May 1, 2008

INDIA - MAKINGS OF A REGIONAL POWER

Key Trends

• Negotiations on 123 Agreement during visit of Indian Foreign Secretary to the United States indicate resolution of differences between Washington and New Delhi .
• Agni III, India `s IRBM test fired successfully, plans afloat for testing anti ballistic missile.
• India attains commercial satellite launch capability with successful launch of Italian satellite AGILE.
• Ex Ashwamedh - Test exercise of Indian 1 Corps, a strike formation underway.
• Indian Naval diplomacy sees IN ships conducting maritime exercises with Chinese, Japanese, US and Russian navy.

India Foreign Policy

Negotiations - 123 Agreement and NSG

India `s Foreign Secretary held crucial talks on finalizing the 123 Agreement in Washington with US Under Secretary Nicholas Burns and other US officials. State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack termed the talks as, "excellent" and hoped for finalizing the agreement by mid May when Burns visits New Delhi . The key issues which were discussed probably included India 's insistence on right to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and perennial cooperation even if it were to conduct an atomic test. India is following a declared policy of unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing, but is not amenable to accepting a legally binding clause to the effect in the 123 Agreement. New Delhi is also insisting that civil nuclear cooperation should not be affected if India were to conduct a nuclear test and should be treated at par with other nuclear weapon states. The US is willing to accommodate India `s requests to the extent that these do not violate Washington `s laws. ( http://economictimes.indiatimes.com) . There is some resistance in India particularly from the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) over the Deal. However given commitment at the highest level it is likely that the Deal will go through albeit at a slower pace than expected by the US officials due to the bureaucratic nature of functioning of the Indian system. Reports indicate that US officials have also provided some fresh inputs to Indians for negotiating the 123 Agreement in Cape Town which may lead to some solution shortly. These proposals will be examined by the Indian side and some way out is likely to be found thereafter.

Indian diplomats simultaneously lobbied with the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in its plenary meet in Cape Town on 16 April. India 's High Commissioner to Singapore S. Jaishankar, a key diplomat led the delegation to the NSG mission to demonstrate to the nations that India was fully committed to nuclear non proliferation. The aim was to focus on possible nuclear proliferation hard liners as Norway , Sweden , Finland and Japan . Approval of the NSG is essential for resumption of nuclear supplies which will come about only after India signs the 123 Agreement with the United States . Delay in the signing has been a major issue over the past few weeks resulting in some dissonance in Indo US dialogue on the subject.

Indo Pakistan Relations

In a speech at Delhi`s premier University Jamia Millia Islamia, Mr Shivshankar Menon, the Foreign Secretary speaking on, "India-Pakistan: Understanding the Conflict Dynamics" in a Seminar indicated that India was committed to a peaceful and prosperous periphery in its self interest and good relations with Pakistan.

The key differences between India and Pakistan were identified as those arising from Partition, an imbalance in security and size of the states and the Kashmir issue. Indian foreign policy was directed at primarily developing society and economy rather than confrontation. Welfare and well being of the people was the primary aim of the policy. The basis of Indo Pak relations should thus be cooperation rather than confrontation. Some of the concrete measures to improve Indo Pakistan relations identified by the Foreign Secretary included, contacts across the LOC, new bus route between Poonch and Rawalakot, beginning truck traffic between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, increased meeting points on the LOC as well as the Gilgit-Skardu bus route. (MEA India Press Release).

India `s Look East Policy

The External Affairs Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee indicated to the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on 27 April that India `s focus on a strengthened and multi-faceted relationship with ASEAN is an outcome of the changed global political and economic scenario since the early 1990s and India `s march towards economic liberalization. ASEAN provides a land bridge for India to connect with the Asia-Pacific. India and ASEAN have a convergence of interest in the security sphere. The India-ASEAN relationship has steadily progressed since the policy was initiated in 1991 from sectoral dialogue partners to full dialogue partnership. The political level interactions at the Summit level which began in 2002 have been steadily strengthened through multi-faceted diplomatic interaction. Other than ASEAN, another significant pillar of "Look East" policy was indicated as BIMSTEC. The Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is another initiative which brings together India and five ASEAN countries viz. Cambodia , Lao PDR, Myanmar , Thailand and Vietnam .

India also participated in the second East Asia Summit (EAS) held at Cebu , the Philippines in January 2006. Relations with Japan witnessed a transformation following the landmark visit of the Prime Minister in December 2006. The two Prime Ministers established an India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership that provides a vision for charting the future course of bilateral relations. During EAM`s visit (March 22-23, 2007), the first high level Strategic Dialogue with the Foreign Minister of Japan was held. Important projects for joint collaboration in the economic field including the Dedicated Freight Corridors Project and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Initiative were discussed. Negotiations have also begun on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Indo US Relations

As Indian and US diplomats meet in Washington on 30 April, US Undersecretary of State for South Asia underlined the contours of Indo US Relations in an article in the Washington Post reproduced in the Indian Express of 30 April 2007 . These are summarized as follows:-

(a) Indo US Civil Nuclear agreement was seen as the centrepiece of Indo US partnership with a bi partisan majority approving it in the US Congress. The aim as per the United States was to bring India into the main stream non proliferation regime while at the same time assist in overcoming shortages of electricity which was hampering its growth. Nuclear energy was also seen as a means to reduction of global warming. The US Administration was hopeful of early closure of the deal the benefits of which would be seen only by 2008.

(b) Other areas of Indo US cooperation included joint ventures in agriculture, space exploration, science and technology development and combating HIV and AIDS.

(c) The focus was to assist India in launching a second green revolution and provide fillip to Indian economy.

(d) A joint effort to counter terrorism was another key area of cooperation identified.

(e) Military partnership was also set to be a possible launch pad for growth in synergy in relations. The joint assistance package worked out during the tsunami and the global interest in Aero India air show was regarded as the key drivers towards this relationship. The focus is likely to be on joint exercises and military sales.

(f) Indian assistance is also said to be critical in rebuilding Afghanistan , energy initiatives with oil and gas rich Central Asian states as Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to reduce Indian dependency on Iran .

(g) The US is also working to stop the fratricidal conflict in Sri Lanka and peace in Nepal and Bangladesh . (Indian Express. 30 April 2007 ).

Indo Myanmar - Defence Cooperation

A senior general of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council, Lt Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, the Quarter Master General is reported to have met the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army Lt Gen Deepak Kapoor in New Delhi requesting for infantry weapons and ammunition. The key arms on the shopping list include small arms, light machine guns and carbines as per a report in the Indian Express. The Indian government is also reported to be providing two decommissioned Islander surveillance aircraft and other military hardware. The arms are reportedly being offered as a quid pro quo for assistance of the Myanmar `s Army for clamping down on camps and supply routes of Indian militants operating on the Indo Myanmar border. (Indian Express Report, 24 April 2007 ).

India has benefited considerably from interaction with the military regime in Myanmar , though purists would castigate the government for such a move as it undermines democratic forces Yangon . While India has resisted dealing with the military junta for many years, two factors went in favour of interaction. The first was the progress made in Sino Myanmar relations which was providing Beijing a strategic leverage in India `s close proximity. On the other hand many groups in the North East were gaining ground across the Myanmar border. While China continues to have considerable advantage in Myanmar , India has certainly benefited from the clamp down of the Myanmar government on insurgents operating across the Indo Myanmar border.

Indo German Defence Cooperation

A meeting of the First Indo German High Level Committee on defence, was held in New Delhi . India and Germany agreed to increase defence cooperation in a number of areas including exchange of expertise in peace-keeping operations and experience in disaster management. Federal State Secretary for Defence of Germany Dr. Peter Eickenboom assured India of transfer of technology in armament procurement and joint development of armament platforms wherever possible. He also said that Germany shares India `s security perspectives and recognizes growing importance of India in regional stability and peace. Germany has also assured India that it will be an open and reliable partner in all areas of defence cooperation.

Germany could be a key supplier for provision of 155 artillery guns which the Indian Army is looking for in the future. German expertise in submarines could also be a major advantage as India looks for the next generation of under sea craft. (MOD India Press Release)

Strategic Defence Capability

Agni III Test Fired

The much awaited tests of India `s Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) - AGNI III was successfully carried out on 12 April from the Wheeler Island , off the coast of Orissa . The missile which has a range of more than 3000 kms is capable of carrying a pay load of 1.5 Tonnes. The trajectory of AGNI III is computed by the onboard computer system based on the launch and target coordinates. During flight the missile is autonomous and fully `intelligent` to reach its designated target. With this success, the design team is said to have successfully overcome the problems faced in the previous attempt on 09 July 2006 .

All mission objectives primarily to establish performance of two stage propulsion in flight and the flex nozzle control system being attempted by DRDO scientists for the first time were attained. The flight was tracked from ground stations at Dhamra, ITR, Balasore, Port Blair and two Indian Naval ships in the Indian Ocean . Shri M Natarajan, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri made a specific reference to the achievement of high degree of self reliance in AGNI III, as most of the sub systems have been developed within the country with the synergy between DRDO - Industry (both Public and Private sector) and Academia. (MOD India Press Release).

The Agni missile programme has a long history of tests spread over two decades. The chronology as indicated in the Times of India is as given below:-

May 22, 1989 : Agni-I (01) Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur-on-Sea
May 29, 1992 : Agni-I (02) ITR at Chandipur-on-Sea (failed)
February 19, 1994 : Agni-I (03) ITR at Chandipur-on-Sea
April 11, 1999 : Agni-II(01) ITR at Wheeler's Island
January 17, 2001 : Agni-II(02) ITR at Chandipur-on-Sea
January 25, 2002: Agni-I ITR at Chandipur-on-Sea
January 9, 2003 : Agni-I ITR at Wheeler's Island. (Range 700 km).
July 4, 2003 : Agni-I ITR at Wheeler's Island
August 29, 2004 : Agni-II (03) ITR at Wheeler's Island ( Range 1500 km).
July 9, 2006 : Agni-III(01) ITR at Wheeler's Island (failed)
April 12, 2007 : Agni-III(02) ITR at Wheeler's Island

The Agni III tests are primarily a technology demonstrator. Many more tests will be required before operationalising the missile. However India has already operationalised Agni I and II to what extent these have been viably tested is not yet clear. Hence there is a distinct possibility of Agni III being operationalised before a full series of tests are conducted. No viable deterrence was available to India with reference to China ; with deployment of Agni III, this deficiency will be made up.

On the whole India `s missile programme is far behind that of China as well as Pakistan . The latter has far greater range of medium range missiles as Ghauri and Shaheen. Both countries have been successfully testing a series of missiles at a faster pace than India . Many analysts believe that in the field of missile technology, Pakistan is far ahead of India , an edge achieved through active collaboration with the Chinese and the North Koreans. India on the other hand has been hampered by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and a policy of indigenous development.

India `s Anti Missile Test

The DRDO is gearing up for a second test of the ballistic missile defence system which is said to be an "endo-atmospheric interceptor missile" reportedly based on the US Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3). The shoot down capability is anticipated to be at an altitude of 30-km. The test on 27 November 2006 was exo-atmospheric in which the missile was shot down at an altitude of 50 kms. A BMD needs to have both capabilities to be a successful system. The exo-atmospheric missile was based on the Prithvi system. This is likely to take five years while the US has already shown keenness to sell a PAC 3 system to India . (Times of India Report).

With extensive progress made by Pakistan in upgrading missile systems such as Ghauri, Shaheen and Babur which have ballistic as well as cruise capabilities, India is envisaging development of BMD systems indigenously. The need for a grid which will include sensors, command and control systems and missiles to ensure effectiveness however is underlined.

BrahMos

An MOD Press Release indicated that 14 th Trial of land version of the Supersonic Cruise Missile BrahMos was successfully conducted on 22 April. The trial of the 290 Km range missile was carried out at Chandipur- on- Sea, Balasore in Orissa. The complete test was carried out by Army personnel in the presence of Lt Gen BS Pawar, Commandant, School of Artillery , Major General VK Chaturvedi, Additional Director General Artillery, and a host of other senior Army officers. Emphasis was laid on the ability of the supersonic missile to carry out a number of exacting manoeuvres during its flight towards a pre-determined target-point. Earlier accepted by the Navy for its warship, the Indian Army will be the second major customer inducting this missile in its arsenal this year as per the Press Release. The missile is expected to be delivered to the Army by the end of the Year.

BrahMos officials are also hard selling the missile in the World. Now that the Army has also accepted the missile, more countries are likely to seek BrahMos. Malaysia and Indonesia have shown interest in purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This was evident with the visit to the BrahMos complex in New Delhi by Indonesian Navy chief Admiral Siamet Soebijanto. All VIPs from interested countries visiting Delhi are invariably taken to the BrahMos complex. The Missile is also known to have been displayed in various defence expositions around the World.

Commercial Satellite Launch Capability

India joined the group of nations capable of launching commercial satellites with the PSLV-C8 successfully placing the 352-kg Italian astronomical satellite AGILE into a 550 km circular orbit on 23 April 2007. This is said to be PSLV's 10th successful launch since 1994. ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair was jubilant at the success as India is just the fifth country after United States , Russia , China and France to launch satellites commercially.

India `s success in the field of satellite launch is remarkable. Within a short period and almost wholly indigenously such a capability has been achieved. An integrated programme of space development needs to be undertaken to provide the country much needed capability in varied fields for further development. A concomitant programme of space defence is also essential for which the Aerospace command would be a good adjunct.

Satellite Imagery Capability

ISRO is stated to be ready to supply satellite imagery with resolution up to 1 m, being the second non US supplier for this with data coming quite cheap at $18-20 per picture of a square kilometre. This will play a significant role with dual use both in the civil and defence sectors. The ISRO is also undertaking a sub metre project stated for completion by 2010. The Indian satellite imagery capability has been considerably upgraded. This is in line with India `s success in the field of satellite launch and space vehicles. The country has an ambition of a manned space flight to the moon.

Indian Army News

Army Commanders Conference - 16 - 20 April 2007

As per MOD India, Press Release Army Commanders Conference was held from 16 to 20 Apr 2007 at New Delhi . The Conference chaired by Army Chief, Gen JJ Singh carried out an operational review of the situation in J&K and the North East, to include modernization and capability building, operational readiness and training. Some of the issues discussed included the following:- (Based on MOD Press Release).

• `Value Based Leadership`.
• `Asymmetric Warfare in Indian Context`.
• `Improvement in Promotion/ Service Conditions of personnel Below officer Rank`.
• `Strategy for an Integrated Approach towards Peacekeeping Operations`.
• Strategy and road map for Ã�Vth Mil World Games Oct 07.

Defence Minister Mr. A K Anthony is reported to have emphasized the need for reducing revenue expenditure and bring revenue and capital components of the budget at par. Guarding against violation of human rights was another area of emphasis. Some of the major issues discussed in the Conference are as per succeeding paragraphs.

Defence diplomacy received considerable emphasis. This was to take the form of more number of vacancies in courses, providing Indian expertise in areas like counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, high-altitude warfare, and glacial warfare. Participation in international seminars was to be encouraged. Plans for military to military interaction with friendly foreign countries and participation in bilateral and even multilateral ground forces exercises were also discussed.

The Army is reviewing the modernization drive with focus on night fighting capabilities by building up night vision equipment of the forces and fast reaction missiles to provide cover to troops from low flying threats as per a report in India-defence.com. Air Defence Artillery will also be upgraded including ZU-24 air defence guns mounted on tank chassis. A deal for purchase of a 12 kms vertically launched, low level quick reaction missile to provide cover for troops from low flying threats is planned as a joint project of the DRDO and the European missile giant MBDA which will be called Rohini.

A report in the 'Defense News' indicated that the overall implications of deployment of the Army under non UN aegis were considered recently during the Formation Commanders conference. While the Army has been considering deployment outside the UN aegis for some period now, it is unlikely that this will come about as quickly given the large scale political fall out of such a move within the country. The extensive debate before the Iraq War 2003, over joining the coalition needs to be recalled to understand the resistance in India over such a move.

Meanwhile media reports indicated that an Indian Military Training Team will be established in Afghanistan by May end to conduct infantry and education corps related training. Another team was reported to be deployed in Uzbekistan . The focus will be on teaching English to the troops, weapon handling, map craft and fundamental battle procedures. The decision is reported to have been taken in February, and was followed up during the annual Army Commanders' conference from 16 to 20 April 2007 . (Times of India report). However i n response to a question regarding this report the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, "Defence establishments in India hold training programmes from time to time for military personnel from other countries, including Afghanistan . However, there is no proposal to send Indian army personnel to Afghanistan for training the Afghan army."

Ex Ashwamedh

The Army`s strike formation, 1 Corps with frontline T-90 main battle tanks, heavy artillery, helicopter gun ships and infantry combat vehicles and UAVs was conducting exercises to assess efficacy of the, "Cold Start" Doctrine and network-centric operational ability. This comprises of launch of the Corps in a simulated WMD scenario. The exercises are being held in the areas between Suratgarh in Rajasthan and Bhatinda in Punjab as per a report in India-defence.com. The overall aim was to test the operational readiness of the army, training standards, leadership and structuring of forces with responsive logistics. Testing concepts as Shock and Awe and Network Centric warfare was reported to be some of the key objectives of Ex Ashwamedh, under South Western Command. The sources quoted by India-defence.com however indicated that they would not commit the same errors as made by US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan of deploying limited number of troops on the ground. The area of the exercise is said to be over 130 kms with a depth of over 60 kms.

Arjun MBT is reportedly being tested in the Exercise in the Rajasthan desert in what is called as unofficial trials reported India-defence.com. The Army has reported of `zero complaints' in the tanks so far. NERA armour has been developed by Indian researchers in a revolutionary 'honey comb' design for the Arjun. NERA (Non-explosive and non-Energetic Reactive Armour) Armour is as per India-defence.com performing perfectly. NERA is reportedly a reactive armour which works like any explosive reactive armour but with the crucial difference being using energy in the form of a charge instead of explosives. The first 15 tanks of the 124 have already been activated. Of the remaining 109 tanks, the Indian Army is currently putting the first five tanks from the production lines at Avadi, through accelerated build quality and reliability trials. (India-defence.com report).

Network centric warfare capability is likely to be practiced in the surveillance and target acquisition grid integrating information from various systems such as UAVs, satellites, battlefield radars and night vision devices with weapons systems of the army and the air force and other communication systems to the warrior in the front line. The electromagnetic spectrum would have increased importance on the future battlefield, management of which is receiving additional focus. Simulation of operational ability of being prepared for high intensity, short duration and 'sudden' battles in an overall NBC (nuclear-chemical-biological) environment was also being practiced. Real time use of satellite imagery in an exercise involving 25,000 troops over five days should enable greater flexibility when combined with UAVs.

Operational synergy with the air force was another aim of the exercise. The exercise is said to be culmination of tactical level operations of troops conducted at the battalion and brigade level over the past one month. Special Forces are also slated to be inducted into enemy territory using varied methods of infiltration. One such method was indicated as para gliding. Air borne operations are also being employed along with fire power resources such as air force fighters and attack helicopters. Pakistan has been given advance notice of the exercises as per protocol. (India-defence.com report).

The main focus of the Exercise is to validate the operational capability of 1 Corps as well as overall ability of South Western Command to orchestrate the entire operation in the desert. This being a biennial exercise for the strike corps, it is important that maximum troops are exercised and appropriate lessons derived to facilitate transposing these to other strike corps and application of general lessons across the board. The limited way in which network centric warfare capabilities are being tested particularly in the field of surveillance and target acquisition should benefit other areas such as fire support. The integration airborne and Special Forces should indicate high levels of combat readiness of forces enhancing India `s conventional deterrence, though many believe that such a capability does not optimally utilize the limited resources available for defence readiness.

Analysts indicate that the exercises will denote a major shift in the conduct of wars in the Sub Continent on the western front with integrated combat groups forming the decisive component of the strike force as against massive division sized offensives which were planned hitherto fore.

Land Forces Acquisitions

IEWS for the Indian Army

Defense News reported that the Indian Ministry of Defence is inviting bids for integrated electronic warfare systems (IEWS) for the Indian Army. Price and technical bids have been called for by June 2007, and a short list of contenders is invited. Trials are reported to be commencing in 2008 with a contract likely to be awarded in early 2009 and deliveries in 2011.

An integrated electronic warfare system provides a networked capability for all EW functions ECM, ECCM as well as ESM or Electronic Support measures. Thus it would enable simultaneous detection and countering of threats in real time. This has obvious advantages which are particularly enhanced in the mountains in terms of greater speed and tempo of operations achieved through paralysis of the opponents systems while exponentially enhancing own capabilities.

Imaginatively used, IEWS will enable enhancing speed, tempo and depth of operations. This has to be a networked capability in physical dimensions of land and air in the mountains. Surprise and deception is another facet which will be considerably enhanced, while it will also impact concentration of forces, both in time and space. Operating in the electronic shadow will facilitate management of larger forces with impunity. The impact will be highest disrupting command and control of the enemy, thereby providing relative advantage. However mere introduction of systems is not adequate, this will have to be built in to operational and tactical planning and conduct something which only the Israelis have been able to do successfully so far.

In LICO, IEWS will prove to be decisive. Employed in large numbers, it will enable command of the electronic waves in a gridded pattern, thereby resulting in virtual paralysis of the terrorist command network as well as real time location and identification of terrorists.

Smerch

38 Smerch-M 300mm BM9A52-2 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) will be inducted in the Indian Army shortly at $450 million. There are also reports that an additional $300 million worth of these systems will be delivered by Rosoboronexport to take up the overall value of the contract to $ 750 million. With this 24 more systems to make up two more batteries will be inducted in the Indian Army by 2010 as per India-defence.com. 34 systems will be delivered by 20008 and balance by 2010.

Smerch rocket system has a range of 70 km, extendable to 90 km in particular circumstances, with a barrage time of 38 seconds, smart interchangeable warheads which is said to be effective against bunkers providing ability to take on massed armoured concentrations in depth. (India-defence.com report) The fire potential of Smerch is considerable. The system is a force multiplier. However given the apprehensions over ammunition such as Krasnopol in the past, the efficacy of the system in desert and high altitude terrain needs further analysis.

Network Centric Warfare and Information Asset Development

A report by India-defence.com indicated that there was likely to be a tie up between Lockheed Martin and Wipro for Net Centric C4ISR solutions for the Indian Armed Forces. "Linking all information assets in the battle space - the joint command headquarters, a forward based ground force, an Expeditionary Strike Group, an airborne strike package - is the key to transforming information superiority into combat power," said the report with Lockheed Martin also in active discussions with the Indian Air Force to assist in setting up an advanced data link testing laboratory in India. The company is also in discussion with the Indian Ministry of Defense, Integrated Defense Staff, to provide additional Homeland Security briefings.

Lockheed Martin and Wipro have considerable expertise in respective spheres. Lockheed Martin is probably looking for a strategic partnership in India which will be extending over the next two to three decades as Indian network centric programme will be extending over this period.

Indian Navy News

Naval Diplomacy

Indian Navy`s trilateral exercise with the US and Japanese navy was conducted in the Japanese seas. The guided missile destroyer Mysore , the guided missile corvette Kulthar and the tanker Jyoti participated in the day-long exercise conducted off Yokosuka in Chiba prefecture. Two destroyers of the US Seventh Fleet and three vessels of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force also participated in the drill. Two ships the guided missile destroyers Rana and Ranjit, exercised with the Chinese Navy off Quingdao thereafter which the flotillas conducted drills with Russian Navy off Vladivostok on April 22-26. On return leg the flotilla is due to exercise with the navies of the Philippines and Vietnam and also participate in the biennial International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) May 15-19. (Based on report in India-defence.com)

A report in the ITAR-TASS indicated that planned manoeuvres of Russian and Indian navy in Pyotr Veliky Bay are underway. The key objectives of the exercises were joint drills in shipping protection, combat sea piracy and antiterrorist action. The manoeuvres envisage landing helicopters on board Russian and Indian ships, landing anti terror groups and action to free a ship seized by terrorists. Antisubmarine ships will jointly search for a symbolic enemy submarine. A major part of the joint exercises will be a live fire practice. The ship artillery is to destroy a "boat of terrorists" and sea mines spotted by trawlers in a shipping fairway. The ships will also practice shelling submarines. (Based on India-defence.com report)

China expressed concern over increased naval bonhomie between Japan , the United States and India which have conducted their first ever joint naval drill off Japan 's eastern coast. "Rather intriguing to get India involved", was the comment in People`s Daily Online. Japanese TBS Television, was quoted as saying India had begun modernizing the equipment navy in the wake of the nation's rapid economic growth, and the naval drills were also designed to contain the rapidly modernizing Chinese navy.

The People`s Daily focused on news reports in the media which spoke about the Japan-India-Australia-US military alliance. That India is having a "non-aligned policy", was also indicated with a joint military exercise with Russia and China . India needs to ensure that the multilateral pacts and cooperation in the field of military and defence while adding to its own security, does not create apprehensions in neighbours particularly China and the ASEAN states. Thus a nuanced policy to avoid acrimony between the regional powers is called for.

The US Navy Chief, Admiral Mike Mullen visited India during the month and emphasized the need for navies of the World to jointly combat threat from maritime piracy and crime. This was considered possible only through maritime cooperation between the navies. This has been the general theme of the Admiral`s concept known as, Thousand Ship Navy. Mullen is reported to have said that, "There was a very positive response on TSN from Indian Navy, which in fact wanted to figure out a way to implement it faster." (Times of India report). On the other hand the two nations are finalizing a Maritime Cooperation Framework (MCF) to improve maritime security, piracy and other crime prevention. In addition the US navy is planning to access naval facilities in India .

Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth with 21 officers and 125 sailors on board concluded a four-day goodwill visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) during which the vessel's officers and sailors interacted with their counterparts. The ship, named after Britain 's Duke of Monmouth, is a Type-23 Duke class frigate with a displacement of 3,500 tonnes and is equipped with modern armaments for anti-submarine, surface and air warfare roles.

Maritime Acquisitions

Gorshkov - Vikramaditya

A report in Indian Express of 24 April indicated that there was a delay in deployment of the aircraft carrier Gorshkov. This was attributed to increase in requirement of cabling in the ship. The cost overruns are likely to be over $ 113 million taking it over $ 1 billion. The delay is likely to affect combat efficiency of the Indian Navy in many ways as the only serviceable aircraft carrier, Viraat is said to be on the last legs of operational efficiency.

Aegis Ship Board - Missile system

The United States is reported to have offered, the Aegis ship-board missile system with capability to track and neutralize up to 100 targets and potential for integration with BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and nuclear-capable Agni missiles. Defence Minister Mr. A K Anthony is reported to have informed the Lok Sabha that "An American company made a presentation to the Indian Navy in November 2006. This presentation was made in respect of three ship-board missile systems". The Defence Minister is reported to have told the House that 'no response has been given' by the country to the US offer. ( http://www.dnaindia.com ). The bee line made by American defence major Boeing and Lockheed Corporation denotes the great potential that India held for these defence corporations. While the Aegis is an effective system which will enhance anti missile potential of ships of the Indian navy, it may prove cost prohibitive.

Aero Space Acquisitions

Indian Su 30 Upgrades

Rosoboronexport has signed a contract to upgrade Indian Air Force Sukhoi 30 MKI Fighter Jets at a cost of $ 700 million as per agency report by Interfax. This will be a long haul version. India is scheduled to acquire 230 Su 30 MKI 4.5 generation fighters considered as one of the most advanced in the World at present. Capacity enhancement of Su 30 MKI is particularly significant given considerable delays in issue of RFP for the 126 fighter deals of the IAF. 40 additional Su 30 MKI are on order from Russia . On the other hand Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is finding a problem of supply of assembled Su 30 aircraft. 

Flight Testing LCA

As per India-defence.com, the first aircraft in the Limited Series Production of Tejas, indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, (LSP-1), has made its successful maiden flight at the HAL airport in Bangalore . LSP-1 is the first aircraft to roll out of HAL production hangar, marking the beginning of series production of Tejas for induction into the Air Force. The flight lasted 47 minutes, during which all systems of the aircraft functioned "perfectly well". Flown by Group Captain A P Singh, the aircraft covered an altitude up to 11 km and supersonic speed of 1.1 Mach, DRDO said in its release. This is the first time in the country that any aircraft has gone supersonic in the very first flight, it said.

(SAST MAY 2007)