अ ैल खंड/Vol.

: 48 अंक/Issue : 63
April 01-03/04/2023
2023

समाचार प से च यत अंश
Newspapers Clippings
डीआरडीओ समद
ु ाय को डीआरडीओ ौ यो ग कय , र ा ौ यो ग कय , र ा नी तय , अंतरा य संबंध
और व ान एवं ौ यो गक क नूतन जानकार से अवगत कराने हे तु दै नक सेवा

A Daily service to keep DRDO Fraternity abreast with DRDO Technologies, Defence
Technologies, Defence Policies, International Relations and Science & Technology

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Defence Science Library
र ा वै ा नक सूचना एवं लेखन क
Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre
मेटकॉफ हाउस, द ल - 110 054
Metcalfe House, Delhi - 110 054
 CONTENTS
S. No. TITLE Page No.
DRDO News 1-2
DRDO Technology News 1
1. Upgraded Pinaka Rocket System Tested Successfully The Times of India 1
DRDO on Twitter 2
Defence News 3-25
Defence Strategic: National/International 3-25
2. Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM Assumes Press Information 3
Charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Bureau
3. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Reviews Operational Press Information 3
Readiness of the Armed Forces during Combined Bureau
Commanders’ Conference in Bhopal
4. Defence will get all the Resources it Needs: PM Hindustan Times 4
5. Rajnath Attends Combined Commanders’ Conference The Pioneer 6
6. “Significant Boost to Indian Navy…”: SN Ghormade on The Times of India 6
Defence Ministry’s Multiple Deals
7. Army Chief General Manoj Pande Leaves for Australia to India Today 7
Enhance Defence Ties
8. द ु मन के मंसबू े व त करगी समु ठकान पर तैनात दै नक जागरण 8

ू ज मसाइल
9. Defence Ministry Inks Procurement Deals worth Rs Financial Express 8
32,086 Crore before FY2023 Ends
10. Defence Exports, at All-Time High of Rs 16,000 Crore, The Print 10
Include Made-in-India ATAGS
11. Defence Sector Reforms Delivering Good Results: PM The Economic Times 12
Modi on Exports Reaching Record High
12. No Headway with AMCA Fighter Jet Engine; a Quest for Financial Express 12
New Engine Propulsion Technology Lingers
13. Defence Ministry Signs Rs 470 Crore Contract with News on AIR 15
UDPL for Modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards at Goa
and Kochi
14. BEL gets Defence Export Orders worth $52 Million Business Line 16
15. Guns vs Butter-4: We Took Giant Leap with the Tejas, Business Standard 17
says Indian Air Force
16. Guns vs Butter-5: 'India can make do with Defence Spend Business Standard 18
of 2% of GDP'
17. India, Philippines Agree to Bolster Defence Ties The Tribune 20
18. LS Speaker Om Birla Calls for Deepening India-Israel RepublicWorld.com 20
Cooperation to Combat Terrorism
19. India-China Exploring Bilateral Talks when Chinese Financial Express 21
Defence Minister Visits for SCO Meeting in April
20. Russia's new Foreign Policy Strategy Identifies India, The Times of India 22
China as Main Allies
21. New Satellite Pics Reignite Chinese 'Spy base' Suspicion India Today 23
at Myanmar's Coco Islands
22. NATO Opens Innovation Hub in UK Janes 25
Science & Technology News 25-27
23. ISRO Successfully Conducts Autonomous Landing of The New Indian 25
First Reusable Rocket in Karnataka Express
24. ISRO’s RLV Success to Cut Launch Costs by 80 per cent The New Indian 26
Express

i
DRDO News

DRDO Technology News

Sat, 01 Apr 2023

Upgraded Pinaka Rocket System Tested Successfully

The Make-in-India upgraded Pinaka Mk-I user (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) surface-to-
surface extended range flight-testing was conducted on Wednesday & Thursday by the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army at Pokhran firing ranges in
Jaisalmer district. The short & high range multiple trials of Pinaka rockets were carried out
successfully.
New EPRS rockets were fired for more than 35km range in high range & of 7-8 km in low range
during the trials. Accuracy and consistency were achieved by the rockets meeting all trial
objectives satisfactorily. With these trials, the initial phase of technology absorption of EPRS by
the industry has successfully been completed. Official sources said required accuracy and
consistency were achieved by the rockets meeting all trial objectives satisfactorily. Officials said,
“The EPRS is the upgraded version of the Pinaka variant which has been in service with the
Indian Army for the last decade. The system has been upgraded with advanced technologies
enhancing the range to meet the emerging requirements. The company officials were also present
during the trials.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/upgraded-pinaka-rocket-system-tested-
successfully/articleshow/99160574.cms

1
DRDO on Twitter

2
Defence News

Defence Strategic : National/International

Ministry of Defence
Sun, 02 Apr 2023

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM Assumes

Charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff
Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of
Naval Staff on 01 Apr 2023. On assumption VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh paid homage to the
bravehearts at the National War Memorial and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block,
New Delhi on 02 Apr 23. VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh is a graduate of the National Defence
Academy, Pune, and was commissioned in 1986 in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. In
his career spanning 37 years, he has served on most class of ships of the Indian Navy and has
held a range of command, training and staff appointments, including Assistant Chief of Naval
Staff (CSNCO), Flag Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet,
Commandant Naval War College, and Controller Personnel Services. Prior to taking over as the
Vice Chief of Naval Staff, he was Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
He holds MSc and MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University, MA in
Defence Studies from Kings College, London, and MA (History), MPhil (Pol) and PhD (Arts)
from Mumbai University. In recognition of his distinguished service, the Flag Officer was
awarded the Nao Sena Medal in 2009, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1913086

Ministry of Defence
Sat, 01 Apr 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Reviews Operational

Readiness of the Armed Forces during Combined
Commanders’ Conference in Bhopal
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reviewed the security situation and operational readiness of
the Armed Forces during the valedictory session of Combined Commanders’ Conference 2023 in
Bhopal on April 01, 2023. The Prime Minister was briefed by Chief of Defence Staff General

3
Anil Chauhan about the various discussions conducted during this year's conference. Shri
Narendra Modi complimented the Armed Forces for their role in Nation Building and providing
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance to friendly countries.
The Prime Minister called upon the three Services to stay ready to deal with these new and
emerging threats, emphasising that all steps are being taken to equip the Armed Forces with
necessary weapons and technologies.
During the final day of the session, various topics including aspects of digitisation; cyber
security; challenges of social media; Aatmanirbharta; absorption of Agniveers and jointness were
discussed. In a significant development from the past, the scope of the conference was expanded
this year, wherein, a few multi-layered and interactive sessions were conducted with
participation of soldiers from every command of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air
Force, including the Tri-Services Andaman and Nicobar Command.
This three-day conference of combined apex-level military leadership of the country commenced
on March 30, 2023. The theme was ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’. During the conference,
deliberations over a varied spectrum of issues were held, including on national security and
evolving a Joint Military Vision for the future.
On March 31, 2023, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with the top military brass and
reviewed the defence preparedness. He lauded the Armed Forces for their valuable contribution
in protecting national interests and providing support to the Government in realising its vision of
‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
This year’s conference was special, wherein, inputs from the field units were sought on
contemporary issues like changes in TTP and way forward for greater integration among the
three Services. These inputs were deliberated in detail by the Military Commanders. The
conference also provided an opportunity for the Commanders to review the modernisation of the
Armed Forces and the ongoing & concluded military operations, while also discussing ways to
improve the country's defence capabilities.
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1912891

Sat, 01 Apr 2023

Defence will get all the Resources it Needs: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assessed the operational readiness of the armed
forces in the backdrop of the lingering border row with China, carried out a security review, and
asked the military to stay prepared for new and emerging threats at the Combined Commanders’
Conference in Bhopal.
The conference focused on a raft of issues including evolving a joint military vision for the
future, theaterisation, self-reliance, modernisation and cyber security, officials familiar with the
matter said. Addressing the country’s military brass on the concluding day of the three-day
conference, Modi said the armed forces and the defence sector will be provided all the resources,

4
weapons and technologies required. His comments came a day after the defence ministry signed
deals worth ₹32,100 crore to boost capabilities of the armed forces with indigenous military
hardware.
“During the final day, various topics including digitisation, cyber security, challenges of social
media, Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), absorption of Agniveers and jointness were discussed,”
the defence ministry said in a statement.
Chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan briefed the Prime Minister on discussions held
during the conference. Those who attended the conference included defence minister Rajnath
Singh, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, army chief General Manoj
Pande and top commanders of the three services.
This year’s conference was special as inputs from field units were sought on contemporary
issues, including the way forward for greater integration among the three services, which is top
priority for the government, the defence ministry said. “These inputs were deliberated in detail
by the military commanders,” its statement said. The conference was based on the theme Ready,
Resurgent, Relevant.
The top conference was held at a time when the central government is pushing in Parliament the
Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, which seeks to
empower it to notify the setting up of inter-services organisations, including joint services
commands — a key goal of the ongoing theaterisation drive — consisting of units and personnel
drawn from the three services, and placed under a commander-in-chief.
It will also empower commanders of tri-services organisations to take action against service
personnel of any of the three services — serving under existing or future joint commands or
institutions — to ensure discipline and effective discharge of duties.
Efforts to push theaterisation gathered steam again after Chauhan took over as CDS in
September 2022, even though the momentum was hit after his predecessor, General Bipin Rawat,
died in a helicopter crash in December 2021.
In a new development, the conference involved the participation of soldiers from every
command of the three services, and the Port Blair-based Andaman and Nicobar Command,
officials said. The scope of the conference was expanded this year as a few multi-layered and
interactive sessions involved these soldiers, they said.
Modi also lauded the armed forces for their role in nation building and providing humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief assistance to other countries, the ministry statement added.
The conference took place at a time when the India and China have been locked in a border row
for almost three years. Despite four rounds of disengagement from Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso,
Gogra (PP-17A) and Hot Springs (PP-15), the Indian and Chinese armies still have more than
60,000 troops each and advanced weaponry deployed in eastern Ladakh.
The two armies have held 17 rounds of talks so far, but problems at Depsang in Daulet Beg Oldi
sector and Charding Nullah Junction in Demchok sector are still on the negotiating table.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-reviews-armed-forces-operational-
readiness-in-combined-commanders-conference-amid-china-border-row-focuses-on-self-
reliance-and-cyber-security-101680371084605.html

5
 Sat, 01 Apr 2023

Rajnath Attends Combined Commanders’ Conference

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Combined Commanders’ Conference of the three
Services being held in Bhopal on Friday. Apart from CDS General Anil Chauhan, various issues
related to the army were discussed in the presence of the chiefs of the three services, Army,
Navy and Air Force. At present no information has been made public regarding the issues
discussed and the decisions taken. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the conference on
Saturday.
The conference lasted for about four and a half hours. Its agenda includes the strategy of the
Indian Army, self-reliance in defense matters and other topics. Vice Chief, Chief of Integrated
Defense Staff, 7 Army Commander, Commander and Chief of 3 Naval Command have also
come to Bhopal to attend the conference.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reaching Bhopal on April 1, the last day of the three-day
Commander's Conference. PM Modi will see new weapons and other equipment related to
defense made in India. Along with this, they will be exposed to the innovations of DRDO and all
the three services. Joint command structures of the three armies will also be discussed.
On the other hand, there will be a discussion about the response received to the Agni Veer
scheme and what further planning the central government is going to do regarding it. There can
also be a discussion on changing the insignia of the three armies which have been going on since
the time of the British.
Kushabhau Thackeray Convention Center has been made a high security zone due to the
Combined Commander's Conference. Army soldiers are stationed all around this auditorium.
Apart from the officers of the forces, no one is allowed inside.
https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/state-editions/rajnath-attends-combined-commanders----
conference.html

Sat, 01 Apr 2023

“Significant Boost to Indian Navy…”: SN Ghormade on

Defence Ministry’s Multiple Deals
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
cleared two important proposals including the 6 Next-Generation Missile Vessels, and 11 Next-
Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels on March 30. While reacting to ANI, former Navy Vice
Chief Vice Admiral SN Ghormade praised the government’s move and said, “This is a very
significant boost to the capability of the Indian Navy.” “Next-Generation Missile Vessels will

6
replace the aging missile vessels and we needed a replacement. It will give a boost to the Navy
and the nation. Offshore patrol vessels will give us surveillance capability at sea which is a must
considering the vast Indian Ocean that we have to monitor and track under our mission-based
deployments,” he further said. BrahMos-Equipped Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries is an
indigenous joint venture. This provides us with two capabilities; land attack and anti-ship, both
are extremely essential to the maritime security of the nations. With the Next-Generation Mobile
Missile Coastal Batteries we will be able to deploy them at strategic locations so that any threat
from the east or west could be monitored and neutralized.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/significant-boost-to-indian-navy-sn-ghormade-
on-defence-ministrys-multiple-deals/videoshow/99173002.cms

Sun, 02 Apr 2023

Army Chief General Manoj Pande Leaves for Australia to

Enhance Defence Ties
General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), on Sunday left for Australia on a four-
day visit to explore ways to boost defence cooperation between the Armed Forces of the two
countries.
The Army chief will interact with a host of senior military dignitaries from different services of
the Australian Defence Forces. He will also call on the Chief of the Defence Force of Australia,
the senior most defence officer of the nation.
Besides a discussion with his counterpart, the Chief of the Australian Army, he will also interact
with the Chief of the Australian Air Force. Gen Manoj Pande is scheduled to meet a host of other
senior dignitaries wherein he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-Australia defence
relations.
Australia-India defence cooperation has been on an upward trajectory with a series of diverse
engagements at different levels, in various domains. These include bilateral visits by senior
officers, reciprocal courses of instruction and training exercises, among others.
The ever-expanding defence cooperation engagements encompassing a broad spectrum of
activities have established a strong bonhomie between the two Armed Forces. The visit of the
COAS to Australia will further strengthen the bonds of trust and understanding between the two
armies.
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/army-chief-general-manoj-pande-leaves-for-australia-to-
enhance-defence-ties-2354736-2023-04-02

7
 Sun, 02 Apr 2023

Fri, 31 Mar 2023

Defence Ministry Inks Procurement Deals worth Rs 32,086

Crore before FY2023 Ends
Just a day before the end of the FY 2023, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) firmed up deals for
military equipment and weapons with various Defence PSUs to the tune of Rs 32,086 crore
several crores which will help boost the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

8
Agreements signed on March 30, 2023
The bulk of contracts inked were for the Indian Navy, however, the wait for Fleet Support Ship
continues.
The Indian Navy will get 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NG-OPV) and six Next
Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV). And also BrahMos supersonic missiles which are meant
for coastal defence for the Navy.
And for the Indian Army there is the improved version of Akash Surface to Air missile system
and also 12 Swathi Weapon Locating Radars (WLR).
According to the MoD official statement, a contract was inked with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata for the acquisition of 11 NG-OPVs
at a total cost of Rs 9,781 crore. Out of the 11 NG-OPVs seven of them will be designed,
developed and manufactured by GSL and GRSE will get the balance four and the delivery is
expected to start from September 2026.
How will these help the navy?
According to the MoD these new generation OPVs will strengthen navy’s combat capability and
also help to meet different operational requirements including anti-trafficking, non-combatant
evacuation operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), anti-piracy, protection of offshore assets, anti-
poaching and counter-infiltration.
NG Missile Vessels for navy
A contract worth Rs 9,805 crore for acquiring six NGMVs (next generation Missile vessels) was
inked on Thursday with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and the delivery of these is expected to
start from March 2027.
These high speed heavily armed war vessels will be incorporating stealth, and offensive
capability, and their primary role will be to provide offensive capability against land targets,
enemy warships and merchantmen, stated the MoD statement.
These vessels are expected to be a potent instrument of sea denial for enemy ships especially at
choke points, said the MoD and will be capable of carrying out anti-surface warfare operations,
and maritime strike operations.
Lynx-U2 Fire Control Systems
Another major contract inked was worth Rs 1,700 crore with Bangalore based Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL) for the procurement of 13 Lynx-U2 Fire Control Systems. These will be installed
on the NGOPVs of the Indian Navy. This is a 4th generation naval gun fire control system. It has
been designed, developed indigenously and has the capability of tracking and engaging targets
accurately and also engaging targets in the midst of sea clutter, in air as well as surface,
according to the official statement issued by the MoD.
Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (NGMMCB) (Long range) &
BrahMos
A contract worth Rs 1,700 crore was signed with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL)
for procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (NGMMCB) (Long

9
range) and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. And the delivery schedule of NGMMCBs is set
to start in 2027.
Improved Akash Weapon System
A contract has been signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the improved Akash SAM
for 3rd and 4th Regiments of Army Air Defence. This deal will include live missiles, ground
support equipment, vehicles and infrastructure as well as launchers with upgrades. The deal is
worth over Rs 8,160 crore.
Improved environmental parameters, seeker technology, reduced footprint and 360 degree
engagement capability will help the Indian army meet aerial threats especially along the
Northern borders.
There is almost 82 percent of indigenous content and this will go up to 93 percent by 2026-27.
According to the statement 60 percent of the cost will be awarded to the private industry
including the MSMEs, in maintaining the supply chain of the weapon system and thereby
creating large scale direct and indirect employment.
Swathi WLR (Plains)
Another Rs 990 crore contract has been signed for WLR Swathi (Plains) with BEL which is
indigenously designed and is capable of locating mortars, guns and rockets firing its own troops.
This will facilitate their destruction through counter bombardment by their own firepower
resources. The induction is planned in 24 months.
Also a contract for the navy has been signed at a cost of Rs 410 crore with BEL for the
acquisition of Sarang Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems, with its associated
engineering support package.
It has been reported earlier this month that the CCS had approved to sign an agreement with
L&T for acquiring three cadet training ships at a cost of Rs 3,108.09 crore.
Though the indigenous acquisition for the armed forces this fiscal is expected to cross more than
68 percent, yet the ministry has not been able to use up the entire Capital budget allocation.
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-defence-ministry-inks-procurement-deals-
worth-rs-32086-crore-before-fy2023-ends-3028689/

Sun, 02 Apr 2023

Defence Exports, at All-Time High of Rs 16,000 Crore,

Include Made-in-India ATAGS
India’s defence exports, which have reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in the financial
year 2022-23, include the sale of the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
(ATAGS), the defence ministry has announced.
The approximately Rs 16,000 crore-worth exports were almost Rs 3,000 crore more than the
previous financial year. It has risen over 10 times since 2016-17, the defence ministry said.

10
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the achievement as a clear manifestation of India’s
talent, saying, “It also shows the reforms in this sector over the last few years are delivering good
results. Our government will keep supporting efforts to make India a defence production hub”.
Calling it a a remarkable achievement for the country, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a tweet
said, “Our defence exports will continue to grow exponentially.”
While it was reported that the exports this fiscal will be at an all-time high, the sale of ATAGS,
which is yet to be inducted into the Indian Army, is a revelation.
While the defence ministry remained mum on which country bought the 155mm ATAGS gun
system — which has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation,
in collaboration with the Kalyani Group and TATA — though sources indicated that it could be
Armenia.
Earlier, it was speculated that Armenia had bought the mounted gun system for itself from the
Kalyani Group.
However, the statement by the defence ministry Saturday did not mention the mounted gun
system. “India, which was known as an importer about eight years ago, exports major platforms
like Dornier-228, 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs), Brahmos Missiles, Akash
Missile System, Radars, Simulators, Mine Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, PINAKA
Rockets & Launchers, Ammunitions, Thermal Imagers, Body Armours…”, the defence ministry
statement said.
Incidentally, in an interview to ThePrint, Amit Kalyani, the scion of the Kalyani Group and
deputy managing director at Bharat Forge, part of Kalyani Group, had said that India will
become the global hub for manufacturing and export of artillery guns.
It was just last month that the defence ministry sanctioned the process to procure 307 ATAGS
for the Indian Army.
India is now exporting to over 85 countries. Indian industry has shown its capability of design
and development to the world, with 100 firms exporting defence products at present.
The defence ministry highlighted that export procedures have been simplified and made
industry-friendly with end-to-end online export authorisation curtailing delays and bringing Ease
of Doing Business.
The government has notified three Open General Export Licences (OGEL) for export of Parts
and Components/Transfer of Technology/Major Platforms and Equipment.
OGEL is a one-time export licence that permits the industry to export specified items to specified
destinations, enumerated in the OGEL, without seeking export authorisation during the validity
of the OGEL.
The Modi government had in 2020 set an ambitious target of Rs 35,000 crore ($5 billion) export
in aerospace, and defence goods and services for the next five years. This was part of the Rs 1.75
lakh crore ($25 billion) turnover in defence manufacturing that the government is aiming to
achieve by 2025.
https://theprint.in/defence/defence-exports-at-all-time-high-of-rs-16000-crore-include-made-in-
india-atags/1490547/

11
 Sat, 01 Apr 2023

Defence Sector Reforms Delivering Good Results: PM Modi

on Exports Reaching Record High
With defence exports reaching an all-time high, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday
that it shows the reforms in this sector over the last few years are delivering good results. The
government will keep supporting efforts to make India a defence production hub, he tweeted.
The prime minister was reacting to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's tweet that India's defence
exports reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in the fiscal year which ended on Friday. It is
a remarkable achievement for the country, Singh said.
Modi said, "Excellent! A clear manifestation of India's talent and the enthusiasm towards 'Make
in India.' It also shows the reforms in this sector over the last few years are delivering good
results. Our Government will keep supporting efforts to make India a defence production hub."
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/defence-sector-reforms-delivering-good-
results-pm-modi-on-exports-reaching-record-high/articleshow/99162059.cms?from=mdr

Sat, 01 Apr 2023

No Headway with AMCA Fighter Jet Engine; a Quest for

New Engine Propulsion Technology Lingers
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft—AMCA– will put India in a select group of countries
with super-cruise and stealth aircraft capabilities. For its most ambitious indigenous military
project, India is making efforts to join hands with at least three foreign original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs)—France’s Safran, US’s GE Aerospace and the British Rolls Royce—to
co-develop fighter jet engines in India.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has prioritised the AMCA, according to a senior official
who is part of the prime minister Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The first 40 jets of AMCA would fly on GE-414 engines. The next version of the aircraft,
AMCA Mark 2, will fly on an engine co-developed in India.
India has plans to locally develop a new engine, with 110kN Class thrust, for the AMCA Mark 2,
which is expected to go into production in 2035. This is to meet the requirement of super-cruise
capability.
However, there are concerns over the engine development roadmap for Indian fighter jets. The
AMCA has a budget of Rs 15,000 crore for the development of the prototype. While the fund is

12
meagre it is still underutilized. The critical here is the staggering complexity that the AMCA
demands and the engine remains at the heart of such ambitions.
The new engine technologies will involve engine-airframe integration, advanced materials and
material-processing techniques. Advances in turbo-machine technology, progress in combustion
technology and vastly improved utilisation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in engine
design procedures have radically transformed the new age aeroengine. Novel technologies such
as “smart engines” are on the horizon marking the fifth and the sixth generation of fighter
aircraft.
Propulsion technology approach
The joint development for the aero engine must embrace the concept of smart engines based on
next-generation clean sheet technology. A clean sheet engine takes advantage of recent advances
in propulsion system technology to significantly improve performance and reduce emissions and
noise footprints.
While it is about pushing the boundaries, it also creates opportunities for India and aero-engine
manufacturers to design and develop on the advanced fundamentals for the AMCA and other
variants.
It touches the critical technologies and its full spectrum of aero-engine from R&D to traditional
gas turbines, electric, hybrid-electric or hydrogen.
How is it unfolding with three OEMs?
Safran M88 engine
The M88-2 engine is the variant for the Rafale fighter jet which produces 50 kN of dry thrust &
75 kN with afterburners.
The M88 engine that powers Dassault Aviation’s multirole fighter is a new-generation turbofan
engine offering a high thrust-to-weight ratio. Reliability remains its top feature as records show
the engine has clocked up more than one million operating hours.
The M88-2 powerplant is rated at 10,971 lbs dry and 16,620 lbs with an afterburner. It comes
equipped with “full authority digital engine control” which is all about easy manoeuvring.
Safran was able to upgrade the high-pressure compressor and the high-pressure turbine of the
M88-2 which boosted durability by up to 50 percent.
Safran is in talks with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment which is a laboratory of the
Defence Research and Development Organisation. Safran and GTRE are deliberating on the
scaled-up version of this engine which could generate a thrust of 125 kN. This is the most viable
option for AMCA-2 as per the aviation expert.
However, it depends on how soon India gets Safran on board with GTRE to have a plan for
AMCA and its variants.
What is important here is that Safran is also working on engine development as a part of 6th
generation fighter jet program called Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program aimed to
develop a sixth-generation fighter jet for Europe. This is marked as the most advanced joint
program with France, Germany & Spain on the development of next-generation aero-engine

13
along with Airbus. This will result in a much higher thrust – the benchmark target—as the
reports suggest.
Safran Aircraft Engines is also currently working on the F4 Standard of the M88, which will
power the Rafale fleet. This upgrade, slated to be rolled out in 2025, will provide even more
onboard electronics for storing the growing volume of data required for integrated predictive
maintenance.
In addition to 36 Rafale multi-role fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Dassault
Aviation’s Rafale-M has also emerged as the frontrunner to bag a mega contract from the Indian
navy for 27 fighters.
“This makes a great sense to have a larger fleet of Rafale for a joint aero-engine programme for
AMCA,” said a senior leader of the IAF.
In fact, experts believe the co-development must even target the AMCA-MK 1 version to have a
greater efficiency and cost advantage with Safran as the existing program already favours scaling
up.
GE Aerospace’s F4141-GE-400
The F414-GE-400 combines advanced technology with proven reliability.
Sharing its basic design with the base F404 engine, the F414 stands on a foundation of over
5,600 F404/F414 engines built, and a combined 18 million engine flight hours. It adds to the
maintainability, and operability of its successful F404 predecessor while delivering 35 % more
thrust.
It powers Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. The F414-GE-400 also powers Boeing’s EA-18 G
Growler electronic attack aircraft. Advanced technology features such as Full Authority Digital
Electronic Control (FADEC) improve the operational characteristics of the engine. New
materials and cooling techniques improve performance and extend component life. It is also a
potential powerplant for emerging platforms such as the Korean KF-X and the AMC, as well as
growth versions of the Saab/BAE Systems JAS39 Gripen, KAI/LMTAS T-50, and the LCA
Tejas.
The F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) incorporates additional advanced technology,
which can be retrofitted into the F414-GE-400 to deliver enhanced component capability for a
significant reduction in ownership costs, or up to 20 % increased thrust-improved specific fuel
consumption.
Here the critical advantage of engine performance is the ability to improvise for rapid engine
throttle response and zero throttle restrictions. So, the engine is defined for afterburner light and
stability to ensure extra thrust on demand when needed.
However, GE Aerospace is heavily restricted by the US government and it certainly limits the
scope of technology transfers. For India, the engine frame is a must for the AMCA to achieve the
fifth-generation capability in real terms.
What is still lacking in F-414? The crucial thermal reduction technology in gas turbine engines is
based on the concept of Thermal Management (TM) of utilising the engine fluid systems to
extract the excess heat generated within the various components and systems of the engine.

14
Further, the thermal reduction technology adds to the overall thrust engine performance with
extracted heat for multiple functions that would improve the engine’s performance.
Rolls Royce EZ 200
The EJ200 was developed by an international European consortium (EUROJET Turbo GmbH)
consisting of MTU, Rolls-Royce, Avio Aero and ITP Aero. This boosts of 20,000-pound force
thrust which powers the Eurofighter and its export version, the Typhoon.
Rolls-Royce has also indicated its interest in collaborating with India to co-develop and produce
engines for India’s AMCA fifth-generation fighter aircraft project. Rolls Royce has offered a
Eurojet EJ200 version with 110-120KN thrust.
Rolls-Royce also powers legacy aircraft of the IAF which include Jaguars, Hawks and the C-
130Js. Besides, it has also received an order from Air India for its new 68 Trent XWB-97
engines.
However, there are two factors which delay the outcome.
Firstly, the technological barriers within the UK government make the program untenable with
India. According to the official from the MoD, despite the intention, there is hardly any progress
with Rolls Royce on the fighter jet engine programme.
Second, as reports suggest, the IAF is looking for the advanced version of EJ200; some experts
are calling it “outdated” for next-generation platforms like the AMCA. Even the Eurofighter
order is in decline.
“Time is the essence,” said a former Vice Chief of the IAF. The engine enigma must be resolved
if India aims for breaking the technological barriers for the AMCA.
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-no-headway-with-amca-fighter-jet-engine-a-
quest-for-new-engine-propulsion-technology-lingers-3029390/

Fri, 31 Mar 2023

Defence Ministry Signs Rs 470 Crore Contract with UDPL

for Modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards at Goa and
Kochi
Defence Ministry today signed a contract with Ultra Dimensions Private Limited (UDPL)
Vishakhapatnam for modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards at Goa and Kochi at a cost of 470
crore rupees. The Naval Aircraft Yards undertake servicing or repairs of Naval Aircraft, Aero
Engines, Rotables and Test Equipment at Goa and Kochi.
Defence Ministry said, induction of latest state-of-the-art aircraft into Indian Navy inventory
requires modernisation of existing maintenance and repair facilities at Naval Aircraft Yards to
bridge the technological and capability gap to meet the present and future aviation maintenance
challenges. It said, the modernisation includes repair facilities with state of Art automated

15
machinery and Composite repair bays. The project will generate employment of more than 1.8
lakh man-days over a period of three years.
The modernisation will augment the operational readiness of Naval Aviation Platforms and
reduce dependence on external agencies and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers OEMs
for repairs. Defence Ministry said, the project will be a proud flag bearer of Aatmanirbhar
Bharat.
In addition, Ministry of Defence has inked a contract with Mecon Limited, Ranchi as Project
Monitoring Consultant, at a cost of 24 crore rupees.
https://newsonair.com/2023/03/31/defence-ministry-signs-rs-470-crore-contract-with-udpl-for-
modernisation-of-naval-aircraft-yards-at-goa-and-kochi/

Fri, 31 Mar 2023

BEL gets Defence Export Orders worth $52 Million

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has won export orders worth about $52 million this month, besides
large volume contracts from the government.
BEL, in a stock exchange filing on Friday, said the orders are for supplying communication
equipment, electronic assemblies, micro modules and mechanical parts to customers in France,
Israel and the US, among other countries. “This shows overseas interest in BEL and Indian
industries,” the navratna PSU said. BEL will come out with its results on Saturday, said leading
defence PSU sources.
BEL bags 28 MoD contracts, worth ₹16,750 crore, in March 2023. Electronic Warfare Systems,
Fire Control Systems, Medium Power Radars & Weapon Locating Radars among prominent
equipment.
Last November, BEL got an export order of $93.15 million for manufacture and supply of radar
warning receivers and missile approach warning systems for Airbus Defence and Space, a
European global pioneer in the aerospace industry. The order was part of Airbus’ offset
commitment to the Indian government following the September 2022 deal for 56 C295 transport
aircraft for the Air Force.
BEL and Thales Reliance Defence Systems (TRDS) inked a frame supply agreement at Aero
India 2023, held at Bengaluru in February, for manufacture and supply of TR modules and micro
modules of radars used in the Rafale fighter jets. This again was an offshoot of the offset
commitment under a contract India signed with French company Dassault for acquisition of 36
Rafale aircraft.
The government is banking on indigenous industry, both private as well as PSUs, to achieve the
export target of Rs 40,000 crore by 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said
defence exports have jumped manifold from Rs 900 crore seven-eight years ago, to Rs 14,000
crore in FY 2022-23.

16
The government’s move for self-reliance in the defence sector is paying off for the domestic
arms manufacturing industry. In the last two days alone, the Defence MInistry has signed four
contracts worth Rs 5,084 crore with BEL for supply of military equipment to the armed forces.
For instance, in one of the two deals inked on Thursday, the Ministry will procure 13 Lynx-U2
Fire Control Systems for Indian Naval warships at a total cost of over Rs 1,700 crore. It will also
supply the weapon locating radar “Swathi” (Plains) for Rs 990 crore, the ministry had announced
on the previous day.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/bel-gets-defence-export-orders-worth-52-
million/article66684085.ece

Fri, 31 Mar 2023

Guns vs Butter-4: We Took Giant Leap with the Tejas, says

Indian Air Force
By Ajai Shukla
As is the case with the Army and the Navy, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) budget allocations for
the Financial Year 2022-23 (FY23) are significantly lower than its projections, according to the
36th Report of the 17th Lok Sabha’s Standing Committee on Defence.
In five out of the last six years, the IAF’s revenue allocations were 20-42 per cent less than what
it projected as its demands for those years.
The situation is even bleaker for the IAF’s capital allocations, in which the IAF received between
40 per cent to 67 per cent less than its projected figure.
While the defence ministry expects that the IAF’s order for 123 Tejas light combat aircraft
(LCA) will galvanize the indigenous aerospace manufacturing eco-system, the Standing
Committee on Defence asked the IAF if it was comfortable with inducting so many varieties of
fighters.
The report quotes an IAF officer as responding: “In every air force, we will have a mix of all
types of aircrafts because every aircraft has a certain role. You cannot have all aircrafts of one
class. As far as LCA is concerned, it does fit in. We have to remember that it was designed as a
replacement for MIG-21. The aircraft has come up quite well. It is meeting those requirements
quite well. Yes, if you ask, everybody would like to have all fifth- generation aircraft. But we
have to see what we can get, what is available in the market.”
The IAF officer also pointed out the need to give a fillip to our own aerospace industry.
“We also have to see what will happen tomorrow. If we keep buying [fighter aircraft] from the
open market, we will never become self-reliant. So, we need to give a push to our own industry
also. We need to hold their hands and the IAF is committed towards that. We will make a happy
mix and that is why we are going in for a MRFA (multi-role fighter aircraft) contract for 114
aircraft,” said the IAF officer.

17
Asked about the LCA project delays, an IAF representative told the Standing Committee: “The
last (fighter) aircraft that we designed was the Marut (in the 1950s). So, after a gap of 30 years
plus, we are now trying to make a fighter aircraft in-house. We took a giant leap. LCA is a
generation 4-plus aircraft. We could have gone for a third- generation aircraft with the
conventional controls and with rudimentary dials and old avionics but we had to catch up with
(global) technology. It was a very good step, though we have taken longer than we should have.”
The IAF officer said this has resulted in having to overcome road-blocks, but in the end, in India
developing its own design and manufacturing systems.
“We were learning our lessons. We cannot call them failures but there are a lot of road blocks.
Then, the sanctions came in after our nuclear test (in 1998). That caused a lot of drawbacks. That
is where we started thinking that we should have most of the technologies in-house. But the fly-
by-wire system of that aircraft and the entire control laws have been written by Indians in-house.
In the avionics, the entire architecture is Indian, and it has been revised once fully. That means
what we conceived in the beginning and what we are flying today are two different architectures.
The one we are flying today is called federated architecture. If I can use the word, it is, plug and
fly. You can integrate any new weapon or any new system much more easily now,” stated the
IAF pilot.
The Standing Committee sought an explanation on the sharp decline in this year’s BE projection,
compared to the previous year, and was told it was due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Our projection last year was Rs. 85,000 crore and we finally got allocation of Rs. 57,000 crore
which we consumed. This year, the projection itself has been less because of this Russia-Ukraine
war as some of our deliveries are not taking place. We have already been told that those
deliveries will not take place, so, we have taken that part of the component out,” the IAF officer
said.
https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/guns-vs-butter-4-we-took-a-giant-leap-with-
tejas-says-indian-air-force-123033100699_1.html

Sun, 02 Apr 2023

Guns vs Butter-5: 'India can make do with Defence Spend of

2% of GDP'
By Ajai Shukla
The 35th Report of the 17th Lok Sabha’s Standing Committee on Defence, which was tabled
before Parliament on March 21, reveals that successive defence budgets from the Financial Year
2018-19 (FY19) to the most recent one – for FY24 – have steadily increased in real terms, but
decreased as a proportion of the national economy (gross domestic product, or GDP).
Defence allocations have also decreased steadily as a percentage of the central government
expenditure (CGE) each year.

18
“The Committee has been apprised that the total Defence Budget (including MoD (Civil) and
Defence Pensions) is ₹ 5,93,537 crore for FY24, which is 13.18 per cent of total Central
Government Expenditure (CGE) and 1.97 per cent of the GDP for FY24,” said the report.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also told the Standing Committee on Defence that the capital
budget for FY24 amounted to approximately 17.12 per cent of the total capital spending of the
central government.
When the Standing Committee asked the MoD for data on defence spending by other countries
of relevance, the ministry submitted: “A like-to-like comparison of defence spending vis-à-vis
that of other countries is difficult… Nevertheless, based on inputs from Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) military expenditure database, data on defence budget in
respect of neighbouring countries and some advanced countries, including defence spending as
percentage of their GDP and share of government spending, is given below (see table graphic).”

Justifying India’s sub-2 per cent level of defence spending, the defence secretary told the
Standing Committee that, in accordance with global norms, governments usually spend three per
cent of GDP on defence, two per cent on healthcare and three per cent on agriculture.
“Three per cent of the GDP will be around ₹ 10 lakh crore, if we take our next year’s GDP to be
around US $3.2 trillion. The MoD may not be able to absorb three per cent of the GDP. We may
not require that much. What is required for the defence ministry has (already) been allocated.”
The defence secretary was asked whether India was spending adequately on developing border
infrastructure that could compare with neighbouring countries. He responded: “Infrastructure is a
very important factor in winning war. A very long-term plan has been prepared. It is being
revised every year for border infrastructure. As you see, under Udaan Scheme we are building
several airfields, airport all along the border and also in the interior of the country. We are
developing our infrastructure like never before.”
When asked about what steps were contemplated for achieving integration among the three
services and the creation of integrated theatre commands (ITCs), the MoD responded in writing.

19
“Deliberations on reorganising the armed forces into ITCs are in progress. The ITCs will
facilitate better coordination and integrated application of force which will enhance operational
efficiency and optimize resource utilisation. The likely benefits will be: Enhanced operational
effectiveness; optimal utilisation of resources; synergy in capability development and (the use of)
emerging defence technologies, (such as) next-generation weapons, artificial intelligence,
disruptive technologies etc.,” said the MoD.
https://www.ajaishukla.com/2023/04/part-5-defence-secretary-says-india-can.html
https://www.business-standard.com/economy/analysis/guns-versus-butter-5-india-need-not-
allocate-3-of-gdp-on-defence-123040200712_1.html

Fri, 31 Mar 2023

India, Philippines Agree to Bolster Defence Ties

India and the Philippines conducted their 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting
today in New Delhi and agreed to initiate measures to enhance cooperation in the defence
industry and technology domain.
A statement by the Ministry of Defence said the two sides discussed cooperation in multilateral
forums and approaches to the Indo-Pacific Region.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/india-philippines-agree-to-bolster-defence-ties-
493118

Fri, 31 Mar 2023

LS Speaker Om Birla Calls for Deepening India-Israel

Cooperation to Combat Terrorism
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday called for deeper cooperation between India and Israel to
combat terrorism, saying a common strategy will give a new direction to the world in the fight
against the scourge.
Birla also said that in the changing global dynamics, the relations between India and Israel have
become more important.
He made these remarks while welcoming an Israeli parliamentary delegation to India.
The delegation, led by Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset (Parliament) of Israel, is in India at
the joint invitation of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar and
Speaker Birla.
The delegation is visiting India between March 31 and April 4.

20
This is the first visit of Ohana to any country after assuming office of the Speaker, the Lok Sabha
Secretariat said in a statement.
Birla said that Israel and India have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations and
underscored that the two countries share a robust democratic heritage and as fellow democracies
both have many similarities, including respecting diverse cultures and following democratic
values. He observed that in the changing global dynamics, the relations between India and Israel
have become more important.
Cautioning against the growing scourge of terrorism, Birla said terrorism is an area of common
concern for India and Israel. Democratic countries like India and Israel should deepen
cooperation in the fight against terrorism, Birla stressed.
He emphasised that a common strategy of India and Israel will give a new direction to the world
in the fight against terrorism.
Referring to the Jewish community in India, he said that India has always supported and
provided a safe ecosystem to them.
Speaking about the popularity of India as a tourist destination for the Israeli youth, Birla called
for more travel and tourism between the two nations and encouraged more people from Israel to
visit India.
Speaking on this occasion, Ohana said that both India and Israel are old civilisations and the
relationship between the countries has been strengthened over the period of time.
Referring to India's progress, he said it is rising miraculously in all sectors. He expressed hope
that the bilateral relations between India and Israel will be further strengthened and collectively
both will deal with the global challenges, the statement added.
https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/ls-speaker-om-birla-calls-
for-deepening-india-israel-cooperation-to-combat-terrorism-articleshow.html

Fri, 31 Mar 2023

India-China Exploring Bilateral Talks when Chinese

Defence Minister Visits for SCO Meeting in April
Amidst the ongoing standoff between the Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual
Control (LAC), for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers to meet the
Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shangfu (he is also State Councillor) is expected to be
here. India under its presidency of SCO has already dispatched the invites for the meeting
;21`which is scheduled for April 27-29 to take place in New Delhi.
This will be the first high level military visit since the clashes along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
While the new defence minister of China is expected to present physically for the Defence
Ministers SCO meeting, Financial Express Online has reported earlier this week that Chinese

21
Minister of Public Security and State Councillor Wang Xiaohong had attended the SCO NSAs’
meeting virtually.
Will there be a bilateral meeting on the sidelines?
Both India and China are exploring the possibility of holding a bilateral meeting during the visit
of the Chinese defence minister who happens to be from the aerospace sector. According to
reports he has served in the Chinese PLA’s equipment development department. And if the
bilateral meeting takes place on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers meeting then it will
be first meeting between Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart General Li
Shangfu
The last meeting between defence ministers of India and China had taken place at the SCO
meeting in Moscow 2020 – when minister Singh had met with General Wei Fenghe.
Why has the US imposed sanctions on him?
He has been appointed by President Xi Jinping and reports indicate that the US sanctioned him
over China procuring the S-400 air defence missile from Russia. His appointment is an
indication of China’s renewed focus on modernization of its armed forces.
Standoff continues at LAC
It’s been more than three years that forces of both sides are locked in a standoff along the LAC
in eastern Ladakh. Through 17 rounds of talks at the Corps Commanders’ level the two sides
have disengaged from Galwan Valley, Gogra, Pangong Tso, and Hot Springs. Both sides
continue to discuss disengagement at two crucial friction points: Demchok and Depsang. These
two are yet to be resolved. Financial Express Online has reported earlier though India maintains
that these two friction points remain, China maintains that these two friction points predate the
standoff since 2020.
Earlier this year Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Shilpak
Ambule was in Beijing for the first in-person meeting of the Working Mechanism for
Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) since July 2019.
According to reports the two sides had talked about proposals for disengaging in the two
remaining friction points and to restore normalcy in relations.
The two countries have already agreed to hold the next round of Corps Commander’s talks.
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-china-exploring-bilateral-talks-when-
chinese-defence-minister-visits-for-sco-meeting-in-april-3029167/

Fri, 31 Mar 2023

Russia's new Foreign Policy Strategy Identifies India, China

as Main Allies
Russia has identified India and China as its main allies on the world stage, according to a new
foreign policy strategy adopted by President Vladimir Putin. The new 42-page document singled
out ties with China and India, stressing the importance of "the deepening of ties and coordination

22
with friendly sovereign global centres of power and development located on the Eurasian
continent."
According to the document, Russia will continue to build up a particularly privileged strategic
partnership with India with a view to enhance and expand cooperation in all areas on a mutually
beneficial basis and place special emphasis on increasing the volume of bilateral trade,
strengthening investment and technological ties, and ensuring their resistance to destructive
actions of unfriendly states and their alliances.Live updates: Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"In order to help adapt the world order to the realities of a multipolar world, Russia intends to
make it one of priorities to enhance the capacity and international role of the interstate
association of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Collective Security Treaty
Organization (CSTO), the RIC (Russia, India, China) and other interstate associations and
international organizations, as well as mechanisms with strong Russian participation," the
docuemnt states.
India and Russia are long-standing partners and have shared close ties over the decades.
Russia has been the largest supplier of weapons to India, accounting for nearly 50% of the latter's
arms imports from 2016-2020. Both China and India have also ramped up oil imports from
sanctions-hit Russia amid the war in Ukraine. India has maintained a neutral stance over the
Russian invasion of Ukraine, which completed a year on February 24. However, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflcit through dialogue.
Last year, PM Modi told Putin that "today's era is not an era of war."
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ukraine-war-putin-modi-xi-jinping-russia-identifies-
india-china-as-main-allies-in-new-foreign-policy-strategy/articleshow/99148257.cms

Sat, 01 Apr 2023

New Satellite Pics Reignite Chinese 'Spy base' Suspicion at

Myanmar's Coco Islands
Once a penal colony of General Ne Win during the late 1950s, the Myanmar-controlled Coco
Islands recently witnessed a new constitution on its land, giving way to suspicion. Satellite
images captured by Maxar Technologies in January this year unveil new developments in the
Great Coco Island region, where two freshly-built hangars can be seen at the center, and a few
new buildings in the north, along with a large pier possibly for accelerating naval activities.
Further, the length of the runway belonging to the Coco Islands Airbase has been extraordinarily
increased to 2,300 meters, which was merely 1,300 meters just a decade prior. The issue was first
brought to light by Chatham House, a think tank with its headquarters in London.
It is being surmised that the Myanmar Junta, colloquially called Tatmadaw, is preparing the
islands for its covert maritime surveillance operations, often in collusion with China, as is being
regarded by geopolitical experts. The growing dependence of the junta on the CCP (Chinese

23
Communist Party) soon after the coup d'état also adds to people's concern. However, Beijing’s
relations with the Tatmadaw have been on-and-off since its inception on Myanmar's throne.
A Reuters report in its findings also noticed a rapid surge in the installation of surveillance cams
manufactured by Chinese entities within the densely populated cities of Myanmar, perhaps to
track the movements of its citizens. So, the present status quo between the two is further
bolstering the presumptions that are being made.
From a geopolitical context, gaining a clandestine presence in the Coco Islands would give a
strategic advancement to the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) as it could provide substantial
access to critical Indian Ocean sea lanes, hence circumventing the Strait of Malacca. China has,
in its bid to elicit a reciprocal favour from Myanmar's side, invested largely in the country via the
China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
A three-dimensional view of the present infrastructure reveals around 200 buildings which are
said to be of the Myanmar military personnel and their families residing on the island.
The topic of a suspected Chinese presence on the strategic island is not new. Reports suggest
India raised such issues with Myanmar back in 2009. Even in the early 1990s, there have been
frequent reports of China using those islands for military and naval purposes.
A 2014 paper from the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis noted "there
have been reports of Chinese-built SIGINT listening stations in the Andaman Sea at least at
Manaung, Hainggyi, Zadetkyi and the Coco Islands in Myanmar. Chinese technicians and
instructors have worked on radar installations in naval bases and facilities near Yangon,
Moulmein and Mergui.
The Indian Coast Guard has intercepted fishing trawlers flying Myanmar flags off the Andaman
Islands. On inspection, all the crew turned out to be Chinese nationals on expeditions with radio
and depth sounding equipment for submarine usage."
Also, the island’s close proximity to the Indian Tri-service Command situated on the Andaman
and Nicobar islands raises eyebrows over possible reconnoitering of significant military
locations. The Andaman and Nicobar Command is uniquely positioned as India's only tri-service
command with the Navy, Air force, and Army working together.
The region holds significant strategic importance for India as many trade channels pass through
it, and with China's increasing assertiveness in the area, India is looking to strengthen its
maritime and surveillance capabilities there.
The integrated command was established in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in
Southeast Asia, leading to the deployment of more military assets in the area. In recent years,
China has been expanding its naval operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), often
disguising its submarine activities as anti-piracy operations. The possibility of its operations
being closely monitored by a nearby 'spy base' has been a cause for concern.
Concerns have also been raised over the possible monitoring of vital Indian space and military
research entities like that of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) based in Sriharikota and
DRDO (Defence Research and Military Organisation) near Odisha’s coastal area.
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/new-satellite-pics-reignite-chinese-spy-base-suspicion-
myanmar-coco-islands-2354386-2023-04-01

24
 Fri, 31 Mar 2023

NATO Opens Innovation Hub in UK

The first NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) office was
formally opened in London on 30 March, the authority announced.
Located at the Imperial College London Innovation Hub (I-HUB) in White City Innovation
District, the centre aims to enable NATO members and allies develop and integrate dual-use
technologies to address critical defence and security challenges at pace, the announcement said.
It will achieve this by testing, developing, and adapting start-up, commercial, and academic
technologies to create potential defence capabilities.
Initial DIANA pilot activities are scheduled to start in autumn 2023 (September to November),
and a second regional office is planned in Tallinn, Estonia. Full operating capability (FOC) of
the DIANA enterprise is expected by 2025.
DIANA was launched at the NATO Brussels Summit in 2021 to address nine key emerging and
disruptive technologies: artificial intelligence, data, autonomy, quantum-enabled technologies,
biotechnology, hypersonics, space, novel materials and manufacturing, and energy and
propulsion. The aim is to leverage 100 deep-tech test centres and start-up accelerators from
across the alliance. Together, these centres will be supported with EUR1 billion (USD1.08
billion) of investment over the next 15 years from NATO's Innovation Fund.
As part of the innovation process, DIANA will launch competitive ‘challenge programmes',
based upon specific operational end-user problem sets, which innovators can propose solutions
for.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defence/latest/nato-opens-innovation-hub-in-uk

Science & Technology News

Sun, 02 Apr 2023

ISRO Successfully Conducts Autonomous Landing of First

Reusable Rocket in Karnataka
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully landed its Reusable
Launch Vehicle (RLV) in an autonomous mode, demonstrating its capability to deliver low-earth

25
orbit satellites in space and return to the ground for reuse in a subsequent mission. This is
expected to pave the way for an 80 per cent reduction in the costs of satellite launching missions.
The successful experiment, Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV-
LEX), was carried out at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) of the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) in Challakere in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district. At 7.10
am, a Chinook Helicopter of the Indian Air Force carried a winged RLV and flew to a height of
4.5 km to a predetermined spot. It released the RLV from that height and carried out a precise
autonomous landing on the runway at DRDO’s ATR in Challakere.
ISRO had earlier demonstrated this re-entry of a winged RLV Technology Demonstrator (RLV-
TD) in May 2016, but it was on a hypothetical runway over the Bay of Bengal. However,
Sunday’s LEX mission successfully achieved the final approach phase that coincided with the re-
entry flight path exhibiting an autonomous, high-speed (350 kmph) landing, according to ISRO.
Going forward, more experiments are in the pipeline to ensure that the RLV succeeds in payload
delivery to low earth orbit, as ISRO plans to reduce the cost of the process by 80%.
The experiments will also include taking off with a simulated payload and returning in an
autonomous mode after releasing the payload in space at a predetermined location/orbit.
First in the world
The technique adopted to launch the vehicle was “a first in the world” wherein a winged body
was carried to an altitude of 4.5 km by helicopter and released for carrying an autonomous
landing on a runway. “The autonomous landing was carried out under the exact conditions of
Space Re-entry vehicle’s landing – (such as) high speed, unmanned, precise landing from the
same return path – as if the vehicle arrived from space,” an ISRO release said.
The RLV is essentially a space plane with a low lift-to-drag ratio, requiring an approach at high
glide angles that necessitated a landing at high velocities of 350 kmph.
ISRO said the LEX utilised several indigenous systems. “Localized Navigation systems based on
pseudolite systems, instrumentation and sensor systems, etc were developed by ISRO.
Adaptation of contemporary technologies developed for RLV LEX makes other operational
launch vehicles of ISRO more cost-effective,” according to the space agency.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/apr/02/isro-successfully-conducts-
autonomous-landing-of-first-reusable-rocket-in-karnataka-2561989.html

Mon, 03 Apr 2023

ISRO’s RLV Success to Cut Launch Costs by 80 per cent

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday landed its Reusable Launch Vehicle
(RLV) in an autonomous mode, demonstrating its capability of using such spacecraft to deliver
low-earth orbit satellites in space and return to the ground for reuse in a subsequent mission.
This is expected to cut the costs of satellite launching missions by 80%.

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The successful experiment, called Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing Mission
(RLV-LEX), was carried out at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) of the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) in Challakere in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district.
At 7.10 am, a Chinook Helicopter of the Indian Air Force carried a winged RLV (a space plane)
and flew to a height of 4.5 km to a predetermined spot. It released the RLV from that height,
which then carried out a precise autonomous landing on the runway at DRDO’s ATR in
Challakere.The technique used to launch the vehicle was “a first in the world” where a winged
body was carried to an altitude of 4.5 km by helicopter and released for carrying out an
autonomous landing on a runway.
“The autonomous landing was carried out under the exact conditions of Space Re-entry vehicle’s
landing,” the space agency tweeted.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/apr/03/isros-rlv-success-to-cut-
launch-costs-by-80-per-cent-2562062.html

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