CHALLENGES BEFORE GLOBAL ARMS INDUSTRY

Vol VIII, Issue XI, APRIL 2018 n `100

DEFENCE n DIPLOMACY n SECURITY

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PO
DEFEX
2018
AL
SPECI

DEFENCE
THE

BUSINESS
CAN INDIA BECOME A HUB OF ARMS ?
TOGETHER.
BUILDING THE FUTURE.
Boeing is proud of its longstanding partnership with India. A partnership India can depend upon to meet its

developing requirements, from surveillance, strike and mobility platforms to C4ISR, unmanned systems and support

services. The most advanced systems and technologies providing the greatest value for India today and tomorrow.

boeing.co.in

K SRINIVASAN
Editor-in-Chief
Waiting for Godot
If you visit https://www.siae.fr/en/, the home screen will
scream loud and clear that registrations are open. And
mind you, it is a good 18 months before the event is to
begin. Well, one is talking about the Paris Air Show, the
world’s oldest air show that will once again showcase
the world of aerospace — both civil and military — at
Le Bourget between June 17-23, 2019. The Dubai Air
Show that wrapped up the 2017 edition in November last
year has already announced dates for the next edition:
November 17 to 21, 2019! Also, the Farnborough Airshow
that's on from July 16-22 was announced at the end of
the last show two years back. And it can go on and on,
no global event changes venue or decides the dates of
the show as late as 90 days before the grand opening.
Barring, of course, India.
When the Acche Din arrived with the election of the
Narendra Modi Government, the general perception
amongst the big OEMs and the Indian Defence Industry
was that the sloth and the status quo of the A K Antony
years at South Block and the Defence Ministry would be
over and a breath of fresh air was about to blow through
the musty corridors of the Raksha Mantralaya.
Oh, how wrong they were. In 2015, the Acche Din
arrived at the Aero India. It was the tenth edition and one
thought with the Prime Minister as the Chief Guest it would
be the beginning of the ‘Make in India’ campaign. Pradhan
Mantriji was confident that with the National Democratic
Alliance (NDA) in power, manufacturing had got much
easy for both Indian and overseas entities hoping to be
a part of the defence industry. He also outlined the need
www.geopolitics.in
DEFEXPO
for strategic partnerships rather than simple buying and
selling of equipment.
Well, looking back some years later, it is apparent that
there has been a huge mismatch between what the PM
said and what is happening on the ground. In 2016, the
then Defence Minister, Manohar Parikar decided it would
be a good idea to take the DefExpo to Goa, his home state.
Of course, it helped that the traditional venue, Delhi’s
Pragati Maidan was under renovation. But the location
wasn’t finalised till just before the event, the dates
were juggled around once and finally almost overnight
the exhibition grounds came up. There was virtually no
connectivity at the show; many of the exhibitors were
pissed off at the lackadaisical attitude of the MoD to
what should have been the most important days on their
calendar for interacting with industry. And yet they hoped,
this would still pass and things would get better.
Oh, how wrong they were! The present Raksha Mantri,
Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman has now moved the exhibition to
near the temple town of Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu.
There is virtually little interest from the industry, many are
not even participating and those who are would probably
give India a miss but for the fact that we are a big market
and maybe, some day the good days will indeed dawn.
It’s a bit like waiting for Godot!
Maybe!
srini@newsline.in
April 2018
3
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

DEFEXPO SPECIAL GEO Q&A

FROM HI- TO LO-TECH (P12) DR. S
Gone are the days when a country CHRISTOPHER
could engage in techno-national- Chairman
ism and build a weapons system DRDO
purely at home—with the excep-
tion of a few nations like the US,
Russia, China, and France. Instead, 32
countries either collaborate to
build systems or include a range of
components from other nations.
PRATYUSH
KUMAR
HOW INDIA CAN BE A President,
Boeing India
WEAPONS HUB (P18)
After decades of importing the
majority of its primary weapons – 46
from jet fighters and tanks to rifles
and warships – India is finally on
the cusp of becoming a producer of
big-ticket weapon systems. BRAHMOS
INTERVIEW
CEO & MD
BrahMos
SELF-RELIANCE: KEY TO
PREPAREDNESS (P24) 58
No nation can become militar-
ily and economically strong on
the strength of imported military
products. When are we, in India, GIORA
going to understand this simple KATZ
but harsh reality? EVP Marketing
and Business
Development,
Rafael
F/A-18 SUPER HORNET 66
FOR INDIA (P36)
The F/A-18 Super Hornet not only has
VIVEK
a low acquisition price, but it costs
less per flight hour to operate than
LALL
VP Strategy
any other tactical aircraft in US forces
and Business
inventory. Development,
Lockheed Martin

72

4 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in

 United Engine Corporation
16 Budennogo Av., Moscow, Russia 105118
Tel./fax: +7 (499) 558-01-26
www.uecrus.com
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

DEFEXPO SPECIAL GEO Q&A

WANTED: A PARADIGM EMMANUEL
SHIFT (P38) DE
ROQUEFEUIL
It will be unrealistic to expect any VP and Country
improvements in the future, espe- Director – India,
cially if the ministry continues to Thales
follow the past practice of tinker-
ing with the existing disjointed
76
system built around the capital
acquisition wing.
SHALOM
REVIVO
VP Marketing-
A FRESH START (P49) India,
Israel Aerospace
Industries (IAI)
The Saras light aircraft programme
has received a fresh impetus. 80

LOIC
PIEDEVACHE
Country Head
India
MBDA
REMOTE SURVEILLANCE
(P50) 86
India’s requirements for un-
manned aerial vehicles and
remotely piloted aircraft are
EVGENY
growing at a rapid pace. SEMIVELICHENKO
Managing Director,
UEC-Ufa Engine Industrial
Association

92
BOEING SEES GROWTH IN
DEFENCE BUSINESS (P54)
ARAVIND
The company’s new Global Ser- MELLIGERI
vices business is working with the Chairman & CEO,
Indian Air Force and Indian Navy Aequs Group
to provide training and support of
Boeing platforms.
94

6 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in

 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

VOL VIII, ISSUE XI, April 2018

DEFEXPO SPECIAL PUBLISHER

K SRINIVASAN
EDITOR
PRAKASH NANDA

HIGH SPEED PURSUIT MANAGING EDITOR

TIRTHANKAR GHOSH
(P60) CONSULTING EDITOR
M MURLIDHARAN
Indian armed forces will be induct-
ing a mix of foreign and indigenous CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
ADITI BHAN
missile systems to meet urgent
SENIOR PROOF READER
requirements. RAJESH VAID
DESIGNER
MOHIT KANSAL
PHOTO EDITOR
H C TIWARI
WAITING TO HIT THE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

BULLSEYE (P68) HEMANT RAWAT

DIRECTOR
The Indian Army’s long running RAJIV SINGH
effort to procure modern assault PUBLISHING DIRECTOR
rifles, carbines and LMGs may see RAKESH GERA
success this time around. LEGAL ADVISOR
VASU SHARMA
SUBSCRIPTION
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DISTRIBUTION
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 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SPOTLIGHT
MODI’S DEFENCE BUDGETS
A FLAT TRAJECTORY
It is not possible for India to
sign new defence contracts
for more than `50,000 crore
in 2018-19. There are hardly
any funds for expediting
the ongoing infrastructure
development projects and
capital acquisitions, building
up the war wastage reserves
beyond the Minimum
Acceptable Risk Level
(MARL), or giving a leg-up
to the Make-in-India projects
in defence. The dreary
trajectory of defence budget
since 2014-15 puts paid to
the demand for creation of
Cyber, Space and Special
Forces commands, which
is far below the trajectory
of the demand projected by
the armed forces and other
departments, laments
AMIT COWSHISH
A
t `4,04,364.71 crore the total
defence budget for 2018-19
represents 2.16 per cent of the
gross domestic product (GDP)
and, more importantly, 16.56
per cent of the total central government
expenditure (CGE) envisaged in the
union budget. This works out to a nearly
44.5 per cent increase over the total
18
I t was not surprising to read
that this year’s Budget had
little to offer the armed forc-
es (Geopolitics, March 2018),
Modi’s Defence Budgets: A
flat trajectory. It looks like
our leaders and our bureau-
crats have little or no un-
derstanding about the world
we live in. While geograph-
ical boundaries cannot be
erased, nations are coming
closer, thanks largely to in-
ternational trade. In such a
situation, conflicts can hap-
pen at the slightest losses.
Today, what India needs
most is a modern military
and despite all the hype and
public announcements by
our leaders, we are nowhere
near that. Geopolitics has
opened our eyes that it will
not be possible for the coun-
try to sign new defence con-
tracts for more than `50,000
crores in 2018-19.
We must thank Geopol-
itics for taking a positive
stance and advocating that
defence think-tanks and an-
alysts find out ways for the
Finance Minister to allocate
more funds for defence in
the coming fiscal.
All correspondence may be
addressed to: The Editor, Geopolitics,
D-11 Basement, Nizamuddin East,
New Delhi-110013.
Or mail to: geopolitics@newsline.in
10
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley readies to present his fifth full budget in February 2018 - it had little for the
defence forces
defence budget outlay of `2,80,202.87
crore for 2014-15 at a reasonably healthy
year-on-year growth rate of nearly 9.5
per cent.
But this healthy exterior starts crum-
bling as one goes down to the granular
details. For one thing, the overall growth
has been driven largely by the steeply
rising bill for salaries and pensions af-
March 2018 www.geopolitics.in
V Mahalingam
Bengaluru
G eopolitics’ Perspective,
America’s Global Mili-
tary Reach... (March 2018)
PERSPECTIVE
Washington to keep its mil-
itary presence in different
parts of the world, ‘please
laid bare the ambitions of AMERICA’S GLOBAL MILITARY don’t make us choose sides
the Trump-led United States. REACH VS. CHINA’S GLOBALISATION between you and China’.”
The United States has lost its IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA Economic interdepen-
AMIT GUPTA analyses how the Sino-American rivalry is playing out, what advantages do either
pre-eminent position as the side possess, and the implications for India’s security
dence has been curtailing
world leader over the years the ability of both Washing-
and this has become more ton and Beijing to act ag-
apparent ever since Donald gressively around the world.
Trump took over as Presi- The US-China rivalry is be-
dent. Coupled with that is ing shaped by the forces
the fact that China wants of globalisation and while
to be the next world leader. both nations are keen to
In fact, it has chalked out a boost their military capabil-
QZPROD.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM
plan – witness the ‘String of I ities, their economic futures
n the United States, the US- Liberation Army. The Chinese are not America’s Global Military Reach
China rivalry is viewed primarily close to matching the United States’ As Barry Posen, Ford International Pro-
through the military-strategic military capabilities. So, they are using fessor of Political Science at MIT and Di-
lens, with planners thinking in a different set of strategies to compete rector of the MIT Security Studies Pro-
terms of weaponry that include with Washington and that too quite gram, has argued, America’s military
pearls’! are becoming increasingly
long range bombers, stealth ships, and successfully. supremacy rests on its control of the
new submarines to counter the People’s commons―the deep seas, airspace over
In such a situation, In- 8
interdependent.
March 2018 www.geopolitics.in
dia has to be pragmatic – and The only way out of the
ter implementation of the seventh pay
commission recommendations and the
one-rank-one pension (OROP) scheme
that we are not. The article tionships that now trump (no impasse – if one may call it
during this period, and not by higher al-
locations for operational expenditure of
the armed forces.
The salaries of the armed forces
personnel and the civilians working in
defence establishments, excluding the
is very clear: “Indian econo- pun intended) the military- that – is for India to keep of-
mists and diplomats do not strategic networks that dom- fering business carrots to
understand: China is an eco- inated the Cold War. This both nations.
nomic behemoth that dwarfs has led to countries around
India and has built a network the world telling the United R C Chandra
of trade and economic rela- States that while they want Delhi
T anker tussle (Geopolitics,
March 2018) once again
brought to the fore the issue
SPECIAL REPORT
could. The new tanker Request
for Information (RFI) issued
in the beginning of the year
of costs and bureaucratic ma- TANKER TUSSLE could help Airbus Defence
noeuvrings. The procurement since it was the only bidder for
The IAF’s attempt to procure a mid-air refueller enters its third attempt and introduces new
contenders. A report from Geopolitics Bureau
T
he Indian Air Force (IAF) will provements introduced to the basic A330 Boeing has also entered the competi-
of a mid-air refueller has now the Defence Research & Devel-
need to soldier on with its fleet – primarily increased weights, upgraded tion for the first time, after having stayed
of six Russian built IL-78 MKI computers and new avionics. away from the first two competitions. A
mid-air refuellers beyond 2020, The new tanker Request for Infor- company spokesperson confirmed that
without any additional aircraft, mation (RFI) that was issued in January Boeing had received the latest RFI for
following the re-issuance of the tender states that “The FRA would be used for aerial refuelling tankers and that it has
entered its third attempt. To opment Organisation AWACS
for procurement of six Flight Refueller air to air refueling of fighter, transport briefed the IAF on its KC-46’s capabilities.
Aircraft (FRA) in January. Surprisingly, it and Airborne Early Warning and Control According to Pratyush Kumar, President,
appears that cost considerations again (AEW&C)/ Airborne Warning and Control Boeing India, “The KC-46 offers India
caused the tender process to be over- System (AWACS) aircraft.” This require- the most reliable and economical tanker
turned for a second time. ment could be a source of comfort for Air- capability needed for flexible multi-role
top it all, new contenders have India platform requirement
A formal Request for Proposal (RFP) bus Defence as it was the only company to refueling. Based on the proven 767 com-
is now expected to be issued in the third bid for the Defence Research & Develop- mercial platform, it can refuel both hose-
quarter of this year. The decision means ment Organisation (DRDO) AWACS India and-drogue as well as boom receptacle
that Airbus Defence and Space which has platform requirement which was issued receiver aircraft on any sortie and can
seen its Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker in 2014. The A330 MRTT was offered for be rapidly reconfigured in two hours for
come in. Amidst all this is the which was issued in 2014. The
Transport (MRTT) emerge as the win- a six-aircraft requirement and at Aero In- any mission -- carrying passengers, cargo,
ner of the tanker procurement selection dia 2015, DRDO displayed a model of an aeromedical or any combination of the
twice, will have to throw its hat in the fray AWACS India aircraft, based on an A330 three, while still performing its main air
once again. The A330 MRTT is the most fitted with a radome. Airbus Defence was refueling role.” He adds that, “the KC-46
successful new generation airborne tank- to integrate the mission systems on the will deliver tremendous savings over its
fact the Indian Air Force will A330 MRTT was offered for a
er, having secured a total of 62 orders with aircraft and complete certification tasks lifetime through lower maintenance, de-
35 aircraft being delivered. The Republic for the platform, though it now appears pot and repair costs. Similar to the Indian
of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be the that even this acquisition programme has Navy’s P-8I aircraft, Boeing is building the
latest user of the aircraft and will take de- stalled. KC-46 ‘in-line’ which is more efficient and
livery of its first A330 MRTT later this year. helps expand the life of the aircraft.”
have to keep on using its old six-aircraft requirement and
Singapore will also be the first to receive It may be noted that the US Air Force
the New Standard A330 MRTT, which (USAF) will acquire a total of 179 KC-46
benefits from the continuous product im- tankers and it will remain in operation
beyond 2050. The Japan Air Self-Defense
fleet of six Russian built IL-78 at Aero India 2015, DRDO dis-
MKI mid-air refuellers beyond played a model of an AWACS
2020. The IAF’s IL-76 and IL- India aircraft, based on an
78 aircraft are incapable of fly- Ilyushin Il-78
A330 fitted with a radome. I am
ing in international flying cor- 28
sure Geopolitics will keep us
March 2018 www.geopolitics.in
ridors. And, as your story had updated on the tanker battle.
pointed out, an avionics up- yet to take-off.
grade plan for both aircraft Will the winner in the tank- T N Goyal,
that was proposed in 2013 has er battle be Airbus? Perhaps it Bhopal
T he article about the F-35 (Geopolitics, March 2018),
Should India go for the F-35? made interesting
reading. It may not be the ideal fighter jet for the air
I t was indeed a pleasure to read about
Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi,
Avani touches the sky with glory!
force because it does not have the speed, super-ma- (Geopolitics, March 2018). The young
noeuvrability and the punch but the F-35 does have lady has made all Indians proud. Not
stealth. At one point of time in 2014, it was felt that only had she the determination and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi would sign an F-35 deal the grit to step out of her comfort zone
but he did not. The fighter has lost out more because in a small district of Madhya Pradesh,
of the hype that it is more expensive than Australia be- she also proved to the world that Indian
cause the programme will eventually cost the US more women are, perhaps, ahead than most
than $1200 billion – a sum that is larger than Austra- countries in the world. We await the
lian’s GDP. But it will be worth our while to talk to the Indian Army’s induction of women in
US about the F-35, if for nothing else but force the Rus- combat roles. When they do, India will
sians to fast track the Su-57. take a massive leap.
Maharaj Kumar, Hyderabad Neelam Sinha, Patna
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

GLOBAL ARMS INDUSTRY

FROM HI-TECH TO LO-TECH
The international arms industry is now globalised. Gone are the days when a country could
engage in techno-nationalism and build a weapons system purely at home—with the exception
of a few nations like the US, Russia, China, and France. Instead, countries either collaborate
to build systems or include a range of components from other nations. Considering this
phenomenon, Indian defence production has to be broken into three categories: that which
cannot be imported, that which can be assembled and co-produced in India, and that which can
realistically be made in India, argues AMIT GUPTA.

T
he international arms indus-
try is both globalised and
building weapons that range
from new game changing
21st technologies— such as
hypersonic glide weapons, underwater
drones, and stealthy fifth generation
fighter aircraft—to the more rudimen-
tary 20th century systems that still
cause considerable havoc when used in
the modern battlefield. The wars of the
21st century in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lib-
ya, Syria, Yemen, and a number of civil
wars elsewhere have led to the contin-
ued need for weapons systems that are
cheap, time-honoured, and rudimenta-
ry, but deadly in their effect. What this
has done is that there is a huge market
for a range of varied products depend-
ing on the demands of the modern bat-
tlefields.
Nature of 21st century warfare
While military planners in the twenty-
first century continue to prepare
for interstate conflicts, and acquire
systems that would increase lethality
in such conflicts, the vast number of
wars in the world now are civil wars or
insurgencies. The United States, faced
by the rise of Chinese and Russian
military capabilities, particularly in
the non-strategic nuclear realm, has
announced plans to build a range
of futuristic weapons systems that
will allow Washington to deal with a
range of contingencies and to ensure
that deterrence prevails at the lowest
levels of the conflict spectrum. Thus,
the 2018 US Nuclear Posture Review
discusses building a small number of
submarine launched ballistic missiles
with low-yield nuclear weapons, a new
submarine launched cruise missile, an
air delivered long-range cruise missile,
as well as the futuristic B-21 bomber.
Along with such advance weaponry
there are new challenges posed in
both outer space and the cyber realm.
China’s successful testing of anti-
satellite weapons has been a game-
changer because it has potentially
given Beijing the ability to take out the
eyes and ears of western, particularly

HAL HTT-40, an Indian training

aircraft, designed and built by
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
HAL

12 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


American, military forces. Cyber,
on the other hand, allows nations to
wage asymmetric warfare since the
costs of carrying out such attacks are
low, the technology is not expensive,
and only a small number of trained
personnel are required to implement
such measures. Both Russia and China
have successfully carried out cyber
attacks on US organisations and the real
danger may be if either country decides
to attack the financial and commercial
systems of America.
Additionally, there is the
organisational and bureaucratic politics
of militaries that requires the continued
procurement of newer versions of
weapons regardless of whether they
are needed in contemporary warfare.
Militaries are creatures of habit and
continue to maintain forces and
weaponry even when their battlefield
usefulness has passed. In World War
I, for example, the limitations of horse
cavalry were brought out as both sides
used machine guns and trenches to
stop cavalry charges. Yet most western
nations continued to have horse borne
cavalry well into the 1930s—and at
the onset of World War II Polish horse
cavalry was ambushed by German
panzer tanks.
For nations faced with diminishing
military budgets, these systems are
not only expensive but increasingly
of little use in their perceived threat
environments. Thus, the Dutch, for
example, got rid of their armoured
regiment in 2011 and only last year
decided to integrate their armoured
personnel with the German Army and
to lease tanks from the Germans.
All this brings up the issue of Guns
vs Butter and the fact that more and
more countries are choosing the latter
over the former as demanding publics
see little utility in purchasing weapons
against undefined or diminished
threats. Sweden, in 1986, at the height
of the Cold War, for example, had over
800,000 regular troops and reserves in
its armed forces. By 2017, the Swedish
force had sunk to about 40,000 (regular
and reserves) with little chance of ever
being numerically increased to the
glory days of the Cold War.
Moreover, the international arms
industry is now globalised. Gone are
the days when a country could engage
in techno-nationalism and build a
weapons system purely at home—with
the exception of a few nations like the
US, Russia, China, and France. Instead,
countries either collaborate to build
systems—for example the Eurofighter
which is a true European project—
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
or include a range of components
from other nations. The logic behind
collaboration is not only to reduce
costs but also to not reinvent the wheel.
Thus, the Swedes use American engines
in their Gripen; even the Chinese have
used Russian engines in their planes,
and Brazil has a long tradition of
collaborating with Italian companies to
build aircraft and other weaponry.
India, in contrast, has insisted on
technonationalism which is unrealistic
and very expensive. Twenty-seven
years ago, this author was told by the
designer of the Kaveri engine that it
produced 19,000 lbs of static thrust
and was ready for production. The
engine never became operational and
the Indian government, pressured by
the defence science lobby, continues
to spend time and money on trying to
make the engine a workable power plant
for the Tejas. It is worth noting that even
the HTT-40 trainer which is a crudely
designed subsonic plane, put it next to
the Pilatus-PC 7 that the IAF operates
and the HTT-40s poor production
and finish become apparent, has an
imported Honeywell engine. Nearly 65
years after India’s entering the aircraft
design business, India is still unable to
produce a working engine for any kind
of aircraft be it sub-sonic, trans-sonic,
PILATUS
Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer a low-
wing tandem-seat training aircraft,
manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft
13
 INDIA 2018
An artist rendering of B-21 Raider
or supersonic. Indian ships, similarly,
depend on imported power plants and
sensors and the Arjun tank’s engine are
also of foreign origin as are most of its
sub-systems.
Lastly, while interstate wars have
gone down, intrastate conflicts are on
the rise and here the insurgents seek
lo-tech solutions to take on the forces
of technologically advanced countries.
The success of suicide bombers, the
use of improvised explosive devices
(IEDs), and even the shaped projectile
weapons that Iraqi insurgents used
with some success, are examples of low-
tech solutions that in recent conflicts
have exacted a toll on regular military
forces. In response, Western armed
forces have had to change tactics and
to introduce weapons systems that can
be used to prosecute a different kind
of war. Given these facts, what type of
weapons systems are being sold around
the world?
Big ticket items
Obviously there remains a market for
big ticket items among major nations
as they see the rise of interstate
challenges that require traditional,
technologically advanced weapons
systems. The European countries now
see Russia as a strategic challenge and
have reluctantly started to purchase
new weapons systems like the
expensive F-35 Lightning to counter
Russian belligerence. The reluctance
stems from the continued pressure
in these countries to spend more on
social welfare programmes and less on
defence.
Changing conceptions of the use of
14
DEFEXPO
air power have also led to the purchase
of tankers and transport aircraft for
the various air forces of the world. In
an era of coalition warfare, countries
have recognised that one way to show
the flag, while not suffering significant
casualties, is to provide support
services to the coalition. A good case of
such planning is the Australian air force
which has bought eight C-17s as well
as Airbus tankers to be able to provide
support services to the USAF (US Air
Force) and other coalition partners in
the Indo-Pacific region — and at the
same time not carrying out the more
politically sensitive combat operations
that could lead to high casualties.
Smaller countries like Kuwait and Qatar
also bought the C-17 since it aided their
participation in coalition operations.
In the naval realm, not only are we
seeing a continuing demand for aircraft
carriers—India, China, and Britain are
introducing new aircraft carriers—but
the real push is for submarines. Cost
conscious navies recognise that trying
to have blue water navies with aircraft
carriers is an expensive process that
most national budgets cannot shoulder.
And “Sea Control” is difficult to
maintain and many ways unnecessary
since the United States Navy maintains
maritime order in the Atlantic, Pacific,
and Indian Oceans. Submarines,
however, help attain “Sea Denial” and
are far more effective for protecting the
homeland against a surface warfare
threat. Thus, Australia did a major
submarine upgrade by buying the
French Barracudas since Canberra
has an extensive coastline to protect
and does not see naval air power being
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
projected so far down into the Southern
Hemisphere.
Relevant weaponry
Yet one of the paradoxes of modern
warfare is the continued utility of less
technologically advanced weaponry.
As mentioned earlier, we have seen a
reduction in war between countries and
an increase in civil wars, insurgencies,
and terrorism. These security
challenges do not require the use of state
of the art 21st century weaponry and,
instead, need weapons that are suited
to the particular threat environment.
A good example is Nigeria’s continued
campaign against the Jihadi group Boko
Haram. Nigeria’s air force has the Alpha
Jet light attack plane and the Chinese
version of the MiG-21, the F-7. Neither
plane has been deemed effective against
Boko Haram; so the Nigerian air force is
now buying the sub-sonic Super Tucano
because the plane can loiter over the
battlefield and can deliver the type
of ordnance that is needed to combat
insurgents. Also, the plane, compared
to high-performance jets like the F-35,
Rafale, or Eurofighter, is cheap. It costs
$9-14 million (depending on what you
put on it) and you could buy ten of
these planes for the cost of one high
performance fighter jet. The Afghan
Air Force, similarly, is to acquire 20 U.S.
funded Super Tucanos since the plane is
seen as an effective counterinsurgency
weapon against the Taliban. But
perhaps the most influential and most
rudimentary technology may be the
advent of drones in warfare.
What makes drones particularly
attractive is their low cost (compared

Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster is a large military transport aircraft
manned aircraft), the fact that most
of the technology used for them is
commercially available and off the
shelf, and the fact that they provide
multiple advantages to both the armed
forces and law enforcement authorities.
The move around the western world,
therefore, has been to use drones not
only for strikes but also for border
surveillance. It is increasingly likely that
domestic police forces will be allowed
to use UAVs to carry out monitoring
and surveillance of urban areas which
would provide a 24 hour eye in the sky to
these law enforcement authorities.
Other weaponry and equipment that
sell well are old reliables like assault
rifles where the Kalashnikov remains
the most used weapon in the world. The
utility of such a weapon is obvious when
one looks at the continuing travails of
the Indian army and security forces
with getting a reliable assault weapon.
Simple artillery, mortars, and rocket
launchers all fall within this category.
All this, now, brings up the
question: What should India then be
manufacturing?
Myth of India’s defence science base
At the time of independence India
inherited 16 ordnance factories from the
British and initially there was no interest
in producing weapons in India. In fact,
some of these factories were converted
to make coffee percolators and bicycles.
Jawaharlal Nehru, however, recognised
the need for modernising India and
thus invested in building both a
scientific and defence scientific base.
In the defence context, he sanctioned
the development of the HF-24 Marut
supersonic fighter, the HJT-16 Kiran,
and the HT-2 basic trainer. In the
nuclear realm, Nehru encouraged Homi
Bhabha to set up a nuclear industry in
India because like many global leaders
in the 1940s and 1950s he believed
that nuclear power would transform
their country’s economic future. The
aircraft programmes, however, were not
successful.
The Marut never attained supersonic
speeds and the Indian Air Force did not
fall in love with the aircraft; it, instead,
sought alternatives. The HF-24, the
HJT-16, and the HT-2 all had imported
engines and production rates were
slow as HAL could never live up to its
promises of delivering aircraft on time.
In 1975, the IAF bought 50 Iskra trainers
from Poland and followed it up with
another 26 in 1990 because domestically
produced trainers were not available.
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
HEMANT RAWAT
As for Tejas, the engine, the radar, the
avionics are all imported which led
this writer to once quip that the only
thing Indian on the plane would be the
coconut that would be cracked over the
first prototype to bless the aircraft.
Equally disappointing has been the
fact that weapons have come from other
parts of the arms industry. The INSAS
rifle was met with a tepid response from
the Army while the Arjun faced cost
and developmental delays and was too
heavy to traverse the bridges along the
western front with Pakistan. Generally
most things produced by the arms
industry have been delayed, had cost
overruns, and not met the standards of
the military. Several Public Accounts
Committees have commented on this
particularly in the sphere of naval ship
building and the Arjun tank.
Having said that, the services
are also to blame since they set high
standards for Indian weaponry rather
than doing what the Chinese do with
their “dumpling approach” which is
to just go ahead and make and deploy
weapons systems and do upgrades
and improvements later. Realistically
speaking then, how can India profit
from the trends in the global arms
industry?
15
 INDIA 2018
The Gripen India Partnership
Summit 2017 hosted in New Delhi
sought to bring Saab’s global
partners for Gripen and Indian
industry together
Make in India
For Make in India to work several
changes are necessary. First, go for the
development of realistic projects rather
than unrealistic ones. Leading strategic
analyst Ashley Tellis has written about
the need for the U.S. to transfer an aircraft
carrier’s electromagnetic catapult
technology to India. This is clearly
unrealistic. Right now, the US Navy
has the catapult on one aircraft carrier
and it is highly unlikely, therefore, that
such a state of the art technology would
be passed on to India. More pertinently,
from the Indian perspective, doubts
exist whether India’s science base could
absorb the technology. Further, the
Navy would have to redesign its carriers
to use the electromagnetic catapult and
this would put the domestic programme
back by years.
Similarly, it is unlikely that the
Indian defence industry could absorb
the technologies for building the F-35
Lightning domestically. One of the
reasons that the Rafale costs ballooned,
and it could not be manufactured
domestically, was that India lacked the
infrastructure, the machine tools, and
the trained scientific and industrial
personnel to build the aircraft—
and keep in mind that the F-35 is a
generation ahead of the Rafale.
Realistically speaking, Indian
defence production has to be broken
into three categories: that which
cannot be imported, that which can be
assembled in India, and that which can
16
DEFEXPO
realistically be made in India. Nuclear
and missile systems cannot be imported
even though the Russians have leased
a nuclear submarine to India and,
therefore, it is in these areas that the
greatest emphasis for Make in India
should be placed. The next generation
of weapons like miniaturised nuclear
warheads, for use on submarine missiles
and for air delivery, would be a case
in point as would the development of
satellites for giving India the space based
surveillance and communications
redundancy that it will require in a
future war with a country like China.
When it comes to the assembly of
weapons the move has to be to push
such work into the hands of the private
sector—which can collaborate with
foreign partners—to deliver weapons
systems in a timely and cost effective
manner and be able to maintain quality
control. The proposed collaborations
between the Ambanis and Lockheed and
the Adani Group and Saab are a case in
point of such future weapons production
efforts because they move the country
away from wasteful technonationalism
to technoglobalisation. Such systems
have to be the ones that are capital
intensive, in frontline service, and may
well require the foreign investor to do
the maintenance and guarantee the
quality of the product (this was one of
the sticking points in the Rafale deal for
while HAL was to manufacture the plane,
Dassault was to be responsible for any
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
flaws that emerged in the end product).
Systems that do not become
obsolescent easily, are cheaper to
produce, and are less advanced
technologically, should be the ones that
are manufactured domestically by the
defence science base. Several items
could fall in this category. Munitions,
while not “attractive”, are what are
required in any major war; both in the
Kargil war, where India had a shortfall
of artillery shells, and more recently in
Dok La, where it became clear that the
IAF had a munitions shortage, show
the importance of having a sizeable
stockpile to draw from in times of
an emergency. Other weapons like
jet trainers, light attack aircraft,
armoured personnel carriers, patrol
boats and frigates all fall within the
realm of that which can, and should, be
manufactured domestically.
In conclusion, one must point out
that in the age of technoglobalisation
these three types of production efforts
will bring India the most gains from
its current policy of Make in India.
Trying to build modern systems without
having a well-grounded knowledge
and production base is both costly and
inefficient.
Amit Gupta is an Associate Professor at
the USAF Air War College, Maxwell AFB,
Alabama. The views in this article are his
and do not necessarily reflect those of the
USAF or the Department of Defense
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 INDIA 2018
HOW INDIA CAN BECOME A
WEAPONS POWERHOUSE
After decades of importing the majority of its primary weapons – from jet fighters and tanks to
rifles and warships – India is finally on the cusp of becoming a producer of big-ticket weapon
systems, writes RAKESH KRISHNAN SIMHA
I
n 1940 legendary Indian industri-
alist Walchand Hirachand struck
a deal with an American business-
man to produce combat aircraft
in India. One of the investors in
the project was the Maharaja of Mysore,
who agreed to invest `25 lakh, and also
gave 700 acres of land free for the proj-
ect. Just eight months later Hindustan
Aircraft flight tested its first product, a
trainer aircraft.
Sumit K Majumdar explains what
happened to the project. In the book
‘India's Late, Late Industrial Revolution:
Democratising Entrepreneurship’,
he writes: “The British government
in Whitehall tried to scuttle the
project because Indian firms were
not considered capable enough
to manufacture combat aircraft.
Hindustan Aircraft was taken over by
18
DEFEXPO
the government in 1942.”
India got independence in 1947 but
the government of Jawaharlal Nehru
retained the same level of hostility
towards private Indian enterprise.
Here is what noted Gandhian Acharya
Kriplani said on the defence budget
in Parliament in 1957: “The mounting
expenses on the army must be cut down.
The followers of Gandhi and adherents
of universal peace should not increase
military expenditure.” Five years later
when the Chinese attack caught India
napping, the same Kriplani was calling
for heads to roll. It never occurred to
him that he was one of the playmakers
of the debacle.
The lack of a strategic culture in the
political leadership and bureaucracy,
combined with the abundance of
Gandhians, played a role in stunting
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
Dassault Rafale is a
French twin-engine,
canard delta wing,
multirole fighter aircraft
designed and built by
Dassault Aviation
the growth of India’s defence industry
for decades. But there are two other
key factors that played an equally
invidious role in India’s continued
dependence on to imports. The first
reason is the preferential treatment of
the public sector. This began with the
establishment of the DRDO in 1958.
Although the defence PSU has a large
pool of scientists and engineers plus
over 50 labs, the DRDO has performed
below par, except in certain areas such
as missiles. Cost and time overruns
have killed or delayed a number of
projects, although to be fair, foreign
sanctions (following the Pokhran
nuclear tests of 1998) hit the DRDO
hard. DRDO was also insulated from
the private sector and academia, which
prevented interaction with the vast pool
of talent and enterprise in India’s non-

defence sector. Since the defence forces
wouldn’t accept what they considered
sub-par weapons, India was thus forced
to source analogues from overseas.
The second – and more sinister –
reason is the strong import lobby which
has a vested interest in scuttling Made
in India weapons. Not many remember
that in the 1960s, India developed
the HF-24 Marut jet fighter, which
performed creditably in the 1971 War,
but was subsequently killed in favour
of the MiG-21. Thus, the considerable
skills and experience gained by Indian
engineers in the project were lost.
Because of the lack of continuity in
aircraft development, an entire new
ecosystem had to be recreated to
develop the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
New deal: Make in India
All militaries in the world seek the best
equipment they can get. In reality, they
fight with the best equipment they have.
After splurging on gold plated weapons
for decades, the Indian military is
facing up to that reality. With Make in
India now gaining traction, the days of
multibillion dollar defence deals are
over. This will have major implications
for the defence forces, foreign weapons
manufacturers, contractors and Indian
industry.
One of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s first major decisions was to
downsize the $20 billion-plus Rafale
contract. Instead of 126 jet fighters,
India decided to purchase just 36
planes. This was a signal to the armed
forces that from here on they have to
look at homebuilt options. Like it or not,
the Indian Air Force (IAF) will have to
accept the Tejas light combat aircraft.
Similarly, the Indian Army can no
longer reject the home built howitzer.
Thankfully, the Indian Navy had long
ago embraced indigenisation with open
arms.
A robust defence industry is
critical because no country can fight
an extended war – let alone win it – if
its armed forces are dependent on
imported weapons. As Yale historian of
international relations Paul Kennedy
says, a credible great power must have
a solid defence industry base. Plus, an
insane amount of money is involved here.
LCA Tejas
A March 2018 report by the Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute
(SIPRI) says India continued to be the
largest weapons importer in the world
over the last five years. The country
spent more than $100 billion on buying
new weapons and systems during 2008-
17, with imports accounting for around
60-65 per cent of the country’s military
requirements. Last month, the budget
allocated a capital outlay of `99,563
crore (more than $15 billion) for buying
new weapons and systems, up from
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
`86,488 crore.
Due to the need for updated
equipment, India is set to undertake one
of the largest procurement cycles in the
world. The armed forces are projected
to buy weaponry worth over $150 billion
in the next 10 years, and more than
$100 billion of those purchases will be
directed towards domestic companies.
Without a serious effort to reinvent
its defence production strategy, India
risks wasting the billions it is pouring
into its military. The most important
requirement is a heavy transfusion
of technology from leading defence
companies overseas to breathe new
life into the nascent sector. That is
where the 2016 Defence Procurement
Procedure (DPP) comes in. In line with
Make in India, it is aimed at developing
an acquisitions process designed
to transfer foreign technology and
production lines to India. By ensuring
effective public-private partnerships
and joint-production with foreign firms,
DPP will enable India’s armed forces to
acquire needed capabilities in a timely
manner. Moreover, the defence offsets
policy, which requires foreign vendors
of high-cost contracts to invest 30 per
cent of the cost of the contract back in
the Indian defence or aerospace sector.
And in order to encourage foreign
firms to enter into joint ventures with
Indian companies, the government
has raised its caps on foreign direct
investment (FDI) in domestic defence
firms from 26 per cent to 49 per cent.
Going private
Recognising the potential in defence
a number of major business houses
have rushed in. They comprise the
top echelons of India’s private sector.
Several have found foreign partners
who are keen to enter the Indian market
as stakeholders thanks to the increase
in FDI caps. Here’s a short list:
* Anil Ambani’s Reliance Aerospace
is in talks with Russian Helicopters
to manufacture 200 Kamov-226T
helicopters in India. The number of
choppers could potentially go up to
400.
* Tata Advanced Systems will be the
lead production agency for making
40 C-295 Airbus aircraft in India.
* Mahindra Defence Naval Systems
has tied up with the UK’s Ultra
Electronics to build equipment for
underwater warfare.
* Anil Ambani is partnering with
Germany’s Atlas Elektronik GmbH
to make an advanced torpedo in
19
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

India.
* Larsen & Toubro is investing $400
million into a yard to build ships for
the navy.

Success stories
The aforementioned joint ventures
and many other projects of similar
importance are set to transform the
Indian defence production sector. To
be sure, they will not be operating
in a barren landscape. Despite the
public sector’s generally below par
performance, both DRDO and HAL
have produced some notable winners.
Some of the projects widely accepted
as successes include the family of
Agni missiles, range of BrahMos
cruise missiles, the Tejas jet fighter,
stealth frigates, the Prithvi Air Defence
anti-ballistic missile, Kolkata class
destroyers and aircraft carriers.
The star performer – and the
project that should be a benchmark
for the Indian armaments industry – is
BrahMos Aerospace which is an equal
joint venture between India’s DRDO
and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia.
The company’s BrahMos cruise missile
is described as the “Brahmastra for
the Indian armed forces”. Although
the supersonic weapon is not quite
in the same league as the weapon of
Lord Brahma, it is the fastest and most
destructive cruise missile on Earth.
BrahMos Aerospace has not only
established a new standard in cruise Pratyush Kumar (extreme left), President, Boeing India with Ratan N Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons seen
missile development, it has adopted along with Nirmala Sitharaman (second from right), Minister of Defence and K T Rama Rao, Telengana Cabinet
the incremental or ‘ladder’ approach Minister at the inauguration of the Tata Boeing Aerospace state-of-the-art Apache fuselage facility in Hyderabad
where more advanced – and innovative
– versions of the missile are constantly
being designed, tested, produced for all fuselages. India has placed orders for of the famous S-400 missile defence
branches of the armed forces. 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, system, to jointly develop and maintain
BrahMos has been a game changer with deliveries set to begin in 2019. In a variety of weapons for India’s military.
in two ways. One, it got the government fact, TASL undertakes work on a number TOR-1M missiles, radars and automated
to guarantee orders from the defence of international programmes. Work control systems come under the scope
forces before the venture went into packages include the fuselage of the of the deal.
production mode. Basically, the army Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, the empennage Interestingly, Reliance Defence
and navy were committed to the project of the Lockheed Martin C-130J, the aft is a complete newcomer with zero
from the get-go. fuselage and tail cone for the Boeing CH- experience in the defence industry.
Secondly, BrahMos Aerospace 47 Chinook, the wing assembly and other Despite this the Anil Ambani owned
persuaded a number of private Indian major work on the Pilatus PC-12, and company has received approval for 12
companies to become subcontractors. major work on Ruag’s Dornier 228NG, for industrial licences for manufacturing
Among the first off the blocks was Godrej which it produces 3,000 detailed parts, aircraft, helicopters, unmanned
Aerospace, a subsidiary of the 199 year as well as the fuselage, empennage, and aerial vehicles, all-terrain combat
old Godrej conglomerate. It became wings. The Tata group company also vehicles, night-vision devices, sensors,
a key contractor, manufacturing has component work on several other navigation and surveillance equipment,
airframes for the supersonic BrahMos programmes, including structural work propulsion systems and simulators.
missile. on the Cobham refuelling pods found on In this backdrop, the deal with
Similarly, in March 2018 Tata the Airbus A400M and Embraer KC-390. Almaz-Antey looks like Reliance’s
Advanced Systems (TASL) and Boeing Another star on the ascendant and a attempt to forge close ties with a leading
inaugurated an assembly line in likely success story is Reliance Defence, foreign to jumpstart its ambitions
Hyderabad that will be the exclusive which has inked an agreement with to develop a defence business from
source of future AH-64 Apache Russia’s AlmazAntey, the manufacturer scratch. The company also plans to bid

20 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


for contracts for local manufacture of
helicopters, submarines and ships.
These projects will integrate India
into the global arms manufacturing
industry and catapult the country into
the major league of weapons producer.
Government to government
As India moves into the big league of
defence manufacturers, the watchword
should be caution. While tweaking its
defence procurement policy, there is no
need to re-invent the wheel. “In today’s
world, even the United States and Russia
don’t create airplanes and helicopters
from scratch, but actively use
components from other countries,” Oleg
Panteleev, head of Russia’s Analytical
Services Agency, said in an interview
with Russia Beyond the Headlines. He
then added, “India’s challenge is not to
do everything on its own, but to reach
competency as an integrator. To become
the party that develops the overall
product, but takes certain components
and elements readymade, getting the
best deal, while saving time and money.
Each unit signifies unique technological
TRAJAN
and costly solutions and knowhow, and
neither India, nor more prosperous
countries, can afford to deal with every
single thing.”
Quantity matters
While quality is desirable in any field,
let’s not forget that quantity has a quality
all its own. This is best illustrated by
China’s laborious efforts at building a
vast defence industrial ecosystem that
is now capable of delivering bleeding-
edge systems, including stealth aircraft.
In the 1960s after its break with the
Soviet Union, the Chinese had to go it
alone. Today it is almost self-sufficient,
with advanced aircraft engines being
one of the few categories the country
hasn’t yet mastered. Where the Chinese
lack quality, they make up for that with
raw numbers.
India’s procurement nightmare
could end if it emulates the Chinese
model. Having a thriving defence
industry that is able to churn out
weapons of reasonable quality means
the armed forces won’t have to worry
about war attrition. You lose a Tejas jet,
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no worries, order a new one that same
afternoon. India can send in swarms
of these $30 million jets –with top
cover provided by the (more expensive)
Su-30MKI – deep into Pakistan and
overwhelm enemy air defences.
On the other hand, you have Pakistan
which threw in the towel during the 1965
War when its hardware – and morale
– ran low because it couldn’t easily
replace its war losses. There is another
lesson from that war – brand new isn’t
necessarily better. Poorly trained
Pakistan tank crews couldn’t use their
latest Pattons to full effect whereas
India’s tankmen who were familiar with
their outdated Centurions were able to
take that all important shot. The upshot:
in key battles, the better trained Indian
Army beat the living daylights out of the
better equipped Pakistan Army.
Way forward
Reacting to the latest SIPRI report,
retired Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak said:
“While there is awareness that India
needs to indigenise on fast-track, our
perpetual problem has been a lack of
I
 INDIA 2018
Anil D Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Group and Eric Trappier, Chairman & CEO, Dassault Aviation at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Dhirubhai Ambani
Aerospace Park
strategic culture of defence industry
build up. Only if we move proactively,
can we crack the code.”
In this backdrop, the government
could undertake the following measures
to ensure that the defence industry ticks
long fine:
1. Establish a Ministry of Defence
Production that will set targets for
the sector, guide private and public
sector companies into various
categories of weapons and monitor
the progress of projects.
2. Create an agency for the armed
forces to provide inputs so that the
companies concerned can meet the
requirements in a timeframe that
suits the armed forces.
3. Set up tri-service panels composed
of serving military personnel
who have the expertise to pass –
or reject – weapons produced by
Indian companies. Once a weapon
is passed, ensure that orders are
guaranteed.
4. Hold these panel members
accountable for the weapons they
clear or reject. Court martial the
officers who are caught trying
to sabotage projects or pass
substandard weapons.
5. Institutionalise the “ladder
22
DEFEXPO
approach” so that each weapons
platform gets better and more
capable over successive generations.
6. Delink the defence PSUs and Indian
Ordnance Factories from the
Indian Administrative Service and
appoint only experts as their heads.
Currently, people who have passed
B.A. History are deciding what type
of barrel will go into the INSAS rifle,
which is why it is probably the least
loved weapon in the Indian Army.
7. Bring industry and universities
together to share R&D.
8. Set up a dedicated university that
will generate the talent and R&D
needed by a growing defence sector.
9. Inject funds into start-ups that can
come up with innovative weapons,
processes or defence management
systems.
10. Establish an industry watchdog that
will exclusively look for corruption
in defence contracts.
Brand new era
The rush of leading private sector
players into defence signals is an exciting
development. Excellent progress has
been made in missile technology and the
country’s world famous space programme
through indigenous efforts; so there is
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
no reason why that success cannot be
replicated across the defence industry.
According to the American
procurement website Defense Industry
Daily, “Ultimately, the real question
in India is the extent of true domestic
competition for defence funding.The
circumstances seem favourable: this
government is more committed to
competition, has a more instinctive
understanding of for-profit industry,
and harbours greater awareness of
the severe capacity constraints of the
traditional public sector undertakings.”
Considering the size of the Indian
armed forces, their requirements
are massive. It is through this prism
that industry should consider its
opportunities. “The desire for more
indigenous development and production
will continue in an avowedly nationalist
government,” DID concludes.
“Nevertheless, global defence firms
may be able to develop deeper and more
fruitful partnerships with emerging
private sector defence firms in India,
perhaps even leading to greater exports
of Indian content – much praised, but
rarely experienced to date.”
The author is a New Zealand-based
journalist who writes on military matters
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

SELF-RELIANCE IS KEY TO
DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS
The fact that ‘no nation can become militarily and economically strong on the strength of
imported military products’ had been understood very well by Israel and China. When are we,
in India, going to understand this simple but harsh reality, asks RAVI KUMAR GUPTA

A
s yet another edition of
Defence Expo - India’s own
mela showcasing weapons
and other defence-related
equipment from around
the globe unfolds, the real question
that matters for India and its budding
defence industries is simple. Under the
government formed by a political party
that for decades has been claiming to
be champion of Swadeshi, will there
be any respite from ’Imports-mania’,
the dangerous disease manifested by
an “Obstructive Compulsive Desire” to
import weapon systems, ammunition,
military platforms and other defence
related equipment? Though several
positive steps seem to have been

24 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


Prime Minister Narendra Modi
inaugurating the ‘Make in India’ logo
at New Delhi way back in 2014. A big
initiative taken by the government to
transform India into a global design and
manufacturing hub, but there has been
little movement
PIB
taken to encourage development or
manufacturing of defence systems
within India, concrete results have by
and large remained elusive.
Countries around the world
organise events like ‘DefExpo’, to
promote business opportunities for
their own defence industries. Hasn’t
India so far been an exception,
providing and promoting business
opportunities for foreign vendors and
arms manufacturers? “Def-Expo 2018
will, for the first time project India’s
defence manufacturing capabilities
to the world”, stated a recent Press
Information Bureau (PIB) release a few
weeks before commencement of this
tenth edition of biennial mela being
held in the 70th year of independence.
A SIPRI (Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute) fact sheet,
“Trends in International Arms
Transfers, 2017” released in March 2018
presents a sordid picture of our defence
procurements. India has continued to
lead from the top position in the league
of “Arms importers” for over a decade,
importing a huge 12 per cent of all the
arms imported globally during 2013
to 2017. While its name could be seen
recurring as major arms importer on
pages discussing arms exporters, India
failed to find mention in the list of
top 25 exporters. Comparing in terms
of change in total volume of arms
imported during the five-year period of
2013-17 over that of 2008-12, the arms
imports by India rose by 24 per cent
whereas arms imports by Pakistan and
China declined by 19 per cent and 36
per cent, respectively.
To where will these voluminous
imports at huge costs to national
exchequer, with helpless taxpayer
having no means to know “how much
of its money actually is going into
strengthening national security and
where do the rest go”, take our nation?
Are scandals like ‘Jeep scandal’ from
the era of Nehru Government, through
‘Bofors scandal’ during his grandson’s
regime, to any latest one, giving hint
to real reasons for Imports-mania?
Haven’t the inconclusive investigations
lingering on indefinitely and marred by
‘No one killed Jessica’ syndrome been
further waste of national resources,
reducing to mere political gimmicks
and nuisance of Ho-Halla? Don’t these
pointers, when combined with high
pitched fear psychosis repeatedly and
cunningly unleashed by a section of
people within India through systematic
campaigns - “Two front conflict”,
“Lack of preparedness”, “Running
short of ammunition”, “Just x-number
of squadrons of combat aircrafts”,
“Outdated field guns and small arms”
and so on, indicate nefarious designs
aimed at perpetual imports?
Now let’s take a look at another
dimension of this phenomenon – it
is rarely finding mention during
discussions on national security or
while taking procurement decisions.
In the hands of peace loving countries
like India, adequate military power is a
major tool for ensuring peace through
deterrence. India for seventy long years
has been trying to build such deterrence
based on imported stuff, having
achieved dubious distinction of being
the largest importer of arms. In the
process, it has been offering a gigantic
arms market too. Is it really wise, in
the process, to promote economic,
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
commercial and strategic interests of
the major arms selling countries? Don’t
these interests prompt them to ensure
that the Indian subcontinent keeps
simmering with never ending conflicts
and to simultaneously ensure that
self-reliance in defence sector remain
elusive for India? Closer looks at genesis
and outcomes of past conflicts - overt
or covert and reading between the
lines while looking at the subsequent
agreements and disagreements from
the days of partition of Bharat through
Tashkent, Shimla, Kargil and so on
- only strengthen the obvious but
carefully ignored apprehensions about
the dynamics of pushing arms sales to
India. In nutshell, what our imports-
maniac procurement stars are doing
is that they are ensuring perpetual
turmoil and recipes for destroying our
peace.
However, it does not mean that
the threats faced by our nation or the
needs for military modernisation and
enhancing the level of preparedness
are not real. In fact, these urgencies
were never as crucial as they are now.
Not only the threats are increasing
at alarming pace, the stakes too are
rapidly rising leaps and bounds. The
second aspect is a direct and desirable
consequence of India’s phenomenal
economic growth over the recent years
and global recognition of our huge
potentials.
The stakeholders in keeping India
secure cannot ignore existence of
threats and their rapidly rising levels
in both qualitative and quantitative
terms. Pakistan has been adamantly
pursuing its proxy war and its terrorist
activities with such vigour that it is
being increasingly recognised as a
terror state. China appears to have
been greatly enhancing its efforts
towards implementing its”String of
pearls” strategy by all possible means.
Giving testimony to this fact are recent
developments pertaining to CPEC
(China-Pakistan Economic Corridor),
repeated intrusions by Chinese Soldiers
into Indian territory, not to talk of the
Doklam incident, creation of Chinese
bases/ports and harbours/facilities
encircling India (Gwadar, Maldives,
Hambanthota, Kyaukpyu, Chittagong,
Djibouti and several others). The South-
eastern and the Middle East regions
in our neighbourhood continue to be
incidents prone. The external threats
become even more dangerous when
viewed in conjunction with internal
threats to the country, such as repeated
25
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

Naxalite attacks, stone pelting traitors

in Kashmir valley, bunch of misguided
people throwing slogans like ‘Bharat
tere Tukre hazaar’ while getting
sympathies of even bigger traitors,
including some politicians who seek
help on the Pakistani soil to overthrow
the elected government of the country.
Under the prevailing circumstances,
need to enhance country’s level of
military preparedness is indeed real
and urgent.
Indeed, money spent on Defence
and Security is not expenditure; it
is investment in keeping all other
investments safe! However, believing
that a desired level of preparedness can
be achieved through imports will be
proverbial “living in fool's paradise”. If
imports could build reliable strength,
security and self-reliance, India would
have achieved them long ago during
the past 70 years. Shouldn’t the world’s
topmost importer of weapon system
have become a top global military
power by now? But in contrast, a very
HEMANT RAWAT

senior army official has been reported

to have recently stated that defence
preparedness is poor due to 70%
of Indian Army’s equipment being
obsolete!
At this juncture, won’t it be
worthwhile to ponder:
• Why is it extremely important to upliftment.
have our own defence equipment
developed and manufactured
within our country?
• What has been preventing us from ergonometric needs on Indian soldiers;
being a truly independent nation
with freedom from imports, poverty
and unemployment?
• What is the way forward?
An important reality though known
and understood well is mostly ignored
while procuring weapons and other
defence equipment. When decisions are developments is another advantage
taken in favour of import and against
indigenous, our national interests are
not necessarily promoted. In contrast,
when Government spends taxpayers
money for buying indigenously
developed and produced products, the
procurement does much more than
adding teeth to war fighting capabilities
of armed forces. Contributing
immensely to GDP and thus national
prosperity, generating jobs across
sectors, promoting innovation, each
procurement of Swadeshi defence
products acts as a catalyst in driving
up national economy and yields
multifarious benefits touching every
aspect of economy, security and social
Saab and Tata Power SED joining hands to manufacture Self-Protection Systems for Land-based Platforms for
the Indian market
These indigenous products are
designed and not merely adapted for
our country’s climate, terrain and
they come with strengths of ensured
technical support, spares and related
consumables and are great force
multipliers for any armed force that
is genuinely interested in sustaining
and augmenting its capabilities. The
potential for continuous upgradation
with evolving needs through spiral
and morale booster in case of Swadeshi.
Majority of Swadeshi products,
especially the tactical systems, have
immense export potential that, if
explored, leads to further advantages
of ‘economy of scale’, bringing down
costs, boosting economy as well
as providing diplomatic leverages.
Whenever imports become desirable well by Israel and China. When are we
due to specific and genuine reasons,
the strengths generated through a
robust indigenous ‘defence R&D and
manufacturing ecosystem generated
with the support of procurements of
Swadeshi systems also provide power of
negotiation at our own terms.
If resource-starved countries like
Israel and Japan could rise to build
robust R&D-cum-industrial bases
in their countries, the former even
becoming 3rd biggest arms seller to
a country like India with 150 times its
own population and equally larger
land mass; if China could turn around
to become world's fifth largest arms
exporter from being the largest importer,
what has been holding back resource
rich India, the largest democracy in
the world? India, a country that was
once the most prosperous and a global
leader in production and trade till it
was enslaved, is found struggling even
70 years after partition and political
freedom to shed the tag of world's
largest arms importer.
The fact that ‘no nation can become
militarily and economically strong
on the strength of imported military
products’ had been understood very
in India going to understand this simple
but harsh reality?
As India’s fate would have it, the
reborn and truncated country had
allowed continuing the model of
Governance crafted by colonial rulers.
A model imbibing with divisiveness,
deceit and discretion under shroud of

26 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


Signing of IOA on indigenous manufacture of Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 unmanned aerial systems for
Indian and export markets during Defexpo 2016
opacity ensured through mechanisms
like ‘official secrets act’ working as
prime tools. While such tools were
extensively used by the colonial rulers
to their own advantage, continuation
of such tools in post 1947 era led to
widespread corruption and interests of
individuals / groups taking precedence
over national interests. True that
‘matters related to nation’s defence and
security’, including procurement of
weapons and other defence equipment,
necessarily and justifiably require far
greater secrecy and urgency. The same
secrecy also leaves far greater scopes
for corruption that is difficult to prevent
and detect. Doesn’t the scope get
enlarged manifold in case of imports?
A very knowledgeable person had
once retorted in humorous vein, “If love
for imports is so intense and so strongly
and vociferously justified in the guise of
the syndrome - ‘the country’s military
needs the best in the world’; why not
import the military generals too from
across the globe? After all, the national
security needs the best in the world!”
But seriously speaking, have we ever
imported the best military equipment
in the world? Were the Gnats, Jeeps,
Jaguars, MiGs, T90s, Bofors, Pechora
HEMANT RAWAT
SAMs, Milans and lots of other weapons
and platforms that were imported by
India the best in the contemporary
world?
An argument is often thrown in
support of these ‘imported, generations
behind pieces’ that after all the country
has won wars with these imported
military equipment. Isn’t this argument
not only just trash but a deep insult to
our brave soldiers - the real fighters
(and not the handful of ‘procurement
soldiers’)? On the other hand, the
most potently employed weapon by
the import lobbyists, so easy to use in
defeating the Swadeshi and winning
the grounds in favour of ‘Imported’, has
been to malign the indigenous systems
through systematic falsification and
malicious propaganda.
Way behind India till 1980s in
technological competence and
industrial base, China was at par or at
the back of India in terms of parameters
of economic, geopolitical and military
strengths. It used to import far more
volumes of arms than India. The
situation is now different. Making
down to earth assessment of its own
potentials and limitations, working out
long term strategies to systematically
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
overcome its limitations such as
being nearly landlocked with limited
access to oceans and a very significant
portion of its land being unproductive
with harsh climate and terrain, China
could achieve rapid turnarounds by
systematic and focused planning along
with massive spending on developing,
manufacturing and inducting its
homemade products. The armed forces
of China went ahead and used what was
developed and manufactured in their
country. Their feedback in turn helped
their R&D to refine the subsequent
versions. Unlike in democratic India,
no one under the autocratic regime in
China could dare to complain about
“made in china” rifles, guns, tanks
combat aircrafts, or could afford to
intentionally delay induction.
China’s efforts soon paid
dividends. India’s main adversary,
having ambitions to surpass US as
superpower and working hard to
encircle India through its string of
pearls strategy, has successfully and
very significantly scaled down its arms
imports. Simultaneously, it has taken
its domestic arms production and arms
exports to new heights moving upward
to occupy the 5th position among top
arms exporters.
Meanwhile in India, unending
debate continued for decades on what
to import and how to reject indigenous
products, swinging for example from
“twin engine” to “single engine” and
back to “twin engine” combat aircrafts
for the Air Force. Cases for most other
products have been no different.
155mm field gun for replacement of
much maligned ‘Bofors guns’ has been
a glaring example of “Import-maniac
Tsars” declining to go for indigenous
development of suitable “Advanced
Towed Artillery Gun System-ATAGS.”
A decade gone and having failed to
materialize ‘off the shelf’ procurement
(for real reasons best known to them),
panic bigul was sounded through
volley of articles in mainstream media
declaring extreme danger to national
security due to shortage of guns.
All the hue and cry while the
engineering drawings purchased long
ago and needed to once again initiate
manufacturing of Bofors 155mm/39
calibre, forlorn and forgotten, gathered
dust. When came to limelight, a face
saving demand for amendment in
length of the barrel to 155mm/45
calibre led to further delay in realising
Dhanush guns. Meanwhile, Defence
Research Development Organisation
27
 INDIA 2018
The controversial Bofors Gun (155 mm)
(DRDO), the domestic R&D agency of
Government of India completed ab initio
design and development of indigenous
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
(ATAG) in a record time of about three
years. Fortunately, amendments in
policies in year 2001 onwards allowing
greater private sector participation
in defence production came handy
and speeded up development. Testing
and evaluation process, as usual goes
on and on despite ATAG creating new
records of performance.
Don’t such lengthy evaluation
periods tear apart the theory of
dangerous, extreme shortages? Anyone
intending to justify with argument of
thoroughness of testing and evaluation
procedures may first compare these
evaluation periods with that of imported
systems and also the subsequent defect
rates. Memories of last year’s accident
involving bursting of barrel of imported
howitzer are still fresh!
Tejas light combat aircraft, LCA-
Navy, Nag Anti Tank Guided Missile,
Akash SAM, Nishant UAV, Prithvi-I
tactical surface to surface missile
(County's very first ballistic missile),
28
DEFEXPO
Arjun, a third generation main battle tank developed by India's Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO), for the Indian Army: Is it a success?
INSAS assault rifles and related small
arms, Bullet Proof Jackets, Bridge
Laying Tank-Arjun and of course the
most severely criticised and much
maligned ‘Arjun MBT MkI’ and ‘Arjun
MBT MkII’, labelled by independent
experts as desert safari may not be a
comprehensive list, but the common
element among them is that each of
these has been a victim of ‘Import-
mania’ at some time or the other and in
different ways.
Discussing each of these
masterpieces achieved against heavy
odds and with exemplary hard work
and dedication of Indian scientists,
technicians and supporting personnel
will necessitate a full and lengthy
article. Some common denominators
may be listed down as:
• Development cycle: The smallest
cycle of development of any new,
state-of-art military systems is
globally of the order of 5 to 8 years for
smaller systems, to 15 to 20 years for
large and highly complex systems of
system’ like combat aircrafts. (The
upgradation of existing systems
takes proportionately lesser time).
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
MOD
The cycle broadly consists of
formulation of broad requirements
by the user, a feasibility study,
deciding upon the final and detailed
specifications by the users, design
of the system and the subsystems
where necessary, refinement of new
but demonstrated technologies
to be incorporated, development
of prototypes and their thorough
evaluation, incorporating
refinements based on such
evaluation, technical trials by
the R&D teams (and production
teams, if involved at this stage),
user trials under all possible battle
conditions likely to be encountered
during service later ( Shouldn’t the
systems being imported must also
be tested and evaluated similarly?
Are they?), acceptance for induction
by the user, technology transfer to
the production agency and limited
series production (LSP) by the
later, evaluation of LSP versions
and acceptance by the user, release
of confirm production order by
the user, setting up the required
production line and supply chain for
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 INDIA 2018
Tanks and weapon carriers at the Republic Day parade: How
many are 'Made in India' products?
series production by the production
agency in proportion to the volume
of orders, testing and evaluation of
series produced versions by user
and its induction. Any delay in any
segment of the above cycle has
potential to cause disproportionate
delays in successful completion
of the cycle and has often derailed
the entire development with
considerable loss to the national
exchequer.
• Ever changing requirements
and specifications: The leading
cause for long delays is, in most
cases, is the mid-cycle change in
the specifications. It pushes the
development process back to square
one.
• Delays in testing and evaluation:
A close look at long evaluation
processes for which the R&D and
production agencies are at the
mercy of user will in many cases
make this stand out as the major
cause of delays, giving excuse for
imports. For example, summer
trials postponed or left inconclusive
in a particular season delays the
evaluation by at least one year.
Summer after summer, winter after
30
DEFEXPO
HC TIWARI
Display by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Defexpo 2016
winter.
• Economically viable orders or
lack of it: Anyone familiar with the
production process and related
back end supply chain management
would know the deterministic
importance of volume of orders.
Volume of orders placed in one go
determines the rate of production,
the landed cost per piece and has a
direct bearing on the tools, jigs and
technologies employed for series
production. Lack of economically
viable orders has been a major
hurdle in achieving self-reliance,
unlike bulk orders placed in case
of imported system purchased
after rejecting indigenous on flimsy
grounds or may be after diluting
the specifications. Arjun vs T90 has
been a glaring example wherein
inferior T90s were ordered in huge
numbers while indigenous Arjun
keep waiting for decades for orders
beyond initial 124 numbers!
• Brochureomania: A glance at
the specifications demanded for
indigenous development would
sometimes reveal that no such
single system exist or likely to exist
anywhere in the world. Obviously,
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
HEMANT RAWAT
if someone jots down the best
specifications (often contradictory)
from the brochures of different
models offered globally and
combines them to formulate QRs of
product demanded from country’s
own R&D, the demand would be a
clear sign of preference for imports.
Again MBT is the most visible
example. No tank in the world exist
which can offer protection levels
and firepower of Merkava Mk 4 but
be as light as T90 tank.
The discussion would be incomplete
without attempting to find the way out.
However, the complex issue would
require another discussion at length
separately. In brief, self-reliance will
remain elusive unless imports are
genuinely made the last option at fag
end and not merely in rule books. The
entire procurement process beginning
from projection of requirements to
the final stage needs to be made much
more transparent. Success in achieving
self-reliance in defence sector can be
crafted only by joint, collaborative
efforts of all stakeholders.
The author is a former scientist and
Director Public Interface at the DRDO
 BRAHMOS
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SPEED
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MULTIPLE PLATFORMS|MULTIPLE MISSIONS|MULTIPLE TARGETS
BRAHMOS AEROSPACE
16, Cariappa Marg, Kirby Place, Delhi Cantt., New Delhi - 110010 INDIA
Tel.: +91-11-33123000 Fax: +91-11-25684827
Website: www.brahmos.com Mail: mail@brahmos.com JOINT VENTURE OF DRDO, INDIA & NPOM, RUSSIA
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

“I AM NOW LIKE A BANIA;

NO MORE MUFTH THINGS TO THE OFB”
Having obtained his BE
(Hons) in Electronics &
Communication Engineering
from University of Madras
and M.Tech in Microwaves
and Radar Engineering
from IIT, Kharagpur and
Ph.D in Antennae and
Measurement Techniques
from IIT, Madras, DR. S
CHRISTOPHER has been one
of the most distinguished
scientists of the Defence
Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) in
the field of missiles and
Airborne Warning and Control
Systems (AWACS). He was
heading the Bengaluru-
based Centre for Airborne
Systems before being
appointed in May 2015 as
the Secretary, Department of
Defence R&D and Chairman
of DRDO. He spoke to
PRAKASH NANDA about the
changes in the work culture
of the DRDO and its many
success stories to dispel the
common impression that the
organisation was marked
by lethargy and ineptitude.
Excerpts from the interview:

32 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in

 DEFEXPO

Where does DRDO stand now that you have

been associated with it since long and have
been heading it for the last 2-3 years? What
do you think are the important milestones?
How do you expect me to beat my own
drum? But, I will try to answer that and it
is not that I am trying to evade. See, about
`1.1 lac crore equivalent of our products
are getting cleared for production. Some
of them were ordered within the last
three years. So, I believe there is a one
way of looking: that acceptability (of our
products) is coming in. Number two,
it could be because of us, it could be
partly because, rather mainly because of
the Prime Minister’s call ‘Make in India’,
that people are looking at our products.
Otherwise, probably our product was
good. (But) Nobody cared for it. But now
they have to care for it. Probably they are
doing it. I am lucky. So, I am making use
of that.
Plus I am also telling my colleagues
- focus yourself and look at return on
investment. If any lab is given some
project, some product, for so many years
you are consuming, not necessarily that
that you will not be able to produce
anything forever. It is a question of
cycle. May be this lab is peaking today.
Next year, that may not be able to
have a product because every product
gestation time is like slightly more next
year; neighbouring lab will do some
wonders. And overall, we should go
ahead with that. See the new project, like
the succeeding one. For instance, Akash
(missiles) induction happened. Then
followed none other than the torpedo
Varunastra, Maareech, and 2-3 Naval
Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory
(NPOL) Cochin products including the
Sonars. Then, AEW&C and now the Astra
is almost ready.
Advance Towed Artillery Gun System
(ATAGS) is almost accepted even without PIB
user trials by the Army. It is a miracle and
remarkable change. Attitude, I am telling. The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat inaugurating the Exhibition on CBRN Defence Technologies
to showcase products and technologies developed towards Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear
The RM (Rakhshya Mantri) came along
threats, in New Delhi on January 12, 2018. Also seen in the photo is Dr S. Christopher and other dignitaries
with the Army Chief. They heard the
people saying performance was good and
said, ‘Why don’t we induct?’ 40 numbers Do you then accept that the political
were agreed. It is not for trials alone. leadership in the MoD has a role to play as
It means for usage. So, to that extent, far as the success of DRDO is concerned?
we have changed the table believing or The main problem so far was that the end
accepting or whatever it is. And, likewise
Advance Towed Artillery Gun users, the three forces, were not satisfied
the new projects based on AEW&C. The System (ATAGS) is almost with the quality of the original products
Air Force in a meeting recently said accepted even without user trials and their delivery schedule. Do you mean
the same. We are very sure AWACS will by the Army. It is a miracle and to say that this perception is changing?
come. So, we would like to support the See, one is that the government is
programme. So, there is a change. It is
remarkable change looking at ‘Make in India’. The DRDO is
because what we are probably making putting its best effort to showcase. We
them see for themselves. never had exhibitions in the Parliament.
But now whenever parliamentarians

www.geopolitics.in April 2018

33
 INDIA 2018
The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat releasing the Third Edition of Compendium of Problem Definition Statement, during Army Technology Seminar, in New Delhi
on January 8, 2018. The Chairman DRDO & Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr S Christopher and other dignitaries are also seen
come to any of our places, I keep an
exhibition there. It is they who are
representing the entire nation and if they
are fully informed and still if they tell I
have no problem. If they are not fully
aware, it is my duty to express. In these
exhibitions and other places, I am talking
and my officers are explaining things and
the parliamentarians are listening. They
are visiting our labs and seeing things
in reality. If in a room like this we talk,
we keep on explaining, they will look
at it – achha at end of it all bookish, all
only told, not necessarily happened. So,
things are changing.
See the way Arjun Mark II will change
the perception. And they (the Army) said
- this 70 tonnes or 68 tonnes, it cannot go
here and there. We have got a bridge. And
I demonstrated that these tanks can go
over it. The bridge is 70 tonnes capacity.
In their presence, we made the tank to
go up and down. So, there is a bridge
available. You are buying that also. So,
instead of putting a bridge which is say
for 30 tonnes or 40 tonnes or 50 tonnes,
you might as well have one for more
weight. So, that is possible. And the tanks
are going. Plus anywhere in the country,
you want us to deploy the Arjun, we have
got a transporter which can transport. So,
these are all the examples when we tell
them directly; the whole wind got into
some change, lot of change.
We expect that now the army will be
ordering more Arjuns?
Arjun Mark II is going to be accepted,
118 was the original idea that was just
put on board. Now they are opening
up. One month later, we will start again.
We will start the rolling out. Only thing
I am asking: Should it be made only in
34
DEFEXPO
a HVF (Heavy Vehicle Factory) of the
Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)? Can I
go to private also? You know why. HVF
is a government company. If you do
not place an order, if somebody is not
going to be behind them, they are not
so much worried. When it is 124 Arjun
Mark I compared to 4000 T series, why
they should worry about 124? And that
too if army is not placing an indent on
time, they will not bother. Our weakness
at that point of time – the moment we
We never had exhibitions in the
Parliament...whenever parliamen-
tarians come to any of our places, I
keep an exhibition there. It is they
who are representing the entire
nation and if they are not fully
aware, it is my duty to express
gave the 124 – we thought everything
will go well on its own. This thinking is
wrong. We should see to it that it is going
right. If the order is not placed, indent is
not placed for the components or spares
on time, we should have knocked at the
door of the army. After our indent was
placed and if HVF is not placing the
order and getting the item on time, we
should have knocked at the door of HVF.
Both (the things) we did not do. When it
is blamed that your maintenance is so
poor, then we are now worried. Like in
the case of AEW&C, I have got what is
called ELSA (the Engineering and Life
Support Agents). It is not DRDO. DRDO’s
job is not to maintain. We are hand to
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
PIB
mouth even for designing. Where is the
question of maintaining all the products
whatever you have done -- that too done
by production agency? The production
agency should take the lead. There
are some production agencies – either
public sector or government– they are
sometimes not so efficient. Private
companies will be urging for getting
money, so they will always push for
things. Here in government, nobody
bothers. And it is all the more so if there
is scolding for delay then the scolding
was done always on the DRDO, not on
the HVF, which is under the jurisdiction
of the Secretary Defence Production,
not me. So, everybody was happy. Now
I am changing that.
For instance, I have given now hand-
held grenade production to the private
sector in addition to OFB. I have given
it to a private company, one Nagpur
based company. By the time we thought
of placing an order for raw material,
the private company completed, went
through the trial, got acceptance, and
managed a large quantity order from
Armament Research & Development
Establishment (ARDE). You see the time
difference. The same DRDO had given
the design to both. Had I stuck to that,
only one OFB, I would have been told
that DRDO delayed, but now smartly we
gave (the order) to the parallel private
company. You see the result. Thus, you
are diversifying, expanding the net,
something that was greatly encouraged
by former RM Manohar Parrikar. Thanks
to him that we could do that. Otherwise,
huge objections had come from the
Workers’ Union of the concerned OFB.
Even my own unions came and sat and
said they (the one in OFB) are like our

brethren and why are you giving projects
to private and to somebody else? My
answer was simple. As long as we have
not denied you, whatever your due, we
have given you, you are taking your own
time. In the meantime, I am giving some
percentage to the other fellow; he has
finished, he is eager doing more, I am
giving more. Or rather put it this way.
I had given two vendors to army. You
place order, whosoever is doing best for
you, I have nothing to lose. After giving
that ToT (technology), I have no longer
the responsibility.
Another important thing we brought
in is a book – a ToT principle book. Even
if it is OFB, even if it is a private, what
is the rule that we are applying. That is
there (so that) no weightage is given
extra to the public sector and OFB,
including relaxation in Custom duty, to
have a level playing field. Custom duty
earlier for all these people was not same.
Parrikar understood and gave a level-
playing field. So, similarly here also we
requested that if we give the technology
to OFB free and he takes it as muft, things
will be not taken seriously. Whenever
we are given a ToT technology to let us
say Bharat Electronics, 6 years, 7 years,
8 years later when the product goes to
the services, they will call us – there is
some problem, come. Today, the ToT is
given in the beginning and you also have
to take it. Anytime later if you call me, I
am going to charge for my engineer. The
moment I put the threat, you put a right
person and pick it up and go. For me,
load is coming down. Otherwise, apart
from the design development, I would
be holding the hand for the production
fellow for 10 years to come.
I hope you got the point I am
making. Now I have controlled the
situation even though I look like a
baniya in the process. I am very clear
that my design is up to this, I completed
it; if you understood fully then go
ahead. In case you find out a problem
in the design, it can be sorted out. But,
nothing more. So, that is one change
of way of operation. The other way is
definitely giving (it) parallel to a private
operator. It has made a miraculous
change. Things have been speeded up. I
am telling you sometime when the race
comes, then competition comes. Not
necessarily all the public sectors are
bad. Very good ones are there, including
some OFBs. They have at least lot of
machineries. They will also be able to do
it. But definitely that thinking has come
because we boldly started giving orders,
technology itself, parallel to others.
The Union Minister for Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with scientists, at Combat Vehicles Research
& Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, in Chennai on October 14, 2017. The Chairman DRDO &
Secretary Department of Defence R&D, Dr S. Christopher, and the Distinguished Scientist & Director, CVRDE,
Dr. P. Sivakumar are also seen
Compared to 60 years of our career or
DRDO’s life, in the last three years we
have placed 250 such orders, otherwise
it is around 750. Likewise, of the total
business of `202.56 or `2.71 lac crores
of business so far, `1.5 lac crores have
been made in the last three years. So,
I talked to Madam (RM Nirmala
Sitharaman) and the Army Chief. I
had several meetings. We kept show-
ing the quality of that (ATAGS) and
fair enough they accepted. Similarly,
I have discussed with them for the
acceptance of Arjun
we pushed enough amongst ourselves
for awareness; we are conscious about
our design development and that will
lead final acceptance.
Let me come back to the 40 ATAGS
which have been ordered by the Army
even before user trials. I talked to Madam
(R M Nirmala Sitharaman) and the Army
Chief. I had several meetings. We kept
showing the quality of that and fair
enough they accepted. Similarly, I have
discussed with them for the acceptance
of Arjun. Yes, one missile which is to
be fired from the Arjun is the only thing
even today that is deficient. I requested
them to please decouple it from the
rest of the system. Even the fellow
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DEFEXPO
PIB
responsible for the missiles cannot be
fully blamed. Yes, it happened. And
he is willing to change now. Instead of
doing that, people were talking of going
to Israel for similar missiles. We stopped
it and sought some extra time to sort
things out. The missile will be an add-on.
It is not a no-go because the T-series are
not heavy. Why are you chasing? Please
accept it. We had a meeting over 10 days
back with Vice Chief. One month later,
you will see that this starts off. Again, I
am asking should it be only with HVF or
private or including one public sector
one HVF one private, I am asking, let us
see. If that succeeds, we will get off.
You were talking about private sector.
Does that include some foreign vendors
also?
Let me answer the question like this.
We got all the drawings. I want you to
produce. If it is an aircraft where even
in the manufacturing some knowledge
needs to be there, I do not mind having a
foreigner. I am not against the foreigner.
In Arjun tank, I do not see today, a foreign
hand is needed in manufacturing. If
you talk of engine, engine today we are
taking from Germany. Yes, we are taking
from MTU, Germany. We have already
launched another programme. Another
three years on, we will have our own
indigenous engine also. But first I look at
the product. Engine I have to buy, I will
buy. Something else I have to buy, I will
do. But then once it is over, whatever I
can make it indigenously, I will do it.
35
 INDIA 2018
F/A-18 SUPER HORNET FOR INDIA
MULTI-ROLE, COMBAT TESTED AND BUILT FOR THE FUTURE
THOMAS (THOM)
BRECKENRIDGE, Vice
President, Global Sales -
India, Boeing Defense, Space
& Security says, Boeing is
committed to expanding its
partnership by producing
Super Hornets in India, further
developing the country’s
aerospace ecosystem. Boeing
will work closely with Indian
industry to ensure they have
the very latest technologies,
applying lessons learned
from the current Super Hornet
production line
B
oeing has had a presence in
India for more than seven
decades and is committed to
expanding that partnership
by producing Super Hornets
in India, further developing India’s
aerospace ecosystem. Boeing’s proposed
‘Make in India’ plans for the Super Hornet
is to build an entirely new and state-of-
the-art production facility that can be
utilized for other programmes like India’s
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft
(AMCA) programme.
Boeing is prepared to bring its
global scale and supply chain, its best-
in-industry precision manufacturing
processes, as well as the company’s
unrivaled experience designing and
optimizing aerospace production
facilities to bear in both expanding India’s
aerospace ecosystem and helping realize
the Make in India vision. The approach
addresses the infrastructure, personnel
training, and operational tools and
techniques required to produce a next
gen fighter aircraft right here in India.
Boeing will work closely with India in-
dustry to ensure they have the very latest
36
DEFEXPO
technologies, applying lessons learned
from the current Super Hornet produc-
tion line. The programme envisages tran-
sitioning airframe and subsystem manu-
facture to Indian industry in a deliberate
way, representing extraordinary opportu-
nity for technology insertion and growth
within India’s aerospace industry.
Boeing will partner with Indian
industry to develop the right capabilities
as efficiently and cost effectively as
possible to integrate these suppliers into
the global supply chain. Boeing and its
current industry partners are having
robust discussions with suppliers in India
about building Super Hornets. Currently
over 60,000 people from 800 suppliers
across 44 states are part of the supply
chain supporting the Super Hornet. This
includes suppliers who manufacture
parts for the Super Hornet in India. This
can be replicated in India. We have talked
to over 400 Indian companies as part of
our partner evaluation process for various
systems and subsystems of Super Hornet.
We believe India has demonstrated
its potential in aerospace platform
development and manufacturing and
has a base to build upon. Boeing has
been working with suppliers in India
for over two decades in manufacturing,
IT and engineering services and Indian
companies are integrated in our global
supply chain. Today, there are more than
160 Indian suppliers providing parts
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
and assemblies covering commodities
such as aerostructures, wire harness,
composites, forgings, avionics mission
systems, and ground support equipment
of commercial and military aircraft.
Growth Potential
The Super Hornet is a platform that is
continuously evolving to outpace future
threats. Every two years Boeing and its
industry partners along with the U.S.
Navy work on delivering new capabilities
to the fighter. Critical mission systems
such as the radar, mission computers and
sensors continue to evolve to match up to
the mission profiles of the future.
To address the capabilities the air
wing needs to stay ahead of current and
future threats, Boeing will deliver the first
Block III Super Hornet to the U.S. Navy
by the end of 2020. Block III is the same
aircraft as Advanced Super Hornet. The
Advanced F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's
multi-mission capabilities include
battle-space situational awareness,
counter stealth targeting, greater range
and increased acceleration, improved
survivability and reduced signature and
room for growth.
The 2020s, three Super Hornet
squadrons and one F-35 squadron
may form the airwing of carrier fleets.
Currently, in the U.S. Navy three out of
four, and in most cases all four squadrons
based off aircraft carriers, are Super

Hornet squadrons.
These advanced capabilities can
be both built into new aircraft and
incorporated into existing aircraft,
allowing maximum ability to field these
capabilities quickly and affordably. Block
III Super Hornet is built from the same
airframe as Block II, providing low risk
development and maintaining the lowest
operating costs of any U.S. tactical fighter.
While Boeing demonstrated advanced
Super Hornet capabilities in flight in 2013,
the package of upgrades has evolved to
stay aligned with U.S. Navy needs that
best complement F-35, EA-18G and E-2D
as they will be operating together in the
air wing well into the 2040s.
Key features of the Block III Super
Hornet include enhanced network
capability, longer range and low-drag
with conformal fuel tanks, long-range
detection with Infrared Search & Track,
enhanced situational awareness with a
new Advanced Cockpit System, improved
signature reduction and a 9,000+ hour life.
A significant design evolution is
the addition of conformal fuel tanks.
Mounted on the shoulder of the Block III,
conformal fuel tanks significantly extend
the range of the Block III. Conformal fuel
tanks also free up the space occupied by a
centerline drop-tank. This means that the
Air Force and the Navy have an additional
hard-point to carry more air-to-air or air-
to-ground weapons.
The Advanced Cockpit System
is a next-generation use interface,
which simplifies the interpretation
and projection of a large quantity of
information for the aircrew – both in the
front and rear cockpit – making it easy
to interface and manage an information
network.
Multi-role, Combat Tested and Built for the
Future
One look at the decks of our Navy's
aircraft carriers and the Royal Australian
Air Force’s fleet and you’ll see advanced,
combat-proven strike capability. The
Super Hornet is the multi-role solution
for the Navy and international air force
customers. The Royal Australian Air
Force operates 24 Super Hornets and 12
Growlers. Seven air forces around the
world use the Hornets.
With combat proven multi-role
capabilities, advanced survivability, with
room to grow and having the lowest
sustainment costs among U.S. tactical
combat fighters, we believe the Super
Hornet Block III would be a good option
for India to evaluate for its Navy and Air
Force’s fighter requirements.
The Super Hornet brings the latest
generation of technologies to the
warfighter. With designed-in stealth and a
robust capability growth plan, the Super
Hornet offers a path to India’s Advanced
Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
program generating scale to close the
business case of common components
such as the common core engine.
Boeing is committed to expanding its
partnership by producing Super Hornets
in India, further developing the country’s
aerospace ecosystem. Boeing will work
closely with Indian industry to ensure
they have the very latest technologies,
applying lessons learned from the current
Super Hornet production line.
Boeing’s Super Hornet is combat
proven and defined to stay aligned
with the U.S. Navy’s flight plan so that
it continues to evolve to outpace future
threats. The Super Hornet will be on the
workforce on the Navy’s carrier decks for
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
decades to come – being three-fourths of
the Navy’s strike fighter capacity into the
2030’s and no less than half the carriers
striking force into the 2040’s.
The President of the United States
in his fiscal 2019 budgetincluded a
requirement for 110 Super Hornets over
the next 5 years to address its strike fighter
shortfall. At the same time, the United
States Navy has begun funding Block III
capabilities to ensure the air wing has the
capabilities needed to win in the 2020s
and beyond.
The next-generation Block III Super
Hornet comes into the U.S. Navy and
potential international customers to
fulfill its role in a complementary way to
work alongside the EA-18G Growler, E-2D
Hawkeye and F-35. The Super Hornet and
F-35 are going to work together on the
carrier decks for the US Navy, well into
the 2040s.
That gives us a great opportunity
to continue the programme which is
evolutionary capability development
from a risk perspective of low risk change
that delivers revolutionary performance.
We are excited to be building airplanes
at a current production rate based on
the US Navy demand and some other
international customers. The President’s
budget requests will have the Super
Hornet production line delivering
aircraft into the mid 2020s. Our current
production rate is two per month. We have
built and can build up to four airplanes
per month so we have sufficient capacity.
Ease of maintenance
The F/A-18 Super Hornet not only has
a low acquisition cost, but it costs less
per flight hour to operate than any other
tactical aircraft in U.S. forces inventory.
Part of its affordability is because the
Super Hornet is designed to need far less
maintenance; this translates into high
mission availability. Ease of maintenance
(supportability) results in lower
maintenance man-hours per flight hour.
Plus, the Super Hornet does not
require any scheduled depot-level
maintenance and the engine does not
require any scheduled maintenance
between overhauls.
Further, Boeing’s active production
line and robust supply chain allow the
company to offer the most affordable
platform.
This low cost of operation, low
maintenance requirements and twin-
engine based survivability allow the Super
Hornet to fly to and back from harsh
environments.
37
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

DEFENCE ACQUISITIONS
WANTED: A PARADIGM SHIFT
While a recent internal report of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) points to the structural and
procedural inadequacies in the acquisition process of defence items, it will be unrealistic to
expect any structural improvements in the near future, especially if the ministry continues to
follow the past practice of merely tinkering with the existing disjointed system built around the
capital acquisition wing. This approach is unlikely to achieve much as this wing is not even in
complete charge of the entire procurement process. This needs to change,
argues AMIT COWSHISH

The Union Minister for Defence, Nirmala Sith-

araman, addressing the meeting of the local
defence and allied industrialists, MSMEs
(Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises) and other stakeholders to create
synergy and further strengthen the defence
ecosystem in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

PIB

I
t is becoming increasingly clear
that despite all the efforts made
in so far defence acquisition pro-
cess has not been able to break
loose from the muddle it has been
in for quite some time. To be sure, it is
not just on account of the budgetary
constraints. As reported by the NDTV
recently, an internal report of the Min-
istry of Defence (MoD) points to the
structural and procedural inadequacies
in the acquisition process.
The report, apparently prepared
by no less a person than the minister
of state in the MoD, says that India’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, non

38 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


project-based approach and a tendency
to fault-find rather than to facilitate”.
This comes as no surprise. These
problems have been known for a long
time and indeed MoD has constituted
several committees in the past, both
distant and recent, to find ways
of addressing the structural and
procedural inadequacies, which lie at
the heart of the problems, but there has
either been no/inadequate follow-up
or, surprisingly, the remedial measures
taken by the ministry have ended up
complicating the matters further.
A committee constituted by
MoD in 2016 specifically to examine
the feasibility of creating a defence
procurement organisation had
recommended setting up of an
overarching and semi-autonomous
organisation, to be located outside the
defence security zone, free from the
constraints of central staffing system,
manned by professionals selected on
the basis of post-specific qualifications
with long tenures, and responsible for
the entire process from formulation
of the specifications to delivery of the
equipment.
Apart from industrial and R&D
promotion, this organisation
designed to take over full responsibility
for a procurement programme once the
operational requirements have been
identified by the armed forces and take
it forward in consultation with the
users, industry and the MoD, till the
equipment is delivered. If established, it
could take care of most of the problems
pointed out in MoD’s internal report but
the recommendations of the committee
seem to have all but forgotten.
Surprisingly, however, in response
to the question whether the government
proposes to set up a separate defence
procurement organisation and
whether this organisation will focus on
procurement or defence production,
the MoS informed the Lok Sabha on
August 11, 2017 that the “existing
defence procurement organisation and
procedures have been established with
the objective of ensuring that the Armed
Forces are suitably equipped to meet
all security challenges” and that the
government “shall continue to take steps
to ensure that the defence procurement
structures are suitably strengthened to
secure national security objectives”.
It is difficult to bring about seminal
changes in the procurement structures
and procedures if there is not even
an open acknowledgement of the
problem and a will to examine the
recommendations made by various
committees set up by the ministry itself.
The response to the parliament question
on this issue creates an uncomfortable
feeling that finding a solution to the
problems highlighted in the internal
report of the ministry is presently not a
priority item on the agenda.
Be that as it may, it will be unrealistic
to expect any structural improvements
in the near future, especially if the
ministry continues to follow the past
practice of merely tinkering with the
existing disjointed system built around
the capital acquisition wing. This
approach is unlikely to achieve much as
this wing is not even in complete charge
of the entire procurement process. This
needs to change.
is
Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the media at the Defence Industry Development Meet for Forging New
Partnership with Industry for Defence Production, at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai
The process of structural reforms is
long-drawn-out but is it never too late
to make a beginning, in this case by
declassifying the report on setting up
of a defence procurement organisation.
The structural reforms also need to be
supplemented by procedural reforms.
Ideally, procedural reforms should
be carried out in tandem with the
structural reforms but since the latter
do not seem be on the cards, procedural
reforms can be taken up immediately
independent of the structural reforms
but with a different approach because
the past history of procedural reforms
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
has not been very encouraging.
A landmark step was taken by MoD
more than 15 years back when, apart
from creating a dedicated acquisition
wing within the ministry to handle
capital acquisitions, the procurement
procedure was also codified for the
first time in the form of the Defence
Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2002. It
has been revised several times since then
ostensibly with a view to streamlining
and simplifying the procedure but the
patchwork has only ended up making
the procedure more complicated and
cumbersome. This is exemplified by
proliferation of procurement categories.
There was only one ‘Buy’ category
in DPP 2002 which catered for outright
purchase of equipment. The latest DPP
PIB
promulgated in 2016 has as many as
six categories, including the ‘Make’
category which comprises two-sub-
categories. Some of these categories
overlap. The ‘Buy (Indian Designed,
Developed and Manufactured)’
category, for example, overlaps the ‘Buy
(Indian)’ category, if one goes by the
defining attributes of these categories
given in DPP 2016. Both these categories
also overlap with the ‘Make’ category.
In 2017, MoD introduced a ‘Strategic
Partnership’ (SP) model under which
Indian companies pre-selected by the
MoD based on financial and technical
39
 INDIA 2018
criteria will tie-up with the foreign
manufacturers of the equipment MoD
wants to buy. The Indian companies
will be required to make the equipment
in India through transfer of technology
from the manufacturers of the MoD-
selected equipment. This model sits
astride the ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ and
‘Buy and Make’ categories.
There is nothing that could not be
achieved with the categories existing
before 2016 which is now sought to
be achieved through the Buy (IDDM)
category and the SP model. As a
matter of fact, the pre-2016 categories
also need to be reviewed. Basically,
there are only three ways of acquiring
defence equipment. You could either
buy it off the shelf, license-produce it
or develop it entirely or largely from a
scratch through indigenous research,
design and development. These three
categories subsume all the other
existing categories.
This is not the only complication. A
big problem right from the beginning has
been mixing of procurement policy with
the procedure in the same document.
While the policy must be consistent,
procedures have to be flexible and must
serve as a means of achieving the policy
objective but since both are mixed up in
the DPP, any deviation from procedure
tends to be viewed as a deviation
from policy. No wonder then that the
procedures have become inflexible and
an end in themselves rather than being
a means to an end.
No discussion on procedural reforms
is complete without a sardonic reference
to the 12 stages (see box) that the existing
procurement cycle is comprised of and
how every proposal passes through
scores of desks before it reaches the
finishing line, provided it does not fall
through at some stage during this long
journey. There may be some merit in
this view but the fact remains that these
stages have remained unchanged over
the past fifteen years although during
this period the defence procurement
procedure has been reviewed and
amended at least seven times.
The last revision in 2016 was based
on the report of a committee of experts
set up by the ministry in 2015 to, among
other things, recommend changes
in the procedure to align it with the
government’s ‘Make in India’ vision.
Significantly, the committee, which
had interacted extensively with all the
stakeholders, did not recommend doing
away with any of the twelve stages or,
40
DEFEXPO
(L-R) Chang Myoung-Jin, Minister of Defence Acquisition & Programme Administration, Republic of Korea, and
the Secretary (Defence Production), Ashok Kumar Gupta signing an Inter-Governmental MoU (Memorandum of
Understanding) for Defence Industry Cooperation in Shipbuilding, New Delhi
Stages in the acquisition
process
T he Defence Procurement Proce-
dure 2016 lists out the following
twelve stages in the overall procure-
ment cycle:
1. Request for Information (RFI)
2. Formulation of the Services
Qualitative Requirements (SQRs)
3. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)
4. Solicitation of offers through
Request for Proposal (RFP)
5. Evaluation of Technical offers by
Technical Evaluation Committee
(TEC)
6. Field Evaluation
7. Staff Evaluation
8. Oversight by Technical Oversight
Committee (TOC)
9. Commercial negotiations by
Contract Negotiation Committee
(CNC)
10. Approval of the Competent
Financial Authority (CFA)
11. Award of contract/Supply Order
(SO)
12. Contract Administration and
Post-Contract Management
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
PIB
for that matter, introduction of the ‘Buy
(IDDM)’ category.
If one looks closely, each of
these stages has a role to play in the
procurement cycle. It would perhaps
not be advisable to do away with any
one of them. The real problem also does
not seem to be so much on account of
there being twelve stages but because of
the time it takes to complete the process
at each stage. This, in turn, is due to
the ambiguities and inadequacies in
the guidelines to be followed by the
procurement personnel to complete the
stage-specific processes.
Take, for example, the process
of contact negotiation. The DPP
provides six weeks for completing the
negotiations in multi-vendor cases
and 18-26 weeks in ‘resultant single
vendor’ cases. In practice, it takes much
longer. It is not known if any effort has
been made to seriously examine the
underlying causes but, arguably, one
of the reasons why it takes long even to
commence the negotiations is because
of the difficulties in benchmarking.
The benchmark is nothing but the
reasonable cost of procurement, as
assessed by the negotiation committee
before opening the price bids, with
reference to which the acceptability of
the quoted price is determined. It is also
used for negotiation with the bidder
if, in the opinion of the committee,
the quoted price turns out to be
unreasonably high with reference to
the benchmark. It is another matter that
negotiations are carried out in all cases.
The methodology and other
www.hal-india.com
 INDIA 2018
The Defence Minister at the stalls of the exhibition of defence production vendors during the inauguration of
the Defence Industry Development Meet for Forging New Partnership with Industry for Defence Production
at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai
parameters, on the basis of which the
contract negotiation committee could
work out the benchmark price or come
to a definitive conclusion about the
acceptability of the quoted price, are
not clearly laid down. Consequently, it
takes a long time to fix the benchmark.
Since the benchmark is always open
to question, it affects subsequent
negotiations in that it take a long
time to evolve a consensus over the
reasonableness of the best price offered
by the bidder during the negotiations.
This muddle is best illustrated by the
ongoing controversy about the price at
which the contract has been signed for
procurement of 36 rafale aircraft. There
are several fundamental questions
underlying this controversy. The
primary question is whether the unit
price quoted by a bidder several years
back in a procurement programme
which was aborted can be considered
as the benchmark for assessing the
reasonableness of the per unit price
at which the contract has been signed
several years later.
Even where the last purchase price
of a particular platform/equipment,
based on which the contract was signed,
42
DEFEXPO
PIB
is available, it cannot be considered as
a benchmark without factoring in the
cost escalation and other changes in
the specifications/features since the
time the previous contract was signed.
But no guidelines exist to show how is
the last purchase price to be adjusted to
bring it up to the current level.
The existing procedure does not
offer any answer to these and several
other issues that the negotiating
committee has to contend with while
going through the process associated
with the stage of contract negotiations.
Similar issues come up at the stage of
finalisation of the services qualitative
requirements (SQR), drafting the
request for proposal (RFP), field trials,
acceptance of trial and staff evaluation
reports, and conclusion of contract.
No procedural reform will help unless
special attention is paid to refining the
stage-specific processes.
What also adds to the overall time
taken for completing the procurement
cycle is that every stage is considered to
be mandatory even if it is dispensable
in a particular programme. While
time can be saved in going through
some of the stages in parallel, rather
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
than sequentially, what needs to be
recognised is that every programme
is unique and, therefore, it should be
permissible to customise the procedure
for the programme accordingly by
bypassing some stages. An illustration
would help.
India has been mulling acquisition
of fighter aircraft for a long time and
every known manufacturer is knocking
at its door. That being the case, why
should it not be possible to jumpstart
the process by issuing the request
for proposal to them straightaway
laying down the operational and
all other requirements concerning
inter-operability, weaponisation,
transfer of technology, user-specific
customisation, performance based
logistics, offsets, etc. and inviting them
to field the aircraft for flight trials?
It makes little sense to issue the
request for information, formulate
the SQRs (which itself is quite time
consuming), and carry out technical
evaluation before inviting the bidders
for flight trials in a situation like this
where the ministry is fully aware of
who the possible suppliers are and
what are the platforms they can offer.
It goes without saying that only those
manufacturers will respond, with all
the commercial and technical details
as may be required by the MoD, who
can meet the requirement laid down in
the request for proposal and eventually
only that platform will be selected
which meets those requirements.
This may sound too drastic and is
bound to invite heavy criticism, and
possibly a lot of scorn, but it must be
remembered that procurements under
the foreign sales programme/ inter-
governmental agreements/fast track
procedure or on strategic considerations
are based on similar innovative short-
cuts. The point is that extraordinary
situations call for extraordinary steps
to be taken to deal with them. The
ministry needs to harness the resources
of the only think tank it fully funds
to organise colloquies for identifying
alternative models for solving the
complex problems besetting defence
procurements and recommend the best
possible option.
All this, of course, assumes financial
viability of the ambitious procurement/
modernisation programme presently
being pursued by the ministry.
The author is former Financial Advisor-
Acquisition, Ministry of Defence
 TO CHANGE.

FLY
WE MAKE IT
It’s no wonder the C295 is the undisputed
leader of its field. With unparalleled
versatility, it’s at home performing a
variety of missions. Air to air refuelling,
search and rescue, troop transport and a
wide range of surveillance duties. And to
top it all, its simple, robust design, means
it has the lowest fuel and maintenance
costs in the category. Visit us online
to find more reasons why the C295 is
the best-selling medium range tactical
airlifter in the world.

Versatility. We make it fly.

airbus.com
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

PANTSIR-S1 INNOVATIVE AIR-DEFENCE

MISSILE-GUN SYSTEM FOR COMBAT EMPLOYMENT

T
he analysis of the latest local
conflicts show that high-
precision air assault weapons
along with unmanned aerial
vehicles are of primary
importance among air threats. The large
number and high density of air threats
in an air strike require the air-defence
assets to provide not only high combat
performance but a large ready-to-fire
ammunition load and capability of its
quick replenishment.
Nowadays and in the near future,
Pantsir-S1 Air-Defence Missile-Gun
System (ADMGS) fully satisfies all
requirements for fighting modern air
threats, thanks to the specific features of
its design:
 Combined missile and gun armament
that allows to create an entire
engagement zone of up to 20 km in
range and up to 15 km in altitude;
 Jam-proof multimode and
multispectral radar-optical control
system operating in decimetric,
millimetric and infrared wavebands;
 Automatic operation;
 Capability to fire on the move and ensure modular design of the system;
from short stops;  Development of the new
 Short reaction time of 4-6 sec due multifunction radar for target and
to automatic tracking of up to 20 missile tracking;
targets by a search radar and high-  Communicational integration of the
precision target designation (0.3° in Pantsir-S1 into Customer’s Armed
azimuth, 0.5° in elevation, 60 m – in Forces;
range) providing for quick fine search  Development and integration of IFF
and target lock-on by multifunction system customized for the particular
tracking radar and optronic system; Customer;
 Self-contained combat operation  Development of automated day/
and coordination of actions within a night all-weather control system
battery; and, common in terms of instrumentation
 Simultaneous firing against four and featuring customized settings
targets within a sector of ±45° in and combat operation algorithms Pantsir-S1 system as a modular structure
azimuth and elevation. according to the Customer’s provides for its installation onto various
Pantsir-S1 high performance requirements; and, chassis including tracked one as well as
specifications make an AD system  Development of common for creation of stationary and sea-based
equipped with it significantly superior ammunition load for customized variants of the system (for protecting sea
over the SHORAD systems manufactured variants of the system, unified SPTA oil platform, vital administrative, military-
worldwide. Pantsir-S1 underwent a and training systems. tactical and other objects), for installation
large scale of live tests and proved its Great R&D experience of the company of the system onto railway platforms,
high performance in various conditions provided for successful coping with all ensuring its integration into customer’s
of combat use. Development of the challenges and allowed designing and existing maintenance, training and
Pantsir-S1 ADMG system adapted for a developing of an air-defence missile-gun logistics systems with minimum cost. The
wide range of customers required solving system that meets the highest tactical approach also provides for development
a number of scientific and technical and technical requirements and doesn’t of the system variants taking into account
challenges. have counterparts within the spectrum of particular geotopographical conditions
Among them are: SHORAD systems. in which the system is to be used by the
 Layout and structural challenges to A novel approach in designing the customer.

44 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


Moreover, the modular design of
the system ensures its capability to be
upgraded in future in terms of increasing
its combat efficiency with minimum cost
that undoubtedly raises its commercial
interest for the Customer.
Outfitting Pantsir-S1 system with the
multifunction tracking radar ensuring
tracking of three targets and transmission
of control commands to four SAMs
provided for efficient counteraction
against a wide range of air threats: fixed
and rotary-wing aircraft at stand-off
ranges, small-size guided missiles and
bombs as well as remotely piloted UAVs.
Thanks to development of a single
multimode and multispectral radar-
optical control system operating in dm,
mm, and IR wavebands, featuring a
multifunction tracking radar as one of
its components, high jamming immunity
of the system was achieved and, as a
consequence, drastic increase of combat
efficiency was obtained. Current practice
of using air-defence missile-gun systems
sets forth very strict requirements on
their absolute informational integration
into Customer’s existing AD system.
The requirements are determined by
the following factors:
 Mandatory availability of the same
target environment at all levels and
all components of a common air-
defence system;
 Complicatedgeotopographical
conditions dictate the necessity
of flexible target distribution both
between combat vehicles (CVs)
within a battery and within a
common air-defence system; and,
 Continuous growth of high-precision
weapons and UAVs among air threats
imposes specific requirements for the
use of anti-aircraft systems consisting
in capability of combat vehicle
operation without radar emission
getting the required data from
neighboring CVs and remote search
radars.
Availability of mapping computer with
digital maps ensures efficient automatic
planning of combat actions taking into
account particular geotopographical
conditions of the customer.
The task of protecting the transmitted
data from jamming was successfully
solved. When a command post is used
as a part of the system, an increase in
data transmission range (up to 20 km) is
obtained and interfacing with all types
of customer’s existing command posts is
provided without major modifications.
Adherence to the modular concept
was applied not only to design of the
system but to its software as well. That was
the way to solve the issues of integration
into IFF system existing with each of the
customers. The issue of upgrading the IFF
system in case the customer’s decision to
change it was also worked out.
The use of the self-contained day/
night all-weather control system
significantly increases engagement zone
in all conditions, reduces psychophysical
load on the crew, minimizes human
factor in tough and strained combat
environment.
The following specific problems were
solved for particular customers:
 Search radar operation without false
tracks in conditions of complicated
terrain pattern;
 Targets detection over water and even
desert surface;
 Determination of optimum
frequency-spatial separation
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
to provide electromagnetic
compatibility, within the existing
AD system as well, taking
into consideration particular
topographical pattern of the
customer;
 Integration into customer’s existing
IFF system;
 Minimizing of time required for
shaping of search and track zones
by a topographic map (with limited
resolution in azimuth) thanks to the
use of built-in mapping computer
and digital maps of the particular
customer;
 Integration into customer’s existing
air-defence system and creation of a
potential for AD system development
basing on the combat actions control
principle implemented in Pantsir-S1
ADMGS;
 Implementation of various ways of
SAMs destruction ensuring safety
of their use according to customer’s
requirements:
a) Air-blast initiated by a command on
climb trajectory;
b) Air-blast initiated by a command on
dive trajectory; and,
c) Dive trajectory without air-blast,
destruction by ground impact.
Modular structure, unification of
units and assemblies design ensure
successful integration into Customer’s
existing chassis maintenance system,
supply of maximum unified individual,
common, and base-stored SPTA kits,
arrangement of service centers and crews
training system.
Constant combat readiness of the
Pantsir-S1 system is ensured by built-
in test equipment in each combat and
maintenance vehicle. Modular design
allows to develop various variants of
the system and install it onto a range of
chassis as well as to develop its stationary
modifications.
The system can be installed onto
lightly armoured vehicles and can be
used as lethal air- transportable AD asset.
It can also be mounted on wheeled and
tracked chassis in Air Force Air Defence
units and on Navy ships. Nowadays and in
the near future, Pantsir-S1 ADMGS fully
satisfies all requirements for successful
fighting of modern air threats.
In the near future and in the long-
term outlook, the Pantsir-S1 ADMGS will
remain a reliable asset capable to ensure
protection of airspace from all types of air
threats.
Based on an article by A.A. Zubarev
and A.A. Nikiforov
45
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

”MAKE IN INDIA HAS BECOME A WIN-WIN

MANTRA FOR US... IT CREATES JOBS... IT
HELPS US STAY GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE”
Boeing has a unique strategy in India: develop the aerospace industry in the country as a
partner of the government while focusing on Indian partnerships to harness talent, innovation
and productivity for defence modernisation, says PRATYUSH KUMAR, President, Boeing India.
Excerpts from a conversation

What are the key Boeing milestones for India

and what new products could be of interest
to India?
We have a dual strategy in India – to
partner with the government on de-
veloping the aerospace industry and to
contribute to the defence modernisa-
tion effort of our defence customers. We
are focused on our Indian partnerships
to fully harness talent, innovation and
productivity opportunity in India to de-
liver a cost efficient supply chain from
India to our customers worldwide. In
that sense, ‘Make in India’ has become a
win-win mantra for us – while it creates
jobs and industrial capacity in India it
also helps us stay globally competitive
to keep growing and create jobs. We are
also partnering with our defence cus-
tomers to provide enhanced capability
in areas such as fighters, combat and
heavy lift helicopters, unmanned sys-
tems, services and support and weap-
ons.

Has there been Indian interest in the KC-

767 and how is development of this airborne
tanker progressing?
We received an RFI from India for aerial
refueling tankers and have briefed the
Indian Air Force about the KC-46’s ca-
pabilities.
The KC-46 offers India the most reli-
able and economical tanker capability
needed for flexible multi-role refueling.
Based on the proven 767 commercial
platform ruggedized for combat use,
it can refuel both hose-and-drogue
as well as boom receptacle receiver
aircraft on any sortie, and can be rap-
idly reconfigured in two hours for any
mission -- carrying passengers, cargo,
aeromedical or any combination of the
three, while still performing its main
air refueling role. The KC-46 will deliver
substantial savings over its lifetime
through lower maintenance, depot and
repair costs. Similar to the Indian Na-
vy’s P-8I aircraft, Boeing is building the
KC-46 “in-line” which is more efficient
and helps expand the life of the aircraft.
What makes the F/A-18 Super Hornet the
ideal carrier aircraft for the Indian Navy?
Introduced in 2007, the F/A-18 Super
Hornet is the world’s preeminent car-
rier capable aircraft and best suited for
India’s naval fighter requirements. It is
a combat proven, supersonic, all weath-
er multirole fighter jet with a defined
U.S. Navy flight plan to outpace threats
into the 2040s. The Super Hornet will be
on the Navy’s carrier decks for decades
to come. Every Super Hornet to the US

46 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


F/A-18 Super Hornet
Navy has been delivered on cost and on
schedule. Boeing has completed exten-
sive analysis and done some testing on
F/A-18s compatibility with Indian car-
riers. We have assessed that the Super
Hornet is capable of launching off a
ski-jump carrier and could be operated
from Indian carriers.
The Super Hornet would be a clear
option for India to evaluate for its Navy
and Air Force’s fighter requirements
due to its combat-proven multi-role
capabilities, survivability, with room
to grow and having the lowest cost per
flight hour among all U.S. tactical com-
bat fighters including single engine
fighters. The Super Hornet brings the
latest generation of technologies to the
warfighter. With designed-in stealth
and robust capability growth plan, the
Super Hornet is the best aircraft to get
to India’s Advanced Medium Combat
Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The Su-
per Hornet is the multi-role solution
for the Navy and international air force
customers. The Royal Australian Air
Force operates 24 Super Hornets and 12
Growlers.
How will the Indian Navy benefit from the es-
tablished supply chain for the Super Hornet,
in terms of spares, support and maintain-
ability?
Operated by the US Navy, Royal Aus-
tralian Air Force and numerous other
customers around the world, the Super
Hornet has the most combat-proven,
multi-role capability, advanced surviv-
ability, and the lowest cost per flight
The Super Hornet would be a clear
option for India to evaluate for its Navy
and Air Force's fighter requirements
due to its combat-proven multi-role
capabilities, survivability, with room
to grow and having the lowest cost
per flight hour among all U.S. tactical
combat fighters including single engine
fighters.
hour among all U.S. tactical combat
fighters including single engine fight-
ers. This has been possible by the train-
ing and sustainment services delivered
to the warfighter, and the Indian Navy
can benefit from this. In addition, under
the F/A-18 Make in India proposal, Boe-
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
BOEING
ing will work with Indian companies on
creating the local infrastructure to de-
liver training, sustainment and spares
support to our Indian customers.
What are the next steps w ith regards to the
Boeing Super Hornet proposal submitted to
the MoD?
We have responded to the Request for
Information and await the navy’s Re-
quest for Proposal. We will be respon-
sive to the needs of the MoD and to fol-
low their process.
When will production start for the next In-
dian Navy P-8I order and how is the fleet
sustainment progressing?
The deliveries for the additional P-8Is
will begin in 2020. Any other informa-
tion should be requested by the Indian
Navy.
The Indian Navy’s order for the four
additional P-8I aircraft is a testament to
the success of the platform in service.
The Navy has been very pleased with
the operational capability and the mis-
sion readiness exhibited by the P-8I.
The Indian Naval Air Squadron 312A,
which operates the P-8I completed
10,000 flight hours last year since induc-
tion in 2015 and was awarded a Chief of
47
 INDIA 2018
P-8I
Naval Staff Unit Citation.
In 2017, Boeing received a three-
year contract to continue support of the
Indian Navy’s P-8I fleet. In addition to
field and logistics service representa-
tives, the contract includes engineer-
ing, support and planning. The scope
will also include robust material sup-
port, including a 737-based component
services programme. With this con-
tract, the Indian Navy can be assured of
achieving exceptional operational ca-
pability and readiness of the P-8I fleet.
How is the sustainment programme for the
C-17 Globemaster III for the IAF progress-
ing?
The Indian Air Force operates 10 C-17
strategic airlifters and Boeing works
closely with the Indian Air Force to
provide sustainment services through
the Global Integrated Sustainment
Programme to maintain high mission
capable rates. The C-17 fleet is a vital
part of the Indian Air Force’s strategic
airlift capability, which has successful-
ly conducted relief and humanitarian
missions domestically and internation-
ally. The Indian Air Force and 81st “Sky-
lords” Squadron achieved 12,000 flight
hours last year since induction in 2013.
What is the status of the last C-17 aircraft
(no 11), that is to be delivered to the IAF?
We thank our Indian customers for se-
lecting this C-17 aircraft for their stra-
48
DEFEXPO
tegic airlift needs. This will be the 11th
aircraft in the Indian Air Force’s C-17
fleet, and will be sustained and mod-
ernized by Boeing and the Indian Air
Force. We continue working with the
governments of the U.S. and India that
will lead to that aircraft coming to this
country.
What preparations are being made for the
delivery of the AH-64E and CH-47 helicop-
ters to the IAF?
Deliveries to the Indian Air Force will
begin in 2019 and the team is on sched-
ule. These helicopters will enhance In-
dia’s attack and heavy lift capabilities
across a range of missions.
What was the reason to shift the production
of AH-64 fuselages from KAI Korea to India
and where will these fuselages be made in
India?
Fuselages for Boeing’s AH-64 Apache
combat helicopters are being made
at the Tata Boeing Aerospace Lim-
ited (TBAL) facility in Hyderabad. We
needed a catalyst to jump start major
aerostructures manufacturing in In-
dia and AH-64 Apache fuselages were
the ideal platform to provide this cata-
lyst as it fits well with Indian Air Force
and Indian Army’s requirements. TBAL
makes the production cost competitive
and allows us to discharge our offset
obligations. This a proof point that de-
fence offset when used properly can in-
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
BOEING
deed catalyze indigenous aerospace &
defence manufacturing.
Please provide an update on the items
sourced by Boeing from India for its global
defence supply chain?
We source over $1bn from India majority
of that support our global aerospace sup-
ply chain. We have taken a dual approach
of making equity and non-equity invest-
ments in support of Make in India. We
partnered with Tata Advanced Systems to
establish a joint venture that would pro-
duce aerospace aerostructures in India,
for the world. But it’s important to note
that non-equity partnerships also can
help grow the defence industrial base.
Boeing has invested hundreds of millions
of dollars in supplier development, train-
ing, tooling and quality systems at Indian
suppliers without taking an equity stake,
and we continue to increase our partner-
ships with public and private companies.
Boeing has also been working with
suppliers in India for over two decades
in manufacturing, IT and engineering
services and Indian companies are inte-
grated in our global supply chain. Today,
there are more than 160 suppliers provid-
ing advanced, complex components and
subassemblies for our commercial and
defence aircraft. Including parts and as-
semblies covering critical components
such as aerostructures, wire harness,
composites, forgings, avionics mission
systems, and ground support equipment.

A FRESH
START
The Saras light aircraft
programme has received
a fresh impetus, writes
C SANTHOSH
T
he indigenously-developed
Saras aircraft programme
has been revived and test
aircraft PT1N made its first
flight in January, signalling a
new commitment for the 14-seater light
aircraft. The Saras has had a troubled
and time-consuming development cycle,
since it was first rolled out in 2003, but
fresh efforts being made by Council of
Scientific & Industrial Research - National
Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) have
given the aircraft a new lease of life.
The new Saras Mk2 will be a 19-seater
aircraft and the civilian version has been
renamed Saras-NG. 20 test flights are to be
completed over the course of this year by the
Indian Air Force (IAF) Aircraft and Systems
Testing Establishment (ASTE) flight team,
following which the production model
of the aircraft is expected to be frozen by
July. The flight test programme will also
evaluate the performance of the aircraft.
Military certification will be obtained first,
following which the required steps will be
taken for grant of civil certification from
the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA).
Wing Commander U P Singh, Group
Captains R V Panicker and K P Bhat were
the crew during the first flight of the
aircraft during which Saras PT1N attained
a height of 8,500 feet and speed of 145
knots over the course of a 40-minute flight
over the skies of Bengaluru.
Market Potential
“Saras Mk2 will cost 30-35 per cent less
than imported versions and has far
more advantages too,” tweeted Union
Minister for Science & Technology, Dr
Harsh Vardhan after his visit to Bengaluru
in February, where Saras PT1N made
another test flight. “The unit cost
of the aircraft, with more than 70
per cent indigenous content, will
be around `40-45 crores as against
`60-70 crores for imported ones
and has far more benefits than (Centre) Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science &
what the imported aircraft offer,” Technology, with the pilots on the successful completion of
Dr Harsh Vardhan added.The SARAS second test-flight in Bengaluru
combined military and civilian
requirement for the aircraft has
been pegged at 120-160 aircraft, across
both military and civilian markets, over
a 10-year period. According to Director
General of CSIR Dr Girish Sahni, “The
cost of development and certification of
SARAS Mk2 will be around `600 crores
with a time period of about 2 to 3 years.”
The start of series production has been
set to start after 3-4 years, which means
the first aircraft for potential customers
would be ready by 2021-2022.
The production agency for the Saras
will be Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL).“IAF is committed to test and
thereafter induct the first indigenously
designed and manufactured Light
Transport Aircraft. IAF is fully supporting
this programme and the design and
configuration of the new version of SARAS
would be frozen soon,” said Commandant
ASTE Air Vice Marshal Sandeep Singh.
Improved Performance
As compared to the older Saras aircraft,
the new PT1N prototype features a num-
ber of design improvements and modifi-
cations such as 2x1200 shp engines with
104-inch diameter propeller assembles
for improved flight performance, an up-
graded flight control system which con-
fers improved handling qualities, indig-
enously developed stall warning system,
increased rudder area and upgraded main
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
wheels and brakes to cater for a greater All
Up Weight (AUW) of 7100 kg. The Saras
NG will feature lower operating empty
weight by approximately 300 kg and a
15 per cent increase in range. It will also
feature wingtips to reduce drag and have
a top speed of 500 kmph. There will also
be a full glass cockpit and hydraulically
boosted controls for the pilots.
The Saras Mk2 could prove a useful
aircraft for aerial search/survey, disaster
management, border patrol, coast guard,
ambulance and other services, in addition
to being used for regional transport and as
an air taxi. The new aircraft will feature a
substantial reduction in drag/weight and
its performance characteristics such as
high cruise speed, lower fuel consumption,
short landing/take-off distance, low cabin
noise and ability to operate from high/hot
airfields or semi prepared airfields could
make it deal for operations in far-flung,
remote and hilly areas of the country. The
pressurised cabin will also enhance crew
and passenger comfort, while ensuring
additional mission equipment can be
added inside the cabin.
The Saras is India’s first civilian
aircraft programme. CSIR-NAL is the only
civilian aerospace laboratory in India and
has developed aircraft such as the twin-
seat HANSA in 2000 and the 5-seat CNM-
5 aircraft.
49
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO
IAI Heron TP-XP
REMOTE SURVEILLANCE
India’s requirements for unmanned aerial vehicles and remotely piloted aircraft is growing at a
rapid pace, writes C SANTHOSH
T
he Indian armed and dramatically enhanced capability over
paramilitary forces are existing UAVs and RPAs.
rapidly expanding their
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Future requirements
(UAV) and Remotely Piloted The Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Aircraft (RPA) capabilities to meet recently released the much awaited
existing and emerging requirements for second edition of its future technology
a wide variety of missions. The promise roadmap called Technology Perspective
of large future orders from the Indian and Capability Roadmap – 2018 (TPCR-
armed and paramilitary forces and 2018). The first edition of the TPCR
state police forces have also resulted in was published in Apr 2013 and the new
the rapid growth in the development of roadmap provides a guide as to the type
UAV and RPA platforms in the country. of equipment that is envisaged to be
Currently the Indian armed forces inducted into the Indian Armed Forces
operate a mix of UAVs sourced mainly upto the late 2020s. UAV and RPAs of
from Israel and some other countries, all categories are an important part
which are mainly used for surveillance of the future roadmap for the armed
and reconnaissance missions. Within forces and when combined with Indian
a few years from now there will be a Government’s thrust towards ‘Make in
greater shift towards use of armed UAVs India’, it is likely to start a boom period
and acquisition of more sophisticated for sales of unmanned vehicles in
sensor payloads, delivering a India for the military and paramilitary
50 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
India’s Rustom 2 drone makes first flight
market.
The TPCR- 2018 calls for close to
500 high-end unmanned systems to
be inducted into the Indian armed
forces in the coming years. Stealth and
Combat RPAs are currently expense
to procure and operate and combat
unmanned platforms are only available
from few countries worldwide. As per
TPCR- 2018, the Army is looking at
futuristic stealth RPA platforms with
MALE/HALE capability with a range up
to 1,500 Kms and maximum altitude of
50,000 to 60,000 ft. Anywhere between
55-70 such systems are required and
they will need to carry special payloads
for communication interception
equipment, jamming weapons and NBC
detection. Both the Army and Navy are
also looking at having more than 30
Combat RPAs in service in the future
and these MALERPAs must be able to

have longer SATCOM ranges and an
endurance of more than 24h. MALE
Combat RPAs required by the army
and navy must be able to engage static
and mobile ground targets including
underwater and surface targets from a
minimum stand-off distance of 20 km.
A tri-service Request for Information
(RFI) for up to 150 MALE RPAs was
issued in July 2016. Amongst the roles
envisaged are; Artillery Adjustment,
Urban Security, Combat SAR, Coastal
and Maritime Patrol, Disaster
Control and Protection of Facilities.
The unmanned platform must have
an altitude of at least 30,000 feet or
above and display an endurance of
more than 24 hrs and a range of more
than 250 Km in Line of Sight (LOS)
mode and greater range through a
Satellite Communications (SATCOM)
link. All this must be achieved while
carrying the required Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro
Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) payloads.
Detachable payloads are to include
Maritime Radar, Electronic Support
Measure (ESM), Electronic Intelligence
(ELINT), Electronic Countermeasures
(ECCM), Communications Intelligence
(COMINT), EO/IR and SATCOM Link.
The Navy will also look to acquire
IAI Heron TP-XP male UAV system
VTOL Shipborne RPAs in the future, in
addition to land based High Altitude
Long Endurance (HALE) RPAs. The
Navy will also look to induct Submarine
Launched RPAs in the future, with
a requirement for 10 systems being
mentioned in the TPCR- 2018. The Army
also has a requirement for up to 50 Short
Range RPAs and 30 Hybrid RPAs. The
Short Range RPAs are to have a range
of 200 Km (LOS) and endurance of 10
hours with an altitude ceiling of 20,000
feet. The platforms must be capable of
carrying multiple payloads, including
but not limited to EO (Day/Night), SAR,
ESM, ELINT payloads. Hybrid RPAs
could emerge as an important future
RPA requirement capability with their
combination of rotary wing and fixed
wing design; allowing the RPAs to
proceed to and from the target area at
higher speeds in fixed wing mode and
then hover over the target area.
As compared to the IAF and IN,
the Indian Army has taken a back foot
with regards to the induction of new
RPAs. The IN is now in an advanced
stage of the process to acquire 22
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Inc (GA-ASI) Sea Guardian UAVs; the
sale to India was approved by the U.S.
Government last year. According to the
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
MoD, “Request for Information (RFI) for
Predator ‘B’Sea Guardian was issued to
the US Office of Defence Cooperation
on 14.11.2017.” The procurement of
Predator ‘B’Sea Guardian platforms is
being progressed under Buy (Global)
category and no transfer of technology
will take place. The Navy currently
operates three unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV) squadrons with a fleet of Israel
Aerospace Industries' (IAI) Searcher
Mk IIs and larger IAI Herons. The IAF
is looking to acquiring Israeli Heron
TP armed drones in the coming years,
which will provide a quantum leap in its
RPA capability. It will be the first service
to introduce armed UAVs in India.
Indigenous developments
The most advanced UAV programme
currently underway in the country is
the Rustom-II Medium Altitude Long
Endurance (MALE) UAV wherein
majority of the sub-systems such
as airframe, landing gear, avionics
systems, flight control systems
and datalink systems have been
indigenously developed by various
private industries. The main imported
items for all UAVs developed in India are
the propulsion systems, sensor systems
and payloads. Rustom-II has now been
51
 INDIA 2018
Rustom-I is a medium altitude longer endurance (over 8 hrs)
unmanned aerial vehicle developed by DRDO with ADE
renamed TAPAS 201 and made its first
flight from the new Aeronautical Test
Range (ATR), located at Chitradurga,
250 km from Bengaluru. All new UAVs
being developed in India will now be
tested at the newly built ATR which
spans 4,029 acres and will contain a
28 km perimeter, a planned two km
runway and a rail link.
Designed and developed
by Aeronautical Development
Establishment (ADE) with HAL-BEL
as the production partners, the two
tonne UAV is the largest of its kind to
be designed and developed in India. It
is also the first R&D prototype UAV to
receive certification and qualification
for the first flight from the Center for
Military Airworthiness & Certification
(CEMILAC) and Directorate General
of Aeronautical Quality Assurance
(DGAQA). TAPAS 201 will undertake
Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance (ISR) missions for all
three services and will have 24 hours
of endurance. The UAV will be able to
carry various payloads such as Medium
Range Electro Optic (MREO), Long
Range Electro Optic (LREO), Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR), Electronic
Intelligence (ELINT), Communication
Intelligence (COMINT) and Situational
Awareness Payloads (SAP), thereby
52
DEFEXPO
allowing it to perform missions during
day and night. DRDO lab Defence
Electronics Application Laboratory
(DEAL) developed the UAV datalink.
The DRDO Stealth Wing Flying
Test bed (SWiFT) is now in Technology
Demonstrator phase and will be a
harbinger of the design for a future
Indian Unmanned Combat Aerial
Vehicle (UCAV). According to MoD
figures only `70 Crore or just over US$10
million has been allocated for the
SWiFT programme and greater funding
will need to be made for swifter progress
(pun intended)! The production
version of the UCAV is expected to be
powered by a non-reheat version of the
Kaveri engine. However, technology
development for such a sophisticated
platform from scratch will prove very
challenging. Loitering munitions are
also now entering service with the
Indian armed forces and in a reply to
Parliament in March, the MoD stated,
“Indian Armed Forces also have several
weapon systems which are autonomous
with ‘fire and forget’ capability.
DRDO has undertaken Design and
Development of similar autonomous
weapon systems.”
Integrating UAVs with warships
An increasingly common trend amongst
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
global warship builders is the effort
to integrate shipborne UAVs with the
combat system of a warship. French
shipbuilder Naval Group has been deeply
involved in this area with sea trials
for such an offering underway since
December 2013, in partnership with the
French defence procurement agency
Direction générale de l’armement (DGA)
A Naval Group release issued last year,
said “Launching and recovering a UAV
from a warship presents many complex
challenges. The successful physical
and functional integration of a tactical
VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing)
UAV on board a surface combatant by
DCNS, with no impact on flight safety,
represents a major breakthrough for
naval air forces.”
As part of the trials, a Schiebel
Camcopter S100 VTOL UAV performed
sea trials on board the L’Adroit Gowind-
class Offshore Patrol Vessel and the
DGA, the French Navy and Naval Group
(earlier-DCNS) validated all functional
blocks between Naval Group’s Polaris
combat system. The tests were the first
of their kind in Europe.
Future warships will have their
integral RPA platforms fully integrated
into the combat management system
and the operational integration of the
UAV operator into the CIC (Combat

T
he US Air Force officially retired
the General Atomics Aeronautical
Systems Inc. (GA ASI) MQ-1 Predator
RPA on March 9, 2018 more
than 20 years after it first
entered service in July 1995 as
the RQ-1unarmed intelligence,
surveillance and reconnais-
sance version. The USAF will
transition to an all MQ-9 Reaper
force, which takes over as the
Predator’s successor and fly
faster, climb higher and is opti-
mised for combat with greater
weapons capacity. The MQ-1 MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle takes off
from Creech Air Force Base, Nev., May 11, for a
Predator RPA flew its first com-
training sortie over the Nevada desert
bat missions over the Balkans in
1999, where it provided ISR for
U.S. and coalition strike aircraft
under Operation Allied Force.
The USAF flew the Predator’s
first armed mission as part of Operation
Enduring Freedom in October 2001. MQ-1
Predator operations also resulted in the
Information Centre) will allow the
warship to extend its operational
capabilities by using the RPA to provide
real-time data from the theatre of
operations, which would normally
have been beyond the range of the
ship’s onboard sensors. Following the
successful sea trials which validated
integration of a VTOL UAV with a surface
combatant for the first time in Europe,
Naval Group is now offering a complete
END OF AN ERA
USAF introducing new tactics such as
remote-split operations,” which changed
how RPAs were flown and were first
introduced in 2003. The use of satellites
to send signals to the MQ-1 Predator once
it was airborne meant that it could now fly
VSR700
AIRBUS
range of solutions for UAS integration
on board surface combatants.
In a further development, in
January, the French DGA awarded a
contract to the Naval Group and Airbus
Helicopters consortium for technology
development in the field of rotary-wing
drones. The demonstration project
will lead to trials of the drone launch
system, mission system and airborne
vehicle, conducted from a French Navy
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
missions from anywhere in the world. In
2004, another new capability called the
Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Re-
ceiver (ROVER) allowed ground
forces to see real-time video
feeds from Predators overhead
via a portable tablet, resulting in
greater situational awareness.
The MQ-1B Predator was em-
ployed by the USAF primarily as
an intelligence-collection asset
and secondarily against dynam-
ic execution targets and a fully
operational system consists of
four sensor/weapon-equipped
aircraft, ground control station,
Predator Primary Satellite Link,
and spare equipment, along
with operations and mainte-
nance crews. A fully operational
system cost USD 20 million
(fiscal 2009). The MQ-1 carried AGM-114
Hellfire missiles for close air support, and
target interdiction.
vessel, for what will eventually result
in the construction of a future tactical
helicopter drone demonstrator aboard
warships. The French Navy is seeking
for entry into service of the futuristic
SDAM (Navy Airborne Drone System),
by the middle of the next decade on new
Intermediate-Size Frigates (FTIs) and
other French Navy ships. Naval Group
and Airbus Helicopters shall be jointly
responsible for the industrial project
management and act as the programme
design authority. Naval Group started
working on naval integration of aerial
drones in 2005. Airbus Helicopters is
proposing the VSR700 drone system
for the programme as it offers military
clients the best possible combination of
multi-role performance, reliability and
operating costs. The first flight of the
700 kg VSR700 prototype is expected to
take place, later this year. The VSR700
will have a mission endurance of more
than 10 flight hours and a payload
capacity of up to 150 kg. It will also
have a unique automatic deck-landing
capacity in rough seas, autonomous
navigation system, secure data link, the
integration of sensors such as radar and
optronic systems.
53
 INDIA 2018
BOEING’S SEES GROWTH IN THE
DEFENCE SERVICES BUSINESS FOR INDIA
C-17 Globemaster
Providing services and support capabilities is a significant growth area for Boeing in India and
the company’s new Global Services business is working with the Indian Air Force and Indian
Navy to provide training and support of Boeing platforms
S
ince 2009, Boeing has played
a key role in enhancing
India’s defence capabilities
and partnering with military
customers on their mission
requirements with the P-8I maritime
reconnaissance and anti-submarine
aircraft, C-17 Globemaster III strategic
airlifter, soon-to-be-delivered AH-64
Apache and the CH-47 Chinook.
The P-8 and C-17 have demonstrated
an excellent record in supporting the
missions 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 in the natural
disasters that affected Bihar, Jammu
& Kashmir and Odisha. The C-17 was
deployed to evacuate people and deliver
relief supplies. The P-8I has been used
extensively in maritime reconnaissance
54
DEFEXPO
missions by the Indian Navy, including
performing aerial reconnaissance and
gathering data for planning relief efforts
during Cyclone Hudhud.
Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing
India explains that this has been possible
due to the enhanced capabilities that
Boeing’s advanced military platforms
provide and Boeing’s focus on providing
timely and affordable services and
support. “Our Boeing Defence India
(BDI) team remains focused on executing
on our commitments to customers on
schedule and cost,” said Kumar. “Because
of this, 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.”
Providing services and support
capabilities is a significant growth area
for Boeing in India and the company’s
new Global Services business is working
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
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.
Last year, Boeing announced
the establishment of BDI, a local
operating entity to drive the company’s
future growth objectives in India 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 – these include supply
chain; engineering, modifications
and maintenance; digital aviation and
analytics; and training and professional
services.
P-8I: India’s Long Range Maritime Recon-
naissance and Anti-Submarine Capability
In June last year, Boeing received a
three years’ contract to support the
Indian Navy’s P-8I long range maritime
surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft
fleet to achieve enhanced operational
capability and readiness.
The contract came as India’s P-8I
fleet surpassed 11,000 flight hours last
year, a milestone for which the squadron
operating the aircraft received a citation
from Adm. Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval
Staff for the Indian Navy.
Since its induction in the Indian Navy,
Boeing has been supporting the P-8I fleet
to ensure high rates of mission readiness.
The Indian Navy has successfully used
the P-8I on a number of occasions for
SAR missions during Cyclone Ockhi,
maritime patrol missions during the
recent Maldives crises and multi-nation
exercises such as Malabar.
The support contract continues
the service Boeing provides under the
programme’s current initial production
contract. This contract will substantially
bolster Boeing’s performance-based
support to the Indian Navy and should
maintain or increase the operational
capability of the eight-aircraft fleet. In
addition to field and logistics service
representatives, the support package
includes engineering, support and
planning, including robust material
support, including a 737-based
component services programme, which
will be executed in conjunction with
Boeing Commercial Aviation Services’
Fleet Services division.
Initial P-8I training for Indian Navy
pilots, mission system operators and
maintenance technicians that will
operate and maintain P-8I aircraft was
done in Seattle. The programme included
a combination of flight, classroom
and lab training as well as real-world
simulation experiences that can reduce
total ownership costs. Boeing has trained
more than 110 Indian Navy professionals,
including five pilot crews, five mission
crews and a number of flight signalers
and observers.
Boeing and the Indian Navy are also
in discussions for a training solution to
support P-8I crews. The training solution
is customised and will offer an integrated
learning approach that combines
classroom education with simulation.
Dedicated support will be provided to
maintain the simulators and courseware,
ensuring maximum availability. The
indigenous, ground-based training
system for P-8I will allow Indian Navy
crews to increase proficiency in a shorter
time, without using finite fatigue life
or putting the aircraft at risk during a
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
P-8I
training scenario.
A proposed training and support
centre is also planned to provide
training to aircrews and maintenance
technicians, and will be comprised of an
Operational Flight Trainer, a Weapons
Tactics Trainer, an Ordnance Load
Trainer, a Virtual Maintenance Trainer, a
Data Management and Training Console,
five Electronic Aircrew Classroom and an
Electronic Maintenance Classroom.
“Boeing has a proven performance
record of providing training solutions
for naval customers that enable them to
maximize operational capabilities. The
overarching goal for the P-8I Training
Solution is to allow crews to achieve real-
world proficiency without consuming
valuable airframe life or impacting
aircraft mission availability,” said
Howard Berry, Director, Global Sales and
Marketing, International Government
Services for Global Services.
The Indian Navy operates eight P-8I
long-range maritime reconnaissance and
anti-submarine warfare aircraft at INS
Rajali. Boeing is also contracted to deliver
four additional P-8I aircraft to the Indian
Navy. Deliveries will begin in 2020.
C-17 Globemaster III ready for Airlift Mis-
sions
In 2017, the Indian Air Force and
81st ‘Skylords’ Squadron for the C-17
Globemaster III fleet achieved over
12,000 flight hours since induction in
2013. As a vital part of the Indian Air Force
55
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

strategic airlift capability, Boeing and

Air Force teams work together to ensure
the military transport aircraft is always
ready to successfully conduct relief and
humanitarian missions domestically and
internationally.
The Indian Air Force operates 10 C-17
strategic airlifters that Boeing delivered
in 2013 and 2014. Boeing works with
the Indian Air Force to provide training,
sustainment services and modernization
of its C-17s through the C-17 Globemaster
III Integrated Sustainment Programme
(GISP) contract. This has resulted in
unprecedented levels of mission capable
rates that enable the IAF to use the
aircraft for the missions they want. The
C-17 have been used for humanitarian
missions during Cyclone Hudhud and
flood operations in Bihar and Jammu &
Kashmir when the C-17s airlifted people
from the affected areas and ensured the
delivery of vital aid and assistance.
The high mission readiness rates are a
result of Boeing’s C-17 GISP, ‘virtual fleet’
arrangement, which ensures mission
readiness by providing all C-17 customers
access to an extensive support network CH-47 Chinook
for worldwide parts availability and
economies of scale. This makes the C-17
more affordable to own and operate. The
C-17 GISP is a system-level partnership, that operate the C-17 Globemaster III in missions.
where the customer pays for readiness, July 2017. The Center has maintained a In addition to Air Force crews, over 430
rather than specific parts or services. serviceability state of 100 per cent. “The hours have been logged towards training
The C-17 GISP programme is a model high utilisation rates of the Centre by three pilots and two loadmasters from
for the future of sustainment. Boeing is the Indian Air Force demonstrates the Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), who
held accountable to achieve sustainment tremendous value customers see in this will carry out instructional training to air
performance metrics and is paid capability,” said Kumar. “Boeing remains force crews in the near future. Further,
accordingly. Boeing is responsible for committed to delivering quality training four MDS simulator technicians have
supply support, supplier management, now and in the future to ensure reliable also been trained to run the operations
technical manual support, maintenance, support and services for our customers and maintenance requirements of the
modifications and upgrades, logistics throughout the lifecycle of a product. The simulator.
engineering services and field support Centre is an example of the steps we are Boeing anticipates other training
services. Boeing personnel come into taking to contribute to the building of a opportunities for aircrew and
contact with the aircraft every day in the holistic aerospace ecosystem in support maintenance courseware development
field, working alongside personnel to of Make in India.” for platforms such as the AH-64 Apache
keep the C-17 fleet flying with the best Pilots, loadmasters and maintainers and CH-47 Chinook, opportunities which
availability in airlift history. completed initial qualification courses being pursued. Boeing been providing
Initial qualification training of Indian and continuation training for air land and simulation based training solutions to the
Air Force C-17 crews was conducted by air drop missions as well as conducted U.S. Army and several other international
the US Air Force at Joint Base Charleston evaluations and test pilot sessions. The customers operating the AH-64 Apache
in South Carolina. Over 100 Indian Air C-17 crews have undergone a complete and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
Force airmen received instruction from training solution involving advanced Boeing sees a significant opportunity
the 373rd Training Squadron Detachment simulation, courseware and computer- in the future to support the Apache and
five on how to operate India’s C-17 based training, including flying in adverse Chinook helicopters as deliveries begin
Globemaster IIIs. The training included weather and emergency conditions, in the coming years. Boeing has been
classroom time as well as simulator been introduced to advanced avionics, providing simulation based training
training. instrumentation and the glass cockpit solutions to the U.S. Army and other
In addition, the C-17 Simulator and trained with night vision goggles for international customers that operate
Training Centre, established by Boeing comprehensive mission training. The the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook.
and Mahindra Defence Systems to crews have also been trained on weapons Boeing executives say the training
provide training services to the Indian systems and loadmaster station trainers solution training will enable Indian air
Air Force, completed over 1700 hours of that can be employed individually or crews to operate the two platforms to
training for aircrews and loadmasters networked together to rehearse complete their full potential.

56 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in

RNI No. DELENG/2010/35319

Ahead of
Unique. Ahead
Unique. of the
the Art.
Art.
Unique.
Unique. Ahead
Aheadof
Unique. Ahead ofthe
of theArt.
the Art.
Art.
Unique. Ahead of the Art.

ShinMaywa Industries India Private Ltd.

ShinMaywa
Flat Industries
No. 1010,1011 India
and 1012, 10th Private
Floor, Ltd.
Narain Manzil
Flat No.
23,1010,1011 andRoad,
Barakhamba 1012,New
10th Delhi
Floor,–110001
Narain Manzil
23, Barakhamba Road,E-mail
URL http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp New Delhi –110001
air.sales@shinmaywa.co.jp
URL http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp E-mail air.sales@shinmaywa.co.jp
 INDIA 2018
“WE ARE READY TO FULFILL ALL
EXPORT-RELATED DELIVERIES IF
WE ARE TOLD TO DO SO”
BrahMos CEO & MD DR SUDHIR KUMAR MISHRA speaks about the interest shown in
the missiles by a number of countries at the Dubai Air Show and details the work done on
integrating BrahMos on the IAF’s Sukhois
How is the work progressing on integrating
BrahMos on 40 Sukhoi combat aircraft?
Our leading industry part-
ner Hindustan Aeronautics
Ltd. (HAL) has started work
to modify the additional 40
Sukhoi-30MKI fighter plat-
forms to integrate BrahMos.
All of these platforms will
undergo structural modifi-
cations at HAL’s facilities in
India for the integration of
the 2.5-tonne missile. HAL
has already modified two of
the Sukhoi-30MKIs for the
BrahMos-air launched mis-
sile test programme. After
the historic first success-
ful test firing of BrahMos-A
from the fighter aircraft on
November 22, 2017 against
a sea-based target, we are
now gearing up to conduct
a second test of the formi-
dable weapon against a land
target.
There are reports that you have
started working on the lighter
BrahMos NG variant meant for
Tejas. Can you tell us the speci-
fications of this variant? What
kinds of challenges are involved
in carrying out this project?
Presently, we are at the con-
cept design phase of the new
BrahMos Next Generation
(NG) programme which
would be a highly advanced weapon
in future. This new smaller, lighter and
smarter supersonic cruise missile hav-
ing more versatility, lethality and flex-
ibility, would cruise at a top speed of
58
DEFEXPO
Mach 3.5 or even more. The BrahMos
NG would be designed and developed
to fit on board a wide range of modern
military platforms. BrahMos NG would
be the prime weapon on LCA designed
by DRDO and manufactured by HAL
against Air, Land and Sea targets to
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
meet the local and global market. It will
also be capable of being fitted in sub-
marine torpedo tubes.
Some of the missile’s key
features would be its reduced
dimension and weight, an
enhanced engine, advanced
next-generation stealth,
greater effectiveness against
electronic counter measures
among other technological
advancements. The weapon
would involve development
and validation of certain new
systems and features which
would be the main challenges
in the programme.
BrahMos NG is being de-
signed by keeping local indi-
genised sub-systems from the
beginning itself to give a fillip
to ‘Make In India’ programme
of our Government.
BrahMos has its order book full
till 2027 with all the three forces
having already placed their or-
ders. You are also ready to take
up export orders. Has govern-
ment responded to your export
request? Are you in talks with any
country(ies) for the purpose?
Yes, our order books are pres-
ently full and we have received
firm orders from the Indian
Army, Navy and Air Force.
However, in order to meet in-
creased demand for export
BrahMos Aerospace has created a flex-
ible supply chain and integration lines
which are fully capable and ready to
fulfil any such order whenever it arises.
The decision on export of weapons is
 DEFEXPO

The launch and target hit

a prerogative of the government. Any

decision on export will be taken by the
two governments jointly. However, we
at BrahMos are ready to fulfill all export
related deliveries if we are told to do so.

A country usually exports a weapon only

when it has developed an advanced version
of the weapon. Since BrahMos is keen on
exports, in what way is the export version
going to be different from the one presently
being used in India?
We are working to incorporate some
new enhanced features in the existing
BrahMos for use by the Indian defence
forces. So far as export of the missile is
concerned, then the basic attributes of
the powerful BrahMos are its devastat-
ing speed, impeccable precision and
deadly firepower. These basic parame-
ters would remain unchanged for any of
our users. We would never compromise
in providing state-of-art technologies
to our customers, local or global.
In the Dubai Air Show, a lot of countries ex-
pressed interest in your missiles. Would you
elaborate which countries? Are they inter-
ested only in the air version of the missiles
or land and naval as well?
Yes, several countries across continents
have evinced strong interest in our
missile system. However, it would be
early to mention names of countries.
The potential buyers have shown
interest in all variants of BrahMos
which is a very versatile, multi-
platform, multi-role weapon. Of
course, the air-launched variant of the
supersonic cruise missile, which is the
first and only such weapon in the world
and has also been successfully test fired
recently, has drawn special interest
from many of these countries.
BrahMos NG is being designed by
keeping local indigenised sub-
systems from the beginning itself
to give a fillip to ‘Make In India’
programme of our Government
What kind of collaboration do you share with
DRDO with respect to hypersonic tech pro-
gramme? Are you partnering with any DRDO
The launch and target hit
from Sukhoi
BRAHMOS
lab or are you only working with Russian
agencies for this project? Also, how is the
work progressing in this area?
The hypersonic technology,being a
very intricate and a highly advanced
concept, requires lot of fundamental
research along with other ground-
work. While BrahMos Aerospace have
joined hands with the leading Indian
Institutes and the Moscow Aviation In-
stitute (MAI) in Russia to carry out all
the research and study work, DRDO, is
providing us with all the necessary in-
frastructure along with scientific and
technical expertise in this regard. So, it
is a joint effort being carried out by all
the stakeholders involved in the highly
ambitious programme. Work on the hy-
personic project is progressing well in a
comprehensive manner.

www.geopolitics.in April 2018

59
 INDIA 2018
HIGH SPEED PURSUIT
Indian armed forces will be inducting a mix of foreign and indigenous missile systems to meet
urgent requirements, writes C SANTHOSH
T
he Indian armed forces
have some of the largest
requirements for missile
systems anywhere in the world.
By virtue of their sophistication
and complexity, missile systems are very
expensive to procure and maintain,
though they remain in service for a longer
period (with continuous upgrades) than
60
DEFEXPO
other systems. Decades of indigenous
missile development have resulted in
successful missile programmes such as
the Agni, Prithvi, Akash and BrahMos.
The Defence Research Development
Organisation (DRDO) has a range of
missile programmes underway such as
New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile
(NGARM), Quick Reaction Surface to Air
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
Upgrades are being proposed to the
eighties vintage ’OSA-AKM’ mobile
short range SAM air defence system,
which remains in use with the Indian
Army and IAF
KUPOL.RU
Missile (QRSAM), Man-Portable Anti-
Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), Nirbhay
Cruise Missile, K-15 submarine launched
ballistic missile, Nag ATGM and Astra
Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile
(BVRAAM). For the armed forces, two
of the most important new SAM system
programmes are the procurement of Very
Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD)

The VSHORAD tender is nearing the final stages and Saab, MBDA and Rosoboronexport are competing to replace the IGLA-1M MANPADs
systems for the army and navy and the
S-400 air defence complex for the air
force. Successful operational flights have
also been performed with the Indian
Army (IA), Indian Air Force (IAF) and
Naval versions of Long-Range SAM
(LRSAM), Medium-Range SAM (MRSAM)
and QRSAM respectively, which are being
jointly developed with Israel.
Army VSHORAD nears end phase
The army has been pursuing
procurement of a VSHORAD Manportable
Air Defence (MANPAD) system since
2010. The weapon system finally selected
will replace the army’s vintage IGLA-1M
MANPADs. The procurement process
which got underway in 2010 with the
release of the Request for Information
(RFI) is now drawing to a close. The
new generation MANPADS to be finally
inducted will be used for the air defence
of logistic columns and nodes, bridge
a heads and also be provided to Special
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
ROSOBORONEXPORT
Forces (SF) units. The VSHORADS system
should be capable of being employed in
high altitude areas at altitudes greater
than 3500m, plains, semi desert, desert,
coastal areas and in maritime conditions.
The three companies that have been
in the fray for quite a while now are
Saab (Sweden), MBDA (France) and
Rosoboronexport (Russia).
The majority of the approximately
5000 missiles and 1000+ launchers to be
initially acquired are meant for the army
61
 INDIA 2018
SAAB’s RBS 70 NG provides a highly flexible, scalable and long term solution to evolving GBAD requirements
but some portion will also go to the navy for
installation on warships and submarines.
MBDA’s Mistral MANPADS which is being
offered in the competition has already
been selected by Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) for use on Dhruv MkIV
Weapons System Integrated ‘Rudra’
helicopters as also the Light Combat
Helicopter (LCH). Saab on the other
hand partnered with Kalyani Strategic
Systems Ltd (KSSL) in February 2016 for
the SRSAM and VSHORAD tenders with
the aim to transfer production as well as
development knowledge to India. The
SRSAM tender has since been cancelled
by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in
favour of the Akash SAM system. An early
decision on the VSHORAD programme
could also be impacted by budgetary
constraints for the army, which recently
said that it has only 14 percent of its budget
leftover for modernisation requirements
after paying salaries and funding routine
maintenance, operational requirements
works and infrastructure needs.
S-400 Triumf Missile System
The IAF is to soon acquire the vaunted
S-400 Triumph mobile multichannel Air
Defence Missile System (ADMS) from
Russia. The acquisition has been given
the highest priority by the IAF (after
aircraft procurements), as per a recent
statement given by the Vice Chief of the
Air Staff (VCAS). It said, “In so far as our
priority list is concerned, our priority list
is already with the Ministry of Defence.
Requirement of fighter aircraft is our first
62
DEFEXPO
SAAB
priority. Next is the long range SAM S-400
System for which we have bet. That would
substantially change our posture both
towards Northern adversary as well as
towards Western adversary.”
The cost of five S-400 units has been
pegged at approximately `35,000 crore
and an Inter-Governmental Agreement
(IGA) for purchase of the potent weapon
system was concluded in 2016. China
became the first export customer for the
S-400 in 2014 and deliveries of the systems
are to start this year. Turkey will also be
acquiring the S-400 air defence system
as will Saudi Arabia. The S-400 entered
service with the Russian armed forces in
2007 and is a substantial upgrade over the
S-300PMU2 air defence missile complex
on which it is based.
The highly sophisticated air defence
system is one of the crown jewels of Russian
Cruise missiles such as the Nirbhay must be acknowledged as the fruits of the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Programme (IGMDP) that began in 1983
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
military technology and can perform the
air defence mission out to 400km, when
used with the 40N6 long range missile.
The Triumph ADMS consists of the
30K6E battle management system, six
98ZH6E SAM systems, ammunition load
comprising the 48N6E3 and (or) 48N6E2
surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and 30Ts6E
maintenance facilities. The missiles are
mounted on an all-terrain chassis for
mobility and quick deployment. The
use of the 48N6E SAM is possible and
up to five different missile types can be
used to create an impenetrable layered
air defence. The weapons complex has a
target detection range of approximately
600km and can simultaneously track 300
targets (approximately). It can engage
36 aerial targets at the same time or 72
guided missiles. The Triumph ADMS can
also engage targets independently and in
cooperation with higher command posts
or external radar data sources.
Akash SAM
The Akash SAM system has now been de-
livered in substantial numbers to the army
and air force; with six of out of 12 troops of
the SAM system having been delivered to
the IA and delivery of all eight squadrons
for the IAF has been completed. Further,
production orders will be placed by the
IAF and Army for the SAM system. Ac-
cording to the Defence Research Develop-
ment Organisation (DRDO), “Order worth
`5,500 crore for seven Squadrons (14 FUs)
of Akash is expected by the time this issue
goes to press. Request for Proposal for two
more Regiments of Akash Weapon System
(with RF seeker missiles) worth about
`10,000 crore is also expected from the
Indian Army.”
The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)
for procurement of two more Regiments
of Akash SAM systems was given Defence
Acquisition Council (DAC) approval in
December 2017. A number of validation
DRDO

The IAF has already
indicated its interest in the
Nirbhay cruise missile and • Mobile, multiple target engagement
the army and navy are not capability
likely to be far behind in • Autonomous/centralised mode of
opting for its use
DRDO
trials have been made with the in-service
missiles and 15 have been fired by the
army and air force against parabarrel
targets, Banshee targets, electronic target
and air craft launched bombs. More
than 1200 Akash missiles have already
been delivered to the army and air force
and work continues for creation of new
infrastructure for storage, deployment
and operation of the SAM systems.
In December 2017, a successful
test was completed of an Akash missile
with an indigenous radio frequency
seeker, making it the first Indian SAM
to be tested with such a seeker. Akash
missiles with Infra-Red (IR) seekers
have also been supplied to the IAF. The
Akash programme has now emerged as
a credible indigenously developed short
range SAM system with the capability to
engage targets up to a maximum range
of 30 km and upto an altitude of 18,000
metres with command to line of sight
guidance. According to the Ministry
of Defence, “As a result of successful
development production and induction
of AKASH missile system, `34,500 Crore
foreign exchange could be saved by
existing production order and many
orders are in pipeline from army and IAF.”
The weapons system entered service with
the IA and IAF in 2015.
Akash was developed under the
auspices of the Integrated Guided Missile
Development Programme (IGMDP)
that began in 1983 and user trials were
completed in Dec 2007. The army and
air force orders for the Akash weapons
system are valued at `14,180 crore and
`4,969 crore, respectively.
The IAF version of Akash is produced
by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL),
while the Army version is produced by
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). All
radars and radar related equipment for
the programme are manufactured by BEL,
while all missiles and related equipment
are produced by BEL. Tata Power SED
and M/s L&T make the launchers while
Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL)
makes the control centers. The Akash
programme has also resulted in other
indigenous successes such as the Rohini,
Revathi and Weapon Locating Radars.
In fact the Akash programme and its
offshoots have generated revenue worth
`38,000 crore say DRDO sources.
Upgraded air defence
An upgrade to the 'OSA-AKM’ mobile
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
Salient features of Akash
SAM system
operation
• Secured wireless communication
links; built-in ECCM
• Target interception capability from
a low altitude of 30 m to a high of
altitude 18 km and from slant ranges
(3 km to 27 km)
• High performance pre-fragmentation
warhead
• Digital radio proximity fuze coupled
with five-level safety arming mecha-
nism
• Solid integral ramjet rocket propul-
sion system maintains the speed of
Mach 2 till intercept
• Modular design that is mountable
on wheeled truck or trailer or track
mounted
• Wider no escape zone due to high av-
erage velocity (27 km in 36 seconds)
• High single shot kill probability
short range surface-to-air missile (SAM)
air defence system in use with the army
and air force is also being proposed by
Russia. The eighties’ vintage OSA-AKM
was designed to defend troops and
facilities against attacks by low-flying
aircraft. An estimated 56 of the SAM
systems are said to be still operational
between the army and air force.
The OSA-AKM’s reliability and robust
and rugged nature have meant that many
systems remain in service in over 16
countries as the basic short-range SAM
system. The effectiveness of the 'OSA-
AKM’ against current airborne threats
and electronic warfare (EW) jammer is
suspect and maintainability and reliability
are poor due to non-availability of parts.
The air force is now reportedly keen to
upgrade its OSA-AKM SAM systems and
the modernisation solution is being
offered by the manufacturer of OSA-AKM
system - Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant
KUPOL, JSC, which is now part of Almaz-
Antey that manufactures also the S-400
Triumpf. The modernised OSA-AKMM1
SAM system made its public debut at
MAKS-2015 and makes use of new Electro-
Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensors that
deliver substantially improved capability,
63
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

especially at night. However no upgrades

have been made to the radar or missiles.
Upgraded OSA-AKM systems can
remain operational till 2030 and even
beyond. As part of the modernisation
effort semiconductor low-noise
amplifiers replace the vacuum UHF
amplifiers and a new digital computer
replaces the old analogue computer.
The numbers of targets that can now be
engaged have increased significantly
with the introduction of modern digital
systems. Modernised OSA-AKM systems
feature a greater no-escape envelope in
terms of velocity and altitude of the target
and can also engage and destroy small-
sized low speed targets like unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs). Only two operators
are required to operate the modernised
OSA-AKM as compared to three needed
previously. JSC Kupol has also enhanced
the SAM system’s immunity against
active and passive jamming and the new
integrated is the day-and-night EO system
enhances first shot first kill probability.
Each vehicle carries six missiles.
Modernised OSA-AKM systems will be
more lethal against airborne threats
PIB

because of the increased kill-zone (1.5

km to 7 km) and the ability to engage high
velocity targets travelling as fast as 700
m/s with a reaction time of 26-40 seconds
before the target is destroyed. A missile
vehicle can be prepared from travelling
position to combat ready position within
four minutes.
Astra BVRAAM
Another indigenous development
that has progressed well is the Astra
Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile
(BVRAAM). The Astra appears to be an
impressive first effort with even the hard
to satisfy IAF, seemingly happy with
the performance of the home-grown
missile. Testing has been exhaustive and
according to the Ministry of Defence
(MoD), more than 80 sorties were
The Akash SAM system has been a tremendous success with orders worth approximately `20,000 crore and
another `10,000 crore in the pipeline
completed for the five phases of captive
trials and as of December 2017, 21 air-
launched trials had been completed
with Astra BVRAAMs. Captive Flight
Trials (CFT) were conducted for
performance evaluation of the Astra’s
indigenous Radio Frequency (RF)
seeker and its Electronic Counter
Counter Measure (ECCM) features were
completed last year. The DRDO declared
the completion of final developmental
trials in late 2017 during which missiles
were successfully launched against
Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA). As per the
MoD, “Two trials included test firing of
Astra with indigenous RF seeker. The air
MBDA
launch trials have proven the successful
and safe separation from the Sukhoi SU-
30 MKI aircraft and capability to engage
targets well within the lethal radius of
the warhead.” The Astra BVRAAM will
be fitted on SU-30 MKI, MiG-29 UPG and
Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft.
Nirbhay cruise missile
Nirbhay is a long-range subsonic cruise
missile developed by Aeronautical
Development Establishment (ADE). The
IAF has already expressed interest in
acquiring 40 Nirbhay cruise missiles,
say DRDO sources. It is very likely that
Nirbhay will also be acquired by the army
and navy. The missile has a range of 1,000
km and is powered by an indigenous
solid rocket motor booster developed by
the Advanced Systems Laboratory and
the highly advanced inertial navigation
system was indigenously developed
at Research Centre Imarat (RCI),
Hyderabad. The cruise missile travels at
speeds of approximately 0.7 Mach and
can fly as low as 100m. The guidance,
control and navigation system of the
subsonic cruise missile are configured
around the indigenously designed Ring
Laser Gyroscope (RLG) and MEMS-

based Inertial Navigation System (INS)

MBDA’s MISTRAL missile is a strong contender for the VSHORAD tender. MISTRAL has also been selected by along with GPS system.
the IAF for its HAL built armed helicopters

64 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in

 MWS
FC

MWS

CDU
MWS

MCU

FC

2 xMAGAZINES
MWS
 INDIA 2018
“KRAS WILL ENSURE THAT SPIKE ATGM’S
MAXIMUM COMPONENT IS DONE IN INDIA”
GIORA KATZ, EVP Marketing and Business Development, Rafael believes that some major
modernisation plans will be inducted in the next five years and Rafael will be offering its
solutions to various programmes
Please elaborate on Rafael’s India presence
and the legacy and current products that it
has supplied to the Indian armed forces?
Rafael has been an active participant
in the Indian Defence Market for more
than two decades. We have always en-
deavoured to contribute to the moderni-
sation of the Indian Armed Forces. As
part of our global strategy, we form al-
liances to develop military appli-
cations based on our proprietary
technologies. Rafael considers
India as a strategic partner and
will continue to move towards
indigenous production and de-
velopment of advanced defence
systems. Rafael looks to India
for cooperation in the defence
Industry as a strategic relation.
We are fully committed to sup-
port ‘Make in India’ initiative of
the Prime Minister. A number
of our systems are in use by In-
dia, including the SPYDER ADS,
Barak-1 SAM, Reccelite EO-IR
Pod, Shipborne EW Systems
SPICE air-to-ground munition,
Litening pods, communication,
etc.
What is the latest update on the sup-
ply of Rafael Spike ATGMs to India?
The Spike ATGM is reconsidered
as a GTG. We expect discussions to
start soon.
Which variant of the Spike was se-
lected by India and how many other
variants of this ATGM are available?
For this current deal, India
chose the third generation SPIKE MR,
a lightweight, man-portable missile
system, with Fire-and-Forget mode
and autonomous medium-range target
engagement of up to 2500m.
What are the latest developments regarding
air-launched versions of the Spike?
66
DEFEXPO
In today’s combat helicopter market, Ra-
fael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is a
leading supplier and integrator of a full
armament upgrade package called the
SWS Package (SPIKE Weapon System),
including both fourth generation stand-
off Precision Guided electro-optical Mis-
siles in different weights and ranges up
to 30km, EO devices (in different weights
and capabilities), Guided/unguided
Rocket interface, Command & Control
interfaces for pilot situation awareness,
HMDs (Helmet-Mounted Displays for
cueing of SPIKE Seeker and EOS to pilot
head orientation) and even heliborne
broadband Digital Data-link for continu-
ous communication between the differ-
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
ent squadron's helicopters. Rafael's back-
ground in this field has been proven both
as a subcontractor for Helicopter OEMs,
and as the prime integrator for a stand-
alone armament package with simple
interface and no dramatic alterations to
the helicopter. The relative light weight
of the SPIKE missiles and simple stand-
alone integration capability of Rafael en-
able the mounting of SPIKE Mis-
siles on multi-role helicopters,
thus maximising the helicopter
capabilities. A good example for
this is in the ARPIA 4 Project in
Colombia, in which Rafael acted
as a prime integrator to integrate
SPIKE onto the air force's ARPIA
4 Helicopter (Blackhawk UH60).
The suite included three types
of SPIKE missiles (NLOS, ER and
LR), advanced EOS (TOPLITE
3HD), stand-alone HMI, includ-
ing Moving-Map application,
helicopter collision warning ap-
plication, a digital Data link, as
well as integration of the existing
70mm Rockets and GAU19 Gun to
Rafael weapon suite.
How important is the missile seeker,
warhead and propulsion technology
when it comes to modern ATGMs
and what parts of these can be sup-
plied under ToT contracts?
The Subsystems of the missile
you mentioned include some of
the main key components of the
SPIKE missile. Rafael long time
legacy of SPIKE Missile PTP (Pro-
duction Transfer Programmes) is
well experienced in production transfer,
including integration and part-manufac-
turing of these key components.
Please elaborate on the success of Spice
precision guided munitions in India?
The SPICE PGM is in use in Israel and sev-
eral other countries. We are confident that

Spice1000 on F-16
the Indian Air Force is satisfied with the
product because we have received repeat
orders and no complaints.
What are the latest developments regarding
the Derby BVR and Python CCM for India.
Can these missiles also be integrated on the
Hawk AJTs and Su-30 MKI?
Rafael is a market leader in the Air to Air
Missile segment and has world renowned
systems like Python-5 and I-Derby, in op-
erational use by a number of air forces
around the world. We are consistently
working on upgrades, such as the ones
that have been implemented in the I-
Derby, such as an SDR seeker, advanced
maneuverability, etc.
Integrating with the aircraft systems
requires understanding the existing sys-
tems and then determining the additional
sub systems required to make the aircraft
capable. The two aircraft are very different
in role and size and therefore while the
missile can be integrated, a greater tech-
nical evaluation needs to be done, both by
the Air Force and the integrator.
What are the latest developments regarding
the Spyder air defence system for India and
are further orders expected?
Rafael’s multi-layered air defence capa-
bilities provide comprehensive protec-
tion for armed forces and population
centers by delivering full protection on
the ground. The SPYDER system is a Short
and Medium Range Air Defence Missile
System designed to engage and destroy a
wide spectrum of threats, such as attack
aircraft bombers, cruise missiles, UAVs,
UCAVs and stand-off weapons. SPYDER
was chosen for the LLQRM Programme
and is currently being delivered. Simulta-
neously, the Army is evaluating a number
of air defence systems for its operational
needs, and Rafael is offering its advanced,
well-known, combat-proven solutions in
this domain.
What is the status of Rafael-Kalyani for
manufacture of Spike and can it also handle
maintenance and spares support for Spike
missiles?
Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS)
JV has been formed to ensure that the
maximum Indian component manufac-
turing of the advanced precision tactical
munition (SPIKE ATGM) is done in India.
This JV will also produce other future mu-
nitions.
What are the key defence markets identified
by Rafael in India for the next five years?
As the need for air superiority continues
to play an increasing role in all types of
recent military conflicts, the ISR market
has experienced simultaneous growth,
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
and has accordingly become very vibrant.
With vast experience and expertise in the
electro-optical and C4ISR domain, Rafael
is addressing these challenges and has de-
veloped a new generation of operational
light-weight sensors with longer range
and higher resolution for manned and un-
manned aerial systems (UAVs). Emphasis
has been given to compatibility to differ-
ent platforms and the integration of dif-
ferent sensors into one system. Rafael's
most recent developments are RecceLite
XR, an extended-range ISR collection pod
and Litening 5, a longer range navigation
and targeting pod. Both Litening 5 and
RecceLite XR have the same mechani-
cal and electrical interface properties as
the current configurations, and thus can
be carried by the same platforms with
minimal integration efforts. In addition,
we believe that some major modernisa-
tion plans will be inducted in the next five
years and Rafael will be offering its solu-
tions to various programmes.
What are the Rafael weapons that are ideal
for fitment on the F-16 and please elaborate
on Rafael’s experience with weapons inte-
gration on this aircraft?
Rafael has integrated many systems on
the Israeli F16. However, it is the primary
user that has to determine whether the
Indian version will require Rafael systems.
67
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

WAITING
TO HIT THE
BULLSEYE
The Indian Army’s long running effort to procure modern assault rifles, carbines and LMGs may
see success this time around, writes C SANTHOSH

T
he Indian Army (IA) is
currently grappling with the
challenge of modernisation
and upgrade of its military
equipment which has been
hamstring by delays and budgetary
constraints, to the extent that in a
recent report by the Parliament’s
Standing Committee on Defence, the
IA representative stated that 2/3rds (68
per cent) of the Army’s equipment were
in the vintage category and the modern
constituent of its equipment stood at
only 8%. As per the Army, currently only
1/4th (24 per cent) of the equipment it
holds can be considered as modern and
fit for combat.
The shortage of modern equipment
for the armed forces to fight battles
is worrying in the light of enhanced
threat perceptions and an increasingly
assertive Chinese military presence
following the Doklam incident. China
has continued to also enhance military
activities in Tibet in terms of troop
levels or the number of personnel
undertaking the exercises and also the
level of exercises, according to the army.
The IA’s admission that the bulk of its
combat systems and support equipment

68 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


are outdated is a shocking admission,
especially when one considers that
efforts have been made since the end
of the Kargil War in 1999 to rectify such
a situation. Ideally a modern military
divides its equipment into 1/3rd each of
state-of-the-art, modern and vintage; it
would likely take the IA at least 10 years
to reach such a situation, considering its
size and the budgetary challenges that it
is faced with.
An important aspect of the IA’s
modernisation effort, which has
taken far longer than it should have, is
(Top) Light Machine Gun variant of INSAS 5.56mm, (Bottom) OFB ammunition for mortars and 20mm gun
related to its procurement of a modern
assault rifles, carbines, Light Machine
Guns (LMG), sniper rifles and rocket
launchers/Anti-Tank Guided Missiles
(ATMGs) for the infantry. When
combined with the procurement of new
rocket artillery and artillery guns (towed
and tracked/wheeled self-propelled
guns), the IA will have substantially
enhanced its ability to inflict punishing
damage on its adversary. It now appears
that these key programmes, which will
dramatically upgrade the battlefield
lethality of the IA, are now well
WIKIMEDIA
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
underway, with acquisitions likely to be
completed by 2020-2021 and inductions
to commence in the same time frame.
Moving ahead
Two important decisions were taken
with regards to modernisation of the
infantry fighting weapons in all the
three services in February, when the
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC),
chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman approved the procurement
of infantry rifles and machine guns for
the armed forces worth `21,600 crore.
The DAC first approved the `12,280
crore purchases of 740,000 assault
rifles (7.62x51mm), in addition to
approving a Fast Track Procedure (FTP)
for procurement of 7.62mm LMGs for
all three services worth `1,819 crore.
This was followed by the approval for
purchase of 41,000 LMGs and more than
350,000 Close Quarter Battle (CQB)
Carbines(5.56x30mm) worth `4,607
crore and `3,000 crore, respectively.
A formal contract for the acquisition
of the assault rifles and carbines is
expected in 2020-2021 after completion
of field evaluation trials (FET) and
formal contract negotiations. The new
weapons will remain in service till at
least 2050 and the selected weapon will
weigh less than 4kg and have an effective
range of 500mm with Picatinny rails for
mounting of various sights and night
vision equipment. The assault rifles and
CQBs will be acquired under the Buy
and Make (Indian) category and 75% of
the requirement will be met through the
Indian Industry under the 'Buy & Make
(Indian)' category, while the Ordinance
Factory Board (OFB) will manufacture
the remaining weapons for supply to
the armed forces. The assault rifles
being sought by the Army must have the
ability to integrate the Indian in-service
Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL)
manufactured by Indian Ordnance
Factory, while the CQBs carbines must
weigh less than 3kg, be of modular
design and have an effective range of
100m. The LMGs will also be made in
India at a later stage. These weapons
will make their way to the IA, Indian Air
Force (IAF) and Indian Navy (IN).
As many as 5,719 sniper rifles will
also be acquired for the IA and IAF,
and these high precision rifles will
be imported in entirety from abroad
including ammunition, with a later plan
for manufacture of the ammunition
in India. The 8.6mm caliber sniper
rifles will have an effective range not
less 1200 m. The IA is also looking to
69
 INDIA 2018
Nag is a third generation fire-and-forget anti-tank missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
acquire more than 2,000 Light Weight
Anti Material Rifles which will have a
caliber of 12.7mm, effective range not
less than 1800m, muzzle velocity of 850
m/s and weight of less than 12kg. The
IA currently uses the Russian Dragunov
sniper rifle along with newer Israeli
Galil sniper rifles.
An important change to the assault
rifle requirement is the decision by
Army Head Quarters (Army HQ) to go
in for a 7.62x51mm ammunition for its
assault rifles, marking a change from
the current in service INSAS MK 1B1
assault rifle, which uses 5.56 mm caliber
ammunition. The change in caliber will
not only be an expensive change for the
armed forces and render the investments
made in development of current
indigenous 5.56mm based assault rifles
infructuous. One must also not forget
the investments made in developing
manufacturing capabilities for 5.56
ammunition already in the country
and the quantity of such ammunition
already with the armed forces. The
majority of the ammunition supplied
to the Indian Army currently comes
from the OFB, Defence Public Sector
Undertakings and other Public Sector
Undertakings; while approximately
two-third of the ammunition is sourced
70
DEFEXPO
will
5,719 sniper riflesd
as a n
As many cquired for the IAion rifles
e a ecis
also b these high pr ty from
IAF, and ported in entire ition,
will be im cluding ammunufacture
abroad inter plan for man ia
with a la munition in Ind
of the am
indigenously, the remaining is procured
from abroad.
Commenting on the Army’s
inability to conclude a small arms
procurement in the last 10 years, the
IA’s Director General (Weapons), told
the Parliament’s Standing Committee
on Defence, "For the past few years,
whatever trials have gone for the
assault rifles and carbines, we were not
satisfied with them. So, we have not
been able to get the weapons. Recently,
in the Defence Acquisition Council, a
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
very deliberate decision at the highest
level has been taken on how to proceed
ahead with the eight lakh plus rifles and
carbines which we wanted. In that, we
have gone for certain quantity for the
fast track procedure from import. But
for the balance, that is, seven lakh plus,
out of that, the Ordnance Factory Board
is also going to participate. But, yes, Sir,
like what you are pointing out, nobody
is in a position to meet our requirement
tomorrow.” Over the last many decades,
the OFB has produced and supplied
more 27,00,000 small arms of various
types to the Indian Armed Forces and
the present manufacturing capacity
of OFB is approximately 1,00,000 small
arms per year.
Despite DAC approval for purchase
of the new and much needed infantry
fighting weapons, budgetary issues
continue to delay such big ticket
purchases despite an increased threat
perception. As per the IA representative
who deposed before the Parliament’s
Standing Committee on Defence,
“Overall, we have a disturbed situation
and all the more important is that the
Defence Forces should get their due
and more attention is paid to them.
Modernisation of both Pakistan and
China is going on in full swing. China

Dhanush, 155 mm towed howitzer used by the Indian Army, that was showcased at Defexpo 2016
is competing to reach the levels of US.
It is important that we remain deterrent
as far as these are concerned. The
possibility of two-front war is a reality
and speaking about it, it is important
that we are conscious of the issue and we
pay attention to our modernisation and
filling up our deficiencies. More than
ever, there is an increasing obligation
to ensure that our Nation cements its
military capability and is recognised
as a net security provider in the South
Asian region. However, the current
Budget does little to contribute to this
requirement.”
Indigenous Alternatives
The OFB continues with development
of a 7.62x51mmn assault rifle at Rifle
Factory, Ishapore, with assistance from
a Project Management Team (PMT)
headed by DG (Infantry) at Army HQ
and a prototype version has already
been made ready. It is highly unlikely
that an indigenously developed weapon
will be chosen by the armed forces for
their assault rifle and CQB carbine
needs, marking a disappointing end to
the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS)
effort. The INSAS MK 1B1 which
incorporated minor improvements
based upon the feedback of Operation
Vijay in 1999 can be considered the
final version of the INSAS rifle family.
The newly developed 5.56x45mm INSAS
1C which emerged over 2015-2016 is
now likely to find acceptance with
paramilitary and state police forces,
following the decision by the armed
forces to move to 7.62x51mm caliber
assault rifles.
Despite the army having more
stringent operational requirements for
its rifles (of all types), in terms of being
able to withstand the harshest most
extreme environmental conditions,
both military and paramilitary forces
often share the same requirements –
this is especially true with regards to
the requirements for high reliability and
minimal maintenance.
The Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI)
has already delivered over 20,000
units of its Excalibur 5.56x45mm
assault rifle to various police forces.
The weapon weighs 4kg with a full
magazine of 30 rounds and has a rate
of fire of 650-700 rounds per minute.
The indigenously developed Ghaatak
7.62x39mm assault rifle has completed
elaborate evaluations with the MHA
Units and Police Forces and orders for
approximately 5000 units have already
been placed by various state (Kerala,
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
HEMANT RAWAT
Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu,
Bihar, Telengana, Manipur, Nagaland,
Assam) and Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPFs). As of August 2017, more than
1200 rifles have already been delivered
by OFB. The Ghaatak assault rifle
resembles the AK-47 and weighs 3.08 kg
(fixed butt)/3.27 kg (folding butt). The
magazine capacity is 30 rounds and the
effective range of the weapon is 400m.
Despite the reluctance of the Indian
armed forces to acquire indigenously
developed small arms for well
documented reasons, the requirement
from the paramilitary forces and
state armed forces is sufficiently large
for continued development of such
systems across pistols, assault rifles,
carbines and sniper rifles. As it is,
small arms system development today
focusses on ergonomics, new more
durable materials, reduced weight and
better integration of various sights,
and sufficient expertise would have
been built up for the development
of a strong indigenous alterative to
expensive imported weapons. Hence
indigenous development of small arms
and ammunition must continue to be
encouraged even if imported weapon
systems are made available to the
military personnel.
71
 INDIA 2018
“WE INTEND TO CREATE FAR MORE THAN
AN F-16 ‘ASSEMBLY LINE’ IN INDIA”
VIVEK LALL, Vice President Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin,
appreciates the services of F-16 and says, F-16 gives Indian industry a unique opportunity to
become a part of the world’s largest fighter aircraft ecosystem
What are the latest developments at Lock-
heed Martin related to the F-16 and the
C-130J?
Demand for new production F-16s re-
mains strong. Many air forces are actively
engaging with Lockheed Martin about the
prospect of procuring new F-16s. We see
F-16 production opportunities totaling
more than 400 aircraft in Central Europe,
the Mediterranean, Asia, and South Amer-
ica. This estimate includes the potential
partnership we are pursuing with India
to produce F-16 Block 70 aircraft in In-
dia.We also have three F-16V upgrade
programmes on contract today—more
than 300 F-16s altogether—and we are
in discussions with several other cus-
tomers interested in F-16V upgrades.
Lockheed Martin reached a major
milestone with the delivery of its 400th
C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Feb-
ruary 9. The C-130J Super Hercules is
the current production model of the
legendary C-130 Hercules aircraft,
with operators in 17 nations, includ-
ing India. The C-130 programme rep-
resents a strong legacy of partnership
between the U.S. and India. All C-130Js
delivered to customers around the
world have major aerostructure com-
ponents from India included in their
build through partnership with Tata
Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in
Hyderabad, India.
What makes the F-16 the ideal choice of
single engine fighter and to what extent
has the US government approval been pro-
vided for supply of vital technologies related
to avionics, radar, weapons and MRO tech-
nology?
The F-16 is the only aircraft programme
with the proven performance and scale to
meet India’s single-engine fighter needs
and ‘Make in India’ priorities. No other
4th Generation platform even comes
close to matching to F-16’s record of real-
world combat experience and proven op-
erational effectiveness. To date, 4,588 F-
72
DEFEXPO
16s have been produced and we see F-16
production opportunities totaling more
than 400 aircraft in Central Europe, the
Mediterranean, Asia, and South America.
The F-16 is the only true power pro-
jection platform in this competition. The
ability to project power provides invalu-
able deterrence against current and po-
tential adversaries. The world’s most ad-
vanced F-16, the F-16 Block 70, is the only
aircraft that can both deter, and if neces-
sary defeat, India’s adversaries. Six differ-
ent air forces have achieved more than 80
air-to-air kills with the F-16 and F-16s are
executing combat missions as we speak.
The F-16 is also the only offering with
operational, combat-proven Active Elec-
tronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
Northrop Grumman’s advanced APG-83
AESA radar on the F-16 Block 70 provides
F-16s with 5th Generation fighter radar
capabilities by leveraging hardware and
software commonality with F-22 and F-35
AESA radars.
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
What opportunities will India have to be-
come part of the global supply chain for the
F-16 and does this also extend to the F-35?
We intend to create far more than an
F-16 ‘assembly line’ in India. We plan
to introduce two new words into the
lexicon of international fighter aircraft
manufacturing: ‘India’ and ‘exclusive’.
F-16 production in India will be exclusive,
something that has never before been
presented by any other fighter aircraft
manufacturer, not in past or present.
The F-16 gives Indian industry a
unique opportunity to become a part
of the world’s largest fighter aircraft
ecosystem. The F-16 also provides
unmatched opportunities for Indian
companies of all sizes, including Micro,
Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
and suppliers throughout India, to
establish new business relationships
with Lockheed Martin and other
industry leaders in the U.S. and around
the globe. Approximately half of the
F-16’s supply chain is common with
the 5th Generation F-22 and F-35. It
would be inappropriate for us speak
on behalf of the US Government
with regard to technology transfer,
but technology improvements will
continue to flow between the F-16,
F-22 and F-35 for decades, at a fraction
of the cost to F-16 operators.
How has Lockheed Martin ascertained
the capabilities of firms in India to be part
of a potential F-16 programme for manu-
facture in India?
We have been deeply engaged with Indian
industry and others in the global F-16 in-
dustrial ecosystem about this potential
transformational F-16 partnership with
India. Those engagements have been
very positive and encouraging. Lockheed
Martin has partnered with India for more
than 25 years and remains committed to
fostering technology development, man-
ufacturing and strategic collaboration.
That strategic partnership is reflected in

our successful joint venture company
with Tata Advanced Systems Limited
(TASL), which manufactures major air-
frame components for the C-130J airlifter
and S-92 helicopter.
What is the status of the proposal with Tata
to produce the F-16 in India and what steps
need to be taken to create fighter class pro-
duction and assembly facilities in India?
Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced
Systems Limited (TASL) signed a letter of
intent to work together on F-16 Block 70
production in India as part of a proposal
to offer the aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
Our partnership with TASL involves
standing up world-class facilities and
capabilities in India, with India, for India.
Such a major undertaking is always done
by steps and we are working closely
with TASL, Indian industry and our US
partners to establish a transformational
F-16 partnership with India. Towards
that goal, TASL and General Electric
(GE) recently announced that they have
begun construction on a new facility in
Hyderabad, India, positioning the two
companies to build engine components
for military and commercial platforms.
What is the status of C-130J deliveries to
the IAF and has there been interest in the C-
130J from other potential operators in India?
The Indian Air Force currently operates
11, C-130J Super Hercules. Five are op-
erated by the No. 77 Squadron (Veiled
Vipers) stationed at Air Force Station Hin-
don. These aircraft were delivered from
2010 through 2011. The remaining six are
operated out of Air Force Station Arjan
Singh by No. 87 Squadron (The Raptors).
These aircraft were delivered in 2017. The
Indian Air Force is on contract to receive
an additional C-130J.
What are the future developments/variants
of the C-130J that could be of interest to In-
dia?
One of the hallmarks of the C-130J Super
Hercules is its unmatched mission versa-
tility, making it one aircraft that can sup-
port 17 different mission requirements
(through production or post-production
modification). These missions include:
personnel recovery, air drop, special ops,
combat delivery, personnel transport,
aerial firefighting, search and rescue,
electronic surveillance communication,
special passenger accommodations,
aeromedical, commercial freight delivery,
gunship, aerial refueling, rapid ground
refueling, intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance, and maritime surveil-
lance. A number of these missions are
“THE F-16 PROVIDES UNMATCHED
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIAN
COMPANIES OF ALL SIZES”
What is the current status of Lockheed
Martin’s offer of the F-16 Block 70 to the
IAF?
We are continuing to engage in discus-
sions between the Government of India
and the US Government regarding the
F-16 Block 70 proposal to India. Those
discussions have been very positive and
we are now awaiting formal require-
ments from the Indian Air Force.
What are the significant differences be-
tween the F-16 Block 70 and Block 50/52?
The F-16 Block 70 being proposed to
India will be the most advanced, most
technologically advanced and capable
F-16 ever produced. The F-16 Block
70 brings the most modern avionics, a
proven AESA radar, a modernised cock-
pit, advanced weapons, longer range
with conformal fuel tanks, auto ground
collision avoidance capability, and an
advanced engine with an extended ser-
vice life.The AESA radar on the F-16
Block 70 is the result of over two decades
of investment, use and experience with
AESA technology, and it’s fully opera-
tional today.
What is the infrastructure that needs to be
set up for a fighter aircraft assembly line
from scratch – in terms of infrastructure
(road/airport), aircraft manufacture (tools/
machinery), flight test (runway, ATC, etc.),
skilled manpower?
F-16 production in India will indeed
require new infrastructure, which sup-
ports ‘Make in India’ from day one. That
new infrastructure includes, for exam-
ple, a runway, a control tower, airspace
for advanced fighter aircraft testing,
hangars and Final Assembly and Check-
out (FACO) manufacturing facilities. A
skilled Indian work force would also be
needed to build and maintain that in-
frastructure, as well as the aircraft them-
selves.
What are the key technologies that LM is
prepared to offer to India for a potential
contract award?
Lockheed Martin does not speak for the
US Government (USG), but levels of the
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
US government have expressed strong
support for the F-16 offer in India. The
US Department of Defense (DoD) has
provided multiple briefings to the Indian
Government demonstrating their sup-
port for an F-16 partnership with India.
The US Office of the Under Secretary
of Defense for Acquisition, Technology,
and Logistics (OUSD AT&L), Interna-
tional Cooperation (IC) Directorate, has
proactively brought together the DoD
and inter-agency communities to sup-
port establishing the release policy for
an F-16 deal. The US Secretary of De-
fense and Secretary of State have also
both clearly and publicly stated their
support for a cooperative Make in India
fighter programme in India. We would
not be proposing what we are if it did not
have the full support of the USG. It is also
important to note that all other western
fighter aircraft platforms currently being
proposed to India include US compo-
nents and technologies that will require
USG approval.
What were the results from the Bengaluru
suppliers meet held before Aero India, how
many vendors have been shortlisted?
We had productive and positive discus-
sions with a number of Indian compa-
nies and we are continuing to engage
with Indian industry about potential
opportunities. The F-16 provides un-
matched opportunities for Indian com-
panies of all sizes, including Micro,
Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
and suppliers throughout India, to es-
tablish new business relationships with
Lockheed Martin and other industry
leaders in the U.S. and around the globe.
Has sale of the AESA radar and other
sensors, advanced air to air weapons
(AMRAAM, Sidewinder, etc) been cleared
to India?
Lockheed Martin does not speak for the
U.S. Government (USG), but levels of the
USG have expressed strong support for
the F-16 offer in India. We are also still
awaiting formal requirements from the
Indian Air Force, which will drive further
government-to-government discussions
73
 INDIA 2018
regarding specific weapons systems and
the transfer of certain technologies.
Will India have the option to integrate
weapons of her choice on F-16s?
We are still awaiting formal require-
ments from the Indian Air Force, which
will drive further government-to-gov-
ernment discussions regarding the in-
tegration of specific weapons systems.
That said, the F-16 is the only aircraft
platform in this competition that can
easily incorporate a variety of weapons
systems, including indigenous, India-
sourced systems. Lockheed Martin has
more than 36 years of weapon integra-
tion experience with the F-16. No other
organisation can match this weapons
integration experience. In concert with
the US Air Force and multiple F-16 For-
eign Military Sales customers, Lockheed
Martin have certified more than 3,300
carriage and release configurations for
greater that 180 weapon and store types.
How many orders does LM have for the
F-16 Block 70 and how long is the produc-
tion line in the USA expected to remain
open?
The US and Bahrain signed a govern-
ment-to-government Letter of Offer
and Acceptance, or LOA, agreement last
November approving the sale of 16 new
production F-16s to Bahrain. In Sep-
tember 2017, the US State Department
approved a proposed (Foreign Military
Sale) programme to upgrade the Bah-
rain Royal Bahraini Air Force’s Block 40
aircraft to the F-16V configuration. We
see F-16 production opportunities to-
taling more than 400 aircraft in Central
Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and
South America. This estimate includes
the potential partnership we are pursu-
ing with India to produce F-16 Block 70
aircraft in India.
What are the challenging issues related to
applicable to those supported by India’s
military operators and we stand ready to
support any airlift mission needs required
by India’s military operators.
Is the Javelin ATGM still on offer for India
and can export clearance be obtained for
license production of Javelin in India under
ToT (Transfer of Technology) clause?
The Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile
(ATGM) remains a viable offer for India.
The Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Joint
Javelin Venture team and the US Gov-
74
DEFEXPO
ToT of critical and proprietary technology
– especially that which is governed by US
Govt rules – to any export customer?
Lockheed Martin does not speak for
the U.S. Government (USG) but we do
not anticipate any challenges regard-
ing future exports. Lockheed Martin has
extensive experience setting up produc-
tion facilities around the world, from
which F-16s have been exported. We
successfully stood up four F-16 Final As-
sembly and Checkout (FACO) facilities in
Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey and Italy.
How does the F-16 compare in terms of
cost of acquisition and operation as com-
pared to its twin-engine competitors?
The success of the F-16—3,000 F-16s fly-
ing today with 25 leading air forces—is a
testament to the cost-effective, combat-
proven capabilities the F-16 delivers.
The single-engine F-16 has a 30-40 per-
cent lower operation and maintenance
cost per flying hour than twin-engine
aircraft in its class, according to figures
published by the Office of the Under Sec-
retary of Defence. Those cost-effective,
combat-proven capabilities are why F-16
production opportunities today total
more than 400 aircraft, including India.
Whether you’re talking about battlefields
or budgets, the F-16 is the clear choice
for India.
Is Lockheed Martin considering any chang-
es to its current proposal for manufacture
of F-16 in India?
Our proposed F-16 partnership with
India stands firm. The F-16 remains the
only aircraft programme in this compe-
tition with the proven performance and
industrial scale to meet India’s opera-
tional needs and ‘Make in India’ priori-
ties. The F-16 Block 70 is an opportunity
for India to redefine its geopolitical,
military and industrial power and rela-
tionships with the U.S. and other leading
nations for generations to come.
ernment (USG) recently responded to a
Request for Information (RFI) from the
Indian Army and Navy for their Anti-Tank
Guided Munition (ATGM) requirements
for Fast Track Procurements. The USG
has confirmed that the ToT and accom-
panying co-production offer provided as
part of the Defence Technology and Trade
Initiative (DTTI) remains an option for
India. We stand ready with our industry
and USG partners to support future dis-
cussions on Javelin procurement for the
GoI and Indian Army and Navy. Javelin is
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
the only shoulder-launched ATGM on the
market with a proven combat record that
has the lethality to destroy all main battle
tanks and achieve fire and forget guid-
ance out to 4 kilometers.
Please update on the manufacture airframe
components for the C-130J airlifter and S-92
helicopter by JV partner TASL?
Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures
Limited (TLMAL) is a joint venture es-
tablished in 2010 between Tata Advanced
Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed
Martin Aeroframe Corporation located
in Hyderabad, India. TLMAL began pro-
ducing C-130J Super Hercules airframe
components in late 2011, TLMAL not
only exemplifies the Government of In-
dia’s ‘Make in India’ objectives, but it has
the distinction of being the single global
source of C-130J empennage assemblies
included on all new Super Hercules air-
craft produced in Marietta, Georgia, in
the US. To date, TLMAL has manufac-
tured more than 55 C-130J empennages.
Empennage assemblies produced by
TLMAL include the aircraft’s horizontal
and vertical stabilizers along with leading
edges and tip assemblies. Since, produc-
tion began in 2010, TASL has delivered
120 cabins to Sikorsky’s S-92 assembly
plant in the United States. Today, produc-
tion of more than 5,000 precision compo-
nents that compose each S-92 cabin is 100
percent indigenous to India — supplied
by a joint venture company called Tata
Sikorsky Aerospace Ltd., also located in
Hyderabad.
Has Lockheed Martin been informed of any
changes to the single-engine fighter deci-
sion?
The Government of India has not yet is-
sued formal requirement, but we are
continuing to support government-to-
government discussions and engage with
Indian companies about F-16 industrial
opportunities.
How does Lockheed Martin intend to move
forward on its partnership with Tata if the
single engine fighter programme falls
through?
We look forward to building on the suc-
cess of our partnerships with Tata on pre-
miere programmes like the C-130J airlifter
and S-92 helicopter, and developing new
relationships with India. Lockheed Mar-
tin has partnered with India for more than
25 years and we’re eager to strengthen and
grow long-term, strategic partnerships to
achieve ‘Make in India’ objectives and
deliver advanced, affordable capabilities
that position India for the future.
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 INDIA 2018
“MIRAGE UPGRADE SERVES STRATEGIC
REQUIREMENTS OF MAKE IN INDIA POLICY”
Thales’ long association with all the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces has seen it
offering the full scope of its defence expertise and experience through several major contracts
with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), says EMMANUEL DE ROQUEFEUIL, VP and Country
Director – India, Thales
What is the update with Thales and its
assistance related to India's Mirage 2000
upgrade?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) relies 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 Mirage
2000 fleet as per the contract.
As a result of the upgrade, the
IAF will have a coherent platform-
system combination for the next
20 years. Its air potential will get
further enhanced by the integration
of new capabilities. These include
longer-range detection across the
entire spectrum, improved tactical
situation awareness, longer-range
weapon firing against multiple
simultaneous targets, weapon
stealth and an extended operating
envelope with the capability to
engage ground targets whilst
countering airborne threats.
This programme serves the
strategic requirements of the
‘Make in India’ policy of the Indian
government.
What is the important equipment that
Thales will be supplying as part of
India's Rafale contract?
Thales provides a number of
state-of-the-art equipment and
systems onboard the Rafale. These
include the provision of RBE2
AESA radar, the Spectra electronic
warfare system, front-sector optronics,
the communication navigation and
identification system (CNI), the majority
of the cockpit display systems, power
76
DEFEXPO
generation systems and a logistics
support component.
Rafale’s export success
demonstrates Thales’ ability, alongside
Dassault Aviation and its partners, to
constantly meet the customer’s highest
expectations through innovation,
mastery of advanced technology and
industrial excellence.
This contract will create hundreds
of jobs on Thales manufacturing sites in
France and India, as well as for numerous
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
partners and sub-contractors.
What are the latest Thales products being
offered to India?
Thales has been present in India since
1953 and offers the full scope of its
defence expertise and experience to all
the three branches of the Indian
Armed Forces. The company has
several major contracts with the
Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD).
For the Indian Navy, these include
Electronic Warfare (EW) systems,
anti-submarine warfare sonar
systems, mine-hunting solutions,
and long-range surveillance radar
while for the Indian Army, Thales
provides thermal imagers and fire
control radars, among others.
For the Indian Air Force,
besides the Rafale contract and
Mirage 2000 upgrade programme,
Thales’s solutions include low level
transportable radars, avionics,
Inertial Navigation and Global
Positioning System (INGPS),
Identification friend or foe (IFF)
and reconnaissance pods for
various military aircraft.
As we move forward, we will
continue to support the Indian
armed forces by providing our
flagship solutions along with
upgraded versions of those
already in service as per their
requirements.
How does Thales plan to further
increase its presence in India related
to its defence products?
The defence sector under the
present government led by Prime
MInister Narendra Modi is poised
for growth under the ‘Make in India’
campaign. The government’s bid to call
on foreign companies to manufacture

in India has provided a great impetus
to the growth of Indian defence sector
and the country is taking steps in the
right direction to evolving into a defence
exporter.
The defence sector contributes
more than half of the turnover Thales
has in India. We are developing local
partnerships and co-developing
products to address the Indian market
as well as export from India. We have
over 50 Indian companies engaged in
our global supply chain. As we move
forward, we will continue to respond
to market requirements, further ramp
up our supply chain, build a strong
ecosystem of partners, and support the
process of transforming India into a
global innovation and manufacturing
hub.
Please elaborate on Thales thermal imagers
that are used by the Indian armed forces
and what are latest developments thereof?
In May 2016, Thales announced the
award of a contract by BELTECH to
provide CATHERINE thermal imaging
cameras for India’s T90 battle tanks.
As part of the contract, Thales is
integrating CATHERINE cameras into
the TI Sights of BELTECH through a
production transfer, thus contributing
to the ‘Make in India’ policy of the
Indian government.
The CATHERINE family is the
most complete range of cameras
available on the world market for target
acquisition and weapon engagements
by land vehicles. Thermal imagers
allow gunners, commanders and land
reconnaissance observers to see by
night and by day in adverse conditions.
More than 7000 CATHERINE cameras
are in service on-board 30 types of
fighting vehicles globally.
The CATHERINE thermal imager
is already in service with the Indian
Army and this order consolidates Thales
leadership in optronic technologies in
India.
Thales remains at the forefront of
supporting its customers everywhere in
their defence modernisation.
Tell us about Thales’ JVs with the Indian
companies?
Thales’ strategy of developing its
industrial footprint in India is in line
with the Indian government’s policy of
‘Make in India’ and of developing the
defence base of the country. With this as
the backdrop, the company has formed
various co-operative partnerships with
public and private sector industries.
Thales has been closely associated
with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for
over 50 years. It also has a strong working
relationship with Bharat Electronics
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
Mirage 2000
Limited (BEL) with whom it has a JV
BEL-Thales Systems Limited (BTSL)
dedicated to civilian and select ground-
based military radars. With BTSL,
Thales is jointly developing the PHAROS
fire control radar for gun and missile
systems that will cater to both domestic
Indian and international markets. The
PHAROS project is on track and has
successfully met the set timelines.
Thales also has JVs with Samtel
and L&T Technology Services in the
fields of military avionics and airborne
sensor systems, and avionics software
respectively.
Please provide an update on the STARStreak
High Velocity missile.
Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited
(BDL) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding during Aero India 2017
to assess the opportunity for the transfer
of technology of the STARStreak missile
capability to India with the support of
the Government of the United Kingdom
(UK).
This common development will
strengthen the cooperation of Thales
and Bharat Dynamics Limited in the
field of very innovative technologies.
Through this MoU, Thales and BDL seek
to jointly offer a ‘Make in India’ solution
to help service growing international
demand for this product.
77
 INDIA 2018
RUSSIA
OFFERS ITS
BEST PATROL
BOATS FOR
INDIA
S
ince 1930, when Vympel
Shipyard JSC, Rybinsk, Russia
started its history and till
nowadays, medium and light
displacement shipbuilding
has been one of the major fields of
its activities. During all stages of its
history, Vympel has been committed to
the principles of definitive reliability,
high quality and will to development.
Due to application of new
technologies and various innovative
78
DEFEXPO
solutions as well as to a tremendous
amount of experience the shipyard
production is well-known both by
national Naval Forces and Coast Guard,
and by foreign navies.
In the challenging operational
conditions faced at sea, naval forces
need reliable, fast and well armed crafts.
Vympel is currently involved in the
process of adoption of new projects and
in the modernization of those which are
already well reputed by customers.
GRACHONOK special operations
craft of project 21980E
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
MANGUST patrol boat
of project 12150
Vympel production range includes
patrol boats project 12150 “MANGUST”
being successfully operated by the
Russian Border Guards. Owing to the
employment of specialized devices
such as the Arneson-type drives
with partially submerged propellers,
this boat possesses high speed,
maneuverability and seaworthiness
characteristics which enable her to
intercept almost any maritime target.
Mangust is a fast skimming boat with
“deep-V” hull form made of aluminum-
magnesium alloy. A significant
distinguishing feature of this project
is that displacing 27.2 tons it achieves
its maximum speed of 53 knots and is
irreplaceable for solving tasks falling
within the scope of duties of maritime
police, customs and during search-
and-rescue operations. The project
is a universal platform which can be
used for diverse modifications of the
boat according the customer’s request.
Owing to the upgrading programme
MANGUST obtained significant
improvement of her combat, tactical,
seaworthy and technical characteristics
and habitability. New capabilities of
upgraded Mangust have opened new
perspectives for this project.
Vympel shipyard also offers
MOLNIYA missile boat project 12418.
The present-day Molniya missile boat
is intended to destroy detachments
of enemy combatant boats and ships
 DEFEXPO

and conduct tactical reconnaissance.
The boat is used to protect the state
border, patrol, ensure navigation safety,
combat piracy and to participate in
rescue operations.
Special operations craft project
21980E GRACHONOK is worth
mentioning due to its unique tactical
and operational characteristics. This
craft is a maneuverable multipurpose
boat. GRACHONOK is an optimum
craft that can carry out counter-terror
and anti-subversive missions and to
provide security at the time of public
events. Displacement of the boat is
138.7 tons; the speed is 23 knots. The
boat is equipped with special diving
equipment for conducting underwater
operations. Special operations craft
project 21980E GRACHONOK can
certainly be mentioned as a specifically
designed boat for solving a vast scope of
security tasks.
A brand-new version of patrol boat
project 1496M1E has been designed by
14.5 mm machine gun can be installed
on the boat.
The boat of this project is intended
to monitor vessels’ compliance with
regulations governing the shipping
conditions within the inner sea waters
and territorial sea, to arrest violating
vessels, including fast-going ships and
boats. Patrol boat project 1496M1E can
also be operated for security service of
arrested vessels at inner and outer roads,
as well as for delivery of inspecting
groups on the arrested vessels. Among
the different applications of the boat
such operations as verification of state
border regime compliance, cargo
shipping, personnel transportation,
port operations and rescue operations
can be mentioned.
Along with the projects of
combatants Vympel produces survey
boats - Large Inshore Survey boat
project 19920E (320t displacement) and
Light Survey Vessel project 19910E (995t
displacement). These are intended to
A brand new version of project
1496M1E patrol boat
Kometa 120M high-speed passenger-carrying
hydrofoil of project 23160
a new area of civil shipbuilding
focus as well as a military branch.
After a pause of almost 20 years in
construction of hydrofoils, Vympel
Shipyard has launched the lead high-
speed passenger-carrying hydrofoil
of project 23160 named Kometa -120М.
The vessel’s service speed is 35 knots.
Roomy passengers’ cabins of business
and economy classes are equipped with
an air-conditioner and aircraft-grade
chairs for 120 passengers. The launching
and consequent serial production
of these new generation vessels at
Vympel Shipyard is a milestone in the
development of domestic shipbuilding.
The above-mentioned ships
fully correspond to latest trends
in shipbuilding, and can enhance
combat capabilities of any country’s
navy many times. They are fitted with
most advanced combat information
management systems. In addition,
all of them possess large upgrading
potentials.
Vympel is interested to participate
in upgrade programmes of regional
navies employing both the whole range
of production and technical capacities
and a huge shipbuilding experience
which the shipyard has gained during
its more than 87 years history.

For more information please visit

www.vympel-rybinsk.ru

Vympel Shipyard’s own design bureau
and has already been constructed and
handed over to the customer. This
vessel displaces about 120 tons, features
the length of 30.6m and a beam of 6.3 m.
Her speed is not less than 18 knots. The
endurance is 10 days, and crew consists
of 5 persons.
The boat is armed with a 12.7 mm
machine gun “KORD”. Also a remote
weapon station “UPRAVA-KORD” with a
perform inshore surveying, buoy laying
as well as maintenance works in the
coastal sea zone. To get all the necessary
navigation and survey information and
for further processing of the latter, there
is an up-to-date survey equipment,
such as a multi-beam echo-sounder,
an integrated navigation system, a side
view towed sonar and a navigation
geodetic system, installed on the boats.
Nowadays Vympel is developing

www.geopolitics.in April 2018

79
 INDIA 2018
“IAI PLANS TO INTRODUCE
ADDITIONAL STATE OF THE ART”
SHALOM REVIVO, VP Marketing- India, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) says, we sell
strategic systems in the field of intelligence, mission aircrafts, radars, air defence systems
and UAV's and therefore we are planning to sell additional systems and introducing additional
state-of-the-art technologies and products for the benefit of our customers
What were the important developments
that took place at IAI in 2017?
IAI was awarded its largest defence
contract of almost $2 billion for
supplying advanced Medium-Range
Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) and
an additional more than $630-million
contract for the supply of Barak-8 Long-
Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
(LRSAM) for some ships of the Indian
Navy as a subcontractor to Dpsu BEL.
What is the progress of the
LRSAM programme with India?
What are the current and future
developments planned for the
Barak-8?
We are very proud to work on the
co-development projects of the
MRSAM/LRSAM air and missile
defence system along with the
DRDO for so many years. As
soon as we are cleared to update
on another milestone or new
development in the project,
we will do so in coordination
with the DRDO and the Indian
defence forces.
Please elaborate on IAI’s history
of supply of defence products to
India?
IAI has always been one of the
main pillars of this cooperation,
delivering advanced defence
systems and cutting-edge tech-
nology for defence, aerospace
and homeland security. IAI's
systems, such as unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAV's), radars,
special-mission aircraft, and
air-defence systems, have been
in use in India for many years
to the utmost satisfaction of our
customers.
80
DEFEXPO
IAI has been working with Indian
defence industries and the armed
forces for the past 25 years, as
part of strategic collaboration in a
variety of fields
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
What are the unique aspects of IAI’s par-
ticipation in the LRSAM deal with India?
LRSAM is an advanced air and missile
defence system, a unique joint develop-
ment of IAI and DRDO in collaboration
with IAI subsidiary ELTA Systems, Rafa-
el Advanced Defence Systems, and vari-
ous Indian companies including Bharat
Electronics Limited (BEL), Larsen and
Toubro, Bharat Dynamics and several
private Indian companies. The con-
tract, to be executed with the Navy, will
be carried out for the first time,
with Indian government compa-
ny BEL, which serves as the main
contractor in the project.
Please elaborate on the progress
made with JV partner Wipro for
manufacture of composite aero
structures in India?
We have been working with sev-
eral Indian companies regarding
the use of composite materials.
Your company has been quite appre-
ciative about Indian Government's
'Make in India' policy. Your tie-up
with a number of Indian companies,
esp., the previous year, is a clear in-
dication in this regard. Can you tell
our readers about your partners in
India and what kind of understand-
ing you share with them?
IAI has been working with Indian
defence industries and the armed
forces for the past 25 years, as
part of strategic collaboration in
a variety of fields. The company
is engaged in collaborations with
many local companies and works
with the defence agencies, the
coastal guard, the navy, the air
force and the army. Our joint de-
velopment projects include the

during the test June 2016
Barak-8 air defence system in its mari-
time and land-based versions, mission
aircrafts, various radar systems and
UAVs. All collaboration agreements are
based on the transfer of technology for
the benefit of local production as part
of the Indian government’s ‘Make in In-
dia’ policy.
Are you still involved with the ‘Integrated
Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveil-
lance System' (IUHDSS), that you deliv-
ered to Indian Navy? If yes, in what way?
Elta Division has successfully supplied
the system to the Indian Navy for three
ports in India.We are in contact with
IAI’s MRSAM missile
the navy for other ports in India as well.
How does IAI plan to meet the require-
ments of Make in India, while at the same
time offering state-of-the-art technology?
Realizing the opportunities and re-
sponsibilities opened by the ‘Make
in India’ policy, IAI is determined to
continue increasing its presence and
cooperation with our Indian partners.
Successful teamwork is a critical as-
pect of this strategic endeavor and IAI
has proven its partnership and support
through decades of cooperation in joint
research, development, integration,
testing to technology and work sharing.
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
IAI-ELTA SIGINT Center
We are expected to expand the collabo-
ration with leading local companies in
integrating strategic state-of-the-art
systems for India’s Ministry of Defence
in various fields, and in accordance
with the ‘Make in India’ policy.
Which are the latest products of IAI that
could be of interest to Indian operators?
We sell strategic systems in the field of
intelligence, mission aircrafts, radars, air
defence systems and UAV's and therefore
we are planning to sale additional sys-
tems and introducing additional state of
the art technologies and products for the
benefit of our customers.
81
 INDIA 2018
GUARDIAN OF THE SEAS
The Indian Navy has accelerated the pace of acquisition of warships, submarines and air assets
but more needs to be done, writes C SANTHOSH
T
he Indian Navy (IN) has the
onerous task of safeguarding
the nation’s maritime
boundaries, 7516 kms of
coastline and 1382 islands.
The Navy is also the only means to
protect India’s maritime trade which
makes up 95 per cent by volume and
68 percent by value. The wide range
of missions to be accomplished has
led to the IN growing into a large and
professional naval arm with modern
warships, submarines and air assets
which are an imperative to maintain a
strong defence posture at sea.
Unfortunately India’s often ad-hoc
defence procurement policies have
meant a defence budget that is now
stretched beyond reason and unable
to cater for a strong and sustained
introduction of new military platforms
82
DEFEXPO
as personnel costs are eating into a
large chunk of the annual allocated
expenditure. The Navy in its recent
reply to the Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Defence has highlighted
the impact of insufficient budgetary
allocations. “The impact of lower
allocations would constrain progress
of infrastructure of new schemes and
ability to conclude contracts. This will
also impact progress of infrastructure
projects and mitigation of shortage
of accommodation. Procurement of
ammunition and spares, serviceability
of ships, submarines and aircraft,
upkeep of ageing infrastructure and
even affect day-to-day running of Navy,
” it said.
The Indian Navy presently has a fleet
of 136 ships and submarines and 219
aircraft. However, a large proportion of
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
Aerial View of INS
Vikramaditya, while,
the Western Fleet
celebrating its
Golden Jubilee
INDIANNAVY
the fleet is either facing obsolescence or
often without vital equipment such as
helicopters, torpedoes, sonars and other
sensors and equipment. With regards
to weapons, the IN is seeking to induct
new 127 mm Medium Calibre Guns
for its ships, Heavy Weight Torpedoes
(HWT) for submarines, Medium Range
Anti-Ship Missiles, Mobile Missile
Coastal Batteries, Short Range Surface
to Air Missiles, Underwater Sensors and
Air Surveillance Radars.
As per a Defence Acquisition
Council (DAC) approval accorded in
2012, the Navy was to grow to 198 ships
and submarines by 2027. The Navy is
facing shortfalls in related to its fleet
of Mine Counter Measure Vessels
(MCMVs), Landing Platform Docks
(LPDs), Survey Vessels and Diving
Support Ships (DSVs). The six MCMVs

in IN service are now over 26 years old.
The IN inducted two Fleet tankers, Two
P17 warships, nuclear submarine INS
Chakra, 10 WJFACs and six FICs in the
11th plan period (2007-2012) and the
pace picked up in the 12th plan period
(2012-17), which saw the addition of the
Aircraft Carrier – INS Vikramaditya,
three P-15A Destroyers, one P-17 Frigate,
Three P-1135.6 Frigates, Four NOPVs,
Three P-28 ASW Corvettes, Two LCU
MK IV, Four WJFACs, One Catamaran
Hull Survey Vessel and One Torpedo
Launched and Recovery Vessel.
A significant event for the Navy
in 2018 is the IN’s Western Fleet
celebrating its Golden Jubilee year in
2018, having been formally constituted
on March 1, 1968. The Western Fleet
is the sword arm of the Navy and
comprises of formidable surface force
with sub-surface and air assets. The
sole operational carrier of the Navy
is with the Western Fleet, which also
deploys destroyers, tankers, patrol
vessels, etc. The Western Fleet has
participated in numerous operations
as part of the Indo-Pak war of 1971,
Operations Cactus, Pawan, Rahat,
Sukoon and Madad.
Underwater offensive
The Indian Navy is currently hard at
work to recapitalise its submarine force
levels which are facing a capability
shortfall with 14 ageing diesel-electric
submarines of various vintages ranging
from 17 to 31 years (some of which
are undergoing or have completed
their Medium Refit Life Certification
(MRLC)). The IN also operates two new
nuclear powered SSNs in INS Chakra
(on lease) and the indigenously built
INS Arihant. The approved force level
for the IN’s submarine fleet stands
at 18 conventional submarines and
six SSNs. The IN’s 30-year submarine
building plan approved by CCS in
1999 will now look to Project 75(I) for
construction of six more submarines
at Indian Shipyards with ToT from a
foreign OEM. DAC approval was first
received in October 2014. The extension
of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for
P75(I) submarines was extended till
February 6, 2018. The case for the new
submarines will be progressed on the
Apprending Pirate Boat
INDIANNAVY
new Strategic Partnership model.
The cutting edge of the IN’s
submarine fleet now comprises the
Naval Group Scorpene Class 2000
tonne conventional-propulsion
submarines acquired from France
which will provide a major increase in
underwater offensive capability. The
third Scorpene class submarine named
'Karanj' was launched by Mazagon
Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
on January 31, 2018 and the shipyard
will undertake construction of three
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
more submarines under Transfer-
of-Technology from Naval Group
(formerly DCNS) of France; completing
the contract for six submarines. The
remaining three submarines are
already under construction at MDL.
The first of Class submarine INS Kalvari,
was commissioned in December 2017,
making it the fifth Scorpene submarine
commissioned in the world as Chile and
Malaysia already have two each. Naval
Group has sold a total of 14 Scorpene
submarines, with India being the
largest customer.
The second submarine ‘Khanderi’
was launched in January 2017 and is
undergoing sea trials. The Scorpene
Class submarines have a crew of eight
officers and 35 sailors. Scorpene
submarines have six weapon-launching
tubes and carry a payload of 18 weapons
(torpedoes, missiles, mines). The
submarines will remain in service with
the Navy for at least 30 years.
In 2014, AoN by the DAC was
accorded for MRLC of six existing Navy
submarines; Sindhukesari, Sindhuraj,
Sindhuratna, Sindhughosh – all
belonging to Russian Kilo Class and
Shishumar, Shankush which belong
to German HDW Type 209 Class. INS
Sindhukesari is undergoing a `1197
crore MRLC at Zvyezdochka shipyard,
Russia. The submarine is expected
to complete the refit and return to
India in October 2018, following which
it will remain in service for at least
another 10 years. The MRLC contract
for INS Sindhuraj at a Russian yard was
concluded in February 2017 and work
commenced on the submarine late last
year. The MRLC of Sindhuratna will
be undertaken by L&T with assistance
of the Russian OEM and was to have
started by the end of last year. L&T and
Russian OEM (Zvyozdochka Shipyard)
have also concluded the contract for
transfer of Principal Refit Technology.
L&T is also slated to undertake the
MRLC of INS Sindhuratna, with refit
work to have commenced by end of last
year. The last Kilo Class submarine of
the IN to receive a refit and upgrade will
be INS Sindhughosh and the work will
be undertaken by an Indian shipyard
in 2020. The HDW Type 209 Class
Shishumar and Shankush submarines
will also receive an MRLC and this will
take place at MDL; Shishumar is slated
to enter refit first followed by Shankush
in 2020/2021.
Champion of indigenisation
The Indian Navy proudly calls itself a
83
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

‘Builders Navy’ and started on its path

to indigenisation with the construction
of small patrol boats many decades
ago. The construction of Leander
Class Frigates by Mazagon Dock and
Shipbuilders Ltd in the late 60’s marked
a major milestone and today the Navy’s
own warship designs built in Indian
shipyards are acknowledged to be on par
with contemporary designs. More than
127 ships have now been indigenously
built as per information provided by
India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) with
more than 40 ships and submarines
currently under construction in Indian
public and private shipyards. As per
the MoD, warships that are being
manufactured Indian Defence Public
Sector Undertaking (DPSU) shipyards
are; Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1
(IAC-1), 4 x P 15B Destroyers, 7 x P 17A
Frigates, 1 x P 28, 5 x Landing Craft
Utility MK IV, 5 x P 75 Submarines. 5 x
Catamaran Hull Survey Vessels are also
being manufactured at DPSU shipyards.
5 x Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) INDIANNAVY
are also being built at private shipyards. Helo Operations onboard INS Trishul
The MoD has also provided Acceptance
of Necessity (AoN) for 53 ships and six
submarines that will be built in Indian New warships P-15B destroyer is still scheduled for
shipyards, these include; 4 x Landing The MoD is expected to soon ink a 2024. All three P15A ships, INS Kolkata,
Platform Dock, 5 x Fleet Support Ships, formal contract for supply of four new INS Kochi and INS Chennai have
6 x Next Generation Missile Vessels, 4 x stealth Frigates for an approximate cost been commissioned in August 2014,
Survey Vessels, 12 x MCMVs, 16 x ASW of `20,000 crore. Two of the warships September 2015 and November 2016,
Shallow Water Craft, 2 x Diving Support will be built at Russia’s Yantar shipyard, respectively. The seven P-17A ships will
Vessels, 4 x Multi-Purpose Vessels. while the remaining two are to be built feature enhanced stealth features and
Each warship is a self-contained at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Yantar greater use of indigenous weapons and
war fighting platform with a large has already supplied the successful sensors and are the follow-on ships of
number of systems and unlike any Project 11356 Frigates or ‘Follow On the P-17 Class. The P-17A ships will be
other military platform, the number Talwar Class’ - INS Teg, INS Tarkash built at MDL (4 nos) & GRSE (3 nos)
of equipment/ systems/ sub-systems/ (both commissioned in 2012) and and the first warships will be delivered
fittings fitted on a ship/ submarine is INS Trikand (commissioned in 2013). starting 2022. GRSE will now deliver the
very large and runs into a few hundreds, Project 11356 Frigates were fitted with fourth and last P 28 warship by the end
making indigenisation a challenge. the supersonic BRAHMOS missile of this year, following commissioning
Greater levels of indigenisation are now system, Shtil Surface to Air missiles of the first three warships, INS Kamorta
taking place on Indian built warships; (SAM), upgraded A190 medium range (August 2014), INS Kadmatt (January
Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) gun, Electro-optical 30 mm Close- 2016) and INS Kiltan (October 2017)
completed the construction of P17 in Weapon System, Anti-Submarine respectively.
Frigates and P15A Destroyers with an weapons such as torpedoes and
import content of 48 per cent and 41 per rockets and an advanced Electronic Aircraft carriers
cent, respectively. However, the follow- Warfare system. The ship displays The IN currently has one operational
on P15B and P17A warships feature an reduced radar, magnetic and acoustic aircraft carrier in the 44,500 tonne
import content of 28 per cent and 25 signatures and is powered by four gas INS Vikramaditya which embarks MiG
per cent. Garden Reach Shipbuilders turbines, making it capable of speeds in 29K carrier borne fighters, Kamov 31,
& Engineers Ltd (GRSE) which is excess of 30 knots. An integrated Kamov Kamov 28, Sea King, ALH-Dhruv and
building four ASW Corvettes (three 31 helicopter is embarked onboard for Chetak helicopters. All future aircraft
ships delivered), eight Landing Craft airborne early warning roles. The Navy carriers of the IN will be built at Indian
Utility Vessels (two ships delivered), was to have also inducted four P-15B shipyards. India’s first indigenously
five Fast Patrol Vessels and three destroyers being built at MDL between built aircraft carrier (Project-71) has
Advanced Stealth Frigates has worked 2018 and 2024. However, the delivery been christened as INS Vikrant. Cochin
to increase the levels of indigenisation of the first three ships of Project 15B Shipyard Limited is undertaking the
on its platforms and in particular the originally scheduled in 2018, 2020 construction of INS Vikrant and the
ASW Corvettes and LCUs now have an and 2022, will now take place in 2021, keel of the ship was laid on February
indigenous content of over 90 per cent. 2022 and 2023. The delivery of the last 28, 2009. The 37,500 tonne Short Take

84 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


off but Assisted Recovery (STOBAR)
layout aircraft carrier will have 1600
personnel aboard and will operate
MiG-29Ks and a future carrier borne
fighter (Boeing F/A 18E/F Super Hornet
or Dassault Rafale M) to be selected
by the IN. As per the MoD, “The IAC-I
project is presently at an advanced
stage of construction with 99 per cent
of the hull work and 60 per cent of the
outfitting having been completed.
Availability of certain critical Aviation
equipment being sourced from Russia
for the project is being expedited.”
The aircraft carrier is now slated to be
delivered to the IN by 2020, marking a
ten year delay from the original delivery
date of December 2010. The original cost
of `3,261 crore has gone up by almost
600 per cent to `1,9341 crore due to
increased equipment costs, including
weapons and sensors, and finalisation
of the Aviation Facilities Complex (AFC)
from generic to specific.
Naval aviation
The IN’s Air Arm is presently
experiencing a resurgence with regards
to its fixed wing fleet which comprises
of MiG-29K’s, Boeing P-8I LRMR
aircraft and HAL built BAE Systems
Hawk Mk132 advanced jet trainers.
This is augmented by Jaguar maritime
strike aircraft fitted with Harpoon anti-
ship missiles and flown by the Indian
Air Force (IAF) in the maritime strike
role. The IN’s rotary wing fleet is now in
serious trouble with a deficiency of 61
integral helicopters on existing ships.
Shipborne helicopters are an extremely
vital capability for large warships as
they play a key role in surveillance and
Stand-off targeting at sea. The case
for 16 (+8) helicopters for the anti-
submarine warfare (ASW) role has
yet to fructify and the IN issued a new
request for information (RFI) for 111
naval utility helicopters (NUH) and 123
naval multi-role helicopters (NMRH) in
August 2017.
The `27,736 crore NUH tender will
be the first contract to be concluded
under the new ‘Strategic Partnership’
model. The last induction of a multi-
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DEFEXPO
role helicopter by the IN took place in
1989, when it received the last Seaking
helicopter. 28 Kamov Ka-28 (ASW) and
KA-31 (Early Warning) helicopters are
also receiving a mid-life upgrade. The
IN is the only operator of the Boeing P-8I
maritime patrol aircraft (8 nos) in the
region. It has ordered four additional
aircraft in July 2016 for delivery between
July 2020 and December 2021. The Navy
also has a fleet of upgraded IL-38SD
maritime patrol aircraft and the smaller
Do-228 aircraft. Navy will also receive
12 Do-228 aircraft for coastal security
missions from HAL between January
2019 to January 2021. Naval Aviation
presently operates a fleet of HAL built
ALH ‘Dhruv’ helicopters, Kamov Ka-
28 and Ka-31 helicopters, Sea King
Mk.42Bs Sikorsky UH 3H helicopters,
and HAL Chetak helicopters. 16 Dhruv
helicopters were ordered in March 2017
and these helicopters are to be delivered
between March 2020 and September
2021. The IN also ordered eight Chetak
helicopters and two spare engines were
ordered in August 2017.
85
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

“MBDA READY TO FULFILL

‘MAKE IN INDIA’ REQUIREMENTS”
LOIC PIEDEVACHE, Country Head-India, MBDA asserts that it has set up an extensive
network of business partners throughout India. This network has been expanding every year,
he said in a conversation with Geopolitics, and it will support all JV initiatives to fulfill the
requirements of ‘Make in India’
What products will you be showcasing at the
upcoming Defexpo? What are your expecta-
tions from the event?
MBDA is looking forward to another very
exciting and fruitful Defexpo, in line with
our longstanding partnership strategy
with India. As you would expect, MBDA
will be exhibiting a full range of our mis-
siles and missile systems portfolio that
could be of interest to India across the
main defence domains: air, land and sea.
This Defexpo will also be particularly
exciting as it will be the first time L&T
MBDA Missile Systems Ltd, the Joint Ven-
ture we formed with Larsen and Toubro
in 2017, will exhibit at Defexpo. On this
stand, the JV will be showcasing a number
of products, including ATGM5 and Exocet
MM 40B3. Drawing on the next genera-
tion technologies of the MMP battlefield
anti-tank weapon that recently entered
into service in France, ATGM5 will be de-
signed and manufactured in India to meet
India’s specific operational requirements.
It will be a true Indian Designed, Devel- ranges, resulting in its all-important ‘No- strike weapon – which would give these,
oped and Manufactured (IDDM) product, Escape Zone’ being several times greater or other, platforms an exceptional ability
involving the transfer of next generation than any other existing or planned BVR to engage massed armoured formations
key technologies to India, boosting the weapons. The Indian Air Force is receiv- or conduct pinpoint attacks in collaterally
Indian defence industry sector. ing this unrivalled system on its new Ra- constrained environments.
In the air domain, MBDA will be ex- fale aircraft, and at Defexpo we will also For ground and naval air defence
hibiting MICA, which is an integral part be showcasing this missile on the Gripen. we are exhibiting our VL MICA and Sea
of the Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000 up- India has also purchased MBDA’s Ceptor systems, which befitting MBDA’s
grade programme and is included in the ASRAAM air dominance weapon for its commonality, adapt and re-use prod-
IAF’s suite of weapons to arm its fleet of New Generation Close Combat Missile uct strategy share many similarities with
Rafale, thereby not only providing opera- programme, and MBDA will be exhibit- the air launched MICA and ASRAAM
tional but also logistics and stock man- ing ASRAAM on both the initial Jaguar weapon systems already operated by
agement advantages with the same weap- platform, as well as on Gripen and Hawk. India – something that can provide fur-
on being fielded across two platforms. We With its large rocket motor, and clean ther logistical advantages to the Indian
will also exhibit our revolutionary ramjet aerodynamic design, ASRAAM has unri- Armed Forces. Both VL MICA and Sea
powered and network-enabled Meteor valled speed and resultant aerodynamic Ceptor are extremely high-performing
beyond visual range air-to-air missile, manoeuvrability and range. ASRAAM air defence systems capable of defeating
which is widely recognised as a game gives it a high kinematic capability that the most challenging of air threats, and
changer for air combat. Key to this is Me- delivers superior end-game performance the two systems principally differ in their
teor’s throttleable ramjet engine, active for within visual range air combat. For launch mechanism. VL MICA utilises a
radar seeker and data link that combine both Hawk and Gripen we will also be traditional ‘hot’ launch, while Sea Ceptor
to provide unmatched end-game speed exhibiting other potential armaments, uses a ‘soft’ launch technology that sees
and manoeuvrability at greatly extended including the high-precision Brimstone the missile ejected vertically into the air

86 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


before the missile’s rocket motor ignites.
MBDA will also exhibit its high-
performing Mistral man portable air
defence system (MANPADS) which has
already performed exceptionally well in
firing evaluation trials for India, more
than meeting what was demanded of the
missile system in mountain, desert and
maritime conditions. As well as the oper-
ational advantages of the Mistral missile,
there are major industrial advantages be-
ing offered if Mistral is selected for India’s
VSHORAD requirement, with the missile
to be fully manufactured in India. As Mis-
tral has already been selected and inte-
grated into the ATAM helicopter launch
system for India helicopters (namely ALH
and LCH), operating Mistral as a MAN-
PADS system offers also major logistics
and stock management advantages.
Last year, MBDA and L&T formed a JV to de-
velop missile systems and supply anti-tank
guided missiles. What has been the prog-
ress of that business? Have you shortlisted
a state in India where you will be setting up
L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd?
Through L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd.,
we are looking to set up a missile systems
plant in India, capable of significant lev-
els of production, not only in terms of
quantity but also regarding technology of
the highest level. The JV has already iden-
tified several concrete projects on which
our teams are working actively. As has
been stated recently in the press by L&T,
the JV is still considering several potential
sites where the plant could be set up.
Talking further about the JV, you have an ad-
vantage in the country as your products are
already in use by the Indian armed forces.
L&T, on the other hand, is an old reliable
Indian company. How are you two going to
leverage each other's capabilities?
There are a wide range of products that
we would like to see included in the range
of activities that could be carried out
by JV. ATGM 5 is definitely one of them.
MBDA and L&T have a very fruitful and
long-standing working relationship. For
example, L&T is already a long-term ma-
jor industrial offset partner. We are very
confident that this co-operation will be
highly successful.
You were holding final cost negotiations with
India for the supply of the Mistral missiles
for Rudra helicopter. How are the negotia-
tions progressing?
For reasons of customer confidentiality,
MBDA does not provide details of any ne-
gotiation taking place. Integration of the
Mistral ATAM launcher was completed
quite some time ago and of course the
next step is to provide the Mistral mis-
siles.
You are also offering Mistral for LCH. What
is the latest on this front?
Mistral is a natural fit for LCH given the
exceptional capabilities of Mistral, and
the fact that Mistral is already set to be
fitted to other Indian helicopter platform
with the ATAM launch system. By operat-
ing a single missile type across multiple
platforms the IAF can benefit from major
logistical, stockpile and supply chain ef-
ficiencies. Integration of ATAM on LCH is
proceeding as per schedule.
Have you made any progress on your offer
of missile mix solution for arming the Hawk,
that is, six Brimstone and two ASRAAMs on
each of the 120 Hawks? IAF is said to have
shown interest in your proposal?
We believe that arming the Hawk is a logi-
cal step for India. And the ASRAAM and
Brimstone together offer a mature and
high-performance weapon suite that,
if fitted to Hawk, could be decisive in a
major conflict. ASRAAM’s capabilities
are well known to the IAF as the missile
is already providing the IAF’s Jaguar fleet
with a step-change in air combat per-
formance, while with Brimstone a single
Hawk could destroy six tanks simulta-
neously. These capabilities mean that
together ASRAAM and Brimstone could
turn Hawk into a major force multiplier
for the Indian Armed Forces in the event
of a major conflict.
You have offered Brimstone to India? In what
ways is it going to enhance the capabilities
of the forces?
Brimstone would provide a major en-
hancement to the strike capabilities of the
Indian Armed Forces. Brimstone is a truly
unique high-precision strike weapon that
is suitable for use both as an anti-armour
weapon in high-intensity conflicts and
for operations against challenging targets
in collaterally constrained environments.
It has a highly advanced dual mode guid-
ance system (semi-active laser/millimet-
ric wave radar) that allows it to engage
fast moving, manoeuvring targets in all
weather conditions, either autonomous-
ly or with operator in the loop control.
Brimstone is the only air-to-ground mis-
sile that has been proven for use from fast
jets, helicopters, unmanned aerial ve-
hicles, land and sea. Brimstone has been
extensively combat proven over 15 years
of non-stop combat operations with the
Royal Air Force – where it has repeatedly
demonstrated its unique capabilities with
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
unerring precision and reliability. Being
only 50kg multiple Brimstones can be
carried by a single platform, providing the
ability to engage large numbers of targets
simultaneously.
The tender for SRSAM was cancelled last
year, and instead, the government decided
to go for the indigenously built Akash sys-
tems. Missile is one sector where Indian in-
dustry seems to have picked up. With Indian
government too encouraging ‘Make in India’,
how are you gearing up for the challenge?
MBDA is the product of the co-operation
of the missile industries of five European
nations working together to develop their
capabilities, and so we are uniquely able
to co-operate with India and understand
its needs and desires for developing its
industry. Given this, it is no surprise we
have a long history of active partnership
with Indian industry, which is evident
through our successful track record in
Indian manufacturing. MBDA is keen to
continue this proud history and in sup-
porting the Make in India initiative, as ev-
idenced by initiatives like our JV with L&T.
Please provide an update on your current
projects with DRDO? Are you still working
with DRDO on SRSAM?
We are engaged with the DRDO on a
number of projects and initiatives. For
SRSAM, we understand that the Indian
Air Force and Army will fulfill their SRS-
AM requirement with Akash, while the
Navy will fulfill its SRSAM requirement
through an international competition, in
which we will offer our VL MICA and Sea
Ceptor systems. Of course we would also
be happy to update our original SRSAM
offer if requested by the Indian MOD or
DRDO.
Last year, in an interview with Geopolitics,
you said that the company’s strategy in
India was strongly focused on long-term
partnership, technology transfer and 'Make
in India'. While your deal with L&T grabbed
headlines in the previous year, which other
Indian companies have you partnered with
or are planning to partner with to achieve
your objectives?
We are in on-going dialogue with a large
number of Indian enterprises over part-
nerships on missile technologies that
would support the Make in India pro-
gramme. We have set up an extensive net-
work of business partners throughout In-
dia, and this network is increasing year on
year. This extensive Indian supply chain
will be able to support our JV initiatives
and we are ready to fulfill ‘Make in India’
requirements through this JV.
87
 INDIA 2018
ARMY’S AID TO THE RAILWAYS
RAISES MANY EYEBROWS
In a recent talk, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat revealed that a major part of the army's
budget was being utilised in developing infrastructure, schools and hospitals in remote areas
of the country. But, does not this undue involvement in non-military tasks, leading to loss of
training time and impeding operational preparedness, adversely affect the army’s combat
effectiveness? MRINAL SUMAN attempts an answer
S
eptember 29, 2017 will long be
remembered for the tragic death
of 23 people in a stampede on a
narrow foot-over-bridge (FoB)
connecting Elphinstone Road
and Parel suburban railway stations in
Mumbai. Consequent to the national
outrage, the railway authorities woke
up to the requirement of having newer
FoBs at several suburban stations with
wider pathway to handle large rush-
hour crowds. Three stations (Elphinstone
Road-Parel, Currey Road and Ambivali
Road) were identified to be in immediate
need of FoBs.
As time was of the essence, the
Railway Minister wanted the said FoBs
to be built expeditiously. The railway
engineers wanted more time. Hence,
a request was made to the defence
ministry. As is its wont, the army never
shies away from challenges, especially
when the well-being of the countrymen
is impacted. Although the army possesses
no expertise in such civil works and
the construction had to be carried out
without disrupting movement of the
suburban trains, the onerous task was
readily undertaken by the elite Bombay
Sappers located at Pune.
Although plans for FoB at the
Elphinstone Road station were approved
in 2015, it was only the September
tragedy that galvanised the somnolent
engineering department to initiate call for
bids. Therefore, many felt that it was the
disappointment of the Railway Minister
Piyush Goyal with his own ministry’s
functioning that forced him to make such
a request to the defence ministry. Worse,
failure of the railway engineers to accept
the challenging time-bound assignment
88
DEFEXPO
is seen by many to be indicative of their
lack of self-confidence.
As expected, a major row broke out.
Political parties were quick to jump into
the fray to fault the government. Punjab
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted,
“The army’s job is to train for war, not
to be used for civilian works... It will set
a very bad precedent.” Former Jammu &
Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
commented, “The army was to be a
measure of last resort to be called upon
in extreme emergency. Now it seems like
it’s the 1st number on the speed dial.”
For asking the army to construct
FoBs, the government has been faulted
on two counts – one, misusing the army
for civilian tasks, and two, for showing
lack of confidence in the concerned
civilian agency (railways). Similar
questions were raised when the army
was tasked to construct a foot bridge at the following three broad heads:
the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during the a) Military Tasks: In addition to
Commonwealth Games at Delhi in 2010. defending the nation against external
The need arose as the under-construction threats, it is also called upon to counter
bridge collapsed a few days before the insurgent movements that pose grave
start of the games. The army completed internal threat. Whereas insurgency is
the task in five days. a socio-political problem, an effective
counter-insurgency operation has to
Army’s role and responsibility be based on an integrated politico-
Most social scientists consider the army military approach. In order to create
to be the nerve centre of the state, being conducive environment for the
the most ancient, vital and hierarchy initiation of the political process, the
based of all human organisations. In fact, army has to bring the level of violence
it is considered to be the embodiment of down to the expedient level.
a nation’s conscience and will. It is the b) Aid to Civil Authority: Aid to civil
most potent instrument available to the authority is mandated by law. Under
state to safeguard national security. It Para 301 of the Defence Services
cannot fail the nation. Therefore, its role Regulations, the tasks that can be
assignment deserves in-depth appraisal assigned in aid to civil authority
and due deliberation. Indian army’s include maintenance of law and
responsibilities can be grouped under order; maintenance of essential
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in

The Bombay Sappers completed the canopy work of the Elphinstone Bridge, which has recently opened in Mumbai
services; assistance during natural
calamities such as earthquakes
and floods; and any other type of
assistance which may be needed
by the civil authorities. As can be
seen, the last one is an open ended
provision. It must be mentioned here
that when called upon to aid the civil
authority, the army has to respond; it
has no discretion in the matter.
c) Civic Action Tasks: These are tasks
that the army undertakes in the larger
national interests. They encompass
all activities performed by the army
for the socio-economic betterment
of the people and to help improve
its image. In areas where civil
institutions are non-functional, the
army runs schools, provides basic
medical cover, runs water supply
schemes, constructs play grounds
and provides vocational training to
the local youth. These activities are
collectively referred to as civic action
programmes.
Quite understandably, role-
assignment under aid to civil authority
is country specific as every country has
to countenance dissimilar geo-political-
strategic environment. For example, in
the developing countries, aid to civil
authority in the maintenance of law
and order is by far the commonest and
most critical assignment. After centuries
of deprivation and exploitation,
disadvantaged segments of the society
agitate for an equitable distribution of
resources. Every agitation inevitably
results in violence and the army is
summoned to help maintain order.
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DEFEXPO
Further, there are certain services
whose efficient and uninterrupted
functioning is necessary for the nation
and the society at large. The army with
its large pool of highly disciplined and
trained manpower is often summoned
to run these essential services in times
of their break-down. Assistance during
disasters and natural calamities is
another common form of aid to civil
authority. Every earthquake or flood sees
army soldiers carrying out rescue and
rehabilitation tasks.
In addition to the above clearly
delineated responsibilities, there are
numerous other fields in which the
army participates for the good of the
country. For example, construction of
pontoon bridges to facilitate movement
of pilgrims during Kumbh Melas is a
89
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

regular task undertaken by the army.
Such assignments can either be assigned
to the army by the government or can be
initiated by the local army formations of
their own volition for the benefit of the
citizens at large. Such participation often
extends to non-traditional areas where
in the army acts as a nation builder;
a modernising force; and an agent of
order, efficiency and social change. These
activities are commonly grouped under
the concept of military civic action.
the first time and admitted that they
had never been exposed to such a work
culture ever before. Thus, civic action
helps improve the standing of the army
with the population.
On the other hand, many purists
feel that the army should concentrate
only on its primary task and not divert
attention and resources to non-military
assignments. They cite four reasons for
their opposition. One, bringing in the
army to carry out civilian jobs amounts
training time, impeding operational
preparedness and adversely affecting
army’s combat effectiveness. Such
duties can also prove taxing to a soldier
psychologically. Frequent switching
of roles can dilute a soldier’s focus on
his primary task. Four, it can also have
an undesirable affect on the apolitical
nature of the army, which may start
entertaining ideas of a permanent role
for itself in civilian functions. It is more
applicable to those countries where the

Appraisal of military-civic action

Military-civic action entails employment
of army on projects useful to the local
population at multiple levels in such
fields as education, training, public
works, agriculture, transportation,
infrastructure, communications, health
and sanitation. In fact, the list includes all
programmes that contribute to economic
and social development.
As the traditional role of the army
continues to be the security of the
country, impact of the role expansion
on its professionalism has been the
subject of much debate for long amongst
the policy makers, political scientists,
sociologists and military leaders.
Advocates of military-civic action
are convinced that the army possesses
considerable spare potential, which
when suitably harnessed in peace, can
accelerate the process of economic
development and modernisation of the
country. They feel that through civic
action, the army acts as an agent of social
integration. Professor Edward Shils is
of the view that the military serves to The Foot-over-Bridge at Elphinstone that was built by the army
integrate ethnic groups into a national
community, widen horizons beyond
villages and locality, keep young men to an admission of the failure of the civilian administration has yet to acquire
from being infected by nationalistic state and the civil set-up. It shows the the necessary maturity.
demagogy and give then a greater replaced civil agencies in poor light, It is apparent from the above that
concern for the nation as a whole. thereby lowering their public standing both schools of thought reflect extreme
According to sociologist Morris Janowitz, and morale. In the case of FoBs, they viewpoints, probably due to the
military becomes a device for developing draw attention to the fact that questions influences exerted by different politico-
a sense of national cohesion – a social are being raised about the competence of socio-military environment. Arguments
psychological element of national unity the railway engineering department. in favour of civic action are as potent
– which is especially crucial for a Two, excessive dependence on and cogent as those against. Where do
nation which has suffered because of the army can breed a certain degree we draw the line? One thing is certain,
colonialism. of complacency in the civil agencies. military civic action cannot be faulted
In addition, civic action is considered Requisitioning army provides them as a concept. For, it has always proved
to be an indispensable means of bringing an easy way out. Instead of preparing highly effective whenever undertaken
the soldiers and the citizens together. themselves to undertake major with due diligence, maintaining balance
They get to know each other better. challenges that their charter of duties within acceptable limits as excessive use
Contact with the army promotes cohesion throws up, they tend to resort to the can prove detrimental.
in the society. There are numerous easier path of summoning army’s help for In view of the above, it can be inferred
posts on the social media eulogising less-demanding tasks as well. Today, the that Indian army should continue to
the dedication and commitment of the army is called even to rescue a child stuck participate in well-selected civic action
soldiers, as witnessed by them at the in an open tube-well bore. activities, albeit with two provisos. One,
FoBs. Most Mumbai citizens saw the Three, undue involvement in non- only the effort that the army can spare
soldiers working at close quarters for military tasks may result in the loss of without affecting its operational efficiency

90 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in


should be diverted towards civic action
tasks. For that, the army’s opinion must
be taken. In other words, nothing should
be done to dilute army’s focus on the
primary task of national defence.
Two, selection of civic action
programmes should be such that they do
not undermine the civil administration
– civic action should supplement the
efforts of civil agencies and not attempt
to replace them. The army’s entry should
not be seen as a failure of the civil
Army personnel help find victims during the Nepal earthquake
agencies to do their job. The army can
perform a task for a limited time only and
thereafter the civil agencies will have to
resume their responsibilities. Hence, civic
action should not make them lose their
credibility and standing in the eyes of the
public. That shall do incalculable harm to
the authority of the civil administration.
Way forward
There is no disputing the fact that the
primary raison d’être for the existence
of the army is to ensure national
defence against external threats and
internal disturbances. Role-expansion
should never be at the cost of the
‘professionalism’. However, an army
is also an embodiment of a nation’s
conscience and will. Being a part of the
apparatus of the legitimate government,
military owes allegiance to the people
of the country. In the case of developing
countries, armies are more often called
upon to act as a major catalyst in
nation building tasks to accelerate the
process of economic development and
modernisation.
In a recent talk, Army Chief General
Bipin Rawat revealed that a major part of
the army's budget was being utilised in
developing infrastructure, schools and
hospitals in remote areas of the country.
In fact, civic action has always been an
integral part of Indian army’s functioning,
MOD
aimed at winning the hearts and minds
of the populace, especially in the regions
affected by social discontentment
and upheaval. Effective use is being
made of civic action as a tool to curb
estrangement of the fringe elements with
the government.
The government’s decision to ask
the army to construct FoBs in a crisis
situation cannot be faulted. However, it
must remain a one-off engagement; more
the exception than the rule.
Finally, a note of caution: Civic action
should aim to supplement the efforts of
the civil authority and not replace it.
Equally important, the primary role of
the army must remain undiluted. Being
the last bastion of national defence, the
army cannot fail the nation. As warned
by Hugh Hanning, “Civic action must
not be construed as substitution of
warfare by welfare.”
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Foot-Over-Bridges at Mumbai
I
n the wake of the public outrage at
the tragedy of September 29, 2017,
the Railways sought the help of the
army engineers for expeditious con-
struction of three F-o-Bs at Elphin-
stone Road, Currey Road and Ambiv-
ali Road railway stations in Mumbai.
It was an unprecedented request but
the army never shies away from the
challenges, especially when the well-
being of the countrymen is affected.
The task was assigned to the legend-
ary Bombay Sappers, located at Pune.
The task entailed site reconnais-
sance, soil testing; development
of structural plan and drawings;
pile foundation and cap construc-
tion; erection of piers; construc-
tion and placement of bridges;
and building of landing platforms,
stair case, canopy and protective
wire mesh. As the time was of es-
sence, systems approach was fol-
lowed and multiple activities were
carried out simultaneously. Working
closely with the railway authorities,
issues affecting safety of commut-
ers, regular running of trains and site
imperatives were speedily resolved.
Commencing the work effectively
on November 24, 2017, the army en-
gineers completed all the three FoBs
in a total period of 117 days. Whereas
FoB at Elphinstone Road is 240 feet
long, FoB at Curry Road is 100 feet
and the one at Ambivali Road has a
span of 60 feet. All FoBs were opened
for public use on 27 February 2018.
(The author is a retired Major General.
He commanded an Engineer Regiment
in the Siachen Glacier area and was also
Task Force Commander at Pokharan
for designing and sinking shafts for the
nuclear tests. He heads Defence Technical
Assessment and Advisory Service of CII)
91
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

“AL-31FP’S LICENSED PRODUCTION HAS

BEEN MASTERED BY INDIAN PARTNERS”
EVGENY SEMIVELICHENKO, Managing Director, Public Joint Stock Company UEC-Ufa Engine
Industrial Association points out that all phases of the AL-31FP’s licensed production have
been mastered by the Indian partners (including phase V, when the customer receives only
raw materials and manufactures engines from them)

What is status of the ongoing delivery of

the AL-31FP engine to India and what does
manufacture of the engine from the raw
material phase entail?
The programme of the licensed
production of the Russian AL-31FP
engines (power Su-30MKI multirole
fighters) at the Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) division in Koraput
is being successfully implemented
in accordance with the contracts
concluded earlier by Rosoboronexport.
It can be considered as a primary
example of the successful ‘Make in
India’ international project. AL-31FP
engines are being manufactured from
raw-material stage and assembled
at HAL engine division in Koraput
(Odisha) from the kits delivered by the
Ufa-based UEC-UMPO (producer of AL-
31FP, part of UEC) production company
in different stages of readiness.
The Indian side had conducted
the lengthy tests of the engines,
thereby confirming the readiness of its
production facilities for a full cycle of
producing and testing AL-3FP engines.
Presently, all phases of the AL-31FP’s
licensed production are mastered by
the Indian partners (including phase
V, when the customer receives only raw
materials and manufactures engines
from them).
UEC also continues to work on
delivering the necessary spare parts for
AL-31FP engines, as well as on assisting
in repairing the IAF’s engines. The
exploitation is monitored by the special
guarantee brigade.
In 2013-2014 UEC in cooperation
with the Indian side has put into
practice a set of arrangements aimed at
enhancing the exploitation reliability of
AL-31FP engines. Presently, all engines

92 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in

 DEFEXPO

for IAF are being manufactured with

account of these amendments. All the
questions concerning the operation of
AL-31FP engines are being regularly
discussed in the framework of the
trilateral conference (Russia, IAF, HAL).
Also should be noted that the India-
Russia Intergovernmental Commission
on Military-Technical Cooperation has
an aviation subgroup for which aero-
engine experts from UEC and the OEMs
actively participate.
HAL in the framework of
Rosoboronexport’s contract with
the comprehensive help of UEC has
completely mastered the capital
overhaul of AL-31FP engines and its
aggregates in India, which is currently
being implemented in Koraput Divison
of HAL.

The UEC-UMPO (Ufa engine-building

production association) specialists’ work
in India?
The history of UEC-UMPO’s
cooperation with India counts more
than 50 years. It started with the
deliveries of engines for MiG-21 and
MiG-27 combat jets, and providing help
in organising their serial production UEC-UMPO production and testing process
under license.
Since 2005, about 130 UEC-UMPO received the official gratitude from HAL turbojet by-pass engine of modular
specialists were deputed to India. They for their contribution to mastering the design. A specific feature of AL-31FP
conducted the training of their Indian production of engines. Some UMPO is an axi-symmetric vectoring nozzle
colleagues, shared their experience specialists were awarded orders, medals with a thrust vector angle of ±15° in
in mastering various engine-related and certificates. Alexander Permyakov, the vertical plane providing super
operations and participated in the
testing of AL-31FP. Russian specialists
are continuing to provide assistance
by consulting the Indian side regarding
any questions arising.
It is also worthy to point out at the
humanitarian dimension of the lengthy
cooperation. Despite the language
barrier and certain cultural differences
the cooperation between the Russian
and Indian specialists has rapidly
evolved into a strong and exceptionally
trusted one. Gradually they learned the
languages of each other, got acquainted
with the customs and traditions.
Russian specialists have managed to
teach their counterparts to all the ins
and outs of the engine programme, and
today they always tend to underline the AL-31FP
highest skill of their colleagues from
India. Director of license programmes, maneuverability of the aircraft. The
The elements of the Indian culture UEC-UMPO, and UEC-UMPO test vectoring nozzle control is integrated
have been brought to many the kitchens engineer Vladimir Yudin (1953- with the engine control system. AL-
of many families of UEC-UMPO cadres 2016) were also awarded the Order of 31FP engines ensure stable operation in
– rice with curry among them. Friendship of People. all available evolutions of the aircraft in
Many UEC-UMPO cadres have AL-31FP is a high temperature super maneuverability modes.

www.geopolitics.in April 2018

93
 INDIA 2018
“THE FUTURE PLAN FOR GROWTH
IS TO ABSORB MORE ORDERS”
ARAVIND MELLIGERI, Chairman & CEO, and RAJEEV KAUL, Group CFO & Managing Director,
Aequs (India) are optimistic about the future plans of Aequs. They said that the company was
planning to absorb more orders, both in terms of volume and diversity
ARAVIND MELLIGERI
What were the activities undertaken by
Aequs in 2017 and important developments?
Year 2017 saw many milestones such
as becoming the tier I supplier to
Boeing for critical components. We
also inaugurated the country’s only
Aerospace FTWZ along with material
distribution center (contract with
AMS). Our Forging and Heat Treatment
facility (SQuAD) got approved from
Safran. Aequs’ Assembly unit (AAI)
produced and dispatched successfully,
the first Door Plug assembly for Airbus
321 NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft,
bagging the title of first Indian private
company to work on door packages.
Additionally, Aequs also bagged Airbus
D2P (Detail Parts Partner) Award 2017,
consecutively for the second year.
94
DEFEXPO
RAJEEV KAUL
What steps are being taken to ensure
continued growth in the aerospace business?
Our investments have been deployed
since 2009 till 2015 to establish a
platform which can absorb a high
level of work packages globally. OEM’s
and customers have been consistently
looking at large transitions and big
growth. Thus, we need to grow to
a much higher level to absorb and
demonstrate such work packages and
invest accordingly.
Keeping the core as Machining,
we also partner with other players to
become a global player. Aerospace
manufacturing is very different from
automotive. It involves an entirely
different mindset where cost structures
are very different, we are dealing with
April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
Aequs has defined the core
in ‘Machining’. Globally it’s
a $20bn machining industry.
Right now, it could be in the top
30 ranking in the machining
suppliers globally
imported material for which processing
doesn’t exist here. Thus, there is a dearth
of supply chain. We need to look at all
possible avenues of supply chain- one
of them what we did was the JV route.
It was a necessity to finish the part in
country and increase the in-country
value add. Earlier we were doing 20 per
cent ~ 30 per cent in-country values
which have gone up to 80 per cent ~ 90
per cent in some parts. On hindsight,
when we increase the in-country value
add, we control the supply chain,
thereby we are able to give more value
to our customers. In Aequs, our single-
minded focus is on value addition.
How have the acquisitions of US-based T&K
Technologies and French company Sira SAS
helped?
We have defined our core in ‘Machining’.
Globally it’s a $20bn machining
industry. Right now, we could be in
the top 30 ranking in the machining
suppliers globally.
In machining we are just scratching
the surface. And, there lies a huge
opportunity for scalability. Our core
customers want us to scale and deliver
what is required. We need to bring in
more capabilities. We did a vertical
integration through JVs and acquisition

to bring more value stream to the
ecosystem. So, we went for forging,
surface treatment, assembly, etc. all
under a single location to deliver more
value to our customers. We acquired
companies in North America and
France to bring efficient capabilities like
landing gear and engine components.
India, as a country builds so little of
aero engine components because of
its higher-level of complexity, surface
treatment requirements, etc. Thus,
without establishing a higher-level
supply chain efficiency worked out, it
is impossible. These acquisitions have
primarily enabled us to bring in the
technology and expertise that western
manufacturing firms had and replicate
it in India with higher volumes and
lower costs.
What is the progress of Aequs’s defence
facility in Goa announced at Aero India
2017?
It is scheduled to operationalise in 2019.
What is being done to ensure that the spare
capacity at the SEZ in Belgaum is utilised?
Every year approximately 200,000 to
300,000 sq ft of manufacturing space
is being added up in our SEZ in India
to catch up with the growing demand.
Our fast-paced industrialization
ensured the 25K sq ft of Material
Distribution center and country’s first
FTWZ for Aerospace operationalize.
Mega projects like FMS (Flexible
Manufacturing System) cell and one of
the largest building complex within SEZ
till date to house material storage and
FG warehouse is nearing completion.
Last year, we got the approval to
host IT and ITES companies to set
up their operations in Aequs SEZ.
We are awaiting the right partners
to sign contracts. We also encourage
manufacturers who may not necessarily
be in the aerospace business to make
use of the capacity at SEZ.
Please elaborate on the work done by Aequs
for Airbus, Boeing and Saab?
For Airbus, Aequs was awarded an
order, for machining of over 100,000
titanium machined parts for the
A320neo programme over a period of
five years. For Boeing, Aequs is involved
in machining of Fokker Long-bed
parts for Chinook Helicopter project.
Aequs has a joint-venture with Saab
through which Aequs provides sub-
assemblies for commercial aircrafts to
aerospace majors. They have ongoing
programmes for Airbus A380, Airbus 321
Neo and Airbus A330 Neo. Apart from
these, Aequs also provides nose-cone
assemblies for the PSLV programme
(ISRO).
What do you think needs to be done to
facilitate easier access to low cost capital
for long term projects which are the norm in
the aerospace industry?
Aerospace manufacturing is a high
capital intensive industry with longer
investment cycles and gestation
period. These factors often make it a
challenging to access low cost capital
for projects. There are a number of
measures which can ease this process.
There should be a distinct body set up
to evaluate projects separately with
respect to this industry. The rating
agencies too should be engaged and
their help taken in this regard. Policy
Aequs, with a presence in France
and US, has brought highly-
experienced instructors to teach
about every aspect of aerospace
manufacturing
measures should be implemented which
facilitate the availability of liquidity
from banks. Aerospace manufacturers
should also explore avenues to work
with Exim banks of countries from
which machines are imported on lower
rates of interest through MoU between
the respective governments. Overall,
there needs to be a policy adaptation to
create an investment vehicle which can
help get access to funds and technology
easily.
What is needed to ensure greater availability
of skilled workforce for aerospace
manufacturing?
Aequs SEZ has been one of the pioneers
in skill development and attracting
talent and continues to drive the
thought of establishing an inclusive
workspace across industries. With
in-house AKC (Aerospace Knowledge
Centre), Aequs envisions to educate
freshers and employees in the skills that
precision aerospace manufacturing
needs. It is a niche skill that holds high
value and is not traditionally available
www.geopolitics.in April 2018
DEFEXPO
in India. Belagavi has a large number
of engineering colleges but due to lack
of technical expertise in the subject,
the learning remains limited. We
are actively collaborating with the
technical institutes in the region to
induct Aerospace engineering and
train young people. Aequs, with a
presence in France and US, has brought
highly-experienced instructors to
teach about every aspect of aerospace
manufacturing. They also provide
counselling to students in colleges
in Belagavi as it is among the most
preferred fields in engineering. Aequs
is the largest employer in Belagavi
and provides employment to Belagavi’
s floating population as well. Aequs
would continue bringing in new
capabilities in its ecosystem, thereby
transforming Belagavi into aerospace
and manufacturing hub.
A multi-pronged approach is
necessary to address the issues relating
to skills in aerospace manufacturing.
To begin with, the curriculum in
institutes of higher education should
be updated and made relevant keeping
in mind the promise that this sunrise
sector holds. Additionally, there needs
to be structural change in the way
aerospace manufacturing is carried
out in India. The need of the hour is
an ecosystem mentality where all or
multiple stages of the supply chain
are addressed. If players reorganise
themselves with such a mindset, they
can complement and supplement one
another’s businesses. The creation of
ecosystems can ensure that there is a
readily available workforce which can
be reskilled to perform different tasks
in and around the same location or
cluster.
Where does Aequs hope to be by 2020?
We are a $100 million company in
aerospace today. The goal is to touch
$300 million by 2022. It will require
investment, yes, but even more
expansion. Customers have a huge
appetite and if we can absorb their
orders, they will gladly place more.
The future plan for growth is to absorb
more orders, both in terms of volume
and diversity. First, we need to build
comfort and confidence with the
customers that our ecosystem is able to
absorb and deliver large packages on a
detailed part level. The first five years
were focused on building a sustainable,
profitable and globally competitive
platform. It took time, we have built a
legacy for the next level.
95
 INDIA 2018 DEFEXPO

G O UR HE ROES
HON O U R I N
ted Gallantry
a, R am N at h Kovind, presen
Indi ns at the Defen
ce
The President of Se rvice Decoratio
he d
Awards and D is tin gu is on Mar 27,
ch
y he ld at R as htrapati Bhavan
on 17
Investiture Cerem aurya Chakra –
ha kr a – 3 [P os thumous-1], Sh . Am ong
2018 (Kir ti C SM-24)
SM -1 4, , U YSM- 2 and AV
[Posthumous -
5], PV esid t
en
th e oc ca si on were the Vice Pr
esent on ter for Defence
.
the dignitaries pr In di a and Union Minis
Min is te r of
of India, Prime G S Rawat.
v Karmakar and
an Photos: Soura
Rashtrapati Bhav

96 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in

 DEFEXPO

www.geopolitics.in April 2018

97
 RIGHT ANGLE
BECOMING A GLOBAL HUB OF ARMS
I
n his candid interview to this issue of the magazine, DRDO
Chairman, Dr S Christopher, highlighted the importance of
quality scientific and technological manpower for making
the “Make in India” theme a success story. After all, you need
quality people to do quality research to produce quality technol-
ogy to make quality products. I have used the word “products” in
lieu of “arms” or “weapons” deliberately, because quality research
and quality technology result in ideas and products that can be
used for both civil and military purposes. There are numerous ex-
amples of how defence sector research and development (R&D)
has benefitted humanity at large. Computers, Internet, GPS, Re-
frigerator, Digital Camera, Microwave oven, Sunglasses, Nylon
and Synthetics, Canned Food, Jeep, Wristwatch – all began as
military products before entering the consumer market. And this
list is only suggestive, not illustrative. Several military technolo-
gies have also been used in the field of medicine (Penicillin is the
biggest example) and energy generation too.
Does India have enough quality scientific/technological
manpower to develop its industrial base, particularly
when its very best prefer to migrate abroad year after
year? While it will be very difficult to get an objective
answer to this question, the fact, however, remains
that we do not spend enough on R&D to retain or at-
tract the best talents enough. Going by the Economic
Survey for financial year 2017-18, India’s investment
in R&D is woefully short when compared to other na-
tions. It is about 0.8 per cent of the India’s GDP (gross Prakash
domestic product) and the country has only 156 re-
searchers per million of the population (as against
China’s 1,113 researchers per million of the population). What is
significant to note here is that India’s spending on research and
development as a percentage of the GDP has, in fact, come down
a bit against a rising per capita income in recent years.
In comparison, the United States spends 2.8 per cent of its
GDP on R&D. The corresponding figures for other leading coun-
tries are: China – 2.1 per cent, Japan - 3.4 per cent, Germany 2.9
per cent, South Korea – 4.2 per cent, and France – 2.3 per cent.
Israel outspends all at 4.8 per cent of its GDP on R&D; it has also
4,231 researchers per million of the population.
Besides, compared to other countries, the contribution of the
private sector in India’s R&D sector is almost negligible. In India,
the government is the primary source of R&D funding. The Eco-
nomic Survey has quoted Forbes magazine to say that “there are
26 Indian companies in the list of the top 2,500 global R&D spend-
ers compared to 301 Chinese companies. 19 (of these 26) firms
are in just three sectors - pharmaceuticals, automobiles and soft-
ware.” And as regards government investments in R&D, the Survey
points out that about three-fifths of them are spread over the key
government science funding agencies like Atomic Energy, Space,
Earth Sciences, Science and Technology and Biotechnology.
Given this low-base of total money allocated to R&D overall,
one can imagine how scanty the funds are to finance research in
defence-related fields in the country. Of the available funds for
this purpose, it is obvious that the bulk goes to the DRDO labs,
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL). According to a study, “the total spending by princi-
pal government agencies — which includes DRDO which gets the
most money, along with departments of space and atomic energy
— grew only 25 per cent in five years, from `273 billion on 2010-11
to `350 billion in 2014-15.”
Of course, the latest budgetary outlays for Defence Research
and Development in the year 2018-19 have been increased by al-
98 April 2018 www.geopolitics.in
most 29 per cent over the Budget Estimate (BE) of 2017-18, some-
thing that has gladdened the hearts of the defence personnel. In
fact, Dr. Christopher is happy that the DRDO’s overall budget has
gone up by `2000 crore. Surely, this is a welcome step towards a
sound defence R&D base. But the base needs additional strength,
and that will come only through the projects undertaken in col-
laboration with the private sector under the rubric of the Defence
Technology Fund as a part of the larger objective of promoting
Make in India in defence.
One understands why private investment in defence R&D is
very low. All said, the private domestic defence industry is at a na-
scent stage, partly because policies and procedures hitherto were
not encouraging enough for it to participate in defence produc-
tion. Things, however, have changed in the last four years. Under
the new procurement category “Buy (IDDM) - Indigenously De-
signed, Developed and Manufactured” has been given priority
over “Buy (Global)”. “Make Procedure” has been further expanded
to Make - I (Government Funded), Make - II (Industry Funded)
and Make - III (MSME Funded). A new policy on “Stra-
tegic Partnership Model” has been introduced to pro-
mote private sector participation in the defence sec-
tor. In fact, a substantial number of tier 1, tier 2, tier
3 companies and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
(MSME) are being encouraged at different levels of
manufacturing. Most importantly, leading foreign
arms companies are now allowed to co-partner with
Nanda Indian companies in the field of research, innovation
and production. This explains why now many foreign
companies such as Airbus, Boeing, Snecma, Textron,
Honeywell, Rockwell and GE Aviation have established their glob-
al R&D centres in India.
All this leads to a very critical query: What should the prior-
ity areas be in defence R&D? Every country has its own, depend-
ing on its threat-perceptions, aspirations to be a global power and
the realistic capabilities. So, we cannot follow a typical American
model or for that matter a Chinese model, though the latter could
be instructive, given the fact that the Chinese grew from an ex-
tremely narrow base. China has followed two types of innovation
development strategies. The first is the “good enough” approach
that is affordable to produce and field large quantities of arms that
are the high-volume, low-cost version(s) of the foreign products.
Here, the idea is that even if inferior in quality and performance to
foreign products, these low-cost-lower tech versions can be used
by the Chinese forces in “high volume” to neutralise the qualitative
gap. The second is the high-end, high-cost “gold-plated” approach
to develop sophisticated weapons in select areas such as directed
energy laser weapons, robotic systems, and miniature nano-based
systems that match those of advanced nations. In employing this
strategy, the Chinese seek to acquire high-end technology from
foreign suppliers and simultaneously evolve a knowledge base in
the same domain through consistent basic and applied research
in National S&T institutes and affiliated universities.
While India has much to learn from China in promoting the
goal of self-reliance, it has the advantages (that the Chinese did
not have) in the sense that major Western companies, particularly
the Americans, are already present in the country and very keen
to co-develop and co-produce defence systems not only for the
Indian forces but also for the global arms market as a whole. Thus,
it is not a question of being self-reliant but also one of emerging as
a major global hub of arms manufacturing.
prakashnanda@newsline.in
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