Would beg to differ from Jagjitnatt on the A/c thing. The requirement for PN's subsurface, surface and air fleet is based upon possible threats that it will have to face in case of war. He has rightly pointed out that one of them is maritime blockade of our ports. The others can be interception/inspection of cargo vessels, overall sea denial, possible naval bombardment of major ports, both by A/craft and missile. Launch of commando type raids to take out our main sea surveillance radar near Karachi. etc.
What would India use to achieve this in terms of Naval Assets? In my opinion the following:
Air carrier group for sea denial, launching attacks on Port facilities (Naval SU's/Sea Harrier), Naval blockade in conjunction with its submarines etc.
The inspection/interception of vessels can be done by both submarines and frigates/corvettes.
Hunter/killer patrols by submarines.
What would we need to counter this if we deploy on a purely defensive posture.
Our mission, in my mind, would be primarily hinged around sea denial, and escort of merchant ships/keeping the sea lanes open.
To do this we would need the following:
1. Early Warning Patrol/Maritime Recon Aircraft (This can be done through the P3c Orion -- the need is to enhance the number of planes to atleas 15)
2. Defensive line of patrol submarines for hunter killer role against surface combatants and against other hunter killer submarines. (We have the A90B's -- we need longer range submarines with more on station endurance – a total of at least 12)
3. Interdiction Standoff Strike at far ranges (both P3C Orion’s and Extended range CFT equipped or air refueled F-16 can perform this role with a range of 200 miles -- one-way range -- for f-16 c/d) We need to invest in the J-10 and its naval version to supplement and release the f-16 for Air superiority duties ASAP.
4. Patrolling of the sea lanes/trade routes should be done by Frigates (at least 14 to 16. Half of them ASW and the other half AShM equipped with short range anti missile defense weapons i.e. Rolling Airframe or similar and Phalanx etc.) This force can be supplemented by the proper use of Shipboard helos which will enhance the patrol range of these frigates and have far off ASW and second strike AShM capability.
It would also be advisable to use near shore sea lanes for the merchant vessels during the time of conflict to ensure availability of air cover for the merchant men and the escort vessel.
5. The Air threat from the carrier group should be tackled by the F-16 while conducting the sea denial patrols. Or the F-16 can provide the cover for the P3C to launch its Harpoons against the carriers/carrier group.
6. The near shore air cover of 100 to 150 miles can be provided by the Mirage Interdiction Squadron(s) at least two-- to be replaced by JF-17 with air refueling capability to ensure higher loiter time on target.
7. The second tier or defensive layer should be formed by Fast Missile boats/corvettes that currently PN lacks. We must have atleas 20 of these vessels.
All of the above needs to be tackled with improvements in the following area:
1. Development of Gawader as a "Real" Alternative port.
2. Buildup of Pak Marines as a strong quick reaction force of brigade level at least with its own organic helo support, ICMAV's, updated man pads SAM's and light artillery (Mechanized).
3. Development of Surveillance satellites. The game would be to get the first shot on the Carrier group.
4. Enhancement in strategic stocks to atleas 45 days.
5. Development of sub launched cruise missile.
The above is bare minimum. The real gap is the hunt for the hunter /killer sub groups of India as all our assets would be deployed to either hunt for surface vessels or deal with their defensive screens or escort of merchant vessels. Ideally, the surface fleet should have at least two hunter/killer ASW groups and enhanced number of submarines beyond the 12 or buy more Maritime Surveillance and ASW aircraft (This is the most cost effective option.)
The weak link in our naval doctrine, today, is the net centric capability or lack of it to gather process and assimilate all information bits to deploy a comprehensive flexible response to all types of threat dynamics. Remember, by the very nature of Naval warfare, launching a response will have an inherent lag time. Therefore, the need for “EYES & EARS”—AWACS?????
Why I am writing what I am writing??? Lessons based upon the writing on 71' (When I saw the naval blockade with my own eyes and the air raids by Indian A/c on our port facilities etc.) conflict, the Falklands war, and the overall Soviet and US doctrine on denial and use of Carrier groups during the height of Cold War. The US was really worried about the Soviet land based bombers and submarine launched cruise missiles.
My spin – cheers!!!!
