IKB-DEF-FEB 11 15

Indicia Knowledge Brief
A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security
February 11, 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
Adding to its blue water capability, the Indian Navy conducted a largescale exercise to test its readiness for handling a tsunami-like disaster
with over 20 warships and various aircraft taking part in the drill which
was held around Lakshadweep Islands.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is poised to award
its first 'make' contract, in which the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will fund
two Indian consortia in developing a Rs 40,000-50-000 crore 'battlefield
management system' (BMS). This digital wireless network will interlink
soldiers and battlefield sensors through voice and data channels,
providing a common battle picture to each jawan.
In a step that will boost the internal security mechanism, Gujarat is poised
to become a laboratory for research and development of crime control
technology with the help of Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO).
I. National Defence and Security:
Navy holds drill to test readiness for dealing with tsunamis:
Indian Navy has conducted a large-scale exercise to test its readiness for
handling a tsunami-like disaster with over 20 warships and various aircraft
taking part in the drill which was held around Lakshadweep Islands. The
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise involving more
than 20 ships from the Western and Eastern Fleets and various aircraft of Indian
Navy was conducted in the Lakshadweep Islands (Kavaratti, Aggatti, Kalpeni and
Androth). The exercise -- which spanned an area of approximately 8,000 square
miles in the Indian Ocean -- simulated a major cyclone striking the islands,
disrupting essential services and causing widespread destruction of property,
loss of life and dislocation of personnel. The ships in the drill were grouped into
four forces, each having a humanitarian assistance and security component. The
exercise was designed to validate the navy's capability for providing immediate
succour and relief to the affected people, an official statement said. It involved
the navy personnel setting up medical camps and making provisions for food,
shelter from the elements, restoration of basic facilities and limited restoration
work till the situation stabilised. In the wake of the "fresh water crisis" at Male in
December last year, Indian Navy had deployed two warships which supplied
more than 2,000 tones of fresh water to the city of Male over a period of 10 days.
The navy was also at the forefront of relief operations in the wake of the Indian
Ocean Tsunami in 2004. It also took part in evacuation operations from Lebanon
in 2006 and Libya in 2011 and provided assistance in Bangladesh during Cyclone
Sidr in 2007 and in Myanmar during Cyclone Nargis in 2008. The navy had also
participated in the efforts to locate the missing Malaysian airliner MH-370. The
exercise will further underscore the nation's capabilities for being being the
"first responder" in the region during times of humanitarian crises, the
statement added.
Source:
http://www.firstpost.com/india/navy-holds-drill-to-test-readiness-for-dealing-with-tsunamis2091303.html
*
L&T, BEL consortia set to get Rs 40,000-crore project:
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is poised to award its first
'make' contract, in which the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will fund two Indian
consortia in developing a Rs 40,000-50-000 crore 'battlefield management
system' (BMS). This digital wireless network will interlink soldiers and
battlefield sensors through voice and data channels, providing a common battle
picture to each jawan. Business Standard has learnt the MoD has selected two
consortia from the dozen companies invited to bid in November 2013. One is a
consortium between Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Tata Power, and the other
between Rolta and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). These winners - termed
development agencies - could be announced any day. Under the 'make' category
of the Defence Procurement Policy of 2013 (DPP-2013), both consortia will
develop separate prototype BMS systems, with the MoD reimbursing 80 per cent
of the expenditure. A special MoD 'integrated project management team' (IPMT)
will select the better prototype, and both consortia will then bid for the contract
to mass-produce the BMS for the military. While development agencies are
chosen on the basis of their technology and indigenisation plans, the contract to
mass-produce the BMS will be awarded to the lower bidder. The 'make' category
procedure mandates an Indian company must lead a project, though it could
have foreign partners. At least 30 per cent of the system that is built must be
indigenous.....
Source:
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/l-t-bel-consortia-set-to-get-rs-40000-crore-project-115021100013_1.html
*
Aero India to focus on Make in India:
Bolstering the Make in India theme in defence manufacturing, Aero India-2015
— the 10th international edition of the aerospace and aviation exhibition at
Bengaluru from February 18-22 — will also include sectors like defence
manufacturing and airport infrastructure besides aerospace, defence and civil
aviation. Describing the biennial event organised by Defence Exhibition
Organisation (DEO) under the aegis of the ministry of defence as one of the
largest premium airshows in Asia, secretary of defence production, G Mohan
Kumar outlined the impetus of the Make in India initiative during the
forthcoming edition of the event. “We want to set Make in India as the major
theme of the exhibition and see progress in the defence sector,” Kumar said at a
curtain raiser for Aero India 2015 in New Delhi. “Towards this, the defence
manufacturing investors’ summit and global CEOs conference will be held for the
first time. Around 150 CEOs each from foreign and domestic industries have
been invited. At least five defence ministers and six military chiefs among the
over 60 official delegates from abroad will also be there,” he added. PM Narendra
Modi will inaugurate the premium air show. Besides 54 ministerial and other
high-level delegations from several countries that are slated to attend the
inaugural event, the exhibition will also see participation by over 600 companies,
including 295 Indian and 328 foreign companies. India is expected to spend $120
billion in arms acquisitions over the coming decade, with its 1.5-million strong
armed forces still grappling with several operational gaps ranging from fighters
and helicopters to artillery and submarines. Indian private companies, many of
whom are tying up with global arms firms, are also keen to enter defence
production. The government, on its part, is working to remove bottlenecks for
arms exports as well as streamlining the complicated ‘Make’ procedure for
indigenous R&D, development and production of weapon systems....
Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/article/economy/aero-india-to-focus-on-make-in-india/41408/
*
Navy vessel Mhadei clocks one lakh nautical miles:
The iconic INSV Mhadei has now clocked one lakh nautical miles while traversing
the oceans around the globe, a milestone for the sailing vessel which figured in
the naval tableau during the Republic Day parade last month. The tableau titled
'Bharatiya Nau Sena Aur Nari Shakti' depicted the sterling achievement of four
Navy women officers who had braved the vagaries of the seas to participate in
the voyage from Goa to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil on board Mhadei. Commander
Dilip Donde had sailed solo on Mhadei, constructed in Goa as part of the Navy's
ambitious project Sagar Parikrama, to become the first Indian - and the 189th
person in the world - to circumnavigate the globe with four stops from August
2009 to May 2010. Then, in 2012-2013, Commander Abhilash Tomy had sailed
non-stop and unassisted around the world on Mhadei to become the first Indian,
second Asian and the 79th person in the world to do so. The 23-tonne Mhadei,
which has crossed the equator 10 times, the prime meridian four times and the
international dateline twice, has notched several awards since it was inducted
into the Navy. Officers who have sailed on it have received a Kirti Chakra, a
Shaurya Chakra, two Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards, a McGregor
Award for Military Reconnaissance, two National Maritime Achievement Awards
and two Chief of Naval Staff Commendations, among others.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-vessel-Mhadei-clocks-one-lakh-nauticalmiles/articleshow/46194881.cms
*
3D bird detecting radars ready for IAF:
The Indian Air Force is looking for 45 radars that can detect birds and also deter
them to drastically reduce the bird menace that has caused several air crashes in
the past. A Noida-based company, OIS Advanced Technologies (OIS-AT) has
developed a radar that is claimed to have surpassed the parameters laid down by
the IAF. OIS-AT claimed to have developed the world's first 3D bird detection
and deterrence radar which has surpassed the expectations that IAF had
expressed for meeting its requirements at the various air bases where its
squadrons are active across the country. The radar, called 3D Bird Detection,
Monitoring and Deterrence Radar System (BDMDRS), successfully completed its
trials at IAF's Hindon air base after the IAF issued request for proposals (RFPs)
to demonstrate suitable radar for its requisitioning. Sanjay Bhandari, chairman &
managing director, OIS-AT, claimed that IOS-AT was the only Indian company in
the bid with three other competitors. The IAF has not yet finalized the deal but
Bhandari is confident that it would go through. He plans to officially launch the
radar at Aero India 2015 on February 19. Bhandari said the 3D BDMDRS
provides all the air traffic controllers with essential information over a 12 km
diameter, up to 1,000 metre altitude over the runway itself, and up to 2,000
metres in the entire area around the airport. The processed 3D bird data is
automatically archived. He explained that the radar's bird deterrence options are
based on automated command, control and communication system which
interfaces with the non-lethal bird deterrent devices like the long range acoustic
device and the bird control (eye safe) laser systems. The first emits a scary sound
using a 'scare cannon' while the latter scares the bird by firing a laser to confuse
the bird. The company is also developing three other radars - foliage penetration
radar system (to detect minefields, and buried bombs); 3D multi-function multinode UAV detection radar system; and the portable ground surveillance radar
(for border patrolling).
Source:
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/others/3D-bird-detecting-radars-ready-forIAF/articleshow/46192348.cms?
*
Textron offers Scorpion jet to IAF:
The Indian Air Force, which receives pitches both solicited and unsolicited, has
received one of its most interesting in recent times. Faced with a training void in
the intermediate jet trainer space, the IAF had resorted to a global request for
information to gauge what solutions existed in the world aviation market for a
light jet trainer platform that could also undertake light attack and tactical
multipurpose missions. One of the responses the IAF has received is an aircraft
that has evoked attention for its simplicity, cost and mission profile: the Textron
Airland Scorpion, a light tactical twin-jet airplane fitted out for tactical
interdiction missions and ISR. Whether or not the IAF is willing to look strictly at
aircraft that don’t fit its rather unbending trainer aircraft profile, the Scorpion is
an intriguing platform that makes affordability its singular touchstone. First off,
the Scorpion isn’t intended as a high performance airplane — and isn’t under
development through a US Department of Defense-funded programme or
requirement, but rather a venture by Textron and Airland LLC based on their
own independent understanding of the world market for aircraft, and evolving
requirements. Shrinking budgets, the unaffordability of high performance fighter
jets, logistical economics and the spending power of small or emerging nations
with security threat perspectives largely guide the development of a light,
uncomplicated aircraft that can, in the words of the maker, engage in domestic
interdiction, quick-reaction natural disaster support, air sovereignty patrols, and
low-threat battlefield missions. In other words, the aircraft could be deployed in
a counter-insurgency profile as well. Simplicity and economy guide the
development of the Textron Airland offering. At a stated operating cost of $3,000
per flight hour, the Scorpion proposes to be hugely cheaper to operate than high
performance jets currently engaged in US operations around the world. And with
a price tag of under $20 million per airframe, the makers will clearly be pitching
the aircraft at substantial fleet number requirements. The twin-seat
configuration makes it double as a possible fast jet trainer, far exceeding the
performance requirements of the IAF’s ideal IJT. Several other innovations keep
the aircraft’s cost low: no fly-by-wire, an all composite fuselage that draws from
parts already built by Textron firm Cessna, and a cockpit only slightly different
from existing cockpits on Cessna aircraft. The Scorion flies on two Honeywell
TFE731 turbofans producing 3,600 kg of thrust that can keep the jet airborne for
just over five hours, with an overall service life of 20,000 hours. According to
Textron, the Scorpion, which flew for the first time in December 2013, is being
developed with a 1,400 kg payload that could include bombs (guided and
unguided), or electronic payloads for intelligence gathering, all in an internal
bay.....
Source: http://idrw.org/archives/57763
*
BAE Systems begins negotiations for 20 more Hawks:
BAE Systems, now comfortably in the Indian fixed wing space with its Hawk
advanced jet trainer, has begun negotiations with HAL to transfer equipment to
support the license build of 20 more Hawks for the IAF's erstwhile Surya Kiran
aerobatics team. The Hawk fleet will make the revived aerobatics team only the
second team in the world after the RAF Red Arrows to operate a nine Hawk
formation routine. With its fixed wing business on steady course, BAE Systems
will be showcasing a slew of equipment at Aero India 2015 at the helicopter
fleets of the Indian armed forces. Equipment on display at the show will include
S3000 and Mission Adaptable Crew Seats (MACS), the Striker helmet-mounted
display (HMD), in service on the Eurofighter Typhoon. According to the
company, "Striker provides comfort, protection, and helmet stability for both
fixed- and rotary-wing platforms such as the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH),
Apache and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)." Also debuting this year at the
show will be BAE's Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) rocket,
described as a cost-effective solution that leverages the military’s existing
infrastructure and inventory, turning a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70
millimeter) rocket into a precision laser-guided rocket. The weapon may be
aimed at India's attack helicopter fleet inventories.
Source:
http://www.sps-aviation.com/exclusive/?id=308&h=BAE-Systems-begins-negotiations-for-20more-Hawks
*
Russia to showcase cutting-edge avionics at Aero India-2015:
Russia’s UIC will present its latest products in aircraft communications systems
at the Aero India-2015 in Bangalore and will also hold talks on modernisation of
equipment for the Su-30MKI fleet in the Indian Air Force. The United
Instruments Corporation (UIC – a part of Rostec) will showcase its latest
developments and innovations in the field of aviation communications
equipment at the Aero India-2015 air show in Bangalore, which will he held
February 18-22. The Russian giant will also hold talks on the modernisation of
equipment for the Su-30MKI fleet in the Indian Air Force, said the press office of
UIC. The International Aerospace Exhibition Aero India has been held every two
years in Bangalore since 1996. Traditionally, this show is attended by the crème
de la crème of the aerospace industry. According to the official website of the air
show, in 2013, 570 companies from 29 countries participated in the show.
Integration of air-based cruise missile with Su-30MKI fighter completed in India
At the international exhibition in Bangalore, the United Instruments Corporation
will be presenting advanced developments in aeronautical radio
communications, some of which may be of great interest to Asian companies,
said the company’s press service. During the exhibition, talks are also planned
with representatives of the Indian Air Force and Indian experts from the HAL
Aircraft Corporation. The two sides are expected to discuss the possibility of
upgrading the communications equipment in the Su-30MKI, now serving in the
armed forces of India. “They will also discuss the possibility of supplying modern
communications systems for the Russian-Indian aircraft currently under
development – a multi-purpose fighter (FGFA) and the multi-role transport
aircraft (MTA),” company announced. “Our Asian partners are simultaneously
interested in several Russian products made by the NPP Polyot OJSC. One of the
latest developments is the aircraft communications complex S-112, which
provides a new level of efficiency in data transmission,” said Sergey Skokov,
Deputy General Director of UIC.....
Source:
http://in.rbth.com/economics/2015/02/10/russia_to_showcase_cuttingedge_avionics_at_aero_india-2015_41279.html
*
America the largest exhibitor at Aero India 2015:
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Bengaluru to inaugurate the fiveday Aero India 2015, America will be for the first time the largest foreign
presence at India's premier air exhibition. Although the Indian Air Force (IAF)
flies predominantly Russian aircraft, and Moscow has traditionally made a splash
at previous Aero India shows, Russia is sending no military aircraft to Bengaluru
this year. In a sign of changing times, seven of the eleven foreign military aircraft
on display will be American - two F-15C Eagles, two F-16C Fighting Falcons, one
Boeing KC-135 tanker, one C-17 Globemaster III and a P-8A Poseidon maritime
surveillance aircraft. The IAF flies the C-17, while the navy operates an Indian
version of the P-8A, called the P-8I. Besides these American aircraft, three French
Rafale fighters - shortlisted for acquisition by the IAF - will fly aerobatics
displays. In addition, there will be one Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 jet. American
companies will similarly dominate the exhibition area. Of 328 defence companies
from 33 countries participating in Aero India 2015, America will have the largest
representation with 64 companies. Following the US will be France (58
companies), the UK (48), Russia (41) and Israel (25). According to defence
analysis group IHS Jane's, the US supplanted Russia in 2013 as India's biggest
source of weaponry, supplying $1.9 billion out of the $5.9 billion worth of
equipment imported that year, almost 30 per cent of arms imports. The figures
for 2014 have not yet been released. The number of foreign companies
participating has risen sharply from 212 in Aero India 2013 to 328 this year.
Similarly, Indian participation has risen from 156 companies in the last air show
to 266 this year. These defence companies are hoping to benefit from the prime
minister's "Make in India" programme, which is the theme of Aero India 2015.
Besides defence manufacturing, the exhibition will also include airport
infrastructure and civil aviation. For the first time there will be participation
from three states that wish to promote defence industry - Karnataka, Gujarat and
Andhra Pradesh.....
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/america-the-largest-exhibitor-at-aeroindia-2015-115021000009_1.html
*
Sino-Indian border deal requires clear signals:
Speculation has been mounting that a solution to the Sino-Indian border
disputes is coming after Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj
claimed that the Indian government "is committed to exploring an early
settlement on the India-China border issue" during her recent visit in China,
adding that the strong leaders from the two countries are "keen on an out-of-box
solution." However, it might be too soon to anticipate that this solution will be
reached in May during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to China
since assuming office, because New Delhi is actually showing a tougher attitude
and more reservations over this issue. For example, before he was elected, Modi
once said "no power on earth can take away even an inch from India" during a
speech at a rally in northeast India. Such toughness has become more obvious in
recent moves. India's regular patrolling along the border areas has been stepped
up, and a massive infrastructure program has been launched in these areas.
Under such circumstances, more patience is needed for a breakthrough of the
solution. However, since Swaraj has raised that the upcoming state visit of Modi
will be "an action-oriented visit," and will narrow down areas of differences in
order to resolve the border dispute, India is making efforts in showing flexibility
and creating a favorable atmosphere on resolving the issue. If there is an "out-ofbox solution," it is likely a breakthrough over the eastern part of the border,
which contains the most controversial area between China and India. Take the
illegal McMahon Line, which is at the heart of the boundary dispute. The line
running through the eastern Himalayas is a unilateral boundary created by
Henry McMahon, a colonial official of British India at the time. This is a line that
China has never accepted. If India won't make adjustments over the line, there
will be no suggestion whatsoever that the two sides are any closer to agreeing.
.....
Source: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/907041.shtml
II
Homeland Security
*
DRDO to set up internal security research lab in Gujarat:
Gujarat is poised to become a laboratory for research and development of crime
control technology with the help of Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO). Gujarat government is going to tie up with the national
agency, DRDO, to set up a laboratory to train Gujarat police and research and
develop new weapons and crime control technologies. Gujarat government
sources said, "For DRDO's new laboratory we plan to offer a plot of land at the
Karai State Police Training Academy near Gandhinagar. A formal memorandum
of understanding will be signed in a couple of days between the state home
department and DRDO." Source close to the development said, "Top officials of
DRDO and the state government had a high-level meeting and explored the areas
of co-operation. At present, DRDO only works with the three defense wings and
BSF and a few other national forces for development of weapons and other
technology. However there is a need to devise sophisticated technology for
internal security. We requested DRDO to help train our police personnel and
provide the best technology for surveillance and crime control. DRDO authorities
liked the idea and offered various services." Sources further added, "We are
formalizing short term and long term cooperation plans. We need their help in
developing low-cost, high-efficiency weapons, effective monitoring of various
criminal activities in border areas and within major cities, control of
sophisticated cyber and financial crimes etc." DRDO has a network of more than
50 laboratories engaged in developing defence technologies covering disciplines
like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems,
instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special materials,
naval systems, life sciences, training, information systems and agriculture.
Presently, the organization has over 5,000 scientists and about 25,000 other
scientific, technical and supporting personnel.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/DRDO-to-set-up-internal-security-researchlab-in-Gujarat/articleshow/46193877.cms
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