US-India ties to focus on defence, terror-cooperation
Washington, May 25 (PTI): The United States has said expanding cooperation with India in the field of defence and counter-terrorism will be the next two big thrust areas in bilateral relations in the future.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns, also said that the positive history of the 21st century will be written in large part by Indians and Americans together for the growth of democracy, free-market economies, and peace in Asia and around the world.
"When the history of our time in office is written," Burns said "I am confident the great strategic leap forward in cementing the US-India strategic partnership will count among the most important accomplishments of Presidents (George W) Bush and (Bill) Clinton with Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh and his predecessors".
Speaking at The Heritage Foundation on the United States-India Relations on Wednesday, the senior State Department official stressed not only the kind of distances that have been traversed in the last several months--over and beyond the civilian nuclear initiative-- but also in looking at what is in store down the road for the bilateral relationship.
Defence relations
The Bush administration has identified expanding defence relations and counter-terrorism cooperation as the "next two big" security initiatives, the senior official said adding the growing military cooperation is becoming one of the most visible aspects of our bilateral ties.
"The 2005 Defense Framework is symbolic of a new era in closer military cooperation and sets forth a joint vision. The Agreement reflects the increasing frequency, size, and complexity of military exercises between the Indian military and the United States.
"The presence of 42 US defence firms in India during the Aero India show in Bangalore in February is evidence of our companies' willingness to invest in long-term relationships with Indian counterparts. The possibility of increased defence trade makes this a bright spot for future development," Burns said.
American firms, he said, do not want to be merely suppliers to the Indian military, but are interested in becoming long-term partners during the modernisation and development of India's defence industry.
Combating terrorism
On the issue of terrorism, he said "we are working together to combat the global scourge of terrorism....India and the US have many lessons learned to share with each other to confront this mutual threat.
"We have agreed to closer cooperation on terrorist financing, law enforcement, aviation security, and information sharing, as well as combating weapons of mass destruction terrorism and bio-terrorism," Burns said.
Noting that India and the US are a victim of terrorism, he said "we extend our condolences to the people of Hyderabad, who suffered in last Friday's attack on the beautiful Mecca Masjid, which I visited last December. The US intends to strengthen its commitment to India to be a good partner in combating terrorist threats".
The senior administration official also said that the the US and India have an extraordinarily promising shared future.
"The multidimensional nature of our relationship, its range, and its depth all ensure that our ties will be enduring. With our shared future unbound, I am confident that we will be able to achieve the ambitious goals we have set out for our partnership," the top administration official said.
Future ties
Burns said bilateral ties for the future will be moving in three principal areas of education, regional cooperation and security."We believe that education, especially higher education and research, is a key element in our bilateral and multilateral relationships.
"India's emergence as a global power brings with it commensurate responsibility as a leader not only on regional issues but also on global ones such as promoting democracy and protecting the environment," he said.
The senior administration official noted that the American and Indian people are witnessing an explosion of ties in culture, the arts, technology, and business.
For the last three years, India has sent more students to the US than any other country, even China. There are over 76,000 Indian students in the US this year."This will pay dividends for decades to come, as the ties these students create here in America will create lasting bonds between our countries," Burns said.
The top administration official also acknowledged the role of the Indian American Community."The Indian-American community is one of the most highly educated and highest earning in the US, and fosters important business, academic, and cross-cultural ties. And, as we witnessed in 2006 with Congress' passage of the Hyde Act, the Indian-American community is making its voice felt here," Burns pointed out.
India and the US are together exploring a host of technological initiatives ranging from agriculture to civil nuclear power, he told the audience of diplomats, foreign policy practitioners and intellectuals.
"We are building closer ties in space exploration, satellite navigation, and in the space science arena...We are providing US instruments for India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-1," he said.
e premte, 25 maj 2007
e enjte, 24 maj 2007
Canberra retires after 50 yrs of service
Canberra retires after 50 yrs of service
When it avoided gunfire over Aksai Chin in 1962 to collect the first evidence of Chinese intrusions, few would have thought that the hardy Canberra aircraft would carry on to serve till the end of the century and even return with a Stinger missile embedded in its fuselage during operations in Kargil.
After 50 years of service and participation in all post-Independence conflicts, the British Electric Canberra aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) retired from service on Friday. India was the last country to have the aircraft in an operational role.
Summing up the mood in an emotional phasing out ceremony at the Agra Air Force Station, Air Chief Marshal F H Major observed that the aircraft had been “the eyes of the nation” and “of those who flew it, many are now legends”.
“The aircraft has the distinction of participating in all conflicts right from the (1961) Congo UN operations and the Goa conflict to Operation Safed Sagar in Kargil. It is a sad moment, but the aircraft have to go,” the Air Chief said.
The aircraft, inducted in 1957 as India’s first tactical jet bombers, carried on to serve a variety of roles including electronic warfare, maritime strike, strategic reconnaissance and target towing. The highest decorated living officer of the Indian Air Force, Wing Commander (retd) J M Nath, awarded the Maha Vir Chakra twice during the 1962 and 1965 wars, was among the ‘legends’ present at the phasing out ceremony. “It was an absolute delight to fly. In 1962, I flew the aircraft 50 meters off the ground in Aksai Chin to get an estimation of the Chinese army positions. If only we had been allowed to use air power during the war, each and every soldier and military target could have been taken out by the aircraft,” he said.
After being taken off frontline duties like bombing and deep reconnaissance missions, some of the aircraft formed part of India’s first top-secret electronic warfare unit. “It was a very hush-hush project to create an electronic warfare (EW) squadron. We used to go deep into Pakistan and would jam enemy radars and collect information about their systems,” former Air Chief S Krishnaswamy, who commanded India’s EW squadron consisting of modified Canberra and MiG 21 aircraft, said. The twin-engined high-altitude bomber played a crucial role during the Kargil conflict and brought the first aerial photographs of enemy entrenchments.
When it avoided gunfire over Aksai Chin in 1962 to collect the first evidence of Chinese intrusions, few would have thought that the hardy Canberra aircraft would carry on to serve till the end of the century and even return with a Stinger missile embedded in its fuselage during operations in Kargil.
After 50 years of service and participation in all post-Independence conflicts, the British Electric Canberra aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) retired from service on Friday. India was the last country to have the aircraft in an operational role.
Summing up the mood in an emotional phasing out ceremony at the Agra Air Force Station, Air Chief Marshal F H Major observed that the aircraft had been “the eyes of the nation” and “of those who flew it, many are now legends”.
“The aircraft has the distinction of participating in all conflicts right from the (1961) Congo UN operations and the Goa conflict to Operation Safed Sagar in Kargil. It is a sad moment, but the aircraft have to go,” the Air Chief said.
The aircraft, inducted in 1957 as India’s first tactical jet bombers, carried on to serve a variety of roles including electronic warfare, maritime strike, strategic reconnaissance and target towing. The highest decorated living officer of the Indian Air Force, Wing Commander (retd) J M Nath, awarded the Maha Vir Chakra twice during the 1962 and 1965 wars, was among the ‘legends’ present at the phasing out ceremony. “It was an absolute delight to fly. In 1962, I flew the aircraft 50 meters off the ground in Aksai Chin to get an estimation of the Chinese army positions. If only we had been allowed to use air power during the war, each and every soldier and military target could have been taken out by the aircraft,” he said.
After being taken off frontline duties like bombing and deep reconnaissance missions, some of the aircraft formed part of India’s first top-secret electronic warfare unit. “It was a very hush-hush project to create an electronic warfare (EW) squadron. We used to go deep into Pakistan and would jam enemy radars and collect information about their systems,” former Air Chief S Krishnaswamy, who commanded India’s EW squadron consisting of modified Canberra and MiG 21 aircraft, said. The twin-engined high-altitude bomber played a crucial role during the Kargil conflict and brought the first aerial photographs of enemy entrenchments.
3rd aircraft carrier to be inducted by 2017
3rd aircraft carrier to be inducted by 2017
India would induct a third aircraft carrier by 2017 in addition to the Admiral Gorshkov and the indegenous Air Defence Ship (ADS). The minister said that the order for a third carrier — to be built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd — will be placed after construction of the ADS progresses "beyond a certain range".
"Induction of the third aircraft carrier is envisaged by 2017. At present, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Kochi, is the only yard in the country that possesses the capability to undertake construction of such a ship," Antony said in a statement before the Rajya Sabha today. The Defence Minister was elaborating on the "action taken" on the recommendations of a parliamentary panel on defence.
While naval officers have for long stated that three aircraft carrier groups are essential to protect India's maritime interests, Antony has for the first time given a timeline for the induction of the additional carrier.
The Navy will get a refitted Admiral Gorshkov with its compliment of 16 MiG 29 K aircraft by 2010. The indigenous ADS will arrive only by 2014. India's sole carrier, INS Viraat, is scheduled for decommissioning in 2012.
Senior Navy officers said the order for the second carrier is likely to be placed around 2010, after the ADS has been launched from the Cochin Shipyard. "Once the ADS gets launched from the shipyard for further fittings, the order for the second carrier can be placed," an officer said.
With the induction of a second indigenous ship by 2017, the Indian Navy will for the first time operate three aircraft carriers. This would ensure the Navy has two operational carriers at any given point with the third one in for refits.
Russia hiking price of Sukhoi
Russia hiking price of Sukhoi
The decades-old defence ties between India and its strategic partner Russia have hit a new low. Moscow now wants to renegotiate the Su-30 MKI deal, virtually doubling the figure in the yearly cost escalation clause. Only 60 of the aircraft, which are India’s mainstay multi-role fighters for the future, have been delivered till now. While Russia is willing to deliver 40 more at the current cost escalation of 2.55 per cent per annum, it wants to hike that to a minimum of 5 per cent for the remaining 138.
Russia also has plans to modify the cost package of the Gorshkov aircraft carrier deal, which was to provide the Indian Navy a floating airfield by next year.
Official sources confirmed to The Sunday Express that during their visit to Moscow this week, Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, Secretary (Defence-Finance) V K Mishra and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Chairman Ashok Baweja were informed by their Russian counterparts that prices of Su-30 MKI fighters have hardened due to the falling dollar and double digit inflation in Russia.
Dutt met Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Head of Russian Military and Technical Cooperation Mikhail Dmitriyev and defence contractor Rosboronexport’s chief Sergei Chemesov and returned to India on Thursday.
The visiting Indian delegation was informed that Russia would like to foreclose the Su-30 MKI deal after the delivery of the first 100 aircraft to New Delhi due to the rising cost of the contract (see graphic). The Russians want India to renegotiate the remaining contract of 138 fighters at an yearly cost escalation of minimum 5 per cent instead of the agreed 2.55 per cent.
However, as a special gesture to the Indians, the Russians were willing to reduce the yearly cost escalation to 4.5 per cent from 5 per cent. The other option offered to the Indians was to switch the contract to the much more stable Euro at the prevailing 2.55 per cent yearly escalation.
Simply put, the Russians want India to cough up Rs 220-300 crore, or nearly half-a-billion dollars, more if they want the Su-30 MKIs delivered in time and with the same specification. Right now the total contract is worth over $8.5 billion. India is in a fix as given the importance of the Su-30 MKI, its force levels will decline vis-a-vis its neighbours if it does not agree to the new terms.
While the Russian logic for the price increase is hardening of the rouble vis-a-vis the dollar, and that the Russian inflation is now pegged at a steep 10-10.5 per cent, New Delhi thinks that Moscow is acting tough as India is looking towards the West and the US in particular for the purchase of hardware. The last straw was apparently the decision to award a contract for 197 Army helicopters, worth $600 million, to French Eurocopter last month.
Sources confirmed that Dutt and his team reminded the Russians that they had agreed to supply 40 more Su-30 MKIs in March 2007 with the cost escalation fixed at 2.55 per cent. The Indian team also said that they would have a hard time explaining to the Central Vigilance Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General of India and Parliament the need to re-open the decade-old deal after the last contract had been signed at the prevailing rate.
The Defence Secretary said that New Delhi had no problem switching over to Euro but then the cost escalation clause should be brought down to less than 2 per cent due to the higher exchange rate for the currency.
With India refusing to commit on the changes, the negotiations have hit a stalemate, with the next round in Delhi soon. Officials say there is likely to be hard bargaining.
In another blow to India, besides the proposed hike in the Su-30 MKI contract, the Russians want to present a modified proposal for the Gorshkov aircraft carrier that is being built at Sevmash shipyard in Serverodvinsk city in north Russia. Even though India has already paid $113 million beyond the contract, Russia apparently wants more so that the carrier can be delivered by August 2008. The delay is on account of shortage of funds at the Sevmash shipyard and a gross underestimation of the cost of cabling of the ship.
HIGH COST, LOW TIES
SUKHOI-30 MKI DEAL
The P V Narasimha Rao government signed the first Su-30 fighter contract with Russia in 1995. To date India and Russia have broadly signed a total of four Su-30 MKI contracts.
Ist contract: 8 Su-30 K plus 40 Su-30 MKI
II contract : 10 Su-30 K
III contract : 140 Su-30 MKI licenced production
IV contract : 40 Su-30 MKI (signed March 2007)
Aircraft Price $33.5-36.5million
Cost Escalation 2.55% per annum
Total number of aircraft delivered to date : 60
New Russian proposal : Only first 100 aircraft to be delivered at 2.55 per cent annual cost escalation. The contract for the remaining 138 to be renegotiated at 5 per cent cost escalation due to falling dollar. This translates into an escalation of nearly $3-4 million per aircraft and total increase of nearly Rs 220-300 crore.
Gorshkov Aircraft Carrier
Deal signed in 2004 during the NDA regime and the total cost of the floating airfield with MiG-29K fighters was $2 billion. Named Vikramaditya, the carrier was to be the showpiece of 2008 Independence Day
New Russian proposal
Russia wants India to pay more for getting the carrier, expected towards the end of this month, on time. With serious underestimation of cabling required and alleged diversion of resources from Sevmash shipyard, the delivery stands delayed to 2010 unless India coughs up more dollars. It has already paid an additional $113 million for Gorshkov.
The decades-old defence ties between India and its strategic partner Russia have hit a new low. Moscow now wants to renegotiate the Su-30 MKI deal, virtually doubling the figure in the yearly cost escalation clause. Only 60 of the aircraft, which are India’s mainstay multi-role fighters for the future, have been delivered till now. While Russia is willing to deliver 40 more at the current cost escalation of 2.55 per cent per annum, it wants to hike that to a minimum of 5 per cent for the remaining 138.
Russia also has plans to modify the cost package of the Gorshkov aircraft carrier deal, which was to provide the Indian Navy a floating airfield by next year.
Official sources confirmed to The Sunday Express that during their visit to Moscow this week, Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, Secretary (Defence-Finance) V K Mishra and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Chairman Ashok Baweja were informed by their Russian counterparts that prices of Su-30 MKI fighters have hardened due to the falling dollar and double digit inflation in Russia.
Dutt met Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Head of Russian Military and Technical Cooperation Mikhail Dmitriyev and defence contractor Rosboronexport’s chief Sergei Chemesov and returned to India on Thursday.
The visiting Indian delegation was informed that Russia would like to foreclose the Su-30 MKI deal after the delivery of the first 100 aircraft to New Delhi due to the rising cost of the contract (see graphic). The Russians want India to renegotiate the remaining contract of 138 fighters at an yearly cost escalation of minimum 5 per cent instead of the agreed 2.55 per cent.
However, as a special gesture to the Indians, the Russians were willing to reduce the yearly cost escalation to 4.5 per cent from 5 per cent. The other option offered to the Indians was to switch the contract to the much more stable Euro at the prevailing 2.55 per cent yearly escalation.
Simply put, the Russians want India to cough up Rs 220-300 crore, or nearly half-a-billion dollars, more if they want the Su-30 MKIs delivered in time and with the same specification. Right now the total contract is worth over $8.5 billion. India is in a fix as given the importance of the Su-30 MKI, its force levels will decline vis-a-vis its neighbours if it does not agree to the new terms.
While the Russian logic for the price increase is hardening of the rouble vis-a-vis the dollar, and that the Russian inflation is now pegged at a steep 10-10.5 per cent, New Delhi thinks that Moscow is acting tough as India is looking towards the West and the US in particular for the purchase of hardware. The last straw was apparently the decision to award a contract for 197 Army helicopters, worth $600 million, to French Eurocopter last month.
Sources confirmed that Dutt and his team reminded the Russians that they had agreed to supply 40 more Su-30 MKIs in March 2007 with the cost escalation fixed at 2.55 per cent. The Indian team also said that they would have a hard time explaining to the Central Vigilance Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General of India and Parliament the need to re-open the decade-old deal after the last contract had been signed at the prevailing rate.
The Defence Secretary said that New Delhi had no problem switching over to Euro but then the cost escalation clause should be brought down to less than 2 per cent due to the higher exchange rate for the currency.
With India refusing to commit on the changes, the negotiations have hit a stalemate, with the next round in Delhi soon. Officials say there is likely to be hard bargaining.
In another blow to India, besides the proposed hike in the Su-30 MKI contract, the Russians want to present a modified proposal for the Gorshkov aircraft carrier that is being built at Sevmash shipyard in Serverodvinsk city in north Russia. Even though India has already paid $113 million beyond the contract, Russia apparently wants more so that the carrier can be delivered by August 2008. The delay is on account of shortage of funds at the Sevmash shipyard and a gross underestimation of the cost of cabling of the ship.
HIGH COST, LOW TIES
SUKHOI-30 MKI DEAL
The P V Narasimha Rao government signed the first Su-30 fighter contract with Russia in 1995. To date India and Russia have broadly signed a total of four Su-30 MKI contracts.
Ist contract: 8 Su-30 K plus 40 Su-30 MKI
II contract : 10 Su-30 K
III contract : 140 Su-30 MKI licenced production
IV contract : 40 Su-30 MKI (signed March 2007)
Aircraft Price $33.5-36.5million
Cost Escalation 2.55% per annum
Total number of aircraft delivered to date : 60
New Russian proposal : Only first 100 aircraft to be delivered at 2.55 per cent annual cost escalation. The contract for the remaining 138 to be renegotiated at 5 per cent cost escalation due to falling dollar. This translates into an escalation of nearly $3-4 million per aircraft and total increase of nearly Rs 220-300 crore.
Gorshkov Aircraft Carrier
Deal signed in 2004 during the NDA regime and the total cost of the floating airfield with MiG-29K fighters was $2 billion. Named Vikramaditya, the carrier was to be the showpiece of 2008 Independence Day
New Russian proposal
Russia wants India to pay more for getting the carrier, expected towards the end of this month, on time. With serious underestimation of cabling required and alleged diversion of resources from Sevmash shipyard, the delivery stands delayed to 2010 unless India coughs up more dollars. It has already paid an additional $113 million for Gorshkov.
Army chief to visit China, Navy chief headed for Myanmar
Army chief to visit China, Navy chief headed for Myanmar
Close on the heels of his trip to Japan to bolster military ties with that country, Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh will soon leave for China with a similar agenda. Singh, heading a high-profile Indian delegation, will embark on a week long “goodwill” visit to the neighbouring country towards the end of the month.
“The dates have not yet been finalised but an in-principle approval has been given for the visit. A top delegation, consisting of both defence and civil officials, will accompany the Army chief,” a Ministry of Defence official confirmed. The general will be meeting the top military brass and will also hold discussions with the Chinese Defence Minister.
Coming barely a month after his three-day tour of Japan, where cooperation on issues like counter-terrorism operations, personnel training, defence research and disaster management were discussed, the visit symbolises India’s fine balancing act in the region with increasing military-military engagements.
The general’s visit is also expected to clear the air on recent unsubstantiated reports of military intrusion by China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh. Lok Sabha MP Khiren Rijiju had claimed last week that China has moved its troops 20 km inside Arunachal Pradesh. However, the government stoutly denied the claims and stressed that there was no border violation.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta left on a nine day visit to Myanmar yesterday in continuation with India’s policy of increasing military engagement with the neighbour to counter a growing Chinese influence. Mehta will hold talks with top leaders of the Myanmar government on “bilateral military cooperation”.
Earlier in April, Myanmar Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Soe Thane visited Delhi and Indian naval establishments on a goodwill tour. Thane, who met Defence Minister A K Antony and Mehta, is understood to have presented a case for procuring naval hardware from India.
Close on the heels of his trip to Japan to bolster military ties with that country, Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh will soon leave for China with a similar agenda. Singh, heading a high-profile Indian delegation, will embark on a week long “goodwill” visit to the neighbouring country towards the end of the month.
“The dates have not yet been finalised but an in-principle approval has been given for the visit. A top delegation, consisting of both defence and civil officials, will accompany the Army chief,” a Ministry of Defence official confirmed. The general will be meeting the top military brass and will also hold discussions with the Chinese Defence Minister.
Coming barely a month after his three-day tour of Japan, where cooperation on issues like counter-terrorism operations, personnel training, defence research and disaster management were discussed, the visit symbolises India’s fine balancing act in the region with increasing military-military engagements.
The general’s visit is also expected to clear the air on recent unsubstantiated reports of military intrusion by China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh. Lok Sabha MP Khiren Rijiju had claimed last week that China has moved its troops 20 km inside Arunachal Pradesh. However, the government stoutly denied the claims and stressed that there was no border violation.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta left on a nine day visit to Myanmar yesterday in continuation with India’s policy of increasing military engagement with the neighbour to counter a growing Chinese influence. Mehta will hold talks with top leaders of the Myanmar government on “bilateral military cooperation”.
Earlier in April, Myanmar Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Soe Thane visited Delhi and Indian naval establishments on a goodwill tour. Thane, who met Defence Minister A K Antony and Mehta, is understood to have presented a case for procuring naval hardware from India.
US-India ties to focus on defence, counter-terror cooperation.
US-India ties to focus on defence, counter-terror cooperation.
The United States has said expanding cooperation with India in the field of defence and counter-terrorism will be the next two big thrust areas in bilateral relations in the future.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns also said that the positive history of the 21st century will be written in large part by Indians and Americans together for the growth of democracy, free-market economies, and peace in Asia and around the world.
"When the history of our time in office is written," Burns said "I am confident the great strategic leap forward in cementing the US-India strategic partnership will count among the most important accomplishments of Presidents (George W) Bush and (Bill) Clinton with Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh and his predecessors".
Speaking at The Heritage Foundation on the United States-India Relations on Wednesday, the senior State Department official stressed not only the kind of distances that have been traversed in the last several months over and beyond the civilian nuclear initiative but also in looking at what is in store down the road for the bilateral relationship.
The Bush administration has identified expanding defence relations and counter-terrorism cooperation as the "next two big" security initiatives, the senior official said adding the growing military cooperation is becoming one of the most visible aspects of our bilateral ties.
"The 2005 Defense Framework is symbolic of a new era in closer military cooperation and sets forth a joint vision. The Agreement reflects the increasing frequency, size, and complexity of military exercises between the Indian military and the United States.
"The presence of 42 US defence firms in India during the Aero India show in Bangalore in February is evidence of our companies' willingness to invest in long-term relationships with Indian counterparts. The possibility of increased defence trade makes this a bright spot for future development," Burns said.
American firms, he said, do not want to be merely suppliers to the Indian military, but are interested in becoming long-term partners during the modernisation and development of India's defence industry.
On the issue of terrorism, he said "we are working together to combat the global scourge of terrorism....India and the US have many lessons learned to share with each other to confront this mutual threat.
"We have agreed to closer cooperation on terrorist financing, law enforcement, aviation security, and information sharing, as well as combating weapons of mass destruction terrorism and bio-terrorism," Burns said.
Noting that India and the US are a victim of terrorism, he said "we extend our condolences to the people of Hyderabad, who suffered in last Friday's attack on the beautiful Mecca Masjid, which I visited last December. The US intends to strengthen its commitment to India to be a good partner in combating terrorist threats".
The senior administration official also said that the the US and India have an extraordinarily promising shared future.
"The multidimensional nature of our relationship, its range, and its depth all ensure that our ties will be enduring. With our shared future unbound, I am confident that we will be able to achieve the ambitious goals we have set out for our partnership," the top administration official said.
Burns said bilateral ties for the future will be moving in three principal areas of education, regional cooperation and security."We believe that education, especially higher education and research, is a key element in our bilateral and multilateral relationships.
"India's emergence as a global power brings with it commensurate responsibility as a leader not only on regional issues but also on global ones such as promoting democracy and protecting the environment," he said.
The senior administration official noted that the American and Indian people are witnessing an explosion of ties in culture, the arts, technology, and business.
For the last three years, India has sent more students to the US than any other country, even China. There are over 76,000 Indian students in the US this year.
"This will pay dividends for decades to come, as the ties these students create here in America will create lasting bonds between our countries," Burns said.
The top administration official also acknowledged the role of the Indian American Community."The Indian-American community is one of the most highly educated and highest earning in the US, and fosters important business, academic, and cross-cultural ties. And, as we witnessed in 2006 with Congress' passage of the Hyde Act, the Indian-American community is making its voice felt here," Burns pointed out.
India and the US are together exploring a host of technological initiatives ranging from agriculture to civil nuclear power, he told the audience of diplomats, foreign policy practitioners and intellectuals.
"We are building closer ties in space exploration, satellite navigation, and in the space science arena...We are providing US instruments for India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-1," he said.
The United States has said expanding cooperation with India in the field of defence and counter-terrorism will be the next two big thrust areas in bilateral relations in the future.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns also said that the positive history of the 21st century will be written in large part by Indians and Americans together for the growth of democracy, free-market economies, and peace in Asia and around the world.
"When the history of our time in office is written," Burns said "I am confident the great strategic leap forward in cementing the US-India strategic partnership will count among the most important accomplishments of Presidents (George W) Bush and (Bill) Clinton with Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh and his predecessors".
Speaking at The Heritage Foundation on the United States-India Relations on Wednesday, the senior State Department official stressed not only the kind of distances that have been traversed in the last several months over and beyond the civilian nuclear initiative but also in looking at what is in store down the road for the bilateral relationship.
The Bush administration has identified expanding defence relations and counter-terrorism cooperation as the "next two big" security initiatives, the senior official said adding the growing military cooperation is becoming one of the most visible aspects of our bilateral ties.
"The 2005 Defense Framework is symbolic of a new era in closer military cooperation and sets forth a joint vision. The Agreement reflects the increasing frequency, size, and complexity of military exercises between the Indian military and the United States.
"The presence of 42 US defence firms in India during the Aero India show in Bangalore in February is evidence of our companies' willingness to invest in long-term relationships with Indian counterparts. The possibility of increased defence trade makes this a bright spot for future development," Burns said.
American firms, he said, do not want to be merely suppliers to the Indian military, but are interested in becoming long-term partners during the modernisation and development of India's defence industry.
On the issue of terrorism, he said "we are working together to combat the global scourge of terrorism....India and the US have many lessons learned to share with each other to confront this mutual threat.
"We have agreed to closer cooperation on terrorist financing, law enforcement, aviation security, and information sharing, as well as combating weapons of mass destruction terrorism and bio-terrorism," Burns said.
Noting that India and the US are a victim of terrorism, he said "we extend our condolences to the people of Hyderabad, who suffered in last Friday's attack on the beautiful Mecca Masjid, which I visited last December. The US intends to strengthen its commitment to India to be a good partner in combating terrorist threats".
The senior administration official also said that the the US and India have an extraordinarily promising shared future.
"The multidimensional nature of our relationship, its range, and its depth all ensure that our ties will be enduring. With our shared future unbound, I am confident that we will be able to achieve the ambitious goals we have set out for our partnership," the top administration official said.
Burns said bilateral ties for the future will be moving in three principal areas of education, regional cooperation and security."We believe that education, especially higher education and research, is a key element in our bilateral and multilateral relationships.
"India's emergence as a global power brings with it commensurate responsibility as a leader not only on regional issues but also on global ones such as promoting democracy and protecting the environment," he said.
The senior administration official noted that the American and Indian people are witnessing an explosion of ties in culture, the arts, technology, and business.
For the last three years, India has sent more students to the US than any other country, even China. There are over 76,000 Indian students in the US this year.
"This will pay dividends for decades to come, as the ties these students create here in America will create lasting bonds between our countries," Burns said.
The top administration official also acknowledged the role of the Indian American Community."The Indian-American community is one of the most highly educated and highest earning in the US, and fosters important business, academic, and cross-cultural ties. And, as we witnessed in 2006 with Congress' passage of the Hyde Act, the Indian-American community is making its voice felt here," Burns pointed out.
India and the US are together exploring a host of technological initiatives ranging from agriculture to civil nuclear power, he told the audience of diplomats, foreign policy practitioners and intellectuals.
"We are building closer ties in space exploration, satellite navigation, and in the space science arena...We are providing US instruments for India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-1," he said.
e hënë, 21 maj 2007
DRDO Develops State Of The Art Counter Nuclear Warfare Equipment
DRDO Develops State Of The Art Counter Nuclear Warfare Equipment
In a significant development, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has indigenously developed state-of-the-art equipments to face any eventualities arising out of modern warfare like that of nuclear or chemical weapons.The Chief Controller of Life Sciences Research and Human Resources, DRDO, Dr Selvamurthy said that the defence services have already begun the use of masks and modern equipments."DRDO has nine life science labs across the country and they have indigenously developed nuclear, biological and chemical defence masks, and other 35 products to face any threat arising out of chemical and nuclear wars. They have also developed bio warfare agents, field diagnostic kits to fight biological eventualities like that of typhoid, dengue, malaria, anthrax or any other viruses," he said.The scientific arm of Indian Defence Services has also developed a de-contamination vehicle to sanitize air, ground and water."These labs have also developed chemical warfare detection system, portable chromatograph, to protect both civil and defence society. A de-contamination vehicle has also been developed to decontaminate air, ground and water," he said.
In a significant development, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has indigenously developed state-of-the-art equipments to face any eventualities arising out of modern warfare like that of nuclear or chemical weapons.The Chief Controller of Life Sciences Research and Human Resources, DRDO, Dr Selvamurthy said that the defence services have already begun the use of masks and modern equipments."DRDO has nine life science labs across the country and they have indigenously developed nuclear, biological and chemical defence masks, and other 35 products to face any threat arising out of chemical and nuclear wars. They have also developed bio warfare agents, field diagnostic kits to fight biological eventualities like that of typhoid, dengue, malaria, anthrax or any other viruses," he said.The scientific arm of Indian Defence Services has also developed a de-contamination vehicle to sanitize air, ground and water."These labs have also developed chemical warfare detection system, portable chromatograph, to protect both civil and defence society. A de-contamination vehicle has also been developed to decontaminate air, ground and water," he said.
Defence Ministers Speech At The Kendriya Sainik Board Meeting
Defence Ministers Speech At The Kendriya Sainik Board Meeting
Following is the full text of the speech delivered by Defence Minister Shri A K Antony at the 27th Meeting of the Kendriya Sainik Board held in New Delhi today:I welcome you all to the inauguration of XXVII Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) meeting. It is indeed a privilege that the Hon’ble Prime Minister is here with us on this occasion. His presence and words of advice will surely motivate and encourage us in our endeavour.Our Armed Forces have been serving the nation with dedication and commitment, braving extreme weather conditions. They have to live away from their families, which makes their task even more difficult and challenging. During my visit to forward areas, I have had a first-hand experience of the difficult conditions. Thus, special attention by the Central and State Governments and support and care by the local administrations towards their families is really crucial. We want our troops to maintain a high morale and perform their duties without any worries.Nearly 60, 000 Armed Forces personnel either retire, or are released each year. They are between 35-45 years of age and are a rich repository of knowledge in different fields. We cannot and must not let this potential go unutilized. Moreover, keeping in mind their service to the nation, it is our moral responsibility to give them ample opportunities for reemployment and resettlement. Keeping this in view, the Government has declared 2007 as “The Year of the Placement of Ex-servicemen.”Our Government has taken several measures for the welfare of ex-servicemen. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for wards of Ex-servicemen for their technical and professional education has been launched from the academic session this year.Many State Governments have taken steps to promote the welfare of Ex-servicemen by employing them in police force, to man forests, as well as toll plazas. I strongly urge all State Governments to optimally utilise the services of Ex-servicemen for mutual benefit. I also request all State Governments and Union Territories to raise at least one battalion each for afforestation. This investment will pay rich dividends in the future.Of late, the gap in the understanding between the defence services and the corporate sector has been reduced considerably. Retired Armed Forces Personnel are landing up responsible and lucrative jobs in the private sector and PBORs are getting equally dignified placements.I am happy to note that at the Seminar On “Defence-Industry Partnership in Human Resource Management” held earlier this year, a commitment was made by ASSOCHAM for absorbing approximately 10, 000 Ex-Servicemen in various capacities. I am sure that ASSOCHAM, in consultation with the Directorate General, Resettlement would make concerted efforts to honour the commitment.The private sector must also do its utmost to help the society and the nation in promoting the welfare and resettlement of the Ex-servicemen. Directorate General, Resettlement is exploring the possibility of providing Ex-Servicemen suitable jobs in Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Metro. Such an arrangement will provide mutual benefits to both – the Ex-Servicemen and these organisations. With the Commonwealth Games scheduled in the year 2010, I am sure there will not be any dearth of employment opportunities for Ex-Servicemen, in particular.Kendriya Sainik Board has to play the most vital role in the resettlement of Ex-Servicemen. Though the Board has a widespread reach, we have unfortunately not been able to make full use of it in a planned and coordinated manner. This must be the primary objective of today’s meeting. The States need to fill up about 25% of the sanctioned posts lying vacant in Rajya Sainik Boards and Zilla Sainik Boards to strengthen this organisation. We look forward to your valuable views and suggestions towards achieving these objectives.I take this opportunity to request you all to help the families of Armed Forces personnel posted in operational areas, or who are far away from their homes. I would like to set up a mechanism to monitor the redressal of grievances by attaching serving defence personnel in Sainik Boards linking them through Internet. I request the Service Headquarters to nominate the personnel in consultation with Kendriya Sainik Board. Such small steps would go a long way in raising the morale of our troops.I am happy to announce that financial assistance to Ex-Servicemen, widows and their wards under Raksha Mantri’s Discretionary Fund has been doubled. This assistance will also be available for marriage of daughters of Ex-Servicemen, assistance to infirm Ex-Servicemen, medical treatment of non ECHS members and penury grant to all categories of Ex-Servicemen. In addition, new areas of financial assistance such as house repair grant, funeral allowance, assistance to orphan daughters, children education grant for girl child upto graduation level and emergency grant have also been introduced for the first time. This also includes a grant for marriage of widows. I am sure that these measures would benefit ex-servicemen and their dependents.The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) for Ex-Servicemen has been launched in all the States. It will be our endeavour to set up as many as polyclinics as possible in District Centres. I suggest that these polyclinics be set up alongside the Rajya and Zila Sainik Board Offices, so that all facilities are available within the same complex. I request all State Governments to provide necessary assistance in land acquisition and construction of polyclinics so that the scheme becomes fully operational.I once again thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister for gracing this occasion. I also thank everyone present here for giving their valuable time to participate in this meeting. I am sure our deliberations today will help the Ex-Servicemen in getting their due.
Following is the full text of the speech delivered by Defence Minister Shri A K Antony at the 27th Meeting of the Kendriya Sainik Board held in New Delhi today:I welcome you all to the inauguration of XXVII Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) meeting. It is indeed a privilege that the Hon’ble Prime Minister is here with us on this occasion. His presence and words of advice will surely motivate and encourage us in our endeavour.Our Armed Forces have been serving the nation with dedication and commitment, braving extreme weather conditions. They have to live away from their families, which makes their task even more difficult and challenging. During my visit to forward areas, I have had a first-hand experience of the difficult conditions. Thus, special attention by the Central and State Governments and support and care by the local administrations towards their families is really crucial. We want our troops to maintain a high morale and perform their duties without any worries.Nearly 60, 000 Armed Forces personnel either retire, or are released each year. They are between 35-45 years of age and are a rich repository of knowledge in different fields. We cannot and must not let this potential go unutilized. Moreover, keeping in mind their service to the nation, it is our moral responsibility to give them ample opportunities for reemployment and resettlement. Keeping this in view, the Government has declared 2007 as “The Year of the Placement of Ex-servicemen.”Our Government has taken several measures for the welfare of ex-servicemen. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for wards of Ex-servicemen for their technical and professional education has been launched from the academic session this year.Many State Governments have taken steps to promote the welfare of Ex-servicemen by employing them in police force, to man forests, as well as toll plazas. I strongly urge all State Governments to optimally utilise the services of Ex-servicemen for mutual benefit. I also request all State Governments and Union Territories to raise at least one battalion each for afforestation. This investment will pay rich dividends in the future.Of late, the gap in the understanding between the defence services and the corporate sector has been reduced considerably. Retired Armed Forces Personnel are landing up responsible and lucrative jobs in the private sector and PBORs are getting equally dignified placements.I am happy to note that at the Seminar On “Defence-Industry Partnership in Human Resource Management” held earlier this year, a commitment was made by ASSOCHAM for absorbing approximately 10, 000 Ex-Servicemen in various capacities. I am sure that ASSOCHAM, in consultation with the Directorate General, Resettlement would make concerted efforts to honour the commitment.The private sector must also do its utmost to help the society and the nation in promoting the welfare and resettlement of the Ex-servicemen. Directorate General, Resettlement is exploring the possibility of providing Ex-Servicemen suitable jobs in Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Metro. Such an arrangement will provide mutual benefits to both – the Ex-Servicemen and these organisations. With the Commonwealth Games scheduled in the year 2010, I am sure there will not be any dearth of employment opportunities for Ex-Servicemen, in particular.Kendriya Sainik Board has to play the most vital role in the resettlement of Ex-Servicemen. Though the Board has a widespread reach, we have unfortunately not been able to make full use of it in a planned and coordinated manner. This must be the primary objective of today’s meeting. The States need to fill up about 25% of the sanctioned posts lying vacant in Rajya Sainik Boards and Zilla Sainik Boards to strengthen this organisation. We look forward to your valuable views and suggestions towards achieving these objectives.I take this opportunity to request you all to help the families of Armed Forces personnel posted in operational areas, or who are far away from their homes. I would like to set up a mechanism to monitor the redressal of grievances by attaching serving defence personnel in Sainik Boards linking them through Internet. I request the Service Headquarters to nominate the personnel in consultation with Kendriya Sainik Board. Such small steps would go a long way in raising the morale of our troops.I am happy to announce that financial assistance to Ex-Servicemen, widows and their wards under Raksha Mantri’s Discretionary Fund has been doubled. This assistance will also be available for marriage of daughters of Ex-Servicemen, assistance to infirm Ex-Servicemen, medical treatment of non ECHS members and penury grant to all categories of Ex-Servicemen. In addition, new areas of financial assistance such as house repair grant, funeral allowance, assistance to orphan daughters, children education grant for girl child upto graduation level and emergency grant have also been introduced for the first time. This also includes a grant for marriage of widows. I am sure that these measures would benefit ex-servicemen and their dependents.The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) for Ex-Servicemen has been launched in all the States. It will be our endeavour to set up as many as polyclinics as possible in District Centres. I suggest that these polyclinics be set up alongside the Rajya and Zila Sainik Board Offices, so that all facilities are available within the same complex. I request all State Governments to provide necessary assistance in land acquisition and construction of polyclinics so that the scheme becomes fully operational.I once again thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister for gracing this occasion. I also thank everyone present here for giving their valuable time to participate in this meeting. I am sure our deliberations today will help the Ex-Servicemen in getting their due.
Rockwell Collins Going To Upgrade Pakistan Air Force C-130s
Rockwell Collins Going To Upgrade Pakistan Air Force C-130s
The Pakistan Air Force will get five C-130 plane cockpit upgrade kits from the United States to improve operational capabilities of the aging fleet of its main transport aircraft.The United States Air Force has awarded the $6 million contract to Rockwell Collins for supplying avionics kits to the PAF, Dawn reported on Monday.A spokesman for the PAF said the air force would be getting the upgrade kits for its current fleet. It is one of the components of the $75 million agreement with the US government that also included the sale of six C-130 aircraft to Pakistan.The upgrade contract will be completed in a year and it is expected that the PAF will start getting the deliveries by the later part of 2008."The upgrade project would help us benefit from the technological advancements on C-130s," he said.Although, the details of what would be covered under the package have not been disclosed, it has been learnt that the avionics and display systems company is likely to provide communication, navigational and surveillance system, including Flight 26X8 inch multi-function displays, AN /ARC-210 radios, SAT-2000, multimode receivers and automatic direction finder.After the upgrades the C-130s are expected to have improved situational awareness, reduced crew workload and enhanced flight safety features.
The Pakistan Air Force will get five C-130 plane cockpit upgrade kits from the United States to improve operational capabilities of the aging fleet of its main transport aircraft.The United States Air Force has awarded the $6 million contract to Rockwell Collins for supplying avionics kits to the PAF, Dawn reported on Monday.A spokesman for the PAF said the air force would be getting the upgrade kits for its current fleet. It is one of the components of the $75 million agreement with the US government that also included the sale of six C-130 aircraft to Pakistan.The upgrade contract will be completed in a year and it is expected that the PAF will start getting the deliveries by the later part of 2008."The upgrade project would help us benefit from the technological advancements on C-130s," he said.Although, the details of what would be covered under the package have not been disclosed, it has been learnt that the avionics and display systems company is likely to provide communication, navigational and surveillance system, including Flight 26X8 inch multi-function displays, AN /ARC-210 radios, SAT-2000, multimode receivers and automatic direction finder.After the upgrades the C-130s are expected to have improved situational awareness, reduced crew workload and enhanced flight safety features.
India, Russia To Jointly Manufacture Aviation Sector Components
India, Russia To Jointly Manufacture Aviation Sector Components
In what has been dubbed as a "breakthrough deal," India and Russia have agreed to set up a joint venture to produce titanium dioxide, a key component for the strategic metal used in aerospace industry."Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak and his Indian counterparts signed a breakthrough deal in Washington to invest the rupee portion of India's debt to the Soviet Union into a titanium dioxide production," Kommersant daily reported.Under the agreement, rupee debt equivalent of USD 126 million would be invested to build a plant in India with the annual capacity of 40,000 tonnes of titanium dioxide within the next three years in which Russia is to hold 55 per cent equity.Back in March 2006, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov suggested using the debt money for investment projects, an idea that President Vladimir Putin supported during his visit to India this January.During Putin's India visit, Russian Vnesheconombank, Technochim-Holding and Indian Saraf Agencies had inked the titanium JV deal to be financed through debt rupees. Storchak told Kommersant that the project will finally transform the system of the return of the Indian debt that India estimates at USD one billion while Russia deems it to be three times as much.The parties, however, agree on the USD one billion rupee portion of the debt that Russia is going to spend on investment projects in India. Storchak said that, however, general exchange of letters covering the investment of whole of rupee debt could not take place due to India's radically liberalised stance."Indian Finance Ministry has refused to play the role of a 'traffic light' and has allowed the blanket permission for the JVs as long as they are within the legal grounds, it is a major step towards liberalisation, but we were not ready for it," Storchak told the daily.The Russian Deputy Finance Minister said the Indian deal could be used as an example in reviewing relations with other debtors of Russia, including Pakistan where debt talks broke down last week during Prime Minister Fradkov's visit.
In what has been dubbed as a "breakthrough deal," India and Russia have agreed to set up a joint venture to produce titanium dioxide, a key component for the strategic metal used in aerospace industry."Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak and his Indian counterparts signed a breakthrough deal in Washington to invest the rupee portion of India's debt to the Soviet Union into a titanium dioxide production," Kommersant daily reported.Under the agreement, rupee debt equivalent of USD 126 million would be invested to build a plant in India with the annual capacity of 40,000 tonnes of titanium dioxide within the next three years in which Russia is to hold 55 per cent equity.Back in March 2006, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov suggested using the debt money for investment projects, an idea that President Vladimir Putin supported during his visit to India this January.During Putin's India visit, Russian Vnesheconombank, Technochim-Holding and Indian Saraf Agencies had inked the titanium JV deal to be financed through debt rupees. Storchak told Kommersant that the project will finally transform the system of the return of the Indian debt that India estimates at USD one billion while Russia deems it to be three times as much.The parties, however, agree on the USD one billion rupee portion of the debt that Russia is going to spend on investment projects in India. Storchak said that, however, general exchange of letters covering the investment of whole of rupee debt could not take place due to India's radically liberalised stance."Indian Finance Ministry has refused to play the role of a 'traffic light' and has allowed the blanket permission for the JVs as long as they are within the legal grounds, it is a major step towards liberalisation, but we were not ready for it," Storchak told the daily.The Russian Deputy Finance Minister said the Indian deal could be used as an example in reviewing relations with other debtors of Russia, including Pakistan where debt talks broke down last week during Prime Minister Fradkov's visit.
Defense Deals With Russia In Trouble; Russia Refuses To Sign Integrity Pact
Defense Deals With Russia In Trouble; Russia Refuses To Sign Integrity Pact
India's weapons purchases have hit a major roadblock with its biggest defence supplier, Russia, refusing to sign the mandatory integrity pact for defence contracts.Under the present defence procurement procedures, every defence contract worth more than Rs 100 crore must be accompanied by an integrity pact, an undertaking that no arms agents are involved and no commissions have been paid.Authoritative sources in the Ministry of Defence told DNA that intense negotiations are underway between the Ministry of Defence and Russian representatives to ensure that the latter’s stand do not “delay” India’s defence modernisation and massive procurement programmes.The Russians have told the MOD that some clauses of the integrity pact “collide with” the domestic laws of the country. However, sources are refusing to confirm if the Russian reservations has got to do with the pact demanding an explicit commitment against payment of commissions and appointment of agents.Under the integrity pact, if it is found that either side had agents or paid commissions then criminal cases can be initiated by India and the other side has to cooperate. Arms dealers are banned under the defence procurement policy 2006.“We are trying to find a via media,” a source told DNA when questioned about the stand off.Russia is India’s biggest defence supplier and most dependable partner. Some $10 billion worth of defence contracts are now in the pipeline. However, any ‘fresh contracts’ will have to wait till India and Russia resolve the standoff over the integrity pact.“We can not give up the integrity pact because it is integral part of the DPP (Defence Procurement Policy) 2006. So, we will have to find an amicable settlement without compromising on our procurement policy,” a source said.Partly because of the complications arising out of the complications thrown up by Russian stand, India is now only pursuing existing contracts and “repeat orders”.The proposed purchase of 40 more Sukhoi 30 fighters and more than 300 T-90 tanks may go through because they are “repeat orders”, and may only require a negotiation about the present prices based on the original contracts signed earlier, sources said. But a final word can be said only after “negotiations are carried out,” they added. India has allocated Rs 41,922 crore in this fiscal for defence purchases.A slew of major purchases are in the pipeline, including 126 multi-role combat aircraft for IAF, substantial number of helicopters for all three forces, over Rs 30,000 crore worth of battleships, massive radar and other surveillance equipment purchases, etc where Russian equipment are leading contenders.
India's weapons purchases have hit a major roadblock with its biggest defence supplier, Russia, refusing to sign the mandatory integrity pact for defence contracts.Under the present defence procurement procedures, every defence contract worth more than Rs 100 crore must be accompanied by an integrity pact, an undertaking that no arms agents are involved and no commissions have been paid.Authoritative sources in the Ministry of Defence told DNA that intense negotiations are underway between the Ministry of Defence and Russian representatives to ensure that the latter’s stand do not “delay” India’s defence modernisation and massive procurement programmes.The Russians have told the MOD that some clauses of the integrity pact “collide with” the domestic laws of the country. However, sources are refusing to confirm if the Russian reservations has got to do with the pact demanding an explicit commitment against payment of commissions and appointment of agents.Under the integrity pact, if it is found that either side had agents or paid commissions then criminal cases can be initiated by India and the other side has to cooperate. Arms dealers are banned under the defence procurement policy 2006.“We are trying to find a via media,” a source told DNA when questioned about the stand off.Russia is India’s biggest defence supplier and most dependable partner. Some $10 billion worth of defence contracts are now in the pipeline. However, any ‘fresh contracts’ will have to wait till India and Russia resolve the standoff over the integrity pact.“We can not give up the integrity pact because it is integral part of the DPP (Defence Procurement Policy) 2006. So, we will have to find an amicable settlement without compromising on our procurement policy,” a source said.Partly because of the complications arising out of the complications thrown up by Russian stand, India is now only pursuing existing contracts and “repeat orders”.The proposed purchase of 40 more Sukhoi 30 fighters and more than 300 T-90 tanks may go through because they are “repeat orders”, and may only require a negotiation about the present prices based on the original contracts signed earlier, sources said. But a final word can be said only after “negotiations are carried out,” they added. India has allocated Rs 41,922 crore in this fiscal for defence purchases.A slew of major purchases are in the pipeline, including 126 multi-role combat aircraft for IAF, substantial number of helicopters for all three forces, over Rs 30,000 crore worth of battleships, massive radar and other surveillance equipment purchases, etc where Russian equipment are leading contenders.
India, Russia to sign MTA deal by October
India, Russia to sign MTA deal by October
India and Russia are expected to sign by October a comprehensive agreement for the creation of a state-of-the-art multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) to meet the requirements of their armed forces.The MTA would be designed, developed and manufactured jointly, and an inter-governmental agreement is to be signed in September-October, Director General of Ilyushin Aircraft Corporation, Viktor Livanov was quoted as saying by the Vremya Novostyie daily.Ilyushin is one of the partners in the joint MTA project with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.During their meeting on the sidelines of G-8 last month in St Petersburg, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Vladimir Putin are believed to have discussed the project, which would aid in phasing out the ageing Soviet-built Antonov An-24 and An-32 aircraft from the air forces of both nations.Livanov said due to some restrictions in the Russian legislation, the MTA deal would have to be cleared by the Russian parliament by amending some domestic laws.The detailed project would be ready by 2006 and it would take another year to make the blueprint of the twin engine plane based on Ilyushin's IL-214 transport aircraft. It is expected to make its maiden flight in 2008.Both New Delhi and Moscow attach great importance to the MTA project. Russia had walked out of a similar project with Ukraine.
India and Russia are expected to sign by October a comprehensive agreement for the creation of a state-of-the-art multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) to meet the requirements of their armed forces.The MTA would be designed, developed and manufactured jointly, and an inter-governmental agreement is to be signed in September-October, Director General of Ilyushin Aircraft Corporation, Viktor Livanov was quoted as saying by the Vremya Novostyie daily.Ilyushin is one of the partners in the joint MTA project with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.During their meeting on the sidelines of G-8 last month in St Petersburg, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Vladimir Putin are believed to have discussed the project, which would aid in phasing out the ageing Soviet-built Antonov An-24 and An-32 aircraft from the air forces of both nations.Livanov said due to some restrictions in the Russian legislation, the MTA deal would have to be cleared by the Russian parliament by amending some domestic laws.The detailed project would be ready by 2006 and it would take another year to make the blueprint of the twin engine plane based on Ilyushin's IL-214 transport aircraft. It is expected to make its maiden flight in 2008.Both New Delhi and Moscow attach great importance to the MTA project. Russia had walked out of a similar project with Ukraine.
Rosoboronexport to Begin Delivery of Smerch MLRS; New Orders Signed
Rosoboronexport to Begin Delivery of Smerch MLRS; New Orders Signed
Russia will shortly begin supply of 38 Smerch-M 300mm BM9A52-2 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to India under a $450 million deal signed two years ago, according to Russian media reports.Reports in the Russian media also suggest that Rosoboronexport, Russia's monopoly arms export agency, also signed a new option contract last week with the Indian defense ministry for delivery of an additional $300 million worth of these systems.If correctly reported, the total cost of Smerch MLRS deliveries to India will now be worth $750 million, which will make it one of Russia's largest export orders for infantry weapons.The original $450 million contract, included the cost of combat vehicles, auxiliary equipment, fire control systems, personnel training, and a commission for Rosoboronexport.Reports say that these deliveries were delayed as the first lot of these weapons was to have been dispatched to India in the spring of last year. The shipment was held up as the Indian Army had doubts whether the vehicle's engine could maintain a maximum speed of 80 km/hr (50 mph). The doubts were eventually laid to rest, and shipments under the original contract will now be completed by 2008.The new $300 million agreement envisages the supply of two more batteries (24 units) by 2010. In contract size, Smerch deliveries to India are now equivalent to the sale of 310 T-90S tanks to India in 2001.The Smerch rocket system has a range of 70 km, extendable to 90 km in particular circumstances, with a barrage time of 38 seconds. The Smerch has smart interchangeable warheads including thermo-baric (vacuum) warheads, which can destroy enemy entrenched in deep bunkers. It will provide the Indian Army capability to neutralise a variety of targets like massed concentration of armour and troop deployments well beyond the range of any of its present artillery systems.Reports quotes officials of the Tula Splav Design Bureau, which specialise in multiple launch rocket systems, as saying that the firepower and accuracy of Smerch MLRS can be compared with those of short-range tactical nuclear missiles.Deliveries of Smerch batteries on the original contract with India are to be completed by 2008 and the new deliveries on the options contract by 2010.
Russia will shortly begin supply of 38 Smerch-M 300mm BM9A52-2 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to India under a $450 million deal signed two years ago, according to Russian media reports.Reports in the Russian media also suggest that Rosoboronexport, Russia's monopoly arms export agency, also signed a new option contract last week with the Indian defense ministry for delivery of an additional $300 million worth of these systems.If correctly reported, the total cost of Smerch MLRS deliveries to India will now be worth $750 million, which will make it one of Russia's largest export orders for infantry weapons.The original $450 million contract, included the cost of combat vehicles, auxiliary equipment, fire control systems, personnel training, and a commission for Rosoboronexport.Reports say that these deliveries were delayed as the first lot of these weapons was to have been dispatched to India in the spring of last year. The shipment was held up as the Indian Army had doubts whether the vehicle's engine could maintain a maximum speed of 80 km/hr (50 mph). The doubts were eventually laid to rest, and shipments under the original contract will now be completed by 2008.The new $300 million agreement envisages the supply of two more batteries (24 units) by 2010. In contract size, Smerch deliveries to India are now equivalent to the sale of 310 T-90S tanks to India in 2001.The Smerch rocket system has a range of 70 km, extendable to 90 km in particular circumstances, with a barrage time of 38 seconds. The Smerch has smart interchangeable warheads including thermo-baric (vacuum) warheads, which can destroy enemy entrenched in deep bunkers. It will provide the Indian Army capability to neutralise a variety of targets like massed concentration of armour and troop deployments well beyond the range of any of its present artillery systems.Reports quotes officials of the Tula Splav Design Bureau, which specialise in multiple launch rocket systems, as saying that the firepower and accuracy of Smerch MLRS can be compared with those of short-range tactical nuclear missiles.Deliveries of Smerch batteries on the original contract with India are to be completed by 2008 and the new deliveries on the options contract by 2010.
INS Vikramaditya: Aircraft Carrier Acquisition from Russia Delayed, Cost Overruns Expected
INS Vikramaditya: Aircraft Carrier Acquisition from Russia Delayed, Cost Overruns Expected
Russia will not be able to deliver the refitted aircraft carrier Gorshokov next year as scheduled. The delivery has now been pushed to 2010 and it's going to cost $113 million extra.This cost is over and above the $ 1 billion that India is paying for its refit and upgrade. The delay is apparently because Russian builders underestimated the length of cabling required -- it's not 700 km but 2,400 km, they have told the Indian Navy.Naval Headquarters is sending a senior officer to Moscow to assess the situation. The Navy's only other carrier the Viraat was due to be retired from service in 2012.Russia and India came to an agreement over the sale of the ship, the then-Admiral Gorshkov, which they had been haggling over for many years, in 2004, following which the ship is being extensively refitted. It is projected to replace INS Viraat. US$800 million is budgeted for refit and upgrade by the Indian government.Upgrade plans involve stripping all the weaponry from the ship's foredeck, converting her from a hybrid carrier/cruiser to a pure carrier, allowing her to operate the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Sea Harrier aircraft. The deal also includes the purchase of 30 MIG 29K Fulcrum D (Product 9.41) aircraft, six Kamov Ka-31 Helix attack helicopters and reconnaissance anti-submarine helicopters, torpedo tubes, missile systems, and artillery units, costing an additional US$700 million.The ship will be operated in a STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Assisted Recovery) configuration, with a 14 degree ski-jump on the bow and three arrestor wires on the stern. All reconfiguration work is being completed at Severomorsk
Russia will not be able to deliver the refitted aircraft carrier Gorshokov next year as scheduled. The delivery has now been pushed to 2010 and it's going to cost $113 million extra.This cost is over and above the $ 1 billion that India is paying for its refit and upgrade. The delay is apparently because Russian builders underestimated the length of cabling required -- it's not 700 km but 2,400 km, they have told the Indian Navy.Naval Headquarters is sending a senior officer to Moscow to assess the situation. The Navy's only other carrier the Viraat was due to be retired from service in 2012.Russia and India came to an agreement over the sale of the ship, the then-Admiral Gorshkov, which they had been haggling over for many years, in 2004, following which the ship is being extensively refitted. It is projected to replace INS Viraat. US$800 million is budgeted for refit and upgrade by the Indian government.Upgrade plans involve stripping all the weaponry from the ship's foredeck, converting her from a hybrid carrier/cruiser to a pure carrier, allowing her to operate the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Sea Harrier aircraft. The deal also includes the purchase of 30 MIG 29K Fulcrum D (Product 9.41) aircraft, six Kamov Ka-31 Helix attack helicopters and reconnaissance anti-submarine helicopters, torpedo tubes, missile systems, and artillery units, costing an additional US$700 million.The ship will be operated in a STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Assisted Recovery) configuration, with a 14 degree ski-jump on the bow and three arrestor wires on the stern. All reconfiguration work is being completed at Severomorsk
Russia seeking review of defence deals with India
Russia seeking review of defence deals with India
Moscow, May 21 (PTI): Russia has sought a review of defence contracts with India due to a continued drop in the value of the dollar and an unprecedented strong rouble, a move that could increase the price of big ticket deals for Su-30 jets and aircraft-carrier 'Gorshkov' by millions of dollars.
This tricky issue was discussed extensively by Defence Secretary, Shekhar Datt, during his three-day visit here earlier last week, diplomatic sources said.
Russia's State arms export monopoly 'Rosoboronexport' has proposed to review the prices of deals in various stages of implementation due to the depreciation in the value of the US dollar and a sharp appreciation of the rouble, sources said.
Moscow indicated it would foreclose the Su-30MKI deal after the delivery of the first 100 aircraft to Delhi due to cost escalation and the manufacturer's inability to deliver them at the current price.
Under the 8.5 billion-dollar Sukhoi deal, said to be the largest single contract involving deep transfer of technology, Russia's Irkutsk Corporation has supplied 60 Su-30MKI multi- role combat jets and is willing to deliver 40 more aircraft at the current cost escalation rate of 2.55 per cent per annum.
But Irkutsk wants to double the cost escalation rate to five per cent a year for supplying kits for another 138 Su-30s to be assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
If India accepts the Russian demand, the cost of the Sukhoi deal will go up by half a billion dollars.
Moscow, May 21 (PTI): Russia has sought a review of defence contracts with India due to a continued drop in the value of the dollar and an unprecedented strong rouble, a move that could increase the price of big ticket deals for Su-30 jets and aircraft-carrier 'Gorshkov' by millions of dollars.
This tricky issue was discussed extensively by Defence Secretary, Shekhar Datt, during his three-day visit here earlier last week, diplomatic sources said.
Russia's State arms export monopoly 'Rosoboronexport' has proposed to review the prices of deals in various stages of implementation due to the depreciation in the value of the US dollar and a sharp appreciation of the rouble, sources said.
Moscow indicated it would foreclose the Su-30MKI deal after the delivery of the first 100 aircraft to Delhi due to cost escalation and the manufacturer's inability to deliver them at the current price.
Under the 8.5 billion-dollar Sukhoi deal, said to be the largest single contract involving deep transfer of technology, Russia's Irkutsk Corporation has supplied 60 Su-30MKI multi- role combat jets and is willing to deliver 40 more aircraft at the current cost escalation rate of 2.55 per cent per annum.
But Irkutsk wants to double the cost escalation rate to five per cent a year for supplying kits for another 138 Su-30s to be assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
If India accepts the Russian demand, the cost of the Sukhoi deal will go up by half a billion dollars.
India, Russia contract to export BrahMos missiles
India, Russia contract to export BrahMos missiles
The first contract for the export of the Indo-Russian BrahMos cruise missiles to a "friendly" country is in the pipeline, and could be inked by the end of this year."The first contract for the delivery of BrahMos cruise missiles to a friendly country is expected to be signed by the end of the year," Sivathanu Pillai, CEO of New Delhi-based BrahMos Aerospace, said.BrahMos Aerospace - a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russian NPO Mashinostroyenia - has been authorised by their respective governments to export the deadly missiles to mutually agreed "friendly" countries, and the list of potential importers would be extended."There is a huge market for cruise missiles. BrahMos is unique among cruise missiles due to its 2.8 Mach supersonic speed (all other cruise missiles are sub-sonic at present) and a much longer strike range. It's the ultimate force-multiplier," Pillai said.The export version will basically be the anti-ship variant of the 290-km range BrahMos, which has already been inducted by the Indian Navy.
The first contract for the export of the Indo-Russian BrahMos cruise missiles to a "friendly" country is in the pipeline, and could be inked by the end of this year."The first contract for the delivery of BrahMos cruise missiles to a friendly country is expected to be signed by the end of the year," Sivathanu Pillai, CEO of New Delhi-based BrahMos Aerospace, said.BrahMos Aerospace - a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russian NPO Mashinostroyenia - has been authorised by their respective governments to export the deadly missiles to mutually agreed "friendly" countries, and the list of potential importers would be extended."There is a huge market for cruise missiles. BrahMos is unique among cruise missiles due to its 2.8 Mach supersonic speed (all other cruise missiles are sub-sonic at present) and a much longer strike range. It's the ultimate force-multiplier," Pillai said.The export version will basically be the anti-ship variant of the 290-km range BrahMos, which has already been inducted by the Indian Navy.
China and India hold joint Army exercises
China and India hold joint Army exercises
NEW DELHI: The world's largest and third-largest armies are likely to hold their first-ever joint military exercise in the near future, with Army chief Gen J J Singh now headed for China to take bilateral defence ties to a new high. "I am going to propose the holding of such manoeuvres," said Gen Singh on Saturday, talking about the proposed Sino-Indian counter-terrorism exercise on the eve of his week-long visit to Beijing. Though India still remains wary of China's rapid modernisation of its 2.5-million-strong People's Liberation Army, double the size of the Indian forces, it has invited Chinese observers to its own military exercises in the last couple of years. With military CBMs being implemented along the still-unresolved 4,057-km Line of Actual Control to maintain "peace and tranquillity" over the last few years, India now wants to take the fledgling bilateral military ties to the next level by holding a joint exercise. "In principle, the Chinese have agreed to holding of such an exercise... during the visit, we hope to work out the details and whether the exercise would be held on Chinese or Indian soil. Both armies are interested in expanding military-to-military ties," said Gen Singh. This comes a day after defence minister A K Antony dismissed reports of any military confrontation with China, holding that border talks with Beijing had gained tremendous momentum over the last three years. Be that as it may, it's also a fact that India and US had recently come together to discuss China's growing military power, including its anti-satellite weapon test held on January 11.
NEW DELHI: The world's largest and third-largest armies are likely to hold their first-ever joint military exercise in the near future, with Army chief Gen J J Singh now headed for China to take bilateral defence ties to a new high. "I am going to propose the holding of such manoeuvres," said Gen Singh on Saturday, talking about the proposed Sino-Indian counter-terrorism exercise on the eve of his week-long visit to Beijing. Though India still remains wary of China's rapid modernisation of its 2.5-million-strong People's Liberation Army, double the size of the Indian forces, it has invited Chinese observers to its own military exercises in the last couple of years. With military CBMs being implemented along the still-unresolved 4,057-km Line of Actual Control to maintain "peace and tranquillity" over the last few years, India now wants to take the fledgling bilateral military ties to the next level by holding a joint exercise. "In principle, the Chinese have agreed to holding of such an exercise... during the visit, we hope to work out the details and whether the exercise would be held on Chinese or Indian soil. Both armies are interested in expanding military-to-military ties," said Gen Singh. This comes a day after defence minister A K Antony dismissed reports of any military confrontation with China, holding that border talks with Beijing had gained tremendous momentum over the last three years. Be that as it may, it's also a fact that India and US had recently come together to discuss China's growing military power, including its anti-satellite weapon test held on January 11.
e martë, 15 maj 2007
Defence research can’t be run like railways. Antony has crossed a critical line
While it is no one’s case that the economics and technical savvy of India’s defence production processes are perfect — this newspaper’s investigative series on DRDO was a sharp reminder of the many horrendous imperfections — it is also true politicians haven’t generally used the sarkari armaments set-up as a gravy train. Which is to say there was always something to distinguish DRDO from the railways. A.K. Antony, ably aided by Kerala’s Marxists, is about to erase that distinction. The consequences go beyond poor economics, although that is serious enough. Low politics may firmly and permanently enter macro and possibly micro defence decisions. And, once in, low politics seldom leaves.
As we reported on Tuesday, Antony has agreed that an ailing Kerala state PSU, KELTEC, should be transferred to an ICU funded by a DRDO joint venture (a Russian state enterprise is the other partner). Delighted Kerala Marxists have said this will be the first of many, that they are keen to attract Central government investment to revive state PSUs. This approach, at a time most states are battling to attract private investment and not a few have sold or shut down dysfunctional PSUs, shows again why we must worry over Kerala’s near economic future. But it is Antony that worries us most.
When KELTEC was set up in 1994, DRDO and ISRO were supposed to be its customers. Clearly, the customers haven’t been thrilled with the products. Which is why KELTEC has been in trouble. So what kind of ministerial responsibility is Antony exercising when he listens to Kerala’s industry minister and forces DRDO to accept the same supplier? Equipment making for high-grade weaponry is not a matter to be settled by two politicians talking about 300 local jobs. It is unlikely any defence minister before Antony had allowed defence research to be so openly politicised. Indeed, even if KELTEC were fantastically efficient, Antony’s decision would still be wrong. It is not the minister’s job to select DRDO’s suppliers. A critical line has been crossed and Antony’s boss in the government should notice that fact. The minister’s decision should be countermanded. If it is minister-mandated supplies for DRDO today, what’s on tomorrow? A minister-inspired IAF strategy that Kerala needs a huge fighter base to take on pirates
While it is no one’s case that the economics and technical savvy of India’s defence production processes are perfect — this newspaper’s investigative series on DRDO was a sharp reminder of the many horrendous imperfections — it is also true politicians haven’t generally used the sarkari armaments set-up as a gravy train. Which is to say there was always something to distinguish DRDO from the railways. A.K. Antony, ably aided by Kerala’s Marxists, is about to erase that distinction. The consequences go beyond poor economics, although that is serious enough. Low politics may firmly and permanently enter macro and possibly micro defence decisions. And, once in, low politics seldom leaves.
As we reported on Tuesday, Antony has agreed that an ailing Kerala state PSU, KELTEC, should be transferred to an ICU funded by a DRDO joint venture (a Russian state enterprise is the other partner). Delighted Kerala Marxists have said this will be the first of many, that they are keen to attract Central government investment to revive state PSUs. This approach, at a time most states are battling to attract private investment and not a few have sold or shut down dysfunctional PSUs, shows again why we must worry over Kerala’s near economic future. But it is Antony that worries us most.
When KELTEC was set up in 1994, DRDO and ISRO were supposed to be its customers. Clearly, the customers haven’t been thrilled with the products. Which is why KELTEC has been in trouble. So what kind of ministerial responsibility is Antony exercising when he listens to Kerala’s industry minister and forces DRDO to accept the same supplier? Equipment making for high-grade weaponry is not a matter to be settled by two politicians talking about 300 local jobs. It is unlikely any defence minister before Antony had allowed defence research to be so openly politicised. Indeed, even if KELTEC were fantastically efficient, Antony’s decision would still be wrong. It is not the minister’s job to select DRDO’s suppliers. A critical line has been crossed and Antony’s boss in the government should notice that fact. The minister’s decision should be countermanded. If it is minister-mandated supplies for DRDO today, what’s on tomorrow? A minister-inspired IAF strategy that Kerala needs a huge fighter base to take on pirates
Army chief to visit China, Navy chief headed for Myanmar
Army chief to visit China, Navy chief headed for Myanmar
NEW DELHI, MAY 10: Close on the heels of his trip to Japan to bolster military ties with that country, Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh will soon leave for China with a similar agenda. Singh, heading a high-profile Indian delegation, will embark on a week long “goodwill” visit to the neighbouring country towards the end of the month.
“The dates have not yet been finalised but an in-principle approval has been given for the visit. A top delegation, consisting of both defence and civil officials, will accompany the Army chief,” a Ministry of Defence official confirmed. The general will be meeting the top military brass and will also hold discussions with the Chinese Defence Minister.
Coming barely a month after his three-day tour of Japan, where cooperation on issues like counter-terrorism operations, personnel training, defence research and disaster management were discussed, the visit symbolises India’s fine balancing act in the region with increasing military-military engagements.
The general’s visit is also expected to clear the air on recent unsubstantiated reports of military intrusion by China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh. Lok Sabha MP Khiren Rijiju had claimed last week that China has moved its troops 20 km inside Arunachal Pradesh. However, the government stoutly denied the claims and stressed that there was no border violation.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta left on a nine day visit to Myanmar yesterday in continuation with India’s policy of increasing military engagement with the neighbour to counter a growing Chinese influence. Mehta will hold talks with top leaders of the Myanmar government on “bilateral military cooperation”.
Earlier in April, Myanmar Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Soe Thane visited Delhi and Indian naval establishments on a goodwill tour. Thane, who met Defence Minister A K Antony and Mehta, is understood to have presented a case for procuring naval hardware from India.
NEW DELHI, MAY 10: Close on the heels of his trip to Japan to bolster military ties with that country, Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh will soon leave for China with a similar agenda. Singh, heading a high-profile Indian delegation, will embark on a week long “goodwill” visit to the neighbouring country towards the end of the month.
“The dates have not yet been finalised but an in-principle approval has been given for the visit. A top delegation, consisting of both defence and civil officials, will accompany the Army chief,” a Ministry of Defence official confirmed. The general will be meeting the top military brass and will also hold discussions with the Chinese Defence Minister.
Coming barely a month after his three-day tour of Japan, where cooperation on issues like counter-terrorism operations, personnel training, defence research and disaster management were discussed, the visit symbolises India’s fine balancing act in the region with increasing military-military engagements.
The general’s visit is also expected to clear the air on recent unsubstantiated reports of military intrusion by China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh. Lok Sabha MP Khiren Rijiju had claimed last week that China has moved its troops 20 km inside Arunachal Pradesh. However, the government stoutly denied the claims and stressed that there was no border violation.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta left on a nine day visit to Myanmar yesterday in continuation with India’s policy of increasing military engagement with the neighbour to counter a growing Chinese influence. Mehta will hold talks with top leaders of the Myanmar government on “bilateral military cooperation”.
Earlier in April, Myanmar Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Soe Thane visited Delhi and Indian naval establishments on a goodwill tour. Thane, who met Defence Minister A K Antony and Mehta, is understood to have presented a case for procuring naval hardware from India.
e hënë, 14 maj 2007
Indian Navy to Transfer BN2 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft to Myanmar
Indian Navy to Transfer BN2 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft to Myanmar
The Indian Navy (IN) is in the process of transferring two BN-2 'Defender' Islander maritime surveillance aircraft to Myanmar, an add-on to the pair it had supplied the military junta in August 2006, as defence co-operation between them proliferates, UK's Jane's Defence Weekly reports.Quoting official sources, Jane's on Saturday said like the earlier two, the additional UK-built Islanders would be stripped of all armaments and deployed "exclusively on relief and humanitarian missions".The IN has around 13 remaining Islanders it acquired around 1976 and senior military planners do not rule out the possibility of providing Myanmar more in the "near future", the respected defence magazine said.The IN Chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, who is on an official visit to Myanmar till May 13, is expected to finalise details of the Islander's hand-over during his four-day visit and clinch those relating to establishing a naval aviation training facility for the military regime.These two matters, amongst others relating to the transfer of Indian material to Myanmar, were discussed during the visits of its naval chief, Vice Admiral Soe Thane and Quartermaster General Lt Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo to New Delhi in April.The navy's official spokesman declined to comment on the Islanders transfer but said Admiral Mehta's visit was aimed at "constructive engagement and establishing co-operative mechanisms between the two navies".The IN is anxious to keep the two Islander's transfer to Myanmar under wraps as Britain had opposed the ones supplied earlier to the military junta. The British claimed that it contravened the original sale contract that prohibits their transfer to a third party without prior clearance.India has recently stepped up strategic, diplomatic and economic ties with Myanmar agreeing to supply it varied military hardware like T 55 tanks, artillery guns, radar, assault rifles, light machine guns and ordnance.In exchange Delhi is seeking to jointly conduct military operations against anti-India separatist groups waging insurgency for decades from inside Myanmar in the contiguous north-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur across the 1600 km long common border.By augmenting defence ties with Myanmar, India also hopes to dilute China's deepening military relations with that country."India has long ignored China and to some extent Pakistan's growing influence with Burma's military government at its peril and it is now looking to supersede it " a senior military official told IANS.Pakistan and close military ally China, he added, were amongst the handful of countries which had disregarded international opinion and forged close military ties with Myanmar's military regime that seized power in 1988, cleverly complementing their strategy of encircling India.China is helping Burma modernise its naval bases at Hainggyi, the Coco's islands, Akyab and Mergui by building radar, refit and refuel facilities that could support Chinese submarine operations in the region.The Chinese are also believed to be establishing a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) facility on the Coco's islands, 30 nautical mines from the Andaman islands, reportedly to monitor Indian missile tests off the Orissa coast, an activity that has proliferated after the 1998 nuclear tests.Pakistan, on the other hand, has been circumspect in fostering defence ties and quietly supplying Myanmar several shiploads of ordnance and other military hardware like 106 mm M 40 recoil-less rifles and various small arms over the past decade. It also regularly trains Burmese soldiers to operate a slew of Chinese equipment like tanks, fighter aircraft, howitzers and tanks.Burmese military officers are believed to be regularly trained at Pakistan's Military Staff college at Quetta in Baluchistan province while others are reportedly learning how to operate 155 mm howitzers and tanks like the T 69, T 63 and T 53's which Rangoon recently acquired from China. Burmese air force and naval officers too are believed to be undergoing attending Pakistani defence academies.Meanwhile, Myanmar's intentions of vindicating the bargain and cracking down on Indian rebel bases was confirmed around end-April by Brigadier General Tin Maung Ohn who led an 18-member army delegation to north eastern India for talks with army and paramilitary commanders in Nagaland and Assam."This is the first breakthrough, with Myanmar deciding to take proactive action against those Indian militants operating from their country," Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, head of the paramilitary Assam Rifles engaged in anti-insurgency operations in the northeast, said.Despite pressure from the US, Britain and the European Union to shun Myanmar's military regime India has, since 2000 pursued a policy of 'constructive engagement' with its neighbour.Besides increasing military co-operation it is also building and upgrading roads in Myanmar, modernising its ports, setting up a hydroelectric station, a satellite communication centre and an elaborate information technology project."Indian defence planners believe that Myanmar's military rulers entrench themselves more firmly every time the US and other Western powers put pressure on them in the UN and other world bodies. Engagement is a better way of dealing with them to secure Indian interests in Myanmar" former Brigadier Arun Sahgal of the United Service Institute said.
The Indian Navy (IN) is in the process of transferring two BN-2 'Defender' Islander maritime surveillance aircraft to Myanmar, an add-on to the pair it had supplied the military junta in August 2006, as defence co-operation between them proliferates, UK's Jane's Defence Weekly reports.Quoting official sources, Jane's on Saturday said like the earlier two, the additional UK-built Islanders would be stripped of all armaments and deployed "exclusively on relief and humanitarian missions".The IN has around 13 remaining Islanders it acquired around 1976 and senior military planners do not rule out the possibility of providing Myanmar more in the "near future", the respected defence magazine said.The IN Chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, who is on an official visit to Myanmar till May 13, is expected to finalise details of the Islander's hand-over during his four-day visit and clinch those relating to establishing a naval aviation training facility for the military regime.These two matters, amongst others relating to the transfer of Indian material to Myanmar, were discussed during the visits of its naval chief, Vice Admiral Soe Thane and Quartermaster General Lt Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo to New Delhi in April.The navy's official spokesman declined to comment on the Islanders transfer but said Admiral Mehta's visit was aimed at "constructive engagement and establishing co-operative mechanisms between the two navies".The IN is anxious to keep the two Islander's transfer to Myanmar under wraps as Britain had opposed the ones supplied earlier to the military junta. The British claimed that it contravened the original sale contract that prohibits their transfer to a third party without prior clearance.India has recently stepped up strategic, diplomatic and economic ties with Myanmar agreeing to supply it varied military hardware like T 55 tanks, artillery guns, radar, assault rifles, light machine guns and ordnance.In exchange Delhi is seeking to jointly conduct military operations against anti-India separatist groups waging insurgency for decades from inside Myanmar in the contiguous north-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur across the 1600 km long common border.By augmenting defence ties with Myanmar, India also hopes to dilute China's deepening military relations with that country."India has long ignored China and to some extent Pakistan's growing influence with Burma's military government at its peril and it is now looking to supersede it " a senior military official told IANS.Pakistan and close military ally China, he added, were amongst the handful of countries which had disregarded international opinion and forged close military ties with Myanmar's military regime that seized power in 1988, cleverly complementing their strategy of encircling India.China is helping Burma modernise its naval bases at Hainggyi, the Coco's islands, Akyab and Mergui by building radar, refit and refuel facilities that could support Chinese submarine operations in the region.The Chinese are also believed to be establishing a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) facility on the Coco's islands, 30 nautical mines from the Andaman islands, reportedly to monitor Indian missile tests off the Orissa coast, an activity that has proliferated after the 1998 nuclear tests.Pakistan, on the other hand, has been circumspect in fostering defence ties and quietly supplying Myanmar several shiploads of ordnance and other military hardware like 106 mm M 40 recoil-less rifles and various small arms over the past decade. It also regularly trains Burmese soldiers to operate a slew of Chinese equipment like tanks, fighter aircraft, howitzers and tanks.Burmese military officers are believed to be regularly trained at Pakistan's Military Staff college at Quetta in Baluchistan province while others are reportedly learning how to operate 155 mm howitzers and tanks like the T 69, T 63 and T 53's which Rangoon recently acquired from China. Burmese air force and naval officers too are believed to be undergoing attending Pakistani defence academies.Meanwhile, Myanmar's intentions of vindicating the bargain and cracking down on Indian rebel bases was confirmed around end-April by Brigadier General Tin Maung Ohn who led an 18-member army delegation to north eastern India for talks with army and paramilitary commanders in Nagaland and Assam."This is the first breakthrough, with Myanmar deciding to take proactive action against those Indian militants operating from their country," Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, head of the paramilitary Assam Rifles engaged in anti-insurgency operations in the northeast, said.Despite pressure from the US, Britain and the European Union to shun Myanmar's military regime India has, since 2000 pursued a policy of 'constructive engagement' with its neighbour.Besides increasing military co-operation it is also building and upgrading roads in Myanmar, modernising its ports, setting up a hydroelectric station, a satellite communication centre and an elaborate information technology project."Indian defence planners believe that Myanmar's military rulers entrench themselves more firmly every time the US and other Western powers put pressure on them in the UN and other world bodies. Engagement is a better way of dealing with them to secure Indian interests in Myanmar" former Brigadier Arun Sahgal of the United Service Institute said.
Army Modernization Drive: Nocturnal Combat Capability To Be Enhanced
Army Modernization Drive: Nocturnal Combat Capability To Be Enhanced
To augment its night fighting capabilities, Army is planning to buy more night vision equipment for the forces and also embarking on induction of ultra fast quick reaction missiles to provide cover for troops from low flying threats.As part of its modernisation and upgrading weaponry, Army has decided to buy more night fighting equipment for infantry as well as armour and firmed up new deals to upgrade its Air Defence artillery as part of the ongoing modernisation drive, army officials said.The purchase of more night fighting equipment, to give the forces capability to be operational after dark were discussed an agreed upon at the Army Commanders conference presently on in the capital.At present army has equipped all its strike formations and detachments deployed on the International border with Pakistan and China and along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir with night visions."Under new agreement signed with Russia, Army is also going in for provision of night vision in its front line T-90 and T-72 tanks," senior officials said.The new Air Artillery upgrading plans okayed by the commanders meeting here for their bi-annual meeting include upgrading the ZU-24 air defence guns included its tank chassis mounted version Schilkas, officials said.Army along with IAF and Navy is on the verge of finalising a deal to induct a 12 kms vertically launched, low level quick reaction missiles to provide cover for troops from low flying threats.The missile would be made by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in collaboration with the European missile giant MBDA and would be called Rohini. Army also deploys shoulder firing Russian IGLA Missile, for which Russian have developed an upgraded version.The commanders reviewing the modernisation drive in the force also took up plans to augment the Army Aviation. Army is planning to induct 197 light helicopters to replace its ageing fleet of Chetak and Cheetahs.Two firms Eurocopter and US aviation giant Textron's bell helicopters have been shortlisted and the awarding of the 700 Million US dollar deal has been sent up to Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).Under the deal, army would purchase 67 helicopters off the shelf and make the rest 137 under technology transfer at HAL.The commanders also discussed and finalised plans to augment military-to-military interaction with friendly nations and in the coming months clearance was given for participating in more bilateral and even multilateral ground forces exercises.
To augment its night fighting capabilities, Army is planning to buy more night vision equipment for the forces and also embarking on induction of ultra fast quick reaction missiles to provide cover for troops from low flying threats.As part of its modernisation and upgrading weaponry, Army has decided to buy more night fighting equipment for infantry as well as armour and firmed up new deals to upgrade its Air Defence artillery as part of the ongoing modernisation drive, army officials said.The purchase of more night fighting equipment, to give the forces capability to be operational after dark were discussed an agreed upon at the Army Commanders conference presently on in the capital.At present army has equipped all its strike formations and detachments deployed on the International border with Pakistan and China and along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir with night visions."Under new agreement signed with Russia, Army is also going in for provision of night vision in its front line T-90 and T-72 tanks," senior officials said.The new Air Artillery upgrading plans okayed by the commanders meeting here for their bi-annual meeting include upgrading the ZU-24 air defence guns included its tank chassis mounted version Schilkas, officials said.Army along with IAF and Navy is on the verge of finalising a deal to induct a 12 kms vertically launched, low level quick reaction missiles to provide cover for troops from low flying threats.The missile would be made by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in collaboration with the European missile giant MBDA and would be called Rohini. Army also deploys shoulder firing Russian IGLA Missile, for which Russian have developed an upgraded version.The commanders reviewing the modernisation drive in the force also took up plans to augment the Army Aviation. Army is planning to induct 197 light helicopters to replace its ageing fleet of Chetak and Cheetahs.Two firms Eurocopter and US aviation giant Textron's bell helicopters have been shortlisted and the awarding of the 700 Million US dollar deal has been sent up to Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).Under the deal, army would purchase 67 helicopters off the shelf and make the rest 137 under technology transfer at HAL.The commanders also discussed and finalised plans to augment military-to-military interaction with friendly nations and in the coming months clearance was given for participating in more bilateral and even multilateral ground forces exercises.
Arjun Tanks Tested in Ashwamedh War Games; Performance Evaluated: Army Chief
Arjun Tanks Tested in Ashwamedh War Games; Performance Evaluated: Army Chief
Almost 24 years after its first prototype rolled out, the country's indigenous main battle tank (MBT) Arjun today underwent baptism by fire as it took part for the first time in the biggest Indian army exercises in last two years.14 Arjun tanks crossed swords with the 100s of Russian-supplied T-90 and T-72 tanks in the final phase of month-long exercises 'Ashwamedha' and the Army Chief Gen JJ Singh, who witnessed the war games close to Pakistan border, said "performance of the tanks would be analysed".Notwithstanding the indigenous tanks taking part for the first time in the exercises in which live ammunition was used, Singh said Arjun would still have to go through comparative trials with Russian tanks later this year."The comparative trials would clear the induction of the first batch of Arjuns," senior officers told PTI. DRDO's Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi has rolled out and handed over 15 tanks to the Army for evaluation.DRDO officials said that only after certification by the Army, a go ahead would be given for full commercial production of 124 Arjun tanks."Arjun tanks were fielded in the exercise to test their capability and to see how best to deploy them" Army Chief told reporters.
Almost 24 years after its first prototype rolled out, the country's indigenous main battle tank (MBT) Arjun today underwent baptism by fire as it took part for the first time in the biggest Indian army exercises in last two years.14 Arjun tanks crossed swords with the 100s of Russian-supplied T-90 and T-72 tanks in the final phase of month-long exercises 'Ashwamedha' and the Army Chief Gen JJ Singh, who witnessed the war games close to Pakistan border, said "performance of the tanks would be analysed".Notwithstanding the indigenous tanks taking part for the first time in the exercises in which live ammunition was used, Singh said Arjun would still have to go through comparative trials with Russian tanks later this year."The comparative trials would clear the induction of the first batch of Arjuns," senior officers told PTI. DRDO's Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi has rolled out and handed over 15 tanks to the Army for evaluation.DRDO officials said that only after certification by the Army, a go ahead would be given for full commercial production of 124 Arjun tanks."Arjun tanks were fielded in the exercise to test their capability and to see how best to deploy them" Army Chief told reporters.
Raytheon Delivers Twelve Firefinder Radars to Indian Army
Raytheon Delivers Twelve Firefinder Radars to Indian Army
The Indian Army has taken delivery of all twelve AN-TPQ/37 Firefinder Weapon Locating Radars (WLRs) it had contracted to buy from leading US arms manufacturer Raytheon.According to a report in the coming issue of India Strategic defence magazine, ten of these Firefinder radars had been delivered to the army by last year, and the remaining two have been received recently.The AN-TPQ/37 Firefinder radars are used to locate and destroy hostile artillery fire. The highly advanced radar can track "first-round" hostile fire within seconds, from a range of three to 50 km, and launch precise counter attacks. The radar also holds strategic significance in that it can be configured to detect missiles by adding a 60-degree sector mode antenna to extend its range.The radar's computerised signal processors detect, verify and track up to 10 artillery, mortar or rocket projectiles, estimates their firing position as well as the impact point and helps direct friendly fire in neutralising enemy positions subsequently. Manned by a crew of 12, the radar is capable of separating any clutter generated by birds, helicopters and aircraft.The army had projected a requirement for these radars as far back as the early 1980s,and sorely felt their lack during the 1999 Kargil engagement, when it suffered more than 80 per cent of its casualties because of Pakistani artillery fire. During the engagement, Pakistan also enjoyed the advantage of operating WLRs, though of an earlier version - the AN TPQ/36, which it had acquired from the US in the early 1980s.India signed a deal with the US for the advanced version of the WLRs in 2002, as relations between the two countries saw a gradual improvement. Initially, an order for eight of these systems was placed, which was eventually increased by another four.Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector unit, subsequently stepped in to provide an indigenously developed system, which deploys phased array technology.Meanwhile, another public sector company, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), is supplying carrier vehicles for the Firefinder radars and support systems.According to Admiral Walter F Doran (Retd), recently appointed president of Raytheon Asia, the company does not make platforms like aircraft or ships but "lends substance" to them. For instance, INS Jalashva, (ex-USS Trenton), purchased by the Indian Navy has its main onboard equipment supplied by Raytheon."We do not manufacture platforms, but we lend substance to them... We are the technology virtually behind every mission," Doran says in an interview with India Strategic.Raytheon has also developed the most advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology, which it expects to be a key determinant when orders are placed for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) 126 Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). Raytheon has offered to install it on either of the two competing US jets, the Boeing F-18 Super Hornet or the Lockheed Martin F-16.According to Raytheon officials, its AESA radar has no moving parts and it can be used for 10,000 to 15,000 hours, that is, 10 to 30 times more than more vintage radars. AESA units also function as communication tools for between a number of aircraft, satellites, ships or ground control.The Firefinder deal includes generators, trailers, communications equipment, logistic services, quality assurance, spare parts, publications and other programme support elements.
The Indian Army has taken delivery of all twelve AN-TPQ/37 Firefinder Weapon Locating Radars (WLRs) it had contracted to buy from leading US arms manufacturer Raytheon.According to a report in the coming issue of India Strategic defence magazine, ten of these Firefinder radars had been delivered to the army by last year, and the remaining two have been received recently.The AN-TPQ/37 Firefinder radars are used to locate and destroy hostile artillery fire. The highly advanced radar can track "first-round" hostile fire within seconds, from a range of three to 50 km, and launch precise counter attacks. The radar also holds strategic significance in that it can be configured to detect missiles by adding a 60-degree sector mode antenna to extend its range.The radar's computerised signal processors detect, verify and track up to 10 artillery, mortar or rocket projectiles, estimates their firing position as well as the impact point and helps direct friendly fire in neutralising enemy positions subsequently. Manned by a crew of 12, the radar is capable of separating any clutter generated by birds, helicopters and aircraft.The army had projected a requirement for these radars as far back as the early 1980s,and sorely felt their lack during the 1999 Kargil engagement, when it suffered more than 80 per cent of its casualties because of Pakistani artillery fire. During the engagement, Pakistan also enjoyed the advantage of operating WLRs, though of an earlier version - the AN TPQ/36, which it had acquired from the US in the early 1980s.India signed a deal with the US for the advanced version of the WLRs in 2002, as relations between the two countries saw a gradual improvement. Initially, an order for eight of these systems was placed, which was eventually increased by another four.Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector unit, subsequently stepped in to provide an indigenously developed system, which deploys phased array technology.Meanwhile, another public sector company, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), is supplying carrier vehicles for the Firefinder radars and support systems.According to Admiral Walter F Doran (Retd), recently appointed president of Raytheon Asia, the company does not make platforms like aircraft or ships but "lends substance" to them. For instance, INS Jalashva, (ex-USS Trenton), purchased by the Indian Navy has its main onboard equipment supplied by Raytheon."We do not manufacture platforms, but we lend substance to them... We are the technology virtually behind every mission," Doran says in an interview with India Strategic.Raytheon has also developed the most advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology, which it expects to be a key determinant when orders are placed for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) 126 Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). Raytheon has offered to install it on either of the two competing US jets, the Boeing F-18 Super Hornet or the Lockheed Martin F-16.According to Raytheon officials, its AESA radar has no moving parts and it can be used for 10,000 to 15,000 hours, that is, 10 to 30 times more than more vintage radars. AESA units also function as communication tools for between a number of aircraft, satellites, ships or ground control.The Firefinder deal includes generators, trailers, communications equipment, logistic services, quality assurance, spare parts, publications and other programme support elements.
DRDO Working On Large UAVs; Army Orders 12 Nishant UAVs
DRDO Working On Large UAVs; Army Orders 12 Nishant UAVs
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programme for Military applications.DRDO has developed UAV, Nishant. After the user trial, Army has placed an order for 12 UAVs alongwith ground support systems, which is currently under Limited Series Production. DRDO is also taking up a programme for development of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV to meet the requirements of the three Services.European and Israeli companies have suo motu approached DRDO for undertaking joint development programme on UAVs. Preliminary presentations have been made by European and Israeli companies to bring out and demonstrate their capabilities on UAVs.Presently, DRDO is planning to undertake development of MALE UAV along with Indian partner only. However, if required, limited consultancy or joint development on certain key technologies regarding UAVs, may be undertaken with foreign companies. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri in Asaduddin Owaisi Lok Sabha today.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programme for Military applications.DRDO has developed UAV, Nishant. After the user trial, Army has placed an order for 12 UAVs alongwith ground support systems, which is currently under Limited Series Production. DRDO is also taking up a programme for development of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV to meet the requirements of the three Services.European and Israeli companies have suo motu approached DRDO for undertaking joint development programme on UAVs. Preliminary presentations have been made by European and Israeli companies to bring out and demonstrate their capabilities on UAVs.Presently, DRDO is planning to undertake development of MALE UAV along with Indian partner only. However, if required, limited consultancy or joint development on certain key technologies regarding UAVs, may be undertaken with foreign companies. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri in Asaduddin Owaisi Lok Sabha today.
Proposals Invited For Upgrade of Indian Army's 155mm Calibre Bofors Gun
Proposals Invited For Upgrade of Indian Army's 155mm Calibre Bofors Gun
The government has for the first time invited an Indian company and at least two more foreign firms to upgrade the army's entire complement of over 360 Bofors artillery guns for $400 million.The request for proposals dispatched to a company of the Mumbai-based Tata group, El Bit of Israel and British BAE Systems, which now owns Bofors, requires them to present the upgraded gun for field trials by the year end.India acquired the FH77B 155mm, 39 calibre guns from the now defunct Swedish firm of AB Bofors in 1987. They will be upgraded to 45 calibre ones. The upgraded howitzers will have an enhanced range. This will be achieved by replacing the barrel and breechblock and strengthening the under carriage.The Tata group is hopeful of working with India's state-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) which, according to the original $1.4 billion deal with Bofors - later SWS Defense AB - was to build the guns under licence at its Kanpur unit.But OFB, to which all the howitzer blueprints and technical details were transferred, never exercised the option as the howitzer import was mired in a corruption scandal."We want to collaborate with OFB to make the upgrade a success by an Indian company," said a senior official from the Strategic Electronics Division of the Tata group.The Tatas are one of around 15 Indian companies granted a licence two years ago by the defence ministry to build military equipment as part of efforts to enhance indigenous military capability through privatisation.The Tatas and Mumbai-based Larsen and Toubro are the first private manufacturers to be jointly awarded a major defence contract - the Rs 50 billion deal to develop the launcher, fire control system and guidance electronics for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher. They will build 20 launchers apiece."For the howitzer upgrade, we plan to capitalise on the ballistic experience acquired in developing the Pinaka," Rahul Chowdhry, head of Tata's Strategic Electronics Division, said.Under its interminably delayed "Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan", the Indian Army proposes to configure its artillery profile around the upgraded 155mm guns and 180 pieces of the 130mm M-46 field gun upgraded by Israel's Soltam to 155mm.In addition, the artillery will acquire up to 1,400 155mm-52 calibre towed, wheeled and tracked self-propelled howitzers. A fresh round of howitzer trials is expected later in the summer after the army revises its qualitative requirements and invites overseas vendors.Three rounds of trials in as many years to buy 180 towed howitzers - which involved South Africa's Denel, Soltam and SWS - were inconclusive. The trials ended in late 2004.
The government has for the first time invited an Indian company and at least two more foreign firms to upgrade the army's entire complement of over 360 Bofors artillery guns for $400 million.The request for proposals dispatched to a company of the Mumbai-based Tata group, El Bit of Israel and British BAE Systems, which now owns Bofors, requires them to present the upgraded gun for field trials by the year end.India acquired the FH77B 155mm, 39 calibre guns from the now defunct Swedish firm of AB Bofors in 1987. They will be upgraded to 45 calibre ones. The upgraded howitzers will have an enhanced range. This will be achieved by replacing the barrel and breechblock and strengthening the under carriage.The Tata group is hopeful of working with India's state-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) which, according to the original $1.4 billion deal with Bofors - later SWS Defense AB - was to build the guns under licence at its Kanpur unit.But OFB, to which all the howitzer blueprints and technical details were transferred, never exercised the option as the howitzer import was mired in a corruption scandal."We want to collaborate with OFB to make the upgrade a success by an Indian company," said a senior official from the Strategic Electronics Division of the Tata group.The Tatas are one of around 15 Indian companies granted a licence two years ago by the defence ministry to build military equipment as part of efforts to enhance indigenous military capability through privatisation.The Tatas and Mumbai-based Larsen and Toubro are the first private manufacturers to be jointly awarded a major defence contract - the Rs 50 billion deal to develop the launcher, fire control system and guidance electronics for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher. They will build 20 launchers apiece."For the howitzer upgrade, we plan to capitalise on the ballistic experience acquired in developing the Pinaka," Rahul Chowdhry, head of Tata's Strategic Electronics Division, said.Under its interminably delayed "Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan", the Indian Army proposes to configure its artillery profile around the upgraded 155mm guns and 180 pieces of the 130mm M-46 field gun upgraded by Israel's Soltam to 155mm.In addition, the artillery will acquire up to 1,400 155mm-52 calibre towed, wheeled and tracked self-propelled howitzers. A fresh round of howitzer trials is expected later in the summer after the army revises its qualitative requirements and invites overseas vendors.Three rounds of trials in as many years to buy 180 towed howitzers - which involved South Africa's Denel, Soltam and SWS - were inconclusive. The trials ended in late 2004.
Indian Army Tests Indigenous Battlefield Surveillance System
Indian Army Tests Indigenous Battlefield Surveillance System
The Indian Army is said to have tested a Battlefield Surveillance System developed ingeniously by DRDOs CAIR unit. The system a part of Indian Army's Tactical Command Control Communication and Intelligence System (TAC C3I).The system uses the BFSR Radar- which is a state-of-the-art lightweight, man-portable battery-powered electronic short range battlefield surveillance - BFSR-SR radar developed by the DRDO to provide all- weather surveillance against intrusion. The radar is capable of searching a specified sector and performing track while scanning for multiple targets. The radar detects, tracks, and aids in classifying the moving targets. There are also industry rumors that the Israeli firm Elbit's co-operation was secured in certain aspects of this project.C3I systemsDRDO, in cooperation with BEL and private industry has developed several critical C3I (command, control, communications and intelligence systems) for the services. The DRDO developed the Artillery Command and Control system for the Army. Known under the project name of "Shakti", the Indian Army aims to spend $ 300 Million to network all its artillery guns together using the ACCS, with the entire project completed by 2015.Developed by DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), the system comprises computers and intelligent terminals connected as a wide area network. Its main subsystems are the artillery computer center, battery computer, remote access terminal and a gun display unit. The ACCS is expected to improve the Army's artillery operations by a factor of 10 and by efficiently networking the artillery units, allowing for more rapid & accurate firepower. The ACCS will also improve the ability of commanders to concentrate that firepower where it is most needed. In January 2005 BEL received an order for a first batch of 50 Shakti systems, with over a 1000 to be purchased over time.The DRDO and BEL have also developed a Battle Management system for the Indian Army for its tanks and tactical units. Other programs in development for the Army include Corps level information and decision making software and tools, intended to link all units together for effective C3I (Communications, Command, Control, Intelligence). The DRDO is one of the key members in these projects, which are being driven by the Army's Signals Corp. The Indian Army is also moving towards extensive use of battlefield computers, such as the locally designed SATHI (companion]]) and these will be integrated into locally designed C3I networks.DRDO has also delivered projects such as the Combat Net Radio (currently in manufacture at BEL) and others for enhancing the Army's communication hardware.
The Indian Army is said to have tested a Battlefield Surveillance System developed ingeniously by DRDOs CAIR unit. The system a part of Indian Army's Tactical Command Control Communication and Intelligence System (TAC C3I).The system uses the BFSR Radar- which is a state-of-the-art lightweight, man-portable battery-powered electronic short range battlefield surveillance - BFSR-SR radar developed by the DRDO to provide all- weather surveillance against intrusion. The radar is capable of searching a specified sector and performing track while scanning for multiple targets. The radar detects, tracks, and aids in classifying the moving targets. There are also industry rumors that the Israeli firm Elbit's co-operation was secured in certain aspects of this project.C3I systemsDRDO, in cooperation with BEL and private industry has developed several critical C3I (command, control, communications and intelligence systems) for the services. The DRDO developed the Artillery Command and Control system for the Army. Known under the project name of "Shakti", the Indian Army aims to spend $ 300 Million to network all its artillery guns together using the ACCS, with the entire project completed by 2015.Developed by DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), the system comprises computers and intelligent terminals connected as a wide area network. Its main subsystems are the artillery computer center, battery computer, remote access terminal and a gun display unit. The ACCS is expected to improve the Army's artillery operations by a factor of 10 and by efficiently networking the artillery units, allowing for more rapid & accurate firepower. The ACCS will also improve the ability of commanders to concentrate that firepower where it is most needed. In January 2005 BEL received an order for a first batch of 50 Shakti systems, with over a 1000 to be purchased over time.The DRDO and BEL have also developed a Battle Management system for the Indian Army for its tanks and tactical units. Other programs in development for the Army include Corps level information and decision making software and tools, intended to link all units together for effective C3I (Communications, Command, Control, Intelligence). The DRDO is one of the key members in these projects, which are being driven by the Army's Signals Corp. The Indian Army is also moving towards extensive use of battlefield computers, such as the locally designed SATHI (companion]]) and these will be integrated into locally designed C3I networks.DRDO has also delivered projects such as the Combat Net Radio (currently in manufacture at BEL) and others for enhancing the Army's communication hardware.
Defense Offsets: Ministry of Defence Not To Reconsider Offsets Policy
Defense Offsets: Ministry of Defence Not To Reconsider Offsets Policy
A section of the media has reported about the midterm review of the Defence Offset Policy at a seminar to be held on 14th of this month.In this connection it is clarified that the offset policy has been designed by Ministry of Defence carefully after studying all aspects between direct and indirect offset. In order to encourage Indian Defence Industry, a well considered decision was taken not to allow indirect offset. There is no rethinking on this subject as reported in a section of the media.India's defence offsets policy is to bring in $10 billion during the 11th five-year plan period (2007-11). India is looking for direct offsets in all capital acquisitions of the defence ministry to strengthen the capabilities of its indigenous industry.The government had announced the new policy for capital acquisitions in which the minimum requirement is of 30 percent offsets in all acquisitions where the purchase cost exceeds Rs.3 billion. Nearly 80 percent of all offsets are in the area of aerospace.
A section of the media has reported about the midterm review of the Defence Offset Policy at a seminar to be held on 14th of this month.In this connection it is clarified that the offset policy has been designed by Ministry of Defence carefully after studying all aspects between direct and indirect offset. In order to encourage Indian Defence Industry, a well considered decision was taken not to allow indirect offset. There is no rethinking on this subject as reported in a section of the media.India's defence offsets policy is to bring in $10 billion during the 11th five-year plan period (2007-11). India is looking for direct offsets in all capital acquisitions of the defence ministry to strengthen the capabilities of its indigenous industry.The government had announced the new policy for capital acquisitions in which the minimum requirement is of 30 percent offsets in all acquisitions where the purchase cost exceeds Rs.3 billion. Nearly 80 percent of all offsets are in the area of aerospace.
Defence Ministry Must Clear All Procurement by September 2007: Committee
Defence Ministry Must Clear All Procurement by September 2007: Committee
With delays in clearance of mega defence deals like purchase of 200 light helicopters and 400 giant 155 mm upgraded towed artillery guns for army, recommendations have been made that Defence Ministry should complete all procurement formalities before September each year."Failure to complete major armament deals is leading to cut in acquisition budget when the estimates are revised", observed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.Pulling up the three services as well as the Defence Ministry, the Committee in its latest report tabled in Parliament said it strongly recommended that all procurement formalities should be completed by September so that all deals are put on fast track."This will facilitate the Ministry of Defence to allocate more funds for new schemes instead of earmarking larger capital acquisition funds for committed liabilites", the report said.Army has completed induction formalities like undertaking live test evaluation and qualitative requirements for 197 helicopters for which the American Textron and Eurocopter are bidding. However, the deal estimated to run into 700 million dollars is still to be cleared by CCS.Similarly, the deal to procure 400 upgraded towed 155MM guns of .52 calibre at an estimated cost of almost 3 billion dollars is still gathering dust even after an unprecedented four evaluations trials.The committee has also recommended that the Ministry of Defence set up a special committee, including representatives from it's own Ministry, Ministery of Defence Production, the Ministry of Defence finance and Comptroller and Auditer General of all above Additional Secretary rank to clear acquisition proposals timely.In its new report placed in Lok Sabha, the Committee has also suggested that all weapons purchase deals should be concluded before the month of December of each financial year.Expressing concern that most of the capital aquisition funds were going towards imports, the Committee has said that Defence Ministry should also spend resources to build and encourage indegenious production specially in critical armaments, which it said could face arbitary cut offs at any time.It said in all purchases, specially of weapons of high- technology end, the Government should enforce the transfer of technology clause.It said that as part of fast track weapons acquisitions, the Government should enhance to financial delegation to the three services to Rs 50 crore and similar delegated authority also be given to Defence Secretary.The committee has also expressed concern over the declining trend in the share of Army in defence budget, saying that from share of 57 per cent in 2002-03, army allocation has plunged to an all time low of 47 per cent in the current year.
With delays in clearance of mega defence deals like purchase of 200 light helicopters and 400 giant 155 mm upgraded towed artillery guns for army, recommendations have been made that Defence Ministry should complete all procurement formalities before September each year."Failure to complete major armament deals is leading to cut in acquisition budget when the estimates are revised", observed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.Pulling up the three services as well as the Defence Ministry, the Committee in its latest report tabled in Parliament said it strongly recommended that all procurement formalities should be completed by September so that all deals are put on fast track."This will facilitate the Ministry of Defence to allocate more funds for new schemes instead of earmarking larger capital acquisition funds for committed liabilites", the report said.Army has completed induction formalities like undertaking live test evaluation and qualitative requirements for 197 helicopters for which the American Textron and Eurocopter are bidding. However, the deal estimated to run into 700 million dollars is still to be cleared by CCS.Similarly, the deal to procure 400 upgraded towed 155MM guns of .52 calibre at an estimated cost of almost 3 billion dollars is still gathering dust even after an unprecedented four evaluations trials.The committee has also recommended that the Ministry of Defence set up a special committee, including representatives from it's own Ministry, Ministery of Defence Production, the Ministry of Defence finance and Comptroller and Auditer General of all above Additional Secretary rank to clear acquisition proposals timely.In its new report placed in Lok Sabha, the Committee has also suggested that all weapons purchase deals should be concluded before the month of December of each financial year.Expressing concern that most of the capital aquisition funds were going towards imports, the Committee has said that Defence Ministry should also spend resources to build and encourage indegenious production specially in critical armaments, which it said could face arbitary cut offs at any time.It said in all purchases, specially of weapons of high- technology end, the Government should enforce the transfer of technology clause.It said that as part of fast track weapons acquisitions, the Government should enhance to financial delegation to the three services to Rs 50 crore and similar delegated authority also be given to Defence Secretary.The committee has also expressed concern over the declining trend in the share of Army in defence budget, saying that from share of 57 per cent in 2002-03, army allocation has plunged to an all time low of 47 per cent in the current year.
Elbit's Soufa Avionics, Weapons Package Front Runner for Air Force MRCA Contract
Elbit's Soufa Avionics, Weapons Package Front Runner for Air Force MRCA Contract
The Israeli Soufa Avionics Package and Weapons Systems package are confirmed to be top contenders for the Indian Air Force's 126 MultiRole Combat Aircraft.These systems are being considered regardless of whichever fighter jet wins the M-MRCA contract. In addition an Indian Air Force team has visited Israel to test and witness trials of the same. India Defence (www.india-defence.com) has got this confirmed from Indian Government and Defense Industry sources.Soufa AvionicsThe package consists of an advanced avionics suite including general avionics computer, colour display processors and interfaces all produced by Elbit Systems. The communications systems include a Rafael UHF/VHF radio and an HF radio, Elta satellite communications and an IAI integrated tactical video data link.The navigation system includes a combined ring laser gyro inertial navigation system and global positioning system (RLGINS/GPS) and a digital terrain system. Rafael developed the algorithms for the digital terrain system.While the Israeli product is deemed highly off in New Delhi, proper procedures and competitive trials will, however, be undertaken as per official procedure.
The Israeli Soufa Avionics Package and Weapons Systems package are confirmed to be top contenders for the Indian Air Force's 126 MultiRole Combat Aircraft.These systems are being considered regardless of whichever fighter jet wins the M-MRCA contract. In addition an Indian Air Force team has visited Israel to test and witness trials of the same. India Defence (www.india-defence.com) has got this confirmed from Indian Government and Defense Industry sources.Soufa AvionicsThe package consists of an advanced avionics suite including general avionics computer, colour display processors and interfaces all produced by Elbit Systems. The communications systems include a Rafael UHF/VHF radio and an HF radio, Elta satellite communications and an IAI integrated tactical video data link.The navigation system includes a combined ring laser gyro inertial navigation system and global positioning system (RLGINS/GPS) and a digital terrain system. Rafael developed the algorithms for the digital terrain system.While the Israeli product is deemed highly off in New Delhi, proper procedures and competitive trials will, however, be undertaken as per official procedure.
Indian Army To Induct Brahmos Missiles Ahead Of Schedule
Indian Army To Induct Brahmos Missiles Ahead Of Schedule
With all the four test firings going without blemish, Army is planning to induct the BrahMos supersonic land attack cruise missile months ahead of schedule.The first missile sub-group to be equipped with BrahMos has already become operational and in the first order, Army will get 12 launchers comprising four mobile autonomous launchers, according to DRDO sources here.Army is planning to induct the BrahMos, which will be heralded by President A P J Abdul Kalam, during the middle of the year. The proposed early induction of the supersonic cruise missile will come even as American satellite images showed that Pakistan was in the process of deploying its next generation Shaheen II missiles which have the range to hit any part of India.Brahmos chief executive A Sivathanu Pillai termed it as a missile with no equivalent in the world and said all its four tests -- two in Pokhran and two at the interim test range at Chandipur -- validated all the technical parameters. The missile has a range of 290 kms."It is ready for induction and upgrades can be carried out even after its becomes operational with the Army," he said. Army had signed an agreement in March 2006 which stipulated that the land version of the missile would be delivered to it by the middle of next year.In the last two tests, Army personnel fired the missile independent of scientists from their own complex, sources said. The land attack version of the BrahMos uses thermal sensors which gives the missile a capability to be ready for firing within two minutes, unlike, the existing short-range surface-to-surface Prithvi missile that require a 20-minute preparation time.When the first sub-group becomes operational, it will give the Army the punch to fire 12 missiles at 12 different targets simultaneously within 30 seconds.During tests, DRDO sources said the land attack cruise missile (LACM) had demonstrated zero circular error probability, marking it a weapon of almost pinpoint precision.According to DRDO officials, efforts are on to imbibe the scramjet technology into the missile to increase its speed to almost Mach eight, which is eight times the speed of sound.With the induction of the BrahMos missile, Army will now be equipped with four types of missiles ranging from LACM, short range Prithvi, 700 km range Agni to medium range 2,000 km Agni II missile, leading to the possibility of the Army going in for a separate missile division
With all the four test firings going without blemish, Army is planning to induct the BrahMos supersonic land attack cruise missile months ahead of schedule.The first missile sub-group to be equipped with BrahMos has already become operational and in the first order, Army will get 12 launchers comprising four mobile autonomous launchers, according to DRDO sources here.Army is planning to induct the BrahMos, which will be heralded by President A P J Abdul Kalam, during the middle of the year. The proposed early induction of the supersonic cruise missile will come even as American satellite images showed that Pakistan was in the process of deploying its next generation Shaheen II missiles which have the range to hit any part of India.Brahmos chief executive A Sivathanu Pillai termed it as a missile with no equivalent in the world and said all its four tests -- two in Pokhran and two at the interim test range at Chandipur -- validated all the technical parameters. The missile has a range of 290 kms."It is ready for induction and upgrades can be carried out even after its becomes operational with the Army," he said. Army had signed an agreement in March 2006 which stipulated that the land version of the missile would be delivered to it by the middle of next year.In the last two tests, Army personnel fired the missile independent of scientists from their own complex, sources said. The land attack version of the BrahMos uses thermal sensors which gives the missile a capability to be ready for firing within two minutes, unlike, the existing short-range surface-to-surface Prithvi missile that require a 20-minute preparation time.When the first sub-group becomes operational, it will give the Army the punch to fire 12 missiles at 12 different targets simultaneously within 30 seconds.During tests, DRDO sources said the land attack cruise missile (LACM) had demonstrated zero circular error probability, marking it a weapon of almost pinpoint precision.According to DRDO officials, efforts are on to imbibe the scramjet technology into the missile to increase its speed to almost Mach eight, which is eight times the speed of sound.With the induction of the BrahMos missile, Army will now be equipped with four types of missiles ranging from LACM, short range Prithvi, 700 km range Agni to medium range 2,000 km Agni II missile, leading to the possibility of the Army going in for a separate missile division
Arjun MBT Makes a Fighting Come Back Into the Indian Army
Arjun MBT Makes a Fighting Come Back Into the Indian Army
The first batch of 14 Arjun MBTs (Main Battle Tanks), the Defence Research and Development Organisation's flagship weapons system, has been delivered to the Army and they are to be put on reliability analysis in Rajasthan deserts this June.Talking to reporters, who visited the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) of the DRDO here on Saturday, S. Sundaresh, Director, said that in 2000 the Army had placed orders for 124 Arjun tanks, enough to equip two regiments.Successful TestsIndia Defence has earlier reported about successful trials of the Arjun Tank being carried out by the Indian Army in the first week of May.-- Arjun MBT Unofficial Trials: Indian Army Satisfied With Performance in Rajasthan-- Indian Army Satisfied With Arjun MBTs PerformanceSerial Production FacilitiesThe CVRDE established a Rs. 50-crore facility here to complete delivery of the entire consignment to the Army by July 2009. "We, however, are keen to get orders for another batch of at least 124 MBTs to put the facility to its optimum use," said R. Jayakumar, Additional Director, CVRDE.Earlier, Mr. Sundaresh said Arjun underwent exhaustive field trials before the Army placed the orders. Thermal imaging for nigh-time warfare, high acceleration, mobility and hydro gas suspension were some of the significant features of the totally indigenous Arjun, comparable to all tanks of its class in the world.Factory's progressHighlighting the performance of the factory, Mr. Sundaresh said noteworthy progress had been made in armored patrol car, armored recovery vehicle, self-propelled medium artillery gun and bridge layer tanks. Scientists were working on missile firing capability, advance air defence gun, automatic target tracking and stealth technology such as unmanned drones, which detect and clear mines.Mr. Jayakumar said Arjun was the most tested battle tank in the world, as it had clocked 70,000 km, in addition to about 10,000 trial firings. Major General H.M. Singh, Additional Director in charge of trial and evaluation, said last year's user field trial report had certified that the accuracy and consistency of the weapon system was proved beyond doubt.R. Shankar, Director of Combat Vehicles, DRDO headquarters at New Delhi, said a total of 27 tanks -- 15 pre-production and 12 prototype -- were produced with a budget outlay of a "paltry" Rs. 300 crore. Arjun was the cheapest tank in its class, he said, adding the CVRDE was ready to supply the system to friendly nations if the Government takes a policy decision.
The first batch of 14 Arjun MBTs (Main Battle Tanks), the Defence Research and Development Organisation's flagship weapons system, has been delivered to the Army and they are to be put on reliability analysis in Rajasthan deserts this June.Talking to reporters, who visited the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) of the DRDO here on Saturday, S. Sundaresh, Director, said that in 2000 the Army had placed orders for 124 Arjun tanks, enough to equip two regiments.Successful TestsIndia Defence has earlier reported about successful trials of the Arjun Tank being carried out by the Indian Army in the first week of May.-- Arjun MBT Unofficial Trials: Indian Army Satisfied With Performance in Rajasthan-- Indian Army Satisfied With Arjun MBTs PerformanceSerial Production FacilitiesThe CVRDE established a Rs. 50-crore facility here to complete delivery of the entire consignment to the Army by July 2009. "We, however, are keen to get orders for another batch of at least 124 MBTs to put the facility to its optimum use," said R. Jayakumar, Additional Director, CVRDE.Earlier, Mr. Sundaresh said Arjun underwent exhaustive field trials before the Army placed the orders. Thermal imaging for nigh-time warfare, high acceleration, mobility and hydro gas suspension were some of the significant features of the totally indigenous Arjun, comparable to all tanks of its class in the world.Factory's progressHighlighting the performance of the factory, Mr. Sundaresh said noteworthy progress had been made in armored patrol car, armored recovery vehicle, self-propelled medium artillery gun and bridge layer tanks. Scientists were working on missile firing capability, advance air defence gun, automatic target tracking and stealth technology such as unmanned drones, which detect and clear mines.Mr. Jayakumar said Arjun was the most tested battle tank in the world, as it had clocked 70,000 km, in addition to about 10,000 trial firings. Major General H.M. Singh, Additional Director in charge of trial and evaluation, said last year's user field trial report had certified that the accuracy and consistency of the weapon system was proved beyond doubt.R. Shankar, Director of Combat Vehicles, DRDO headquarters at New Delhi, said a total of 27 tanks -- 15 pre-production and 12 prototype -- were produced with a budget outlay of a "paltry" Rs. 300 crore. Arjun was the cheapest tank in its class, he said, adding the CVRDE was ready to supply the system to friendly nations if the Government takes a policy decision.
Indian Defence Imports To Touch US$ 30 Billion by 2012
Indian Defence Imports To Touch US$ 30 Billion by 2012
India's import of military hardware and software is all set to reach $30 billion within the next five years as its armed forces lap up major defence deals, said a leading industry body.India's defence imports would also be propelled as it signs up big deals to acquire multi-role fighter jets, a variety of copters and long-range maritime spy aircraft, according to study - Avenues for Private Sector Participation in Defence - done by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham).'Indian military budget was about $20 billion in the last fiscal (2006-07) and is expected to grow seven percent annually over the next five years,' Assocham President Venugopal N. Dhoot, said in a statement.'The country's military spending amounts to roughly two percent of GDP (gross domestic product), which is without accounting for expenditure on defence pensions, paramilitary forces and defence ministry itself as part of budgeted defence expenditure,' Dhoot added.The industry body has also recommended for private sector participation in all defence related deals and imports.'Defence ministry's targets of achieving 70 percent self reliance in defence production 10 years ago has fallen short of the target by 40 percent, as only 30 percent defence production has become self reliant till now,' Assocham said.'The year 2001 witnessed the first step in this regard as the entry of foreign private players was permitted with 26 percent FDI being allowed in the sector,' it added.The study has also recommended outsourcing for many defence activities to the domestic private sector, pointing out that the defence ministry in recent years had made some attempts towards outsourcing and private procurement to bring in greater efficiency and optimal utilisation of available budgets.
India's import of military hardware and software is all set to reach $30 billion within the next five years as its armed forces lap up major defence deals, said a leading industry body.India's defence imports would also be propelled as it signs up big deals to acquire multi-role fighter jets, a variety of copters and long-range maritime spy aircraft, according to study - Avenues for Private Sector Participation in Defence - done by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham).'Indian military budget was about $20 billion in the last fiscal (2006-07) and is expected to grow seven percent annually over the next five years,' Assocham President Venugopal N. Dhoot, said in a statement.'The country's military spending amounts to roughly two percent of GDP (gross domestic product), which is without accounting for expenditure on defence pensions, paramilitary forces and defence ministry itself as part of budgeted defence expenditure,' Dhoot added.The industry body has also recommended for private sector participation in all defence related deals and imports.'Defence ministry's targets of achieving 70 percent self reliance in defence production 10 years ago has fallen short of the target by 40 percent, as only 30 percent defence production has become self reliant till now,' Assocham said.'The year 2001 witnessed the first step in this regard as the entry of foreign private players was permitted with 26 percent FDI being allowed in the sector,' it added.The study has also recommended outsourcing for many defence activities to the domestic private sector, pointing out that the defence ministry in recent years had made some attempts towards outsourcing and private procurement to bring in greater efficiency and optimal utilisation of available budgets.
Mullah Dadullah Killed By NATO-Afghan forces
Mullah Dadullah Killed By NATO-Afghan forces
The death of Dadullah represents the biggest setback to the Taliban command since the insurgency began, after its Islamic militia government was toppled by U.S. backed forces in 2001. "He was killed last night and right now I have his body before me," Assadullah Khalid, governor of neighbouring Kandahar province, told Reuters.An Interior Ministry statement said Dadullah was killed in fighting with security forces in Helmand's Girishk district on Saturday night. Officials from NATO and the U.S.-led coalition could not confirm it. The one-legged Dadullah has been reported to have been captured or killed several times in the past, but this time the authorities appeared sure he was dead.A Reuters reporter who had seen Dadullah in the past recognised the body brought to Kandahar. The bearded face was pale and splattered with blood, and he appeared to have suffered a head wound. Placed on a stretcher, the corpse was partially covered with a purple cloth. The left leg was missing.A senior Pakistani security official, who requested anonymity, gave a different version, saying Dadullah was killed on Friday night in an airstrike. But an Afghan intelligence official said that was incorrect, and Dadullah died from wounds rather than being blown to pieces by a bomb or missile strike. "His body is intact," the Afghan official said.SAVAGE REPUTATIONDadullah was a member of Taliban's 10 member leadership council and close to the movement's fugitive leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar. "It's the biggest setback to the Taliban since they started resistance in 2001," said Rahimullah Yusufzai, a Peshawar based journalist and expert on tribal affairs in the Pashtun lands straddling the Pakistan-Afghan border where the Taliban operate."They can take revenge for the killing. They can become more brutal. There may be more reprisal attacks. But it is clear that for now, at least, that there is no one who can replace him," Yusufzai said."He was an inspirational and daring commander. I don't see any person of his standing in the Taliban hierarchy." Apart from leading most Taliban attacks in the south, Dadullah's savagery earned him the sobriquet of Afghanistan's Al Zarqawi, after the al Qaeda leader in Iraq who was killed last year.Dadullah was believed to be behind a campaign of suicide bombings and a series of kidnappings of foreigners and Afghans and beheadings of hostages or collaborators. "His claim to fame was suicide bombings," a senior Pakistani security official said, adding that Dadullah had been a frequent visitor to Waziristan, a Pakistan tribal region regarded as a hotbed of support for the Taliban.In December, U.S.-led forces killed another top Taliban official, Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Osmani, in an air attack in the south of the country after a tip-off by Pakistan. "They have now knocked out two senior military commanders. This is a very serious blow to the Taliban," the Pakistani officer said.
The death of Dadullah represents the biggest setback to the Taliban command since the insurgency began, after its Islamic militia government was toppled by U.S. backed forces in 2001. "He was killed last night and right now I have his body before me," Assadullah Khalid, governor of neighbouring Kandahar province, told Reuters.An Interior Ministry statement said Dadullah was killed in fighting with security forces in Helmand's Girishk district on Saturday night. Officials from NATO and the U.S.-led coalition could not confirm it. The one-legged Dadullah has been reported to have been captured or killed several times in the past, but this time the authorities appeared sure he was dead.A Reuters reporter who had seen Dadullah in the past recognised the body brought to Kandahar. The bearded face was pale and splattered with blood, and he appeared to have suffered a head wound. Placed on a stretcher, the corpse was partially covered with a purple cloth. The left leg was missing.A senior Pakistani security official, who requested anonymity, gave a different version, saying Dadullah was killed on Friday night in an airstrike. But an Afghan intelligence official said that was incorrect, and Dadullah died from wounds rather than being blown to pieces by a bomb or missile strike. "His body is intact," the Afghan official said.SAVAGE REPUTATIONDadullah was a member of Taliban's 10 member leadership council and close to the movement's fugitive leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar. "It's the biggest setback to the Taliban since they started resistance in 2001," said Rahimullah Yusufzai, a Peshawar based journalist and expert on tribal affairs in the Pashtun lands straddling the Pakistan-Afghan border where the Taliban operate."They can take revenge for the killing. They can become more brutal. There may be more reprisal attacks. But it is clear that for now, at least, that there is no one who can replace him," Yusufzai said."He was an inspirational and daring commander. I don't see any person of his standing in the Taliban hierarchy." Apart from leading most Taliban attacks in the south, Dadullah's savagery earned him the sobriquet of Afghanistan's Al Zarqawi, after the al Qaeda leader in Iraq who was killed last year.Dadullah was believed to be behind a campaign of suicide bombings and a series of kidnappings of foreigners and Afghans and beheadings of hostages or collaborators. "His claim to fame was suicide bombings," a senior Pakistani security official said, adding that Dadullah had been a frequent visitor to Waziristan, a Pakistan tribal region regarded as a hotbed of support for the Taliban.In December, U.S.-led forces killed another top Taliban official, Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Osmani, in an air attack in the south of the country after a tip-off by Pakistan. "They have now knocked out two senior military commanders. This is a very serious blow to the Taliban," the Pakistani officer said.
Exercise Shatrunash: Military War Games Focus On Counter Nuclear-Biological-Chemical Warfare
Exercise Shatrunash: Military War Games Focus On Counter Nuclear-Biological-Chemical Warfare
The Indian Army is conducting a massive four-day military exercise code named 'Shatru Naash' (Destruction of Enemy) in Punjab to check its battle preparedness in a Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) warfare backdrop."When it comes to nuclear threshold, on NBC environment we are training the soldier. We all are sensitive and well aware about it...Whatever training is necessary for the subcontinent, we are doing it," said Brigadier Deepak Vashishta, of 11th Corps.The exercise that began on Friday in Nakodar, Ludhiana and Jagraon areas, involves 15,000 troops from Vajra corps and an array of military hardware, including T-72 tanks, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and electronic surveillance devices.The troops of the Pine division and the Flaming Arrow armoured brigade are taking part in the exercise that follows Exercise Ashwamedha that was conducted recently in the deserts of Rajasthan.In exercise 'Shatru Naash' the Indian Air Force (IAF) are taking part in a big way as choppers are provided aerial cover during the mock battles.The participation of IAF is part of the new war doctrine that calls for a harmonious synergy between the three armed forces of the country-Army, Navy and Air Force.
The Indian Army is conducting a massive four-day military exercise code named 'Shatru Naash' (Destruction of Enemy) in Punjab to check its battle preparedness in a Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) warfare backdrop."When it comes to nuclear threshold, on NBC environment we are training the soldier. We all are sensitive and well aware about it...Whatever training is necessary for the subcontinent, we are doing it," said Brigadier Deepak Vashishta, of 11th Corps.The exercise that began on Friday in Nakodar, Ludhiana and Jagraon areas, involves 15,000 troops from Vajra corps and an array of military hardware, including T-72 tanks, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and electronic surveillance devices.The troops of the Pine division and the Flaming Arrow armoured brigade are taking part in the exercise that follows Exercise Ashwamedha that was conducted recently in the deserts of Rajasthan.In exercise 'Shatru Naash' the Indian Air Force (IAF) are taking part in a big way as choppers are provided aerial cover during the mock battles.The participation of IAF is part of the new war doctrine that calls for a harmonious synergy between the three armed forces of the country-Army, Navy and Air Force.
Israel Night Vision Equipment Worth $25 Million to be Acquired by Indian Army
Israel Night Vision Equipment Worth $25 Million to be Acquired by Indian Army
An Israeli firm has bagged a USD 25 million deal to provide night vision devices to the Indian Army, an order which has made India the single largest importer of defence equipment from the West Asian country.The Israeli firm, Starnight Technologies, will provide night vision equipment over a two-year period ending August 2009, to equip two infantry mountain divisions, according to highly placed sources here.This is the second major order for night vision devices bagged by the Israeli firm, which through an agreement signed in November, had agreed to supply such equipment worth USD 38 million dollars."This is a follow up order," an Israeli official said. Army Chief Gen. J J Singh had recently said that as part of infantry modernization, Army planned to equip all its battalions with night vision equipment.Though almost all the front line units and those engaged in counter-insurgency have been equipped with night vision devices, according to Army estimates such equipment worth over USD 500 million was still needed to arm the remaining units. The Israel Defence Ministry had recently announced that India now was its largest single importer of defence equipment with orders running as high as USD 1.5 billion last year.It said this constituted about 50 per cent of Israeli defence exports and about 30 per cent of India armament imports. Despite its defence industry facing financial crunch, Russia continues to be the main weapons supplier to India, constituting 35 per cent of Indian weapon imports. Moscow's arms exports to India range from fighters to warships and spares.Israeli firms have already supplied India with front line weapons systems like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for the Army, Navy and Air force, night vision devices for army, Tavor range of hand weapons for special forces, close battlefield radars like Loros.Tel Aviv has also bagged an Indian order for supply of three Airborne Early Warning and Air Control System aircraft to the IAF. A follow up order is expected after the first of these aircraft are delivered later this year
An Israeli firm has bagged a USD 25 million deal to provide night vision devices to the Indian Army, an order which has made India the single largest importer of defence equipment from the West Asian country.The Israeli firm, Starnight Technologies, will provide night vision equipment over a two-year period ending August 2009, to equip two infantry mountain divisions, according to highly placed sources here.This is the second major order for night vision devices bagged by the Israeli firm, which through an agreement signed in November, had agreed to supply such equipment worth USD 38 million dollars."This is a follow up order," an Israeli official said. Army Chief Gen. J J Singh had recently said that as part of infantry modernization, Army planned to equip all its battalions with night vision equipment.Though almost all the front line units and those engaged in counter-insurgency have been equipped with night vision devices, according to Army estimates such equipment worth over USD 500 million was still needed to arm the remaining units. The Israel Defence Ministry had recently announced that India now was its largest single importer of defence equipment with orders running as high as USD 1.5 billion last year.It said this constituted about 50 per cent of Israeli defence exports and about 30 per cent of India armament imports. Despite its defence industry facing financial crunch, Russia continues to be the main weapons supplier to India, constituting 35 per cent of Indian weapon imports. Moscow's arms exports to India range from fighters to warships and spares.Israeli firms have already supplied India with front line weapons systems like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for the Army, Navy and Air force, night vision devices for army, Tavor range of hand weapons for special forces, close battlefield radars like Loros.Tel Aviv has also bagged an Indian order for supply of three Airborne Early Warning and Air Control System aircraft to the IAF. A follow up order is expected after the first of these aircraft are delivered later this year
Defence imports to cross 30-bn dlr by 2012: Assocham
Defence imports to cross 30-bn dlr by 2012: Assocham
NEW DELHI: Estimating Country's import of military hardware and software to cross $30 billion by 2012, industry chamber Assocham has asked the government to re-look its policy on defence procurement to allow greater participation of private players. The import of defence products has already reached $10.5 billion in the last three years, making India the largest importer of arms in the developing world, Assocham's paper on 'Avenues for private sector participation in Defence' said. "The country's military expenditure, excluding the pensions of defence and paramilitary forces, is around two per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)," Assocham President Venugopal N Dhoot said. With limited production capacity the pubic sector units are not able to meet the ever increasing requirements of the defence sector. In this backdrop, Assocham has suggested that the government should re-look at the defence procurement policy. The Chamber also seeks greater participation of private sector in matters related to the procurement of defence equipments for the armed forces. The country's defence imports bill, which is projected to be $30 billion by 2012 could be made cost-effective with private participation, the chamber said.
NEW DELHI: Estimating Country's import of military hardware and software to cross $30 billion by 2012, industry chamber Assocham has asked the government to re-look its policy on defence procurement to allow greater participation of private players. The import of defence products has already reached $10.5 billion in the last three years, making India the largest importer of arms in the developing world, Assocham's paper on 'Avenues for private sector participation in Defence' said. "The country's military expenditure, excluding the pensions of defence and paramilitary forces, is around two per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)," Assocham President Venugopal N Dhoot said. With limited production capacity the pubic sector units are not able to meet the ever increasing requirements of the defence sector. In this backdrop, Assocham has suggested that the government should re-look at the defence procurement policy. The Chamber also seeks greater participation of private sector in matters related to the procurement of defence equipments for the armed forces. The country's defence imports bill, which is projected to be $30 billion by 2012 could be made cost-effective with private participation, the chamber said.
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