Jinxed Indian Army's Artillery Modernisation boosted with indigenous Howitzer trials

Marred by constant corruption charges and subsequent blacklisting of foreign vendors, the Indian Army’s artillery modernisation programme got a major boost as the “indigenously designed and manufactured” 155mm x 45mm calibre artillery gun, Dhanush (literally meaning Arrow) successfully completed its summer and winter trials. (The first time it was reported by me in 2012 that the Indian Army is going indigenous route to meet its artillery requirements.Read it here)

  

File Photo

The guns were first tested in 2012 in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The gun is being manufactured by Ordnance Factor Board and is based on the designed transferred along with Bofors guns in 1986. However, the corruption taint associated with the Swedish artillery manufacturer meant that the designs remained unused for decades. Even now, the ghost of Bofors means that the establishment is reluctant to have any association with the name. Also it is an upgraded version of earlier Bofors. (Timeline of the indigenous Artillery guns development). 

The repeated attempts of the Indian Army to acquire the guns have met a dead end with company after company got blacklisted owing to corruption charges and the defence tenders kept on being cancelled. At present four foreign vendors – Bofors (Swedish), Denel (South African), Rhienmetall (German) and Singapore Kinetics (Singaporean) firm are in the blacklist of the defence establishment. Also the last artillery gun that the Indian Army inducted was nearly three decades old.

The news of the successful completion of summer and winter trials of Dhanush was given by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to Members of Parliament of the Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry.

CCS clears Rs. 8,000 crore purchases of BrahMos, tank ammunition

In a bid to address the “critical hollowness” faced by the Indian Army especially in the form of depleting tank ammunition, the Cabinet Committee on Security on Thursday cleared purchase of 10,000 Invar missiles from Russia worth Rs. 2,000 crore along with the acquisition of BrahMos missiles for the Indian Air Force (IAF), valuing around Rs. 6,000 crore. 

A file photo of the Sukhoi fighter jet with BrahMos air version at display at DefExpo-2012

The shortage of tank ammunition was brought to the light in a letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by the former Indian Army Chief General VK Singh. The former Army Chief had written that the force was left with only 3-4 days of ammunition in case of an emergency. On Thursday the CCS headed by the Prime Minister cleared the purchase of 10,000 Invar missiles for the Russian-built T-90 tanks at an estimate cost of around Rs. 2,000 crore. 

Under the proposal, the 10,000 Invars will be brought off the shelf from the Russian manufacturers whereas 10,000 more will be licensed-produced by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) under Transfer of Technology. Invar is fired from the gun barrel of T-90 tanks that are going to be mainstay of the Indian Army’s armoured corps in the years to come.

The CCS also gave its nod for the procurement of the air-version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile that has the capability of hitting within a range of 290 km. The BrahMos acquisition for the IAF also includes funds for retrofitting of the missiles with the Russian-built Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. The integration of missile – co-developed by India and Russia – will be done by the Indian aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

Presently two Su-30MKI fighter jets are being equipped with the air version of BraMos and the test are scheduled to be conducted by December end.

Antony throws weight behind indigenous artillery programme

Defence Minister AK Antony on Monday announced that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently gave an approval to the construction of 144 upgraded 155 mm artillery guns by Ordnance Factory Board Jabalpur.

File Photo

The Defence Minister has thrown his weight behind the indigenous artillery programme just like the indigenous Main Battle Tank Arjun. Speaking on the sidelines of a DRDO award function, Antony said: "I hope after 30 years it proves to be a success. After MBT Arjun we are working towards making the artillery a success."

The .52 guns will be manufactured on the basis of the design transferred by the Bofors in 1986. The designs have since then been gathering dust owing to the taint on these Swedish gun.

The user trials will take place in December. 

The indigenous artillery programme is crucial for the Indian Army which has not been able to induct a single gun since Bofors scandal. While the artillery wing of the Army is in dire need of modernisation, the repeated blacklisting of foreign gun-makers has only added to force's woes.

DRDO’s second version of Arjun tank heavier by 9 tonnes

Even as the Indian Army was struggling to find a suitable deployment for the indigenous Main Battle Arjun Mk-I, which at 58 tonnes was heavy for rapid deployment in forward areas, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has come up with its Mk-II version that is heavier by 10 tonnes.

 First of the Arjun Mk-I rolling out of the Heavy Vehicle Factory, Avadi

While the Arjun Mk-II has outperformed the Russian-built T-90s that are the mainstay of the Indian Army’s mainstay in terms of speed, accuracy and firepower, its huge weight has constrained its deployment options.

The Arjun tanks took nearly four decades to materialize. Because of its weight, a reluctant army placed an order for only 124 units after a bitter wrangling with the premier military research organization that was insisting on purchase of at least 500 tanks to make the project costing the ex-chequer $ 3.5 billion feasible.

The Army asked the DRDO to improve the tank further and produce Mk-II version and promised that the force might order more units. But before embarking on the project, the DRDO asked for an initial order and the force contracted to acquire 122 Arjun Mk-II, which is expected to cost approximately Rs. 37 crore per unit.

Now the sources reveals: “The Army has sought nearly 80 improvements in the tank. But this has resulted in a significant increase in the weight. While Arjun Mk-I was 58 tonnes Mk-II is 67 tonnes.”

Even though the Indian Army had not given any qualitative requirements for the Arjun Mk-II vis-à-vis the weight of the tank, still at 67 tonnes it is heaviest of the tanks in the force’s inventory. Presently the Russian-built T-90s that form the mainstay of the Indian Army’s armoured thrust weigh a modest 47.5 tonnes.

The initial comparison between the T-90s and the indigenous Arjun Mk-II has left the Indian Army officers in dilemma. “The Arjun Mk-II is more agile, has greater accuracy and has more potent firepower in comparison to the Russian tanks. But the question is where will the force deploy the 67 tonne tank?” asks an officer. 

 The MBT Arjun had earned the moniker of 'Rajpath ka tank' due to the long time of 37 years it took in making

 

The Indian Army is validating a new transformation policy that envisages reaching strategic depths of the enemy’s territory by launching swift armoured offensive, but Arjun Mk-II does not fit the bill as it cannot cross the border in the western sector along with Pakistan as they have natural and artificial obstacles. “The problem with heavier tanks is just not about the transportation and bridges, we can revamp them. But the real challenge is that there is a real danger of the tank sinking in the ground due to its own pressure,” added the officer. The only area where the Army thinks this indigenous tank can be deployed is the Thar desert.

Presently the trials of the Arjun Mk-II are undergoing in Pokharan, Rajasthan and the summer trials will be conducted next week. It will be only 2015 that the tanks will enter into production and till then the Indian Army has a tough task cut out – to find a suitable role for this tank.

Indigenous aircraft carrier to be delivered in 2018 only

The Defence  Ministry accepted three-year delay in the construction of the indigenous aircraft carrier.

File Photo of INS Viraat, the lone aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy

This is the written statement made by Defence Minister AK Antony  in the Parliament-

"There has been a slippage in the construction schedule of the indigenous aircraft carrier (approximately 37,500 Metric Tons displacement) being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.

The complexity of the project and this being the first ship of its kind being built in India has led to timelines being extended. AS per the Phase-I Contract concluded with M/s. Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, the first launch of the ship was envisaged in October, 2010. However, due to delays in receipt of steel plates and pre-launch equipment like diesel alternators and gearboxes, the launch of the ship is now expected in 2013. Delivery of the ship is presently envisaged in 2018."

 

Arihant gears up for Sea Trials

The outgoing Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma on Tuesday announced that few months from now, the first indigenous nuclear attack submarine INS Arihant (Destroyer of Enemy)  will be put into the Sea for trials.

Here is what he said: "Commissioning of  the nuclear attack submarine INS Chakra on 23rd Jan this year was a momentous occasion, as we are now part of a select group of six nations that operate SSNs. Chakra has added considerable punch to our maritime power and will aid in developing future concepts of naval operations in this very critical sphere. You are aware that the Arihant is steadily progressing towards its operationalisation, and we hope to commence sea trials in the coming months.  Given our unequivocal “no-first-use commitment” a retaliatory strike capability that is credible and invulnerable is an imperative.  The Indian Navy is poised to complete the triad, and our maritime and nuclear doctrines will then be aligned to ensure that our nuclear insurance comes from the sea."

India plans construction of largest warship

Taking a cue from its first indigenous aircraft carrier programme, India is now envisaging construction of the largest warship in the country – a 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier named INS Vishal (literally meaning Huge) with the latest fighter jets and helicopters onboard.

The fighter jet is scheduled to enter the Indian Navy’s flotilla by 2025 and is presently in design phase.

“Taking a lesson from the delays faced in the construction of the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant, we (the Department of Naval Design) have already began working on the design of the next one with an added tonnage of 25,000 tonnes,” sources said. Where this sea leviathan will be constructed is yet to be finalized.

Initially, the second aircraft carrier was also planned to have 44,000 tonnage, but the Indian Navy put up a requirement for a flat top carrier with an extra 25,000 tonne displacement to make it a more potent platform.

Russian Sukhoi Su-33 and MiG-35; and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Navy) fighter jets are likely to operate from the aircraft carrier. “The aircraft carrier is likely to have Catapult to launch fighter jets mainly used in the US platform. So far the Indian Navy has operated ski-jump assisted launch of fighters,” the sources add.

The floating flying deck would also be capable to operate airborne early warning systems and mid air refueller aircraft. 

Sources indicated that the ambitious project would cost around $ 2 billion, which is less than that of Russian Admiral Gorshkov which is presently undergoing sea trials and will join the Indian Navy as INS Vikrmaditya by year end. India is paying $2.34 billion to the Russian for refurbishing Gorshkov.

“INS Vishal is envisaged to join Indian Navy sometime in 2025 when INS Virat will no more be in the service and INS Vikramditya and INS Vikrant would be guarding the eastern and western coastlines,” added the sources.

The first indigenous carrier is being built at a cost of $ 750 million in Cochin shipyard Limited. The aircraft carrier is already being delayed by more than 2 years and is now expected to be inducted in Navy not before by 2017.

India to float RFP for 56 transporters to replace Avros

To give a boost to manufacturing of transport aircraft in the country, the Defence Acquisition Council today gave a green signal for acquisition of 56 transport aircraft to replace Avro aircraft. RfP will be issued under 'Buy and Make' Indian to foreign vendors. The RfP will make it mandatory for them to select an Indian partner from public or private sector. Sixteen of these will be obtained in flyway condition. The next 16 will have 30 percent indigenous components and last 24 will have 60 percent indigenisation. 

The first of the aircraft will be delivered four years after signing of the deal.

Sahyadri commissioning in pics

Lethal threesome to strike fear in enemy’s heart

(Will be uploading pics of the events soon)

On board INS Sahyadri: The troika of indigenous stealth frigates – INS Shivalik, INS Satpura and INS Sahyadri – got completed with the commissioning of the last warship in the class and together in the Eastern theatre they will strike fear in the heart of the enemy on the eastern sea board.

 

Named after the mountain ranges of the country – the last of the three stealth frigates Sahyadri was commissioned on Saturday by Defence Minister AK Antony here. The two of the class are already adding might to India’s muscle on the eastern coast as China becomes more assertive in the South China Sea and in the Indian Ocean Region.

Sahyadri is the third of its kind to be in the country at the Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Ltd under Project 17 and wound remain the mainstay of the Indian Navy for the first half of the century. Meanwhile, the stealth features, weapon array and design of the warship has earned acclaim at the international level as the leading vessel of the class INS Shivalik went on a long deployment to West Pacific region and did port calls to countries like Japan and China.

“INS Sahyadri will be deployed in the eastern fleet and Satpura will also go there eventually,” a naval official said. The Indian Navy for years had the western naval command stationed at Mumbai as its “sword arm” but it has been building its assets in the eastern theatre gradually with rising concerns about the presence of the Chinese navy in the Indian Ocean Region. The lone aircraft carrier of the navy INS Virat is in the western fleet, now the force is looking forward to operate two aircraft carriers in both the regions.

This came even as the Defence Minister called for freedom of navigation through the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) in the South China Sea. “In South China Sea our role is limited. But there should be unhindered passage to all the ships in international water. At the same time issues between countries should be sorted out by dialogue, discussion and persuasion, without any confrontation,” Antony added. The ship will be commanded by Captain RK Vatsyayan. The first ship of the class INS Shivalik was commissioned 2010 and INS Satpura in 2011

The frigate is conceived, designed and constructed indigenously will considerably boost the capabilities of the Indian Navy in the eastern theatre. A stealth warship is designed to have low signatures so that they remain undetected to enemy electronic sensors of other navies. It’s shape is designed to evade detection by radar; it is engineered to give off minimal infra-red (IR) emissions; and every piece of equipment on board, from engines to toilet flushes, are designed to work silently so that the ship cannot be heard by the enemy’s sonar and acoustic sensors. This stealth will allow the INS Sahyadri to reach near enemy positions undetected and inflict maximum damage.

Sahyadri is equipped with a mix of imported and indigenous weapon systems and sensors, including Barak surface-to-air and Russian Klub cruise missiles, 'shtil' air defence system, rapid fire guns, basic anti-submarine warfare weapons and two helicopters.

The ships also have the indigenous Kavach chaff-dispensing system to counter incoming missiles, as also indigenous sonars and anti-submarine warfare systems.

With the completion of the Project-17, path is clear for the follow-on construction of seven more warships under the Project 17-A. Antony said: “The Contract Negotiation for Project 17-A is on and as and when it’s over we will send it for CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) approval.” Four of these warships will be constructed by MDL and the rest three will be manufactured at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). The project which has already been running several years behind the schedule will entail a cost of over Rs 2,200 crore for each ship.

The warships under Projec-17 A will have stealthier features and it will be equipped with BrahMos Supersonic cruise missiles and Barak NG missiles. The warships will have ‘flushed’ decks with weapons beneath the surface to reduce signature on radars.

Glimpses from INS Sahyadri commissioning at Mumbai

Indigenous Nag Missile Carrier test scheduled in July

Work on Nag anti-tank missile had begun in 1987 and it came to fruition only in 2000. Then the Army and Defence Research and Development Organisation started working on giving it the night capabilities. The development of the missile was complete in 2007 along with Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA). Manufactured by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) NAMICA was found short on many counts. 

The system had failed to perform optimally during its desert trials in 2008-2010 forcing army to seek better system integration. The NAMICA has been reconfigured accordingly and the user trial is scheduled for July 2012. Only after a successful trial the Army will place a firm order of NAMICA. The other launcher system in contention is manufactured by Larsen and Toubro.

The Army has sought following improvements in NAMICA-

•  Reduction of all-up weight to 15 tons
• Improved reliability of missile launcher platform drive mechanisms
• Provision of higher resolution Target Acquisition Sight for gunner
• Enhanced user friendliness in acquisition of Target through reduced offset between sight and missile seeker acquired Target Scene Image
• Improved amphibious performance
• Provision of an additional system called “Target Surveillance and Acquisition Sight” for the Crew Commander of NAMICA