'Men Apart Every Man an Emperor'

Strange Structural Building: Mind House (Barcelona, Spain)

2011-10-27T10:34:00.003+05:30

Contribution: Lt General Jacob of 1971 Victory Fame, Para Artillery.

'Fairy Queen' of the Indian Railways

2011-08-05T10:33:00.003+05:30

This is the oldest working steam locomotive in the country, 1855 vintage. On 15 Aug 1854, it steamed from Howrah to Hooghly to a distance of 24 miles. It also hauled troops to Raniganj in the 1857 war of independence.

Now is an exhibit at the Indian Railways Museum in New Delhi since 1971.

Kind Courtesy: Lt General(Retired) JFR Jacob

'German-Italian Dual'

2011-07-14T10:01:00.000+05:30

Five Germans in an Audi Quattro arrive at the Italian border.

The Italian Customs Officer stops them and tells them "It'sa illegala to putta 5 people in a Quattro."

"Vot do you mean it's illegal?" asks the German driver.

"Quattro meansa four", replies the Italian official.

"Quattro is just ze name of zefokken automobile" the German says unbelievingly. "Look at ze dam papers: ze car is designed to karry 5 persons" .

"You canta pulla thata one on me!" replies the Italian customs officer. "Quattro meansa four. You have five-a people in a your car and you are thereforea breaking the law."

The German driver replies angrily, "You idiot! Call your zupervisor over. I vant to speak to someone viz more intelligence!"

"Sorry" responds the Italian officer, "He can'ta come. He'sa busy witha 2 guys in a Fiat Uno".

Courtesy: Mohinder Singh Saund (IITK), Sweden.

A Bridge in China

2011-07-03T10:12:00.001+05:30

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal.

We Are Blessed

2011-05-22T16:48:00.001+05:30

INTERESTING COINCIDENCE !

India is blessed by.....

Amma in South;
Didi in East;
Bhenji in North;
Aunty in the Capital;
Madam in Center;
Nani on top (the President)
& "Wife At Home"

And yet people say.. It’s a Man's World ?

Courtesy: Shashi Varma

Emerging Strategic Defence Culture in India, and Interplay of Civil - Military Relations

2011-03-10T20:55:00.001+05:30

"Failing to Deliver Post-Crises Defence Reforms in India, 1998-2010", a Research Paper of Anit Mukherjee of the IDSA, laments lack of 'strategic culture' and inapt 'civil-military Ralations' as the main causes for the Reforms failing in a way.

This paper analyses civil-military relations in India from 1998 to 2010. It examines the reforms undertaken within national security agencies and their eventual outcome. In doing so it explores two major questions—what precipitated the reforms in India’s national security agencies after the 1999 Kargil war? And, what was the impact of these reforms and did they achieve their stated objectives?

It analyzes the Kargil Review Committee and its follow up, the Arun Singh Committee and describes some of the debates therein. While examining the implementation of defence reforms it then argues that despite some incremental progress they have failed the vision of their architects. This is primarily due to bureaucratic politics and the unique features of civil-military relations, which can be more accurately described as an “absent dialogue.” The penultimate section describes recent calls for re-visiting the defence reforms process but argues that without political will this is unlikely.

“bureaucratic inertia, political ineptitude and the state of civil-military relations…may have more to do with the absence of strategic thinking”. Indeed, as this paper argues it is broadly these three factors that have obstructed defence reforms.

We, as a nation, let our inadequacies perpetuate incrementally for personal gains. This is the history of our sub-continent and its people unfortunately -- SvipjaCMRChair.

Read the Paper : http://www.idsa.in/system/files/OP_defencereform.pdf

SvipjaCMRChair

'Humour in Uniform'

2011-03-04T07:36:00.000+05:30

Courtesy: Dheeraj Singh, Navjot Singh

Offset Process for MSMEs

2011-02-20T09:34:00.001+05:30

India’s aerospace and defence sector is throwing up huge entrepreneurial opportunities worth several hundred million dollars in the form of offsets.

An offset agreement is a stipulation made between a foreign supplier(Obligor) and a local company, which requires the supplier (Obligor) to fulfill certain offset commitments in that country as part of a Prime contract. For the Air India deal, Boeing’s offset commitment is to invest $1.7 billion and for P-8I maritime recce aircraft deal, it is $630 million, President Boeing said.

Boeing has already partnered with large-sized companies like TCS , Wipro , Infosys, HCL, Infotech, Tatas, etc. The Tier-I companies in the US/EU also need to partner with several hundred small companies in India for offsets. As of now, mid-tier companies in India such as Maini, Dynamatic and QuEST support the A & D supply chain of US/EU. Opportunities exit for similar other companies to supply to US/EU A & D Companies.

A & D Sector needs skilled labour, capital, technology transfer, equipment and military or civil certification in US/EU to be part of the chain.

“Entrepreneurs need to have a very good business plan supported by experts in the field. They also might need to partner with Tier-I companies. So, find partners, have a good plan, validated by experts in the field. In this business, there is no reward, if you can’t take risks”, the President said.

TTTHG-Svipja helps You develop business plan in concert with experts in the field from US/EU for You to be capable of becoming part of the supply chain of US/EU A & D Majors. Please read our Industrial Sector Partnership (ISP) Process on our Blog, www.IndianDefenceIndustry.blogspot.com

Read the Interview of President, Boeing India: International Co-operation and Offsets

Svipja Technologies

Tempering Through Struggles

2011-02-15T08:47:00.001+05:30

Courtesy: Mr RP Bagai, ex-Chief Secretary,Chhatisgarh.

Forging India's Hard Power in the New Century

2011-01-24T19:17:00.002+05:30

IDSA Issue Brief Forging India's Hard Power in the New Century is most relevant at this juncture. Such a research work could be of immense value to strategists. Could help shape our policies pragmatically based on scientific study.

The Researcher mentions various constituents of the Hard Power, one of it is ‘Civil-Military Relations’. It is a welcome thought. He postulates:

"Civil-Military Relations are at the core of any national security framework and the decision making process. While explicit political control over the military cannot be questioned, the need to involve the Indian armed forces as equal and responsible partners in the decision-making process is important.

Cross-pollination of national security bodies with defence expertise could contribute to better understanding on matters military and, consequently, the strategic thinking within the country.

In the short-to-medium term, it will entail the functional integration of the MoD and service headquarters, the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), representation of military staff in national security structures such as the NSC, leveraging military diplomacy in pursuit of India’s foreign policy objectives, consistency in military resourcing and expenditure, procedural reforms in the acquisition process and defence industry, and ensuring adequate operational preparedness levels to meet a range of military challenges and non-traditional threats."

SvipjaCMRChair

India will testfire its Indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence(BMD) System Next Month

2011-01-21T08:15:00.003+05:30

After carrying out major upgrades, India will testfire an advanced version of its indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence(BMD) System in February allowing it to destroy enemy rockets at a much higher altitude. As part of its efforts to protect itself from enemy missiles, India is developing a two-tier BMD which can intercept enemy missiles at exo-atmospheric (outside the Earth’s atmosphere) altitudes of 80 km and endo-atmospheric (inside the Earth’s atmosphere) heights of 30 km.

Under the improved system, the DRDO-developed missile shield will intercept missiles at exo-atmospheric altitudes of 150 km and endo-atmospheric height of 80 km, DRDO sources told PTI here. The system is being upgraded after DRDO felt that a capability to intercept enemy projectiles at higher altitudes would give it more response time in case the first attempt is a miss and the second layer of the system can be put into action.

Sources said with India facing a theatre-based threat and not a global one from an Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), such a capability would also give it an advantage in terms of the area covered by the missile defence system.

The system was first test-fired in November 2006 elevating India into the elite club of four countries to have successfully developed an Anti-ballistic missile system, after United States, Russia and Israel. Last year, DRDO conducted the fourth in a row successful test of the endo-atmospheric interceptor missile at an altitude of 15 km. Sources said if the tests prove successful, the DRDO will go ahead with the deployment of the BMD by 2015.

Courtesy: Colonel (Retired) PN Khera, ADNI News Agency.

A Very Interesting Gravestone in Mexico

2011-01-09T10:01:00.002+05:30

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Ethos of Military Leadership

2011-01-04T09:17:00.001+05:30

The COAS is accountable for the functioning of the entire Army. It is a tradition that is ingrained in his psyche. All commissioned army officers study at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where, engraved at the entrance to Chetwode Hall - named after the then Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal PW Chetwode, who inaugurated the IMA on December 10, 1932, are the words,

"The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come second, always and every time. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time."

These words, from the speech Chetwode delivered while inaugurating the IMA 78 years ago, have inspired generations of officer-cadets who have passed out of the IMA.

Is it possible for our civil leadership to walk through the Portals of the Chetwode Hall at the IMA, somehow, to imbibe the military ethos which may greatly help to preserve, protect and defend the Indian Constitution in line of their duties?

Chairperson, SvipjaCMRChair
This Posting is inspired by The Economic Times, 03 Jan 2011 .

'The Last Post'

2011-01-03T19:22:00.002+05:30

We have all heard the Armed Forces Buglers rendering 'The Last Post'. It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. Here is the story behind it.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they gave him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.

The haunting melody, we now know as 'The Last Post' used at military funerals was born.

The words are:-

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
-------
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
-------
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky .
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.

Courtesy: Mr GS Sahni, ex-Secretary, IAS ( SSNT2).

PS: Remember those lost and harmed while serving their country. Also remember those who have served and returned; and those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

PoK News Digest: Dec 2010

2010-11-08T11:09:00.004+05:30

The current issue brings out twin trends emerging in PoK- militant jihadi ideology and the increasing Chinese influence in PoK. BBC reported that militant camps in PoK still exist to the detriment of regional security and recruitment process is underway. The Foreign Ministry in Islamabad was quick to issue a rebuttal on the claims made by the BBC report and this by equating Pak borne militancy with so called freedom struggle. Hence, Pakistan continues to be in a state of denial even if such reports emerge from credible sources in the western media.

The incumbents in PoK speak a language similar to their counterparts in Pakistan. They want to involve US on Kashmir and assert that China too has a role in Kashmir. This does not come as a surprise as evidently they hold office during the pleasure of Islamabad and therefore what the prime minister of the so called AJK says is a natural extension of Islamabad’s misplaced policies.

On the increasing Chinese interference in the PoK, it could be argued that the state of development and infrastructure is largely responsible for this. It is obvious from most of the reports on the issue related to earthquake reconstruction and rehabilaition in the so called AJK. The reports note that post earthquake relief work has been a clumsy process that failed to give the victims their due even after 5 years. In the absence of proper channels which could redress the grievances of the people, the Chinese have found a ripe opportunity to make forays in the otherwise underdeveloped region.

Click to read the Digest http://www.idsa.in/system/files/POKNewsDigest3-12-2010.pdf

Priyanka Singh

www.idsa.in

Adventure Jump from 450' Pitampura Tower by Colonel Verma

2010-10-30T18:35:00.000+05:30

Colonel Satyendra Verma of Corps of Signals, Indian Army, jumped from 450-ft Pitampura TV Tower in Delhi on 29 Oct 2010 in a first such jump attempted from a building, bridge or tower in the country. This was part of celebrations to mark 100 years of the Corps of Signals.

India's UAV Rustom I Takes to Air

2010-10-20T08:33:00.000+05:30

India has flown the homegrown Rustom-1 unmanned aerial vehicle for the first time.

Developed by the DRDO Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the 30-min. flight took place on Oct 16 from a Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd. airfield at Housr, near Bangalore.

“Notwithstanding erratic weather conditions, the UAV had a perfect textbook flight, meeting all mission parameters,” says Dr. Prahlada, Chief Controller at DRDO. It flew to a planned altitude of 3,000 feet.”

The Rustom-1 has autonomous features such as GPS-controlled waypoint navigation. With a maximum endurance of 15 hr., Rustom-1 can carry payloads up to 75 kg. (165 lb.) and climb up to 25,000 ft.

The UAV’s datalink was designed and developed by DRDO’s Defende Electronics Applications Laboratory, located in Dehradun, while the airframe was made by Coimbatore-based private firm Zephyr. DRDO hopes that Rustom-1 will act as a stepping stone for future programs such as the medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV project Rustom-H and an unmanned combat aerial vehicle project.

Svipja Technologies

China-India ‘Match’

2010-10-15T06:54:00.001+05:30

China wishes to ‘encircle’ India. The Chinese infrastructure drive is an integral part of its encirclement policy. Three ports that China is building in India’s immediate neighbourhood – Gwadar in Pakistan, Sittwe in Myanmar and Hambantota in Sri Lanka – are important parts of the Chinese strategy. China has a vibrant presence across South Asia. Besides Pakistan, Beijing has emerged as a major player in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. It has firmly entrenched itself in Myanmar (Burma), Mauritius and the Seychelles.

The Chinese Navy’s recent seafaring activities and manoeuvres have revealed Beijing’s intention to increase its control of the maritime sea lanes of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The latter is an obvious cause of concern for India. China’s new-found aggressive posturing and maritime territorial claims in South China Sea – which Beijing has begun to describe as an area of its “core interest”, a term that the Chinese have been using for Tibet, Taiwan and Xinjiang – is of no less concern.

The Indian Navy is ready to counter the challenge. It is the process of beefing up its fleet of stealth frigates and has initiated several new projects. Shivalik will be India’s first stealth frigate of its class. The Sahyadri and Satpura class of frigates are under advanced stage of construction. All this is as per the government’s plans to maintain a force level of more than 140 warships.

India too has intensified its diplomatic and strategic involvement in China’s own backyard – with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Click to read Full Report: China-India ‘Match’

Svipja Technologies

The Research Center Imarat (RCI)

2010-10-15T05:30:00.001+05:30

The Research Center Imarat (RCI), a sensitive wing of India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is playing a key role in India’s next-generation missile programs.

RCI is currently involved in Air Defense Systems (ADS) and the Agni-V long-range strategic missile. The lab has successfully participated in demonstration of ADS with over five launches so far. The Agni-V, capable of traveling a maximum range of 6,000 kilometers is scheduled for a maiden launch in March 2011. This would further put India among a select group of nations with such advanced deterrent systems.

The Exposition Hall at RCI provides a peek into various missile systems and other platforms that are currently being developed by the lab. The RCI is to become a leader in missile technologies.

Courtesy: USIBC and Its News Agencies.

'Mindshare' of Indian Civil Society

2010-09-27T08:26:00.011+05:30

Indian Military has been 'combating' insurgency and terrorism in India since its independence. Methodology adopted by it to combat this 'indigenous unrest' has been unique and almost unparalleled; that's how it should be when You are 'controlling' unrest within Your own country, initiated by Your own countrymen. All the time the effort is to get 'them' in the mainstream.

Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi's recent Article in the Tribune 'Army’s role is conflict management, not resolution' should be read in this context.

He writes, "Regular forces usually fail to grasp the essentially political nature of the conflict. Nor do they understand the limits of their own conventional military power in such political and operational settings. A major characteristic of such operations in our country is application of combat power to enhance "civil control" rather than cause attrition. In this respect the Indian Army is quite different from many others, including those of USA and Pakistan."

He further goes on to say, "The Indian Army believes such operations need to be people-centric and conducted in a manner that they generate a groundswell for stability and peace. Rules of engagement are formulated imaginatively in the backdrop of political, legal and moral parameters. The populace constitutes the "centre of gravity" and therefore winning their "hearts and minds" is central to all efforts. Effective interface with media, as part of public information and perception-management, is also necessary. "

Read the full Article: Mindshare of Indian Civil Society

Sukhwindar

Wisdom: Former CEO, Coca Cola

2010-09-17T06:39:00.004+05:30

It says it All!

Sukhwindar

Talkative Generals of India

2010-09-16T04:58:00.004+05:30

AG Noorani's Article ‘Talkative Generals’ is interesting. He avers, “President Obama's dismissal of General Stanley A. McChrystal from his command in Afghanistan, for speaking to the media in intemperate language, is in the sound tradition of democratic governance”……“It flows from the fundamental principle of civilian supremacy over the military”. He further writes, “even in Communist China, Chairman Mao Zedong pithily prescribed that the party directed the gun”.

No one in the Indian Military ever thinks that ‘democracy is not supreme’. Democracy in India is all set to flourish and thrive with support from all limbs of the Govt. The concern in the Indian CMR is not to ‘disturb the balance’ achieved so far, and also arrest any tendencies simultaneously that may erupt to cause any imbalance. Civil-Military both have a pious role in this.

It is hard to think that at senior levels where strategy, professionalism, and nationalism are expected to be at its peak, we can really lay down any “do’s and don’ts” in very specific terms. Let Us NOT ‘chain’ the minds of the Generals – ultimately to whose advantage! ‘Systems Approach’ is needed. Yes, Civil-Military-Civil Marayada should be maintained jealously.

Dynamism of the democratic model is such that it is self-correcting to a point; let Us call it a ‘CMR Threshold’. It should not be crossed, once crossed the Govt. needs to apply the ‘corrective therapy’ – it is applicable both for Civil and Military.

Noorani’s Article records major events in India’s CMR. To that extent it interests the Chair. Pse read the full Article: Talkative Generals of India.

Svipja Technologies

Network Centric Warfare Capability for the IAF

2010-09-16T04:18:00.001+05:30

The IAF launched its Air Force Network (AFNET), a reliable and robust digital information grid that enables accurate and faster response to enemy threats.The modern, state-of-the-art AFNET is a fully secure communication network, providing IAF critical link among its command and control centre, sensors such as the Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems and shooters like the fighter jets and missile squadrons.

While launching the AFNET, the Defence Minister said that the aim of network spectrum policy of the government was two-fold -- growth of teledensity in the country, and modernisation of the defence forces' communication systems. With this, the IAF entered the digital information grid and a "giant stride" towards attaining network centric warfare capability. The other two Services would also launch their networks in the due course.

The AFNET is part of the overall mission to network all three services. The mission comes in the backdrop of an IT Roadmap document of the Defence Ministry stipulating automation, simulated training and mandatory computer proficiency in the three Services.

Click to read the full Report: Network Centric Warfare Capability for the IAF

Svipja Technologies

Interesting!

2010-09-13T18:42:00.005+05:30

This is an actual grave stone in Mexico ---- English translation provided on the right side!!

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Training Rigor of Indian Military Officers

2010-08-30T09:40:00.008+05:30

Listed Below are videos of training at the National Defence Academy(NDA), India, where all the three services cadets train in pre-commission training. Later they are bifurcated to respective training establishments for specialist training. These are good videos to watch.

The NDA is one of the premier academies globally.

National Defence Academy Film (Total Parts 5)

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=6-nXMsbvo2k&vq=small#t=14

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjnbxMtW0WU

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPAjl66SRa8

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f09TgHtq9kM

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw6Z2heLEi8

After Passing Out from the NDA, Army cadets go the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, from where they are commissioned as Officers in the Indian Army.

IMA Passing Out: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=O1XCaEUeNrg&vq=medium

Svipja Technologies

PoK News Digest: Aug 2010

2010-08-26T18:29:00.002+05:30

Political instability marked developments in the so called AJK as incumbent Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider had to make way for Sardar Attique Ahmed in what could be called a complete reversal of fortunes. This was the fourth change in the prime ministerial office in the so called AJK since the last elections in the year 2006, as is suggested in one of the reports included in this issue. It is a welcome sign to see that Pakistani newspapers have carried reports on the vulnerability of the existing political structure in the so called AJK to Islamabad's interference. The report hints how it is essential for office bearers in PoK have to constantly appease the Pakistani government in order to survive in office.

India's long standing claim on PoK seems to have been endorsed by World Bank's decision to refuse to provide funding for the Diamer Bhasha Dam. World Bank's refusal was based on the premise that the status of PoK, where the site of the dam is situated, is disputed.

The Bhasha dam has always been embroiled in controversies for multiple reasons- most significantly the resistance put up by the local population against the construction of the dam. The decision was welcomed greatly by the people of Gilgit Baltistan and also the ethnic groups based in the United States. These nationalist groups have time and again voiced concerns against economic drain of Gilgit Baltistan by Pakistan over the last six decades. The decision of the World Bank has put a big question mark on the Pakistan's continued occupation of Gilgit Baltistan in particular and PoK at large. In other developments, several lives were claimed by floods which occurred in and around Muzaffarabad after heavy rainfall for days. Other districts in PoK are also reported to have been affected by floods and these include Mirpur, Kotli, Bagh, Rawalkot and Sudhanti.

Priyanka Singh, IDSA, has compiled this Volume.

Pleae Click to read: PoK News Digest of Jun 2010

Courtesy: IDSA, India - A Think Tank of India on Matters Defence.

Dog's Life

2010-08-13T08:48:00.002+05:30

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

’Make’ Project for Future Infantry Combat Vehicles

2010-08-10T20:15:00.001+05:30

Four Indian companies - Tata Motors; the Mahindra Group; L&T; and the MoD-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) --- will compete to design and build qty 2600 new-generation Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (F-ICVs) to replace the existing BMP-IIs. Two of these vendors will be nominated to develop a prototype each and the winning design selected for the F-ICV production.

Cost of developing and manufacturing 2600 FICVs could add up to Rs 50,000 crores.

The MoD will fund 80% of the cost of developing the FICV under the ‘Make’ procedure; the selected contractor will pay just 20%. It has been mandated that the FICV must have an indigenous content of at least 50%. With a development time of 7-8 years, the FICV should be ready by 2018.

Read the full Report: ’Make’ Project for Future Infantry Combat Vehicles

Svipja Technologies

DRDOs Border Intelligence Systems

2010-08-04T18:29:00.007+05:30

Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL),and Electronics and Radar Development Establishment's (LRDE), both located in Hyderabad, are very versatile and credible labs of the DRDO.

DLRL has developed a border communication intelligence gathering system that would be of help to the armed forces and paramilitary in intercepting communication of our adversaries. It will be introduced into service by end-2011.

LRDE is working on low level light radars (LLLRs). A set of LLLRs has been tested in mountainous terrain successfully, both for Army and Air Force. LRDE is also working on an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for use in future Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas' for both IAF and Navy, apart from a Maritime Patrol Airborne Radar (MPAR) that could track even sea-skimming missiles.The AESA would be ready by 2013.

Laser System and Technology Centre (LASTEC), New Delhi, has developed laser-based ordnance disposal system (LORDS). The system is capable of destroying rockets, bombs and explosives that have completed their shelf-life without having to get closer to them. LASTEC was also working on other laser-based systems such as direct energy warfare application, low intensity conflict (LIC) applications, battlefield optoelectronic systems and advanced science and technology for future systems.

Click for the Report: DRDOs Border Intelligence Systems

Svipja Technologies

DRDO Consortium to Design, Develop and Manufacture 155 mm Gun

2010-07-30T18:26:00.001+05:30

The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, could become the hub for developing an indigenous 155-mm towed gun, with the DRDO partnering private industry giants such as Bharat Forge and Larsen & Toubro.

Shri A K Antony informed Parliament that the CBI had recommended the blacklisting of four companies that had been involved at various stages of this procurement: Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK); Germany’s Rheinmetall; Israel Military Industries (IMI); and another Israeli Company, Soltam. Denel, a South African company, had been blacklisted earlier; and the only other gun on offer, the BAE Systems FH-77B-05 howitzer, is a modernised version of the controversial Bofors gun.

The contract, is estimated at Rs 8,000 Crore, which had envisaged buying 400 towed guns off the shelf and building 1,180 in India from transferred technology.

The ARDE is one of DRDO’s star laboratories, having developed over 200 items that are in service with the military today. With just one per cent of DRDO’s total budget and five per cent of the DRDO’s manpower (1,300 persons, including 220 scientists and 250 technical officers), the ARDE has developed 70 per cent of the equipment that the Ordnance Factories have manufactured for the military.

Click to Read the Full Report: DRDO Consortium to Design, Develop and Manufacture 155 mm Gun

Svipja Technologies
Credit: Business Standard.

700 m Pound Hawk Deal for HAL

2010-07-29T09:03:00.002+05:30

India and the United Kingdom signed a £700 million Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) Hawk deal on 28 Jul 2010. Cameron, the British PM, oversaw the signing of the agreement between BAE Systems and HAL for India to produce additional 57 of BAE's Hawks.

India had earlier purchased 66 Hawks from BAE that included 24 in fly-away condition, with 42 to be produced by HAL under licence from BAE.

The aircraft will be manufactured under licence at HAL's facilities in Bangalore. BAE Systems will provide specialist engineering services, raw materials and equipment for airframe production, and the support package for the IAF and Indian Navy.

The Hawk is flown in 18 countries including the IAF.

Read the Full Report: 700 m Pound Hawk Deal for HAL

Svipja Technologies

India to Learn How US Integrates It’s Military Leadership into the ‘System’ to Promote US National Aims & Objectives

2010-07-28T09:48:00.002+05:30

We need to assimilate nuances of CMR in the shortest possible time, lot has been missed since independence. US CMR could be one example to develop Indian Model of the CMR. Study of UK Model may not be very apt.

Just Note how well articulated recent visit of The Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, was in the scheme of the US:

India to Learn How US Integrates It’s Military Leadership into the ‘System’ to Promote US National Aims & Objectives

CMR as a 'System' in the Indian Context has a lot to offer. We need to shed protecting our 'turfs' for the national good. All our intellectuals should see the Relations holistically much beyond our tainted sights; this is applicable to both civil and military leadership.

SvipjaCMRChair
Svipja Technologies

CMR: Need to Understand Military

2010-07-22T20:30:00.004+05:30

“It is an irony that expressing an independent view by the Indian Armed Forces is sometimes being viewed as defiance of the system. …..In the 21st century, it is important to factor in the changing geopolitical realities to appreciate the compulsions of civilian and military setups working under democratic structures.” says Ajey in his Article.

“No security problem could have only a military solution. Modern day problems demand solutions at the political and social levels too” Ajey avers.

Read the Article: Need to Understand Military

We feel that Civil-Military though independent entities need ‘Systems Approach’ to deliver excellence in India, and for that matter anywhere. ‘Tight tasking’ is well understood at tactical levels, but not at strategic levels. We are all Indians and the Armed Forces are of free India. We should shed colonial past. We should have a System to harness the available talent without diluting primary task; after all Military Leaders are exposed widely to strategy.

Svipja CMR Chair
Courtesy: IDSA, India, www.idsa.in

Some 'Special' Issues of Civil-Military Relations

2010-07-22T20:28:00.002+05:30

The Study and Research on CMR is one area of neglect in India. The classic work on the theory of CMR by Samuel Huntington (The Soldier and the State, 1959) is an example, though ‘old’ in a way. This work is one way of thinking about CMR. It had two assumptions. First, it assumed that CMR in any society should be studied as a system composed of interdependent elements. The second was that ‘objective civilian control’ maximizes military security. The assumptions are fully valid even today, but the Study needs to be developed further in the Indian Conditions.

Srinath Raghavan of the Centre of Policy Research, New Delhi, in the July 2010, in it’s special issue of the Monthly Journal Seminar commented that matters of operational issues, and the leading role being played by the Services impact CMR. Civil Society and 24x7 Media causes civil interference to the detriment of CMR.

Gautam observes that the topic is just not about the military’s relations with the civil leadership and bureaucracy only, but ‘Massive Import Syndrome’ and related issues in Civil and Military alike, could dilute the CMR for various reasons.

Read the Article: Some Issues of Civil-Military Relations

We feel that we need to take Note of it. The debate on the CMR has not matured well in India.

Svipja CMR Chair aims to harness the intellect in the CMR sphere.

Svipja CMR Chair
Courtesy: IDSA, India.

Words Hurt CMR

2010-07-18T08:34:00.002+05:30

SvipjaCMR Chair has no comments on this incident except that we can not achieve 'heights' with 20th Century (pre-independence) mind sets in the 21st Century where we need to 'aggregate and integrate' national and international talent to achieve excellence.

Civil-Military Relations should integrate at the strategic level and flow downwards up to district level. We as a nation are on the 'learning curve' of democracy. Let the System emerge naturally in the Indian Environments. No one needs to be 'emotional'. If there have been failures in our conduct we should accept them gracefully. Only then will we improve.

We can however apply corrections 'intelligently with grace intact' as we proceed.

Devise foolproof mechanism for professional assessments.

SvipjaCMRChair

Civil-Military Relations Under Scan

2010-07-17T10:45:00.003+05:30

We need an Indian Model for Civil-Military Relations. This is necessitated for reasons of our being a comparatively ‘young nation’, emerging quality of political leadership and its ethos, self-serving attitudes all around, rampant corruption, under-development of about 40% of our population, and tensed security scenario in the sub-continent amongst others.

In order that the Indian Democracy develops and flourishes, all stakeholders in the country need to ensure effective and efficient Governance. Political Leadership should vow and act to provide it. Indian Masses cannot wait indefinitely, or else the vacuum in leadership will be filled by certain other type of leadership, Communists, Maoists, or worse by Indian Military to its peril.

Our debate on Civil-Military Relations should focus on ‘concept’ rather than ‘actors’ – needs to be orchestrated at higher intellectual level. It is the transition of leadership from Civil to Military in nations that should be of concern to its citizens who believe in democratic values.

Svipja CMR Chair, http://www.svipjacmrchair.blogspot.com/ , addresses the issue of the Civil-Military Relations in the Indian Context dispassionately. We feel that we need to understand the nuances of the CMR as a nation, and apply them appropriately in our day-to-day interactions in Civil & Military spheres to retain the right balance. The Indian Constitution is then held high.

Shri NS Sisodia (ex-IAS) , Director General, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses(IDSA), could not be more right in articulating ,“This will involve providing greater space to the Armed Forces in relevant decision-making structures, seeking their partnership in national security and defence policy-making and addressing issues of modernisation and ‘jointness’ on priority.” And he aptly remarks: “A democratic polity is not just about civilian control but also about a military strong enough to protect it.”

Civil-Military-Civil Maryada should be the guiding light for the CMR.

After all, the Military pays the price of follies of the other ‘actors’ by its ‘blood’; stature and elan are dear to them.

Read the Article by Ali Ahmed , IDSA, Civil-Military Relations Under Scan

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
Chairperson, SvipjaCMRChair

Special Powers for Armed Forces - We Need Clarity, Not Emotions

2010-07-12T08:17:00.007+05:30

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, better known as AFSPA, has been brought out of wraps at various opportune times – opportune for those who have either something to gain, i.e. the insurgents in Jammu and Kashmir, political parties always ready to fish in troubled waters, with an eye on electoral gains or those who are regular establishment-baiters, who have made it a habit to take the plunge headlong in any controversy with the belief that if it is against an organ of the government, it needed to be opposed!

The insurgents we are fighting today are heavily armed, they act speedily, commit heinous crimes and disappear. Unless the army counters such actions with speed and not wait for orders from higher civil or military authorities, nothing would be achieved.

Also, the soldiers and officers of the army need to be protected from prosecution for consequential action taken against insurgents in good faith as part of their operations. Here too, the Act does contain the important caveat that the army personnel can be prosecuted with the Centre’s sanction, if their actions warrant it. There is, therefore, no blanket immunity from the laws of the land.

The army is designed and structured for fighting external enemies of the nation. Consequently, they are not given any police powers. However, when the nation wants the army to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations, then they must be given the legal authority to conduct their operations without the impediment of getting clearances from the higher authorities.

It is only then that the operations will be conducted in the usual efficient manner of the army and would be result-oriented. They also must be legally protected. It is because these two aspects have been catered for that the army has been neutralising the insurgents and terrorists, so that normalcy is restored and the political leaders and officials can restart governing.

Pse Click to Read the Complete Article: Special Powers for Armed Forces - We Need Clarity, Not Emotions

Svipja Technologies
(The Writer is Former Vice Chief of the Indian Army)

CMR in the US and Learning for India

2010-07-01T08:30:00.001+05:30

The dismissal last week by US President Barak Obama of his military commander in Afghanistan, Lt Gen Stanley McChrystal, should be carefully studied. In contrast to India, where civil-military relations remain mired in wary mutual watchfulness, America has demonstrated a robust civil-military structure with a healthy tolerance for risk. This was evident from the joint political-military decision to prosecute an “Afghan friendly” strategy despite the politically nettlesome issue of higher US casualties; and from Obama’s swift decision that the general had unacceptably violated propriety in making public the fissures between top US policymakers.

It may be unthinkable in India, where the system produces generals (and that includes flag officers of the navy and the air force) who would never dream of functioning like Stanley McChrystal. Looking deeper especially at McChrystal’s, and now Petraeus’ selection as commanders in Afghanistan based on clear strategies that they brought to the table, India could learn much from the US civil-military structure, based as it is on meritocracy, responsibility and accountability.

Consider how India would have selected a commander for a hypothetical Afghanistan mission. The MoD would have asked the Indian Army to “post” a suitable general.

In the US the President nominates key commanders, based on their achievements and abilities, and the Congress ratifies those appointments. General Petraeus, for example, was nominated as US Central Command chief, superseding several compatriots, after framing a widely acclaimed counter-insurgency doctrine for the US military. American generals routinely leapfrog less talented officers while being appointed to higher rank.

In the poisoned relationship between India’s military and the bureaucratic-political elite, the Armed Forces do not accept US-style “deep selection”. India’s military suspects that political interests would run rampant, promoting well-connected officers rather than competent ones. The army remembers Lieutenant General BM Kaul, whose connections with Nehru allowed him to drive India to defeat at the hands of China in 1962.

Read the Full Post: http://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2010/06/mcchrystal-gazing.html

The process that the US went through in removing the General from the Af Command is fairly graceful in a democracy. There could be different perceptions at strategic level amongst professionals at Flag Level, the Govt. in order to have it's 'will' prevail should always handle the issue gracefully and transparently taking the System, and the nation into confidence to avoid any negative fall-out - builds strong CMR.

Svipja Technologies

No Rushing with FDI Reforms

2010-06-25T09:04:00.002+05:30

India favours calibrated liberalisation of foreign investment norms in sensitive sectors like retail, defence, banking and insurance on account of domestic sensitivities.

India already has a liberal and transparent FDI regime in place except for a few sensitive sectors where the country was in favour of `calibrarted liberalisation’.

India's initiatives like simplification and consolidation of the FDI policy would go a long way in improving business environment. At present, FDI is not allowed in multi-brand retail in India, but it is permitted in wholesale trade and single-brand retail. Up to 26% FDI is allowed in defence and insurance sectors, while banks can have up to 74% of foreign investment.

The US wanted India to address longstanding impediments such as investment caps, agricultural market access barriers, high tariffs, intellectual property rights and the need for continuing regulatory streamlining and transparency,etc, in recently concluded CEOs Meet in the US.

These insights emerged in an official and industry delegation in the second meeting of the Forum co-chaired by Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata and Honeywell Inc CEO Dave Cote. The meeting was also attended by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and deputy chairman of Planning Commission of India Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

The US official delegation included secretary of state Hillary Clinton, treasury secretary Timothy Geithner, commerce secretary Gary Locke, US Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk and director of National Economic Council Larry Summers.

Read the full Report: No Rushing with FDI Reforms

Svipja Technologies

Credit: Business Standard.

Afghan War General Removed from Command

2010-06-24T11:47:00.000+05:30

President Barack Obama and Gen. David Petraeus walk to the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday to make a statement after meeting with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who was ousted as commander of forces in Afghanistan. Patraeus was nominated to assume McChrystal's command.

Obama said bluntly that Gen. Stanley McChrystal's scornful remarks about admin officials represent conduct that "undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system." He ousted the commander after a face-to-face meeting in the Oval Office and named Petraeus, the Central Command chief, who was McChrystal's direct boss, to step in.

In a statement expressing praise for McChrystal yet certainty he had to go, Obama said he did not make the decision over any disagreement in policy or "out of any sense of personal insult." Flanked by Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the Rose Garden, he said: "War is bigger than any one man or woman, whether a private, a general, or a president."

Afghan War General Removed from Command

This enhances CMR in a country -- a part of 'Military - Civil Maryada' covered in the Post below. Military must know where is the limit, and the Civil how to 'gracefully act' in an embarracing situation with the Military, upholding the national interests.

Svipja Technologies
Credit: msn.com

Britain's CDS Axed

2010-06-24T11:46:00.001+05:30

Britain’s senior most serving military commander, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup has been axed before his term was to end in April next year. The Sun reports that the decision, which is expected to have far reaching political consequences, was announced by Defence Secretary Liam Fox.Sacking of Sir Stirrup has not surprised the security experts, as his performance in Afghanistan was seen as far from satisfactory and was dogged by the failure to provide the requisite equipment to the British troops in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Chinese news agency Xinhua reports the British Defence Secretary denying charges that Sir Stirrup had been sacked. According to the news report, Liam has said that the services' professional head, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, had not been sacked, but he would be replaced early, leaving his post in the autumn some months earlier than his retirement in the spring of next year.

Current Army head General Sir David Richards or vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton are favourites for the top job. The Ministry of Defence's top civil servant Sir Bill Jeffrey will also get the elbow. The Mirror reports that the Chief has been made a scapegoat and criticized the new government of politicizing the armed forces.

Coutesy: 8ak.

India’s Defence and Aerospace Market: Emerging Trends

2010-06-17T08:49:00.000+05:30

All the Studies/Reports/Surveys indicate that as defence expenditure is dropping in the traditionally big-spending western economies, including the USA, Indian defence spending will grow steadily over the next 20-25 years, as India implements a major defence modernisation. CIIs Report entitled “Prospects for Global Defence Export Industry in Indian Defence Market”, released in Jun 2010 at the Eurosatory 2010 too indicates this.

Linking defence spending to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) prediction that India’s economy will grow in real terms by 7.5 per cent from 2010 to 2014, the Studies indicate that India’s current defence expenditure of $32.03 billion will rise to an estimated $42 billion by 2015. The Capital Expenditure on new weapons / platforms will rise from the current $13.04 billion to $19.2 billion in 2015.

The figures are impressive. India will spend $100 billion on weaponry during the current Five Year Plan (2007-12), which will rise to $120 billion during the next Five Year Plan (2012-17), as per reports in the media.

“Buy Local” and "taxation arrangements" create special advantages for Indian firms. In case of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), tax advantages can be as high as 50 per cent. There are therefore clear opportunities for foreign firms in providing specialist inputs to Indian Defence Industry for developing advanced platforms and systems indigenously.

Read the full Article: India’s Defence and Aerospace Market: Emerging Trends

Svipja Technologies.
Courtesy: Business Standard.

India’s Naval Power and Indian Ocean

2010-06-12T08:10:00.002+05:30

India's increasing role in the Asia-Pacific has been firmly supported by the region's premier naval power, the United States. Since 2001, the U.S. and India have conducted over 40 joint military exercises, including one of the largest multilateral naval exercises ever held in the region, Malabar 2007, which featured three aircraft carriers, 28 surface vessels, 150 aircraft and over 20,000 personnel from India, the U.S., Japan, Australia and Singapore. A 10-year Indo-U.S. defence pact signed in June 2005 deepened intelligence-sharing, military technology transfers, missile-defense collaboration and arms sales.

The question for New Delhi will be how best to leverage this progress for additional security and improved relations throughout the region. Although India's "Look East" policy has clearly met with success, there are many in India who still fail to acknowledge the vital role it is poised to play in Asia. The ability of countries in the region to partner effectively with India would be enhanced significantly were New Delhi to define more concretely its vision for the country's broader role in Asia.

Read the full Article: India’s Naval Power and Indian Ocean

Svipja Technologies
Courtesy: USIBC and Its News Agencies.

Moments of Truth

2010-06-08T11:42:00.000+05:30

Chinese President's Visit to the US
US President's Visit to China

Courtesy: Internet Fan

Boeing Wants India to be Part of Its International Supply Chain

2010-05-27T08:42:00.000+05:30

Boeing plans to bid for defence projects worth up to USD 30 b (Rs 1,43,480 Crore) in India over the next 10 years. Space, Homeland Security and UAVs are some of the big businesses the company is targeting. Vivek Lall, in an interview, to the Financial Express commented on various issues covered in the succeeding paras.

‘Over the last four-five years, we have entered the defence segment. We come into the market with aspirations to be India's preferred partner. The Apache and the Chinook CH-47 are shortly going for summer trials. The US Congress has been informed about the possible sale of 10 C-17 Globemaster strategic air lifters, potentially valued at USD 5.8 b. This strengthens the growing partnership between the two countries.’

‘The competition for the MMRCA deal is very significant for all companies involved. We have completed all of the three trials. I think it is a very strategic acquisition, considering the number of competitors, but the Ministry of Defence has done a great job and done a thorough process. We want to establish a strong India footprint, regardless of the platform sales. This is a very important dimension to our company.’

‘We have a USD 600 m plus (Rs 2,777 Crore) commitment on offsets for the P-81. A USD 4.7 m (Rs 22 Crore) contract with HAL has been signed to provide weapon bay doors for the eight P-81 long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Indian Navy. We have an engagement strategy for India and want to make it part of our international supply chain. We want to be partners in India's mission to become self-reliant and a net exporter of defence products. As part of our F/A-18E/F campaign, we have signed 13 MoUs with Indian companies. This conglomerate has signed up with a cross section of 38 Indian companies for offsets. We have been looking at SMEs too.’

‘India's Defence procurement process is very forward-looking. We applaud the policy. The MoD introduced banking offsets. It is a welcome addition as it incentivises the original equipment manufacturers to work with the Indian partner. The buy-and-make clause shows the government's confidence in the industry. We've done USD 40 b (Rs 1, 85140 Crore) worth of offsets in over 30 countries and never defaulted. Fifty per cent of offset is a challenge. We are now looking forward to DPP 2010.’

‘The government is wise in increasing the FDI, as it will benefit the Indian industry. It is an evolution.’

Boeing’s future Plan calls for ‘An increase in UAV capabilities. We will engage in discussion with the forces here in conjunction with the government. We also have Homeland Security Solutions to offer.’

‘The good thing about the FMS Route, even though sometimes it is hard to understand, is that it brings with it the full support of the US Govt. If we get that, then we can hopefully show the Indian government the commitment of the US government. This is important.’

Svipja Technologies
Credit: USIBC and Its Agencies

India’s First Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Flight-Tested

2010-05-25T08:13:00.001+05:30

India's first indigenous attack helicopter took to the skies on 23 May 2010, Sunday morning, marking the country’s entry into a league of select nations that can design and manufacture the complex rotary wing attack aircraft.

The twin engined LCH has been derived from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The LCH programme was given clearance by the government in October 2006.

The LCH, which has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It will now go through a series of tests and evaluations over the next few years before its planned induction into the Army and Air Force by 2014-15.

Pse Click for the full Report: India’s Light Combat Helicopter Flight-Tested

Svipja Technologies

A Beautiful Message from George Carlin, Comedian: How True!

2010-05-23T19:10:00.005+05:30

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. An embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And Always Remember:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Courtesy: A Paratrooper

DRDOs AGNI-II Successful

2010-05-18T18:31:00.001+05:30

Agni II Long range nuclear capable Ballistic AGNI-II Missile has been successfully launched on 17 May 2010 (Monday) from the Wheelers Island in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Orissa. Indian Navy ships tracked the missile and confirmed the Missile hitting target. It meets the mission objectives fully.

The two stage solid propellant based AGNI-II Missile has 2000 kms range with a pay load capability of one ton. The missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art Navigation System for taking the Missile towards its designated target. Number of Radars and electro-optical tracking systems, located along the coast of Orissa have monitored the path of the Missile and evaluated all the parameters in real-time. Strategic Forces Command carried out the launch under supervision / guidance of the DRDO.

DRDO officials and senior officers of the Strategic Forces Command witnessed the launch.

Svipja Technologies

DRDO Being Revamped

2010-05-15T08:50:00.002+05:30

India will set-up a new Defence Technology Commission to provide a major boost to Defence R & D in the country. The Govt. also decided to go for the second generation of main battle tank 'Arjun' and 'Akash' surface-to-air missile. It is a welcome step!

Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will continue to design and development of combat aircraft, and continuation of the Kaveri aero-engine programme.

Management of the DRDO will be de-cetralised with a view to make it a leaner organisation by merging some of its laboratories with other public-funded institutions with similar discipline, interest and administrative system. It will form technology domain-based centres or clusters of laboratories, numbering Seven, each headed by a DG. The DGs will be responsible for time-bound delivery of the programmes.

Present DRDO Director General would be re-designated as 'DRDO Chairman' with Directors General at centres and Chief Controllers of Research and Development (CCsR&D) at the HQ DRDO reporting to the DRDO Chairman, the head of the organisation.

Budget for rejuvenating research should be 5 per cent of DRDO's budget for a period of three years.

The new Commercial Arm of DRDO would be a Private Limited Company with a seed capital of about Rs 2 Crore. It would deal only with spin-off products and technologies meant for civilian use. It will not take up any manufacturing activity, public or private sector industry will do it.

Svipja Technologies

Indian-designed Data Link for P8I of Boeing for the Indian Navy

2010-05-13T07:33:00.000+05:30

BEL has begun supplying communication technology to Boeing to install in P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine ac it is building for the Indian Navy.

BEL delivered the Indian-designed Data Link II, a communications system that will enable exchange of tactical data and messages among Indian Navy aircraft, ships and shore establishments. Boeing will install the system on P-8I at its facility in Renton, Wash.

India inked the $2.1 billion deal with Boeing for eight customized P-8A Maritime Multi-Mission Aircraft, designated P-8I, in January 2009. India will get its first P-8I in late of 2012 or early 2013, with delivery of the remaining seven aircraft expected by 2015 -16. India is the first international customer for the P-8 aircraft.

Svipja Technologies
Credit: DefenseNews

Time and Cost Overruns in DRDO Projects

2010-05-08T08:15:00.001+05:30

DRDO will use a consortium approach for design, development and fabrication of critical components, Project Monitoring Reviews and joint funding by the military services to try to overcome delays in Defence Projects/Pgmes, as per the Indian Defence Minister.

Some of the DRDO projects that have missed their original timelines include:

• The LCA Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) Program – Phase II was approved in 2001. It has overshot its budget by almost 100%. It was to be completed by 2008; the latest probable completion date is 2012.

• The Full Scale Engineering Development Program for the Naval Light Combat Aircraft (LCA-Navy) also overshot its budget and timeline by four years, from 2010 to 2014.

• The Interception, Monitoring, Direction Finding and Analysis System (IMDFAS) – Divyadrishti. Started in 2002, it was to be completed in 2008. The new date for completion is 2010.

• The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), begun in 1983, was to be completed by 1995. The revised date is 2010.

• The Kaveri Engine for LCA was approved in 1989 with a completion date of 1996. The latest schedule is 2010.

Reasons for delays and cost escalation include “technical/technological complexities; sanctions imposed, increase in scope of work, creation of more infrastructure, test facilities and their maintenance; change/enhancement in user requirements during development; deviations/failures during testing; [and] extended and long-drawn user trials.”

The R & D in any country does take time. This should not unduly alarm Us. We should however project realistic timeframe and funding needs at the time of project /pgme approval. Tendency in the Organisations to get the projects approved ‘at low outlay and least project timeline’ needs to be checked with a firm hand.

Svipja Technologies

Credit: Aviation Week.

India-US Naval Exercise in the Indian Ocean: 24 Apr - 02 May 2010

2010-05-06T08:10:00.002+05:30

Malabar 10, a 10 day India-US Naval Exercise was conducted in the Indian Ocean from Apr 24 to 02 May 2010.

The US Navy Chief Admiral Gary Roughead visited India prior to the Exercise in Apr 2010. Speaking at a round-table conference held on April 12 organized by the National Maritime Foundation, Roughead said that America's leaders at the highest level had declared that the US and India would be strategic partners for the 21st century.

"I'm here to say that the United States Navy in particular is a committed friend to India for the long term."

Task Force 70 of the Seventh Fleet based in Yokosuka, Japan, brought the cruiser USS Shiloh, the destroyers USS Chafee and USS Lassen and the frigate USS Curts for the Exercise. In addition, the US deployed a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, the USS Annapol. From the Indian side, the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore and three frigates - INS Godavari, INS Brahmaputra and INS Tabar - were also a part of the operations.

Svipja Technologies

National Seminar on Defence Acquisition by the IDSA

2010-05-05T09:47:00.002+05:30

There are many stakeholders in India’s defence industrial base and acquisition, but the Armed Forces remain central to it. The Forces have valid concerns about time-bound delivery of arms and systems to them. Any delay in any supply is counterproductive and thus has to be checked.

As per me, Defence Acquisition in India is plagued with ‘lack of transparency’, ‘deal money or corruption’, and ‘undue advocacy by vendors and their team’, as elsewhere. Cumulative effect of this results in delays. We need to check this.

The existing Acquisition Procedure(s) with sound trial system and ‘dispersed’ indep checks and balances, is considered highly adequate provided we lay down realistic timeframe, and adhere to it. Lapses in failing the timelines must be made accountable, and punishable.

There is a need for an integrated process and time-bound smooth acquisition. This does not mean creating yet another organisation /agency. It could happen from the present ‘desks’; just move integratedly. Seminar Summary can be read at:

http://idsa.in/event/NationalSeminaronDefenceAcquisition2010

We need not justify our ‘failures’ to deliver in-time, but endeavour to handover the right equipment at the right time to the Forces.

Svipja Technologies

Mahindra-BAE Defence JV Gets Operational

2010-05-05T08:50:00.000+05:30

Defence Land Systems, India, a 74:26, JV between Mahindra and BAE Systems was declared operational on 04 May 2010 at its first Board Meeting. Mr Anand Mahindra was elected as Chairman of the JV.

The Company starts functioning with existing products, business and facilities, and the present Team with Brigadier (Retd) Khutub Hai as MD & CEO .

"It is intended that the Company will become a National Centre of Excellence for design, development, manufacture, final assembly, integration and test of artillery systems in support of the Indian Army's Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan and upgrade programme for artillery," a press release said. The company is focused on the manufacture of up-armoured light vehicles, specialist military vehicles, mine protected vehicles, artillery systems and other selected land system weapons, support and upgrades.

Svipja Technologies

India Commissions First Indigenous Stealth Warship INS Shivalik

2010-04-30T20:26:00.005+05:30

India commissioned its first indigenously-built stealth warship, INS Shivalik with sophisticated systems integrated ,the first of the three-ship Project-17 frigates, at Mazagon Docks (MDL), on 29 Apr 2010.

The 143-metre-long warship, with 6,000-tonne displacement, has "versatile control systems with signature management and radar cross-section reduction features." The other countries having the capability to build stealth warships are the US, the UK, Russia, France, China, Japan and Italy.

The Navy currently has a 130-warship which includes an aircraft carrier, twenty landing ships, eight destroyers, twelve frigates and sixteen attack submarines.

Shivalik class warships can deal with multiple threat environment and are fitted with weapon suite comprising both area and point defence systems. It has sensors for air, surface and subsurface surveillance, electronic support and counter equipment and decoys for 'soft kill measures'.

Shivalik marks Indian capability in design and development of indigenous vessels.

Svipja Technologies

Pak Urdu Press: 19 - 25 Apr 2010

2010-04-28T18:55:00.001+05:30

Pakistan Urdu Press is IDSA's Weekly Newsletter containing selected translations from Pakistan's leading Urdu dailies. It contains editorial excerpts, opinion columns and selected news items.

Pakistan and surrounding areas impact local and global security. It is important to 'monitor' reports in the local press of Pakistan.

Pse Click Pakistan Urdu Press

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.indiandefenceindustry.com/
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: In Arrangement with the IDSA, http://www.idsa.in/ ,India's Think Tank on Matters Defence.

MMRCA, India

2010-04-27T06:50:00.001+05:30

IAF is presently conducting flight trials for the MMRCA Jets. The bids are to expire on April 28. The MOD has asked manufacturers to extend offers for an additional year with the option of revising their price, if warranted, as per report.

The Jets need to go through field trials in all the terrain obtaining in the country. It is a normal process to ask for extension of the validity of the bids by a few months if delay in contract signing is envisaged. One year extension should suffice.

Svipja Technologies

Indigenous Anti-Submarine Corvettes for the Navy

2010-04-21T19:37:00.004+05:30

India launched its first anti-submarine warfare corvette built by GRSE, Kolkata, on 19 Apr 2010. It would be commissioned in 2012. Four ships of this class are under construction, other three are expected to be commissioned by 2015.

The corvette is a small, fast-moving ship with 3,100-tonnage. It will be fitted with the latest indigenous sonars. The torpedo tubes, and scutter (torpedo decoys) launchers contribute to its anti-submarine capability. In addition, the ship will also be equipped with vertically launched Point Defence Missile System (PDMS) and Close- In-Weapon-Systems (CIWS) such as AK 30s and Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM). The ship is equipped with decoy system, Kavach which counters the threat of various anti-ship missiles.

At present the Indian Navy does not have any anti-submarine corvettes. It uses bigger ships like frigates and destroyers for anti-sub ops.

Svipja Technologies.

Journal of Defence Studies: Defence Acquisition Special, Jan 2010

2010-04-20T12:24:00.007+05:30

'Our defence forces require timely and cost effective acquisition of defence equipment to enable them to meet any challenge to the country's security. The emerging security scenario is very challenging. Nobody can say what will happen in some of our neighbouring areas. India will have to be fully prepared, our armed forces will have to be fully prepared to meet any challenge from any quarter and they must be able to protect every inch of Indian territory' said the Defence Minister in the IDSA Defence Acquisition Seminar in Jan 2010.

Defence equipments are technology intensive involving heavy investments. Moreover, the equipment remains in an inventory for a long time. Acquisition of defence equipment requires expertise in diverse fields from technical to administrative such as military, technology, industry, market research, contract management, project management, administration and policy making. Defence acquisition is, therefore, a time consuming and a cumbersome process

It is therefore essential that we all are conversant with India's Defence Acquisition Process to make it happen expeditiously but correctly.

Pse read the Defence Acquisition proceedings compiled by the IDSA in its Special Issue on the Defence Acquisition: http://idsa.in/jds/4_1_2010

Svipja Technologies

Arty Guns for India

2010-04-20T08:48:00.000+05:30

Trials for procuring 155 mm, 52-calibre towed guns began in summer 2002, when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) began evaluating three guns from BAE Systems, Soltam; and Denel. Five rounds of trials, conducted in 2002; 2003; 2004; and 2006; reached no conclusion. Denel was blacklisted for corruption in September 2005; the other two guns did not meet the army’s standards.

A fresh tender was issued in 2008.

Indian Field Howitzer-2000 (IFH-2000), developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics, or STK joined-in the tender. In 2009, STK was 'blacklisted' for corruption after the arrest of the Chairman, OFB. STK has now been asked to field its gun for trials.

Guns under trials are to be from BAE (Indian Partner M & M), and STK (Indian Partner Punj Loyd). The Order for 155 mm Gun, 52 Calibre towed gun, is for about INR 8000 Crores.

Pse read the full Report from Business Standard on: Arty Guns

Svipja Technologies

Consolidated FDI Policy India, Effective 01 Apr 2010

2010-04-14T09:19:00.001+05:30

FDI in Defence Industry is permissible up to 26%, under Government route subject to Industrial license under the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act 1951 and the following conditions:

Licence applications will be considered and licences given by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in consultation with Ministry of Defence.

Cases involving FDI will be considered by the FIPB and licences given by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion in consultation with Ministry of Defence.

The applicant should be an Indian company / partnership firm.

Government decision on applications to FIPB for FDI in defence industry sector will be normally communicated within a time frame of 10 weeks from the date of ack.

Consolidated FDI Policy India, 2010

Svipja Technologies

Svipja CMR Chair (5) : A Dynamic Model Needs to be Developed for CMR

2010-04-14T08:22:00.007+05:30

[This Posting was made by Svipja on 15 Jul 2009. A lot has happened in the CMR arena in the Indian Context in the recent past. It was therefore considered prudent to establish 'Svipja Civil-Military Relations Chair' from within resources of Svipja Technologies, a Think Tank in its own right. Our research will be objective, impartial and a positive delivery to Democratic forms of Govts, with special focus on India. This Note in fact marks genesis of the Chair.]

Indian Military has remained loyal and apolitical since Independence. It appears to have faced ‘not-so-pleasant’ handling in our system, reasons are many. Has resulted in ‘grouses’, at the levels of officers and men which are amply seen lately. As a ‘maturing democracy’, we all need to be careful. We can not afford to let the professionalism of the Indian Military erode in view of challenges & commitments that the nation has.

It is time that we develop a ‘dynamic model’ for better understanding of the type of civil-military relations which could dominate the country’s political life. The creation of a multi-factorial model is therefore needed. This model ought to be a composite one. The following issues could be considered:

Firstly, The military institution itself. A close observation to the size of the military institution, the social background and the level of professionalism of its members, their political ideology, their level of cohesion and unity as well as that of their desire to protect their corporate interest(s), could offer us a better chance for comprehending the relations.

Secondly, the model should take into consideration the effect of the domestic social, economic and the political environment in which the military institution lives and functions. Special attention ought to be paid to the political factors since it is this which will greatly determine whether the process of democratisation has established strong roots in the nations’ military and the country.

Thirdly, the role of the international factor and more specifically the influence which the major foreign powers could exercise upon both the military establishments, and the country’s para-military forces in their routine interactions.

Lastly, the past and the present role of the military institutions in the evolution of civil-military relations. A small rider below should be added here.

Most studies of civil-military relations are greatly concerned with the 'military factor' only after an intervention occurs. The role of these institutions in domestic policy-making process in situations where the military does not rule, is often neglected or under-estimated. Although most of research anywhere focuses on the immediate factors leading to the military intervention, they forget that the military organization as "a system of continuous purposive activity of specified kind" functions within the society long before the pre-intervention stage. It is said that "the direct control of govt. by officers or military junta is only a crude indication of the role that the armed forces may be playing at a given moment, for men in uniform have sundry ways of making their will felt".

The phenomenon needs a continuous study. May be institutions like IDSA /Other Think Tanks could help in regular profiling of Civil-Military Relations in India. The relations are ‘not very diligently’ handled presently, to say the least.

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
Credit: NATO Study on Turkey & Greece.

Svipja CMR Chair (4): Why are CMR More Important in a Democracy?

2010-04-14T08:20:00.004+05:30

There is a ‘rooted’ tendency amongst Us to narrow Civil-Military Relations to IAS-Military Top Brass. In wider sense it in fact relates to who governs the Country, Civil or Military leadership?

Civil is all encompassing - politicians, civil bureaucracy including allied civil services, police, State machinery, civil offices providing services like supplies, power, water, teles, transportation, roads, etc. Military and its personnel deal at various levels of ‘civil governance’ in official and personal capacities. Any aberrations to military personnel while on duty, off duty, or at home leaves them frustrated if not handled well. Military has expectations to be governed / handled diligently and in an orderly fashion. It is here that a soldier ‘grumbles’ when he is ‘towed’ to follow ethos alien to him.

First damage to civil-military relation stems when a soldier is handled shabbily, dishonestly, or indifferently in the Civil. And this could multiply manifold as he moves through his ‘life cycle’. In his frustration, he then uses ‘force’, the only ‘expertise’ developed in him to reach his objective, at least temporarily, willing to face its consequences subsequently.

Any nation has to be sensitive not to bruise soldiers’ pride in day-to-day interactions. Self-Pride, Self-Respect, Self-Reliance, High-Class Motivation, Professionalism, Ability to Lead by Example, etc are his inherent strengths. Any act that tends to lower it is damaging to the Forces, and Nation as a whole. Anyone including Armed Forces Leadership hurting/undermining these basic traits in any manner is doing disservice to the Nation as it may result in ‘mass grouse’, sometimes difficult to be handled by leadership. That’s why the Armed Forces handle cases of bad management, indiscipline or corruption strictly.

‘All Civil Institutions’ need to fully appreciate it in a democracy like India, where ‘ethos & personal examples’ tend to become casualty.

A Soldier is a Class by Itself and Should be treated as Such. He is then ‘fit’ to deliver optimally ensuring Your Freedom.

We are an established democracy now, it is time that we talked and discussed Civil-Military Relations openly, and organised ourselves on 'Systems Approach' both in thinking and action.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies
[It is a stub, could be expanded to a full Article by some Researcher(s)]

Crux of the Homeland Security Problem

2010-04-13T08:59:00.005+05:30

"Terrorists, Divisive Forces and Naxals are on the prowl fomenting violence by exploiting and intimidating the poor and 'have-nots' and more particularly the tribal people," perspective shared by Home Minister P Chidambaram in Puducherry PCC Meeting on Apr 10, 2010.

This is the crux of our Homeland Security problem.

Coupled with Corruption and bad Governance, it becomes deadly to the Idea of India.

We must all, at least the Govt. Machinery including 'neutral security experts', move in unison on the issue w/o trying to score individual points, and partake in blame-game of any kind.

Svipja Technologies
http://www.svipja.com/

Corruption, Governance, and Maoists

2010-04-11T08:13:00.003+05:30

A number of ‘national debate(s)’ on the Maoists have been orchestrated in media in last few days, post massacre of our CRPF Men. Unfortunately these are laced with petty party politics, and ‘cover-up syndrome’. We should get clear of it. We need to answer the following:

1. Is Maoist Movement indigenous, or sponsored and funded by Agencies interested in destabilizing India?

2. Have we provided ‘breeding ground’ for this movement with utter neglect of the development of the Regions?

3. Factors like Governance and Corruption are to be simultaneously tackled. How much discontent or disharmony these spread in our routine social lives? Are we really able to reach ‘Idea of India’ through mis-governance and corrupt practices?

4. Are the killings by Maoists purely their operational objective, abetted and supported by nations/agencies inimical to India, or just a ‘revenge’ of the sort? We need not support killings by Maoists , but see the reasons clearly to chart long-term strategy.

5. Are we reaching-out to our countrymen, the Maoists, shedding our ‘State Ego’? We have build expertise since Independence in alienating our communities somehow.

6. We must answer, how much ‘personal stake’ we have in such-like field operations?

------------------ And Much More.

Finally, are our PMFs designed to tackle ‘self-motivated’ insurgent groups? We have models at hand like NSG, RRs, Assam Rifles, etc, to emulate for CRPF too. Develop them into a hard-hitting independent force with all arms & services suitably integrated. No sacrifices or investments are very heavy to make the ‘Idea of India’ flourish. But, let Us not create more Maoists or Terrorists in the process.

‘Development of the Regions’ and ‘Punishing the Maoists’ need to be concurrent elements in our strategy.

We have the desired expertise to develop a customized Homeland Security Mechanism. We just need to focus, and be honest to ourselves.

Svipja Technologies

India for more AEW ac

2010-04-10T08:54:00.002+05:30

India has sought RFP from Israel Aerospace Industries(IAI) to supply another three Ilyushin Il-76-based airborne EW ac.

The deal could be worth $1.5 billion. It follows India’s previous order for three IL-76s modified by IAI's Subsidiary, Elta Systems. India is likely to receive its second AEW ac in mid-2010 under the first contract, with the third to follow next year.

The ac is deployed for tactical surveillance, and EW Int missions.

Svipja Technologies
Credit: USIBC & Its News Agencies.

DRDO Launches Aero Programmes With Civil Industry

2010-04-09T08:47:00.001+05:30

Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), HQ Bangalore, a DRDO lab, is the nodal agency to spearhead Rs 100 Crores initiative to fund R&D projects in the area of gas turbines. Under this venture, aero R&D projects for investments of Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 5 Crores would be considered for funding. Rs 78 Crores have already been sanctioned. GRTE would support 40 to 45 such projects.

The initiative is expected to fuel "coherent directed research" in the area of gas turbines, DRDO said.

DRDOs Approach takes into account futuristic national programmes. It would support, encourage, nurture, monitor and exploit the design, research, development and manufacturing capability of academic institutions and R&D establishments, industries and other think tanks to carry out frontline work in bringing out next generation gas turbine engine system.

The programme envisages participation of 100 R&D Centres and 1,000 scientists, engineers and technicians.

High-Tech MSMEs should come forward to join the programme.

Svipja Technologies

‘State Ego’ in a Democracy

2010-04-08T10:06:00.002+05:30

India has fissiparous tendencies. In such a situation, to propagate and maintain the ‘Idea of India’ assumes special significance. It is not the aim to go into details of this hypothesis at this stage.

This makes the Government exert its will on its citizens in the process of Governance. This aspect may have been rooted in our psyche because of hundreds of years of foreign occupation of our land. If the Democracy is ‘for the people’ and ‘by the people, our Governance philosophy ought to be citizen-friendly.

We must refrain from tit-for-tat policy and instead take a conciliatory approach for any conflict resolution with our citizens; conflict need not always be met by force. Is it the ‘State Ego’ in its unpleasant form that tends to create situations leading to insurgency or terrorism? We need to mull over it as a democracy. Of course, all this is to be within our Constitution.

Our Leaders should not stand on ‘State or Personal ego’. Get on the table earliest through Track 1, 2, ---- n, methods. That creates a win-win.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies

CRPF Men 'Shot Dead' by Maoists in Chhatisgarh

2010-04-07T09:08:00.006+05:30

It is difficult to comprehend loss of over 70 CRPF Men to the Maoists in Chhatisgarh without any casualty to them. There is no flaw in planning LRP Operations continuously for four days by a sub-unit. LRPs are known to go far beyond four days. Execution of the operations and ‘Conduct of the Company in the LRP’ needs to be put under scrutiny if we have to avoid such 'massacre' in future.

Let ‘truth’ be known to the Planners!

It is distressing to hear ‘mass killings’ of uniformed personnel in the Operations. No ‘plain’ reasons stand to justify the incident. No ‘cover-up’ are to be encouraged.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies

Svipja CMR Chair (3): A Perspective

2010-04-05T09:34:00.007+05:30

Some excerpts from the Article of Lt General Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Former VCOAS, are given below which have CMR Implications in the Indian Context:

“The deteriorating civil-military relations do not bode well for the safety and security of the nation. And the regional security environment is cause for concern. The status of army personnel is dwindling continuously, adversely affecting the morale of the rank and file.”

“In democracies the world over, the political leadership makes national policy and the national security strategy, with the active participation of civil and military officials of the country. However, in India, the military has been deliberately kept out of the policy formulation loop and even after over six decades of loyal, patriotic and dedicated service to the nation, it is obvious that it is still not trusted!”

“The military also needs to modify the concept of being apolitical. The army’s long standing stance of keeping a distance from the leaders of political parties other than those of the party in power needs to be modified. In a parliamentary system like ours, policy is formulated by all parliamentarians despite differences of the opposition. After all, the Parliament Standing Committee on Defence and similar other committees are all-party bodies. Consequently, though remaining apolitical, the army needs to apprise and discuss its concerns with the political leadership across the board. This would not reduce the apolitical nature of the army, about which it is justifiably so proud.”

“Civil Control implies the supremacy of the political leadership over both the military as well as the civil bureaucracy.”

Click: Challenges Before the New Army Chief for the full Article.

Svipja CMR Chair

Svipja CMR Chair (2) :National Security & Civil-Military Relations

2010-04-04T08:44:00.009+05:30

One of the cornerstones of a democracy is a healthy civil-military relationship (CMR). India stands out as a success story in civil-military relations amongst developing nations of the world. The nation and its military are rightfully proud of it. We need to maintain this right ‘balance’.

Should the discourse on civil-military relations remain confined to the facts that in our country there have never been open criticism of the government’s policies on military affairs, never any combat refusal, or anything like a threat of military takeover? Unfortunately, most of our experts and the media are content to focus on the presence or absence of civilian control, politicisation, military discontent and discipline as the only considerations worthy of attention. Little attention is paid to the dynamics of politico-military strategies and civil-military discourse and its impact on military capabilities, and doctrines to safe-guard security of our nation.

Article of General VP Malik, PVSM, AVSM, Former COAS, in The Tribute recently covers certain aspects of National Security and related issues.

Click:

Svipja CMR Chair (1): India's Think Tanks

2010-04-03T08:57:00.005+05:30

Firstly, Think Tanks should in the normal course aim to influence targeted audience for getting their ‘mind share’. It should take a ‘systems approach’ to an issue with the ultimate objective of sound implementation to achieve the desired outcome. It is not correct to say that the Policy Makers or Others may not ‘heed to the advice, or may not be influenced’ by the Think Tanks. It does in a way. If not, these are not Think Tanks then - their research results may be ‘tainted’, not in line with the democratic values, or totally out of context. Think Tanks need not work in ‘vacuum’ of any kind and should relate to the existing or future course(s). That much for the concept.

Secondly, Think Tanks need to be staffed with practicing managers/researchers and academia of the right kind to tackle real-life situations, and not be pure ‘philosophic’. These should relate to our ‘own’ environments. This would help in looking at their findings from ‘Policy Angle(s)’. Who funds it may not be very important in today’s intellectual scenario; system sees it through and places credibility on the Think Tanks accordingly. There may be hundreds of them but a few are creditworthy.

Thirdly, the subject matter to be tackled could take the form of a 'Chair’, for long life. The Chair could be established in Corporates, Universities, Foundations, etc, provided they operate under the Charter of Think Tanks. Intellect is widely dispersed.

Mr Kanti Bajpai’s Article in today’s TOI on ‘ Think Tanks in India’s Democracy’ puts the subject issue in a perspective, but the 'common notion'.

Click: Think Tanks in Democracy

'Svipja Civil-Military Relations (CMR) Chair' be seen in this context, a faithful delivery to the Indian Democracy and its People in CMR.

Svipja Technologies

Indian Defence Industry Development

2010-03-31T05:46:00.001+05:30

Air Force to Get Brahmos. The Govt. has cleared Rs 11,600 Crore Agreement for formal induction of the Brahmos missile into the IAF. It has also cleared two more regts of the supersonic land attack system to the Army.

The missile is already in service with the Navy and Army. This is the first time that a surface-to-surface version of the missile will be inducted into the IAF.

Brahmos Aerospace, a joint venture between the DRDO and Russian company. This is to develop and manufacture of advanced versions of the cruise missile that can be launched from aircraft, submarines, ships and land. Brahmos is capable of attaining speeds between 2.5 and 2.8 mach, it has a range of about 290 km .

Indian Light Combat Helicopter(LCH). India has flight-tested a prototype of the LCH successfully.

"The maiden test flight of the LCH on 29 Mar 2010 was successful. Though it was a short haul lasting about 20 minutes, the performance was good," said the CMD, HAL.

The 5.5-tonne attack helicopter copter is an Air Force derivative of HAL's Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), known as Dhruv. The LCH can operate at altitudes up to 6,000 m. It has Shakti engine, developed by HAL in partnership with Turbomeca, France.

HAL plans to supply about 150-175 units of the LCH to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army which already operates the military version of Dhruv for various functions.

The LCH will be equipped with advanced weapons systems , helmet-mounted targeting system, EW Systems. It will incorporate a number of stealth features and crash-worthy landing gear for better survivability. It will have a narrow fuselage, with two crew stations.

Svipja Technologies

Launch of ‘Svipja Civil- Military Relations (CMR) Chair’

2010-03-29T08:26:00.002+05:30

General

“Svipja Civil- Military Relations Chair” (or ‘Chair’, for short) has been set-up by Svipja Technologies with a view to harness Ideas from Intellectual Defence Community to promote Civil-Military Relations in India. Views from the International Community will also be welcome.

This work is needed in order to raise intellectual capital of the stakeholders in line with the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It would help reinforcing democratic values in the Defence Community with Military Ethos intact.

Objectives

The establishment of the Chair and Fellowships is expected to:

1. Promote healthy and meaningful exchange of ideas amongst the intellectual Defence Community on civil-military relations in the Indian Context.

2. Facilitate wider, deeper, and un-biased discussions / interactions amongst the intellectual Community, and Faculty / Moderator(s) appointed against the Chair or as Fellows, in particular.

Terms and Conditions

The creation and operation of the Chair and Fellowships will be subject to the terms enumerated in the succeeding paras.

Methodology Research work on the subject will be undertaken by a Team constituted by Svipja Technologies within the Objectives laid. Certain identified Blogs / Sites will be used to initiate discussions amongst the stakeholders. Once done, ‘finished product’ would be circulated to the stakeholders, and published in a transparent manner.

Donor(s) Svipja Technologies will meet all the expenses of the Chair as a Founder.

Founder Fellowship Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh will be the first faculty against the Chair.

Guidelines for “Appointment” of Faculty Against the Chair To be approved by the Board of Governors established by Svipja Technologies / Trusts / Donors.

Eligibility Anyone with a track record in defence with independent, impartial & sound logical abilities would be eligible to be considered for “appointment” against the Chair. Individual(s) being considered would first be appointed as Moderator(s). The Chair has a Think Tank’s charter.

Duration of the Chair The “appointment” against the Chair will be made for a period of up to five years. However, continuation into the fourth and fifth years will be subject to a review at the end of the third year. Further, an individual may be eligible to be considered for re-appointment, together with other eligible candidates, for a period of up to 5 years (without a break) any number of times.

Designation Member(s) appointed against the Chair will be called “Svipja Civil-Military Relations Chair Emeritus Research Fellow / Research Fellow / Research Associate Fellow”.

Research Grant To be assigned by Svipja Technologies on need basis as the faculty / work expands.

Intellectual Property (IP) Rights As a result of the “appointment” against the Chair, there shall be no change in the rights applicable to the IP developed by the researchers / faculty members and/or his/her collaborators.

Strategic Alliance(s) Svipja Technologies would be willing to establish strategic alliance(s) with like-minded bodies.

Research Presentations Research Articles will be published on Media/Sites/Blogs identified for the purpose. In addition, as a result of the “appointment” against the Chair, the faculty would be expected to undertake Presentations of the research findings of the Chair to various targeted audience, organizations and institutions.

Conclusion

This work would enhance intellectual capital of the stakeholders for security of the country in environments unfolding in the 21st Century India. Dynamics of the Civil-Military relations needs to be captured routinely in the Indian Polity.

All Veterans are welcome to contribute their thoughts.

Sukhwindar

www.svipja.com

Civil-Military Relations: Why are These More Important in a Democracy?

2010-03-26T09:42:00.004+05:30

100% FDI in Defence Sector

2010-03-25T19:44:00.002+05:30

It could be a 'wishful thinking' to reach 49% figure and a 'red herring' of a special variety etched differently. MOD remains firm on 26% FDI generally enhanced on case-to-case basis.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies

India to Get Second AWACS Today

2010-03-25T06:53:00.000+05:30

India will receive another Israeli-made Phalcon Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) today, giving it the second 'eye in the sky' for enhanced surveillance.

The second AWACS will arrive in Jamnagar in Gujarat and will be based in Agra.

With the arrival of the second AWACS, officials said the IAF can keep an eye on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.After the induction of the third system, India would be able to virtually cover the whole nation at one go.

The system, primarily used for detection of incoming hostile cruise missiles and aircraft from hundreds of kms away, can also direct air defence fighters during combat operations against enemy jets. It also helps detect troop build up across the borders.

Svipja Technologies
Credit: PTI.

Indigenous Effort in A & D

2010-03-19T06:24:00.001+05:30

India's Public and Private Sector would have a much bigger role to play in the production of defence equipment in the near future if the country is to achieve near-self-reliance, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said on 17 March after commissioning the ICGS ‘Vishwast' at the Goa Shipyard Limited. Our desire is to strive for more self-reliance in this critical area.

“We should reduce reliance on other countries and make more space for Indian industries in both the Private and Public Sectors,” he said.

The bottom line is, while underlining the growing importance of the Private Sector in the area of defence equipment production, it would not mean the weakening of the Public Sector. Private Sector production in the A & D is to be add-on. Defence equipment supply to other friendly countries should also be on our agenda.

Svipja Technologies
Credit: The Hindu.

Transparency and 'Value Receipt' in Offset Projects

2010-03-17T13:15:00.003+05:30

Offsets are to flow in India in the next 5-10 years. This could give rise to ‘scandals’ if not handled prudently. It is important that offsets drive value to the Buyer in a transparent and accountable manner without compromising professional integrity in the Offset System which includes all the ‘players’ both in India and abroad.

Offset projects should be screened with the same diligence as the main contract. This would need an ‘organisation’ that should be capable of conducting ‘due diligence’ on a number of offset projects, large number in most cases, with each project evaluated and valuated with ‘buyer-country-fit’ to get real value of the offsets.

All ‘leakages’ need to be plugged while evaluation is under way.

DOFA-MOD and DAC have to ‘mediate’ effectively. It is no secret that most of the offset agencies quite often are not very experienced to handle the offset projects. If required, professional help from ‘neutral experts’ can be taken. Defence Industry Units, both at home and abroad, are quite burdened with their routine schedules; offsets are extra work, need extra professional staff.

Svipja Technologies

‘Relax Hi-Tech Export Control’, India to US

2010-03-17T08:51:00.000+05:30

In the 7th High Technology Cooperation Group held in Mar 2010, India again asked the US to liberalise its export control regulations which restrict ToT to India. India feels that there could be no better partner than India to galvanise its High-Tech.

"We see this as yet another area where Indian and US interest converge and, as a reliable and strategic partner, we look forward to seeing enhancement of trade in such goods and technologies between our two countries and removal of remaining Indian organisations from the Entity List. It is anomalous that a body like ISRO, which is developing several collaborations with NASA, should continue to be on this list," Nirupma Rao, Indian Foreign Secy, said in the Group.

With the US Government's recent decision to undertake a thorough export control review to increase High-Tech exports, Ms Nirupma Rao said, "We noted the announcement of a National Export Initiative - to reform the Export Control System for American strategic, High-Tech Industries, so that their competitiveness is enhanced without compromising the country’s national security”.

India needs a close co-operation with the US in High-Tech Strategic Areas.

Svipja Technologies

Try and Begin from Within

2010-03-13T20:08:00.000+05:30

Courtesy: Mohinder S Saundh, IIT, Kharagpur, Sweden.

Indian Defence Industry Development

2010-03-09T09:53:00.001+05:30

LCA. India is likely to induct the LCA into the Air Force by March 2011, as per the Indian Defence Minister A. K. Antony. LCA is an advanced technology, supersonic, multi-role, air superiority fighter, single-seat, single-engine, lightweight, all-weather ac designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea combat roles. The IAF has already inducted 20 LCAs at the Operational Clearance Stage. They need more than 200 LCA-type ac.

Nag (Cobra) Missile/ATGM. It is a third-generation (Gen-3) - fire-and-forget- missile. Its optical guidance system is virtually jam-proof. It will be inducted into the Indian Army shortly. Has a range of 500 m to 3000-4000 km. Can be fired at night. Developed by the DRDO under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) which was initiated in 1983. The IGMDP has the Agni and Prithvi ballistic missiles; the Akash and Trishul anti-aircraft missiles; and the Nag ATGM to its credit.

Sukhwindar

Indian Defence Industry Development

2010-03-06T07:28:00.007+05:30

Issues are falling in place after the recent Def Expo 2010. The Govt./MOD has made its stand clear on certain matters. Some of the important developments are listed in the succeeding paras.

FDI in Defence. As articulated in this Blog from the very beginning, the Govt. may allow higher FDI than 26% on case-to-case basis, but the 26% limit remains.

Basic Trainer Planes. India is to procure 75 Basic Trainer Planes. As per Reports, RFPs have been floated to EADS PZL (PZL-130-TC-11 Orik), Raytheon (T-6 Texan), Grob Aircraft Company (G-120TP) , Embraer’s Tucano, Pilatus (PC-7 or PC-/9), Finmeccanica (M-311), and Korea Aerospace Industries (KT-1). Later, 106 ac will be built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)”.

Russia-India Co-operation. Are likely to sign 4 b USD defence contracts. These are to be three contracts incl retrofitting the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, possibly during Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's visit to India.

NBC Simulator by Navy. The Navy is setting up a NBC defence training facility for its personnel. Request for Information (RFI) has been issued.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.indiandefenceindustry.com/
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: USIBC and Its News Agencies.

Pak Urdu Press: 23 Feb - 01 Mar 2010

2010-03-05T13:58:00.000+05:30

TCS to BEL?

2010-03-04T07:46:00.003+05:30

There is a report in the Business Standard today captioned 'MOD Sidelines Pvt Sector in Crucial Defence Project'. There is a logic in engaging DPSUs, or OFB for sensitive projects though the defence sector participation is open to the Private Sector. Reasons are not difficult to understand. The MOD on case-to-case basis could decide the project clearance. It is therefore not very difficult to appreciate why should BEL be in the lead for getting the TCS project.

BEL can be the main integrator with technology taken from the DRDO and Others incl from abroad. Also MSMEs get their share as vendors of components and subsystems. BEL as a DPSU is best placed to evaluate security needs of our main stay comn system like TCS, and monitor in various stages of its integration.

In fact in EW-intensive battle environments, TCS procurement ‘must’ be categorised as, “Make — Strategic, Complex and Security Sensitive Systems”, and funded accordingly.

If the decision comes through the way it is being reported in the Press, it would be highly pragmatic – no one should be very ‘doubtful’ of the DPSUs and the DRDO in certain abilities, or technologies.

Defence Projects, as I have said elsewhere on this Blog, are 'not a purely business decision’.

Sukhwindar

Parliament House & North-South Blocks - Sometimes Mid 1930s

2010-03-03T09:05:00.004+05:30

Sukhwindar
Courtesy: Sandeep Budhiraja, Sector 33.

India Defence Budget: 2010-2011

2010-03-02T08:32:00.001+05:30

"Secure Borders and Security of Life and Property Fosters Development”. The Defence Minister proposed to increase the allocation for defence to Rs.147,344 Crore. This includes Rs.60,000 Crore for Capital Expenditure. Any additional requirement for the security of the nation will also be provided for.

The allocation for OFB has been slashed by Rs.1,835 Crore to Rs.1,999 Crore against Rs.3,834 Crore in the previous fiscal.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) receives a hike of Rs.881 Crore to Rs.5,260 Crore from its revised allocation of Rs.4,379 Crore in the FY.

India Defence Budget 2010-2011

Happy Holi !

2010-03-01T04:26:00.002+05:30

Training Capsule ESMs: e-SP2

2010-02-28T05:17:00.005+05:30

Different Capsules would be needed for Officers, and PBOR. Major coverage would be:

1. Indian Defence Industry Infrastructure, both Govt. and Private.

2. R & D Infrastructure incl DRDO, IITs/IISc and Others.

3. Technology needs of the Armed Forces with specific reference to gaps to be filled.

4. DPP, Offset , Security and Other Regulations /Policies relating to Defence Procurement and Information.

5. Business Plans and Due Diligence Issues.

6. Sales and Marketing knowledge.

7. Documentation.

8. To be e-Savvy to work on the e-Hub for India Defence and Aerospace Ecosystem, http://www.indiandefenceindustry.com/

9. Any Other Module considered essential.

The above subjects could be detailed further to make ESMs/ex-Defence Professionals useful to the Defence Industry. Our Welfare and ESM Resettlement Organisations incl DGR should gear-up accordingly.

Svipja Technologies
(Development of Defence & Aerospace Consultants)

Creativity in Adolf Hitler

2010-02-27T09:04:00.002+05:30

These drawings and watercolours are the childish attempts of a want-to-be-artist, Adolf Hitler. He was dreaming of attending courses at the Academy of Belle Arts in Vienna. Unfortunately, they did not accept him at the Academy. If they had accepted him, the world would have definitely been different today …

Courtesy: Mohinder Singh Saundh, IITK, Sweden.

Foreign Equity Cap and Indo-US Defence Industry Co-operation

2010-02-26T05:55:00.001+05:30

India needs state-of-the-art high-tech for its Defence & Aerospace Industry. GoI has capped FDI at 26% in the Industry with provision to increase it on case-to-case basis. The US advocates FDI limit to increase to 49% for the defence co-operation. This view is being 'drummed' for the past 3-4 Years. Possibly both the Govts have reasons to articulate their stands. Can't it be resolved prudently & amicably for a win-win?

Issue like this should not derail or limit the co-operation which has started 'cautiously', as it is.

Another important perspective is the issue of enhanced role of the Private Sector in high-tech Industry in India. The US officials want the US-India CEO Forum "to focus on how the Govts can work with the Private Sector to really capitalise on the energies, ideas, and practical experience of the Private Sector".

The US also wanted to strengthen the Private Sector's role throughout its dialogues with India -- in agriculture, ICT, health, and education, to name just a few, Robert O. Blake, Asst Secy of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, told this to the Washington International Business Council on 24th Feb. Read the full Report:

US Wants India to Raise Foreign Equity Cap in Defence

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
www.IndianDefenceIndustry.com
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: The Economic Times.

Defence Offsets India: A Close Review

2010-02-25T20:10:00.002+05:30

We have all stakeholders- OEMs, Govts incl the Armed Forces, Industry, Public & Private, DRDO and Other Research Organisations, MSMEs, Industry Associations & Chambers, and Others – present their advocacy in the past 2-3 years eloquently with no hold barred. Everyone has a ‘coloured’ approach.

Buyer Govt., India, has a clear mandate to develop its Defence & Aerospace Industrial Base, but others would attempt to ‘play safe’. It is here that strong resolve and perseverance to build the domestic industry is needed, and all negativity snubbed.

We could slate our need, strategic-techno-commercial, as under:

1. Technologies and Engineering Practices that no country would be willing to part with in order to retain its technological leadership in the defence / industrial domain, such technologies would need to be developed in-house through DRDO/IITs/IISc/ Other Research Ests with major Govt Funding, with / without offset partnership.

2. Technologies and Engineering Practices that are ‘critical’ but can be shared with ‘friends’, and 'allies' by OEMs for various benefits, these could be co-developed through FDI Route/Domestic Investments/Govt / Offset Funding, etc.

3. Designs, Engineering Practices and ToT that come necessarily as part of the contracts in terms of licensed production in India need NOT be separately priced. This could form part of the Product Quote, built in the RFQ. Such a manufacturing and subsequent procurement by the OEM/Its Agencies forms part of the offset fulfillment, gets them offset credits. Indian MSMEs too benefit by this process greatly.

Export clause for products/services manufactured in India irrespective of IP ownership, ownership stake in the JVs in India , Tax Issues relating to domestic consumption and export of such goods to OEM Country(ies) and Others need to be amicably and diligently worked out in the contracts.

We should approve only those offset credits that build and enhance our Defence & Aerospace Industry. How it is to be shared between Public and Private Players including MSMEs is a sensitive decision which surely needs strategic vision.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.indiandefenceindustry.com/
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)

Pak Urdu Press: 16 - 22 Feb 2010

2010-02-24T18:33:00.000+05:30

Def Expo 2010: ‘Self-Respect’ comes from ‘Self-Reliance’

2010-02-22T19:37:00.005+05:30

India has fairly large-sized Security Forces to maintain its integrity with hostile environment in the South Asia and not very conducive environment for its development & growth in the rest of the world. Do we let India realize its potential, is the question to be answered by the developed nations, and how would it affect Us? This should be the main ‘Term of Reference’ for developed nations.

We have small and large advocacy organizations operating in India which are always happy in ‘Doing Down Indian Achievements’ for reasons best known to them. 30% of Us below poverty line, corruption, slow Govt. processes, etc are well drummed, but what is not appreciated is ‘middle class and above’ in India, tone of young Indians to achieve heights, its technological leaps, improvements all around despite certain problems, etc. It is a kind of Psy War unleashed on Us by interested parties with connivance of some of Us, even intellectuals ‘hired’ to do Us down --- a dangerous trend.

GoI has always had a vision to achieve ‘near-self-reliance’ in various fields. It has achieved this with mixed success. Security Industry, Defence & Aerospace specifically, has not reached the objective for various strategic and tactical reasons. Our focus to achieve high degree of self-reliance in this Segment must remain – a message delivered loud and clear in Def Expo 2010.

Policy Initiatives like ‘Buy’, Buy & Make (Indian)’, and ‘Make’ need implementation in all its facets. ‘Tainted Advocacy’ by Indians must stop for larger good whether You are part of an Indian or a foreign firm. Look at the development of the Indian Industry pragmatically in keeping with the ‘strategic needs’ of the country, of course with business sense. All this will help Us retain our independence in thought and action.

National Security is Not a Pure Business Case, Nevertheless Profits Flow.

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.indiandefenceindustry.com/
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)

Def Expo 2010: Offset Policy Implementation

2010-02-19T09:03:00.001+05:30

India’s defence offset policy would be the key driver for growth and modernisation of the defence industrial base, says the Govt. “The industry therefore will evolve in sync with the overall development, leading to progressive policy initiatives coming up in future,” said Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju.

Raju outlined that offset proposals worth 49,000 crore are in the pipeline. Given the complexity involved in supervision of offset, an administration infrastructure has been put in place.

Public Sector alone will not be able to absorb the offset that are to be generated in future, he said. Offset, therefore, give domestic players an opportunity to enter the sensitive defence industry. The Govt. is also planning to extend tax sops enjoyed by exports firms to domestic players as well. Also, combining Public and Private Sector skills that will help achieve higher degree of defence indigenisation is also being mulled upon.

According to Raju, the role of SMEs has been a testimony of being a backbone of the defence industry and its role is vital for the self reliance of the industry. Urging the industry to gear up, the Minister earmarked the prospects of Buy and Make (Indian) category which facilitates JVs with foreign OEMs, strengthening R&D and technology up-gradation among others.

A strong defence industry will help India leverage its Buying Power, expanding technological base, facilitating global tie-ups and JVs. This will be aimed at reducing defence imports and promoting indigenisation, Raju said.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
www.IndianDefenceIndustry.com
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: Financial Express.

Def Expo 2010: Inaugural Message

2010-02-15T13:40:00.000+05:30

Point to Remember

Sukhwindar

Indian Defence Industry Development

2010-02-12T04:40:00.001+05:30

HAL-Boeing: Boeing has signed a contract worth 4.7 m USD with the HAL for supplying equipment for the eight P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft contracted for the Indian Navy. The Contract is part of the 640 m USD Offset requirements to be fulfilled by Boeing for the USD 2.1 billion P-8I deal signed in 2009.

Anjani Technoplast-BAE: BAE Systems has tied up with Anjani Technoplast to supply 59,000 bullet-proof jackets to security forces as part of a Govt. contract that is expected to cost Rs 160 Crore. Besides the jackets, Anjani Technoplast would manufacture vehicle armour using Tensylon, a lightweight ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material developed by BAE systems.

BEL Plans to Expand EW Capability: BEL is setting up a Central Research Laboratory (CRL) which will focus on ‘complex’ research on futuristic technologies in the area of EW. BEL already has two CRLs one each in Bangalore and Ghaziabad. The Lab will focus on both EW and EO Warfare. The EW business of BEL contributes close to 17 % to the company’s revenues of about Rs 4,800 Crore. BEL wants to double the EW/EO business in two years.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.indiandefenceindustry.com/
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: USIBC and Its News Agencies.

Mahindra and BAE Systems to Invest 21.25 m USD in Defence JV

2010-02-10T07:52:00.000+05:30

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and UK's BAE Systems today said they will inject a total of USD 21.25- million (Rs 99.4-crore) over a three-year period into their joint venture company, Defence Land Systems India.

Defence Land Systems India will be HQ in New Delhi and will manufacture vehicles at a purpose-built facility in the NCR.

The JV Company will manufacture Axe high mobility vehicle as well as up-armoured and bulletproof Scorpios, Boleros, Rakshak, Rapid Intervention Vehicles and the Marksman light-armoured vehicle.

It would also develop a mine-protected vehicle specifically designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed and paramilitary forces.

Credit: The Economic Times

Renewed Effort of L&T and EADS for Defence JV

2010-02-06T08:07:00.001+05:30

Larsen & Toubro and the Franco-German A & D Group, EADS, are working on a new equity structure to revive their proposed JV which was earlier rejected by the Govt. on the ground that it would exceed the 26% cap on FDI in the Defence Sector.

L&T will now hold a 74% stake in the venture, leaving the remaining 26% for EADS. The JV intends to make electronic warfare systems, radar instruments and avionics.

The proposed JV is expected to earn Rs 2,500 Crore in revenues over the next five years. L&T, a supplier of critical systems to India’s defence forces, currently earns revenues of around Rs 400 Crore from this business.

The JV will have a manufacturing facility at Talegaon in Maharashtra. L&T is investing Rs 100 Crore in the Talegaon unit.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
www.IndianDefenceIndustry.com
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: USIBC.

PoK News Digest: Feb 2010

2010-02-05T20:04:00.001+05:30

PoK News Digest is IDSA’s monthly newsletter comprising news summaries, press releases and important statements related to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), referred to as ‘Azad Kashmir’ and ‘Northern Areas’ by the Government of Pakistan. The PoK News Digest will capture contemporary issues related to PoK under the following categories:

- Political Developments.
- Economic Developments.
- International Developments.
- Other Developments.

Developments in PoK concern Us all. Pse Click for PoK News Digest

Sukhwindar
http://www.IndianDefenceIndustry.com/
(An e-Hub for India Defence and Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: http://www.idsa.in/