{Article} Polity: Achievements of Defence Ministry in 2012

Introduction: The achievements of defence scientists in developing different soldier support systems like Suicide Risk Assessment Test, BMP Urban Survival Kit, Armour for Mi 17-IV for helicopters and Heavy Weight Anti-Submarine Electric Torpedo – ‘Varunastra’ also marked the eventful year.
New Weapons Systems to Strengthen Defence Preparedness:[1.] AGNI-V – India proudly entered the exclusive club as the sixth country on 19 April 2012, when its Long-range Ballistic Missile was launched from Wheeler Island off Orissa Coast on its maiden flight and reached the pre-designated target point over 5000 km away in the Indian Ocean with remarkable accuracy; [2.] AGNI-IV – The 4000 km range nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-IV was successfully flight tested on 19 Sep 2012. Launched from road mobile launcher, it reached the predefined target in about 20 minutes; [3.] With AGNI-I (Range=700km, ballistic missile), AGNI -II (Range=2000km, ballistic missile), AGNI -III (Range=3000km, ballistic missile) and PRITHVI P-II (Range=350km, surface-to-surface, strategic missile) and also its naval version DHANUSH already in the arsenal of the Indian Armed Forces, the missile from the production lots were flight tested by the Armed Forces as part of training exercises to ensure defence preparedness; [4.] BRAHMOS Block III version with advanced guidance algorithm was flight tested on 28 Mar 2012 from ITR Balasore. The missile flew through the designated 290 kms distance at Mach 2.8 and achieved high precision with steep dive; [5.] BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE (BMD) - DRDO has developed a two-layer Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capability against missiles with range upto 2000 km class. The Interceptor Missile AAD (modified version of Prithvi) launched by the Scientists of DRDO on 23 Nov 2012 from Wheeler’s Island, Odisha, successfully destroyed the incoming Ballistic Missile at an altitude of 15 Kms.In this mission, a special feature of intercepting multiple target with multiple interceptor was demonstrated successfully.The complete Radar Systems, Communication Networks, Launch Computers, Target update Systems and state of the art Avionics have been completely proven in this Mission; [6.] AKASH AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM - Induction and productionisation of “Akash”, the medium range air defence system with multi-target, multi directional capability is another shining achievement. The production value of Akash missile systems ordered by Army and Air Force is over Rs 23,000 crores; [7.] LONG RANGE SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE (LRSAM) - Control and Navigation Tests (CNT) for LRSAM, a joint development Programme between DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI), to develop an Advanced Naval Air Defence System for Indian Navy) were successfully conducted on 16th and 18th July 2012.; [8.] NAG ANTI-TANK MISSILE - the fire and forget anti-tank missile with top attack capability is another important missile developed by DRDO. Its helicopter mounted version, Helina, underwent 2 successful flights from ground launcher proving full range of the missile; [9.] LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT–NAVY (LCA-Navy) - LCA, country’s first indigenous modern Light Combat Aircraft with four variants (air force, Navy and their trainer versions), is a precision weapon launch platform to carry a range of Air to Air missile, unguided rockets and bombs. A Shore based Test facility (SBTF), one of its kind in Asia and third in the world, developed by DRDO at Naval Air Station INS Hansa, Goa is now ready for use; [10.] AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING AND CONTROL SYSTEM (AEW&C) - In a landmark event the first EMB-145I aircraft fully modified for the indigenous AEW&C landed on Indian soil at CABS (Centre for Airborne Systems, Bangalore, a DRDO laboratory) on 23 Aug 2012. The DRDO AEWACS program aims to deliver three radar-equipped surveillance aircraft to the Indian Air Force. An AEW&C system is an airborne radar system designed to detect aircraft, ships and vehicles at long ranges and control and command the battle space in an air engagement by directing fighter and attack aircraft strikes. AEW&C units are also used to carry out surveillance, including over ground targets and frequently perform C2BM (command and control, battle management) functions similar to an Airport Traffic Controller given military command over other forces. Used at a high altitude, the radars on the aircraft allow the operators to distinguish between friendly and hostile aircraft hundreds of miles away; [11.] UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs) - There have been significant achievements in the field of UAVs. NISHANT, with its ground control system has been made ready for the Army after confirmatory trials. An indigenous Wankel rotary engine has been developed for powering UAVs. Orders for Lakshya II pilotless target aircraft; capable of flying in sea skimming mode and tree top heights; are expected from the Services after successful demonstration to them. Similarly, UAV Rustom-I, a forerunner to Mediun Altitude Long Range (MALE) UAV Rustom-2, had series of successful trials. This UAV has the potential to be used for military missions like Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Target Designation, Communications Relay, Battle Damage Assessment and Signal Intelligence. A mini UAV -‘NETRA’, especially suited for Low intensity conflict operations was inducted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It has four high speed propellers allowing it to take off and land vertically. Similarly, a fixed wing mini UAV for low intensity conflict was demonstrated to security forces at various locations for surveillance within the range of 10 kms; [12.] ELECTRONIC WARFARE - There has been a significant achievement in the Electronic Warfare Area which includes integration and testing of country’s first indigenous active array radar, operationalisation of Combat Information Decision Support System (CIDSS) and development and testing of laser based ordnance Disposal System and advanced Laser Guided Bomb Tester. The initial development of Indira-1, a short range 2D system has now been extended to high power 3D system like 3D Central Acquisition Radar and Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) based on phased array. The DRDOs radar warning receivers have been selected to upgrade most of Indian Air Force aircrafts like MiG 21, MiG 29, SU 30MKI, MiG 27 and Jaguars; [13.] MBT ARJUN MK-II - Arjun Mk-II the advanced version of India’s first main battle tank Arjun, commenced its user trials in record time of 2 yrs. The Arjun Mk-II incorporates 89 improvements over the Arjun Mk-I, of which, two regiments are already in service; [14.] Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Smerch Rockets - Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) signed a MoU for a Joint Venture with 2 companies from Russia to manufacture 5 versions of Smerch Rockets based on the technology received from Russia. The Smerch Rockets are technologically superior having a range of 70-80- kms. More than two regiments of the Smerch Rockets have been in service in the Army after their induction about six years ago.
CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH INDUCTIONS/ACQUISITIONS:[1.] Mi-17 V5 helicopter was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 17 February 2012. It has onboard weather radar, state of the art autopilot and is compatible with the latest Generation (Gen-III) Night vision Goggles. With this, the helicopter can undertake all-weather, day and night operations in any kind of terrain. The helicopter is also equipped with a Bambi-Bucket that can be used for firefighting. It is also fitted with a powerful winch–a feature useful in the Disaster Relief Operations in restricted areas where landing is not possible; [2.] Indian Navy inducted nuclear-powered attack submarine INS Chakra-II (K-152 Nerpa) to its underwater fleet on 04th April 2012 at Vishakhapatnam. The submarine was leased by Russia to the Indian Navy in 2011 for 10 years; [3.] INS Sahyadri: The third of the follow-on class indigenous stealth frigate was commissioned on 21 July 2012 at Mazagaon Dock Limited, Mumbai. Conceived and designed by Indian Navy Design Team this Shivalik class frigate will be mainstay frigate of the Navy in the 21st Century; [4.] INS Teg and Tarkash: The First and Second of the three Talwar-class stealth frigates constructed at Yantar Shipyard, Kalinigrad Russia were inducted into Indian Navy on 27 April and 09 November 2012 respectively. These multi-role stealth frigate with advanced combat suits are fitted with formidable array of weapons and sensors onboard the Ship including the super-sonic BrahMos missile system and advance surface-to-air missile system; [5.] Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Samudra Paheredar', the second of the series of three Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), was commissioned by in July 2012. The ship’s primary role is pollution response at sea and is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated pollution response and control equipment for mitigating oil spills, which include containment equipment like hi-sprint booms and river booms, recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms.
COASTAL SECURITY INITIATIVES: [1.] Inauguration of StaticSensors Project in Mumbai and Porbandar: The patching up of National Automatic Identification System Network (AIS) and Vessel Traffic System (VTS) of Gulf of Khambat, along with the Coastal Security Network, will help us in identifying a friend or foe in our waters. Under Phase I of Coastal Surveillance Network, Coastal Static Sensors will be put up at 46 locations; [2.] The Remote Operating Station (ROS) of the coastal surveillance sensor chain of Kerala cluster was inaugurated in 2012. In Kerala, the feed and data from the four coastal surveillance radars at Mount Dilli in Ezhimala, Ponnani, Vypin and Kollam will be available at the ROS Fort Kochi; [3.] Step towards Eastern Coast Sensitisation: With the inauguration of Eastern clusters at Vishakhapatnam, the phase-I of implementation of Chain of Static Sensor (CSN) at mainland is completed.
EXERCISES / INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION: [1.] Exercise YUDH ABHYAS is part of joint exercises between the Indian and United States Armies since 2005. The 7th edition of Yudh Abhyas commenced on 05 March 12 in two locations; [2.] Navies of India and Japan conducted routine passage exercises ‘PASSEX’ during the visit of Japanese ships to Indian ports this year; [3.] INS Sudarshini sets sail for ASEAN Sailing Expedition from Kochi on 13 Sept 2012. This expedition was organised to celebrate India’s warm ties with the countries of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). During the course of voyage, 12,000 nautical expedition of INS Sudarshini will visit 13 ports in 9 countries in South East Asia; [4.] The 15 nation Naval Exercise ‘MILAN-2012’, a biennial congregation of Littoral Navies of the Asia-Pacific region, hosted by the Indian Navy, commenced at Port Blair, in Andaman and Nicobar islands, on 01 February 2012. It significantly contributed in strengthening cooperation among the Navies of 14 countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand; [5.] ‘Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX)’ was held on 07-08 February 2012 at Vishakhapatnam by Eastern Naval Command. Defence Minister, who inaugurated the exercise, spent two days with the Indian Navy and he was given a glimpse of the expansive scope and scale of the Indian Navy’s annual exercise; [6.] Indian and Indonesian Armies participated in the ‘Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare Training Drill’ (EX GARUDA SHAKTI) in March 2012 in Mizoram; [7.] Exercise ‘Shoor Veer’ is based on the integrated theatre battle concept with the elite Strike Corps in the lead, supported by Chetak Corps and all other relevant elements of South Western Army. A major highlight of the joint exercise was the integrated air-land war-fighting machinery and the synergy between the Indian Army and IAF; [8.] Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise ‘PRALAY’ in the North East on 29 February 2012.
IMPORTANT VISITS PROMOTING DEFENCE COOPERATION: [1.] Defence Minister Shri AK Antony inaugurated the 8th Heads of Asian Coast Guards Meeting (HACGAM) in New Delhi on 03 Oct 2012. HACGAM is an apex level forum facilitating congregation of all the major Coast Guard Agencies of Asian region. This initiative was developed initially in 2004 to discuss cooperation among the member organizations to combat piracy in the region. However, the scope of discussions has been expanded to include law enforcement, maritime security, disaster prevention and relief and capacity building. Presently, there are more than 20 member organizations from 17 countries that are part of the initiative; [2.] The US Secretary of Defence Mr. Leon Panetta was on a visit to India in June, 2012. During the delegation level talks, both sides exchanged views on the security situation in South Asia, West Asia and the Asia-Pacific and on various global security challenges, including in the area of cyber security; [3.] Indo-China delegation level talkson defence cooperation held in New Delhi on 04th September 2012. Both Ministers agreed that expanding bilateral cooperation between the Defence Ministries and Armed Forces of India and China helps enhance mutual trust, deepens friendship and promotes comprehensive development of the India-China Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. Chinese Defence Minister also visited the National Defence College (NDC). This is the first time since its inception in 1960 that such a high level military delegation from China visited the College; [4.] The Defence Minister addressed the 11th Asia Security Summit, also known as ‘Shangri La Dialogue’, in Singapore in June 2012; [5.] Minister of Defence of Singapore visited India in November. Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of Myanmar visited India in August. Defence Minister of Russia visited India in October for 12th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC). The US Secretary of Defence visited India in June. Chief of Naval Staff, Germany visited India in February. Defence Minister of Spain visited India in October. Defence Minister of Brazil visited India in Feburary. Defence Minister of Korea visited India in November; [6.] Defence Minister Mr AK Antony laid foundation stone of maritime training academy of Maldives during his visit to Maldives in September 2012; [7.] BNS (Bangladesh Naval Ship) Bangabandhu entered Kochi on 2nd November. The modern frigate and veritably the Flag Ship of Bangladesh Navy was on en route to Doha to participate in Exercise Ferocious Falcon. A host of professional and social interactions were scheduled between India and Bangladesh Navies on the occasion which included sports fixtures and mutual visits.
SEMINARS / WORKSHOPS / CONFERENCES: [1.] ‘DefExpo India 2012’, the 7th international Exhibition on Land, Naval and Internal Security Systems, commenced on 29 March 2012 at New Delhi. The largest ever Defence Exposition in Asia showcased India’s emergence as an attractive destination for investment in the Defence Sector and provided a platform for alliances and joint ventures in the Defence Industry; [2.] Global Hypoxia Summit & the 4th International Conference on Chronic Hypoxia was inaugurated by the then Minister of state for Defence in New Delhi on 09 Aug 2012. Addressing the gathering he said High Altitude hypoxia research is important for our country because we are constrained to deploy considerable number of soldiers in the high altitude areas; [3.] Defence Minister inaugurated International Seminar and Exposition ‘Defcom India-2012’ in New Delhi on 08 Nov 2012.
SECURITY ISSUE / POLICY PROCEDURES: The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony announced a number of decisions taken by the Centre for infrastructure development and for creation of job opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh while inaugurating the five- day long celebration of the completion of 25 years of statehood of Arunachal Pradesh at a function in Itanagar in February 2012.
WELFARE MEASURES OF SERVICEMEN / EX-SERVICEMEN: [1.] The Government has also taken up special measures to accelerate the Married Accommodation Project (MAP). Under the project, a total of nearly two lakh dwelling units are being constructed in four phases; [2.] The Union Cabinet has approved the recommendations of the Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary for One Rank One Pension, Enhancement of Family Pension, Dual Family Pension. On One Rank One Pension, the demand of the Defence Forces and Ex-Servicemen Associations is that uniform pension be paid to the Defence Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. On Dual family pension, family would be allowed in the present and future cases where the pensioner drew, is drawing or may draw pension for military service as well as for civil employment; [3.] The Union Cabinet has approved the recommendations of the Committee for Family pension to mentally / physically challenged children of armed forces personnel on marriage - Grant of family pension to mentally/physically challenged children who drew, are drawing or may draw family pension would continue even after their marriage; [4.] Bio-digester toilets were launched by DRDO in a tie-up with FICCI in June this year at Dhamra, Odisha. An evolved technology to treat biological wastes of soldiers serving in high altitudes of Ladakh and Siachen, is set to radically alter the rural sanitation and decomposition woes of fecal wastes in the plains across the country; [5.] Indian Navy’s first executive IT cadre launched in July 2012; [6.] To reduce the incidents of suicide and fragging in armed forces, Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) under DRDO has developed a suicide risk management test to help identify security personnel at risk so that preventive measures can be taken in advance.
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS IN SPORTS AND ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES: [1.] Four air warriors of IAF ‘Delphinus’ became the first services team in the world to swim the English Channel on 26 June 2012 by safely and successfully crossing the channel in 12 hours 14 minutes. They became the fastest Asian team to swim English Channel in its category; [2.] Chief Petty Officer Omkar Singh of the Navy shooting team has been bestowed the Arjuna Award for sporting Excellence for the year 2012; [3.] Subedar Major Vijay Kumar brought glory and laurels to Indian Army as well as to the Country by winning a Silver Medal at the London Olympics in 25 meter pistol shooting event.Olympic silver medalist Vijay Kumar was subsequently promoted as Subedar Major and given a cash award of Rs.30 lakh by the Defence Minister.
REACHING OUT TO PEOPLE IN DISTRESS: [1.] IAF evacuated 171 persons and distributed 4600 kg of relief material during its Relief and Rescue Operation in flashflood hit Uttarakhand; [2.] Army synergizes rescue efforts to save precious lives in Cloud burst hit Rudraprayag District of Uttrakhand; [3.] Joint flood relief operations by the Armed Forces in Arunachal and Assam were carried out from 20 to 28 September 2012.
CHANGE OF GUARDS: [1.] General Bikram Singh took over as the 25th Chief of the Army Staff in place of General VK Singh on 31 May 2012, who retired after the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s decision of agreeing to Govt’s stand of General’s Date of Birth as 31 May 1950; [2.] The Navy also saw Vice Admiral DK Joshi assuming the charge of Chief of Naval Staff on 31 Aug 2012 after the superannuation of the outgoing Admiral Nirmal Verma.