order for an additional 124 Arjun Mk.I
that of Saab, with a large-scale model of tanks on 17 May 2010 and 124 Arjun
their proposed production facilities Mk.II tanks on 9 August 2010

Alok Shriram Vice Chairman DCM Shriram

Industries Ltd (DSIL) with the prototype of ZEBU
armoured vehicle. DSIL’s foray into defence
manufacturing was marked by the launch of its
Light Bullet Proof Vehicle ZEBU for use by Indian
Defence and Para Military forces, and on public
display for the first time at DefExpo 2018.
As stated, “DSIL’s mission is to design and
manufacture a world-class armoured bullet-proof
vehicle which meets all requirements and various
service conditions that our armed personnel face
and function in, including various types of terrain
and climactic conditions. We believe the ZEBU’s
debut at DefExpo 2018 is the first major step
towards achieving our goal.”

54 VAYU
 VAYU at the Show
A
s at all DefExpos (and Aero India Shows), Vayu was the official media
partner and apart from the ‘Show Special Issue’ reported on, published
and distributed show dailies over the first three days of the exposition.
Vayu’s Stand in Hall 6 was thronged by large numbers of visitors even as their
team were widely distributing the journal and dailies throughout DefExpo 2018.

III/2018 55
 Briefings from the Defexpo
Boeing's focus on India
mission requirements of the P-8I maritime
reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft
and the C-17 Globemaster III strategic
airlifter. Boeing is also working to ensure
that crews are trained and ready to operate
the soon-to-be-delivered AH-64 Apache
and the CH-47 Chinook.
As Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing
India said, “Boeing remains focused on
executing on commitments to customers
on schedule and cost. The Indian Navy
and Indian Air Force can be assured of
achieving exceptional operational capability
and readiness of their P-8I and C-17 fleet.”
IAF’s C-17 Globemaster III
strategic airlifter
The P-8 and C-17 have demonstrated an
excellent record in supporting the missions

“
P
roviding services and support
capabilities in keeping with
modernisation needs of the Indian
Armed Forces” is Boeing’s primary focus
in India and the company is working with
the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy to
provide training and support of Boeing
platforms such as the P-8I, C-17 and Boeing
Business Jets.
In 2017, Boeing announced the
establishment of Boeing Defence India
(BDI), a local operating entity to drive the
company’s future growth objectives in India Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft
“by being responsive to customer needs and
growing indigenous engineers, sourcing,
manufacturing and lifecycle management
capabilities.”
BDI is the local services delivery vehicle
of Boeing Global Services, the new dedicated
services business established in June 2017
and which integrates service capabilities of
its commercial, defence and space sectors
into a single business to provide aerospace
services to customers worldwide, regardless
of platform manufacturer.
Global Services has four capability focus
areas to make platforms more productive
and reduces operating costs, which include
supply chain; engineering, modifications
and maintenance; digital aviation and
analytics; and training and professional
services.
Boeing has been working with the
Indian Navy and Indian Air Force on File photo of the AH-64D Apache helicopter

56 VAYU
they have been deployed for and the forces
have expressed satisfaction about their
operational readiness. Both aircraft were at
the forefront of rescue and humanitarian
aid efforts following natural disasters that
affected Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir and
Odisha states. The C-17 was deployed to
evacuate people and deliver relief supplies.
The P-8I has been used extensively in
maritime reconnaissance missions by
the Indian Navy, including performing
aerial reconnaissance and gathering data
for planning relief efforts during Cyclone
Hudhud.

P-8I: enhancing IN’s Long Range

Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-
Submarine capability
In June last year, Boeing received a three-
year contract to support the Indian Navy’s
P-8I long range maritime surveillance and
The CH-47F Chinook: soon in Indian colours
anti-submarine aircraft fleet “to achieve
enhanced operational capability and “Boeing has a proven performance its C-17s through the C-17 Globemaster
readiness.” The contract came as India’s record of providing training solutions III Integrated Sustainment Programme
P-8I fleet surpassed 11,000 flight hours last for naval customers that enable them to (GISP) contract. “This has resulted in
year, a milestone for which the squadron maximise operational capabilities. The unprecedented levels of mission capable
operating the aircraft received a citation overarching goal for the P-8I Training rates that enable the IAF to use the aircraft
from Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Solution is to allow crews to achieve real- for the missions they want.”
Staff for the Indian Navy. world proficiency without consuming The C-17 have been used for
Since its induction in the Indian Navy, valuable airframe life or impacting aircraft humanitarian missions during Cyclone
Boeing has been supporting the P-8I fleet to mission availability,” stated Howard Berry Hudhud and flood operations in Bihar
ensure high rates of mission readiness. The director, Global Sales and Marketing, and Jammu and Kashmir when the C-17s
Indian Navy has successfully used the P-8I International Government Services for airlifted people from the affected areas
on a number of occasions for SAR missions Global Services. and ensured the delivery of vital aid and
during Cyclone Ockhi, maritime patrol The Indian Navy operates eight P-8I assistance.
missions during the recent Maldives crises long-range maritime reconnaissance and The high mission readiness rates are
and multi-nation exercises such as Malabar. anti-submarine warfare aircraft at INS Rajali. a result of Boeing’s C-17 GISP, virtual
“The support contract continues the service Boeing is also contracted to deliver four fleet arrangement, which ensures mission
Boeing provides under the programme’s additional P-8I aircraft to the Indian Navy readiness by providing all C-17 customers
current initial production contract. This with deliveries to commence in 2020. access to an extensive support network for
contract will substantially bolster Boeing’s worldwide parts availability and economies
performance-based support to the Indian C-17 Globemaster III for strategic of scale. “This makes the C-17 more
Navy and should maintain or increase the airlift missions affordable to own and operate. The C-17
operational capability of the eight aircraft In 2017, the Indian Air Force’s No.81 GISP is a system-level partnership, where
fleet.” Squadron with the C-17 Globemaster III the customer pays for readiness, rather than
In addition to initial P-8I training for fleet achieved over 12,000 flight hours since specific parts or services.”
Indian Navy pilots, mission system operators induction in 2013. As a vital part of the Initial qualification training of Indian
and maintenance technicians, Boeing and Indian Air Force strategic airlift capability, Air Force C-17 crews was conducted by
the Indian Navy are also in discussions for Boeing and Air Force teams work together the US Air Force at Joint Base Charleston
a training solution to support P-8I crews. to ensure the military transport aircraft is in South Carolina. In addition, the C-17
Dedicated support will be provided to always ready to successfully conduct relief Simulator Training Centre, established by
maintain the simulators and courseware, and humanitarian missions domestically Boeing and Mahindra Defence Systems
ensuring maximum availability. “The and internationally. to provide training services to the Indian
indigenous, ground-based training system The Indian Air Force presently operates Air Force, completed over 1700 hours
for the P-8I will allow Indian Navy crews to ten C-17 strategic airlifters that Boeing of training for aircrews and loadmasters
increase proficiency in a shorter time, without delivered in 2013 and 2014. Boeing works that operate the C-17 Globemaster III in
using finite fatigue life or putting the aircraft with the Indian Air Force to provide training, July 2017. The Centre has maintained a
at risk during a training scenario.” sustainment services and modernisation of serviceability state of 100 percent.

III/2018 57
The Swedish Challenge
The Swedish company Saab had various systems on display at DefExpo 2018 and Vayu's Sayan Majumdar
spent much time imbibing information on the RBS 70NG, which is designed to meet the VSHORAD challenge.
His report:

T
he Saab RBS 70NG VSHORAD
(Very Short Range Air Defence)
System, comprising surveillance
radar and firing units, is on offer to the
Indian Army to fill a crucial gap in their
Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD). “The
RBS 70NG system’s automatic tracking
capabilities and ability to detect multiple
targets, both day and night, meets and
exceeds the requirements of the Indian
Armed Forces for a VSHORAD system.”
The RBS 70 in its various evolving versions
is operational with the Swedish armed forces
and has also been exported to 18 countries
worldwide.
The RBS 70 missile can be operated
independently in stand-alone mode or
can be configured with several firing
units (up to nine) linked with truck-
mounted Saab Microwave Systems Giraffe
surveillance radar to form an anti-aircraft
battery protecting an area of 175 square
kilometres. The target data, including
range, bearing and velocity is transmitted
to each designated missile firing post.
The RBS 70 system entered service in
1978 with the 2 km-ranged Mk.1 missile
Saab's RBS 70NG on launch
providing altitude coverage of more than
5 km. Current production model is the propellant sustainer motor by BAE Systems detected by the Giraffe surveillance radar.
fourth-generation all-target BOLIDE (in Land Systems (Royal Ordnance) and When the target is acquired, the operator
RBS 70NG) missile (a further development Imperial Metal Industries. When the tracks the target in tandem Raytheon Cossor
of the Mk 2) with increased speed with operator fires the missile, the booster IFF880 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
manoeuvrability ensured by the new motor is ignited inside the launch tube system. If a friendly target is detected, a
sustainer rocket motor. The system, entering and the missile is accelerated out of the warning light in the sight is illuminated
the digital era, also included non-cooled tube. The control surfaces and the four fins halting the firing sequence. However, in
laser diodes (No Freon), BORC Thermal open into position as the missile leaves the case of a hostile intrusion, the operator (this
Imager, Digital Identification Friend & Foe tube. The sustainer motor ignites after the Vayu observer was fortunate to operate in
(IFF) Interrogator, Target Data Receiver, missile has travelled a safe distance from the simulation multiple times) aims the missile
PC-based Weapon Simulator and external launch position, subsequently jettisoning towards the target, fires and tracks the target,
power supply. the booster. aiming a laser guidance beam continuously at
The RBS 70NG comprises the ‘beam Presently, FLIR Systems close loop the target until the moment of impact. The
rider’ BOLIDE missile in the launch cooled Clip-On Night Device (COND) RBS 70NG sight enhances the capability
container, a tripod firing stand and an operating in the 8-micron to 12-micron of the BOLIDE missile by reducing the
optical sight, operable by one, and portable infrared band (with a 12x 8-degrees field of tracking noise through the implementation
by three soldiers. The system can be view) ensures day and night capability to be of an auto-tracker function. Lowered noise
vehicle-mounted by rapid moving units replaced by BORC, based on Quantum Well will result in even higher maneuverability
and remotely controlled. The missile is Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) thermal and higher kill-probability than in the
equipped with a solid propellant booster imaging technology. A hostile target can be present RBS 70 system against small targets
motor developed by Bofors and a solid located visually by the missile operator or at maximum range.

58 VAYU
Rosoboronexport : good prospects
than 700 enterprises and organisations in
the Russian defence industrial complex and
maintains military technical cooperation
with more than 70 countries around the
world.
Rostec State Corporation is a Russian
corporation that was established in 2007
to facilitate the development, production
and export of high-tech industrial
products designed for civilian and military
applications. The Corporation comprises
over 700 organisations that are currently
part of 11 holding companies operating
in the military-industrial complex and
three holding companies working in
civilian industry, as well as 80 directly
managed organisations. Rostec’s portfolio
includes well-known brands such as
AVTOVAZ, KAMAZ, Kalashnikov
Kamov 226T Concern, Russian Helicopters, VSMPO
AVISMA, Uralvagonzavod, etc. Rostec

A
ccording to the Russian Federal “Rosoboronexport is the only state- companies are located in 60 constituent
Service for Military and Technical owned arms trade company in the Russian entities of the Russian Federation and
Cooperation’s order, JSC Federation authorised to export the full supply products to more than 70 countries.
Rosoboronexport had been appointed range of military and dual-purpose products, In 2016, the consolidated revenue of
organiser for the joint Russian display at technologies and services.” It is a subsidiary Rostec amounted to one trillion, 266
DefExpo India 2018. “Rosoboronexport of the Rostec Corporation. Founded on billion rubles, while the consolidated net
has been a long-standing exhibitor at 4 November 2000, Rosoboronexport is income and EBITDA amounted to 88 and
DefExpo India. Over the years, it has presently one of the leading arms exporters 268 billion rubles respectively. Rostec’s
become the largest Asian venue showcasing in the international market. Its share in key objectives include the introduction
weapons and military equipment for Russia’s military exports exceed 85 percent. of a new techno-economic paradigm and
the land and naval forces. We consider Rosoboronexport cooperates with more the digitalisation of the Russian economy.
our participation in the exhibition as a
major contribution to the development
of military-technical cooperation between
Russia and India and an important area
of the company’s marketing activities,”
stated Sergei Goreslavsky, Deputy Director
General of Rosoboronexport.
He added, “Today, Russia and India
have good prospects for stepping up
mutually beneficial cooperation in the
supply of arms and military equipment
for the land and naval forces, localising
their production in India and upgrading
previously supplied military products. We
are also carrying out some hundred joint
R&D projects. Much of this was the result of
our active work at exhibitions in India. The
distinctive feature for DefExpo India 2018
for Rosoboronexport was to promote, inter
alia, Russian security systems, equipment for
S-400 surface-to-air missile battery system
counter-terror forces.”

III/2018 59
 BAE Systems at Kancheepuram
“
F ocus on partnerships with
Indian companies”is
what BAE Systems promoted
at DefExpo. Occupying pride
of place was the M777 Ultra
Lightweight Howitzer, on
display for the first time since
the Governments of India and
the United States approved
the FMS of 145 of these
weapon systems for the Indian
Army in November 2016. In
fulfilment of that, the first
two weapon systems arrived
in India ahead of schedule
in May 2017. “Encouraged
by Prime Minister Modi’s
call to ‘Make in India’, BAE
Systems has awarded the
development of an Indian
Assembly, Integration and
Test facility for the M777 to
Mahindra and Mahindra.
In addition, the finalisation
of this procurement has paved the in the military, partners, suppliers and the industry at large, providing both
way for BAE Systems to make an direction and momentum in our plans to ‘Make in India’. To underline BAE
investment of over $200 million with Systems’ capabilities for the naval forces, on display was the Mk45Mod 4, the
Indian defence suppliers.” lightest, most compact, 5-inch fully automatic naval gun in the world and is the
As Nik Khanna, Managing most widely deployed to the US Navy and other allied navies. Also on display was
Director (India), BAE Systems stated, a wide array of munitions including versatile 57mm and 40mm programmable 3P
“In addition to showcasing the range Ammo, BONUS 155mm sensor-fused ammunition, 105mm and 155mm artillery,
of our capabilities and technologies, and 120mm tank ammunition, CT40 cannon, 39 Calibre gun, among others
the Show offered us a focused platform besides the BvS10, an armoured articulated vehicle that is designed to provide
to engage with our customers, users total operational support”.

Debut of L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd

“
D efExpo 2018 was particularly exciting to MBDA as it
was the first time L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd,
the Joint Venture we formed with Larsen and Toubro in
battlefield anti-tank weapon that recently entered service
in France. ATGM5 will be designed and manufactured in
India to meet the specific operational requirements of the
2017, was displayed. We see L&T MBDA Missile Systems Indian Armed Forces. It will be a true Indian Designed,
Ltd as a key channel for delivering the next generation of Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) product, involving
complex weapons capabilities to the Indian Armed Forces the transfer of next generation key technologies to India,
and developing the capabilities of India’s defence industry boosting the domestic defence industry sector,” stated
in the complex weapons sector. L&T MBDA Missile Systems company officials.
Ltd showcased a number of products, including ATGM5 and  Exocet MM40 Block 3 is the latest version of the well-
Exocet MM40 B3,” according to the spokesman.  known Exocet missile family, and includes replacement
“One of the finest examples of this is ATGM5 which of the missile’s traditional rocket motor with a turbojet
will be designed and manufactured in India to meet to extend the range of the system out to 200 km while the
India’s specific operational requirements. ATGM5 will missile’s “already excellent navigation system has seen
draw on the next generation technologies of the MMP further enhancements.”

60 VAYU
 In conversation with Emmanuel de Roquefeuil,
VP & Country Director, Thales in India
W
ith new initiatives and policy the right strides towards emerging into a
decisions on several fronts, the very capable defence manufacturing hub on
Indian defence sector is moving par with international standards.
towards an era of self-reliance. Many of the   “Thales’s strategy of developing its
projects under the ambitious ‘Make in India’ industrial footprint in India is in line with
flagship programme of the government has the Indian government’s policy of ‘Make
helped in translating the “good beginnings” in India’. Over the last five decades, Thales
as concrete realities on the ground. has been working closely with Hindustan
 “Being the third-largest armed forces in Aeronautics Limited in all technological
the world, strengthening and modernising areas that can be used for military aircrafts.
the defence capabilities is arguably one of The JVs with Bharat Electronics Limited
the key priorities for India.  Prime Minister and Samtel along with L&T Technology
Narendra Modi’s initiatives to push Services in the fields of civilian and select
Indian defence sector as one of the fastest ground-based military radars, military
developing industry on the global platform avionics and airborne sensor systems,
has caught attention of policy makers all and avionics software respectively further
across the world. It has not only helped in For the Indian Navy, Thales offers a reinforce the company’s commitment
developing a camaraderie with nations who wide range of systems and solutions that towards India.”
have special strengths in defence but has also includes- electronic warfare systems, long- Innovation is in Thales’s DNA. In
cemented India as an important strategic range surveillance radar, anti-submarine partnership with leaders in academia
and defence partner with them. Ever since warfare sonar systems and mine-hunting and industry, the company is seeking
Thales began operations in India in 1953, solutions while for the Indian Army, these to deliver ground breaking research and
the company has actively contributed to include optronics like Hand Held Thermal transformative technology that drives
the modernisation of the defence, aerospace Imagers (HHTI) and Catherine thermal growth in India. Nearly 20% of the
and ground transportation markets in the imagers on T90 tanks and air defence radars, annual sales is dedicated to research &
country. Over 600 employees are working among others. development. On 10 March 2018, Thales
with Thales and its joint ventures in India.” and the Indian Institute of Technology
Contributing to ‘Make in India’ Madras (IIT Madras) signed an MoU to
Supporting Indian Armed Forces Encouraged by the Government of India’s create a jointly supervised PhD fellowship
From optronics to software defined radio, policies on indigenisation, the Indian programme in coordination with Centre
from full command and control networks defence sector has seen an infusion of Nationnal de la Recherche Scientifique
to missiles and vehicles, Thales is a leader energy. With important initiatives like (CNRS). It has similar partnerships
in offering a broad palette of solutions to ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’ and ‘Digital with IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi and Indian
help India’s armed forces gain and maintain India’, Thales believes the country is taking Institute of Science Bangalore.
operational superiority. Backed by such
high-technology solutions, Thales has
cemented its position as a trusted partner to
all the three branches of the Indian Armed
Forces: Navy, Air Force and Army. 
One of the key milestones for Thales has
been selection of the Rafale MMRCA by the
Indian Air Force as it provides a number
of state-of-the-art equipment and systems
aboard the omnirole combat aircraft. The
Indian Air Force has also relied on Thales
for enhancing the technical-operational
capabilities of its Mirage 2000 fleet. In
July 2011, Thales and Dassault Aviation
signed a contract for the upgrade of this
fleet. “The teams from Thales and Dassault
Aviation have been supporting Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited in upgrading the StarStreak
Mirage 2000 fleet as per the contract.”

III/2018 61
Naval Group at DefExpo 2018
illustration of the successful indigenisation
process where the first submarine of the class
INS Kalvari was commissioned during end
of last year. On 31 January 2018, the third
made-in-India Scorpene-class submarine,
the Karanj, was launched in Mumbai,
highlighting the empowerment of the Indian
Navy toward complete self-reliance.”
As Alain Guillou, Executive Vice
President stated, “Naval Group is pleased
to present its latest innovations at DefEpo
2018. Our know-how is the result of
our large investment in Research &
Development (10% of annual revenues).
The shortfin Barracuda Block 1A pre-concept design Our sea-proven technologies benefit from
the vast feedback from different navies

T
he Naval Group have showcased the state-of-art innovations created for modern including that of the French Navy and
navies demonstrating its capabilities in modern ship and submarine building along offers superior and adapted technologies to
with high tech solutions for systems and competence as leading naval integrator. our customers. Our trained and talented
“The Naval Group was launched in 2008 in India as ‘a live example of our dedication Indian teams at the subsidiary are motivated
within the country’. This long-term partnership has only matured through long term, to serve for the Indian business as well as
sustainable industrial cooperation and technology transfers. Naval Group’s activities are being integrated in the international projects
synced with the ‘Make in India’ policy of the Indian Government. The P75 programme is an of the group.”

MKU : Poised for the future

1,000 crore in the newly announced
Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor by Prime
Minister Modi in February, 2018. Located
in the heart of the corridor, MKU is looking
at several opportunities from MoD and
MHA based on expected RFIs.”
In addition to the protection solutions
for body and platforms, MKU also
launched its newly developed IDDM
range of electro optic systems at DefExpo
2018, which include various Thermal
Imaging Devices, Night Vision Devices,
Laser Range Finder and Day EO Devices.
‘Make-in-India’ raised much
interest amongst international defence
manufacturers. Leading foreign OEMs are
in the process of forming alliances with
MKU to offer vast array of products which
MKU State-of-the-Art facility at Malwa, UP include electro-optics, rifles and remote
controlled weapon systems, to name a few.

M
KU exhibited latest solutions for night fighting capabilities and lethality but Keeping in mind the special
Indian Army, Navy, Coast Guard also provide a wider shield of protection for requirements of the Indian Forces for
and other services for upcoming soldiers and platforms. upcoming vehicle programmes, MKU
requirements. The company is equipped “Looking at the opportunities of more also showcased blast protection solutions
to deliver solutions for up-coming RFIs than INR 12,000 crore in the defence along with special materials to defend
in electro-optics, arms, ammunition, rifles and homeland security domain, MKU land systems from RPGs. Also on display
and protection, having worked continuously remains positive towards the Indian market. were the MoST (Modular Schutz Technik)
in adding a wide range of force multiplier MKU has signed an MoU with the UP range of light weight armour for airborne
solutions that will not only enhance the Government for an investment of INR platforms.

62 VAYU
Periscope on new Russian SSBNs

More deterrence and deadlier ! SSBN Tula (photo: Zvyozdochka)

SSBN Yury Dolgoruky (photo: Oleg Kuleshov)

T
he Russian MoD have announced Russian defence officials have also reported that R&D for another upgraded variant of
that trials of its newest improved the class, Borei-B has commenced. Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Korolyov
Borei-class (Borei-A) SSBN will stated that the timeframe for building Borei-B submarines would become clear after the
start in 2018. The boat was launched at conceptual design of these underwater cruisers was completed. “We are beginning to work
the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk on actively on this project from 2018 and I believe that this will happen very soon and we
17 November 2017 named Knyaz Vladimir will specify the dates following the results of the first stage, that is, the work on the outline
(Prince Vladimir, for Vladimir the Great). design,” the Naval Chief said.
The Russian MoD has ordered a total of Meanwhile, the Russian MoD is proceeding with a refit and modernisation programme
eight Borei-class vessels with three already of previous generation SSBNs that are already in service. In late 2017, the Zvyozdochka
in service (Borei-class) and the remainder ship repair yard in Severodvinsk completed the refit and modernisation of the Delta-IV
(improved Borei-A class) under various class SSBN Tula. The maintenance work for the submarine’s life extension started in 2015
stages of construction. The Russian Navy and took two years including trials. Two sister ships, Verkhoturye and Ekaterinburg, have
has indicated that the signature of the undergone the same renovation already, while a fourth SSBN of the class, Bryansk, has
Borei-A ships is “considerably reduced.” arrived at Zvyozdochka for life extension work to commence this year.

III/2018 63
VAYU Interview with
Shekhar Mital, CMD, Goa Shipyard Ltd.
VAYU : GSL has recorded exceptional ahead of contractual delivery schedule.
financial results for the last financial These platforms amount to a 32000 gross
year. Can you elaborate on that? tonnage, highest amongst Indian shipyards.
Backed by timely delivery of quality Another major highlight of our achievement
products, GSL has been recorded phenomenal has been the reduction in ‘Build Period’of
growth year-on-year since last four years. OPVs from 67 months to OPVs delivered
Four years ago, company was facing a really prior 2014 to 36 months for the recently
hard time but now that phase is over and completed six Coast Guard OPV project.
GSL has recorded PBT of Rs 305 crore This has substantially helped in controlling
(unaudited) for FY 2017-18, a jump of five the construction schedule, besides keeping
times. Similarly for VoP, we have recorded the cost under control.
ever highest VoP of GSL at Rs 1370 crore These outstanding outcomes are the result
(unaudited) for FY 2017-18, which is a three of hard work, toil and strategic alignment across
times increase in the last four years. This various departments of the company. The slew
becomes particularly more impressive when of measures undertaken for this turnaround
growth of 30% achieved in the last 4 years include strategic realignment of priorities, strict
is compared with other shipyards operating cost control measures, stringent monitoring
under similar ecosystems. These excellent mechanisms, seamless coordination amongst
financial results are a direct manifestation various stake holders, accountability of
of new benchmarks established on reduced personnel, on the spot decisions, fast
‘build periods’, thereby reducing overheads tracked approvals and effective supply chain considerable FE expenditure towards
significantly. management. This, of course comes only bought out designs from foreign shipyards/
with sound understanding of technical and designers. We design and build one of the
VAYU : What are the key elements financial issues required in running shipyard
responsible for the exponential growth of best patrol vessels in the world in terms of
efficiently. quality, fuel efficiency, ergonomic design
GSL in the last few years?
and optimum cost. We also have designs
The excellent performance in exports is VAYU : GSL has also been spearheading
of few future vessels such as ASW Shallow
driven by dependable and quality products the ‘Make In India’ mission with lot of
Water Crafts, Corvettes, Mini frigates,
with international acclaim. Because of our initiatives. Can you shed some light on Training Ships, Interceptor crafts, etc. in
high quality products, we have been able to the same? our inventory. We are first Indian shipyard
make significant inroads into global market
One of the major ‘Make in India’ to have an in-house R&D unit recognised
with export of diverse vessels to Indian
initiatives of GSL is major import substitute by the Department of Scientific and
Ocean Region (IOR) countries. We have
project for manufacturing of 12 MCMVs for Industrial Research (DSIR), Government
delivered 2 OPVs to Sri Lanka, 11 FIBs and
which the construction should commence of India in 2014.
2 FPVs to Mauritius, and a Damage Control
by 2019. The infrastructure for the MCMV Another major initiative was adoption
Simulator to Myanmar. The second and
project is in final stages and post completion, of ‘Purchase Preference Policy’ in favour
last vessel of the Sri Lankan OPV project
GSL would have the only facility in South of indigenous equipment manufacturers in
was delivered on 22 March 2018, 25 days
Asia to construct high end MCMVs with 2014. I am happy to state that the Central
ahead of schedule. These OPVs are the
advanced FRP hull. Another major import Government has recently promulgated a
biggest warships to be exported from India
substitute project is construction of two similar purchase preference policy. Further,
and largest in the Sri Lankan Fleet. Based
Advanced Missile Frigates 1135.6 under we have identified various equipment and
on export performance, the Shipyard was
collaboration with Russia. GSL has also systems, which were imported till date, for
given RM’s award for ‘Best performing in
collaborated with Griffon Hover works replacement with locally produced products.
export amongst all DPSUs’.
Limited (GHL), UK, towards inflicting Various products such as gearbox, heli grid,
VAYU : How has GSL managed to deliver indigenous production of hovercraft in steering and stabiliser, water proof doors,
all projects ahead of contractual delivery India. GSL has already developed expertise steel plates etc. are being sourced locally for
schedule? and erected requisite infrastructure for the new projects. Increased indigenous content
If you take a scan of India’s shipbuilding indigenous construction of hovercraft at onboard ships constructed at GSL have been
industry, except for GSL you will hardly GSL and presently pursuing vigorously with and will be the focus areas of GSL in the times
find any shipbuilding project which is not potential customers. to come. Having touched 70% indigenous
struggling with time and cost overruns. In Ship design is one of the thrust areas content on GSL OPVs, I am hopeful that
such a scenario, GSL has stood out to deliver of GSL, where 100% self-reliance has been day is not far when we will have 100%
24 ships/projects in the last four years, all achieved, which otherwise would require indigenous content.

64 VAYU
“True Partnership paves the way for IAI in India”
Vayu in discussion with Eli Alfassi of IAI
“
O
ver the past three decades, India this policy came into effect,” Alfassi said.
and Israel have established Through the past decade, the programme has
strong and friendly relations expanded to take new challenges, gradually
that span technology, space, agriculture increasing the Indian workshare as the Indian
and tourism. But defence cooperation partners assume a growing responsibility for
has dominated from the start, boosting development and production.
cooperation between the two countries A major milestone in the programme was
to new heights. As Israel’s leading assigning Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
aerospace and defence conglomerate, Israel as the prime contractor and lead integrator
Aerospace Industries (IAI) has led many for the upcoming naval programmes. In this
joint programmes evolving with India, role, BEL is also responsible for the highly
providing aerial refueling capabilities, complex acceptance tests at sea, clearing the
unmanned aerial systems (UAS), airborne MRSAM systems on each and every vessel
early warning aircraft, various radars and that receives the system. Another major
many other defence systems and capabilities.
Today, systems and products developed
and produced by IAI are operational with
the air, land and naval services of India,
along with other government agencies.
From the beginning, IAI was open and
ready to cooperate with Indian companies
and organisations and have leveraged
this partnership to expand and win new
business.”
One of the leading programmes that IAI
is currently pursuing is the Medium Range
Surface-Air Missile system (MRSAM).
Launched in 2006 to become the principal
air defence system for the Indian and Israel
navies, MRSAM was gradually adopted by
other customers and is now established as
a world leading three-service air defence based on a common core that was developed partner, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
systems. under cooperation between the DRDO is the integrator for the interceptor missiles
Over the 12-year development, and IAI; each configuration was designed, that equip the MRSAM systems.
MRSAM sets an example for a successful adapted and tuned to best meet the “Aligned with the evolving Indian
joint programme. Initially the joint specific service requirements and utilise the policies, as part of the offset obligations,
development phase was led by IAI, while resources and capabilities already invested we have been buying Indian subsystems
the production, integration, delivery in the system. “This is an unprecedented and services worth nearly $800 millions
and testing was managed by the Indian undertaking, where such indigenous, from 80 Indian suppliers. We intend to
partners – the Defence Research and cutting-edge technology is harnessed to increase our work here, adding more Indian
Development Organisation (DRDO) and provide for the needs of multiple Indian and suppliers in the future,” Eli Alfassi noted.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Israeli users.” IAI Executive VP Marketing, IAI, Dynamatics Technologies Limited
Today, MRSAM represents much more Eli Alfassi stated. and Sun Group are working to establish a
than the naval air defence system it was. The According to Alfassi, the MRSAM JV for UAVs, seeking opportunities in this
system has evolved into a long range, wide project is also an excellent example of field. Another planned JV with Mahindra
area air defence capability adopted by the joint development and production that addresses the field of defence electronics,
Indian Air Force for the defense of fixed fully endorses the strategic ‘Make In radars and communications, and a third,
sites and relocatable, extended air defense India’ vision. “Since the beginning, the with Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), will
capability to be operated by the Indian programme embraced a true cooperation seek opportunities in smart munitions -
Army. All three Indian services, as well as and partnership and has implemented the programmes involving missiles, guided
Israeli and other operators, operate systems spirit of ‘Make In India’ vision, even before projectiles and loitering munitions.

III/2018 65
 Brahmos JV: building strong
partnerships
E
ven as India is evolving as a
great power, economically as
well as militarily, it has gained
immense expertise in designing and
developing state-of-the-art defence
systems. This accomplishment has
made it entre into an elite club of
powerful nations at the global stage
having the capability to build their
own military platforms and systems.
An excellent example of India’s
growing military might is the
Brahmos supersonic cruise missile
system which, with its multi-role
capability, universality and utmost
lethality, has carved a distinct place
for itself with Indian Armed Forces.
The weapon is the only universal
supersonic cruise missile system
in the world with the capability of
neutralising land or sea based targets.
“Today, when speed is considered
as one of the major determinants in
the outcome of military conflicts, Brahmos, capability and completed the tactical cruise aircraft, in solo or salvo mode. “This
capable of flying at a top speed of around missile triad. multiplicity makes the weapon all the more
Mach 3, becomes extremely lethal in “The supersonic cruise missile is a versatile in taking on the enemy anywhere,
striking an enemy target in no time. The unique example of the partnership between anytime,” the spokesman enthused.
supersonic speed of the missile also makes India and Russia in critical areas of research It is the untiring efforts and
it difficult for interception by the enemy’s and development. The speed, precision and competent leadership of the entire team
air defence system,” said the spokesman. power of Brahmos has proved to the world of BrahMos, including the consortium
“Induction of the missile in the Indian that a Joint Venture of advanced technology of more than 200+ Indian industries and
Armed Forces has rendered the armed forces can lead to a high performance product in multiple Russian industries, R&D labs
an unmatched potentiality. The weapon shortest possible time with far-reaching and academic institutions of both the
has become mainstay of the Indian Army’s capabilities.” countries, which have made significant
artillery firepower. Similarly, for many of On 22 March 2018, Brahmos missile contribution in design, development
the Navy’s frontline surface ships, Brahmos test-fired the weapon system fitted with and production leading to the induction
has been deployed as a prime strike weapon. an indigenously developed Seeker at of Brahmos in the Indian Armed Forces.
In its sub-sea launch configuration, the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan. This More than 20,000 specialists, engineers
supersonic cruise missile is set to increase feat has enthused a fresh impetus in the and technicians in public and private
the Navy’s underwater weapons delivery ambitious ‘Make in India’ programme of industries are currently associated in
capability manifold by being armed in the the Government of India. realising various systems and sub-systems
future submarines.” The 300-km range missile, initially of the weapon complex.
On 22 November 2017, a new conceived and developed as an anti-ship “The Brahmos Joint Venture has set
dimension was added by Brahmos, when cruise missile (ASCM) system, has evolved the brightest example for the defence
an Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30MKI, after over the years and added many more industry to build strong partnerships and
being modified to carry the 2.5 tonne missile variants, from sea-to-land, sea-to-sea, land- work jointly towards realising the larger
integrated with half a tonne launcher, was to-land, land-to-sea, sub-sea-to-land, sub- goal of producing sophisticated and highly
test-fired against a sea-based target in the sea-to-sea and air-to-land configurations. advanced military systems. It has become a
Bay of Bengal. With this maiden launch, The missile can be fired either from static, national model for the country to become
Brahmos has augmented the IAF’s strike mobile platforms (land and sea) or fighter self-reliant in defence technology.”

66 VAYU
 MTU: “Continued commitment towards India”
V ayu talked with Praveen Mohan, Director & CEO, MTU
India (Rolls-Royce Power Systems). His views:
“ With decades of experience, our MTU brand high-speed
engines and propulsion systems (part of Rolls-Royce Power
Systems business) is the right partner for customers who
place the highest demands upon their propulsion systems.
Known for cutting-edge innovation and technological
leadership, we continue to focus on the advancement of
our core competencies: fuel injection, turbo charging,
exhaust after treatment and electronics. Our engines have
varied applications across commercial ships and naval
vessels, construction and industrial vehicles, agricultural
machinery, mining, rail and military vehicles as well as for
the oil and gas industry. Our full range of service solutions
help maximise uptime and performance. MTU India,
head quartered in Pune, is involved in sales and servicing
of MTU engines. Our MTU engines propel and power
many Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy vessels. Our high manoeuvrability, high power density and maximum
own service teams are present at several locations along acceleration.
with the Indian Coast line and together with our Service Through our partnership with Garden Reach Shipbuilders
Partner - Yeoman Marine Private Limited, we are geared and Engineers, we assemble MTU Series 4000 engines for
up to support our customer’s varied needs. Our Propulsion naval vessels at the Diesel Engine Plant in Ranchi. More
System Integration (PSI) capability will further help in recently, we formed a JV with Force Motors to manufacture
offering complete drive-line integrated system solutions Series 1600 engines at a dedicated state-of-the-art
to naval customers across the world. MTU engines also manufacturing facility at Chakan near Pune. We look
powers 118 Indian Army Arjun Main Battle Tanks enabling forward to continued commitment towards India and work
swift movement from one location to another through more closely with our stakeholders.”

BEL’s Drone Guard

shown at DefExpo
C otemporary times find drones as familiar flying objects and as with
any other technology, drones are used and misused. They could be
threats to military establishments and strategic civilian locations. Drones
are easily launched by adversaries for spying and causing damage to these
establishments. Countering such drones is essential for security agencies.
BEL has developed an indigenous ‘Drone Guard’ solution to support
these agencies.
“BEL’s Drone Guard System (DGS) has been configured to detect,
track and neutralise the intruding drones. The system utilises RF spectrum
to detect the drone and EO-IR sensor to track the drone continuously.
The neutraliser is initiated to scan and identify the target’s communication
frequencies and generate RF jamming signal to neutralise the target and
is capable of bringing down the drone by hampering its communication
link as well as blinding its GPS source. The system can be operated in
semi-automatic/manual mode through user friendly GUIs. This portable
and agile system can also be configured to be vehicle mounted as per the
user’s requirement.”

III/2018 67
Re - energising
India’s Air Power
Maj Gen Ashok Mehta, who took part in the recent roundtable conference organised by the Delhi Forum for
Strategic Studies and Vayu Aerospace & Defence Review at New Delhi, encapsulates the IAF’s current crisis

T
he story can now be told about how the IAF, confronting squadrons to 24 combat squadrons by 2032 – unless urgent strategic
an operational crisis after a protracted delay of many  years, decisions are taken by the highest executive. Following the day-long
got the MoD to issue an RFI for 114 single-engine fighter brainstorming it was decided that former IAF Chiefs would seek a
aircraft in 2016 to start a new process of establishing an additional meeting with Prime Minister Modi apprising him of the growing
fighter assembly line in addition to production of the existing LCA. crisis and requesting he immediately order an IAF capability review
But the MoD and IAF are adept in self-attrition. The new RFI, made against a two front collusive threat and simultaneously order a
public on 6 April seems to be a repeat of the follies committed in government-to-government ‘Make in India’ contract with the
the procurement rigmarole of the MMRCA in 2007. The process Company for its chosen single engine fighter (the Saab Gripen was
repeatedly hinted at)and establishing a new production line integral
with transfer of technology but avoiding the tedious MMRCA
tendering process which it has already gone through. This route
was tentatively explored in October 2016 along with Lockheed
Martin’s F-16 but the project mysteriously vanished. The DFSS/
Vayu conclusions were thereafter circulated and hopefully have been
given due consideration.
Then on 6 April, the IAF issued an elaborate RFI (73 pages)
for single/twin engined fighters against the one page RFI for 100
to 200 single engine fighters circulated in October 2016. The latter
effort faded away without progress, the new process now seeks 110
aircraft with responses expected by early-July, and RFP to be issued
by end-2018. Wishful thinking? The RFP for the MMRCA took
three years after issue of the RFI.  In the event and after strenuous
evaluation, the French Rafale was declared as the lowest bidder (L1)
Moderating the Conference was Admiral Arun Prakash, former Chief in 2012. But after inconclusive negotiations, the new Prime Minister
of the Naval Staff and Lt Gen Kamal Davar, President DFSS and first Modi chose to go directly for purchase of 36 Rafales and the original
Director-General Defence Intelligence Agency MMRCA tender was thereafter cancelled without clarification on
and competitors are the same, though Defence Secretary Sanjay
Mitra, at the DefExpo 2018 was evasive, telling the media“that
these were early days.”Earlier in Parliament, Defence Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman said that the IAF will have 32 squadrons by
2020. Remember this government had inherited 34 squadrons in
2014. The new process may well end up like it did in 2015, unable
to conclude the contract and instead outright purchase 36 Rafale
aircraft forfeiting additional numbers and transfer of technology.
The IAF crisis is so serious that it requires the ‘Modi solution’ of
2015 and not the conventional defence procurement route given
the acute deficiencies in India’s air power and looming threats.
Just a week before the RFI of 6 April, a Delhi-based think tank
Delhi Forum For Strategic Studies along with Vayu Aerospace &
Defence Review assembled a group of former senior Air Force, Navy
and Army officers (including two former IAF Chiefs, a former
Navy Chief, senior defence bureaucrats and ex-Chairman HAL,
plus other strategic thinkers) to agonise on the IAF’s dwindling Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani, former Vice Chief of the Air Staff, making his
combat fighter strength which would plummet from the present 31 presentation

68 VAYU
 IAF Combat Squadrons: 1947-2022
45
42
40
40
35 39.5 32
IAF combat Squadrons

30
30
25 30
22 (projected)
20
15
15
10
06
5
0
1947 1955 1962 1965 1971 1968 2001 2018 2022

Peak strength of Indian Air Force Combat Fleet was approx. 40-42 aquadrons in 1989-1992,
with 4 x MiG-23MF/-BN and 6x MiG-27ML squadrons forming the core of the strike assets
and 17x MiG-21 FL/M/MF/bis squadrons forming the bulk of the air defence units.

acceptance of necessity (AON) was secured

LCA Programme from government for 126 MMRCAs.
The LCA programmes remains well
behind schedule – only nine aircraft have
• Project launched in October
been inducted into the very first operational
1983
squadron by end – March 2018, even as
• Conceived to fulfill the need for HAL attempts to increase its production
an affordable multi-role fighter capacity to some 12 LCAs per year. For the
to replace large numbers of the IAF, the LCA Mk.I is like the proverbial
MiG-21/23/27s bird in hand being better than two in the
bush but the improved Mk.IA is some time
• First flight on 4 January 2001 away as whose development still needs to
• Obtained LOC-I in January be funded.
2011, LOC-II on 20 December The Rafale for which excruciatingly
2013. difficult negotiations had been going on
FOC still awaited for two years without any closure for 126
aircraft – 18 in fly-away condition and the
• IAF has agreed to initially induct remaining 108 to be license-built in India –
two squadrons of LCA Mk.I was foreclosed when, on 10 April 2015, like
Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, former
and Gol has cleard production CAS, making an emphatic point a bolt from the blue, Prime Minister Modi,
of 83 LCA Mk.IAs. Earliest invoking national security imperatives,
production deliveries of these the balance 90 aircraft as per the original announced that 36 Rafales would be bought
will be from 2024-25. total requirement for 126. in flyaway condition. How the government
would make up for the residual 90 aircraft
• LCA Mk.II development
History of the Crisis was not indicated and even three years later,
at preliminary stage, there was no clarity until the convoluted
For near two decades, the IAF has lived
not expected to go RFI of 6 April 2018. The IAF is already
dangerously by not getting close to solving
into service before 10 squadrons short of the authorised 42
the problem of maintaining sufficiency in
2032. squadrons, and given the government’s
combat aircraft squadron strength – today’s
31 squadrons against the authorised 42 operational directive to be prepared for “a
combat squadrons. In 1983, looking two-front war,” it is in the words of the
ahead, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) present Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal
programme had been launched to replace BS Dhanoa:“like playing a T20 match with
the aging MiG fleet and have an indigenous seven players”. Today, Pakistan has 20
single engine light fighter. In 2002, when combat squadrons and China, more than
the LCA appeared going nowhere, an 80, which are increasing steadily. 

III/2018 69
 Air Marshal P Barbora, former VCAS along with Air Chief Marshal SP
Tyagi, former CAS, and other participants including Vinod Mishra, ex-
Secretary Defence Finance and former Chairman HAL, Dr. R.K. Tyagi

The question is: why was the steady

decline in combat squadrons not arrested
earlier to avert the crisis which has long JF-17 Programme
been confronting the IAF? In 1989-92
when the Indian armed forces were at • Project launched in 1995 as a collaboration between CAC and
their peak in outreach and capability, PAC, powered by Russian RD-93 engines.
Time magazine had put India’s formidable
• First flight in August 2003
military machine on its cover, symbolised
by the picture of the aircraft carrier, Vikrant. • Block I (50 aircraft) equips three squadrons, followed by Block
That was the first and last time India’s 2 (50 aircraft) now with another three squadrons, all
military might had made it to the cover in operational.
a leading international magazine with the
IAF inventory then standing at 42 combat • Block II JF-17s, have improved avionics, BVR
squadrons. missile and mid-air refuelling capability.
And so the ignomious descent began…
• Block III (100-200 aircraft) could be powered
between 2001-2005, numbers had slipped
by a western-origin engine and new generation
to 39.5 squadrons, in 2012 to 37 squadrons
weapon system. [Export orders have been
and in 2018 to its lowest ever of 31
received form three countries, with another eight
squadrons. By 2022, even with addition
as potential].
of some two new squadrons of Rafales and
LCAs, another 7-8 squadrons of MiG-
21s and MiG-27s will have been phased

Air Marshal Nirdosh Tyagi, former Deputy Chief of the

Air Staff, at the Conference

70 VAYU
 of the IAF, only he may know. Someone
must have a magic wand !

The Factor
Numbers and affordability
For making up numbers, cost, affordability
and reliability have clearly to be factored.
The predominant view among the IAF
seniors at the DFSS/Vayu brainstorming

MMRCA last month was to select the most “cost-

effective” fighter to ‘Make in India’ and
if possible draw interim aircraft from
that country’s inventory to fast-track the
• Requirement conceived in 2001 with the object of filling gaps between the process. At least three years will be lost in
LCA under development and the ‘heavy’ Su-30MKI protracted decision making and the cost
of each aircraft will exponentially increase
• RFI initially issued to four vendors: Dassault, Saab, RAC-MiG and Lockheed every year. The new Defence Procurement
Martin. Eurofighter consortium and Boeing later entered the competition. Procedure permits proceeding with a single
RFP issued to all 6 companies in August 2006. vendor situation, precisely what Modi
unilaterally did in ordering 36 instead of
• Six aircraft types evaluated: Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter,
126 Rafales. Technically the order for 36
Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-16 Super Viper aircraft was a new contract. The Swedish
and RAC-MiG-35. Gripen, like the Rafale, has experienced
turbulence of the MMRCA process but
• Initially 18 aircraft was to be ‘fly-away’ remaining 108 to be built under
being relatively new, has considerable new
licence by HAL.
development life ahead, the IAF factoring
• Contract was to include economic offsets and transfer of technology, a life span of 50 to 60 years for its new
equivalent to 50% of contract value. acquisitions.
Let’s now take a macro look at Pakistan,
• First deliveries were to commence 36 months after contract whose air force is increasingly being
equipped with the indigenously-built,
• MMRCA programme was officially terminated in mid-2015 and 36 Rafales Chinese-origin JF-17 Thunders, of which
ordered as ‘fly-aways’ with deliveries between 2019-2022. 150 are already in operational service.
Contrast that with our handful of Tejas
LCAs. The Chinese PLAAF on the other
out. By 2032, if additional replacements around 272 aircraft numbers in two years. hand, have some 86 combat squadrons,
are not ordered or made alongside the The legacy aircraft types such as the Jaguar, with first of the fifth-generation J-20s
LCA, the fighting strength will plummet MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 will also begin being fielded, also in Tibet, where there
to 24 squadrons against an estimated 25 to retire by 2032.Chief of the Air Staff, Air are four major air bases with sufficiently
squadrons of PAF and 100 squadrons of the Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa has said that long runways and infrastructure to mount
PLAAF. The only other active production the IAF will reach its authorised strength sustained air operations.
line will be Su-30 MKIs which is the long of 42/44 Squadrons only by 2032. How The IAF is facing an operational crisis,
range mainstay of the IAF and will peak at this will happen from the present strength partly of its own making with lack of
focus resulting in depletion of aircraft and
squadron strength since the 1990s, when
the geo-politics of the region is fragile and
unfavourable to India. The IAF has to
convince the government that its case for 42
combat squadrons is sacrosanct. The Cabinet
Committee for Security must at least
understand the imperatives of deterrence.
The way out of this crisis is not by
reinventing the wheel: revisiting the
MMRCA process, which however
innovative, will only exacerbate the
situation.

Major General Ashok Mehta (right)

emphasising his viewpoint to Admiral Arun
Prakash

III/2018 71
Submarines and autonomous UUVs

Decoy

Working in tandem and the way forward

W
e live in the creative phase payload is limited by the explosive difficulties – provision of necessary energy
of unmanned vehicles. It was charge. In contrast, modern unmanned reserve and speed, accommodation of large
not so long ago that the robot underwater vehicles (UUVs) can operate antennas and processing of signals received
R2-D2 could exist only in the fantastic autonomously for scores of hours, move from them, transmission of data on the
world of Star Wars. Today, we use similar with high accuracy along complicated detected targets, development of submarine
robots in everyday life. Not trying to trajectories, carry various types of payload tracking algorithms and others.
compete with Star Wars scope, let us and act according to sophisticated These problems can be solved in
consider the problem of interaction between algorithms. At the same time, as compared different ways. One should choose the right
submarines and underwater robotic vehicles. to ‘classic’ submarines, UUVs remain places for submarine hunting, use vehicles
A torpedo with acoustic homing can be small and inexpensive. in swarms, include the vehicles in network
considered the first autonomous unmanned systems of detection and data transmission.
underwater vehicle. No less an interesting Submarine Hunters Another option is to create rather large
example was the Granit missile deployed From the underwater warfare point of vehicles of dozens of tonnes displacement
for the first time in the submarine of view, the most attractive mission for the that have a lot of energy and sophisticated
Oscar-class. These missiles had not only unmanned underwater vehicles is to search detection means. Such vehicles are already
an advanced homing system but could for and trail enemy submarines. Robots, being developed and tested.
interact with each other during the flight, unlike classic submarines, can also use Unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs can
exchanging data and coordinating their unstealthy methods for enemy’s search (for be used for above-water surveillance.
actions. This behaviour can be considered example, active sonar pings). Destruction As early as World War II, submarines
one of the first examples of interaction of such a vehicle due to its small size and that carried reconnaissance aircraft were
among unmanned vehicles in the group, manoeuvrability is not only difficult but also developed, and German submariners
which is called swarming today. too expensive. used submarine-launched gyroplanes and
Of course, endurance of torpedoes However, this is not a low hanging kites for target search. However, all these
and missiles is measured in minutes, fruit. Creation of these vehicles is full of aircraft were surface-launched and they

72 VAYU
 Environmental data collection

had to be recovered after the mission. lithium-ion battery can operate up to 15- and RTOF (recoverable tethered optical
Nowadays, already there is experience in 16 hours. And during that period of time fibre) systems. These systems give greater
launching expendable unmanned vehicles it will simulate manoeuvring of enemy freedom to act but the submarine still
from underwater through a classic torpedo submarines including manoeuvres at high remains tethered to the surface although
tube. Using these vehicles, submarines speed. with a looser leash.
are capable of conducting reconnaissance Appearance and evolution of acoustic A number of problems can be solved
beyond the horizon and even over land and decoys has led to the development and when the UUV is used as a gateway between
availability of channel for covert reception complication of torpedo homing systems the underwater and air environment. The
of data from released drones considerably because today they should differentiate ability of such communication vehicles to
expands intelligence capabilities of the between actual and false targets. Battle of manoeuvre on their own practically lifts all
submarine. the robots – torpedo and decoy– is already the constraints of the submarine.
taking place under water! Moreover, the vehicle can be pre-
Target Decoys programmed to transmit the information
Enhancement of acoustic systems enables Communication and Navigation only after a certain period of time or after
simulation of an acoustic signature of Communication systems for submarines moving to the specified area. In the same
submarine with accuracy sufficient to must be robust and high-speed, but first way, the R2-D2 robot delivered the message
deceive aircraft and ship sonars and in future of all they must be discreet to preserve on the Death Star plans to the Rebels.
stationary systems as well. Today, the range submarine’s overall stealth. Use of satellite During this process, the vehicle is able to
of offered decoy vehicles is large – from communication systems has increased receive and transmit data to the submarine
compact single-shot Mk.39 of 10 kg weight considerably the security of radio channel with the help of high-frequency underwater
to huge vehicle MASTT with displacement itself, however has not solved the problem acoustic or even laser channel, i.e. it is
over 60 tonnes. totally. To use the satellite communication unnecessary to launch and recover UUV.
The submarine is capable of launching system, the boat should come to the
only small decoys of limited endurance. periscope depth and raise creates masts. This Assessment of Environmental
However, large decoys can be delivered discloses and puts in a disadvantaged tactical Parameters
by other ways and move on their own to position. Similar problems arise when it is As the theatre of submarine operations
the areas where they will interact with necessary to use GPS. passes to coastal and shallow zones, mapping
submarines. One of the solutions allowing the of bottom terrain becomes more and
At the end of last year, the Rubin submarine to maintain a two-way more important. Information on terrain
Design Bureau presented a concept communication and receive data from is necessary not only for safe manoeuvring
design of the Surrogat robotic complex space navigation systems ‘keeping speed near the bottom but may also give tactical
to be used for naval exercises. This large and depth’ is a radio communication system advantages allowing the submarine to
submarine imitator equipped with a with buoy antennas, for example, Calisto appear in a place where it was not expected.

III/2018 73
 Ship and aircraft sonar systems are man-portable of less than 40 kg to rather However, even an UUV launch from the
constantly being improved, and this factor large ones with weight up to one tonne. submarine is a serious challenge and UUV
requires more meticulous account for Indian companies also offer such vehicles. recovery is manifoldly difficult. Though the
hydrological parameters. Firstly, to facilitate There are even larger vehicles, for example, difficulties are not insurmountable; Swedish
functioning of own detection sensors they UUV RMMV with weight about 6 tonnes, submarines operate the UUV AUV-62MR.
will already have preset information on the which is used within the AN/WLD-1 Since 2007, the US Navy submarines
underwater environment and, secondly, system on board the ships like US Navy have been using the AN/BLQ-11 system
to evade detection by enemy sensors. New LCS. Single-shot underwater vehicles are earlier known as LMRS (Long-term Mine
requirements appear as well. Thus, for laser used for mine sweeping. Reconnaissance System).
communication the water transparency However, all these vehicles are intended The Rubin Design Bureau has also
should be known. Such information can be for employment from surface ships. Hence, developed technology for employing
collected with onboard sensors but it takes a they can be used only in own coastal waters autonomous UUVs and remotely operated
lot of time that may not be available under or in the areas controlled by one’s own navy. vehicles from underwater moving objects. Of
certain circumstances. Instead of this, UUVs Near the enemy’s littoral, in hostile course, this method requires not only UUV
can evaluate hydrology comparatively conditions, covert intelligence is required. with suitable capabilities but adaptation of
fast and safely. Such vehicles are being And covertness can be ensured only when the submarine itself and relevant training
developed by Indian universities. a vehicle is delivered by a submarine. of the crew. Experience shows that the
Launch of these vehicles from Moreover, it is the submarine that more development of mine countermeasure
submarines has also been implemented: often comes to the area of future operations complex comprising UUV and submarine
they can be launched from lock-in/lock- for ISR purposes and therefore it needs makes high demands on both time and
out chamber installed on the submarine reliable and up-to-date information on the budget and even after all efforts it may not
hatch. Launch of these UUVs from missile mine threat. It is faster and safer to gather meet customer’s requirements. However,
containers is also being developed. the information using UUV than to survey covert mine reconnaissance has so many
the area with submarine onboard sensors. advantages that leading navies continue
Mine Detection In addition, autonomy of UUV allows the activities in this direction.
Today, many types of mine countermeasures submarine to solve other tasks while the
unmanned vehicles have been developed vehicles survey the area in order to detect Igor Vilnit
and are being manufactured – from light mines. CEO of Rubin Design Bureau

Mine hunting

74 VAYU
Arrow ATBM: Lethal Evolution

I
srael faces the grim prospect of potential command & control, and has the capability re-entering atmosphere after reaching the
Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) strikes to provide early warning for itself and of highest point in their flight trajectory.
with Nuclear, Biological or Chemical dealing with multiple threats. In Israel, In February 2003, IAI signed an
(NBC) warheads not only from its adversary Arrow 2 Block 4 and Arrow 3 function as agreement with Boeing to establish the
nations but also from ‘sub-states’ (read the upper-tier of the multi-tier combined production infrastructure to manufacture
terrorist groups). To tackle such threats, air defence/ATBM network. The middle components of the Arrow missile in the
the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) deploys tier comprises of United States-origin and United States with Boeing responsible
combination of Ballistic Missile Defences Israeli Patriot PAC-2/PAC-3 and United for the production and co-ordination
(BMD) systems with IAI/Boeing Arrow States Navy (USN) ship-borne AEGIS of approximately 50% of the missile
2 Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missiles (ATBM) systems in addition to the IDF David’s Sling components in United States while IAI
developed by MLM Division of Israel Weapon System (DSWS) providing the undertook integration and final assembly
Aerospace Industries (IAI) presently forming mid-tier and lower tiers, defending against of the missile in Israel. Under the Arrow
the centre piece of Israel’s layered system of tactical missiles, long range rockets, cruise System Improvement Programme (ASIP),
strategic missile defence called Homa. The missiles and attack aircraft. The low-level is being carried out jointly by Israel and
first battery at Palmachim airbase, near Tel protected by Rafael’s Iron Dome countering United States Ballistic Missile Defence
Aviv became operational in 2000 followed short-range rockets (C-RAM) and 155 mm Organisation (BMDO), a real (as against
by one at Ein Shemer airbase to the south of artillery shells. simulated) Scud-B Short-Range Ballistic
Haifa in 2002. They are deployed in such a   The refined and leaner (1,300-kg) Missile (SRBM) was successfully intercepted
manner that coverage of the systems overlaps Arrow 2, was first tested in 1995 being and destroyed at an altitude of 40-km at
vital military, commercial installations and derived from the Chetz (Arrow) 1, a project Point Mugu naval test range in California in
concentrated civilian population.  The initiated by the United States  Strategic July 2004. In December 2005, an Arrow 2
system practically forming National Missile Defence Initiative (SDI) to be developed Block 3 missile successfully intercepted a
Defence (NMD) in Israeli context, is by IAI. The Arrow 2 is meant to intercept target at an unspecified but reported record
stand alone yet integrated with national tactical ballistic missiles just as they begin low altitude. In February 2007, the system

III/2018 75
successfully intercepted and destroyed 50 m radius or sufficiently deflecting it missiles from a range of up to 500 km and
a Rafael Black Sparrow target missile, beyond the confines of defended territory. is able to track targets up to speeds over 3
simulating a ballistic missile, at high altitude. The current Arrow 2 Block 4 version km/s while intercept of the attacking missile
An Arrow battery is typically equipped with improved target identification and may occur 90 km away at an altitude of 10
with four or eight launch trailers, each with discrimination capability remains an to 50km. The long range of Green Pine
six launch tubes and ready-to-fire missiles, extremely lethal interceptor.  radar system ensures that a second shot can
a truck-mounted Hazelnut Tree Launch The ELTA Electronics subsidiary of be taken at the incoming ballistic missile if
Control Centre (LCC), a truck-mounted IAI developed the EL/M-2080 Green the first shot fails to secure the “kill”. The
communications centre, a trailer mounted Pine Early Warning & Fire Control (EW ballistic missiles are again intercepted at
Elisra Citron Tree Fire Control Centre & FC) radar for the Arrow system. The a much higher altitude (exo-atmospheric
(FCC) and the units of a mobile Green Green Pine radar has a proven track record or endo-atmospheric) to prevent them
Pine early warning radar system. There demonstrated in over twenty successful from disintegrating as they approach lower
are microwave and radio data and voice ballistic missile intercepts. The radar altitude, thus faking multiple targets on
communications (Link-16) between the includes the trailer mounted antenna array, radar screens. Israel also receives data from
LCC and the radar command & control the power generator, a cooling system and a the United States Defence Space Programme
centre with the launch system deployable control centre. Developed from the ELTA (DSP) early warning satellites and Boeing
up to 300 km from the site selected for the
radar command & control centre offering
unparalleled protection and flexibility to the
Arrow Weapon System (AWS).
  The two-stage Arrow 2 ATBM is
equipped with solid propellant booster and
sustainer rocket motors. The Arrow 2 is
launched vertically, separately or in salvos,
giving 360-degrees coverage to each battery.
The Green Pine L-band, phased array, dual-
mode (detection and fire control) radar
determines the intercept point and thereby
up-linking very accurate data to the Arrow 2
guiding the intercepting missile to within 4
m of the target. The missile uses an initial
burn to carry out a vertical hot launch
from the container and a secondary burn
to sustain the missile›s trajectory towards
the target at a maximum speed of Mach 9,
or 2.5 km per second. Thrust Vector
Control (TVC) is used in the boost and
sustained phases of flight. At the ignition of
the second stage sustainer motor, the first
stage assembly separates. The Kill Vehicle
(KV) section of the missile, containing the
warhead, fusing and the terminal Electro-
Optical (EO) seeker is equipped with four
aerodynamically controlled moving fins to
give low altitude interception capability.
The dual mode missile seeker has a passive
infrared seeker (Raytheon-developed
indium antimonite focal plane array) for
the acquisition and tracking of TBM and
an active radar seeker used to home on air
breathing targets at low altitudes. After the
Arrow 2 is brought to the best engagement Music phased array radar, Green Pine RC-135S Cobra Ball intelligence aircraft
point on the TBM, its EO sensor acquires is an dual mode, electronically scanned, capable of picking up rapid movement or a
the target to allow very near pass and then solid state, phased-array radar operating rocket launch flash. 
activates the Rafael Advanced Defense at L-band in the range 500 MHz to 1,000 Interestingly, India had placed an order
System developed high explosive directed MHz, weighs 60 tonnes and comprises of and received its first Green Pine EW & FC
blast fragmentation warhead which is 2,000 transmit-receive modules. Green Pine radar in 2001 and has since been integrated
capable of destroying the target within a is said to be capable of tracking ballistic with the country’s indigenous missile defence

76 VAYU
system as the Swordfish radar system. The 3 is propelled by rocket motor and equipped deflecting the KV to divert its course and
Super Green Pine also operated by India, has with flexible nozzles to offer exceptionally align exactly at target’s fight path, hence
a tracking range of 800 to 900 km. large divert capability, while the gimballed achieving an accurate Hit-to-Kill (HTK)
Tadiran Electronics Limited Golden seeker obtains substantial hemispheric even at very high closing speeds and over
Citron Tree Battle Management/Fire coverage to facilitate exo-atmospheric long distances. The Arrow 3 in addition is
Control Centre (BM/FCC) capable of interception. By measuring the seeker’s line reported to be a formidable Anti-Satellite
conducting multiple, simultaneous (up of sight relative to the vehicle’s motion, the (ASAT) weapon.
to 14) interceptions and includes ten KV would employ ‘proportional navigation’ Sayan Majumdar
battle stations. Launches are controlled
by Hazelnut Tree launcher control centre.
Citron Tree, which is trailer mounted,
downloads the radar data along with data
Arrow 3 flight tested

O
from other sources and uses powerful n 20 February 2018, the Missile
signal processing tools to manage the threat Defence Agency and the Israel
interceptions along with man-in-the-loop Missile Defence Organisation completed
intervention capability at every stage. a flight test of the Arrow 3 weapons
Meanwhile, the United States and Israel system that is designed to defend
have developed the upper-tier component against ballistic missiles outside of the
(including an exo-atmospheric interceptor) atmosphere. The test was conducted
to the Israeli Missile Defence architecture, at a site in central Israel and was led
commonly known as Arrow 3, based on an by Israel Aerospace Industries, in
architecture definition study conducted in collaboration with the Israeli Air Force.
2006-2007, determining the need for the The Missile Defence Agency, as system
upper-tier component to be integrated into co-developer, supported the test. Arrow
Israel›s Ballistic Missile Defence system in 3 interceptors were delivered to the
addition to the Arrow 2 Block 4 ATBM, Israeli air force in January 2017 for
which was declared operational on 18 operational use.
January 2017. The KV of two-stage Arrow

III/2018 77
 Nammo Shoulder – Launched Munitions

“Proven, Powerful and Effective”

R
ecent conflicts often have soldiers munitions provide man portable, lethal and civilians. Soldiers no longer have to
in small units (squad or platoon) and accurate firepower. Nammo very waste precious time during a heavy enemy
detached from larger forces and well understands these requirements and attack in waiting for or relying upon external
functioning autonomously. Self-sufficient, provides the most advanced, lightest-weight help. These SLMs give them the necessary
isolated units require the correct mix of Shoulder Launched Munitions (SLMs) firepower to address enemy combatants
armaments to ensure mission success while in the world. The M141 Bunker Defeat immediately–and decisively.
maintaining mobility and survivability. Munition (BDM) and the M72 Family of
Units could be fighting in a city one day weapons are capable of destroying enemy Nammo System characteristics
and mountainous terrain the next. Most fortifications, annihilating light armour Economic challenges place armed forces
of these skirmishes are conducted at and de-grading the enemy’s will to fight. around the world under increased budgetary
less than 100 metres distance, typically Nammo’s shoulder-launched munitions pressure along with the onerous obligation
representative of an urban fight requiring deliver devastatingly lethal capability in of making the right decision when choosing
engagements against light and heavy lightweight, compact and easy to use equipment for their forces. Key factors are
masonry walls, earthen fortifications and systems. vital to the decision for US and other force
technical vehicles, or at extended range, Arduous battlefield requirements leaders to procure and deploy the Nammo
beyond several hundred metres, rendering place an enormous burden on small unit SLMs which include being:
conventional firearms and grenades only leaders and the troops. Nammo SLMs Combat Proven: These munitions
marginally effective. The size and weight are extremely effective in minimising are unmatched in safety reliability, and
of existing weapon systems to handle these those demands. The M72 and BDM give ruggedness in unforgiving real battlefield
scenarios are prohibitive for dismounted every squad complementary capabilities, a environs. Moreover, they are capable of
operations, and logistics required to deliver potent combination to scale the lethal and distinguished combat use in different
indirect fire are time prohibitive for a squad devastating effects of the situation in real environments; MOUT, mountainous,
engaged in a firefight. time, thereby ensuring “mission success.” desert, etc., and also prove to be combat
Amidst unpredictable conflict Nammo SLMs provide soldiers the ability multipliers for all operations; offensive,
scenarios, the Nammo shoulder-launched to quickly defend themselves, their units defensive and retrograde. Their merit is also

78 VAYU
 Sponsored by
proven in air jumps, air drop, underwater Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW), multiple M72s at one time, which allows
delivery and by helicopter sling load. and a disposable solution derived from the light infantry, early entry, airborne and
Exceptional Design: For soldiers SMAW for the US Army, the M141 Bunker Special Forces to be prepared for multiple
carrying increasingly heavier loads into Defeat Munition. Both 83mm systems offer engagements without the need for resupply.
combat, the Nammo munition systems a variety of warheads that can be used as the Nammo has several variants of the system
come as lightweight and compact weapons situation dictates, providing military leaders providing soldiers with the capability to
and hence significantly reduce physical with the flexibility to choose a system that destroy structures and vehicles or penetrate
burden. Their best feature is that they best fits the mission. light armour.
are easy to use and train, which increases
combat effectiveness and readiness. The M72 LAW BDM
Lethality: Nammo munitions comprise The playing field will be tilted to the The US Army Type Classified M141
multipurpose warheads offering flexibility, advantage of the soldier carrying the Bunker Defeat Munition is a single shot,
overmatch and easy target defeat features Nammo M72 lightweight assault weapon shoulder launched munition with a unique
that are accurate, repeatable firepower (LAW).The M72 LAW has been a battlefield high explosive dual purpose (HEDP)
at extended ranges without elaborate or staple since the Vietnam War. The US Army round. Lightweight and rugged, the BDM
expensive sighting systems and system Type Classified modern M72 LAW is a is airdrop-certified and single soldier
reliability to perform on target, every time single use, effective, easy to use and highly transportable. The HEDP rocket has a
without exception is guaranteed. portable. The lightweight and lethal nature devastating impact on enemy targets,
of the weapon enables soldiers to carry including breaching concrete structures,
SLM historical impact
Shoulder-launched munitions or SLMs
entered the battlefield during World War II
and remain extremely effective even today.
Armed Forces throughout history have
a primary goal of completing missions
successfully, while minimising combat
casualties. The Nammo engineering and
product development team understands
this mission and specifically designs
shoulder launched munitions to give
war fighters the power and lethality to
efficiently and effectively destroy armoured
personnel carriers, hastily created bunkers,
fortified structures, and other hardened
targets.
Nammo SLM designs draw extensively
from experience in current conflicts. The
Nammo product development team works
closely with operators to understand
requirements and gaps in their current
capabilities to continuously improve
system designs and manufacture SLMs that
effectively engage and destroy targets. The
design and engineering teams’ aptitude to
remain in tune with the changing needs
of soldiers is vital to providing them the
decisive edge in any combat situation.
Nammo’s ability to listen to the soldier
and design a solution that gives them an
advantage has solidified the company as a
key player in the industry.

System and warhead variants

The company offers a wide range of systems
in the 66mm and 83mm families. The
66mm M72 LAW family of weapons
offers both anti-armour and anti-structure
capability. The 83mm systems include the The Nammo portfolio
reusable launcher ShoMulder-launched

III/2018 79
light armoured vehicles, fortified caves and 21mm rocket system is unmatched by any to the squad and platoon when and where it
urban construction. other SLM trainer in the world for rapid low is needed. War fighters recount thousands of
Fuze function (immediate or delayed) cost gunner marksmanship skill building and instances in which they credit the decisive
is determined automatically during target maintenance. capability of Nammo SLMs during combat
impact and no gunner action is required. The The 21mm Sub Calibre Rocket Trainer operations.
HEDP rocket detonates immediately upon is an outstanding/realistic marksmanship In effect, Nammo M72, M141 BDM
impact of hard targets while the built-in fuze training weapon and its low cost along with and the SMAW ammunition are combat
delay allows for deeper penetration before unmatched training success rates make it proven as vital equipment for soldiers in
detonation when hitting soft targets. The extremely potent. It replicates back blast, operations. Lethal, accurate and easy to
BDM launcher includes a mounting bracket noise, over pressure of tactical round and use, the US-Qualified Nammo shoulder
for quick attachment and removal of sights interestingly, one 21mm sub calibre training launched munitions are versatile fire power
such as the AN/PAQ-4 or AN/PEQ-2 laser rocket is used in all Nammo marksmanship for the small unit leader. The Nammo SLM
aiming lights, ACOG or red dot sights, or training weapons. Development Team is close to introducing
the Nammo/Crimson Trace quick detach Decades of combat proven performance several new variants of M72 to the market.
range adjustable visible and IR laser pointers. distinguishes the Nammo lightweight, lethal The company is in the final stages of
and accurate shoulder launched munitions development and will soon truly satisfy the
SMAW from all others available to military Forces long standing fire-from-enclosure (FFE)
The United States Marine Corps standard today. Nammo weapons increase user requirement.
SMAW offers a variety of ammunition survivability by providing organic fire power With briefing from Nammo
choices in a reusable launcher. In addition to
being extremely accurate, the SMAW is light
yet powerful enough to stop a tank. The war
fighter can easily demolish bunkers, breach
fortifications and defeat armoured vehicles
using the SMAW. The SMAW family of
ammunition manufactured by Nammo is
well-suited for Military Operations on Urban
Terrain (MOUT) scenarios enabling the war
fighter to defeat enemy fortifications and
other targets with overmatching firepower.
The ability to select from one of three
different projectiles allows troops to use the
best round for the mission.

Realistic training solutions

Sustaining the advantage over adversaries
is critical to a soldier’s survival in combat.
Nammo’s realistic and cost effective family
of sub-calibre training weapons develops
and maintains the skills necessary to be
an accurate and confident SLM Gunner.
Nammo’s specially designed rocket trainer
authentically simulates tactical round firing
effects including back blast, noise, and
signature. Essentially, forces can increase
proficiency among their soldiers while
reducing overall training costs, since all
Nammo systems utilise the same low cost
21mm rocket ammunition. This is the
final part of the proven US military training
regimen classroom with inert weapons,
virtual with video simulation of scenarios,
and ultimately live fire marksmanship with
21mm rounds and tactical round target defeat
demonstration. The M72, M141 BDM and
SMAW sub calibre training system is an
ideal solution, allowing soldiers to achieve
and maintain superior gunner skills. This

80 VAYU
 Sponsored by
M141 BDM M72A9ASM M72A7 LAW
SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
WEIGHT 7.26kg WEIGHT 4.3kg WEIGHT 3.6kg

CARRY LENGTH 813mm CARRY LENGTH 787mm CARRY LENGTH 787mm

CALIBER 83mm CALIBER 66mm CALIBER 66mm

MINIMUM RANGE 15mm MUZZLE VELOCITY 150m/s MUZZLE VELOCITY 200m/s

EFFECTIVE RANGE 500mm MINIMUM RANGE 15m MINIMUM RANGE 15m

EXT RANGE SUPPRESIVE FIRE 1000mm EFFECTIVE RANGE 200m EFFECTIVE RANGE 350m

NSN 1340-01-443-5477 NSN 1340-01-538-4308 NSN 1340-01-519-8759

DODIC HA08 DODIC HA48 DODIC HA29

Nammo Warheads M72A5 / M72A7 Anti-Armour Munition (AA) includes M72A5, 300mm RHA
The ever changing battlefield Penetration; M72A7, 150mm RHA Penetration and multi-purpose shape charge
landscape requires that Nammo effects versus all manners of vehicles and buildings.
continuously develop new warheads
to meet customer requirements. SMAW Warheads
The versatility of Nammo’s weapon High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) boasts of “Fire and forget” target-sensing
systems and ammunition allows the fuze self that discriminates between hard or soft targets and is highly effective
war fighter to rapidly adjust to a against bunkers, light armour, as well as heavy brick and concrete walls.
wide array of ground threats. These Novel Explosive (NE) is similar round to the HEDP, with twice the weight
variants are currently in production of enhanced blast explosive and is a self-discriminating warhead for hard or soft
at Nammo for the USA and many target defeat. High Explosive Anti-Armour (HEAA) attains full penetration of
customers worldwide: heavy armour from nearly any oblique angle. Common Practice Round (CPR) is
an inert warhead full caliber training round.
M72 Warheads
M72A9 ASM, Anti-Structure Munition BDM Warheads
features anti-structure/ fragmenting High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP)have the same high performance enhanced
case (Aluminised HE) that is essential blast warhead as in the SMAW. Their “Fire and forget” target-sensing fuze self-
for light structures (single brick), door discriminates between hard or soft targets, and these are highly effective against
opening, and checkpoint security. bunkers, light armour, as well as brick and concrete walls.

III/2018 81
The Arrow in Apache’s Quiver
I
n anticipation of the impending deal, which provide home-in on active jammers
the United States Defence Security that try to degrade or disable the missile.
Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified The missile will also receive advanced
Congress on 22 December, 2010 of a countermeasures to defeat and cancel
possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) jammers. The AGM-114L-3 Longbow
to the Government of India of various Hellfire weighs 49-kg, including the 9-kg
engines, equipment, weapons, training, tandem shaped charge High Explosive Anti-
parts and logistical support for a possible Tank (HEAT) warhead, and has a range of
Direct Commercial Sale of 22 AH-64D 12-km against armoured formations and
Block III Apache helicopters, which was the fortified installations. In the close support
only contender ultimately short listed. The anti-armour role, the helicopter carries 16
complete package is worth approximately AGM-114L-3 Longbow Hellfire ATGW
$1.4 billion. The notification was made on four four-rail launchers plus 4 Stinger
in advance so that, in the event that the Block I-92H Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) for
AH-64D proposal was selected, the United self-protection.
States might move as quickly as possible to For effective fire control and optimum
implement the sale. “The proposed sale is utilisation of AGM-114L-3 Longbow
projected to contribute to the foreign policy Hellfire, the AH-64D ‘Longbow Apache’
and national security of the United States is equipped with the Northrop Grumman
by helping to strengthen the US-India AN/APG-78 millimetre-wave Fire Control
strategic relationship and to improve the Radar (FCR) capable of performing under
security of an important partner (India) poor-visibility conditions, less sensitive to
which continues to be an important force ground clutter, while the short wavelength
for political stability, peace and economic allows a very narrow beam width, which is
progress in South Asia”, stated the release. resistant to Electronic Counter Measures
The attack helicopters later referred to as (ECM). AN/APG-78 additionally,
AH-64E Guardian are set to enter Indian incorporates an integrated AN/APR-48A
Air Force (IAF) service 2019 onwards. Radar Frequency Interferometer for passive
“To decimate hostile armoured location and identification of radar-emitting US Army’s AH-64D Longbow Apache, the type
formations and enemy bunker and threats. The Longbow Apache can execute soon in ‘Indian’ colours
fortifications,” the package includes 812 an attack in 30-seconds while remaining
Lockheed Martin AGM-114L-3 Longbow behind natural terrain if necessary with the countermeasures hardening, the missile
Hellfire Anti-Tank Guided Weapon radar dome atop the rotor blades unmasked is capable of operating with pulsed radar
(ATGW) plus 542 AGM-114R-3 Hellfire for a single radar scan and then remasked, frequency or A-Code laser codes for those
II ATGWs. The Hellfire name comes from enabling the processors determine the aircraft equipped with dual code capability.
its original role as a helicopter-launched location, speed and direction of travel of a AGM-114R weighs 50-kg and travels at a
fire and forget weapon. The AGM-114L-3, maximum of 256 targets. speed of Mach 1.3. Laser guidance can be
or Longbow Hellfire, is a fire and forget Complementing the AGM-114L-3 provided either from the launcher, such as
weapon equipped with a Millimetre Wave Longbow Hellfire will be the multi-purpose the nose-mounted opto-electronics of the
(MMW) radar seeker coupled with inertial 8-km range AGM-114R or ‘Romeo’ that AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, other
guidance, enabling Lock on after Launch uses a Semi-Active Laser Homing (SALH) airborne target designators or from ground
(LOAL) capability; very effective against guidance system and an integrated blast based observers, the latter two options
hostile multiple rolling armour. The fragmentation sleeve (IBFS) warhead likely allowing the launcher to break line of sight
MMW radar also rectifies the inherent built around tandem shaped charge HEAT with the target and seek cover.
limitations of Semi-Active Laser Homing to engage targets that previously needed Lockheed Martin has developed the
(SALH) guidance system by providing multiple Hellfire variants. Hellfire II locks ‘Arrowhead’ targeting and night vision
capability in adverse weather and battlefield on before or after launch and can engage system for the Apache, using second-
obscurants such as dust, smoke and fog multiple targets simultaneously. The missile generation long-wave Infra Red (IR) sensors
being able to mask the position of the target uses trajectory shaping to enable optimal with improved range and resolution, and
or to prevent the designating laser from performance in degraded weather along has a targeting Forward Looking Infra Red
producing a detectable reflection. Besides with automatic target reacquisition after loss (FLIR) with three fields of view, a dual field-
autonomous homing on targets designated of track in low clouds. The digital autopilot of-view FLIR, a Charged Coupled Device
by the Longbow Fire Control system, can be reprogrammed in flight, to home (CCD) TV camera, electronic zoom, target
the missile can also use advanced modes, in on new targets in when employed in a tracker and auto-boresight.
currently being upgraded to the system, LOAL mode. Equipped with electro-optical Sayan Majumdar

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 Irkut’s aircraft and advanced
pilot training

Yak-130 combat trainer in flight

I
rkut Corporation have expanded the demonstrated with a modernised structure its predecessors, is focused on fulfilling the
deliveries of one of its bestsellers, the that enables the installation of a laser range requirements of wide range of customers,
Yak-130 supersonic combat trainer finder. It is equipped with ‘Talisman-NT’ both public and private.
aircraft, across the world. In December which is designed to significantly improve The Yak-152, which is currently in
2017, the first six aircraft of this type were survival rate of the Yak-130 while carrying flight testing mode, has higher capabilities
inducted into the Myanmar Air Force. With out strike missions. It should be noted than most of the existing competitors. With
this, the number of countries operating the that a number of Yak-130s operators also maximum takeoff weight of 1490 kg, the
Yak-130 now is five, which includes Russia, use this aircraft for combat missions. For aircraft is fitted with a diesel engine of 500
Myanmar, Algeria, Belarus and Bangladesh. example, Andrei Ravkov, the Belorussian hp which operates on aviation kerosene. The
According to the Russian MoD, the Minister of Defence, stated that the Yak-152 is designed for over 10,000 flight
Russian Air Force currently operates more Belarussian Air Force uses the trainer as a hours and is a rugged design.
than 80 Yak-130s which are slowly replacing “light attack aircraft.” A unique feature of the Yak-152 is the
their outdated L-39 jets. Irkut has continued While developing this aircraft, the SKS-94M2-152 ultra-light catapult system,
to deliver a long-term contract of Yak- designers relied on the great experience which is a newly installed technology for
130s to the aviation training centres of the of ‘Yakovlev DB’ (part of the Irkut emergency escape. The escape system is
Russian Air Force. “In terms of its flight Corporation) in development of light triggered when the handle of the bailout is
and performance characteristics at subsonic training aircraft. Since 1935, more than pulled, the pilot shoots the container with
speeds, Yak-130 is closer to the latest ultra- 22,000 training piston aircraft (UT-2, Yak- a parachute stacked in it, allowing for the
manoeuverable fighters of the Russian Air 11, Yak-18, Yak-52) have been produced breaking of the cockpit glass and opens the
Force such as the Su-30SM and Su-35.” in Russia and abroad. The new ‘Yak’, like parachute within 0.2 seconds.
The Yak-130 is equipped with a wide
range of weapons weighing up to 3000 kg,
that includes R-73E short-range missiles,
precision air bombs with the KAB-500Kr
guidance system and a wide variety of
unguided aircraft weapons, enabling the
aircraft to take on various targets at the
same time.
Irkut is also working on increasing the
combat performance of the aircraft. At the Yak-152 trainer in flight
MAKS-2017 airshow, the Yak-130 was

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PLAAF operationalises J-10C variant

NEWS

T he Chinese PLAAF have recently operationalised the J-10C

fourth-generation multi-role fighter, timed with the 90th
anniversary ceremony at Zhurihe military base in Inner Mongolia
establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul capability for these
aircraft. Russia will deliver the first two aircraft by October 2018 to
Autonomous Region. The J-10C reportedly has advanced avionics No.14 Squadron based at Iswahyudi Air Base in East Java.
and new generation weaponry for both land and maritime attack
roles. Shen Jinke, a spokesperson for the PLAAF,stated that, “The
fighter will enrich the air force’s offensive and defensive system and Egyptian Rafales
improve its capability to fulfil duties and missions.”

RTAF Gripen in MS20 upgrade

E gypt’s intention to acquire another 12 Rafales from Dassault

seems to have been delayed over issues on the supply of
components for the Scalp cruise missiles Egypt wants to acquire.
Egypt has wanted its Rafales to be armed with Mica air-to-air
missiles, Scalp cruise missiles and AASM Hammer guided missiles,
but there are issues with some US-components in the systems.
Meanwhile, half of the 24 Rafales Egypt ordered in February 2015

T he Royal Thai Air Force has been gradually improving

capabilities of its Gripen C/Ds since the first six aircraft were
ordered as air superiority fighters in 2008. Saab has offered its MS20
have been delivered with more expected this year.

upgrade for the RTAF Gripens which includes MBDA’s Meteor Upgrades for Israeli F-35s
beyond visual range missile. Thailand is also seeking simulators for its
fighter fleet, including those for their upgraded F-16s. Meanwhile,
Airbus Helicopter are in discussion with the Thai Navy to upgrade
its five H145M helicopters with the HForce weapon system.

Su-35s for Indonesia

I ndonesia and Russia have signed a contract for 11 Sukhoi Su-35
(Flanker-E) fighters, some four years after the type was selected
to replace Northrop F-5E and F-5F Tiger II fighters, reportedly
valued at $1.14 billion. The procurement will include an unspecified
weapons package and technology transfer to enable Indonesia to

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Air Force F-35A Adir fleet, being part of a wider Block 3F+
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software package, with work to continue until December 2021.

A DoD notification said: “This modification provides for the
procurement of Israel-unique weapons certification, modification
kits and electronic warfare analysis in support of the F-35 Lightning
II Israel System Design and Development (SDD) to provide 3F+
fleet capability for the government of Israel under the Foreign
Military Sales programme.”

Japan’s next-gen fighter

the Gripen’s ability to engage ground targets by incorporating
unguided and laser-guided bombs into the weapons load with air-
to-air capability enhanced by introduction of new radar modes.
Another key element is integration of the targeting electro-optical
pod Litening III, which will be used not only for guiding missiles
and bombs, but also in aerial reconnaissance and combat. The
upgrade also implements the Alliance datalink, Link 16, as well as
cryptomodules for covert communication.

More Typhoons for Saudi Arabia

T he Japanese Government is reportedly reconsidering its earlier

plans to develop an indigenous next-generation fighter and are
instead examining proposals for further development of an existing
Western fighter. Japan’s Defence Ministry has issued a request for
information (RFI) seeking proposals for the new aircraft, which
will be known as the F-3 in service. Japan is expecting to receive
proposals for designs based on existing aircraft of British or American
origin, the project being estimated at $40 billion. Even as the Japan
Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) is receiving 42 F-35As to replace the
ageing Phantoms, it needs additional fighters from around 2030 to
supplant its F-2 fighters. Earlier, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
S audi Arabia is close to ordering a follow-on batch of 48
Eurofighter Typhoons, with a memorandum of intent (MoI)
signed on 9 March. Saudi Arabia had in 2007 ordered 72 Typhoons
flew its X-2 stealth technology demonstrator under the advanced for some $41 billion. The first 24 aircraft were built by BAE Systems
technology demonstrator experimental (ATD-X) programme which at its Warton production facility, after which it was planned that the
has been under test at Gifu, home of the JASDF’s Air Development remaining 48 be assembled in Saudi Arabia by the Alsalam Aircraft
and Test Wing. Company. In the event, all 72 aircraft were built in the UK, but
In related news, the Japan Air Self Defence Force is reportedly there is no related decision on the next batch.
considering procurement of another 20-25 F-35As to its planned
procurement. The JASDF’s 3rd Air Wing is the initial unit to operate
the F-35A at Misawa Airbase. Su-57 FGFA developments

MS20 upgrade for Czech

R ussia had reportedly deployed two examples of its Su-57 fifth-
generation fighters to Hmeymim Air Base in Syria’s Latakia
province. The two stealth fighters were escorted by a Su-30SM but
departed three days later and it is unclear whether the deployment
Air Force Gripens was related to on-going tests and evaluation of the aircraft. Earlier,

T he Czech Air Force has completed the MS20 capability

upgrade of its fleet of Gripen fighters, enhancing combat
and communication capabilities. The MS20 upgrade improves
Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov announced that
the Su-57 had completed its first stage of flight acceptance tests,
being flown by contractor test pilots and that the defence ministry

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M yanmar is to receive six more Yak-130 advanced jet trainer/

light attack aircraft in addition to those in the initial contract
for an undisclosed number of the type in June 2015. The first three
were delivered in February 2017 and another three were inducted
into service in December. Russian sources have confirmed that the
contract for a second batch of six aircraft was signed in December.

First A330MRTT for Singapore

was close to signing a contract for a pre-production batch of 12
Su-57s. Nine flying prototypes are currently undergoing tests and
the first two pre-production aircraft could enter VKS service next
year, according to Borisov.

China’s Su-35S fully operational

S ingapore’s first Airbus A330-243MRTT, of six ordered in March

2014, will lead the ceremonial flypast over Singapore on 1
September 2018. According to Major General Mervyn Tan, Chief
of the Air Force, “Training will be commencing soon for the first
batch of aircrew and maintenance crew, and its operationalisation
is expected to be achieved in the following few years.”

Canada to rejoin NATO AWACS force

A ccording to authoritative reports, the Su-35S multi-role fighter
is now “fully operational” with the People’s Liberation Army T he Government of Canada has announced its rejoining
of the multinational NATO Airborne Early Warning and
Control Force flying E-3A Sentry Airborne Warning and Control
Air Force (PLAAF). China had ordered 24 Su-35S fighters in
November 2015 at a cost of around $2bn, deliveries to the PLAAF System (AWACS) aircraft. The size of the force was reduced to 14
beginning December 2016. The first four examples in the initial operational aircraft following Canada’s announcement in 2011 of its
batch flew from their factory airfield at Komsomolsk-on-Amur to planned withdrawal from the force because of budgetary concerns.
a PLAAF training base at Cangzhou, 112 miles (180 km) south However, the RCAF has maintained a cadre of AWACS-qualified
of Beijing, carrying on to Suixi, home of the 6th Brigade, which is personnel since it stopped flying with the NATO force in 2014 by
assigned to the strategically important Southern Theatre Command. integrating them with US Air Force crews.
Five more Su-35s were delivered in March 2017 and another five
followed in December. Dutch Apaches raised to AH-64E
More Yak-130s for Myanmar standard
T he US State Department has approved Foreign Military Sale to
the Netherlands of items and services to support the upgrade/
remanufacture of its AH-64D Block II Apache attack helicopter to
AH-64E configuration. The estimated cost of the work is $1.191bn,
including that for four engines, targeting and other systems.
The deal, revealed on 20 February by the US Defence Security
Cooperation Agency, still awaits approval from Congress. Twenty-
eight AH-64D Block IIs are involved in the standard revision,
also known as Apache Guardian and will include bringing the 51
remaining engines to T700-GE-701D standard (42 engines to be
installed, plus nine as spares).

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US Defence Budget for FY 2019

Super Hornets, including the airframe life extension, conformal
fuel tanks, new computers and advanced cockpit displays. R&D
funds for the US Air Force amount to $30.4 bn, which will fund
programmes including the B-21 bomber and the Next Generation
Air Dominance (NGAD) ‘family of systems.’ Other efforts will
help develop hypersonic strike weapons (both the Hypersonic
Conventional Strike Capability and the Air-Launched Rapid
Response Weapon), autonomous technology including swarming
drones, cyber-integrated defences, electronic warfare, artificial
intelligence and directed energy. The USAF will also continue efforts
to field a high-energy laser with a fighter.

T he US President has recently presented the Congress with a

proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget request, which includes
major investment in emerging technologies even as the US military
seeks to shift emphasis from ‘counter-terrorism operations’ to
potential ‘great-power competition.’ The two-year budget agreement
includes $700bn of defence funding in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 and
$716bn in FY 2019. Major aerospace programmes in the budget
include procurement of 77 F-35As (48 for USAF and 29 for US
Navy); 15 KC-46s, 24 F/A-18s; 60 AH-64Es (12 new built and 48
remanufactured); 6 VH-92s; 10 P-8As and 8 CH-53Ks.
The US Navy is set to receive $19 bn for aircraft programmes,
an increase of 26%. The Navy has requested 120 new aircraft
for 2018 and wants to buy 110 more F/A-18E/Fs over the next
five years, while continuing efforts to extend the service of its
The increasing focus on ‘near-peer’
foes is reflected in the emphasis of
modernised nuclear weapons, including
purchase of precision-guided tail-kits
for the B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb
and development of the AGM-180/181
Long Range Standoff Weapon (LRSO,
$0.6bn) that will arm the B-21 and
B-52H. For the latter bomber, a long-
awaited re-engining programme should
be kick-started with the help of $399m
of funding. The Stratofortress is set to
outlive the B-1B and B-2A, according
the Air Force’s new ‘bomber vector’
proposal, which envisages incremental
retirement of the Lancer and Spirit
once the B-21 arrives in the mid-
2020s. The Air Force had previously
intended to operate the B-1 and B-52
until 2040, with the B-2 continuing
till 2058. Surprisingly, the US aims to
reduce planned purchases of the F-35
in the short-term, down from 341 to
329 aircraft in FY 2018-21.

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NATO forces, even as the search for replacements will begin

French Defence budget increased by 2035.
The LPM will also consider a Systéme de Combat Aérien Futur
(SCAF, Future Air Combat System), which will be a co-operative
programme , with development of certain elements begun
during this time period. The SCAF will comprise interconnected
platforms and armament, centred on a multi-role combat aircraft
covering the entire spectrum of operations, targeted for service
entry by 2040. As for UCAVs, joint studies with Germany, Spain
and Italy will continue with a view to launching a European
MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) UAV programme
next year and delivery of the first system in 2025. It is planned
to have eight MALE UAV systems in operation by 2030. The

T he French Loi de Programmation Militaire (LPM or Military

Planning Act), covering the period 2019-2025 has been
presented to the Council of Ministers for consideration and
first three Patroller tactical UAV systems will be handed over and
it is intended to have up to five in the French Army inventory
by 2030. In addition, 15 UAV systems will be ordered for the
includes the proposal for a major increase in defence spending. French Navy, with entry into service planned for 2028. Light
Total expenditure over the period is scheduled to be €295bn, tactical UAVs, with multi-sensor intelligence capabilities and a
of which €198bn has been budgeted for during the present weapons option, will be acquired for the special forces in 2019.
five-year government term between 2019 and 2023. The LPM The French Navy’s 18 Atlantique 2s will be upgraded even as a
provides for the delivery of 28 new-build Rafales to the Armée programme will begin to search for a replacement. Under the
de l’Air (French Air Force) between 2022 and 2024, while 30 Charge Universelle de Guerre Électronique (CUGE) programme,
more of the type will be ordered in 2023 for delivery by 2030. three Dassault Falcon dedicated electronic warfare aircraft will
Efforts to further improve the Rafale’s capabilities will include be acquired to replace the two ageing C-160G Gabriele aircraft
developing the F4 standard, work on which is to be launched currently employed in the role.
this year. A mid-life upgrade of the ASMPA missile will also
be carried out. Additionally, the air force will benefit from the
delivery of 55 refurbished and upgraded Mirage 2000Ds. Hand
over of A330 MRTT aircraft will be accelerated, compared with
previous planning, with 12 due to arrive by 2023 and a further
three expected to be ordered, taking the total MRTT fleet to
15 by 2025.
The tactical transport fleet renewal will continue, with 11
A400Ms due to be accepted during the period, along with the
final two C-130Js in 2019. All 14 existing C-130Hs will undergo
modernisation, although a programme to replace them will be
initiated by 2030. An avionics retrofit and modifications to the
four E-3F AWACS aircraft will ensure full interoperability with

First USAF T-Xs to be based at San Antonio Canada shortlists future fighter
ThePilotUSTrainer
Air Force has announced that the forthcoming Advanced
(T-X) will initially replace the T-38C Talon at
contendors
Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas as the preferred location for
the first T-X aircraft, which is scheduled to arrive in 2022. The T-X
will thereafter replace the T-38 at other undergraduate pilot training
C anada has released a list of eligible OEMs that will be invited
to submit proposals under the competition to replace the Royal
Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF’s)fighter fleet with 88 new aircraft. The
bases, including Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; Laughlin statement from Canada’s Public Works and Government Services
AFB, Texas; Sheppard AFB, Texas and Vance AFB, Oklahoma. has listed Dassault Aviation (Rafale), Lockheed Martin (F-35A),
Final decisions on locations are dependent on the outcome of Boeing (F/A-18E/F), Saab (Gripen E/F) and the UK government/
environmental analyses. Stationing the T-X at San Antonio- Airbus Defence and Space (Typhoon). The competition invites
Randolph, which is the base for USAF instructor pilot training will eligible suppliers to submit proposals in spring 2018 which will be
facilitate T-X instructor pilots orientation before the transition to assessed on cost, technical requirements and economic benefits. A
T-X training at other flying training locations. The USAF expects to contract award is anticipated in 2021 or 2022, with the first aircraft
award a contract for the new trainer aircraft later this year. to be delivered in 2025.

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and RJAF, which has financed training for pilots, crew chiefs and
maintenance technicians, as well as providing spare parts, ground

A nother two Typhoons for the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO)
have been delivered, which bring total RAFO deliveries now
to ten, from an order for 12 aircraft, three twin-seaters and nine
equipment weapons, ammunition and shelters for the Black Hawks.

single-seaters. The Sultanate of Oman had announced its decision More Ka-52s planned
T
to purchase 12 Typhoons along with eight Hawk Mk166 trainers he Russian defence ministry is to place orders for an additional
in December 2012. 114 Ka-52 attack helicopters under the State Armaments
Programme for 2018-2027. The announcement was made by
Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov, who said that the helicopters
Additional Rafales for Qatar will receive new long-range missiles and an improved optical-
sighting system. The first six new Ka-52s should be delivered before
end of the year.

Additional Sea Hawks for Singapore

Qatar is to purchase 12 additional Rafale fighters, with a contract

signed on 7 December 2017 at Doha in the presence of the
President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron and Sheikh
Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This follows the contract signed on 4
May 2015 between Qatar and Dassault Aviation for the acquisition
of 24 Rafales. Once these two batches have been delivered, the Qatar
T he Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) took delivery
of two S-70Bs in late January which join six others of the
Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) but operated by the RSAF’s
Emiri Air Force will operate a total of 36 Rafale omni-role fighters.
123 Squadron at Sembawang Air Base. The latest pair retains the
same sensor suite as the previous six (APS-143 surveillance radar,
All Black Hawks delivered to Jordan AAS-44 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor and the L-3 HLRAS
dipping sonar). However, they incorporate an improved Block 2
Jordan has taken delivery of the last of 12 new UH-60M Black
Hawks, deliveries of which began in March 2017. The Black
avionics configuration, which includes upgraded hardware and
software systems, an automatic identification system, as well as a
Hawks from the final shipment were formally accepted by the joystick controller in the cabin to enable the tactical co-ordination
Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) during a ceremony at Zarqa/ officer and sensor operator to control the EO/IR sensor.
King Abdullah II Air Base in Jordan on 28 January. As part of the
strategic partnership between the US and Jordan, US Congress
appropriated $470m last year for the Jordanian Armed Forces Safran engines for Qatar NH90s

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Qatar
NEWS

has selected Safran Helicopter Engines as engine supplier

for its new 28 NH90 military helicopters, whose acquisition
orders follow a series of contracts, particularly for EMS helicopters,
signed by Sino-US in recent years which include 25 AW119Kx
was announced on 14 March. These are RTM322 engines, to be single-engines and a mix of 30 AW139s and AW169s in 2016,
assembled in Bordes (France) and delivered to Airbus Helicopters’ followed by 10 AW109 Trekkers in 2017.
facility in Marignane, where the NH90 tactical transport version
(TTH) is assembled, and to the Leonardo Venice-Tessera facility in
Northern Italy for integration with the naval (NFH) configuration. First 787-10 Dreamliner for
Safran Helicopter Engines now power 80% of the worldwide
NH90 fleet. Singapore Airlines

51 UH-72A Lakotas for US Army

O n 26 March 2018, Boeing and Singapore Airlines marked

delivery of the world’s first Boeing 787-10 in commercial
service. Like the other 787 Dreamliners, the 787-10 is designed
with strong, lightweight composites, the most advanced systems, and
comfortable cabin features. The 787-10 features a longer fuselage
which accommodates some 40 more passengers or a total of 330 seats
in a standard two-class configuration.  Singapore Airlines, through
its subsidiary Scoot, already flies the 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners
T he United States Army has contracted Airbus Helicopters for
a total of 51 UH-72A Lakotas, for which Safran Electronics &
Defense, Avionics USA, LLC supplies critical avionics systems. The
with Singapore Airlines having 68 additional Boeing widebody jets
on order, including 48 more 787-10s, and 20 of the new 777-9s.
awards came in two contracts with the initial award for 35 UH-72A
Lakotas and a contract modification to deliver an additional 16
shipsets. More than 423 Lakotas have been delivered with the Safran
Qatar takes first A350-1000
avionics package consisting of the autopilot system, the Attitude
& Heading Reference System (AHRS) and a data acquisition unit
since the programme began in 2005.

26 Leonardo helicopters for China

T he Sino-US Intercontinental Helicopter Investment of China
has signed contracts for additional 26 helicopters, including
7 AW119Kx single-engine, 15 AW109 Trekker light twins and 4
AW139 intermediate twins with deliveries expected to start this year
through to 2019, the contracts valued in excess of $120 million. The

Qatar Airways is Airbus A350-1000 launch customer and has

accepted its initial aircraft in Toulouse, from where the aircraft
flew to the airline’s Doha hub then onto London Heathrow. This is
the first of 37 A350-1000s for Qatar Airways whose configuration is
327 seats (46 business class, 281 economy) 44 more than its 283-seat
A350-900s. The A350-1000 is Airbus’ largest widebody twin jet
airliner with 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km) range. Powered by
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines generating 97,000lb (431kN)
thrust, having a modified trailing edge and a six-wheel, main landing
gear, Cathay Pacific Airways will be the second A350-1000 operator.

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A VIC Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG) of China

continue their successful exports of twin turboprop Y-12E
aircraft, the latest customer being Nepal, which has recently accepted with the industry’s most advanced digital flight control and cockpit
two more aircraft on 17 April 2018. These join two Y-12Es procured technologies, drawing on heritage from other recent Falcon models
in 2014 and 2017, being used for commuter operations in difficult and fighter jet programmes.
terrain. The Y-12 family of aircraft are presently operating in more
than 30 countries including the United States and Russia.
Adjusted production rates for A380
Double A400M delivery and A400M
A irbus has recently confirmed “the formal adjustment of
production rates” for its A380 and A400M programmes. The
revised plan presented to the European Works Council involves
the production of six A380s and eight A400Ms per year starting
from 2020. Such adjustment of the A380 production rate follows
a recent order which provides visibility on the programme for years
ahead: “at a baseline of 6 deliveries per year, Airbus can produce the
A380 in an industrial efficient way over the coming years,” which
baseline allows Airbus to pursue further sales campaigns which may
well lead to higher production levels. On the A400M programme,
production will be adjusted to eight units per year as of 2020,
following production of fifteen A400M in 2018 and eleven units
in 2019, this adjustment based on discussions with the A400M
Launch Customer Nations.

A irbus has recently delivered two A400M new generation

airlifters to two different countries (Germany and France) in a
single day. The company handed over the aircraft at Seville in Spain
Airbus A321LR in record-breaking flight
on 20 March to the European Organisation for Joint Armament
Cooperation (OCCAR), who manage the A400M Programme.

Dassault Aviation launches Falcon 6X

D assault Aviation have unveiled their Falcon 6X, “the most
spacious, advanced and versatile twinjet in business aviation”
on 28 February 2018. This new 5,500 nm-range aircraft will make
its first flight in early 2021 with deliveries to begin in 2022. Pratt &
Whitney Canada’s Pure Power PW800 engines have been selected
to power the Falcon 6X “that offers the largest, quietest and most
comfortable cabin of any aircraft in its class and more cabin volume
than any other Falcon ever designed”. The Falcon 6X is equipped

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he Airbus A321LR variant has recently made a record-breaking

flight from Mahé in the Seychelles islands to Toulouse, in G eneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been awarded
Foreign Military Sales contract by the US Air Force Life
France, covering a total distance of 4,750 nautical miles in 11 Cycle Management Centre for the United Kingdom MQ-9B
hours. This was in late March as part of the A321LR’s 100-hour Protector unmanned aircraft system programme, which provides
flight test and certification programme. To make flight conditions for integration and component level testing for UK-specific
as realistic as possible while evaluating cabin systems, the A321LR enhancements to support the MQ-9B Protector programme. GA-
carried 162 human heat-replicating dummy passengers in addition ASI performed the first flight of the MQ-9B configuration less
to its 16-member test crew. According to flight test engineer Jim than two years ago, and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) has
Fawcett, the A321LR’s flight characteristics and fuel consumption continued to meet a series of key qualification milestones.
“were as expected throughout the lengthy trip.” Other important MQ-9B milestones were achieved in 2017,
including the first FAA-approved flight for a company-owned RPA
through non-segregated airspace without a ‘chase aircraft,’ when the
Congo orders Chinese ARJ21s RPA flew from Yuma, Arizona to Gray Butte, California in August
2017. Upcoming aircraft qualification milestones include lightning
protection tests, which are expected within the next 60 days. A
weaponised variant of the system is being acquired by the Royal Air
Force (RAF) under the UK’s MQ-9B Protector programme. The
MQ-9B Protector can fly in excess of 40 hours with airspeed up
to 210 knots, reach altitudes of more than 40,000 feet, and carry
4750lbs (2159 kg) of external payload.

Flight Deck capability for MQ-25

T he Government of Congo has ordered a COMAC ARJ21-

700 in VIP configuration with delivery scheduled for 2023.
The order is part of a contract that also includes two of the type
for delivery this year to Air Congo. While Government of Congo
interest in the ARJ21 dates back to 2014, this deal was revealed after
a delegation recently visited China for a test flight on a Sichuan
Airlines ARJ21 from Chengdu.

Lion Group orders LEAP-1A engines

T ransportation Partners, the leasing arm of Lion Group, and
CFM International have finalised an order for 380 LEAP-1A
engines to power Airbus A320neo/A321neo aircraft. In addition to
the LEAP-1A engines, Lion Group has also ordered 544 LEAP-1B
engines to power its Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10
aircraft, of which 10 are currently in service with Lion Air.  With a
G eneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems have demonstrated
aircraft carrier deck handling to include taxi capability and
transition to the launch and recovery phases using a Predator® C
fleet of 924 LEAP engines at a total value of $13.4 billion in service Avenger® jet aircraft as a surrogate. As part of the proposed MQ-
or on order, Lion Group is the largest LEAP engine customer in 25 solution, GA-ASI has demonstrated that the new carrier-based
the world. unmanned tanker can integrate with the complexities of existing
flight deck operations. Specifically, MQ-25 deck operations will
use specially designed director wands that are the same size, shape,
MQ-9B Protector for the UK and weight as those used currently. Directors control aircraft
taxi operations on deck, including lowering/raising the launch
bar, spreading/folding the wings, and raising the arresting hook.
GA-ASI employs unique gesture recognition algorithms in the
wands that recognise standard Naval Air Training and Operating
Procedures (NATOPS), flight deck director hand gestures and
then translates and sends those commands to the MQ-25 air
vehicle. MQ-25 receives the commands and converts them into
the appropriate aircraft actions.

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Thales RBE2 radar for Rafales
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AVIATION & DEFENCE
NEWS

(ExLS) 3-Cell Stand Alone Launcher

following a series of trials. ExLS is a

T hales has delivered the 200th RBE2 electronic scanning

radar, its teams having applied solid technological expertise
in development of this electronic scanning radar with active array
low-cost alternative for integrating
new missiles and munitions into
naval surface combatants leveraging
technology to customise the radar to the tactical missions carried out Lockheed Martin’s proven Mk 41
by Rafale combat aircraft. The RBE2 features state-of-the-art digital Vertical Launching System (VLS)
technologies, offering pilots greater flexibility in reconnaissance design and electronics. MBDA’s
missions. The RBE2 is Europe’s first active electronically scanned CAMM is a highly compact missile
array (AESA) radar. Technology development for the RBE2 radar that enables multiple weapons to be
commenced in the 1990s, and the first Rafale equipped with the fitted in limited spaces, considered
system was delivered to the French defence procurement agency as the most modern air defence
(DGA) in 2012. All Rafales now exported incorporate this active missile of its class on the market
array technology. When operated from ExLS or MK
41 VLSD, CAMM comes in a quad-
pack arrangement which allows to
Russian Helicopters tests VRT300 UAV store and fire 4 missiles from a single
containers.

New contracts for IAI’s Tac4G

communication system
I srael Aerospace Industries (IAI) has recently
received several new contracts for Tac4G,
its tactical communication system.
Concurrently, IAI has announced
that several new capabilities have been
added, including Tac4G’s integration
in tactical UAVs and additional platforms. The unique
communication system has been developed by ELTA, IAI’s

V R-Technologies design bureau, part of Russian Helicopters

(part of Rostec State Corporation) have started bench tests of
the main systems and assemblies of VRT300 unmanned helicopter,
Intelligence and reconnaissance Division.

with flight tests scheduled by the end of 2018.To date, functional 100th IAI-Elta Multi-Mission Radar
and technical configuration of civil unmanned helicopters has
been agreed with a range of Russian companies and authorities, System acquisition
this configuration becoming the basis for development of a flight
prototype with MTOW of 300 kg. This will be a flying test-bed for
testing of UAVs systems and equipment, as well as for its interaction
I AI-ELTA marked the 100th ELM-2084 Multi-Mission Radar
(MMR) family acquisition at an event and exhibition held in
ELTA facilities in Ashdod, Israel, with participation of senior MOD
with payload elements and ground-based monitor and control and military officials, military attaches, and current users worldwide.
equipment. VRT300 system is developed in two versions: Arctic Initially developed for the Israeli Defence Forces and improved
Supervision, equipped with a side-view radar for ice reconnaissance for the ‘Iron Dome’ interception system a decade ago, the MMR
and operation in Arctic conditions and Optic vision, with increased
flight range to perform monitoring and remote sensing missions.
With a large payload of 70 kilograms the aircraft can transport
urgent cargo, such as food and medical supplies and be engaged
in ‘search-and-rescue operations’ particularly for scientific Polar
stations.

CAMM completes qualification trials

M BDA and Lockheed Martin have jointly completed
qualification of MBDA’s Common Anti-air Modular Missile
(CAMM) from Lockheed Martin’s Extensible Launching System

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WORLD
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NEWS

family has evolved throughout the years to offer capabilities for air
surveillance, air defence, C-RAM and Artillery Hostile Weapon T he Seagull which is Elbit Systems Unmanned Surface Vessel
(USV) participated in a joint Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Location and Friendly Fire Ranging. MMR is a main sensor of ‘Iron exercise of the Israeli and the French navies, recently held in the
Dome’, ‘David’s Sling, and IAI’s land-based ‘Barak’ weapon systems Mediterranean. Under the Israeli Navy command, an ASW force
“that have changed the modern battlefild.” The Barak is a land and that included two Israeli ASW vessels, a frigate and an ASW
naval short to long range point and area defence missile system and helicopter of the Marine National and the Seagull, performed
has been proven through more than 1500 operational intercepts in ASW missions against an Israeli Navy submarine. The joint force
battle since 2011. This continues to be improved through lessons then simultaneously operated manned and unmanned surface
learned during past conflicts and updated technologies. and airborne vessels, practicing advanced means and tactics for
submarine detection and deterrence.

Carl-Gustaf ammunition for FMV

China’s new aircraft carrier 001A

S aab has signed a framework agreement with the Swedish Defence

Materiel Administration (FMV) to enable efficient procurement
of ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf weapon system allowing FMV to
C hina’s second (and first indigenous) aircraft carrier, which is still
unnamed but referred to as 001A is likely to begin preliminary
sea trials in summer 2018 even as there are plans to design and
purchase every kind of combat and training ammunition available, construct much larger nuclear-powered carriers.
as determined by the needs of the Swedish Armed Forces. “With China’s first carrier, Liaoning, bought from the Ukrainians has
this framework agreement, which enables FMV to place orders been used for operational training and has a 14 degree ski ramp,
for ammunition for a minimum of three years with a potential for and embarks 24 fighters, while 001A will embark 35 aircraft with a
extension to four years, the terms and conditions are set for any lower (12 degrees slope ramp). The two ships are dimensionally very
ammunition procurement, regardless of quantities.” similar, with the newer ship some 30 feet longer than the original.
Both weigh about the same, or 55,000 to 60,000 tons. According to
intelligence reports, the Chinese have a long-term plan for six carrier
Elbit Systems’ Seagull USV in strike groups, with at least two of them to be nuclear-powered.
joint exercises
LM’s LRASM tested

94 VAYU
L ockheed Martin has flight-tested a production-configuration
Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) from a US Air Force
WORLD
AVIATION & DEFENCE
NEWS

and intelligence-gathering platform independently, others opt for

Leonardo to own and operate its own Falco aircraft and provide
B-1B bomber of the 337th Test Squadron over the Sea Range surveillance data as an air service provider. This latter model is
at Point Mugu, California, impacting the maritime target and becoming increasingly popular, with a reference customer being
meeting test objectives. “LRASM is designed to detect and destroy the United Nations. Leonardo has flown Falco RPAS for thousands
specific targets within groups of ships by employing advanced of hours over its first four years of support for the organisation’s
technologies that reduce dependence on intelligence, surveillance humanitarian MONUSCO mission.
and reconnaissance platforms, network links and GPS navigation
in electronic warfare environments. LRASM will play a significant
role in ensuring military access to operate in open ocean/blue waters, Yakovlev Design Bureau set world
owing to its enhanced ability to discriminate and conduct tactical
engagements from extended ranges.” records with the Yak-130

Leonardo’s Falco exceed 15,000

F édération Aéronautique Internationale have registered a number
of records set by the test pilots of Yakovlev Design Bureau
flying the Yak-130 combat trainer. The batch of the record flights
was performed at the airfield of Gromov Flight Research Institute
flying hours from 17 to 26 October 2016. The flight crews included test pilots
Oleg Kononenko, Oleg Mutovin, Andrey Voropaev and Vasily
Sevastianov. Several Russian and world records were set for this
class of land-based turbojet aircraft with take-off weights between
6,000 to 9,000 kg. As Roman Taskaev, Yakovlev Design Bureau’s
Deputy Director General for flight tests, noted: “Record flights have
demonstrated both outstanding capabilities of Yak-130 aircraft and
the professionalism of our test pilots.’’

L eonardo’s Falco family of Remotely-Piloted Air Vehicles (RPAS)

have collectively logged more than 15,000 hours of operational
flight. Since its maiden flight in 2003, more than 50 Falco family
RPAS have gone into operation around the world with five
customers. While some users choose to operate the surveillance

Raytheon’s Patriot
for Romania
T he US Army has awarded Raytheon
a contract for production of
Romania’s Patriot Air and Missile
Defence System. Raytheon’s Patriot
is a missile defence system consisting
of radars, command-and-control
technology and multiple types of
interceptors, all working together to
detect, identify and defeat tactical
ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones,
advanced aircraft and other threats.

III/2018 95
WORLD
AVIATION & DEFENCE

Overhauling of Canadian Navy Phalanx

NEWS

The US Air Force has also contracted with Raytheon to produce

Lots 2 and 3. The SDB II bomb is a gliding precision weapon with
Close-in Weapon Systems a unique tri-mode seeker that uses millimeter wave radar, uncooled
imaging infrared guidance and semi-active laser guidance to acquire
R aytheon Canada Limited is overhauling and providing in-service
support for the Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems operated
by the Royal Canadian Navy. Raytheon produces the Phalanx, a
targets. The weapon’s two-way datalink allows it to receive in-flight
target updates. Once fielded, SDB II will enable pilots to engage
more targets at ranges greater than 40 miles using fewer aircraft.
Raytheon is producing SDB II bombs at the company’s fully-
automated manufacturing facility in Tucson, Arizona, with the
programme nearing completion of developmental testing.

Anti-air Warfare Defence Technology for

Australian Navy

rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm gun system that

automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have
penetrated other ship defence systems, with more than 890 systems
built for navies around the world. Under the $330 million contract
by Public Services and Procurement Canada, RCL, working with
Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services, will “provide
maintenance, fleet technical support, repair and overhaul services
on the Phalanx mounts which will ensure the systems are ready to
address current and emerging threats.” Work under the contract,
which was signed November 2017, will be conducted in Raytheon

R
Canada Limited’s Calgary facilities. RCL has supported a broad aytheon has completed design, development and testing of its
range of Canadian defence and technology programmes for nearly Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system, which
25 years. will be certified by the US Navy for the system’s first international
installation. Onboard the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Hobart,
CEC will expand the ship’s battlespace awareness by sharing sensor
Lot 1 production of SDB IIs completed data among a network of other Australian and allied CEC-equipped

R aytheon has completed Lot 1 production of the Small Diameter

BombII, “a new  weapon that will give fighter pilots the ability
to destroy moving targets at any time and in all-weather conditions.”
ships and aircraft. CEC is a real-time ‘sensor-netting’ system that
brings together radar data into a single integrated air picture from
geographically dispersed ships, aircraft and ground-based units.
This integrated picture improves task force effectiveness by enabling
longer range, cooperative, or layered engagements. The CEC benefits
from advancements in commercial and specialised technologies, as
well as from the experience and expertise the Raytheon team has
gained through more than 30 years as the US Navy’s CEC Design
Agent.
The equipment - certified hardware and software - will be
transfered to Australia for installation on HMAS Hobart (DDG-
39), and NUSHIP Brisbane (DDG-41) followed by an extensive
integration, test and evaluation period. Raytheon is to actively
support CEC system integration and testing, including scheduled sea
trials, similar to support provided for the US Navy fleet. Enhancing
the capabilities of US forces, CEC is currently deployed on ships
and land-based test sites, E-2C/D aircraft and US Marine Corps
network systems.

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AVIATION & DEFENCE
NEWS

Passing of a legend
Dassault Aviation pays tribute to Serge Dassault (1925-2018)
“Serge Dassault has devoted his life to aeronautics
and the French industry. He has defended with
passion and determination Dassault Aviation and
its employees, with the sole ambition of long-term
viability of the French wings”, expressed Eric
Trappier, the Chairman and CEO of Dassault
Aviation.

S
erge Dassault was born in Paris on 4 April 1925 and passed
away on 28 May 2018. His adult life began dramatically
when, in early 1944, he was imprisoned by the Gestapo along
with his parents and brother at Montluc near Lyon, and then at
Drancy, from where prisoners were sent to the death camps. The
Nazis thought they could thus force his father Marcel Dassault to These programmes ensured continuity in the company’s
place his aircraft designer skills at service of the Third Reich. Marcel reputation for excellence and successfully met many challenges, be
Dassault refused and was deported to Buchenwald in August 1944, it exports of the Rafale fighter, the first European combat drone
from where he miraculously returned in May 1945. After this demonstrator nEUROn or the widening of our range of Falcon
traumatic experience, Serge was always attentive to humane matters business jets with the introduction of the 7X, the 8X and now,
as also to national sovereignty. the 6X.
After graduation from the École Polytechnique and the École Under his guidance, and with the help of Charles Edelstenne,
Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique, Serge Dassault joined the Serge Dassault restructured and modernised the industry while
design office at Générale Aéronautique Marcel Dassault in 1951. maintaining the company’s social ethos. Notably, Serge Dassault
He became manager of the flight test department in 1955 and, as ensured that ‘every employee benefited from the efforts made,
such was involved with a large number of military aircraft (Super distributing incentives and profit-sharing far in excess of what the
Mystère B2, Étendard, Mirage III and Mirage IV). Appointed as law required.
Head of Export, he led the negotiations that resulted in the sale In 1975, after serving as Treasurer of the trade union Union
of Mirage III aircraft to Switzerland and Australia. Serge Dassault Syndicale des Industries Aéronautiques et Spatiales (USIAS), which
also launched the Mystère 20 (now Falcon jet) sales campaign in subsequently became the Groupement des Industries Françaises
the United States. Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS), Serge Dassault was appointed
In 1963, he took over senior management of the company General Commissioner of the International Paris Air Show at Le
Électronique Marcel Dassault1, where he was appointed Chief Bourget, thereafter successfully coordinated organisation of no less
Executive Officer on 10 October 1967 and held this position until than ten Paris Air Shows.
23 December 1986. Then, from 29 October 1986 to 4 April 2000, He presided over GIFAS from 1993 to 1997, and in addition,
Serge Dassault was Chairman and CEO of Avions Marcel Dassault was president of the French Council of Defense Industries (CIDEF)
- Breguet Aviation (which became Dassault Aviation in 1990), between 1994 and 1996, vice-president of the European Association
eventually becoming its Honorary Chairman. Since 2 December of Aerospace Industries (AECMA) from 1994 to 1997, Chief
1987, Serge Dassault had also been Chairman and CEO of Dassault Armaments Engineer (reserve corps), a graduate of the Centre de
Industries, which became the Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault on perfectionnement des affaires business school and a former auditor of
1 January 2000. the public administrative establishment Institut des Hautes Études
Under his leadership, Dassault Aviation consistently developed de Défense Nationale (IHEDN), Serge Dassault was also awarded
and implemented policies aimed at adapting to new market realities the Aeronautics Medal and became a grand officer of the Legion
and led the Company in rising to the challenges of the 21st century. of Honour.
Under his watch emerged innovative aircraft types to meet new Beyond his position as a CEO, the employees of Dassault
customers’ requirements, notably the modernised Super Étendard, Aviation salute his passion for aeronautics, his human vision of
the Mirage 2000-5, the Mirage 2000D and the new generation entrepreneurship and the relentless support he provided, as a
Rafale as concerned combat aircraft types while business jets majority stakeholder, to the Company’s strategy. Such passion,
encompassed the Falcon 2000, the Falcon 900EX, the Falcon 50EX, human vision and management stability are the core strengths of
the Falcon900C and multi-mission Falcons of the Falcon family. Dassault Aviation and will remain so tomorrow.

III/2018 97
 Frisian Flag 2018
T
he Leeuwarden Air Base in the
Netherlands (ICAO code EHLW),
hosted the annual Frisian Flag 2018
exercise, was held from 9 to 20 April 2018.
Over these two weeks, participants executed
a mix of air-to-air, air-to-ground and
air-war exercises. A realistic international
cooperation was one of the major aims
of this exercise since many international
operations were conducted by multinational
taskforces, with different aircraft types,
following different tactics, doctrines and
training-levels, with different command-
chains and different air-refueling procedures
and certifications.
Each day, two missions were flown
with 40-50 aircraft and missions became
increasingly complicated as the exercise
progressed. All participating countries
played the role as mission-commander for
mission and all countries also brought in
their tactics, doctrines and lessons learned
from previous exercises and real-war
experiences.
As there were two missions per day,
preparations for the morning-missions
started on the day before and ended with
a mass-briefing early in the morning
and similarly, afternoon missions were
conducted. There were flown offensive and
defensive air-to-air missions and offensive
and defensive air-to-ground missions twice
a day with some 40-50 aircraft airborne
each mission. Since air-to-air refueling
was the part of the exercise, the planners
and mission-commanders kept a close eye
on that and made sure it was done timely,
though it was not really needed since target
area was close to Leeuwarden Airbase.

98 VAYU
 The Dutch No.322 TACTESS and has so over the past 20 years. The was 323 TACTESS Squadron that used
(Tactical Training Evaluation and main task of 322 TACTESS Squadron to organise Frisian Flag exercises but later
Standardisation) Squadron organises the is to standardise Dutch operational F-16 on, it was 322 TACTESS Squadron that
Frisian Flag exercises (and its predecessors) tactics and doctrines. Some years back, it took the baton to convert the future Dutch
F-35 JSF aircraft, which is expected in the
Netherlands sometime in 2019.

Frisian Flag lessons (compared

with Red Flag)
Most of the foreign participants were very
pleased by Frisian Flag exercise which they
found relatively low-cost as compared to
the Red Flag exercise in the US. Almost all
the nations across the globe participated in
Frisian Flag exercise with all national and
international doctrines mixed into the 20
missions.

RED-AIR
In the 2018 edition of Frisian Flag, there
were dedicated RED-AIR aircraft with civil
A-4s based at Wittmund AB and Polish
MiG-29s based at Leeuwarden AB. With
this dedicated RED-AIR assets available in
the exercise, BLUE-AIR pilots experienced
virtually-real adversaries with non-standard
tactics and aircraft.
Text and photos:
Joris van Boven and Alex van Noye

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Old and Bold !

A Very American Airshow

Heritage flight at Luke AFB: the P-51D, F-35A, F-22A and A-10C

W
ith airshows at NAF El Centro,
MCAS Yuma and Luke AFB in
March, the US Air Force, Navy
and Marines heralded a summer of aviation
fun. While the show at El Centro had to
cope with clouds and even some rain, the
shows at Yuma and Luke witnessed bright
sunshine and blue skies. But all the three
shows boasted of vigorous footfalls.
It should come as no surprise that the
US Navy showed off their newest Hornets
at El Centro, with no less than 16 VFA-
106 Gladiators performing a tactical demo
with the F/A-18F Super Hornet. Two new
EA-18G Growlers of NAS Whidbey Island
based VAQ-129 and two F/A-18E Hornets
of VFA-97 from NAS Lemoore were present
at the static display. And of course, the
world famous Blue Angels closed the flying
programmes with their six F/A-18C’s, their Old but still bold, F-5 formation break over Yuma
first public display of 2018.

100 VAYU
 The main attraction at Yuma was the
F-35B Lightning II, which opened the
flying display. Seeing a jet hanging still in
the air remains a strange and impressive
sight! Next to this modern hardware,
a formation of four venerable F-5Es in
attractive ‘aggressor’ colours made their
presence felt by making two passes in close
formation. The F-5Es are part of Yuma
based Marine Fighter Training Squadron
401 (VMFT-401). This squadron acts as the
opposing force during simulated air combat.
Away from the thundering noise of jets, a
UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper flew a
tactical demo, closely working together. And
the older cousin of the Venom, a Yuma-
based HH-1N Huey, showed its capabilities
in Search and Rescue.
Luke is the home of dozens of F-16s
and F-35s, so lots of those types could be
Honouring the past and promising the present, Heritage flight formation of the F-86
Sabre and F-22 Raptor over Yuma
seen both in the air and on the ground. For
the Joint Airfield Assault Demo, Luke was
temporarily transformed into an enemy
airfield. In a display of jets, helicopters and
transport aircraft, assisted by ground forces,
this enemy airfield was quickly taken over
by the US forces. Next was the famous
Tora! Tora! Tora! display which included
nine Japanese fighters recreating the attack
on Pearl Harbour. A B-17 Flying Fortress
heavy bomber managed a safe landing on
the heavily damaged airfield while this was
still under attack. Back to modern times, the
F-22A Raptor and still-going-strong A-10C
Thunderbolt II flew their demonstrations,
with the USAF Heritage Flight closing this
part of the show.

USAF Heritage Flight

During 50th anniversary of the United
States Air Force celebrations at Nellis
AFB in 1997, the first Heritage Flight
Steve Hinton taxies in his Sabre after an excellent Heritage flight display was born. Now twenty years later, the

MC-130J during the Joint airfield Assault Demo at Luke AFB

III/2018 101
Air Force Heritage Flight is firmly embedded in
many airshow programmes. The Heritage Flight
formation is formed with active USAF fighter
aircraft and privately owned veteran aircraft such
as the P-51D Mustang, P-38M Lightning and
the F-86F Sabre. The Heritage Flight Association
was formed in 2010 to support and coordinate
all these heritage flights within the United States
and worldwide.
For two years now, Steve Hinton has been
flying the F-86F for these heritage flights who
commented: “We display the past and present
for veterans. Every time we want to put on a
display which is memorable for them.” At the
MCAS Yuma airshow, Hinton flew his F-86F in A-10C Demonstration Team from 355FW performs a slow pass at Luke AFB
formation with the F-22A Raptor from the Air
Combat Command F-22 Raptor demo team.
Prior to every show season, Hinton and the eight
other selected heritage pilots fly and train together
with the US Air Force pilots in a formal training
environment at Davis-Monthan AFB. Here they
set the boundaries and standards for the display.
“I enjoy training, pulling Gs, lofting and zooming
through the air with this 1952 jet. I am lucky to
do this. But most important is honouring the past
and the present” says Hinton.
The North American F-86F Sabre that
F-35B entering hover mode over Yuma
Hinton flies is a former USAF serial 52-5012 and
Fuearza Aérea Argentina (Argentinian Air Force)
serial C-127. The aircraft is now civil registered
as NX186AM. It is painted in the colours of
335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, part of the
4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing with serial 12834
coded FU-834. It is to represent the aircraft that
was flown by Korean war ace Captain Clifford D.
Jolley. It includes the nose art “Jollet Roger” and
the 7 kills that Jolley scored during the Korean
War. The aircraft is now owned and operated
by the Planes of Fame Museum at Chino,
California. Hinton is President of the Planes of
Fame museum.
Text and images by Patrick Dirksen and F-35B taxies in after demo over Yuma
Frank Mink, Tristar Aviation

MV-22B of VMX-1 demonstrates vertical landing at Yuma

102 VAYU
Iniochos Exercise

Act with Awareness!

A 117 Sqn F-16C ‘Barak’ taxies for departure while a Greek F-16C already gets airborne to act as Red Air

M Increasing level of realism

embers of the air forces of density environment. Established in the late
Greece, the United States of Given the high (readiness) level of Hellenic 80s as a domestic small-scale air exercise, the
America, the United Kingdom, Air Force (HAF) personnel owed to the setup of Iniochos was changed in late 2013,
Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Israel everlasting tensions with neighbouring based on experiences that HAF pilots had
and Cyprus joined the annual Iniochos country Turkey for years, the HAF has been gathered during exercises such as Red Flag
exercise at Andravida airbase in Greece, looking for a way to verify their ability to in the USA and the Tactical Leadership
from 12 to 23 March 2018. employ their weapon systems in a high- Programme (TLP) in Europe. Iniochos

Home based 338 MDV supported the exercise with four aging F-4Es

III/2018 103
 realistic environment for proper training
of Hellenic Air Force fighter squadrons.
This level of realism has increased over
time, particularly when foreign participants
started to contribute with their own
training and combat experiences. The
training scenarios are now executed in a
challenging and demanding high-threat
environment for the participating nations,
which was expanded with the inclusion
of simultaneous Hellenic Navy and Army
exercises like Astrapi.

Ambitions
ATC plans to make Iniochos the most
important medium scale air-exercise for
Europe and the Middle East. To reach this
goal, a fully simulated combat environment
USAF F-15E touches down at Andravida after a morning COMAO
is being provided to all participants,
together with the opportunity of using
was then transformed into a medium scale KEAT), explained, “By implementing these different kinds of target ranges (over land
INVITEX (Invite Exercise), meaning that changes, it contributes to better synergy and over sea) for perfectly realistic training
other interested foreign nations could effects, a more realistic simulation of real conditions. According to US Ambassador
participate by invitation. Another change combat operations and the opportunity of Geoffrey Pyatt, Greece is well underway in
was the adoption of the so-called single base a better analysis of the results by debriefing reaching this goal, “Iniochos has become an
concept meaning the execution of operations together.  It improves the learning curve important multinational exercise with broad
from one single air base. As Colonel significantly and therefore provides a higher participation from across Europe and the
Konstantin Zolotas, deputy commander efficiency for all participants involved.” Eastern Mediterranean, which reflects the
of the Air Tactics Centre (ATC, locally The first-and main-goal during the ambition of Greece as a builder of bridges,
known as Kentro Aeroporikis Taktikis or initial editions of Iniochos was to create a as a pillar of regional stability,” he stated.

Israeli F-16C of 117 Sqn of Ramat David air base takes off spectacularly during an afternoon mission

104 VAYU
 the Hellenic Air Force to invite them was,
besides strengthening of bilateral relations,
the desire to have a closer look at the AESA
radar, having in mind the forthcoming
introduction of the F-35A Lightning II in
the Turkish Air Force. This year, however,
the UAE AF brought six less advanced
Mirage 2000-9s of 71 squadron based at
Al-Dhafra Air Base.
Unlike previous years, the Israeli Air
Force was only present during a small
portion of the exercise in the second week,
with four F-16Cs from 117 squadron which
is based at Ramat David airbase. Last year,
the fact that the Israeli and UAE Air Forces
trained together during Iniochos, received
much media attention and this might
have influenced the decision of the Israeli
A Greek F-16C of 347 Mira comes in to land after the morning COMAO leadership to lower their presence in 2018.

F-16D of 337 Mira taxies at Andravida with the Skorta mountains in the background

Iniochos 2018
In previous years, the exercise was scheduled
during April, but the start of other activities
at Andravida forced the planners to
reschedule to an earlier date; as a result, the
weather conditions were less than ideal as
they would normally be in April, resulting
in some cancelled missions due to adverse
weather.
Besides all HAF combat squadrons,
six foreign countries were present during
Iniochos 2018. The United Arab Emirates
returned to Iniochos for the second year in
a row. Last year they brought their F-16E
Desert Falcons equipped with the Northrop
Grumman AN/APG-80 AESA radar.
According to unconfirmed statements, one Highlights of this year’s exercise were Mirage 2000-9s of the UAE AF
of the main reasons behind the decision of

III/2018 105
 Using conformal tanks to extend mission time, this Greek F-16C returns back to Andravida

It was noteworthy that during the media with Tornados from 6° Stormo, based training centre in Peloponnese which will
and VIP day on the second Tuesday of the at Ghedi air base. The United States Air interest air forces of friendly and allied
exercise, the Israeli and UAE aircraft did Forces Europe (USAFE) is a very frequent countries. That is our objective”.
not fly together: the UAE Mirages only participant and this year it joined with no Not many official words from the
participated in the morning mission and the less that twelve F-15E Strike Eagles from participant came to the surface, but it is
Israeli’s F-16Cs in the afternoon mission. RAF Lakenheath. understood that all participants praised the
The Royal Air Force joined Iniochos for realistic simulation of combat scenarios
the very first time, with Typhoons from Axis of stability and the multitude of unexpected simulated
No.3 (R) Squadron from RAF Coningsby. Overall, the exercise was a big success threats that the Hellenic Air Force General
“This is the first time that Typhoons have again and a great opportunity to verify Staff incorporated in to the exercise to keep
been deployed to Greece. This exercise the capabilities of the organising home the participants always on alert. Specially
offers us a great opportunity to prepare team. Greek Defence Minister Kammenos designed to simulate modern, complex
for future operations and strengthens our underlined the importance of Iniochos for and intensive air operations, day and
existing relationship with the Greek Armed the Greek Armed Forces: “Year by year, the night, in order to provide realistic training
Forces,” stated Wing Commander Lewis Iniochos exercise becomes larger with more that resembles the early days of a conflict
Cunningham, Detachment commander of participants, more countries, more aircraft (simulating real warfare), the annual exercise
No.3(R) squadron. and it actually turns into one of the most Iniochos is the frame in which personnel
Another first timer was the Cyprus significant exercises worldwide. Together and aircraft are tested to the limits of their
National Guard Wing, which participated we are building a great axis of stability, capabilities.  This year, the Egyptian Air
with an AW139 helicopter from 460 northwards, with the Balkan countries, Force sent observers during the exercise.
SAR squadron during the first week of Bulgaria and Romania, southwards with the Therefore, it is possible that in a future
the exercise. Their role was to rescue countries of the Middle East, Israel, United edition they may participate as well.
simulated downed pilots from the nearby Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan etc. I hope Photos and text: Patrick Smitshoek,
Mediterranean Sea. Returning after last that very soon we will be able to announce Stephan van Geem and Remco
year’s debut was the Italian Air Force the establishment of the greatest air force Stalenhoef

106 VAYU
 European Air Refuelling
Training (EART) 2018

Dutch Air Force McDonnel Douglas KDC-10

W The Importance of EART

hen the European Air Transport and further away compared with the recent
Command was established in past, making a strategic tanker fleet an Lieutenant-Colonel Chris van Dijk is
2004, it could hardly be foreseen important factor for mission success. During current commander of No. 334 Squadron,
that such cooperation between countries the EART, all aspects of refueling are trained who executed the EART (European Air
would arise. Still, when it comes to air- for and lessons which have been learned Refueling Training) in 2018, who informed
to-air refueling, European countries have during this exercise, have made politicians that this years’ EART exercise, which was
joined forces by training together during in Europe agree to join forces when it comes held in parallel to the exercise Frisian Flag at
the annual EART. Owing to the changing to air-to-air refueling with strategic tankers. Leeuwarden Air Base, was again scheduled
conditions in the world, it is necessary to With the help of the European Defence at Eindhoven Air Base. The entire EART
have a well-functioning and modern Agency, a study was started which finally led exercise was dedicated to tanker operations
tanker fleet. The ‘hotspots’ in the to the purchase of a joint European Airbus and international cooperation between
world are increasingly diverse A330MRTT tanker fleet in the near future. NATO partners. Of the participating

French Air Force Rafale

III/2018 107
tankers, the French and American KC-135 crews were briefed daily on the operators Future Tanker Fleet
had already left for home base and only the that they would receive. Crews were also In 2016, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were
Dutch KDC-10 and the German Airbus instructed on how they would operate the first countries to sign the intention statement
A310MRTT flew daily missions to support and with how many tankers they would (Memoria of understanding, MOU) to purchase
the exercise Frisian Flag and EART. Both fly into the cell. During this EART, it these aircraft. These countries later also signed
tankers from France and the United States was the second time that the tankers were for the purchase of two aircraft with an option
were withdrawn, because there was unrest connected to the Link 16 system on which for another six aircraft. In 2017, Germany and
in the Middle East and especially in Syria. movements could be analysed in detail later. Norway also signed for this project. With these
With the remaining two tankers on 12 two partners on board, the number of aircraft
Goals and Achievements April, the Dutch KDC-10 refueled eight to be purchased was already at seven. On 14
of EART Dutch F-16s; the German A310 refueled February 2018, Belgium also contracted for and
It is well known that the European units four German Eurofighters and three French the number of aircraft has increased to eight.
have a shortage of tankers and EART was Rafales. All refueling missions were flown in Text and photos: Joris van Boven
created to optimally use the existing fleet the Shell track. and Alex van Noye

A German Eurofighter being refueled

of tankers. In exercises such as Frisian Flag,

the emphasis is often on the fighter crews
and not on that of the tankers but during
EART, it was the other way around where
the crew of the tankers were also extensively
trained alongside the fighter crew. One of
the main goals of the EART was to receive
different ‘receivers’ and not just their own
fighter types.

On Tanker Mission with the KDC-10

and A310 during EART2018
During exercise Frisian Flag, tankers were
flown in two designated areas. Just above
the coast of Texel, above the North Sea,
was the Shell Track located and just off
the coast of Denmark, was located the Dramatic shot of the F-16s!
Esso Track. During the training, the

108 VAYU
Air Vice Marshal Cecil Parker recollects…
Bonding with Bhopal namesake, our onomastic ‘desi 007’ is a surprised to learn that, unwittingly, she
The black-and-white, grainy photograph, quiet, simple, serious padre who hails from continues our family bonding with Bhopal.
rubber-stamped ‘Bhopal Studio’ and ink- Tirunelvi down south, fluent in Tamil,
dated 16/6/1896 (yes, 122 years ago!) Hindi, English and who has served in Tamil Farokh: Flier, Friend and Author
showed a stiffly posed family of a serious Nadu, Chhatisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. On 27 February, 2018, Wing Commander
looking man, his wife seated with her sari- In his current assignment he ministers to Farokh Jehangir Mehta, VrC (Retd),
pallu almost covering her face and their the spiritual needs of fewer than 20 families marked his 87th birthday. Last year, he
two young daughters. One of the girls is from a church that barely seats 75 people. published his memoirs titled “Biff the
my paternal grandmother (Dadi), born in When I gently teased and quizzed him about ‘t’ out of Can’t”. His family, friends and
Bhopal and who passed away in Bhillai in his famed name, he was neither ‘shaken nor admirers assembled at the Sailing Club in
1979. This ancient photograph, locked in stirred’ but happily posed for a photograph Secunderabad for a book-reading followed
her trunk but shown to me on more than before returning to his pastoral duties. by a birthday lunch for him and his guests.
one occasion, was the sole recollection she We found the New Bhopal to be a As a tribute to our close personal and
had of her family as both her parents died very pleasant city with well-planned, wide professional relationship Farokh gave me
in an epidemic soon after it was taken. tree-lined roads, open green spaces and the privilege of writing the Foreword which,
The sisters were taken over and educated lakes that dot the countryside. Its malls reproduced below, will give the reader an
by missionaries in the Central Provinces/ and restaurants were as good as any we have overview:
Madhya Pradesh. In the late 1920s both elsewhere with lighter road traffic and not The title of this book says as much
sisters, along with their families, settled in a policeman in sight. We were able to meet about the author as its contents. Farokh
adjacent homes in the tiny village of Jyotipur up with another retired air veteran after a Jehangir Mehta, a first time author, chose to
(Chhatisgarh) on the road to Amarkantak, gap of a quarter century. On the evening commence penning his memoirs at the ripe
the source of the River Narmada whose before we returned, we had an unexpected old age of eighty by narrating ninety-four
waters reach Bhopal. This then is my visit from relatives in Rajasthan who just evocative episodes in his life in three phases.
tenuous, ancestral connection to Bhopal happened to be visiting Bhopal. Among The first phase (1931-1954) covers his early
which, till very recently, I had never visited. them was the daughter of a cousin of mine, years, the second (1955-1979) his air force
Last year, on his return from an who, after marriage, had settled in Bhopal service, and the third (1980 onwards) his
assignment abroad, our son was posted over two decades ago. She was pleasantly post-retirement period. This fascinating
by his company to Bhopal; my wife and
I were happy to accept an invitation to
visit in December 2017. Ever since my
retirement from the air force 32 years ago,
our travels have been primarily by air. The
air connection from Hyderabad to Bhopal
was however at an inconvenient departure
time, hence we opted for a train journey
after almost a decade. In the event we
quite enjoyed the14-hour rail journey by
the Rajdhani made more pleasant by the
company of a very friendly and helpful
young couple who shared our compartment
and were most caring for their octogenarian
travel companions.
On Christmas Day in Bhopal, we
attended service at a small church looked
after by a priest with the very unlikely
name of (hold your breath) Padre James The faithful Hunter of yore
Bond. Unlike his famous and flamboyant

III/2018 109
collection of stories takes the reader from a side both of us are blessed with a son and a Sarge, as he was known to all of us
privileged childhood in the erstwhile State daughter; both daughters are married and was very popular (not only for his earthy
of Hyderabad, through Independence and settled abroad while both sons are in India. language) but for a very likeable, friendly and
service as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air In retirement, seldom was a function held helpful personality. Unknown to us however
Force in peace and war, to his successful in either of our homes that did not include was the fact that he was an extremely keen
entrepreneurship and creative retirement. the other couple. and experienced cricketer. He set up ‘nets’
Farokh Mehta is a true-blue Hyderabadi, For those readers who would be in this (for him) ‘corner of a foreign field’,
at home in both the Urdu language and interested in reading more about this acquired cricketing gear and taught us the
Islamic culture. I have had the privilege of aviator and author, do get in touch with rules of the game and skills required for
knowing the author as a friend and erstwhile Naozar (80088 25050) or Padma (92468 batting, bowling, fielding and umpiring
air force colleague for nearly half a century. 77555). fairly. Under his guidance we improved our
His style of writing mirrors his personality. team work, leadership attributes and other
His story will have great interest, not only Cricket in the Forties character building qualities. If any of us
for those who wore uniform, but also for a Some of us from my generation (which ever hesitated at the crease over a perceived
much larger readership on both sides of the predates Midnight’s Children by 15 years) are doubtful LBW decision, he strode down the
Indo-Pak border. still around and are quite au fait with our pitch, pointed to our makeshift pavilion and
The book-reading was done by members national obsession i.e. cricket. My younger proclaimed imperiously, ‘Mr…we walk!’.
of The Little Theatre Hyderabad, which grandson, a natural all-round sportsman, (Our subsequent private mimicry of his
includes this writer. The selected pieces once asked me, ‘Dada, did you ever play accent/action generated many laughs for us,
were thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated cricket?’ I assured him that indeed I had, but we did learn the meaning of discipline
by the audience. Despite the difference in but 70 years ago! Being a teenager, this time – an attribute I needed in great measure in
our ages (Farokh is nearly two years my span of seven decades was almost beyond my air force years). Other games were not
senior) while I was his commanding officer, his comprehension, so I shared the story neglected but all of us seniors (1947-48)
our personal friendship was never affected. with him. practiced hard to make it into our very first
In fact we have some surprisingly similar During World War II (1939-45) our ever school cricket XI.
experiences in our lives too. Both of us boarding school in Bihar, along with its In our final year, we played our first
flew the Hunter aircraft for many years and extensive playing fields, was taken over inter-school cricket match watched by our
served as Flight Commanders in the same and converted into a major British military faculty, their families, guests and (most
squadron (No. 20); both of us commanded hospital. We were relocated to a city in UP popular of all) the senior girls from our
Hunter squadrons (he No. 27, me No. 20); for four years (1943-46). At Independence girls school…of course ‘Cheerleaders’ were
both of us ferried Hunter aircraft from UK we returned to find a large number of still in the distant future! We won that
to India; both of us earned gallantry awards new buildings on our erstwhile playing match narrowly and Sarge was the toast
in the 1971 Indo-Pak war; both of us had grounds leaving just one field for hockey, of the school. In my college there was no
a near-death experience – he in the lowest football and athletics in their seasons. Post cricket and I switched over to tennis which
possible ejection from a Hunter Mk.66D demobilisation after the war, some British I enjoyed playing till about three years ago.
on 19 December 1970 and me a successful armed forces personnel chose to stay on in In the air force, cricket was confined to just
manual bail-out from a blazing Tempest IIA India. Among them was a couple; the lady a few centres which did not cover any of the
on 28 October 1952; both of us took was a qualified nurse who joined our school fighter air bases where we young pilots spent
premature retirement from the air force and, staff as the Matron. Her husband, an ex- our formative years. I do however recollect
in our 80s, both of us published books that Sergeant from what he termed as the ‘PBI’, at least two air force cricketers who were
recorded our experiences as ‘episodes’ in his (Poor Bloody Infantry’), was appointed as called up for the national team.
and as ‘anecdotes’ in mine. On the family our Games and Sports Master. Cricket as we knew it, has of course
changed over the years, as much else has,
in our lifetime. In 2004, in my early 70s, I
was invited by my old school to be the Chief
Guest at its Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
I was given a tour of the school buildings
by the Head Boy and was amazed at the
transition of our school from less than
100 boarders in my time to one that
accommodates 1850! Seeing no playing
fields, I asked him about games. His response
was, ‘Yes Sir, cricket is very popular; we
have TVs in all our Common Rooms and
are allowed to watch outside class hours’.
I instantly decided to say nothing about
cricket in the 40s; am certain Sarge would
India’s national obsession
have approved – as did my grandson!

110 VAYU
25 Years Back
From Vayu Aerospace
Review, Issue III/1993

Royal Air Force is 75

The Royal Air Force marked the 75 th
Anniversary of its formation of 1 April
1993. The main event was to be a ceremonial
parade and flypast by 149 aircraft at the
RAF station Marham in Norfolk but a
Indian – Russian Air Chiefs meet in defence budgets and the drop in the heavy down-pour resulted in cancellation
Bilateral talks between the Russian and demand for aircraft. He added, however, of the flypast and the colour ceremonial
Indian Air Force Air Chiefs in late April “I don’t believe that the warplane business was restricted to a brief ceremony inside a
ended on a promising note with the Russian will go away”. hangar. HM Queen Elizabeth II graced the
Air Chief expressing optimism that the occasion with her presence and was received
supply of critical spares would be ensured MiG-29 engine problems by RAF Chief of the Air Staff.
despite the present political pre-occupations In what amounts to a shocking revelation
in Russia. of the poor record of the MiG-29’s RD-33 Chinese M-11 missiles for
Keeping in view that the IAF’s fleet engines, the Comptroller and Auditor Pakistan
of aircraft is essentially of erstwhile Soviet General’s report tabled in Parliament on China is supplying Pakistan with hardware
origin, the two sides also held wide ranging 11 May 1993, reveals that 74 per cent of for making surface-to-surface missiles. The
discussions on “application of air power the engines had “failed prematurely”. In technology transfer, if confirmed, could
common to both the air forces, on aspects its latest report for the year 1993 on the have serious consequences on US relations
of serviceability of the air fleet, type of Navy and the Air Force the CAG said that with both Beijing and Islamabad. Over
snags emerging on common aircraft types 74 per cent of these advanced engines for the past-four months, satellite surveillance
and understanding the usage of common the fighter aircraft bought at the cost of Rs photos and other sources have convinced
equipment.” Another issue that came up for 326 crore had failed prematurely within five the US intelligence agencies that China
discussion was service cooperation involving years and been withdrawn till July 1992. has shipped to Pakistan component parts
exchange of information on serviceability, According to the report, of the total of 188 for making M-11 tactical surface-to-surface
accident rates, operational strategy etc. engines available in the fleet, 139 engines missiles, which have a range of about 300
While elaborating on the need for had failed prematurely, with 62 engines miles and are believed capable of carrying
upgrading the MiG-21 fleet which is being withdrawn even before completion nuclear weapons. China has repeatedly
otherwise facing a phase out by 1995, Air of fifty percent of prescribed over-haul life, pledged to the USA that it would not export
Chief Marshal NC Suri said that the effort which was 300 flying hours. missile components or technology.
was to update it in order to sustain an 40th Anniversary of the
expected battlefield environment over the China N-build up in Tibet
next 15 to 20 years. Indian Naval Air Arm China, which has seldom been subjected to
Highlighting the 40 th Anniversary critical international scrutiny on the nuclear
AJT, LCA and HAL celebrations of Indian Naval Aviation issue, has concentrated on Tibet as a base
Chief of Air Staff IAF, Scientific Advisor were the ‘CNS Divisions’ at INS Garuda for its nuclear build-up. From engaging
to the RM and Chairman HAL have made (Wellington Island, Cochin) on 12 May. in secret nuclear weapons manufacture to
certain policy statements on the AJT of As part of the smart parade by officers and dumping radioactive waste there, successive
which, “the immediate procurement is sailors, was the flypast by naval aircraft, Chinese governments have been responsible
mandatory and in the absolute interest of led by 3 Chetak helicopters, followed by for the illness and death of several Tibetans
the IAF.” Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, said that the 2 Ka-28s and 3 Sea Kings. The fixed-wing near the ‘Ninth Academy’ (a top-secret
HAL-manufactured Light Combat Aircraft component comprised pairs of Islanders and nuclear city) and uranium mines in Tibet.
(LCA), which are to replace the MiG-21s, Dornier 228s, three Sea Harrier V/STOL These are the findings of ‘Nuclear Tibet’,
would be developed by HAL by June 1996 fighters and finally a lone Ilyushin Il-38 the first comprehensive study of China’s
to meet the demand of the country and ASW/MR aircraft. The latest aircraft-type nuclear activities on the Tibetan Plateau,
abroad by the year 2002 or 2003. inducted is the HAL-built Dornier 228 which was released world-wide on 19 April
RN Sharma, Chairman, HAL, said that which has replaced the venerable Breguet by the International Campaign for Tibet
the year 1992-93 had been a nightmare for Alize MR/ASW aircraft and will supplant the (CT), a Washington-based human rights
the aviation industry because of the cuts PBM Islanders for various secondary tasks. organisation.

III/2018 111
 Tale Spin
That Sinking Continuing their focus on India’s Armed Forces, Discovery Channel
have just launched a series on the Indian Air Force Academy, with
Feeling ! premiere on 4 June 2018. The preview (to which Vayu was invited),
showed some fantastic footage and the telecast will surely inspire
The world’s oldest independent
viewers no less than enthusiasts raring to join the Service.
Air Force (as distinct from Army
But hold on ! What are those aeroplanes on the poster ? The trained
or Navy Aviation) is the Royal Air
eye knows : so will future IAF fighters really be F-18s and F-35s ?
Force of the UK, which marked
its Centenary on 1 April 2018.
One certainly expected that the Sweden’s national dish – or is it ?
RAF would have gone to town
with extraordinary paint schemes
on some of its leading aircraft
types. But, alas no ! The chosen
logo (see image) has the RAF
roundel seemingly disappearing
out of the picture, provoking
some British enthusiasts to
lament the fact that this was not only inappropriate (reflecting the
reducing numbers of aircraft in service ?) but actually, disappointing,
considering the RAF’s splendid history and legacy.
The Indian Air Force, which was born in 1933 as a tiny adjunct
of the RAF in India, today has multiple times the number of combat
aircraft in service than its ‘parent’ does. But no paint schemes have
adorned its aircraft ever since it went overall ‘grey’ some decades back.
Sweden could well be flavour of
Share of things to come ? the future, with its superlative
Gripen multirole fighter
amongst those being evaluated
by the IAF, when presumably
Indian personnel would be
seconded to this Scandinavian
nation for conversion training.
And certainly they would be
offered Swedish fare, including
the signature ‘national dish’, being meat balls. Imagine then
Sweden’s consternation when it was recently ‘discovered’ that this
is actually based on a recipe that King Charles XII brought home
from Turkey in the early 18th century. The Turks rejoiced even as
the Swedes were dismayed.
But then, according to an Indian food czar, the samosa is actually
from Turkey too.

Namaste ji
All sailors have their own code of conduct
and honour. Recently, when a Chinese
Navy task force entered the Gulf of
Aden to carry out anti-piracy patrol,
the Indian Navy tweeted a warm
welcome to the 29th Anti-Piracy Escort
Force of the PLA(N) in the Indian
Ocean Region which read “Happy
Hunting.”
(But Pirates only please).

Afterburner
112 VAYU
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