Par panel rips through Antony’s military preparedness claims

Nearly 20 days after Defence Minister AK Antony termed Army Chief General VK Singh’s concern on ammunition shortage as “rumours”, the Parliamentary Panel on defence confirmed the chinks in the military preparedness of the Indian Army. 
 

The Parliamentary Panel termed the army-aviation, tank ammunition and artillery as the Achilles Heel of the Indian Army.

In its report tabled in the Parliament on Monday, the Standing Committee on Defence said: “The Committee fails to understand how the Army would be able to address the issue of critical shortages of armaments. The Committee strongly feels that the issue of shortage of armaments with Army at various fronts, need immediate attention.”

However, the Defence Ministry in its Annual Defence Report 2011-12 had contended that the Army was in pink of health with all the modernization programmes on track. The report was followed by Antony rubbishing the reports of ammunition shortages as “rumours”. “These are all rumours. I can assure you that the country is fully prepared. India is in much stronger position compared to the past. There may always some short comings, that also is in the process of filling up,” Antony had said.

The report observed “huge” gaps between the sanctioned and existing machines with Army Aviation. As per the data in the report, the Army is short of 155 helicopters. And the existing Cheetah/Chetak helicopters used for maintenance at high-altitude forward bases are ageing and in dire need of replacement. However, the efforts to replace the rotor wing machines have been stalled repeatedly as the tender for 197 helicopters was scrapped in 2007 and the new tender is also on the verge of cancellation.

"If the sanctioned and the existing strength is compared, there is shortage of 18 Cheetah, 1 Chetak, 76 Advance Light Helicopter and 60 Advance Light Helicopter (Weapons Systems Integrated) with Army Aviation," the report observes.

Concurring with the Army Chief, who had red-flagged the shortage of critical tank ammunition in his letter to the Prime Minister on March 12, the Panel said: “Tank ammunition is another critical area having shortages. The problems with regard to tank ammunition have further compounded due to blacklisting of IMI (Israeli Munitions Industries).”

The Army’s armoured piercing tank ammunition depleted critically following the blacklisting of the Israeli Firm IMI. The force has been dependent on the firm for its ammunition after the Ordnance Factory Board’s ammunition failed to pass the trials.

On the issue of artillery, the Committee comprising of MPs deplored on how upgradation of Bofors gun has taken such a long time.

Expressing alarm over how these deficiencies have been allowed to linger on for so long, the Committee has recommended fast-tracking of the procurement.

26 Indian soldiers died in Siachen last year

 

The death of 130 Pakistani soldiers in Siachen Glacier following a massive avalanche has brought back the focus to the highest battleground in the world where more lives have been claimed by weather than by bullet.

The total number of deaths on the Indian side of the 72 km-long Glacier since 1984, when Indian troops captured the dominating heights in the region, has been 950 whereas 12,000 soldiers have suffered injury. The number declined considerably following a ceasefire between the two countries in 2003.

However, last year only India has lost 26 brave soldiers while guarding those frigid heights. Here is the reply given by Defence Minister AK Antony in the Parliament.

 Siachen War Memorial at the Siachen Base Camp

“The number of casualties in Siachen in the last one year is 26.

Twelfth Round of Defence Secretary level talks were held between India & Pakistan on 30-31 May 2011, during which both sides welcomed the ongoing dialogue process, contributing to an enhanced understanding of each other's position. It was also agreed to continue the discussions in a meaningful and result oriented manner.”

 Troops trekking to forward posts on the Glacier

After scam allegations, Tatra goes into PR overdrive

As the Tatra trucks ran into the thick of storm following allegations of kickbacks being paid to clinch the order of Indian Army, the Vectra limited - a majority shareholder in Tatra Sipox – has launched an aggressive public relations campaign to redeem its sullied image.

 

The new strategy of the Vectra, whose head Ravi Rishi is facing CBI probe in the Tatra scam, entailed hiring a Public Relations firm in the capital some 20-25 days back. The otherwise media shy Vectra has also carried out full and half page advertisements in major daily newspapers underlining the salient features of the trucks – 7,000 of which are in service with the Indian  Army and several thousands in the US and Israeli Army.

The Tatra trucks are the backbone of the Indian Army as its whole missile systems and Cold Start Strategy to mobilize troops swiftly is based on these trucks, with flexible axle – “the only of its kind in the world for on road and off road application”.

So far unknown to the civilians in the country, this aggressive campaign dubbing Tatra as “The best in the world” seems to be hovering around pegging the trucks as the one of its kind and also a key player in the civilian segment.

Under the new strategy, the defence journalists were also sent out lengthy note titled “Allegations versus Facts”. Countering the allegations of over-pricing Vectra said: “Tatra Sipox (UK) sold to BEML (the Public sector undertaking assembling the trucks for the Indian Army). The price between BEML and the MoD (Ministry of Defence) is not controlled by Tatra.”

“At no time full trucks were sold to BEML. The parts and components were as per normal company prices,” Vectra said.

The firm also dismissed the allegations about the trucks being not indigenized enough as Tatra trucks were still left-hand drive. “Actually 60 percent of the truck is now indigenized. Furthermore the 4x4 and 6x6 are right hand drive. The 10x10 and 12x12 were specifically designed for India’s missile program by Tatra. The 8x8 trucks was never made a right hand drive, because of the small irregular demand cycle by Indian Armed forces would not have justified the heavy investment needed to change the technical dynamics of the truck,” contended Vectra.

Defence Ministry officials, refusing to comment on the procurement of the trucks, said: “There is no reason to doubt the quality of the trucks. Tatra is the only heavy duty truck in the world with flexible axle, a requirement laid down by the Army. Tatra has got this technology patented.”

“The US has bought the technology paying huge price and is now manufacturing the trucks within their country. Now it is for us to decide, if our requirements are high and we need to buy this technology,” said the official requesting anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media.

Antony’s probe love - an acquisition bane?

As Defence Minister, AK Antony cannot be faulted for tolerating action. His record at the helm of affairs in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) reflects his penchant for ordering a probe at a drop of a hat. This year alone he has ordered close to ten inquiries including one in the big-ticket purchase of 126 fighter jets.
 

According to sources in the Defence Ministry, the Minister receives on an average 25 complaints daily alleging corruption and malpractices in the acquisitions going on. “These complaints come from a spectrum of people from firm consultants, vendors, MPs, politicians and so on,” said the MoD official giving a glimpse of the hooks and crooks employed by the defence companies to clinch the defence contracts.

Sources indicate that the number of probes and inquiries ordered by the Minister are much more than in the public domain. “Many of the inquiries do not come into the public domain as they involve big names in the Ministry,” the sources add. This year he ordered a CBI probe against BEML Chief VRS Natarajan after a two year internal inquiry in the ministry prima facie indicated financial irregularities on his part in the purchase and delivery of Tatra trucks to the Indian Army.

The very first probe ordered by the Ministry beginning this year was into the purchase of 12 helicopters for VVIPs from Italian firm Augusta Westland after Italian newspaper reported about Rome authorities conducting inquiry into the deal inked in 2010. The deal for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft also hit a rough patch when former MP Mysora Reddy wrote a letter to Antony alleging the contract process had unduly favoured the French plane maker. Sources suggest that the report of the probe has already been prepared and awaits Antony’s approval.

The long-winding defence acquisition processes are threatened to be derailed as a disgruntled vendor try to put spoke by writing a complaint. The other deals bearing the brunt of these probes are 197 light utility helicopters and M-777 ultra-light howitzers.

The tender for 197 helicopters was earlier scrapped in 2007 after it reached final stage. Last year a complaint triggered an inquiry and setting up of a Technical Oversights Committee. As developments suggest the deal is again on the verge of cancellation for the second time. The M-777 ultra-light howtizers that would have given the Indian Army’s artillery modernization an initial boost have also got delayed.

The biggest blow to the procurements has been the ban of six defence firms for the next ten years after probe ordered by Antony confirmed wrongdoings. In words of Antony: “When I got complaints regarding certain procurements, which were at final stage, I made quiet inquiries and I was found something was wrong somewhere, I went to the extent of cancelling a major contract of helicopter deals and so many other deals which were at the final stage.”

Replying to this, BJP Leader Arun Jaitley said : “We are completely with you if you want to cleanse up. But, please, maintain a judicious balance, and that judicious balance is that defence procurement, modernization and defence preparedness should not suffer…. You need to have a judicious balance to be struck that whereas we must stand by probity, at the same time, we cannot leave India insecure if we get over-obsessed with that issue.”

MHA's evaluation of OFB produced automatic assault rifles complete

The Automatic Assault Rifle manufactured by Ordnance Factor, Tiruchirapalli has reached the trial stage. Dubbed as an alternative to Kalashnikov AK-47, in vogue with the Indian Army's special and counter-insurgency forces, the 7.62 mm home-developed automatic assault rifle has been evaluated by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the weapon is being prepared for "extensive user trials" - in this case the State Police Forces.

The State Police Forces intends to use it for countering insurgency operations.

Pics: Finally LCA Navy makes its maiden flight

The indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas LCA Navy NP1 today made its maiden flight in Bangalore when Commodore JA Maolankar, Test Pilot and Wg Cdr Prabhu, Flight Test Engineer completed a 22 minutes flight.  During the flight the aircraft was put through various manoeuvers including low speed handling and even undertook a close formation flying at slow speed with another aircraft.

Earlier the LCA Navy NP1 had completed various intensive Ground testing regimen including Low Speed Taxi Trials (LSD), High Speed Taxi Trials (HSD), Ground Vibration Test (GVT), Structural Coupling Test (SCT) and extensive system integration tests with power plant using State-of-the-Art facilities at Bangalore HAL airport.

With this India has crossed a major milestone in Design, Development, Manufacturing and Testing of a “four plus” generation Carrier Borne Fly-by-Wire STOBAR aircraft.

LCA Navy aircraft is the first attempt in the country to provide a complete marine force multiplier that will give unique battle punch to the Naval Aviation Arm of the 21st Century to fulfil national dream of a blue water Navy. LCA Navy is the second STOBAR (Ski Take Off But Arrested Recovery) Carrier Borne aircraft in the world, after the Russian deck based aircraft. However, this will be the only Carrier borne Fighter aircraft in the Light category.

Along with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) who are the Principal Partners with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in association with more than 100 agencies ranging from users, DRDO, CEMILAC, DGAQA, CSIR, PSUs, Private Industrial Sector and academia, spread all over India including Indian Navy and Indian Air Force are involved in the Programme. The key responsibility of LCA Navy design, build, integration and testing is with various Divisions of HAL. ADE has played a lead role in Design and Development of the Integrated Flight Control System in unison with NAL, Bangalore for Testing and Integration of Flight Control Laws to ensure safe functionalities for various phases of flight. AMAGB has been designed and manufactured by CVRDE, Chennai up-to the certification level. NSTL, Visakhapatnam and RCI, Hyderabad has rendered critical support for shock testing of LRUs. Significant Private Industry partnership with ASL (DRDO), Hyderabad for high energy Carbon-Carbon brake pads, and CADES for LEVCON and stub wing design, as examples, has helped maturing of Private Sector of the country. This Project will give us self reliance capability in a true sense and also help in taking up more Naval Aircraft Projects in future. Productionisation of indigenously developed Hydraulic system and Fuel system Line Replacement Units (LRUs) have been assigned to GTTC, Bangalore (Government Tool Room and Training Centre) and CTTC (Centre Tool Room and Training Centre), Bhubaneswar respectively. Above all this, constant support, regular participation, keen observation and continuous guidance from CEMILAC and DGAQA have ensured stringent certification and quality requirements are met on the aircraft.

The Design of first indigenous Naval aircraft imposed huge technological challenges to the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) to meet the peculiar requirements of Naval aircraft; starting from saline and humid environment of operation, restricted availability of deck run for launch and recovery and high operating load conditions. Basic design changes required to suit the carrier operations are strengthening of aircraft structure and Landing Gear, Arrester Hook, improved engine, enhanced aerodynamic performance and incorporation of special metal/material. A host of other systems like the Leading Edge Vortex Control (LEVCON) surface fitted at the front end of the aircraft wing operated by a concealed rotary actuator with aerodynamic profiling to ensure low landing speed, good controllability and better vision for the pilot. The feature of launch and recovery onboard Carrier at high sink rate of 7.1 rn/sec, flareless landing with engine to full throttle till arrested by deck cable impose five times of loading on Main Landing Gear as compared to the IAF version. Also such axial load calls for re-certification of all Line Replacement Units (LRUs), components and associated systems of naval version to ensure fail safe operation repeatedly.

ADA has set a world class Telemetry and Monitoring facility at the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) to enable conduct of flight test activities at Bangalore. Intuitive on-line monitoring and control of the aircraft are carried out by the Test Director and various System designers. To facilitate proving the aircraft for carrier borne applications, a Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) is being set up at the Naval Air Station, Goa replicating an aircraft carrier with a ski-jump for launch and arresting gear for deck recovery. Take off area is ready, with landing readiness scheduled for end of 2012. This test facility readiness is as per schedule.

The Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma in a communication to the Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri, said, “… I express my appreciation and congratulations to all members of the ADA, HAL and DRDO teams for the first successful limited test flight of the LCA (Navy) aircraft… We must ensure that today’s accomplishment leads to the timely fructification of the operational requirements for carrier borne operations….”

LCA Navy's first flight successful

The much awaited maiden flight of LCA Navy took place today in Bangalore.

More details awaited.

Russian-built INS Teg commissioned

The Talwar-class (Krivak-III) frigate, Teg, will be commissioned into the the Indian Navy at Yantar shipyard at St. Petersberg by Vice Admiral K.N. Sushil on Friday. This will be commanded  by Captain Rakesh Kumar Dahiya. It will be the first stealth frigate to be equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. These missiles have so far been fitted on Rajput class destroyers.

Genesis of Teg

Teg is an ancient word meaning a short, single–edged curved sword, broadest at the handle, traditionally used by the Sikhs who are famous for their valour and martial skills in the battlefield. A ‘Teg’ has been wielded by many a brave warrior in righteous battle to overcome the oppressors and safeguard the weak.

Symbolically, ‘Teg’ is a weapon which strikes at the very roots of Agyan or Avidya (lack of knowledge), and brings forth enlightenment, independence and reform. In a broader connotation, Teg stands for chastisement of all that is evil and protection of good.

The ship’s crest embodies two crossed swords against the blue sky and ocean waves which symbolise Strength, Responsibility and Commitment to a righteous cause.

The ship’s motto ‘Towards Eternal Glory ’ ‘अभिमुखम  अनन्त यशम’ truly reflects the indomitable spirit of the ship and her crew, the will to fight for what is honest and truthful, and to surmount the most challenging odds in pursuit of Victory

A legend is born

INS Teg, a Follow-On Project 1135.6 Class of Frigate, is a modern and contemporary Warship with advanced technologies incorporated in every facet of design to make her stable, stealthy, fast and formidable. A versatile and capable vessel, she is an icon of Indo-Russian Military co-operation and heralds a new dimension in this strategic partnership.

The Teg class of ships have been built to meet the specific Command and Control needs of the Indian Navy for co-ordinated Surface, Air and Underwater missions.

An advanced version of the Talwar class guided missile frigates already in service with the Indian Navy, these ships have been fitted out with an upgraded multi-role combat suite to make them one of the most potent platforms of the Navy.

Weapon compliment

The weapons suite of the ship includes Surface-to-Air and Surface-to-Surface missile systems, 100 mm medium range gun, Close-in Weapon System, Torpedo tubes and Anti-Submarine rockets.

The ‘BrahMos’ Surface-to-Surface missile system, a joint venture between India and Russia, is capable of engaging targets at extended ranges at supersonic speeds and is perhaps the best missile in its class.

The ship also embarks and operates an anti-submarine or an airborne early warning helicopter– a dominant force multiplier.

With its advanced weapons suite and sensors fully integrated with its Combat Management System, the ship is equipped to augment the Indian Navy’s Net Centric capability, and is well suited to undertake a broad spectrum of maritime missions, from traditional military roles to those involving low intensity maritime operations and crisis management.

To meet the paramount need for stealth in the current combat environment, Teg incorporates innovative stealth technologies to reduce her radar cross section, infrared and magnetic signatures, as well as radiated underwater noise.

Propulsion and Damage Control

The ship is powered by an advanced gas turbine propulsion plant (COGAG – Combined Gas And Gas) with state of the art Controls, delivering 56,000 hp of power to attain speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The unique design of the propulsion plant enables the warship to seamlessly change over propulsion modes in different operational regimes. The automated power generation and auxiliary machinery control systems installed on the ship further augment the fighting efficiency of the ship.

The ship has been equipped with complex automated systems for nuclear, biological and chemical defence, damage control and fire fighting that can be operated centrally from sheltered posts to minimize casualties and achieve rapid restoration of combat effectiveness.

The Crew

The heart and soul of the ship and the driving power into any battle are the men onboard the ship. Teg is manned by a crew of 24 officers and 229 sailors. It would be interesting to note that the individual crew members speak 15 different languages as their 'mother tongue' and follow six different religious faiths - A true microcosm of the diversity, and unity of India.

The Crew of the ship, hand-picked from various ships and establishments of the Navy, and trained extensively both in India and Russia, consider it their proud privilege to commission the country’s newest Warship and sail her back to India. While many future crews will man the ship in her long service life, the commissioning crew will always have a unique place in her history.

Captain of the ship

The ship is commanded by Captain Rakesh Kumar Dahiya, a 'Communication and Electronic Warfare' specialist, who was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, Captain Dahiya has undergone various courses in India and abroad including the Higher Command Course at the National Institute of Defence Studies, Tokyo, Japan. He has held various important afloat and staff appointments including tenures as Joint Director of Personnel at the Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) and Officer-in-Charge, Operational Sea Training, Mumbai. He has commanded two ships prior being selected to command INS Teg as her first Captain.

IAF short of 363 pilots

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is short of of 363 pilots, a shortage that has lingered on for some time owing to lack of basic trainers. In 2008 when I had interviewed the then IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, he quoted a figure of 400 for the shortage of aviators in the force.

As on January 1, 2012, the actual strength of pilots is 3420 against the sanctioned strength of 3783.

The constant delays in the procurement of the Basic Trainers will make it difficult for the force to cover up the shortfall.

Here is the reply given by Defence Minister AK Antony in reply to a question in the Parliament-

Following the accidents of Mirage 2000 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 24.2.2012 and 5.3.2012, all routine training flying on the Mirage 2000 fleet has been temporarily stopped as a precautionary measure. Based on the results of the initial investigations of the accidents, certain checks have been instituted by the IAF. Commencement of flying of the Mirage 2000 fleet is being undertaken in stages post completion of checks.

Mirage lined up in Istres during exercise Garuda 

During the last two years (2010-11 and 2011-12) and current financial year 2012-13 (upto 19.4.2012), two Mirage 2000 aircrafts have crashed. Technical Defect was the cause of both accidents.

There was no loss of life in the accidents. Monetary loss to the Government is in terms of value of the two crashed aircrafts and compensation for loss of civil property.

Every IAF aircraft accident is thoroughly investigated by a Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of accident and remedial measures are taken accordingly to check their recurrence in future.

Upgradation of aircraft fleet, including Mirage 2000 aircrafts, is reviewed from time to time keeping in view several factors including the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force. This is a continuous process.

IAF has simulators for Kiran Mkl/IA, Hawk Mk-32, An-32 and Dornier aircraft which are being used as trainer aircraft. All these simulators are serviceable and the training syllabus includes flying training on these simulators. Further, simulators are being procured along with new induction of aircraft like the Basic Trainer Aircraft and Intermediate Jet Trainer aircraft.

As on 1st January, 2012, the actual strength of pilots is 3420 against the sanctioned strength of 3783.