Indicia Knowledge Brief A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security March 31, 2015. Primary aims of Indicia Daily Brief are two-fold. First, it distills infinite information into a capsule form, thus saving precious time of its clients. Second, it tries to link micro-events to larger strategic canvas through its analyses, thus providing support knowledge for better understanding and decision-making. Indicia Analysis of the Day The defence sector of India is expected to throw up manufacturing opportunities worth $250 billion within the next seven to eight years even as the government is seeking increased private sector investments in the area, as per Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). On his first overseas trip, Defence minister Manohar Parrikar called on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo to deepen their defence ties as the two nations seek to counter China’s growing influence in the region amid escalating territorial disputes. The first MiG-29UPG which underwent modifications conducted by Indian specialists and soared into the sky in February this year is expected to add teeth to India’s air capability. I. National Defence and Security: Defence sector to throw up business worth $250 bn: DIPP: The defence sector of India is expected to throw up manufacturing opportunities worth $250 billion within the next seven to eight years even as the government is seeking increased private sector investments in the area, according to Amitabh Kant, secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). "If India is going to import $ 140 billion in the next seven years, if home land security is going to need a business of another $ 110 billion, so $ 250 billion worth business in the next seven-eight years. How quickly we can transform ourselves into a defence manufacturing country is a key challenge to India," Kant said at the Assocham management committee meeting today. He said that if the country is going to import $140 billion in the next seven years coupled with the fact that home land security will require a business of additional $110 billion, then opportunities worth $250 billion is expected to open up in this sector. The government seems quite bullish with the defence sector which is expected to boost the laggard manufacturing sector of the country. This is also due to the fact that the limit of foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence sector was hiked to 49% from 26% earlier. "We have opened up defence, railways, insurance and medical devices... That is really opening up of the Indian economy. Other than multi-brand retail, India is the most open economy of the world today. How quickly we can use our defence manufacturing sector as that is an early flower to be plucked by Indians. That is a huge area for growth in the future," he said. On the ease of doing business initiatives undertaken by the government, Kant said the India should take the lead in improving the business environment and investors' confidence. He even said that the government is going to soon implement a mechanism wherein states will be ranked based on ease of doing business in the respective states. "We are putting a professional agency to evaluate all the states (on these parameters) and rank best and worst performing states," Kant said adding that by June- July states will be rated based on 98 parameters. As a result, he said, states will have to take adequate measures to improve their ease of doing business measures by May 31. Highlighting the fact that complex rules and regulations concerning land acquisition will have to be done away with, Kant stated, "the real action is in the states." Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/defence-sector-to-throw-up-businessworth-250-bn-dipp-115033000588_1.html * India, Japan vow to deepen defence ties as China tensions rise: India and Japan pledged to deepen their defence ties as the two nations seek to counter China’s growing influence in the region amid escalating territorial disputes. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar called on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on March 30, his first overseas trip since being appointed in November. Parrikar also met his counterpart Gen Nakatani as part of the 29 March-1 April visit. “A strong India-Japan partnership is not only in the national interest of the two countries but is also important for peace and security in the region,” defence ministry said in a statement, citing Abe. Parrikar said he would like to see a strong partnership with Japan in defence equipment and technology, according to the statement. Converging economic and security interests are driving Asia’s second- and third-biggest military spenders closer in an attempt to thwart increasingly assertive Chinese claims over contested lands and waters. Japan is also easing its defence export rules as India, the world’s biggest arms importer, is looking to modernize its military. A close rapport between Abe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been cemented by a shared unease with China. Parrikar and Nakatani discussed potential areas for cooperation in defence equipment and technology and “emphasized the need to pursue mutually beneficial future cooperation projects,” the defence ministry said in a separate statement on March 30. The two also “reviewed strategic developments relating to international security situation with emphasis on the inter-connected Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions,” according to the statement.... Source: http://www.livemint.com/Politics/lLJGrBru6laCD9xcie4ibI/India-Japan-vow-to-deepen-defenceties-as-China-tensions-ri.html * Upgraded interceptor missile to be test-fired on April 6: A newly configured version of an interceptor missile, designed to improve its efficacy, will be test-fired against an electronic target missile from Wheeler Island on April 6. As part of India’s plans to deploy a two-tier Ballistic Missile Defence system to protect important cities and installations, missile technologists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have conducted nine interceptor missile tests. Six of the tests were conducted in the endo-atmosphere (below 40 km altitude) and three in exo-atmosphere (above 80 km). Eight of the tests were successful. In the upcoming test to be conducted in the endo-atmosphere, the reconfigured version of the interceptor missile (AAD) would be launched to validate its capability to carry a bigger warhead and minimise the mis-distance, among other parameters. Another crucial feature — that of powering the missile when the target missile is detected with a reduced reaction time would also be tested during the mission. Since the entire exercise from detection till the terminal event is automated, the crucial capability to power the missile after detecting the target would prevent unnecessary powering of the missile, while keeping it alert mode. While an actual AAD missile would be launched after the take-off of a target missile is simulated on April 6, scientists plan to carry out another exercise by April end in which both the interceptor and target missile would launched with warheads in a real, battle-like scenario, DRDO sources told The Hindu on Sunday. Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/upgraded-interceptor-missile-to-be-testfired-on-april6/article7046450.ece * India interested in buying Japan’s Soryu-class submarines: Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has expressed his readiness to consider acquiring Soryu-class diesel-electric submarines used by the Maritime Self-Defense Force. “We are very much interested in Japan’s technologies,” Parrikar said in an exclusive interview ahead of his visit to Japan from March 30. The issue may be taken up at his meeting with Defense Minister Gen Nakatani the same day, according to Parrikar. “Everything is on agenda. We can discuss that issue,” he said. India’s navy has a fleet of 15 submarines, but more than half are not equipped to respond quickly to contingencies due to aging. In view of the growing activity of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean, New Delhi has put a high priority on arms buildup to strengthen maritime security. Japan’s Soryuclass submarines are seen as among the most advanced nonnuclear attack submarines in the world. Parrikar noted that Japan had strict regulations on the export of defense technologies but that the rules are changing. “We are looking at all kinds of defense cooperation with Japan in all fields,” he said, signaling intention to acquire Soryu-class submarines if the amended conditions are met. Australia is also in talks with Japan on buying Soryu-class submarines. In the interview, Parrikar suggested that India is not likely to make a decision anytime soon on whether to purchase US-2 amphibious rescue aircraft used by the MSDF. Tokyo and New Delhi are holding talks on the export of US-2 aircraft to India and a possible joint venture to produce them on Indian soil. “It will not be decided in Tokyo,” Parrikar said. “I have directed the (Indian) Navy and Coast Guard to come up with a clear-cut report on their operational necessities. First we need to define details. “Without that report, we cannot go forward,” he said. Source: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/03/29/national/politics-diplomacy/india-interested-inbuying-japans-soryu-class-submarines/#.VRl0SvmUe5U * Budget cut hits secret nuclear submarine base on east coast: Project Varsha, India's secret nuclear submarine base on the east coast, has received less than 15 per cent of its approved budget in the current fiscal, adversely affecting its development. Being constructed at Rambilli, near Vishakhapatnam, the base received a meagre Rs 26 crore in 2014-15 as against the budgetary allocation of Rs 197 crore, sources told Deccan Herald. The government took away almost Rs 13,000 crore from the Defence Ministry's budge in the current fiscal. This closely-guarded naval facility is one of the projects that faced the consequences. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who held the defence portfolio for a few months, has now made an allocation of Rs 531 crore in the 2015-16 budget for the submarine pen, which may be named INS Varsha, when commissioned. China has a similar base in the Hainan Islands. The slashing of the budget, however, has made Navy officials apprehensive about timely completion of the strategic project. Though the base's construction began in 2009, the first major cash flow took place in 2011, when the Navy received almost Rs 160 crore, out of which Rs 58 crore was meant for civil construction and the rest for the communication system of the base. Since then, Project Varsha was getting a steady supply of funds—it had received Rs 547 crore in 2013-14—before it was struck by cash shortage. India operates two nuclearpowered submarines—the Russian origin INS Chakra and the indigenous INS Arihant. While two more indigenous nuclear-powered and ballistic-missiletipped submarines are under construction, New Delhi and Moscow are negotiating for a second Russian nuclear submarine. INS Varsha would be accompanied by a weapon storage facility called “missile technical positions” (MTP). It was also impacted by the budget cut, but to a lesser extent as the budgetary estimate of Rs 237 crore was reduced by Rs 100 crore...... Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/468656/budget-cut-hits-secret-nuclear.html * Will India Lease Another Russian Nuclear Submarine? In December 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to India, traditionally a major consumer of Russia-made military equipment. In New Delhi, Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two pledged to deepen their defense ties. During that visit, Russia’s trade minister, Denis Manturov, hinted that Moscow would eagerly lease a nuclear submarine to India if there was interest: “If India decides to have more contracts to lease nuclear submarines, we are ready to supply,” he noted. India currently operates one Akula-II-class nuclear submarine, the INS Chakra, leased in 2011 from Russia for a 10 year period. The lease weighs in at $970 million, representing a considerable portion of India’s cumulative spending on Russian equipment. The Russian minister’s comments were not entirely out of left field: Indian defense ministry officials had told the press that the Indian Navy would acquire another nuclear submarine from Russia. After December, information surrounding a potential second submarine lease died down — until this week. The Russia and India Repor noted last week that a Russian shipbuilding industry source noted that “Russia is ready to lease a second Project 971 Shchuka-B submarine to India for a period of ten years.” The report continues: The submarine will be customized by the Amur shipyards. Modernization and testing of the submarine and training of the Indian crew will take three years. The Kashalot will be transferred to the Indian Navy in 2018, the source noted. The specific submarine to be leased is the K-322 Kashalot, an Akula-II-class submarine (Akula is the NATO reporting name for the Shchuka) with a surface displacement of 8,140 tons, submerged speed of 30 knots, and maximum operating depth of 520 meters. The Kashalot additionally requires a crew of 73 sailors and uses a 190 mW nuclear reactor for propulsion. The Kashalot features eight torpedo tubes in total, with four bays designed for 630 mm torpedoes and the remainder designed for 533 mm torpedoes (optimized for Russian-made Type 65 and Type 53 torpedoes)..... Source: http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/will-india-lease-another-russian-nuclear-submarine/ * Soryu submarine India’s Interest and why it will be difficult to get them: Japan’s Super Secretive Soryu Submarine dubbed ” Crown Jewel ” of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is generating so much Interest in India, even when Japanese themselves have shown little interest in selling them to India. Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar who will be leaving for Tokyo on his first official visit as Defense minister will be discussing with Japanese defense officials about the possible sale of Super Secretive Soryu Submarine. Indian Navy under Project-75I has a requirement for 6 Submarines, as per Contract all 6 submarines have to be build in Indian shipyard. countries like France, Russia, Germany and Sweden have expressed their desire to supply and built their Diesel submarines in India for Indian navies requirements under Project-75-I, but Japan has not expressed any interest in possible supply of Soryu Submarines to India and it will be very difficult for India to convince Japan to share Submarine technology . Super Secret Submarine no easy catch Soryu uses Technology which has been classified as top secret by Japanese military, while Submarine has been described by many defense experts as world’s best non-nuclear powered submarine. 4200-tonne boat uses Japans latest cutting edge next-generation research which have lead to the development of unique special steel and noise reduction mechanism for the submarine which have made it Best Diesel submarine in Stealth aspect and Japanese are very keen to protect at any cost. Breakthrough in Battery Technology Soryu submarines use Lithium-ion propulsion technology for its AIP system which makes them only Submarine active with such technology. Lithium-ion provides significantly longer operation time when compared to Diesel Submarines which come with AIP system but uses conventional batteries as a backup power source. lithium-ion technology all though is more expensive technology but is breaking through technology in battery which European Submarine makers have failed to develop. Experts say the technology gives Soryu submarines better underwater range and speed compared to other dieselelectric vessels that use air-independent propulsion (AIP)..... Source: http://idrw.org/archives/61179 * GSL should stress on Indigenised Technology – Secretary Defence Production: Shri G Mohan Kumar, Secretary Defence Production, Govt of India has called upon GSL to enhance indigenisation with greater emphasis on R&D. Asserting that Defence Sector in the country is witnessing a paradigm shift, Shri Kumar said the objective should be to achive substantiative self reliance, while ensuring quality control, cost effectiveness and timely delivery of the Ships. During his two day visit to GSL on 28th & 29th March 2015, Secretary Defence Production was conducted around the shipyard by RAdm Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd), CMD GSL and was apprised of the ongoing series construction of OPVs being built for Indian Coast Guard and for export markets. Shri Kumar was also shown the infrastructure augmentation being undertaken for the MCMV project. During the visit, a presentation was made to Secretary Defence Porduction on the growth trajectory of GSL, its in-house design capability, product profile and build strategy for MCMV project. Secretary Defence Production also visited the R&D centre at GSL and was briefed on the new product designs being developed by GSL. The Secretary further emphasised on outsourcing and vendor development to enhance capabilities and improve productivity. Secretary Defence Production lauded the sharp turnaround in shipyard’s performance, on all fronts including production and financial results, and noted GSL’s efforts in improving the management and productivity and sea change shipyard is undergoing through modernization and other efforts. Significantly, this was the maiden visit of Shri Kumar to GSL since he took over as Secretary Defence Production. Shri Kumar met with the representatives of various unions and appreciated their contribution and also interacted with the GSL Officers. He also inaugurated a family Poly Clinic at GSL. Source: http://idrw.org/archives/61183 * India's first upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter aircraft has begun scheduled flights: The first MiG-29UPG underwent modifications conducted by Indian specialists and soared into the sky in February this year, stated CEO of MiG Corporation Sergey Korotkov in an interview with Interfax-AVN. The group of MiG-29’s, which underwent modernization in India, is made up of four fighter aircraft. A contract for revision of 62 MiG-29 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force was signed in March 2008. Under the specific arrangement, Russia supplies upgrade kits to Indian technological professionals, and MiG Corporation specialists provide the necessary advice and technical assistance and know-how required for installation and use to Indian partners, said Sergei Korotkov. After receiving the upgrades, the combat readiness of the MiG-29UPG will attain a performance level similar to that of the naval MiG-29K fighter aircraft. Thus, providing an expanded overall range of operational capability for the MiG-29. Currently, the aircraft are designed primarily to intercept air targets and achieve air superiority. The upgraded aircraft will gain the ability to attack ground and sea targets at any time of day and in any weather conditions. This problem is resolved through integration of the Zhuk-ME airborne radar system designed by KRET into the MIG-29UPG fighter jets. The new radar system with specially designed slotted antenna arrays and production carried out by the PHAZOTRON - NIIR CORPORATION PUBLIC, provides the foundation for the active weapons control system of the newly upgraded MiG-29UPG. Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET) is the largest Russian company in the radio-electronic industry created in 2009. KRET specializes in systems for advanced electronic warfare, modern avionics and aircraft instrumentation. The enterprises of the Concern also manufacture household appliances and medical equipment, along with equipment and control systems for the fuel and energy sector, as well as for the transportation and engineering industries. Source: http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=tXVCuIwVNks= * ‘Viraat decommissioning will not hit operations’: The proposed decommissioning of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat next year will not affect the Navy’s operational plans, readiness or capability, says Vice-Admiral S.P.S. Cheema, outgoing chief of the Southern Naval Command. Vice-Admiral Cheema will take over the Mumbai-based Western Command, the sword arm of the Navy, early next month. Both carriers operated by the Navy — Viraat and Vikramaditya — are part of its potent Western Fleet. “The Navy mastered the art of carrier operations over five decades ago and has sustained it all through. Vikramaditya has now received the baton from Viraat and construction of the new Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier, is progressing very well and to the Navy’s satisfaction. We have a mix of platforms ensuring full fire power and capability to operate across the entire spectrum of naval operations,” ViceAdmiral Cheema, who had previously skippered Viraat, told The Hindu in an interview. Flagging the long operational life of Viraat — 56 years in two navies — as demonstrative of a robust maintenance regime, he said the carrier became healthier after being inducted into the Indian Navy in 1987. “Our refit routine has helped it stand the test of time,” he said adding Vikramaditya was being fully integrated in phases. “There’s no need for any concern.” The Vice-Admiral said the Navy had a streamlined refit and maintenance schedule for all its platforms. The upkeep of the platforms ensured that none of the scores of ships and submarines that were mobilised for the recently concluded theatre-level war games, TROPEX, was forced to return to harbour for maintenance midway through the deployment. “These included both the carriers. The exercise, among other things, validated our ability to do sustained combat,” he said. “Which is why every Navy worth its salt wants to exercise with us.” The measures taken in the wake of a spate of accidents included revalidation of standard operating procedures and strict adherence to them. Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/viraat-decommissioning-will-not-hitoperations/article7046449.ece * Indian Navy the 'Super-Cop' in the Indian Ocean: Securing Seas for a Resurgent Nation: A strong, resurgent and a vibrant nation is matched by a young and a dynamic Navy. The Indian Navy proudly shoulders the responsibility of our nation of ensuring safe and secure seas. A strong nation needs a strong navy for ensuring peace. Geo-Political realities are hard to dismiss and the challenges are many. With the region combating religious strife, terrorism and border disputes, the Indian Navy has a vital role to play in ensuring peace and stability. Combining power and mobility, the Indian Navy plays a vital role to perfection in all spheres and dimensions of warfare. Be it surface, sub-surface, air and space dimension, combat readiness at all times is the hallmark of the Indian Navy. It's a multidimensional force with a formidable force in the (IOR) Indian Ocean Region. India's location in the Indian Ocean is unique and so is the role of the Indian Navy. The seas are vital for food, natural resources, energy, trade and transportation. A world-class navy backs the economic aspirations of a resurgent nation. The Indian Navy is always on the prowl, never lets down its guard even for a second. India's immediate geo-strategic environment is synonymous with the IOR but its influence is carried much beyond in making it truly a 'Blue Water Navy'. The mandate is clear-cut :: maintain stability and security in our area of operations in order to enable and catalyze economic progress and national consolidation. India is now firmly on the path of economic resurgence. Fulfilling the aspirations of a billion plus population, demands unhindered access and usage of the seas around us. With 90% of the trade by volume and bulk of our energy imports traversing the seas, maritime security is central to India's overall development and economic well-being. Maintenance of peace in the IOR is a key National security imperative. The Indian Navy has a strategic presence in the region which is key to stability in the region. .... Source: http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=ymXxruoR$$yc= Doval talks tough on China, says national interests will be protected at any cost: India took a firm stand on a host of issues during the Indo-China talks. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval who was the special representative at the talks stood his ground and made it extremely clear to China that setting up of Naval bases in the Indian Ocean is not in the interest of the entire region. There has been a lot of emphasis on the Indo-China talks. Ajit Doval the National Security Advisor who is the special representative for the boundary talks with China says he is happy with the outcome of the talks. Doval underlined the importance of national interests during the talks. The National Security Advisor who said that the talks were a good exercise however warned that setting up of naval bases in the Indian Ocean is not in the interest of the entire region. National Security can be used to further economic ambitions of India, the NSA also pointed out. Doval made it clear to the Chinese that India would do everything to protect vital national interests. If talks were not on conflict was the solution India has been reminding China about the problems along the borders. Doval said that he is happy that talks are on. If talks were not on then conflict is the only way to a resolution. He however added that both India and China think that there is a possibility of a conflict resolution without conflict and that is a good sign. We are hopeful of a resolution on the border issue and there was a positive vibe from China on this. However there are some inalienable positions so far as India is concerned. We need to see that our vital (national) interests are protected.... Source: http://www.oneindia.com/india/doval-talks-tough-on-china-says-national-interests-will-beprotected-at-any-cost-1698927.html * 5 War Heroes India Cannot Afford To Forget About: Take a look at India’s history and you’ll realise that we have never attacked a country first. Unfortunately, we have been subjected to war on a number of occasions. India’s armed forces have kept the invaders out and in the process, many brave sons of the soil have had to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep the country safe. But we are a country that tends to forget its heroes. So here's a reminder of the courage and valour of 5 men you need to know about. 1. Captain Anuj Nayyar Anuj Nayyar 17 Jat Maha Vir Chakra On 06 July 1999, Charlie Company was tasked to capture an objective, which was a part of the Pimple Complex on the Western Slopes of Point 4875, in the Mushkoh Valley. At the beginning of the attack, the Company Commander got injured and the command of the company devolved on Captain Anuj Nayyar. Captain Nayyar continued to command his leading platoon into the attack under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. As the platoon advanced, the leading section reported location of 3 to 4 enemy positions. Captain Nayyar moved forward towards the first enemy position and fired rocket launchers and lobbed grenades into it. Thereafter, the section, along with Captain Nayyar, physically assaulted and cleared the position. The enemy, which was well entrenched, brought a heavy volume of automatic fire. Captain Anuj Nayyar, unmindful of his personal safety, motivated his men and cleared two more enemy positions. While clearing the fourth position, an enemy rocket-propelled grenade hit the officer killing him on the spot. This action led by Captain Anuj Nayyar resulted in killing nine enemy soldiers and the destruction of three medium machine gun positions of the enemy. The success of this operation after a brief setback was largely due to the outstanding personal bravery and exemplary junior leadership of this daring officer. Captain Anuj Nayyar displayed indomitable resolve, grit and determination, and motivated his command by personal example. He acted beyond the call of duty and made the supreme sacrifice in true traditions of the Indian Army..... Source: http://www.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/5-war-heroes-india-cannot-afford-to-forgetabout-231349.html II Homeland Security Indicia solicits comments and advice from readers on any aspect of the report. 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