1. No category

Indicia Knowledge Brief
A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security
May 23, 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
Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar’s visit to Siachen, the World’s highest
battle field, will prove to be a boost for soldiers placed in inhospitable
conditions.
The aim behind successfully test-landing a Mirage-2000 fighter on the
Yamuna Expressway on May 22 was to be able to use national highways
during emergencies as well as conflict situations if it's required.
The assurance by the Finance Minister that, the much-awaited "one rank,
one pension" (OROP) scheme for defence personnel will be implemented
as it is "unambiguous commitment of the government" comes as a relief
for the potential beneficiaries.
I. National Defence and Security:
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar meets Siachen troops on two-day visit:
Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and
Kashmir, on May 22 interacted with troops deployed at the World’s highest
battle field – Siachen Glacier. In Srinagar, Parrikar was briefed by the formation
commanders about the situation on the Line of Control and infiltration from
across the border. A day before starting his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Parrikar
had said that he would take ‘proactive steps’ to meet any threat to the country,
and terrorist could be neutralized through terrorist only. However, the
statement of the Defense Minister also evoked sharp criticism from former chief
minister Omar Abdullah. “Looks like Mufti Syed is reviving and empowering the
Ikhwanis. That’s the only way to carry out ‘terrorists killing terrorists’ policy of
MoD,” Omar wrote on twitter. Looks like Mufti Syed is reviving & empowering
the Ikhwanis. That’s the only way to carry out “terrorists killing terrorists” policy
of MOD. Spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, S D Goswami said that the
Defence Minister will be visiting various formations in the state during his J&K
visit Giving details, he said that Parrikar arrived at Leh Airport in the morning
where he was briefed by Lt Gen BS Negi, General Officer Commanding 14 Corps,
on the overall security situation in the Corps Zone and along the Line of Actual
Control. “The Defense minister also visited the Siachen Glacier and interacted
with troops deployed at the World’s highest and the toughest battlefield. He was
also briefed by the commanders on the ground situation in Ladakh,’’ Goswami
said. Later in the day, Parrikar also visited 15 Corps headquarters where GOC 15
Corps, Lt Gen Subrata Saha, the GOC of 15 Corps briefed the minister on
measures being taken by the Army to prevent infiltration and the operations that
had been undertaken in the area on the LoC and in the Valley. Parrikar also held
meeting Governor Narendra Nath Vohra. Goswami said that Defense Minister
along the Chief of Army Staff would be visiting the Nagrota based 16 Corps on
May 23 where he will be briefed about the situation in Jammu sector.
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/jk-manohar-parrikar-meets-siachen-troopson-two-day-visit/
*
Mohan Kumar is new Defence Secretary:
Senior IAS officer G. Mohan Kumar was on May 22 appointed as new Defence
Secretary for a two-year term. Mr. Kumar, a 1979 batch IAS officer of Odisha
cadre, is presently Secretary in Department of Defence Production. The
Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved the appointment of Kumar as
Defence Secretary for a period of two years from the date of taking over the
charge of the post, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training
said. He will take over from Radha Krishna Mathur, who completes his two year
tenure on May 28.
Source:
secretary/article7236587.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mohan-kumar-is-new-defence-
*
Landing of IAF's Mirage-2000 on Yamuna Expressway: India
joins China, Pakistan with 'road runways':
The aim behind successfully test-landing a Mirage-2000 fighter on the Yamuna
Expressway on May 22 was to be able to use national highways during
emergencies as well as conflict situations if it's required. Though several
countries, ranging from China and Pakistan to Sweden and Germany, have such
"road runways", it was the first time that such a trial run was conducted in India.
"If an airbase is under attack or bombed during a war, the IAF will need a proper
surface from which it can continue to operate," said a senior officer. Flown by
Wing Commander Prashant Arora from the "Tigers" squadron based at Gwalior,
the French-origin Mirage-2000 first made "a practice approach" around 100metre over the highway. Then, after tearing back into the sky, the supersonic jet
returned to finally touch down on the road at about 6.40 am. "It taxied for some
distance before taking off again in a `roller' mode," he said. "The aim is to activate
such road runways on different highways around the country, which we are in
the process of identifying. All facilities like a make-shift air traffic control, safety
services, rescue vehicles, bird clearances parties and other requirements were
set up by our personnel from the Agra Air Force Station for the mission on May
21," he added......
Source:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/landing-of-iafs-mirage-2000-on-yamunaexpressway-india-joins-china-pakistan-with-road-runways/articleshow/47381790.cms
*
Landing of IAF's Mirage-2000 on Yamuna Expressway: India
joins China, Pakistan with 'road runways'
The aim behind successfully test-landing a Mirage-2000 fighter on the Yamuna
Expressway on May 22 was to be able to use national highways during
emergencies as well as conflict situations if it's required. Though several
countries, ranging from China and Pakistan to Sweden and Germany, have such
"road runways", it was the first time that such a trial run was conducted in India.
"If an airbase is under attack or bombed during a war, the IAF will need a proper
surface from which it can continue to operate," said a senior officer. Flown by
Wing Commander Prashant Arora from the "Tigers" squadron based at Gwalior,
the French-origin Mirage-2000 first made "a practice approach" around 100metre over the highway. Then, after tearing back into the sky, the supersonic jet
returned to finally touch down on the road at about 6.40 am. "It taxied for some
distance before taking off again in a `roller' mode," he said. "The aim is to activate
such road runways on different highways around the country, which we are in
the process of identifying. All facilities like a make-shift air traffic control, safety
services, rescue vehicles, bird clearances parties and other requirements were
set up by our personnel from the Agra Air Force Station for the mission on
Thursday," he added.....
Source:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/landing-of-iafs-mirage-2000-on-yamunaexpressway-india-joins-china-pakistan-with-road-runways/articleshow/47381790.cms
*
Implementing 'One rank, one pension' scheme an unambiguous
commitment of government: FM Jaitley:
The much-awaited "one rank, one pension" (OROP) scheme for defence
personnel will be implemented as it is "unambiguous commitment of the
government", said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on May 22. Addressing a press
conference highlighting Modi government's achievements during the first year,
Jaitley said that the Ministry of Defence is in dialogue with various stakeholders
on the methodology of calculation of pension of ex-servicemen.Last week,
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had said that the "one rank, one pension"
scheme for the armed forces is likely to be cleared in a few days. "OROP
proposal is in final stage. The defence ministry has approved it and the finance
ministry will clear it in a few days," he had said. He said it is the first time that a
clear proposal has been sent to finance ministry on OROP. Implementation of
'One Rank One Pension' scheme, is likely to cost the exchequer Rs 7,500 crore to
Rs 10,000 crore, Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh has said in the past. "It is
likely to cost us somewhere between Rs 7,500 crore to Rs 10,000 crore," he had
said, adding that the previous UPA government had made a mere announcement
with regard to OROP.....
Source:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/implementing-one-rank-one-pensionscheme-an-unambiguous-commitment-of-government-fm-jaitley/articleshow/47384755.cms
*
Government to announce welfare schemes for CPM jawanas,
paramilitary:
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh praised the central paramilitary force
personnel for their 'pious and gallant' deeds and said the government will soon
announce some important decisions for their welfare. Singh, who was officiating
as the chief guest of the Border Security Force's annual investiture ceremony,
also coined a new slogan for the paramilitary force calling it the "first wall" of
defence on Indian borders. The BSF is tasked with guarding the countrys'
frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh. "I was told you are called the first line of
defence but I would say you are the first wall of defence on the border as you
take bullets directly. Because of your alert demeanour, the country and its
citizens are safe," he said. Singh, who has toured a number of locations of the BSF
in Gujarat's Rann of Kutch and Sunderbans in West Bengal, said he knows the
difficult life of these personnel in these areas......
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-to-announce-welfare-schemesfor-cpm-jawanas-paramilitary/articleshow/47389856.cms
*
Defence Ministry on Facebook to reach out to the younger
generation:
The Defence Ministry made its Facebook debut hoping to reach out to the
younger generation using the social media. The move comes as the Ministry
works on revamping its digital presence. They had made a debut on Twitter in
February and has garnered over 16,000 followers till date. "It is part of our
progressive journey to connect with the people through various social media
platform," Defence Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said. He said that it was
felt that younger generation was much more on Facebook than Twitter. The
Ministry had actively used its Twitter account to give update of the operations
'Raahat' in conflict-ravaged Yemen and 'Maitri' in quake-shattered Nepal. The
Facebook page, 'Ministry of Defence, Government of India', has various albums
and information regarding various aspects of the Ministry. Officials are also
working on a new website for the Ministry which will be "much more
interactive" than the current one.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/defence-ministry-on-facebook-to-reach-outto-the-younger-generation/articleshow/47388812.cms
*
All you need to know about the Ka-226T Multi-Mission Helicopter:
The Ka-226T is a light, twin-engine multi-role helicopter offered by Russian
Helicopters, for military and civilian missions. The military version of Ka-226T is
designed for operation in hard-to-reach upland conditions as well as hot and
cold climates. The Ka-226T is produced by Kumertau Aviation Production
Enterprise, a part of Russian Helicopters, and is currently in service with the
Russian Air Force. It performs surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue
(SAR), targeting, and transportation of cargo and troops. Approval of the
acquisition of Ka-226T was given by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) in
May 2015 to replace the ageing Chetak (Aerospatiale Alouette III) and Cheetah
(Aerospatiale SA-315B) helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) and the
Indian Air Force (IAF), respectively. A joint venture between Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russian Helicopters is expected to licence-build
200 Ka-226T helicopters for the IAF and the AAC. The Ka-226T underwent
testing in India as part of the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter (RSH)
acquisition programme, which was cancelled by the Indian authorities in 2014.
The helicopter out-performed its Western counterparts during flights in India's
hot conditions and mountainous areas. The Ka-226T was demonstrated at Aero
India 2015 exhibition held in Bangalore, India.....
Source: http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=6N2HlzWnjTI=
II
Homeland Security
*
BSF is first 'wall' of defence: Rajnath Singh:
Asserting that a person is recognised not by his position but with the work he
has done, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on May 22 said the Border
Security Force (BSF) is not only a first line of defence but also a first 'wall' of
defence. Singh, who was addressing the 13th BSF Investiture Ceremony in New
Delhi, said that forces get the sense of sacrifice when they have sense of National
pride. "BSF is one such force where the soldiers feel the Border Outpost is a
home away from home," he added. The Home Minister said that there is a need
to improve the infrastructure facilities at the Borders and the Government is
putting efforts in this regard. "The government is considering taking up
improving facilities like fencing, floodlighting in the border areas," he added.
Singh said that he gets emotional when he meet the family members of soldiers,
who lost their lives while delivering their duties in paramilitary forces. On this
occasion, the Home Minister decorated five BSF men with police medals for
gallantry, and 25 BSF officers and men with police medals for meritorious
service. The BSF Investiture Ceremony is celebrated on May 22 every year in
remembrance of its founding father Khusro Faramurz Rustamji (K F Rustamji)
who was born on this day in the year 1916. BSF Director General D.K. Pathak,
Directors General of other paramilitary forces, senior officials and retired
officials also attended the programme.
Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-bsf-is-first-wall-of-defence-rajnath-singh-2088258
*
India is finally looking to enter the era of armed drones:
Ever since a weaponized Chinese CH-3 Drone crashed in Nigeria and Pakistan
unveiled an 'indigenous' version of the same drone called Burraq, there is a
newfound urgency in India to develop armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
As such, work on weaponizing the Rustom-I medium altitude long endurance
UAV is being hastened and first weapon trials will take place this year. The
Rustom-I, developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE)
will initially be armed with the HELINA anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) and
subsequently with smaller munitions specifically developed for UAV carriage.
Armed UAV development in India has been carried out at a rather slow pace till
date owing at least partly to American concerns about the same. These concerns
were likely taken into account because key domestic UAV development
programmes till recently had been somewhat dependent on American sources
for key components such as actuators. However the recent United States (US)
State Department's withdrawal of export licenses on MTCR grounds for some
seven types of MOOG actuators that feature in ADE's flagship Rustom-II MALE
UAV means that India need no longer be so concerned about what America
thinks. As of now, indigenously developed replacement actuators have
completed electro-magnetic interference/compatibility tests etc and high speed
taxi-trials (HSTT) of the Rustom-II have re-commenced. These taxi-trials will go
up to a speed of 55 knots, just 10 knots shy of take-off speed. First flight will
happen in June 2015 after a delay of more than a year on account of MOOG's nonsupply. Currently, a move to indigenize all critical components for domestically
developed UAVs is also underway....
Source:
http://www.ibnlive.com/blogs/india/saurav-jha/india-is-finally-looking-to-enter-the-era-ofarmed-drones-10879-995842.html
Indicia solicits comments and advice from readers on any aspect of the report. It believes
that cross-fertilisation of knowledge invariably leads to better knowledge
Indicia Research & Advisory
Fusion Knowledge in Indian Defence and Strategic Affairs
C – 79, Basement, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi – 110 017
T&F: + 91 11 4579 2922, email: [email protected]