Saint Antony blesses Kerala with defence projects

Following the examples of former Union ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mamata Banerjee, Defence Minister AK Antony is on a spree to set up defence projects in his home state Kerala as the election approaches. Antony is quietly turning Kerala into a defence hub. Nearly a dozen of defence projects are being set up in the state. 

Antony - India's longest continuing serving defence minister in the country is quietly turning Kerala into a defence hub with nearly a dozen defence projects being set up in the state. In contrast only two projects have been in the other states – Nalanda Ordnance Factory in Bihar (the decision for which was taken during George Fernandes term) and Indian National Defence University (INDU) in Gurgaon.

On Saturday, Antony inaugurated Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s Strategic Electronic Factory at Kasargod (Kerala) and Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the production facilities at the same function.  This factory will produce advanced avionics for Aircraft and Helicopters.

According to sources, the factory – whose first phase will cost Rs. 66 crore – has been set up on the initiative of the Kerala Government. The state government allotted 196 acres of land for setting up the new unit. Presently the factory has taken up production of Airborne Special Purpose Computers like Mission computer, Display Processor, Radar Computers, Open Architect Mission computer etc. for Sukhoi SU-30, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and MiG-27 fighter jets’ upgrade have been taken up at this factory.

In the phase-II – when the investment is likely to go up to Rs. 200 crore - the factory will undertake manufacturing of avionics for the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) yet to be purchased by the Indian Air Force. “The expansion of this factory will also lead to growth of ancillary industries which in-turn will generate secondary employment opportunities and enhance skill-set in this area,” the HAL officials added. 

Two day earlier on November 15^th, the Defence Minister also inaugurated another complex for the integration of supersonic cruise missile BrahMos in Thiruvananthapuram – which already housed one integration facility. The new facility aims at doubling the production of the missiles with the IAF placing an order for 200 air version of the missiles worth Rs. 6,000 crore.

Antony had also lashed out at the Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during the inauguration of the BrahMos complex as the Defence Ministry cannot risk bringing new defence projects in the state due to infavourable industrial environment. Despite that the Defence Minister has managed to confer the most “favoured” state with seven major defence projects inaugurated in the state since the beginning of his term in 2006. The projects will definitely give him political mileage in the state.

Public sector undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) has set up its 4^th manufacturing unit at Palakkad. And the project is likely to entail an investment of Rs. 260 crore to manufacture Tatra vehicles and other military automobiles and was expected to create 200 jobs that would eventually go up to 1,000.

Another public sector major Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) has set up third support centre at Kochi’s Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) after Mumbai and Visakhapattanam.

Antony, also a former Chief Minister of Kerala and an astute politician, had commissioned a Coast Guard Academy at Azhikkal in 2011 in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attack for training the security force personnel. The academy is expected to train 500 cadets for search and rescue mission and respond to maritime contingencies. 

In January 2011 itself he sanctioned Rs. 600 crore National Institute for Research and Development in Ship Building (NIRDESH) at Kozhikode. NIRDESH envisages helping the indigenous ship-building industry. The Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) also has some major warship construction orders – like the construction of the first indigenous aircraft carrier. 

The Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala was also commissioned by Antony even though the project has been in limbo for the last 20 years.

Former defence minister KC Pant passes away

India’s former defence minister and deputy chairman of Planning Commission Krishna Chandra Pant passed away Delhi on Thursday morning at the age of 81.

Indian Defence Minister AK Antony expressed his “profound grief” at the demise of the ex-minister who held the command of the ministry during critical times like the deployment of the Indian troops in Sri Lanka and to preempt a coup attempt in Maldives. 

“Pant steered the Ministry at one of the most critical junctures of history as the Indian Peace Keeping Forces were deployed in Sri Lanka as a stepping stone to the tortuous journey for peace in the island nation.  The Indian troops were also deployed at short notice in Maldives to abort a coup attempt, in a clear manifestation of our commitment to the promotion of peace and stability in South Asian Region,” Antony said in his condolence message.

In his political career Pant was in 12 ministries and he was country’s defence minister form 1987-89, in the Rajiv Gandhi government.

Pant has been instrumental in key acquisitions for the armed forces as the British-built aircraft carrier HMS Hermes – rechristened as INS Viraat for the Indian Navy and MiG-29 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.   

“Pant bolstered the Indian Armed Forces in a big way with the acquisition of the country’s flagship aircraft carrier INS Viraat and Mig-29 aircraft among many other acquisitions during his tenure as the Defence Minister.

“He was also instrumental in the setting up of the first Coast Guard Air Station at Daman. May his soul rest in peace,” Antony added.

India of 2012 different from 1962: Antony

New Delhi, October 18: Two days before the 50^th anniversary of the 1962 India-China War, Defence Minister AK Antony on Thursday joined the ranks of the top brass of the Indian Armed Forces in assuring the country that the country was “capable” of defending itself.

Antony is the senior most in the Indian defence establishment on Thursday made it clear that even though the infrastructure in the North East left a lot to be desired, India of 2012 was not same as the India of 1962.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Naval Commanders’ Conference, Antony said: “Infrastructure in the North-east is not up to our satisfaction but it has improved a lot as compared to the past...India of 2012 is not India of that period. We are now capable of defending every inch of our country.”

Earlier this month on October 5, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne had said that during 1962 it was a mistake to keep away the Indian Air Force (IAF) from the action and added: “There will be no such limitation this time. The IAF will play a leading role not just against that or any other sector but anywhere." Prior to him, Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh had said: “I am assuring the nation as the Army chief that 1962 will not be repeated... No way. We have plans in place on all borders to safeguard our country's territorial integrity.''

The Indian defence establishment was against developing infrastructure in the mountainous terrain along the Indo-China border as it will make Chinese progression into the Indian Territory impossible. However, this myth was broken after 1962 when the Chinese troops came deep inside and Indian troops suffered humiliating defeat at their hands.

Since 1962 China has been occupying nearly 38,000 sq kms of land in Jammu and Kashmir and under the “so called China-Pakistan ‘Boundary Agreement’ of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq kms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China”.

“Earlier India had not focussed on enhancing infrastructure in northeastern states. But, now we have moved very fast. Now our infrastructure assets and manpower have substantially improved compared to the past,” the Defence Minister said.

“On the one side we are strengthening our capability in the border on the other side we have established a border management mechanism with china that is now functioning satisfactorily,” he added.

India and China share unresolved dispute over border. According to Indian establishment, in the eastern sector, China illegally claims approximately 90,000 sq. km. of Indian Territory in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. China has been building up infrastructure in the border areas and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) at a feverish pitch and has managed to bring road and railway tracks right up to the border. But the Indian infrastructure development like road construction and raising of new mountain strike corps are progressing at a snail pace.

Army-Air Force battle for attack helicopters family problem, solution soon: Antony

Few days after the Indian Air Force (IAF) dismissed the Indian Army’s demand for attack helicopters as unnecessary duplication of assets, Defence Minister AK Antony indicated that the an “amicable” solution is in the offing.

Sources in the ministry to confirmed to the New Indian Express that the Defence Ministry was “sympathetic” to the Army’s demand despite a strong opposition from the IAF.

Terming the bitter wrangling between the two forces as “family problem”, Antony said: “There is no tussle. There is no war. There are family problems, we will find solutions.” Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of Prime Minister’s Territorial Army Day parade, Antony added: “We are in final stages of finding a solution, amicable solution. Don't go beyond that."

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne on October 5 reacted sharply to the question of the Army demanding air assets for itself as “duplication” of assets. "We cannot afford to have our own little air forces. Tomorrow coast guard will ask for submarine will we give it to them?" Air Chief Marshal Browne added. The IAF Chief also revealed that in 2011, the IAF has conceded the Army’s demand for attack helicopters but the land force also wanted medium lift helicopters and it was then that the Air Force put its foot down. 

After 7 years Chinese Defence Minister’s India visit on Sep 2

After a hiatus of seven years Chinese Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie will come to India on four-day visit, indicating a thawing of bilateral military relationship that hit an impediment as in July 2010 Beijing denied visa to an Indian Army’s Commander posted in Kashmir. 

 

 

The Chinese Defence Minister’s India visit come shortly before the once-in-decade leadership transition in the country, when the 71-year-old General Guanglie will have to step aside. This is the most high profile defence exchange between the two countries since 2005.

The Chinese Defence Minister will land in Mumbai on September 2 with a 24-member delegation. This former Chief of General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army’s will visit Gandhi Museum in Mumbai and will head to see the famous Taj Mahal before reaching the national capital to hold discussions with his Indian counterpart AK Antony.

This Indo-China defence ties had reached a stage when the two countries had even started joint-military exercises. However, reflecting the deeper on and off nature of the Indo-China defence ties, New Delhi suspended further engagements in July 2010 as Beijing refused to grant visa to the Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General BS Jaswal reasoning that he was posted to “sensitive” Jammu and Kashmir region. It was followed by similar incidents, when China continued to prick India’s stated position on Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh by refusing visa to defence personnels and sportspersons from the region.

“The talks will hover around how to strengthen the military ties between the two countries who share nearly 3,300 km of disputed yet peaceful border. No exercises have been planned this year, so the thrust of the talks with the Defence Minister are likely to hover around need of these exercises future,” sources said.

There has been renewed interest in China to give a fresh impetus to the dithering military ties as made evident by the PLA hosting an Indian Military delegation and taking them to Tibet bordering northern India. China has been sensitive about opening up Tibet military bases to India in the past.

China has also been keen to increase the number of defence attaches posted in each others’ countries. Presently, only one Defence Attaché is posted by both countries to capitals, Beijing has suggested to permanent post one representative each of the army, air force and navy in each others’ embassies.

Besides a disputed land border, both the countries also have overlapping strategic interests in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean Region. An ugly stand-off was averted earlier this year, when a Chinese warship threatened an Indian warship in the South China Sea while on its way back from Vietnam. To avoid any misunderstandings in the region, both the countries have decided to set up maritime hotlines just on the basis of the arrangement on the land.

Pics: First two coastal radars to be operationalised tomorrow

Defence Minister AK Antony will inaugurate the two coastal radars in the chain tomorrow in Gujarat and Mumbai.

Here is the statement issued by the Defence Ministry

"The Defence Minister AK Antony will inaugurate the Static Sensors Project of Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) of the Coast Guard at Mumbai and Porbandar on August 25, 2012. The Chain of Static Sensors project being steered by the Indian Coast Guard, finds its origin in the recommendations made by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on reforming the National Security System, post-Kargil conflict. After detailed Inter-Ministerial deliberations, it was decided that the Indian Coast Guard would implement this ambitious project.  The project implementation on the mainland and the island territories is envisaged to be completed by September 2012 and March 2013 respectively.

Post-26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, there was an emergent need to strengthen our Coastal Security apparatus. Accordingly, this project was progressed on a fast track. Considering the strategic nature of the Project and with an aim to develop indigenous capabilities in the field, it was decided to implement this project through M/s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The contract for this turnkey project was concluded with M/s BEL, Bangalore in Sep 2011 at a cost of over Rs.600 Crores with an implementation schedule of 12 months and 18 months for the mainland and the island sites, respectively.

In order to define the project requirement for the Phase-I of the project, a detailed vulnerability Gap analysis and feasibility study was undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard along with other stake holders, viz. Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), Indian Navy, concerned state Governments etc. 

Accordingly, the Phase-I was conceptualized to provide real­ time surveillance cover upto 25 nautical miles around the areas of high sensitivity and traffic density along our coast line.

The project envisages fitment of high end surveillance gadgets viz. Frequency Diversity Radar, Electro Optic sensors (Charge Coupled Device (CCD) Day Camera, Low Light TV (LLTV) Night Camera and Long Range Thermal Imagers) VHF sets and Met equipment on lighthouses and masts erected on DGLL Land.  In the Phase-I of the project, 46 Remote Radar sites (36 locations in mainland, 06 locations in Lakshadweep & Minicoy Islands and 04 in Andaman & Nicobar Islands) would be established at various lighthouses located along the coast line.  These sites have been strategically located to provide electronic surveillance of areas of high sensitivity and high traffic density along our coastline. The system is designed to promote surveillance cover upto the 25 nautical miles from the coast line around each Radar sites.  It is presently capable of positive identification of vessels carrying class ‘A’ and ‘B’ Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders. 

The data generated by the Static Sensors will flow over a robust hierarchical network architecture, connecting Coast Guard District Headquarters (Regional Operating Stations) and Regional Headquarters (Remote Operating Centers) to Coast Guard Headquarters (Control Center) at New Delhi. The sensor data generated from this network would be further supplemented with the AIS data from the National  AIS Chain of DGLL/Ministry of Shipping and interfaced with the Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS) of the major ports, Fishing Vessel Monitoring System, Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and National Command Communication Control and intelligence Network (NC3I) of Indian Navy.

The project of Chain of Static Sensors aims at preventing undetected intrusion by monitoring the movement of vessels plying along our coastline. The project would also aid in enhancing the efficacy of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations coordinated by the Coast Guard. The sensor data generated by the Coastal Surveillance Network would also be shared with other maritime agencies via the NC3I network to generate a comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

The project is the first of its kind both in terms of expanse and strategic implications. Despite the inherent complexities of the project, involving multi agency coordination at all levels, the project is nearing completion within the stipulated time line. This project, when implemented completely, would provide the much needed electronic eye to our maritime agencies and provide the envisaged impetus to the overall coastal security apparatus.

Upon completion of the Phase-I, it is planned to take up Phase-II of the project, wherein, 38 additional Remote Radar sites would be established. 21 sites of the VTMS Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat would also be integrated during the Phase-II. During the Phase-II, the Static Radar Chain is also proposed to be supplemented by 08 Mobile Surveillance Systems."