SpArK
ELITE MEMBER
- Joined
- May 5, 2010
- Messages
- 22,519
- Reaction score
- 18
- Country
- Location
Indian MoD comments various defence and security issues
August 10, 2011 According to the Indian Press Information Bureau, the following information was given last week by Indian Defence Minister, Shri AK Antony, and Minister of State for Defence, Shri MM Pallam Raju, in written replies to members of the Parliament of India:
INDIGENOUS AIRCRAFT CARRIER
The Indian Navy (IN) has one Aircraft Carrier i.e. INS Viraat. To maintain effective presence in our area of interest, IN should be capable of deploying Carrier Task Forces in two geographically separated locations.
The Refit and Modernisation works on board the Vikramaditya are progressing in an earnest manner. Consequent to signing of Supplementary Agreements in March, 2010, the Russian side has increased the manpower and material resources considerably for the Project. A majority of the equipment/systems have been installed on board the ship. The delivery of ship is scheduled in December, 2012.
Regarding the ‘Air Defence Ship’ being constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), 75% of hull work has been completed and is expected to be launched in December 2011, after which further works will be undertaken prior to commissioning.
Augmentation of infrastructure at CSL is underway. With the infrastructure and experience, indigenous Aircraft Carrier-sized ships can be built at CSL. Additionally, Indian-manufactures warship quality steel is now available, which will reduce dependence on foreign countries.
SETTING UP OF BDL UNITS
Bharat Dynamics Ltd. is setting up additional production units in addition to its existing units at Kanchanbagh, Bhanur and Vishakapatnam.
BDL has acquired 438 acres of land at Ibrahimpatnam of Ranga Reddy District, near Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs.26.73 crores for the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) Project.
The proposed unit will become operational by 2015.
CRASH OF MIG-29K AIRCRAFT
A Prototype MiG-29KUB (Trainer) met with an accident on 23rd June, 2011 in Russia. The aircraft belonged to Russian Aircraft Corporation (RAC) MiG, the manufacturer of the aircraft, and was utilized towards testing of systems and aircraft flight profiles. In this regard, RAC MiG requested the Indian Navy to temporarily suspend operation of the aircraft MiG-29K held in India pending report on the cause of accident.
A memorandum was served on 28th June, 2011 to RAC MiG to ensure that all matters on the MiG-29K aircraft of concern or requiring the attention of the Indian side be intimated on top priority without delay. Further, a detailed report on the cause of the accident has been sought from RAC MiG.
RAC MiG intimated on 28th June 2011 that based on analysis of data downloaded from the onboard flight data recorder, the Chief Designer of the MiG 29K/KUB has concluded that there were no shortcomings with regard to serviceability of aircraft systems, power plant and avionics.
RAC MiG therefore recommended the resumption of flying of MiG-29K/KUB aircraft in India without any restrictions. Further, RAC MiG has brought out in 1st week of July, 2011 that based on analysis of data from the onboard flight data recorder as well as examination of the aircraft wreckage, the investigation Board preliminarily concludes that all the aircraft systems, power plant and onboard equipment have worked normally from the beginning of the flight till collision with the ground. No destruction of airframe in the air has been noted.
There is no impact on the already concluded contract as the preliminary report of the Board, as intimated by RAC MiG, has brought out that the accident has not occurred due to failure or malfunction of aircraft systems.
RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT
The government does not propose to manufacture small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) of less than 200 Kgs. Private industry is allowed to manufacture and market small UAVs.
DRDO has developed 370 Kg UAV "Nishant" and 800 Kg "Rustom-I" for the Army, having endurance of 4 and half hours and 12-15 hours respectively. Small UAVs generally have very low Radar Cross Sections and may not be easily detectable by radars.
RESTRUCTURING OF DRDO
After the examination of the P Rama Rao Committee report by the Government followed by directive to implement, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has appointed an "Implementation Committee" to work out finer details for implementing its recommendations. The implementation process is progressing under the guidance of an Advisory Committee.
The committee has also recommended for private sector participation in DRDO. The participation of private sector is primarily in the productionisation of developed systems, through concurrent engineering.
Appropriate safeguards are built-in in the agreement to maintain adequate secrecy and security.
SHORTAGE OF SCIENTISTS IN DRDO
No top scientists (Distinguished Scientist and Outstanding Scientist) left Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) during the last six months, however, one Scientist 'G' took Voluntary Retirement on personal grounds.
After implementation of 6th Central Pay Commission's recommendations, Government has offered better pay packages and incentives to the scientists. Some of these incentives are:-
(i) Two additional increments on promotion to each Grade;
(ii) Up to six variable increments on promotion granted on Fast Track;
(iii) Professional Update Allowance;
(iv) Fast Track promotions through assessments;
(v) Opportunity to acquire higher qualifications at reputed institutes viz. IIT's/IISc, etc. as DRDO sponsored candidate;
(vi) Young Scientists, Scientist of the Year and other DRDO Awards in recognition to their contributions; etc.
In addition, excellent infrastructure facilities have been created at work places and residential complexes.
MOBILE TOWERS IN MILITARY AREAS
Defence Ministry has framed a policy in September, 2008 for the provision of defence land to Communication Operators who have been granted license by the Department of Telecommunications to construct shared communication towers and laying of optical fibre cables to extend the communication network to Military Stations/Cantonments. Necessary security checks have been included in the above policy.
Wherever shared communication towers are established as per the policy, the communication services improve.
DEFECTS IN MASK HELMETS
Some defects were reported in Integrated Oxygen and Communication Mask Helmets (IOCMH) after delivery, which were rectified by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) without any charges. Any equipment contracted undergoes Pre-Delivery Inspection and Joint Receipt Inspection before its acceptance by the users. Thereafter, there exists inbuilt system for replacement of defective parts within Warranty period. Some defects have since been reported after expiry of warranty period, for which remedial action is underway.
SEA PIRACY IN INDIAN OCEAN
As per International Maritime Bureau during 2009 to 2011 (upto 30th June) the total number of ships hijacked is 121. The number of crew who were taken captive is 350 in the current year.
There were two incidents reported off Lakshadweep Indian Navy and Coast Guard intercepted the two vessels, which were hijacked Thai vessels. 43 pirates and 44 fishermen Thai/Myanmarese origin were captured and handed over to Mumbai police.
Government has deployed one Indian Naval Warship in the Gulf of Aden for anti piracy patrols since October, 2008 and more than 1,700 ships have been escorted. The presence of Indian Navy in the area is to protect our sea borne trade and instill confidence in our sea faring community. A coordinated operation was launched by Navy and Coast Guard for preventing/suppressing piracy off Lakshadweep Islands. The operation included enhanced surveillance and patrol by surface and air units. However, appropriate surveillance of the Lakshadweep Islands continues.
Indian Navy substantially increased its anti piracy deployment in the East Arabian Sea since November 10. The result of these extensive and intensive deployments by Indian Navy was that by end April 11 the threat of piracy attacks was substantially reduced in this area and there were nil hijackings East of 65 deg East Longitude since mid February 11.
While the international border clearly defines the territorial limits and sovereignty of a country over its territory, the maritime boundary delineates the limits of the maritime zones between the adjacent nations subject to internationally recognized rights of innocent passage and freedom upon the high seas, in accordance with United Nations Conference on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS).
Due to reports of rising incidents of piracy, surveillance has been increased in Indian Ocean Region. Indian Navy carries joint patrolling of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius.
WORK ASSESSMENT OF HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken up indigenous production of SU-30 MKI, Hawk, ALH, DO-228, LCA & IJT. The DO-228 programme is in progress as per schedule. In the initial stages of the projects of Hawk, ALH & IJT were delayed due to additional re-work on jigs in respect of Hawk, late receipt of drawings from Russia for SU-30 MKI, integration issues of IADS with Shakti engine and other new items in respect of ALH and Design & Development issues relating to IJT and LCA. Corrective measures like improved manufacturing procedures, outsourcing and optimal deployment of human resources were undertaken, resulting in substantial increase in the delivery of aircraft in the year 2010-2011, when the delivery numbers were 63% higher than the previous year.
The Indian Air Force has not demanded control over HAL, being its biggest customer.
BPJ AND BALLISTIC HELMETS FOR SOLDIERS
Proposals for purchase of Bullet Proof Jackets and Ballistic Helmets are at different stages of procurement in financial year 2011-2012.
DEFENCE PRODUCTION UNITS IN KERALA
There are two Defence Production Units in the State of Kerala namely (i) BEML Ltd's Unit at KINFRA Park, Kanjikode, Palakkad, and (ii) HAL's Strategic Electronics Production Facility at Kasaragod, and a Product Support Centre of BEL at Kalamassery in Kochi, Kerala.
The government of Kerala is not stakeholder in these units.
UPGRADATION OF MIRAGE AIRCRAFT
The proposal for upgrade of the Mirage 2000 aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force has been approved by the government. The proposal envisages upgrade of the first two aircraft in France by M/s Thales and M/s Dassault Aviation, France and subsequent upgrade of the balance aircraft in India by M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Bangalore. The upgrade will enhance the avionics as well as the weapons delivery capability of the aircraft.
The estimated expenditure of the upgrade programme is Rs.10,947 Crore including both the French and the M/s HAL portions.
The upgrade is expected to be completed within a period of ten years from the date of signing of the contract.
INDO-RUSSIA JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE
Indo-Russia combined exercises named 'INDRA' are conducted once every two years since 2003. The Indian and Russian Navies work out proposals for conduct of the INDRA exercise based on mutually convenient dates. IN had proposed and Russian Navy conveyed their readiness to conduct INDRA 11 off Vladivostok (East Coast of Russia) in February 2011. However due to the situation, arising from Tsunami and nuclear radiation disaster in Japan the exercise was postponed. Future action plan will depend on mutual convenience of the two sides.
DEFENCE PRODUCTION UNITS
At present, there are 39 Ordnance Factories and 9 Defence Public Sector Undertakings in the country. Two more ordnance factories are coming up at Nalanda (Bihar) and Korwa (UP).
Performance of the Ordnance Factories and Defence Pub Sector Undertakings is regularly monitored by the Department Defence Production. Based on the review, further necessary acti is taken by both DDP and OFB/DPSUs. Modernisation plan of all thl factories has been formulated and an investment of Rs.18,713 crore is planned during the 12th Five Year Plan.
At present, there is no proposal to set up new Ordnance factories.
Though the proposal for setting up an ordnance factory in Nalanda had been sanctioned by Government in 2001, the project had to be got reviewed by an Expert Committee due to substantial increase in cost. The revision in the project cost was sanctioned in 2009. However, implementation of the project could not proceed due to allegations of payment of illegal gratification by the supplier in a case registered by CBI against a former DGOF and others. A show cause notice has been issued to the supplier based on the information furnished by CBI and a final decision will be taken after examining the reply of the supplier in consultation with the Law Ministry.
DAMAGE TO INS GODAVARI
While carrying out anti-piracy patrol, Indian Naval Warship INS Godavari on coming close to MV Suez, which had earlier been hijacked, tried to establish communication for ascertaining the safety of the crew. In the meantime, Pakistani Warship PNS Babur closed INS Godavari at high speed from astern and carried out a manoeuvre in gross violation of the relevant regulations on navigational safety and in the process touched Godavari, thereby marginally damaging the extended safety net on the helicopter deck.
India lodged a protest with the Government of Pakistan through the High Commission of Pakistan, New Delhi against the violation of relevant regulations on navigational safety by PNS Babur.
STRENGTHENING OF COASTAL SECURITY
Government has initiated several measures to strengthen Coastal Security, which includes improving surveillance mechanism and enhanced patrolling by following an integrated approach. Joint operational exercises are conducted on regular basis among Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police, Customs and others to check the effectiveness of this approach adopted for security of coastal areas including island territories. Further, continuous review and monitoring of various mechanisms have been established by the Government at different levels, involving various agencies, including the State/Union Territory authorities. The intelligence mechanism has also been streamlined through the creation of Joint Operation Centers and multi-agency coordination mechanism. Installation of radars covering the country's entire coastline and islands is also an essential part of this process. Development/deployment of assets are done as per threat perception and defence requirement.
PERSPECTIVE PLAN ON DEFENCE ACQUISITION
The government has a perspective plan for acquisition of weaponery that stretches over the next decade. Defence Capital acquisition is guided by Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP). At present, LTIPP for the period 2002-17 is in vogue. LTIPP for the period 2012-27 is under preparation.
Government constantly reviews the security scenario and accordingly decides to induct appropriate defence equipment/platforms. This is a continuous process undertaken through procurement from various indigenous as well as foreign sources in accordance with the provisions laid down in Defence Procurement Procedure to keep the armed forces in a state of readiness to meet any eventuality.
With a view to have greater self-reliance in Defence Production, Government has announced Defence Production Policy in January, 2011. Besides, the Government has included a new categorization ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ in the Defence Procurement Procedure in November, 2009 to encourage indigenous production in the country.
The matter regarding revisiting the architecture of foreign direct investment in defence industry is under consideration by a Group of Ministers.
DRDO IN ENTITY LIST OF USA
The following laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have been removed from the United States (US) Entity List of the Export Administration Regulation (EAR):-
(i) Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune.
(ii) Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Delhi.
(iii) Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
(iv) Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
However, no waiver in acquiring technology without license or exemption from the existing obligations of adherence to the general prohibitions concerning export or re-export or using the acquired technology in contravention to the US laws or its end-use as stated in the End-Use Certificate by the indenting laboratory has been provided.
The export of technology requires export clearance by the US Government. Each request is reviewed on a case-to-case basis.
The usage/import of technologies/systems by DRDO laboratories will be subject to periodic monitoring/inspection by the US agencies.
Pre-License Checks and Post-Shipment Verifications were permitted as the part of India-US End Use Visit Agreement signed in September 2004. However, such visits have been very few, and no visits have taken place since 2009.
LCA TEJAS
Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas has been completed in December 2010. So far, 1,659 flight tests have been completed.
LCA, Tejas Phase-ll Programme (Air Force version) was sanctioned in November 2001 at a cost'of Rs.3301.78 Cr. with Probable Date of Completion (PDC) of December 2008. The project is likely to be completed by December 2012 with an additional cost of Rs.2475.78 Cr. The additional cost is to meet the expanded scope of the programme, increased cost of materials, manpower, maintenance of facilities, etc.
Phased development approach has been changed to concurrent development approach. Annual Review by Raksha Mantri, Review by Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Quarterly Review by Deputy Chief of Air Staff are being regularly carried out to check the delay in completion of project.
Indian Air Force has ordered 40 Tejas Mk-I aircraft (20 aircraft in IOC and 20 aircraft in FOC standard). Two aircraft will be ready by March 2012 for induction.
SOP FOR ARMY
The Army follows Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) while fighting the militants. Actions are calibrated to respond appropriately to the actions of the militants / terrorists. Guidelines have been formulated for operations against militants so as to ensure that operations are carried out in a manner that innocent people are not inconvenienced.
JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE
The details of military exercises conducted with foreign countries in the last three years are as follows:
• 2008: 24
• 2009: 24
• 2010: 24
• 2011: 8 (up to July)
Exercise specific coordination and administrative issues are mutually agreed upon by the participating units before the conduct of exercises. There are no agreements entered into by the Government during such exercises.
PURCHASE OF C-17 GLOBEMASTER TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT
There is presently no proposal for procurement of additional C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
JOINT DEVELOPMENT OF FIFTH GENERATION FIGHTER AIRCRAFTS WITH RUSSIA
A Preliminary Design (PD) contract has been signed between HAL and Rosoboronexport, Russia on 21st December, 2010 for implementation of design & development of Prospective Multi-role Fighter (PMF) Aircraft programme by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) jointly with Sukhoi Design Bureau (SDB) of Russia at a cost of 295 million USD. The duration of the PD Phase is 18 months. Full scale Design & Development work will be taken up under a separate contract, which will be negotiated and signed towards the end of the PD Phase.
Presently, a requirement of around 250 Fighter Jets with induction in Indian Air Force from 2018 onwards is envisaged.
ACQUISITION OF FOREIGN SUBMARINES
Acceptance of Necessity for acquisition of Six Submarines under Project-75(I) has been accorded by the Defence Acquisitions Council. The proposal is being progressed. Cost details would be available on finalization of contracts.
CORRUPTION IN DEFENCE DEALS
Procurement of Capital equipment/weapon systems for Indian Defence forces is made from various indigenous as well as foreign sources as per the Defence Procurement Procedure. This Procedure contains stringent provisions aimed at ensuring the highest degree of probity, public accountability and transparency. The Procedure includes provision for signing Pre-Contract Integrity Pact in procurement cases of the estimated value exceeding Rs.100 crore as well as provisions prohibiting engagement of agents or use of undue influence. In order to promote transparency, the issue of Request for Information (RFI) has been made mandatory to provide advance information and encourage a wider vendor base.
With a view to have greater self-reliance in Defence production, Government has announced Defence Production Policy in January, 2011. Besides, the Government included a new categorization 'Buy & Make (Indian)' in the Defence Procurement Procedure in November, 2009 to encourage indigenous production in the country.
The amount spent on Capital acquisition of defence equipment for Indian Army in 2009-10 and 2010-11 from indigenous and foreign markets is given below:
2009-10:
• Indigenous: 6500.09 (79.66%)
• Foreign: 1659.37 (20.34%)
• Total (Rs. in crore): 8159.46
2010-11:
• Indigenous: 6417.41 (88.91%)
• Foreign: 800.39 (11.09%)
• Total (Rs. in crore): 7217.80
DELAY IN INDIGENOUS WARSHIP PROJECTS OF NAVY
The major indigenous warship building projects of the Navy running behind schedule are Project-15A, Project-17 and Project-28. The cost escalation in these projects has been about 225% for Project-15A, about 260% for Project-17 and about 157% for Project-28.
The major cost escalation has been due to uncertainties associated with the complex warship building process. Project-wise reasons for cost escalations are as follows:
P-15A: The main reasons contributing towards cost escalations are - delay in supply of warship building quality steel by Russia, escalation due to increase in expenditure towards services of Russian Specialists on account of inflation during the build period, impact of Wage revision due from October 2003 and finalization of cost of weapons and sensors.
P-17: The main reasons contributing towards cost escalations are - delay in supply of warship building quality steel by Russia, delay in acquisition of weapon equipment from Russia, and delay in finalization of propulsion equipment in view of complex combined diesel and gas arrangement introduced for the first time in Indian Navy frigate.
P-28: Navy was using D40S/B-quality high tensile strength steel for construction of warships; however, due to high cost of import, indigenously developed DMR 249A steel was decided to be used on P-28 ships. However, there was delay in development of indigenous steel and associated complexities related to development of new weld consumables and welding techniques. The delay in identification of suitable propulsion package to meet stealth requirement of ships and delay in development of indigenous weapons and sensors also resulted in cost escalation.
In case of Project-17, Air Conditioning system procured from M/s York Marine Systems, UK has been functioning satisfactorily on the first two ships. In case of Project-28, it was tendered on competitive basis and the order was placed on M/s York India.
defence.professionals | defpro.com
