IKB-DEF-NOV 23,14

Indicia Knowledge Brief
A Daily Assessment on Indian Defence and Internal/Homeland Security
November 23, 2014.
Primary aims of Indicia Daily Brief are two-fold. First, it distills infinite information into a
capsule form, thus saving precious time of its clients. Second, it tries to link micro-events
to larger strategic canvas through its analyses, thus providing support knowledge for
better understanding and decision-making.
Indicia Analysis of the Day
The decision of the new defence minister to give initial clearance to the Rs
15,750 crore project to acquire 814 mounted artillery gun systems or
motorized howitzers is an effort to plug critical gaps in the Army's longrange, high-volume firepower. The deal had failed to take off ever since
the infamous Bofors scandal of the mid-1980s, but deferred decisions on
two crucial aircraft projects to next month.
After a mega clearance worth Rs 15,750 crore, two specific proposals
before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC); the proposed
manufacturing of 56 transport aircraft by Tata-Airbus to replace the IAF’s
ageing Avro fleet and the proposed acquisition of another 106 Swiss
Pilatus basic trainer aircraft for the IAF, were deferred.
The NSA’s assessment that very few Indian are ready to join the IS is true
but that the threat is real and present cannot be overstated.
I. National Defence and Security:
Three decades on, defence minister clears Rs 15,750 crore howitzer
project:
The government on November 22 sought to revive the Army's moribund artillery
modernization project, which has miserably failed to take off ever since the
infamous Bofors scandal of the mid-1980s, but deferred decisions on two crucial
aircraft projects to next month. The defence acquisitions council (DAC), chaired
for the first time by Manohar Parrikar, gave initial clearance to the Rs 15,750
crore project to acquire 814 mounted artillery gun systems or motorized
howitzers to plug critical gaps in the Army's long-range, high-volume firepower.
Officials said the two big-ticket IAF projects, in turn, will now be considered in
the next DAC meeting on December 9/10 since Parrikar, just two weeks old as
the defence minister, wanted more information and time to better acquaint
himself with the complex defence procurement procedures. The DAC had to
decide whether to go ahead with the Rs 13,000 crore mega project for the
private sector to supply 56 medium transport aircraft to replace IAF's ageing
Avro fleet despite only a single bidder, the Tata-Airbus consortium, being in the
fray. The second IAF case was the around Rs 7,000 crore acquisition of 106 more
Swiss Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer aircraft, with bulk of them produced
domestically, to help train rookie pilots. The DAC did approve the revised
payment schedule for the nine "nodes" and 10 "subnodes" of the IAF's integrated
air command and control system (IACCS) being set up in the country for Rs 7,160
crore. While five nodes are already in place, with integration of air and ground
radars, four more will now come up to address the lack of radar coverage over
central and peninsular India as well as Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The
only real take-away from the over two hour-long DAC meeting was the renewal
of one of the several artillery projects, which have witnessed repeated scrapping
of tenders — even after extensive trials of the guns on offer — due to recurring
scandals. A fresh tender or RFP (request for proposal) will now be issued for the
155mm/52-calibre mounted artillery in the "Buy & Make India" category, with
100 guns to be bought off-the-shelf and the rest 714 to be subsequently
manufactured in India. If the guns had been bought a decade ago, as was
envisaged, they would have cost half of the Rs 15,750 crore figure. "Private
companies like L&T, Tata, Bharat Forge, Punj Lloyd, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra
Defence and the like can respond to the RFP after tying up with a foreign
collaborator. The 814 guns, with a 40-km range, will equip 40 medium artillery
regiments of the Army," said an official. The Army's overall artillery
modernization plan, now worth upwards of Rs 50,000 crore, has remained
derailed since the Swedish Bofors scandal led to Rajiv Gandhi government's
downfall. Other corruption scandals around global artillery manufacturers like
South African Denel, Israeli Soltam and Singapore Technology Kinetic's over the
last decade did not allow the modernisation plan to kick off. In sharp contrast,
both China and Pakistan are fast inducting 155mm/52-calibre artillery guns.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Three-decades-on-defence-minister-clears-Rs-15750crore-howitzer-project/articleshow/45245771.cms?
*
Ministry of Defence defers purchase of trainer plane:
Two specific proposals before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) — the
proposed manufacturing of 56 transport aircraft by Tata-Airbus to replace the
IAF’s ageing Avro fleet and the proposed acquisition of another 106 Swiss Pilatus
basic trainer aircraft for the IAF — were deferred at November 22 meeting since
the government apparently “wants more information regarding the proposals”.
Sources indicated that these two proposals could up at the next DAC meeting in
December. Meanwhile, the DAC also cleared the acquisition of integrated air
command and control systems for the IAF worth Rs 7,160 crore for integrating
air and ground sensors.
Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141123/nation-current-affairs/article/ministry-defence-deferspurchase-trainer-plane
*
Parrikar clears expanded IACCS for Air Force:
The first Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, chaired by Defence
Minister Manohar Parrikar cleared a proposal for 814 mounted gun systems for
the Army. Request for Information (RFI) will be issued to Indian vendors within
the next couple of months kicking off the tendering process. Indian private sector
majors Bharat Forge, L&T and Tata have already tied up with global Original
Equipment Manufacturers and are likely to participate in the tender. Addressing
the DAC, Mr. Parrikar reiterated that the priority of the government was fast and
transparent acquisitions. The Army’s Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan (FARP)
formulated in 1999 envisages inducting around 3,000 guns of various types to
equip its 220 artillery regiments. No new gun has been acquired since the 1980s,
when 400 Bofors guns were bought from Sweden. Another major deal cleared is
for the Air Force to expand the Integrated Air Command & Control System
(IACCS) for Rs.7,160 crore. The IACCS presently has 5 nodes and an additional 4
nodes will be set up to connect the Indian mainland with Island regions for
seamless communication and connectivity. As part of this, new command &
control nodes will be set up and integrated with the existing ground & air
sensors and air defence systems.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-minister-manohar-parrikar-fires-for-armysnew-artillery-guns/article6625272.ece
*
Army gun arsenal to be revived in big way:
The Modi government is planning to modernise the Indian Army’s artillery gun
arsenal in a big way. Sources said the government could be considering
acquisition of over 800 of the 155mm 52-calibre artillery guns at an estimated
cost of Rs 15,750 crore. The proposed acquisition could come up before the
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) now headed by new defence minister
Manohar Parrikar at November 22 crucial meeting. Most of the guns are
expected to be manufactured in India as part of the Modi government’s strong
push for indigenisation. The Indian Army has not acquired any new artillery gun
for over 25 years. The DAC could also consider a joint bid by Tata Sons and
European manufacture Airbus to manufacture 56 transport aircraft to replace
the Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a possible cost of nearly Rs 12,000
crore. The DAC could also consider acquisition of an additional 106 Swiss Pilatus
basic trainer aircraft for the IAF at an estimated cost of about Rs 8,200 crore. The
government could insist that most of these aircraft be manufactured in India
after transfer of technology from the Swiss firm. The IAF is thrilled so far at the
performance of the Pilatus aircraft which had been acquired earlier.
Source: http://www.asianage.com/india/army-gun-arsenal-be-revived-big-way-224
*
IAF Has Trans-Oceanic Reach: Air Chief Marshal Raha:
With the capability to face every challenge, the Indian Air Force has developed
into a major 'Component of National Power' with trans-oceanic reach, Air Chief
Marshal Arup Raha said. "The IAF has developed into a major 'Component of
National Power' which can be applied quickly and decisively. The IAF has reoriented itself to a multi-role capability of platforms and equipment along with
multi-skill capability of personnel," the Air Chief Marshal told reporters. Raha
pointed out that the rapid economic growth of the country dictates the need to
protect our security interests.
"Over the years the IAF has grown from a
tactical force to one with trans-oceanic reach. The strategic reach emerges from
induction of force multipliers like flight refuelling plane, remotely piloted aircraft
and credible strategic lift capabilities. There is emphasis on acquiring best of
technology through acquisitions or upgradation, be it systems, aircraft, precision
missiles or net centricity", he said. "Keeping pace with the demands of
contemporary advancements, the IAF continues to modernise in a phased
manner and today it stands as a credible air power counted amongst the
foremost professional services in the world," Raha said. The Indian Air Force, he
said, with a dedicated service to the nation was today a modern technology-
intensive force distinguished by its commitment to excellence and
professionalism. The Air Chief also said the IAF has started upgrading its combat
aircraft fleet since the last few years to enhance its operational capability and
maintain its aircraft as modern weapon platforms capable of meeting the present
challenges posed by the security scenario in the region. To the queries on the
border issue and international threats, the Air Chief Marshal said problems in
most of the air bases were not a new thing but the IAF today was in the process
of a most comprehensive modernisation plan inducting aircrafts like Su-30 MKI
aircraft, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft
(MMRCA). Stating the primacy of air power will be a decisive factor in shaping
the outcome of future conflicts, Raha said of the available fleet, MiG-21, MiG-27
and Jaguar aircraft have already been upgraded, and Mirage-2000 and MiG-29
aircraft were planned for up gradation. With plans to augment its helicopter and
transport fleets too, the IAF was considering up gradation of its medium lift
helicopters comprising Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-17-IVs, as also the AN-32 transport
aircraft to improve its overall capability.
The IAF is also in the process of
acquiring radars in various categories to meet the air defence requirements,
accurate and advanced weapons, network centric warfare systems, to meet its
assigned tasks, he said. To a question on the threat posed to internal security
because of various insurgency groups, including Maoists, jihadi and other
terrorists outfits in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East Region, he said it
was a political problem which could be politically settled but if required IAF was
always ready to combat it for the greater interest of the nation.
Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2014/11/21/IAF-Has-Trans-Oceanic-Reach-Air-ChiefMarshal-Raha/article2534469.ece
*
INS Vikrant fades into history, BJP says it was too late to save it:
Despite last ditch attempts by activists and former navy servicemen to save it,
INS Vikrant — the county’s first aircraft carrier — has finally faded away into
history. The BJP, whose leaders had promised to keep the vessel alive before
elections, shifted the blame on to the previous Congress–NCP government and
said had it acted sooner, Vikrant could have been saved. The dismantling of the
majestic vessel began on November 21 opposite the Darukhana ship breaking
yard. The Bombay High Court had given the go-ahead for Vikrant to be auctioned
in January, after it rejected a public interest litigation petition to save the vessel
and convert it into a maritime museum. The Centre said it was difficult to
maintain the vessel. In March, the Indian Navy sold Vikrant to a Mumbai-based
ship breaking company for Rs. 63 crore. However, activists moved the apex court
in a bid to save the vessel. The Supreme Court in May ordered maintenance of
status quo. Those who had campaigned to save the vessel expressed their regret
saying it was a pity that successive governments could not restore a national
treasure. Kiran Paingankar, the activist who headed the ‘Save Vikrant
Committee’, said it was a “black day” in the “glorious maritime history of
country”. “I tried my best as a layperson to save the vessel. But, in the end,
political and naval apathy are to blame. Despite statements and assurances in
public by various quarters there was no effort to save it,” he told The Hindu. The
16,000-tonne ship, which had helped to enforce a naval blockade of East
Pakistan — now Bangladesh — during the 1971 war, was decommissioned in
1997. It was purchased as HMS Hercules from Britain in 1957 and rechristened
INS Vikrant. It was formally commissioned into the Indian fleet at Bombay on
November 3, 1961. Former servicemen had made a strong pitch for converting
the vessel into a maritime museum. The Vizag Urban Development Authority
(VUDA) in Andhra Pradesh had agreed to adopt the vessel as a maritime
museum, provided it was brought to the city. However, the Maharashtra
government had expressed its inability to preserve the vessel owing to financial
constraints. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who had campaigned to save the vessel,
described Vikrant’s end as “sad.” He said that despite fresh attempts by the
Narendra Modi government in August/September, it was “two years too late”.
“Two years back it was usable but the Cochin shipyard in September said the
ship was dead and it was impossible to save it. It had fully eroded and risked
falling apart if shifted out of Darukhana. It would have risked making the entire
dock unusable for a year,” he said. The dismantling of Vikrant caused a flutter on
social media with Facebook and Twitter users describing it as “heart-breaking,”
“shameful” and a “big loss”.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/ins-vikrant-fades-into-history-bjp-says-it-wastoo-late-to-save-it/article6625702.ece?homepage=true
II
Homeland Security
*
Destroy militant camps, BSF tells Bangladeshi counterpart:
The Border Security Force (BSF) has asked its Bangladeshi counterparts to
destroy militants' camps and hideouts within the latter's territory, an officer said
on November 22. "Around 57 camps and hideouts of northeast India militant
groups still exist in different parts of Bangladesh. We have asked the BGB
(Border Guard Bangladesh) to dismantle these camps and to take action against
the terrorists," a top BSF officer told IANS. He said: "The terrorist outfits of
Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur and Nagaland have set up their camps and
hideouts in different parts of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) (in southeast
Bangladesh) and Moulvibazar and Sylhet districts (under Sylhet division in
northeastern Bangladesh)." These outfits include National Socialist Council of
Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), United Liberation Front of Asom, National Liberation
Front of Tripura, Garo National Liberation Army and Hynniewtrep National
Liberation Council. "The BGB officials though denied the presence of any camps
in Bangladesh, they sought more information about the northeast India militant
camps in Bangladesh," the BSF officer said on condition of anonymity. "After
Bangladesh security forces undertook occasional crackdowns against the
northeast India militants, some terrorists have taken shelter in the jungles of
neighbouring Myanmar," he added. During the past few months, the Bangladesh
Rapid Action Battalion uncovered a huge cache of sophisticated arms, including
anti-tank weapons and AK series rifles, in Satchharhi jungles in the northeastern
district of Habiganj, bordering India's Tripura. The area was reportedly the
headquarters of the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF). The inspector generals of
three frontiers of BSF in northeast India — Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram-Cachar
— held a four-day border management meeting from Nov 17 with BGB officers at
Tamabil in Bangladesh's Sylhet district. Meghalaya frontier Inspector General of
BSF Sudhesh Kumar led the Indian team while the Bangladesh delegation was
headed by BGB's Additional Director General (Northeastern Region) Brigadier
General Mohammad Latiful Haider. Senior officials of India's home ministry and
Narcotics Control Bureau were also present in the meeting.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Destroy-militant-camps-BSF-tells-Bangladeshicounterpart/articleshow/45239590.cms
*
Army denies reports of 'fierce encounter' in Poonch:
The Army on November 23 termed as baseless reports of a fierce encounter
between the security forces and a group of infiltrators in the Poonch forest.
"There was no fierce encounter between terrorists and the army at the Kalsa
forest areas in Bigial Dara area of Poonch last night, as reported by a section of
media," Defence spokesman Lt Col Manish Mehta said. He said the reports about
encounter between a group of five terrorists and the army at the area were
"baseless".
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-denies-reports-of-fierce-encounter-inPoonch/articleshow/45241600.cms
*
No More Than 10 Cases of Indians Wanting to Join ISIS: Doval:
There are not more than 10 cases of Indian youths wanting to join the ISIS,
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on November 22. Out of these, five or
six were cases of youths who showed an inclination of joining the ISIS, but their
parents approached the police and they were prevented from doing so, Doval
said at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit. He added that "there is not a
single religious leader who has supported the ISIS call". "They have in fact issued
a fatwa against it. That is the spirit Muslim leaders have," he added. ISIS or the
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is a Sunni, extremist rebel group controlling
territory in Iraq, Syria, Eastern Libya and Egypt. The group has been designated
a terrorist organization by the United Nations. Doval said that cyberspace was
the new frontier for conflict. "We are totally seized of it and the government is
working very hard on this," he added. Doval said India is at a "cross-roads"
where people from abroad are wanting to engage with the country and "partner"
with it. "They want India to rise. Whether we will be able to make use of the
opportunity or whether it will be a case of wasted opportunity has to be seen,"
he added. Doval declined to answer when asked whether the prime ministers of
India and Pakistan would meet on the sidelines of the forthcoming Saarc summit
in Nepal.
Source:
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2014/11/22/No-More-Than-10-Cases-of-IndiansWanting-to-Join-ISIS-Doval/article2536075.ece
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