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December 2018-January 2019
SP’s
Volume 15 No. 6
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ROUNDUP
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The ONLY magazine in Asia-Pacific dedicated to Land Forces
>> Lead story
In This Issue
Photograph: PIB
Page 4 71st Army Day Celebrations
Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa (then a Lieutenant General) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on January 15, 1949. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens. Page 6 Indian Army: “Nation Above All” “I am a Warrior, defending my Nation is my Dharma. I will train my mind, body and spirit to fight. Excel in all devices and weapons of war – present and future. Always protect the weak. Be truthful and forthright. Be humane, cultured and compassionate. Fight and embrace the consequences willingly. God give me strength that I ask nothing of you”. —The Bhagavad Gita Lt General A.B. Shivane (Retd) Page 8 Indian Army Land Warfare Doctrine 2018
Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC
‘We Continue to Enhance our Capacity to Cater to Imminent Security Situations’: COAS
The Doctrine mentions deployment and application of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), which is also planned in the restructuring of the Army. Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Page 9 Air Defence Guns — Current and Future Relevance It implies that the manufacture of the guns will start around 2033. Notionally if 1000 guns are required and rate of production is 24 guns/year then the last gun will be manufactured after about 42 years. This takes the time line to 2075. Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Plus Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018 News in Brief
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Interaction of Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief of SP’s Land Forces with the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat SP Guide Publications (SP’s): With the change in ‘Security Dynamics’ what are the present as well as futuristic internal & external challenges before the Indian Army in the times to come & how well prepared are we to meet the emerging situation? Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): The dynamics of contemporary security environment with multiple challenges across the spectrum of conflict can be viewed and analysed for their varied manifestations. However, a pragmatic view is to consider ‘Low Intensity Conflict’ as a reality which
is likely to keep us engaged in the foreseeable future. The nature of the conventional threats is premised along disputed land borders and thus the inherent primacy of the land forces. In the sub-conventional domain, terrorism forces us to commit resources and troops to counter this threat and remains our foremost challenge. On the other end of the threat spectrum is nuclear proliferation by rogue states and non-state actors and that remains major challenge for regional stability. Emerging threats for cyber, space and information
domains are blurring physical borders and creating new challenges. We continue to enhance our capacity to cater to imminent security situations, be it internal or external. Operationally we have retained & maintained moral ascendancy on all our borders through proactive tactical operations guided by well-reasoned & thought out strategies. We have maintained the tempo of operations against terrorists through credible intelligence and ground level synergy with State Police & PMF with minimum inconvenience to local population.
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E D I T O R I A L
>> Lead Story
Army Day is celebrated every year on January 15 because on this day Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa (then a Lt General) took over as the first Commanderin-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India. The year 2019 started with a bang with the COAS General Bipin Rawat having an exclusive interaction with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief of SP’s Land Forces in which COAS articulated over a whole range
of issues including geopolitical situation on India’s borders, threat management and modernisation. On the security environment he said, “that the dynamics of contemporary security environment with multiple challenges across the spectrum of conflict can be viewed and analysed for their varied manifestations. However, a pragmatic view is to consider ‘Low Intensity Conflict’ as a reality which is likely to keep us engaged in the foreseeable future.” He mentioned about the success of our actions by stating that, “operationally we have retained and maintained moral ascendancy on all our borders through proactive tactical operations guided by well-reasoned and thought out strategies. We have maintained the tempo of operations against terrorists through credible intelligence and ground level synergy.” On modernisation he said that, “our modernisation strategy covers the
entire spectrum of conflict and is structured along three cardinal approaches. Firstly, to address conventional warfare capability, the second category is the support systems required to augment main platforms and the third category would be the requirements for the ongoing operations in the constantly evolving operational environment. He added that, “under Strategic Partnership model, Indian Army is pursuing a programme for a Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV). The programme is still at the preliminary stages”. Our discerning readers will find the interaction very interesting due to the way the COAS has so clearly and briefly covered a whole range of security subjects. This issue also covers relevant aspects of the COAS’ press conference which are related to current acquisition of equipment. In the article on the brief history of the Indian Army, the
Also, in disturbed areas of North East, synergised intelligence based operations have contained the perpetration of violence to a large extent despite the abrogation of ceasefire by NSCN (K) & subsequent violent activities. Security along Indo-Myanmar border has been beefed up by effective additional deployment within existing resources to ensure effective border guarding. While we have carried out our operations with diligence, we have dedicated enough efforts to engage with locals of disturbed areas through Operation Sadbhavana & Samaritan. Our successful conduct of rescue & relief operations in various parts of country during incessant rains is well known to all.
our security interests will chart new and expanding strategic horizons. This will mandate a tri-Services effort to augment the reach provided by the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, wherein the crucial ‘boots on ground’ will primarily entail Indian Army’s footprint. Examples of such contingencies could be Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Search & Rescue missions and Non-Combat Evacuation Operations. It may be noted that the ‘ground zero’ situation, where some of these requirements would emerge, will have unique challenges, which may even entail combat response for self-defence and saving precious lives.
SP’s: How effective is the border management along Northern borders with China and Western borders with Pakistan where Army has the responsibility? COAS: India and China have a very functional and effective border management system in place to ensure peace and tranquillity along our Northern borders. While the two countries have a historical boundary dispute, very deliberate and considered procedures ensure that the sensitivities of the two sides are respected and that they do not lead to raising of tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The manifestation of the effectiveness of this mechanism is in the fact that despite differences in perception, we have ensured peace and tranquillity with effective border management mechanisms, which are working well. In J&K robust counter infiltration deployment has been ensured on the Line of Control (LC). Terrorists have found it difficult to infiltrate because of our dynamic response against any attempt at infiltration. Terrorists have attempted to infiltrate through other areas like the IB sector of J&K. We are taking measures along with other security forces and agencies to deal with these situations of our borders.
SP’s: Future conflicts will require Inter-service Jointmanship. How far have the Armed Forces succeeded in this important aspect including setting up of suitable structure? COAS: This question has been appropriately responded to by the Chairman Chief of the Staff, in his capacity as the coordinator on all issues affecting the three Services and the Coast Guard.
SP’s: At times we speak about India becoming a Regional Power. According to you, what role Army can or does play the role towards fulfilling this vision? COAS: As our nation progresses economically and its geo-political sphere of influence expands, the footprint of our security interests will also increase. This will witness increased multinational engagements and new developments. Consequently, the need to protect
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SP’s: It appears that you have initiated doctrinal and organisational changes to make the Army a cost effective organisation without losing its combat edge. What initiatives are being taken for rightsizing the Indian Army and optimum use of budgetary resources? COAS: The Committee of Experts (CoE) headed by Lt General D.B. Shekatkar (Retd) was tasked by the MoD to look into certain aspects to enhance combat capability and rebalance defence expenditure which is at various stages of implementation. In addition to the recommendations of the CoE, we are in process of examining multiple optimisation avenues for rightsizing of the Indian Army. While manpower requirements along our borders and insurgency areas are crucial, there is a scope for determining redundant functions at all levels and manpower in noncore areas. The recommendations for optimisation, if deemed operationally viable, would be implemented. This would lead to savings in the revenue budget. As regards utilisation of budgetary resources, yes, the fiscal allocation will always be at a premium. There is a responsibility upon us, as military planners, to evolve strategies for its optimal utilisation. Therefore, we have refined our planning process through prioritisation, aligned
author amplifies as to how the Army has always kept “Nation Above All” regardless of the sacrifices involved since 1947. He concludes by explaining as to how the Army’s ethos is built through the 5 C’s; Character, Competence, Courage, Commitment and Compassion; and ethos of a secular, motivated, apolitical and professional force devoted to the unity and integrity of the country. In the article on Army’s ‘Land Warfare Doctrine 2018’ which has been recently placed on the Army’s web site, the author gives an overview of the Doctrine and highlights that the Army shall be the primary instrument of the overall deterrence capability of the Nation. In this context it is reiterated that India continues with a strategic asymmetry vis-à-vis China and Pakistan in terms of sub-conventional warfare, which needs to be addressed. This implies that the gaps in our sub-conven-
procurement projects to ‘Make in India’ endeavour, synergised the actions of multiple procurement agencies and addressed revenue expenses in non-core areas. SP’s: What is the progress on raising of Mountain Strike Corps for the Eastern sector? COAS: Operational readiness of the formation is a priority for the Army and the same is being vigorously followed up. SP’s: Army modernisation seems to have slowed down. What steps are being taken to remove the impediments and accelerate the process? COAS: Our modernisation strategy covers the entire spectrum of conflict and is structured along three cardinal approaches. Firstly, to address conventional warfare capability, we are investing into futuristic weapon systems like combat vehicles, artillery guns, air defence platforms, army aviation and other assets. Modernisation of Infantry weapons is high on our priority. Modernisation roadmap of Infantry lays emphasis on the domains of lethality and survivability, to empower our soldiers engaged in the proxy war as well as insurgency. The second category is the support systems required to augment main platforms. Our road map aims at harnessing technology to build capabilities in the domain of electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Third category would be the requirements for the ongoing operations in the constantly evolving operational environment. Our plans are aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative to intensify impetus for indigenisation. MoD has further strengthened the Armed Forces by according enhanced financial powers to meet instant require-
‘Modernisation roadmap of Infantry lays emphasis on the domains of lethality and survivability, to empower our soldiers engaged in the proxy war as well as insurgency’
tional warfare is a matter of concern and needs to be corrected on priority. Then there is an article on AD guns in which the author concludes that if the manufacture of the guns start around 2033, notionally if 1,000 guns are required and rate of production is 24 guns/year then the last gun will be manufactured after about 42 years. This takes the time line to 2075. This issue wraps up with reports on other happenings including the usual news digest. Wish you all discerning readers happy Army Day, Republic Day and New Year.
Jayant Baranwal Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
ments and is making endeavours for allocating requisite financial outlay. A large number of schemes are at advanced stages of procurement which once approved, would significantly boost the efforts of the Indian Army to transform into a more potent and adaptive force. SP’s: During the 2018 press conference you had announced that assault rifles will be imported and would be given in a selective manner to only those soldiers who will actually use them. This measure was probably taken to keep the cost low. What has been the progress on this aspect? COAS: Modernisation and infusion of technology into our war fighting system remains our enduring pursuit. We after a detailed in-house deliberation decided that not all soldiers require advanced assault rifles, therefore hi-tech 7.62 x 51 mm calibre assault rifles are being procured for only for the frontline troops. The procurement case is at commercial negotiation committee stage. For the balance of the troops, the case for procurement of 7.62 x 39 mm calibre assault rifle is also at advance stage. SP’s: Has the Army initiated any programme under the ‘Strategic Partnership Model’? COAS: Yes, Indian Army has initiated one programme under the Strategic Partnership (SP) model. The SP model has four segments and one of these is Armoured Fighting Vehicles and Main Battle Tanks (AFVs/MBT). Under this segment, Indian Army is pursuing a programme for a Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV). The programme is still at the preliminary stages. We have received adequate number of responses and these are being evaluated. We are in the process of holding extensive interactions with the vendors. The entire RFI process is likely to be completed by February 2019 and thereafter we progress towards formulation of Service Qualitative Requirements and seek an AoN for the project from the Government. Post AoN from the Government, we will identify potential strategic partners and the OEMs, as per the procedure. SP’s: Now that Artillery has finally started inducting K9 Vajra and M777, after so many decades of lull in its modernisation process, do these inductions bring in some relief? Or we are still lagging behind?
>> Lead Story
Indian Army to get new assault and sniper rifles, carbines this year: Army Chief American Sig Sauer rifle and UAE’s Caracal carbine to kick off long-delayed small arms modernisation Photographs: ADGPI Army, Sig Sauer, Boeing
Vishal Thapar
“Year 2018 was the ‘Year of Disabled in the Line of Duty’. Year of 2019 is planned to be the ‘Year of Next of Kin’. Many soldiers, who are no more with us, their next of kin, require our support and assistance” —General Bipin Rawat
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he Indian Army will get new assault rifles, sniper rifles and carbines this year, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat announced at his annual press conference in New Delhi on January 10. This signals the commencement of the long-delayed process to replace the vintage small arms inventory which the Indian foot soldier was saddled with. The Army has chosen the American Sig Sauer assault rifle, General Rawat later elaborated to SP’s reporter. “We will be signing a contract this year for the import of 77,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles,” he disclosed. The number was earlier believed to be 72,400. Sig Sauer’s offer for the SiG 716, which fires a 7.62mm round, emerged the lowest bid (L1) in a competition also involving Russia’s Kalashnikov, Arsenal, Israel’s IWI and UAE’s Caracal. The imported Sig Sauer rifles will begin the replacement process for the indigenous INSAS rifle. These are being acquired under a Fast Track Process. “A separate process is underway for a Make in India programme to produce assault rifles in much larger numbers,” he said. The number is learnt to be 650,000. While General Rawat did not mention details, it has been reported recently that a Government-to-Government deal with Russia may be in the works to produce the AK-103 in collaboration with the Government’s Ordnance Factory Board. A sniper rifle, which the Army Chief described as “the best in the world”, has also been finalised. The initial lot will be imported under a Fast Track Procedure later this month to meet the requirements of the Northern Command. Funds delegated to the Northern Army Commander will be used for this purchase. A bigger procurement of over 5,000 sniper guns is being processed as a capital acquisitions programme by the Ministry of Defence. It is also learnt that a fast tracked contract with a Caracal, a UAE-based company, for 93,895 carbines too is close to being signed. The imported Caracal carbine will begin the replacement process for the vintage 9mm Sterling carbine. Under a separate ‘Make in India’ programme, an additional 350,000 carbines will be acquired. The companies bidding for the ‘Make in India’ carbine programme include Caracal, Colt, IWI, S&T Motiv and Baretta. There’s yet another programme for acquiring 16,800 Light Machine Guns. General Rawat also expressed optimism on progress in acquiring the American Apache gunship and the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter. “The LCH has done well. It is making good progress. The altitudes at which it has operated gives us confidence. We need to take a call at Aero India next month,” he said while referring to India’s premier airshow which will be held in Bengaluru in February.
COAS: Modernisation of Artillery is underway with focus on augmenting ‘long range surveillance’ and ‘precision engagement’. Recently we have undertaken induction of M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers (ULH), K9 Vajra and indigenous weapon locating radar ‘SWATHI’. The induction of ULH and K9 Vajra is slated to be completed by
(Top) COAS General Bipin Rawat at the press conference; (Middle) SiG 716 Assault Rifle, (above) AH-64E Apache helicopter.
“We’re confident that the Apache (attack helicopter) will be signed. We’ve tagged our requirement along with the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s. The issue is who will control the attack helicopters. The role and charter for which we’re inducting the Apache needs to be decided,” the Army Chief said, referring to the Army-IAF turf war over control of the attack helicopter role. “It’s a tank killer, which needs to support the Army’s strike formations....The Apache is a good machine. It is a tank in the air,” General Rawat said. The indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is also being weaponised to give it an anti-tank role. “We need better rockets and missiles for the ALH WSI. The DRDO is developing a rocket and missile for this helicopter. If it is able to meet development and production time-
lines, these weapons will be indigenously acquired. Otherwise, we will go in for imports,” he said. General Rawat also acknowledged the acquisition of hand-launched UAVs for Infantry battalions deployed close
December 2021 while that of SWATHI by January 2019. To give impetus to indigenisation, major projects such as DHANUSH Gun System, designed and developed by OFB and Advance Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) designed by DRDO in partnership with Private Industry, PINAKA regiments
and Up Gunning of 130 mm Gun Systems are being pursued with a sense of urgency. The modernisation of Artillery with guns having ranges up to 40 km and long range vectors capable of engaging targets up to 290 km will fulfil the firepower requirements of contact, depth and deep battles in mountains & plains.
l Foot Soldier focus of Army
procurements Big projects FINSAS, BMS, TCS dropped l Army pushes for Apaches, gunship role l Decision on LCH at Aero India l Hand-held UAVs for forward battalions l Restructuring, Integrated Battle Groups on anvil l Welfare of war disabled top priority l
to unsettled boundaries. This is being done to avoid sending troops in harm’s way and thereby minimising casualties. Referring to the situation on the Line of Control, he said infiltrators were often known to leave behind mines and IEDs to inflict casualties on Indian troops, and surveillance by hand-launched UAVs reduced risks. Efforts are also afoot to acquire the technology to detect tunnels being dug along boundaries to abet infiltration of terrorists. While responding to questions by SP’s Editor-in-Chief, the Army Chief acknowledged that some prominent modernisation programmes like FINSAS, Battle Management System (BMS) and Tactical Communication System (TCS) have been abandoned. “Things have changed. It’s time for a relook. The equipment used by the US Army is not our requirement. We are modifying our requirement,” he explained. On the subject of structurally revamping the Army, he said a concerted effort will be made in 2019 to make changes on the basis of studies done in four areas: Restructuring of Army Headquarters, cadre review for officers, longer service for other ranks and Integrated Battle Groups. The integration of battle groups was meant to bring together different war fighting elements structurally together. On Kashmir, General Rawat said a combination of hard and soft power is being adopted to improve the situation. The Army will clean up the Dal Lake as part of its goodwill efforts to win hearts and minds. Pakistan, he said, was unrelenting in its efforts to stoke terror and cause disruption, despite talk of peace by the new Pakistani Government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Three hundred armed militants are in readiness to be infiltrated across the LoC to push up violence, he said. A top priority for the Army leadership would be to ensure the welfare of war disabled soldiers and their next of kin, General Rawat said. SP
SP’s: Where, in your view, we stand in terms of our Army’s strength versus Pakistan’s and versus China’s? COAS: Strength of any armed forces must not necessarily be gauged by the numbers. I can assure you that our soldiers are well trained and prepared for any eventuality. SP
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>> Indian Army Day
71st Army Day Celebrations Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa (then a Lieutenant General) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on January 15, 1949. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.
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Photographs: Indian Army
(Top) A tableau of Army in action; (middle) Marching column of Rajputana Rifles, K-9 Vajra self-propelled artillery gun, Tank T-90 (Bhishma); (above) Marching column of the Punjab Regiment; Akash missile system, Army Daredevils
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>> valour
Indian Army: “Nation Above All” “I am a Warrior, defending my Nation is my Dharma. I will train my mind, body and spirit to fight. Excel in all devices and weapons of war – present and future. Always protect the weak. Be truthful and forthright. Be humane, cultured and compassionate. Fight and embrace the consequences willingly. God give me strength that I ask nothing of you”. —The Bhagavad Gita Photographs: Indian Army
Lt General A.B. SHIVANE (Retd)
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he world is living in transformed times of great flux and rebalancing of traditional relationships, with multiple friction points and security threats. The emerging world order will remain one where the military and economic resilience will continue to dominate the global system and in which nation-building will become ever more relevant. In such a world order while security, justice, economic development and a democratic polity will be the pillars of nation building; security will be foundational for the other three to prosper. The rationale for existence of the military thus lies in the concept of a nation state where there is harmony and balance between security and growth. This underlines the importance of a motivated, modern and relevant military to a nation state. In today’s security paradigm, as India gains respect and finds its rightful trajectory in the comity of nations, the Indian Army’s role and capacity would be central to the nations stature, projection of the national will, and act as a vital mechanism in preservation of our national interests, thereby building a strong, modern and resurgent India. Thus the nation will derive its strength from its Armed Forces and its ethos of “Nation Above All”; conversely too, Armed Forces will in turn seek and derive their strength, pride and motivation from the nation with ethos of “Respect and Care for the Soldier”. What remains critical in this mutual bonding is the faith, respect, trust, and confidence in the system backed by demonstrated will of the Government.
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The Indian Soldier in Defining Times The Indian soldier goes to the battlefield in honour of the tricolour flag, fully conscious of the fact that it may well be that he returns home wrapped up in it, and yet serves with pride for his motherland. For him, duty is the most supreme religion – the only one he professes (Seva Parmo Dharma). The culture and ethos of “Unity in Diversity”, acts as a shining example to all others, bedevilled by communalism, corruption, petty politics and personal agendas. Our flag thus does not flutter because of the wind, it flutters with the last breath of each martyr who sacrificed his life protecting it. However, the recent government policies adversely impacting the soldier has given rise to a few questions. “Does the nation realise and respect the soldiers and the veterans for their travails, hardships and sacrifice”? “How many of our politicians and bureaucrats who decide such policies pertaining to the army and its soldiers, have any idea of vagaries of soldering or have their kith and kin in Army or possess any ground level understanding, beyond fleeting image projection border area visits”? “Do we as a nation honour our soldiers and care for their widows, for their innumerable sacrifices and braving all adversities beyond lip service, and do we as a nation give them the rightful place and respect in our society”? “Is there an graduated attempt to erode the apolitical character of the Defence Services”? The answer lies within the heart of each Indian who is wit-
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(Top) Lt Gen Niazi signing the Instrument of Surrender under the gaze of India’s Lt Gen J.S. Aurora, in Dhaka on December 16, 1971; (above) Indian Army soldiers fly the Indian flag from a peak in Drass after it was recaptured by Indian troops during the first week of July 1999.
ness to this change. As the final bastion of a nation’s hopes, the guardian of faith and an instrument of last resort, any policies which aim at diluting the stature and welfare of the soldier/next of kin or the image of this great institution, must be ruthlessly curbed, less it be detrimental to the morale, operational capability, character and apolitical nature of this great institution, its soldiers and nation at large. It’s time to also reflect what Calvin Coolidge stated nearly a century ago, “The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”
Indian Army: A Saga of Valour, Sacrifice and “Nation Above All” The roots of the modern Indian army can be traced to the forces employed by the English (later British) East India Company, chartered in 1600. The uprising of the Indian soldier against foreign rule was one of the most inspirational events which bore the stamp of evolution of nationalism and the birth of the idea of India. As a new nation was carved out on August 15, 1947 with inherited fault lines, partition holocaust cast a challenge to a coherent national
identity. The nation had only its Army to look unto in these defining moments of its history, who ensured safety of its countrymen and communal harmony. Post-independence, the Army has repeatedly found itself at the forefront of some of the gravest challenges to our sovereignty that have threatened the very core of the Indian nationhood. Soon after independence in 1947-48, the territorial integrity of India was challenged. The Indian soldier rose and stopped the plunder of Baramulla by Pakistani forces and saved
In 1971, Indian Army created history to liberate Bangladesh and give Pakistan their most crushing and humiliating defeat on both fronts
the fall of Srinagar. He took tanks to the unimaginable 11,575 feet high Zoji La pass to push back Pakistani invaders and saved Leh and Ladakh. As part of nation building, the Indian Army also launched a series of successful operations at Junagadh (1947), Hyderabad (Operation Polo, 1948), Goa (Operation Vijay, 1961) and Sikkim (1975) to integrate into “One India”. In 1962 Indian Army most courageously fought the Chinese, despite being ill-clad and equipped for winters in high altitude and nation’s neglect on matters military. Battle of Rezang La is a testimony of the ‘last man last round’ resolve to uphold national integrity. Later in 1965 when challenged by Pakistani aggression, our brave soldiers created a tank graveyard of Pakistan’s Patton tanks (Patton Nagar) at Asal Uttar, with more than a hundred tanks either destroyed or captured. In the same war they also captured the invincible Haji Pir pass through gut and valour. The evil design of Pakistan was once again shattered. In 1971, Indian Army created history to liberate Bangladesh and give Pakistan their most crushing and humiliating defeat on both fronts. Pakistan was cut to size and a new nation was born. The resultant surrender of 90,000 Pakistani soldiers was largest since World War II. The high level of op preparedness was yet again on display in 1984 at the highest battlefield, over 19000 ft high in the area of Siachen glacier. The brave Indian soldier occupied the Saltoro Ridge defying the harsh and often cruel vagaries of nature which surprised Pakistan and left them dumbstruck. This has today provided us major strategic advantage, reducing the threat to an already sensitive J&K. In 1999, in yet another misadventure, Pakistan’s regular soldiers entrenched themselves on mountain tops of the LoC in Kargil. As the world watched in veneration, the Indian Braveheart fought the wellentrenched enemy in hand to hand fights in perilous rugged high altitude terrain and inclement weather, displaying exemplary courage and valour to throw the enemy back, paying a heavy price but underlining the will and resolve of an entire nation. While external threats have kept us engaged on the borders, it is the threats to internal security that has posed the greatest challenge to the nation. The proxy war and insurgencies that the Indian Army along with RR and AR is combatting on a daily basis in J&K and the North East, in conditions most demanding and adverse, are often unfortunately reduced to a passing mention by the media. Let it not be forgotten that for the soldiers deployed in these sensitive areas, it is an ongoing battle of life and death day after day. The existence of these states as part of the nation is at the cost of exacting price that many a brave soldiers have paid through blood and guts embracing martyrdom. The role and responsibility of the Indian Army is not limited to the national borders. While being operationally committed, the Army continues to be the ultimate responder in times of natural calamities, a sheet anchor during national crisis when all other organs of the nation appear helpless.
>> valour Intervention operations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka at the behest of their governments and evacuation of beleaguered Indian citizens from the war zones are examples of out of area contingencies. To support India’s efforts for world peace as a responsible member of the global community, the Indian Army is one of the largest troop contributing Nation to United Nations peacekeeping. Defence diplomacy and military to military cooperation between India and other friendly countries is another facet that has helped in strengthening bilateral cooperation enhancing international image. In addition, the other organs manned by Indian Army like the BRO, NCC and DGQA have done yeoman service to the nation.
Fault Lines and Challenges As the Indian Army proudly celebrates its seventy first Army Day, it’s also time for introspection by the nation state, its people and society at large including media, politicians and bureaucrats. The need is to reflect upon the nations outlook to this most respected institution and systemic erosion in its stature over the years. There are certainly some policy positives in the recent past by the government. These include new defence procurement policies to foster indigenous capabilities particularly to boost the nascent defence industry, a more responsive intent for defence modernisation, implementation of OROP even if truncated, National War Memorial being expedited and some more such actions. However, these lie buried under the many more serious policies which dilute and tarnish the image of defence services resulting
in a sense of victimhood. Possibly the most dangerous trend has been in politicising of the forces both in terms of promotions to higher ranks, as also deriving political mileage from covert military operations albeit surgical strikes. Such operations are done clandestinely and kept under wraps to keep the enemy guessing of its modus operandi and generating a fear of the unknown for the next such operation. While the courage and professionalism of our brave soldiers needs to be lauded, but to make a media spectacle of it and have a political debate on its veracity is certainly shameful. It was professionally imprudent to give out details of its planning and conduct or celebrate its anniversary. The recent trend of matters military being subjected to petty politics and ill-informed media debates needs to be ruthlessly curbed. The present government to its credit granted One Rank One Pension (OROP), though perceived by some as truncated. Whatever may be the merits/demerits of the ongoing agitation by a group of veterans regarding the truncated OROP, the treatment meted out to them at the hands of the Delhi police at Jantar Mantar on October 30, 2017 was not only a dark day for Indian democracy but disheartening and demoralising for the entire uniformed fraternity. Todays soldier is tomorrow’s veteran, and such actions only makes the nation bleed. To add to the concerns, the bureaucracy has successively downgraded the status and financial equivalence of the Armed Forces with every Pay Commission report. Even the warrant of precedence is repeatedly tweaked to suit the convenience of
the bureaucrats. The aim is not to compare with civilian officers as no doubt the armed forces are different, unique and an elite service, but disparities cannot be ignored. Equally important is the lack of strategic culture and neglect to address critical issues like appointing a Chief of Defence Staff, fostering Integrated Theatre Commands, creation of Special Operations, Cyber and Space Commands, expediting the National Defence University, sustained defence budgetary allocation for modernisation and sustenance, formulation of a national security strategy, restructuring MoD with enhanced representation of Defence Services and enactment of Armed Forces Covenant Act 2012. The recent government decisions on opening up of Army Cantt roads for general public, Army Hospitals for civilians and unilaterally amending the gazette notification containing recruitment rules for CSD General Manager and Chairman Board of Administration, has raised concerns and anguish. There is a perception of systemic erosion of defence institutions. The rise in AFT legal cases against MoD and their appeals against the judgement, are also indicative of the loopholes in the legal system. Yet instead of strengthening AFT, its member vacancies remain unaddressed, resulting in a backlog in addressing cases expeditiously. In another unprecedented move last year, several serving Army-men, in personal capacity, have moved a writ petition to the Supreme Court over their fundamental rights, asking whether a soldier’s discretion can be put under legal scrutiny. Is this indicative of lack of confidence in the
organisation, who should have been at the forefront thumping the table to protect their soldiers being prosecuted for performing their duties in disturbed areas? Such events only lower the morale of military. Internally, the Army too needs to address issues which could tarnish its image. There are several areas within the internal domain which merit and are being positively addressed by the hierarchy to foster transparency, balanced representation and equal opportunities for all to excel, beyond the lanyard syndrome. Urban life style, corporate culture, internet, media and steep pyramidical structure also pose their own challenges on the soldier. Internal reforms, addressing systemic fault lines, strengthening the value system, perception management and above all taking a no nonsense stand when adverse policies eroding the stature of soldier are enunciated, are the basic pre-requisites for preserving the revered image of the Armed Forces.
Conclusion As India emerges to find its rightful place in the world, the Indian Army will continue to be foundational towards building a strong, modern and resurgent India. Its defining character built upon the 5 C’s; Character, Competence, Courage, Commitment and Compassion; and ethos of a secular, motivated, apolitical and professional force devoted to the unity and integrity of the country, would remain the defining fundamentals of national growth and prosperity. The respect, dignity, wellbeing and stature of its soldier in turn must thus be preserved and garnered by the nation. SP
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>> Doctrine
Indian Army Land Warfare Doctrine 2018 The Doctrine mentions deployment and application of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), which is also planned in the restructuring of the Army. Photographs: IAF
Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd)
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ndian Army Land Warfare Doctrine 2018 is required to read in conjunction ‘Joint Doctrine of India Armed Forces – 2017’, as stipulated on the Indian Army website. The 2018 Doctrine covers: the geostrategic environment – environmental realities and future security challenges; spectrum of conflict and force application - current dynamics of no war, no peace, conflict scenarios, noncombat and hybrid warfare, military operations other than war (MOOTW), enhancing defence capability, military diplomacy; capacity development – focus areas, multifront capability, ISR and precision strike, theatreisation of critical assets, information warfare (IW), techno-centric warfare, space warfare, special forces capability, force projection capability, operational readiness, nuclear environment and training. This doctrine is to “lay the foundation for formulation of strategies for the Northern and Western Fronts and Operational Directives”. Considerable space has been given in describing the no war, no peace scenario and it is mentioned that while “conventional war will remain central in the construct of the spectrum of operations, the Indian Army will continue to prosecute effective counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism operations to ensure deterrence through punitive responses, against state sponsored proxy war”. Though there is mention of “grey-zone warfare”, the fact that subconventional warfare is central to ‘no-war, no peace’ appears missed out. Army’s Doctrine for Sub Conventional Operations published in 2006 is a purely ‘defensive exercise’ aimed at operations ‘own side’ of the border; talking of application of combat power to enhance ‘civil control’ in affected area rather than cause ‘destruction’, that generally is motive in conventional war. Though it mentioned that sub conventional war will likely to remain a major responsibility of Army in foreseeable future, it did not go beyond issues like ‘iron fist in velvet glove’ in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Not only should our doctrine for subconventional operations be ‘pro-active’, it should be part and parcel of Army’s Land Warfare Doctrine – this being the major engagement in no war, no peace. There is need to reorient to a pro-active mentality from the defensive, even as the political hierarchy is quite content with a one-time surgical strike which itself was a ‘reaction’ to the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack at Uri. Killing 240 or more terrorists in a year doesn’t matter to Pakistan, which has endless supply, nor do fire-plans on enemy headquarters, which she reciprocates similarly. Arguably, special operations at the strategic level are forte of the political hierarchy, but what stops the Army undertaking special operations up the reach of its Strike Corps? The 2018 Doctrine mentions that “during conventional war, the Indian Army will synergise employment of all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) as per operational plans. Their integration, training and operational procedures to assist in their assimilation into the war fighting effort, so as to
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Indian armed forces participating in an exercise in Rajasthan
ensure smooth and seamless transition during conventional war is essential”. But war may not be officially declared at all, hence, CAPF integrating under Army may not happen. Did this happen during Op ‘Parakaram’? Why is it that even in critical areas of Ladakh, the CAPF are not under command the Army despite repeated PLA intrusions? What is mentioned in the doctrine may not go beyond semantics given state of our higher defence set up and political hierarchy. The Doctrine mentions deployment and application of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), which is also planned in the restructuring of the Army. Will IBGs be across the board along our northern and western borders, even as the Army Chief had mentioned IBGs would have different configurations? Further, the Doctrine says, “The Indian Army shall be prepared to address collusive threats in all”. This brings us to the question how do we mesh the response to collusive threat with the exercise of reducing Army’s manpower by 1,00,000-1,50,000? Are we going purely by finances or doing an exercise in capacity building ‘without’ a threat-based appreciation? Can we afford to generalise a doctrine simply with capacity without a detailed threat analysis, especially where we admit it is collusive? There has been discussion about the ‘Cold Start’ Doctrine in the past. Factually, every war commences from ‘cold start’ and
preparation time for deployment of troops. It is not simply about a parachute company or a battalion under the Parachute Brigade that can be launched in two and six hours respectively. Even the launch of ‘Mukti Bahini’ in East Pakistan as prelude to India’s invasion required gestation period. That is the reason, then Defence Minister Jaswant Singh had denied existence of a ‘cold war’ doctrine. In the India-Pakistan context, not only are Pakistani forces closer to the border, there are enough means on both sides and Pakistani human sources within India, including close to the border, to detect mobilisation. We could have done well to ‘practice’ cold start, not brag about it – and same goes for the one-time surgical strike – all raids being surgical’. The chances of ‘all out’ conventional war are minimal though not completely ruled out. However, the contention that we will strike at the place of our choosing needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, with respect to conflict with China. For example, sitting kilometers behind the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in say Arunachal Pradesh, PLA intrusions on extended front will force us to fight there, even as our possible strike through Chumbi Valley will be contested by Chinese presence in Doklam, while Pakistan will continue contributing to the ‘collusive threat’. Yes, we are inducting big-ticket weapon systems, but unless the cutting
edge and the frontline soldier are addressed, we are hardly in a position to strike China at the place of our choosing, the asymmetry in military technology being another factor. Effective integration of soldiers, artificial intelligence and Robotics into warfighting systems that exploit existing capabilities for success in battle finds mention in the Doctrine. All this looks good on paper but development of information systems within the Army are either stagnating or have been foreclosed – like the Battlefield Management System. So, how do we expect the troops and commanders to optimize technology? Similarly, issues like quick mobilisation, inter-theatre reserves with interoperable equipment/ assets can hardly be effective in areas where border infrastructure continues to be woefully inadequate – especially in the northeast. Theaterisation of inter and intra Service critical assets has been mentioned. At the same time, it is observed that while Army has adequate numbers of Special Forces (SF) battalions, elements of SF battalions from our northeast are deployed in J&K despite enough opportunities within the eastern sector to sharpen operational experiences. Apparently, connect between theatreisation and ‘theatre specialisation’ is missing, especially where SF need time to develop own sources. Finally, the doctrine states that the Army shall be the primary instrument of the overall deterrence capability of the Nation. In this context it is reiterated that India continues with a strategic asymmetry vis-à-vis China and Pakistan in terms of sub-conventional warfare, which needs to be addressed. Conventional response cannot adequately address sub-conventional threats. There is urgent need for India to develop publicised overt capabilities and deniable covert capabilities as deterrence against irregular war thrust upon us and we must have the will to selectively demonstrate such capability to ensure its credibility. Overall, plenty of effort has gone into defining the Indian Army Land Warfare Doctrine 2018, however, elaborating on the issues above, would provide more clarity. Appropriate application of tri-service force is also mentioned but the missing synergy between the three services is a well documented fact. In addition, the Army’s quest for capacity building for network centric warfare is in state of semi rigor mortis due to various factors including poor defence budget allocations. In contrast, the reorganisation of China’s armed forces is progressing rapidly. The politico-bureaucratic hierarchy appears unconcerned about the asymmetry, which would cost us dearly in conflict. Defence budget allocations need to be enhanced. The combined market capitalisation of India’s Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) had reached $337.6 billion since January 2011 according to data compiled by Bloomberg on June 9, 2014, with crass underperformance, guzzling public money year after year. If these PSUs can give a return of 30 to 50 per cent which should be in the realm of possibility, how fast and where will India move up? This is just one example where large amounts of money can be tapped. SP
>> Air Defence
Air Defence Guns — Current and Future Relevance It implies that the manufacture of the guns will start around 2033. Notionally if 1000 guns are required and rate of production is 24 guns/year then the last gun will be manufactured after about 42 years. This takes the time line to 2075. PhotographS: SP Guide Pubns, Indian Army
Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd)
and maneuvering in all the three dimensions is a very complex and difficult target to engage and destroy. The sighting systems were developed from simple ring sight (L/60); NIFE SRS5 sight (L/70) and later on laser range finder and thermal imaging was included to provide more accurate range and limited night firing capability. However lead of a moving target was still to be estimated manually which was not an accurate option. The AD gun systems moved on to fire control radars but once the round left the muzzle, errors due to gravity and meteorological conditions crept in. The Russians tried to over cover this by high rate of fire but this limited the calibre otherwise the gun would become too heavy. The development of small size of radio fuze for small calibre AD ammunition further improved their accuracy. Global trends are as follows:Skyshield of Rheinmetall Defence. Not many gun systems are currently available but a possible choice is Skyshield of Rheinmetall Defence which has an effective range of 4 km and rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute. It can be matched with any fire control radar and the most redeeming feature is its Ahead (advance hit efficiency and destruction technology) ammunition which contains 152 heavy tungsten metal, spin stabilised sub-projectiles and ejected by a time fuze. It is claimed to be very effective against small targets. However the company had come under the shadow of corruption and at present black listed by Indian Government. Railgun. This revolutionary concept is being developed in US, China, Russia, China, turkey and India but US is far ahead. A railgun is a device that uses electromagnetic force to launch high velocity projectiles which will have at least 50 per cent higher velocity and much longer range than current systems. At present railgun is being examined for use as AD and anti ship weapon. However it is in its nascent stage and also needs very high power supply thus its employment as a towed/SP system for army is doubtful in the near future.
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uns became the primary means of countering air power when it raised its head at the turn of the last century. Swedish gun manufacturing company Bofors came up with the ever green air defence (AD) gun 40mm L/60. When caliber (40mm) was multiplied by 60 – it gave the length of the barrel which was 240mm in this case. This gun came into service during the Second World War – around 1940 and was still service in India till end of the century including on board Indian Navy ships. Its successor was also by Bofors named 40mm L/70.
Towed Guns 40mm L/70. L/70 came into service in India in 1964, just after the Chinese d ebacle of 1962 and just before the 1965 war with Pakistan. It was the first modern gun which India acquired even when compared to field artillery. The gun was radar controlled with double the rate of fire of 40mm L/60, longer range, all weather and higher lethality. The 40mm L/70 gun system which included the fire control radar and generators for power supply, was nick named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ as the gun followed the target automatically like the ‘Sudarshan Chakra.’ Regrettably not many L/70 guns were in service by the time the 1971 War with Pakistan commenced thus majority of Pakistan aircraft kills were by L/60 guns. The L/70 gun has been upgraded jointly by Ordnance Factory, Jabalpur and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The upgrade includes an electric power lay; improved sighting system with laser range finder, a thermal imager, an onboard small computer and a matching generator which makes a single gun to operate autonomously and also make it mobile. 23mm Twin Barrel Gun. This gun is of Soviet origin and has been in service in India for about four decades. It is manual, with a high rate of fire, light weight and highly mobile but is not all weather. It was acquired for field formations where the allweather air threat was not expected during that time. It has been upgraded by BEL. The upgrade includes an electric power lay; an improved sighting system which includes a laser range finder, a thermal imager and a small computer. It also has an on mounted generator thus making it an all weather system. As a parallel effort Punj Lloyd has also upgraded one gun and finally won the bid to upgrades a selected number of guns.
Self-Propelled (SP) Gun Systems Schilka System. It is a highly mobile system for supporting mechanised formations and has been in service since the early 70’s. It was the first modern SP system in service in India which was highly mobile on a tracked chassis, had a high cyclic rate of fire of 3400 rounds per minute with its four barrels, on board fire control radar and power supply. Limited numbers have been upgraded by BEL. The upgrade includes a
Employment of Gun System
(Top) Upgraded Schilka Weapon system; (middle) Tunguska Weapon Systems; (above) ZU-23MM-2B at Siachen.
new fire control radar, computer, sighting system, a new engine and environmental control in the cabin. Tunguska. Shilka’s successor was Tunguska, one regiment of which was procured from Russia but there have been many twist and turns for buying additional mounts. The result is that the Army AD is
stuck with limited equipment which does not meet the current operational requirement. At some stage, Army will run out of spares and the systems will just collapse and become obsolete.
Technological Development of AD guns A fighter flying at about Mach two speed
The guns have a limited range of 3-4 km and are thus deployed ahead of the defended target so that the aircraft is engaged before it can attack the target. This is called point defence in AD parlance. L/70 gun regiments are held by AAD and are deployed on strategic assets which include both civilian (like nuclear plants, strategic logistic choke points etc.) and military assets of the army, navy and air force. These assets are not mobile thus towed L/70 system is most suited for them. SP gun systems being mobile are employed with mechanised formations.
Guns vs Missiles Cost wise gun is much cheaper than missiles but by itself cannot match the current air threat of stealth aircraft flying at supersonic speed and armed with stand off weapons. Thus many developed countries like US do not believe in guns and have developed very advance missile systems which cover the
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>> Air Defence / exercise Photograph: USAF
whole threat envelope to include manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, helicopters, cruise and ballistic missiles. However majority of the countries with AD capability have deployed a healthy mix of guns and missiles to acquire a cost effective solution.
take a lot of resources in time and money. The above time frame should also be taken into account before a decision is taken to manufacture guns in India. The other connected factors are the fire control radar and the ammunition. Off course the time frame can be reduced if more than one factory can take on the production. The first procurement initiative had projected that all guns should be replaced by December 1999.
Indian Perspective Armament Research Development Establishment (ARDE) of the DRDO is assigned the role of developing small arms and guns for the Armed Forces but they have not been able to deliver as far as AD guns are concerned. ARDE was given a project about four decades but were not successful. Thus the Indian Army is stuck with old gun systems. L/70 was being manufactured in Gun Carriage Factory Jabalpur but the production line was closed due to want of demand. There were still about 60 technicians skilled in L/70 till 2007 but they must have retired now. The remaining gun systems were all imported from erstwhile Soviet Union. Successor to L/70 is red hot priority as it is almost 56 years old. Thus there is a requirement to replace them at priority. Other gun systems then can follow as some of them (23mm twin barrel and Schilka) have been given a limited lease of life due to upgrade. Successor to L/70 – Practicality of Time Frame. As already mentioned above that the gun has crossed its golden jubilee thus the urgency to replace it cannot be over emphasised. So far the acquisition process has not started but one can estimate that the process of Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) optimistically will take five years; this will be followed by transfer of technology, development of the system and its trials, may take about 10 years. Thus it implies that the manufacture of the gun will start around 2033. Notionally if 1,000 guns are required and rate of production is 24 guns/year then the last gun will be manufactured after
Current and Future Air Threat Briefly the air threat will have manned aircraft; unmanned aircraft, helicopters, cruise and ballistic missiles. It assumed that the stealth technology will be applied across the board on all platforms, speed of fixed wing aircraft will be supersonic and for missiles it will vary from supersonic to hypersonic. There will be fourth to fifth generation avionics and air armament. Artificial intelligence will be used where ever possible or required thus the guns will be no match for such a threat.
M777 howitzer during a battle drill
about 42 years. This takes the time line to 2075. Considering the life of a gun to be 30 years; the last batch of guns should last till 2105 and the replacement will be required, for the earliest guns inducted, from 2063 onwards.This process can be compressed if multiple companies take on the production. This indicates that the inordinate delay in starting the replacement has cost Point AD capability dearly. Development and production of guns to be current till 2105 is completely unrealistic. This time can be marginally reduced but with past experience of acquisition time frames, it can be said with some authority that there is likely to be delay then reduction of time frame. 23mm Twin Barrel Gun. This system will meet the same fate if the process for its successor is not initiated in a reasonable time frame. SP Gun Systems. As the numbers are
small and if they are really required then the option of import route can be taken.
Latest Procurement Initiative As per media reports the Army has formally projected a requirement of 938 guns to replace in-service L/70 and 23mm Twin Barrel Guns at an estimated cost of about $3 billion. The route taken will be Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category of the DPP. Indian companies which could be in the run are L&T, Tata, Kalyani Defence, Punj Lloyd and Mahindra Defence. Ordnance Factory should be in the loop as they have the infrastructure and the longest experience in producing defence equipment which is about 100 years. Ordnance Factory Kanpur is probably the only gun and tank barrel making factory in India. To replicate their skilled manpower and infrastructure in private companies will
Other Options There is thus a requirement to carry out an in-depth study on ‘gun versus missiles’; ‘mix of both till the guns and the fire control radar can be maintained and ammunition provided’ and then shift to ‘pure missile defence’ which is the near future and future option. The study may recommend an interim solution. The factor of dead zone of missile systems can be a limiting factor but intelligent deployment and future missile technology will obviate this limitation. DRDO should be encouraged to develop the next generation of SAMs including shoulder fired (which could selectively replace guns for point defence). This will not be too difficult for DRDO considering the technological base they have established with Akash and inputs from Israel for the Medium Range SAM (MRSAM). SP
Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018
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Photographs: ADGPI Army / twitter
xercise Hand-in-Hand is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of India and China. The exercise involves tactical level operations in an international counter -insurgency/counter-terrorist environment under UN mandate. The conduct of Joint Military Exercises is also an important step to uphold the values of peace, prosperity and stability in the region.
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7th Sino-India Joint Exercise It was held at Chengdu, China from December 10 to 23, 2018, with the aim of building and promoting close relations between armies of both the countries; to enhance ability of joint exercise commander to take military contingents of both nations under command and to acquaint both the Armies with each other’s operating procedure in the backdrop of counter-terrorism environment. Opening ceremony for the 7th Sino-India joint exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018, scheduled from December 10-23, 2018, was held on December 11, 2018 at Chengdu, China. Company size contingents of 11 SIKHLI from Indian Army and a regiment from Tibetan Military District of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) participated in the exercise. The Indian contingent was led by Col Puneet Pratap Singh Tomar, Commanding Officer, 11 SIKH LI, while the Chinese contingent was led by Col Zhou Jun. Major General Kuang Dewang, senior representative of joint training from PLA, reviewed the parade in presence of a number of officials from both the nations.
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Exercise Hand-in-Hand in progress. The exercise is conducted as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of India and China.
The exercise consisted of a balance of indoor classes and outdoor training activities. The exercise also involved tactical level operations
in an international counter-insurgency/ counter-terrorism environment. Earlier Chinese Ministry of Defense Col.
Ren Guoqiang elaborated over norms of conducting the exercise in which he stated that the, “Subjects of the joint training will include adaptive training, basic training, live-fire shooting and comprehensive drills,”He added that “The joint training can help promote mutual trust and understanding, deepen practical exchanges and cooperation between troops and improve their capabilities in counter-terrorism.” The exercise marks another example of a return to normal practice in military-tomilitary relations between the two countries after 2017, which saw bilateral ties dip during the Doklam stand off. A summit meeting in April 2018, between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wuhan, China, saw the two leaders work to reset bilateral ties after the standoff of 2017. The declaration issued by the Indian side after the Wuhan meeting noted that, “Prime Minister Modi and President Xi underlined that as two major countries India and China have wider and overlapping regional and global interests.” In the same statement, the Indian side noted that Modi and Xi acknowledged the common challenge posed by terrorism to both their countries. Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018 will go a long way to further cement relationship between both the nations and will act as a catalyst in bringing bonhomie at grassroots levels between the armies of both countries. SP —Rohit Goel
>> News in Brief
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Indian Army Getting Sniper Guns used in Afghanistan, Iraq
ressed by new threats on the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian Army is acquiring sniper rifles which have been used by allied forces in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. These are the Italian Beretta .338 Lapua Magnum Scorpio TGT and the American Barrett M95. The procurement of an estimated 5,719 of these sniper rifles has been fast tracked on account of the Indian Army being repeatedly targeted by Pakistani snipers on the LoC. The Italian Beretta Lapua Magnum and the American Barrett M95 will replace the ageing Soviet-origin Dragonov sniper rifles in the Indian inventory. These will scale up the Indian capability to counter the threat on the LoC. SP’s Land Forces had reported the announcement on the new sniper rifles by the Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat at a press conference in New Delhi on January 10. But the General did not then specify the make of the guns. The specifics were confirmed later by Army sources. The Northern Command is getting the first lot of these guns as an emergency purchase from special funds delegated to Army
Commanders. “These will arrive by January 20,” General Rawat announced. “The balance 5,000 guns (for equipping Infantry and special units other than those in Kashmir) will come under a capital acquisitions programme,” he elaborated. General Rawat described these rifles as “amongst the best in the world”. The Barrett M95 is also used as an anti-materials rifle (AMR), in the role of a bunker buster to target enemies holed up behind fortified defences. This .50 calibre weapon has a kill range of 1,800 metres, and will supplement the Indian Army’s Denel AMR’s acquired from South Africa post the Kargil War in 1999. Open source information on the .338 calibre Beretta Lapua Magnum suggests that while it was developed to penetrate body armour at a range of 1,000 metres, it has been effectively used for kills up to 1,500 metres and beyond, and accounts for some record breaking sniper shots. General Rawat made this announcement in the context of putting the Infantry foot soldier at the heart of the Army’s procurement agenda. Many other big ticket programmes including the Battlefield Manage-
ment System and Tactical Communication System have been dropped. Even the ambitious FINSAS programme itself has been reduced to acquiring a good assault rifle and carbine for the Infantry, and protective gear like helmets and bullet proof jackets. “Things have changed. It’s time for a relook. The equipment used by the US Army is not our requirement. We are modifying our requirement,” General Rawat said, while responding to a question by SP’s editor-in-chief on the rationale for dropping major programmes. SP’s Land Forces also reported on January 10 the Army Chief’s announcement of the selection of Sig Sauer SiG 716 assault rifle and Caracal carbine to replace the INSAS and the 9mm Sterling respectively. The new assault rifles will start coming in this year, as also more Bullet-proof jackets, helmets and software defined radios. General Rawat also made a mention of tactical surveillance drones for Infantry battalions. Hand-launched UAVs have been purchased for forward deployed units from Army Commanders’ funds. SP —Vishal Thapar
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal Senior Editorial Contributor Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) Senior Technical Group Editor Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) Group Associate Editor Vishal Thapar Contributors India General V.P. Malik (Retd), Lt General Vijay Oberoi (Retd), Lt General R.S. Nagra (Retd), Lt General S.R.R. Aiyengar (Retd), Major General Ashok Mehta (Retd), Major General G.K. Nischol (Retd), Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (Retd), Brigadier S. Mishra (Retd), Rohit Sharma Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal Executive Vice President (Planning & Business Development) Rohit Goel Administration Bharti Sharma Asst-Admin, HR & Infra Pooja Tehlani Creative Director Anoop Kamath Design Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht Research Assistant: Graphics Survi Massey Sales & Marketing Director Sales & Marketing: Neetu Dhulia General Manager Sales: Rajeev Chugh
Lockheed Martin Receives $1.8 Billion Contract for PAC-3 Missiles
The United States and allied military forces will upgrade their missile defence capabilities under a $1.8 billion contract for production and delivery of Lockheed Martin Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors. The contract includes deliveries for the US Army and Foreign Military Sales of PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE interceptors, launcher modification kits and associated equipment. “PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE give our customers unmatched, combat-proven hit-to-kill technology to address growing and evolving threats,” said Jay Pitman, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE are proven, trusted and reliable interceptors that employ hit-to-kill accuracy, lethality and enhanced safety to address dangers around the world.” The family of PAC-3 missiles are high-
>> Show Calendar January 21-24, 2019 International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Twickenham Stadium, London, UK www.internationalarmouredvehicles.com February 20-24, 2019 Aero India Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, India https://aeroindia.gov.in/Aero-India March 26-30, 2019 LIMA 2019 MIEC, LangkawiThe Resorts World, Langkawi, Malaysia www.limaexhibition.com
velocity interceptors that defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. Thirteen nations - the US, Germany, Kuwait, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Romania, Poland and Sweden have chosen PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE to provide missile defense capabilities. Building on the combat-proven PAC-3, the PAC-3 MSE uses a two-pulse solid rocket motor that increases altitude and range to defend against evolving threats.
Research and Design Center (RWR&DC) of HAL. First flight of LUH PT-1 was carried on September 6, 2016 and the second Prototype flew on May 22, 2017. High altitude cold weather trials of LUH is planned in January 2019.
Successful test firing of longrange missile Agni V
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Light Utility Helicopter project achieves another milestone
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Soon after flying at 6 kms altitude recently, the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) project of HAL gathered momentum as the third prototype (PT3) made its maiden flight on December 14, 2018. The chopper was flown by Test Pilots, Wg Cdr Anil Bhambhani (Retd) and Group Captain M.R. Anand (Retd). The flight was flawless and this prototype would augment development flight testing in conjunction with other two Prototypes towards Certification. Based on the feedback from flight testing of PT1 and PT2, PT3 is built to the standard of deliverable configuration. R. Madhavan, CMD-HAL says, with this achievement, LUH is now close to production clearance and HAL is confident of meeting requirements of the Armed Forces. The successful completion of first flight of third prototype of LUH is a quantum leap and will soon replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah/Chetak, says Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engg., R&D) HAL. The LUH is a 3 tonne class new generation single engine helicopter indigenously designed and developed by Rotary Wing
Agni V, a long-range surface-to-surface Nuclear Capable Ballistic missile, was successfully launched from a canister on a road mobile launcher at the Dr Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha recently. The launch operations were carried out and monitored by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) in presence of Scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other associated officials. All the mission objectives were successfully achieved. This launch comes after a series of successful launches of the missile. It further strengthens the country’s deterrence capability, which has been developed indigenously by assiduous efforts of scientists. SP
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APPOINtMENT
RNI Number: DELENG/2008/25818
l Lt General S.K. Sharma assumed
the appointment of Chief of Staff, Northern Command at Udhampur on December 31, 2018. He relieves Lieutenant General J.S. Nain who would be taking over a Corps shortly.
6/2018 SP’s Land Forces
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