Indicia Knowledge Brief A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security May 30, 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 Navy is seeking to accelerate infrastructure along the coast and on Indian island territories as part of a major push to increase its operational preparedness and surveillance capabilities. German defence minister, Ursula von der Leyen, who talked up her country's submarine building capability during her meeting with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, kept silent on the Eurofighter Typhoon, although Germany had led the campaign to sell it to the Indian Air Force (IAF) the Typhoon. The Indian Air Force (IAF), facing a severe shortage of fighter aircraft, will have the opportunity to boost its combat strength with an unusual asset fitting guns and rockets on Hawk trainer aircraft, bought for training IAF pilots before they entered the cockpits of high performance fighters like the MiG-21. I. National Defence and Security: Parrikar: no date set to roll out one-rank one-pension: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said he could not fix a date for the implementation of the One-Rank One-Pension (OROP) scheme for exservicemen. “OROP was not fully understood by the earlier government. We too didn’t understand the full implications of it. But I must tell you that all formalities with this regard are over and it is now with the Finance Ministry,” said Mr. Parrikar, while interacting with a gathering at the Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC). The Defence Minister said the possible allocation estimates for this scheme ranged from Rs. 500 crore to Rs. 20,000 crore. “I have crystallised the format of it. The Finance Ministry will do the detailing and it is on the way to getting approved,” he said. Mr. Parrikar said “the sacrifice of our servicemen cannot be measured in money, but I am very well aware of the reasons why OROP should be implemented and it will be done soon. We promised that we will give it and we will fulfil it,” he added. Border firing Accepting that the incidents of firings on the international border between India and Pakistan had increased from October to January, Mr. Parrikar said the government was better prepared to deal with it. “It is either to facilitate safe passage for terrorists or to disturb the repairing of bunkers and other defence mechanisms,” he said, adding that instances of firing on the Line of Control (LoC) had actually dropped considerably.... Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parrikar-no-date-set-to-roll-out-onerankonepension/article7261701.ece * DRDO chief, scientific advisor posts split for accountability: With the Modi government keen to build a strong defence-industrial base in tune with the 'Make in India' policy, the stage has now been set for revival of the country's moribund defence R&D establishment by the appointment of two relatively younger scientists at the helm of affairs. The government is quite miffed with the lackadaisical functioning of DRDO, often in the dock for its failure to deliver cutting-edge weaponry without huge time and cost overruns, with PM Narendra Modi himself warning the organisation to fast shed its "Chalta Hai" attitude. But only time will tell whether S Christopher (59), the new DRDO chief, and G Satheesh Reddy (51), the new scientific advisor to the defence minister, can undertake the kind of drastic surgery that is needed to revive DRDO and its 52 labs spread across the country. India, after all, still continues to import 65% of its military hardware and software. Officials say Reddy's appointment in the MoD, by splitting the SA-cum-DRDO chief post, will provide an "independent mechanism" to review and scrutinise DRDO's functioning. Till now, the same scientist wore the two hats. "More changes are on the anvil. They could include a new Defence Technology Commission and a commercial arm for DRDO, as was recommended by the Rama Rao Committee (RRC)," said an official. "There is a big thrust on Make in India, which will include greater private sector participation as production agencies or lead integrators for technologies developed by DRDO," he added. As earlier reported by TOI, the RRC in 2008 held DRDO should focus only on 8 to 10 ``critical technologies" of ``strategic importance". But many of its recommendations have been implemented halfheartedly, with DRDO still continuing to make everything from dental implants and mosquito repellents to nuclear missiles and fighter jets. ... Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDO-chief-scientific-advisor-posts-split-foraccountability/articleshow/47477706.cms * Navy prepares Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan: The Navy is seeking to accelerate infrastructure along the coast and on Indian island territories as part of a major push to increase its operational preparedness and surveillance capabilities. A new plan that seeks to implement this infrastructure push - called the Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (MIPP) - has been finalized by the Navy at its ongoing top level commanders conference. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan has said that the MIPP will foster operational capabilities of the Indian Navy and is focused till the year 2027. The plan looks into all aspects of induction of assets for all platforms, aircraft carriers and submarines into the Navy and will go up to 2027. "This plan will ensure training infrastructure is in sync with the induction of assets," said Admiral Dhowan. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-prepares-Maritime-Infrastructure-PerspectivePlan/articleshow/47467504.cms * US Defence Bait is Potent But Impractical Symbolism: The American defence secretary Ashton Carter drops into Delhi next week bearing ideas for joint military projects and things to sell in government-togovernment (G2G) deals—Foreign Military Sales (FMS) in Pentagonese. The apparent absence of middlemen and corruption makes G2G/FMS the politically safe method of purchasing arms. Seeking to enlarge its scope as defence supplier, the US has apparently settled on a two-pronged strategy. On the one hand, it is offering the manifestly cutting-edge electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) to equip the new generation indigenous aircraft carriers. This offer is impractical but symbolically potent, meant to still Indian criticism about the US not parting with advanced technologies. FMS of traditional hardware constitute the other prong, and the M-777 ultra-light howitzer (ULH) tops the list. Let’s briefly examine these two offers. At one level EMALS is irresistible. A sort of electromagnetic rail gun to launch aircraft, EMALS is a clean, high initial cost-low maintenance system that takes up less space than steam catapults, can be recharged quickly, and is easy on aircraft frames because the tow-force can be instantly adjusted to the weight of the plane being launched. In the three seconds it takes to get an aircraft airborne, EMALS generates as much as 60MW of power—enough, as it is noted, to light up 12,000 homes. And that’s the problem. On US nuclear-powered super carriers it is not an issue. With EMALS in the picture, the Indian Navy, however, faces a dilemma about the energy pack. Washington hopes the 65,000-tonne Vishal-class carrier, now at the conception stage, will be nuclear-powered, fly the Lockheed F-35C, and India will accept technical advice and assistance from the US in designing and constructing the ship. Ashley Tellis persuasively makes this case in a Carnegie Endowment monograph. Tellis, however, made it clear at a recent event that, despite the proven incapacity of the Arihant submarine reactor to drive Vishal, the US will render no help in producing a more powerful and efficient highly enriched uranium-fuelled nuclear power plant. Naval stalwarts, however, see eight General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engines on-board as an alternative solution. But these engines will fill a lot of the ship’s innards, need vast oil tanks that will jostle for space with aviation fuel storage bins, making for severe design compromises and tradeoffs. The navy’s aircraft carrier designing competence and the industry’s complex shipbuilding skills will undoubtedly be enhanced by collaborating with the US Naval Systems Command and American companies. The Narendra Modi government has to make a risky, step-up, decision. It has to consider, other than the nuclear reactor, two other critical factors. One is the $10billion-$13 billion cost of a nuclear carrier (CVN), compared to the $3 billion for the Kochi-built Vikrant. It will leave little money for everything else. Secondly, a CVN with 6-7 ship and submarine escort will substantially reduce the “maritime density” the 50-capital ship-strong Indian Navy (by 2030) will be able to muster. This will diminish the country’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean at a time when the fast-expanding Chinese Navy is increasing its maritime footprint. So, more of the smaller, conventionally-powered flat-tops, with compact steam catapult systems secured from the US, would seem the sensible option.... Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/columns/US-Defence-Bait-is-Potent-But-ImpracticalSymbolism/2015/05/29/article2837552.ece * S Christopher Appointed DRDO Chief: Renowned scientist S Christopher has been appointed as the Director General of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He will also be Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development for a period of two years. Additionally, G Satheesh Reddy has been appointed as the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister for two year. Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/S-Christopher-Appointed-DRDOChief/2015/05/29/article2838979.ece * New DRDO Chief Takes Over, Scientists Hail Appointment: Radar specialist S. Christopher took charge as the new director general of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its secretary at on May 29 morning, with the appointment being welcomed by defence scientists and officials. Christopher was on May 28 night appointed chief of the premier defence research agency for two years by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. The DRDO was without a full-time chief for around four months ever since Avinash Chander was unceremoniously removed on January 31. Christopher was heading the Bengaluru-based Centre for Airborne Systems and the project to develop an airborne early warning and control system before his new appointment. Earlier, DRDO chief was also the scientific adviser to the defence minister, but the post has now been split. Missile scientist G.S. Reddy was appointed as the scientific adviser to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for two years on May 28 night. DRDO scientists and officials welcomed the appointment, saying that functional difficulties had cropped up due to the absence of a full-time DRDO chief. "It is a welcome step; without a full-time chief cost DRDO in the last four months; impacted the work as coordination was suffering," a senior DRDO official told IANS. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar recently said that the absence of a full-time DRDO chief was being compensated with more powers to cluster heads. A DRDO official, however, maintained that it did not solve the problem. "Coordination between clusters is needed for smooth running of things. That is where the problem was," said an official aware of the developments..... Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/New-DRDO-Chief-Takes-Over-Scientists-HailAppointment/2015/05/29/article2839179.ece * Navy Chief swears by desi systems; wants closer links with DRDO: Admiral R K Dhowan on May 28 reiterated Indian Navy's commitment towards inducting home-grown systems and platforms. Chairing the last session of biannual Naval Commanders' Conference, Admiral Dhowan stressed the need for indigenisation of platforms, weapons, sensors and equipment, through the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), public industry, private sector and in-house efforts. While emphasising that the roadmap for the Navy's expansion and growth would continue to remain anchored on selfreliance and indigenization, the Navy Chief wanted his designers and technical officers to work in close coordination with DRDO so as to develop niche technologies for the future Navy. The DRDO, which is currently directionless and clueless about its future, following the sacking of its chief in January this year, should find some solace in the Navy Chief's comments. The Indian Navy has always supported the desi efforts in defence and patiently backed the efforts of DRDO, which is normally at the receiving end. Admiral Dhowan also touched upon enhancing operational readiness of the Commands, infrastructure development, human resources management, coastal security and cyber security in the Navy. Men & women behind machines greatest strength "Our men and women are our greatest assets and their morale and well-being should always remain of primary concern. The men and women behind the machine are the Navy's greatest strength. They need to be viewed and harnessed as such at all levels," Admiral Dhowan said.... Source: http://www.oneindia.com/india/navy-chief-swears-by-desi-systems-wants-closer-links-with-drdo1760989.html * HAL and BAE Systems to develop 'Combat Hawk', improved trainer: The Indian Air Force (IAF), facing a severe shortage of fighter aircraft, will have the opportunity to boost its combat strength with an unusual asset - fitting guns and rockets on Hawk trainer aircraft, bought for training IAF pilots before they entered the cockpits of high performance fighters like the MiG-21. On May 22, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and UK-headquartered BAE Systems (BAE), agreed to explore the development of a "Combat Hawk" which could even be exported to friendly foreign countries. India already has the world's largest fleet of Hawk Mk132 advanced jet trainers (AJTs). The IAF and navy have 123 Hawks on order, of which 90 are already in service, training their pilots. While HAL builds the remaining 33 in Bengaluru under licence from BAE, the IAF is contracting for another 20 Hawks for its superlative aerobatics display team, which so far flew the Kiran Mark II. The Hawk AJT already has advanced avionics, including digital cockpit displays that allow trainee pilots to practice navigation, the use of sensors like radar, and to fire weapons. Transforming this into a "Combat Hawk" involves fitting air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground guns, rockets and bombs. The Hawk Mk132 has seven wing stations for mounting weapons and reconnaissance equipment. These weapons need to be integrated with the avionics of the aircraft.... Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/hal-and-bae-systems-to-developcombat-hawk-improved-trainer-115052900054_1.html * Eurofighter estimates the Rafale’s current flyaway price to be at least $150 mn: German defence minister, Ursula von der Leyen, who talked up her country’s submarine building capability during her on May 22 meeting with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, kept silent on the Eurofighter Typhoon, although Germany had led the campaign to sell it to the Indian Air Force (IAF) the Typhoon. The 2007 tender for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) was scrapped by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris in April, when he requested French President Francois Hollande for 36 Rafale fighters in flyaway condition, in a government-to-government deal. The Typhoon, like the Rafale, had satisfied the IAF in performance trials, losing out to the Dassault fighter by virtue of being more expensive. With a new format of buying only flyaway fighters, Eurofighter could convincingly argue it would be cheaper, since 571 Typhoons are on order compared to barely 225 Rafales.Germany’s defence minister had been expected to raise the issue, after British prime minister, David Cameron, while campaigning for the British election in April had declared: “The British offer of Eurofighter Typhoons to India is still on the table… It will be a better deal than the Rafale.” Yet, Eurofighter is relying on a waiting game. Company sources tell Business Standard they believe Dassault will be unable to meet India’s price expectations and delivery deadlines for the Rafale. Parrikar has repeatedly clarified that Dassault would have to quote a lower price than what it bid in the MMRCA tender. The defence ministry has never specified what part of Dassault’s earlier quote will form the baseline for comparison, which it must now better. Analysts argue the baseline should be the price that Dassault offered for 18 Rafale fighters in flyaway condition. The rest of the MMRCA bid includes costs like technology transfer for building 108 Rafales in India, which have no place in the current 36-fighter purchase..... Source: http://idrw.org/eurofighter-estimates-the-rafales-current-flyaway-price-to-be-at-least-150-mn/ II Homeland Security 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]
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