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..:: India Strategic ::.. Defence Industry: Germany and India:Cooperating to strengthen India's indigenous defence industry
New Delhi. India and Germany enjoy a solid partnership cemented through years of exchange on all levels. We share a long and burden-free history with a strong philosophical, emotional and cultural relationship. Our partnership is now more important than ever as India has become a key player on the global stage.
In 2000 Germany established a strategic dialogue with India. It comprises major global issues such as combating terrorism, climate change, poverty reduction and reforming the UN, especially the Security Council. It also includes our thriving trade and commerce, as well as our excellent cooperation in the areas of science and culture.
German President Horst Köhler addressed all of these issues in talks with his Indian counterparts during his recent state visit to India from 1 to 7 February. The key objective of his visit was to open new avenues for India and Germany to work together in developing a 21st century world policy based on mutual cooperation, while ensuring that national sovereignty and cultural diversity is respected.
With his visit the President wanted to send a clear message: We are ready to enhance and deepen our strategic partnership in all fields.
Democratic India lives in a very unruly neighbourhood.
It is a responsible nuclear power in a very unstable region and that makes India an ideal partner for us in South Asia. We are planning together for the future and we are planning strategically. India and Germany enjoy mutual trust in the field of intelligence-sharing and other security-related areas. The recent terror attacks on the German bakery in Pune once again showed us the importance of free democracies standing together against the threat of terrorism.
In 2006 we added a military dimension to our strategic dialogue.
The German and Indian Defence Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which provides for the establishment of three bilateral working groups.
While one working group focuses on strategic and policy matters on military issues, the second group deals with military cooperation between our armed forces. Finally, a third group covers defence technology and defence business cooperation, as well as the exchange of information on armament procurement projects and on defence research and development technology.
Last year's schedule of Indo-German military cooperation encompassed some 40 different activities. One highlight was an Indo-German mountaineering expedition to Mount Shivling in which a team of instructors of the German Army Mountain Infantry and their Indian Army counterparts took part.
The German members of the team were able to gain substantial experience with regard to operations at very high altitudes. This experience will be useful for further training and preparation of our troops if deployed in high altitude areas, for example in Afghanistan.
In a reciprocal exercise in Germany, members of the Indian Army Mountain Infantry will get to experience the topography of the Alps. Further activities included training of military leaders, medical service during operations and logistics, to name but a few. The outcome of these joint exercises has been very positive.
We should strive to increase joint activities between our armed forces wherever possible.
Another key field for cooperation could be defence procurement. The German defence industry is upbeat when it comes to cooperating with the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian defence industry.
Some projects have already been launched but there is considerable room for improvement. India is presently modernizing its armed forces on a large scale. In addition, India is striving to become less dependent on imports with regard to defence procurement. Therefore the limit of 70% of direct imports will be reduced to 30%. This goal is to be achieved by a more self-reliant defence industry and by enhancing the capabilities for development and production.
In this regard, two recent tenders related to modernizing the Indian Air Force (IAF) could provide opportunities for cooperation with Germany and its defence industry.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), in which Germany is the leading nation, is a bidder in the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) of the IAF with the Eurofighter Typhoon. Its capabilities have recently been showcased in a unique simulator at the DEFEXPO 2010 in Delhi.
This aircraft would be well suited for the needs of the Indian Air Force because it is designed for a low life-cycle cost. Additionally, it ranges at the top level with regard to performance, versatility and growth potential. It could be the appropriate solution for the IAF.
Moreover, the Indian defence industry would benefit considerably. EADS wants India as a true industrial partner. By co-developing cutting-edge future capabilities, India could play a key role in tapping the plane's tremendous built-in potential. As a production and development partner for future enhancements, India could also customize the Eurofighter Typhoon to its specific requirements.
Choosing the Eurofighter Typhoon would link India to Europe's largest defence programme.
In addition to supporting the growth of India's indigenous defence industry, the four Eurofighter partner companies (besides EADS, the BAE Systems, Alenia Aeronautica and CASA) and their 400 suppliers will give India access to an international sourcing network of unparalleled scope. It would significantly expand India's defence supplier base.
The second project is related to the Eurofighter. Eurojet, a German company, is bidding with its Eurofighter engine EJ 200 to enhance the performance of IAF's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS.
Choosing this engine for the LCA would provide best value for money for the IAF and would help make better use of the inherent capabilities and growth potential of the LCA. With regard to transfer of technology, the Indian defence industry would get access to state-of-the-art jet engine technology and, in turn, could gain more independence in this field.
Moreover, there will be synergistic effects if the Eurofighter is chosen as the MMRCA. Engaging with EADS and Eurojet would enable India to be in a position to produce the engines for its new MMRCA on its own. In my view, it is very important to take these aspects into consideration when deciding about the modernization of the Indian Armed Forces.
Using only the take-away price as the paramount criteria may turn out to be less advantageous.
German companies have an excellent reputation in the world, as they do in India. "Made in Germany" represents a seal of quality that stands for innovation and cutting-edge technology.
There are huge possibilities for India and Germany to strengthen our cooperation, including in the defence sector. We see India as a long-term strategic partner and we are ready to offer far-reaching technology transfer. Hence, German defence companies could play a substantial role in helping India achieve its objectives of a more self-reliant defence industry and armed forces equipped with the latest technology to meet future challenges.
The author is the German Ambassador in New Delhi.
New Delhi. India and Germany enjoy a solid partnership cemented through years of exchange on all levels. We share a long and burden-free history with a strong philosophical, emotional and cultural relationship. Our partnership is now more important than ever as India has become a key player on the global stage.
In 2000 Germany established a strategic dialogue with India. It comprises major global issues such as combating terrorism, climate change, poverty reduction and reforming the UN, especially the Security Council. It also includes our thriving trade and commerce, as well as our excellent cooperation in the areas of science and culture.
German President Horst Köhler addressed all of these issues in talks with his Indian counterparts during his recent state visit to India from 1 to 7 February. The key objective of his visit was to open new avenues for India and Germany to work together in developing a 21st century world policy based on mutual cooperation, while ensuring that national sovereignty and cultural diversity is respected.
With his visit the President wanted to send a clear message: We are ready to enhance and deepen our strategic partnership in all fields.
Democratic India lives in a very unruly neighbourhood.
It is a responsible nuclear power in a very unstable region and that makes India an ideal partner for us in South Asia. We are planning together for the future and we are planning strategically. India and Germany enjoy mutual trust in the field of intelligence-sharing and other security-related areas. The recent terror attacks on the German bakery in Pune once again showed us the importance of free democracies standing together against the threat of terrorism.
In 2006 we added a military dimension to our strategic dialogue.
The German and Indian Defence Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which provides for the establishment of three bilateral working groups.
While one working group focuses on strategic and policy matters on military issues, the second group deals with military cooperation between our armed forces. Finally, a third group covers defence technology and defence business cooperation, as well as the exchange of information on armament procurement projects and on defence research and development technology.
Last year's schedule of Indo-German military cooperation encompassed some 40 different activities. One highlight was an Indo-German mountaineering expedition to Mount Shivling in which a team of instructors of the German Army Mountain Infantry and their Indian Army counterparts took part.
The German members of the team were able to gain substantial experience with regard to operations at very high altitudes. This experience will be useful for further training and preparation of our troops if deployed in high altitude areas, for example in Afghanistan.
In a reciprocal exercise in Germany, members of the Indian Army Mountain Infantry will get to experience the topography of the Alps. Further activities included training of military leaders, medical service during operations and logistics, to name but a few. The outcome of these joint exercises has been very positive.
We should strive to increase joint activities between our armed forces wherever possible.
Another key field for cooperation could be defence procurement. The German defence industry is upbeat when it comes to cooperating with the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian defence industry.
Some projects have already been launched but there is considerable room for improvement. India is presently modernizing its armed forces on a large scale. In addition, India is striving to become less dependent on imports with regard to defence procurement. Therefore the limit of 70% of direct imports will be reduced to 30%. This goal is to be achieved by a more self-reliant defence industry and by enhancing the capabilities for development and production.
In this regard, two recent tenders related to modernizing the Indian Air Force (IAF) could provide opportunities for cooperation with Germany and its defence industry.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), in which Germany is the leading nation, is a bidder in the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) of the IAF with the Eurofighter Typhoon. Its capabilities have recently been showcased in a unique simulator at the DEFEXPO 2010 in Delhi.
This aircraft would be well suited for the needs of the Indian Air Force because it is designed for a low life-cycle cost. Additionally, it ranges at the top level with regard to performance, versatility and growth potential. It could be the appropriate solution for the IAF.
Moreover, the Indian defence industry would benefit considerably. EADS wants India as a true industrial partner. By co-developing cutting-edge future capabilities, India could play a key role in tapping the plane's tremendous built-in potential. As a production and development partner for future enhancements, India could also customize the Eurofighter Typhoon to its specific requirements.
Choosing the Eurofighter Typhoon would link India to Europe's largest defence programme.
In addition to supporting the growth of India's indigenous defence industry, the four Eurofighter partner companies (besides EADS, the BAE Systems, Alenia Aeronautica and CASA) and their 400 suppliers will give India access to an international sourcing network of unparalleled scope. It would significantly expand India's defence supplier base.
The second project is related to the Eurofighter. Eurojet, a German company, is bidding with its Eurofighter engine EJ 200 to enhance the performance of IAF's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS.
Choosing this engine for the LCA would provide best value for money for the IAF and would help make better use of the inherent capabilities and growth potential of the LCA. With regard to transfer of technology, the Indian defence industry would get access to state-of-the-art jet engine technology and, in turn, could gain more independence in this field.
Moreover, there will be synergistic effects if the Eurofighter is chosen as the MMRCA. Engaging with EADS and Eurojet would enable India to be in a position to produce the engines for its new MMRCA on its own. In my view, it is very important to take these aspects into consideration when deciding about the modernization of the Indian Armed Forces.
Using only the take-away price as the paramount criteria may turn out to be less advantageous.
German companies have an excellent reputation in the world, as they do in India. "Made in Germany" represents a seal of quality that stands for innovation and cutting-edge technology.
There are huge possibilities for India and Germany to strengthen our cooperation, including in the defence sector. We see India as a long-term strategic partner and we are ready to offer far-reaching technology transfer. Hence, German defence companies could play a substantial role in helping India achieve its objectives of a more self-reliant defence industry and armed forces equipped with the latest technology to meet future challenges.
The author is the German Ambassador in New Delhi.
