Saturday, October 22, 2011
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
India to step up defence collaboration with USA
India is stepping up defence collaboration with the USA having already inked its biggest-ever military deal for eight long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy for $2.1 billion. It is also planning to go in for three key military pacts with Washington, including one which would enable their militaries to refuel ships and aircraft in cash-less transactions that are balanced at the end of the year. “The deal for the eight P8I reconnaissance aircraft has been signed directly with the Boeing company. The terms and the end-user agreement governing the use of sensitive technology is yet to be sorted out with the US government,” highly placed sources said. According to these sources, the actual signing was done on 1 January with the defence ministry’s joint secretary, Preeti Sudan, and Boeing integrated defence systems vice-president and country head Vivek Lall. India will get the first of the P-81 by end-2012 or early 2013 with the remaining seven expected to be delivered in a phased manner by 2015-16. The contract also enables India to order four to eight more such aircraft. Apart from the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA), the other pacts pending are the Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA) that will enable the two militaries to communicate on a common platform, and an end-user agreement governing the sale of US military hardware to India. The USA has agreements similar to the LSA in place with some 65 countries. With the Indian and US militaries increasing their engagement in war games on land, in the air and at sea, CISMOA has become a necessity to ensure there are no communication glitches. “With the increasing number of military exercises between the countries, the pact is set to be given the green signal soon,” sources said.
Indian Army to increase intake from National Cadet Corps
New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Facing an acute shortage of officers, the Indian Army is now considering increasing intake from the National Cadets Corps (NCC) into the Indian Military Academy at Dehradun, a senior official said Monday.NCC director general R.K. Karwal Tuesday said that the government could increase the intake of NCC cadets in IMA from 64 to 80. The IMA annually takes in upwards of 1,000 cadets in two batches.
“Alarmed over the shortfall of officers, the government is also likely to hike the intake of NCC ‘C’ certificate holders into the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, from 79 to 100,” he said while addressing a conference ahead of the NCC Republic Day Camp. The OTA takes in 600 cadets every year.
The army faces a shortage of around 11,200 officers.
Karwal added that since 2007, the NCC is working on a scheme to raise the enrolment of cadets, a majority of whom would be girls. The NCC strength would also go up from the present 1.3 million to 1.5 million in five years, he added.
Vice President Hamid Ansari will Jan 8 inaugurate the annual NCC Republic Day camp, in which 1,950 cadets from across the country will be participating. It will conclude with the Prime Minister’s Rally Jan 29.
“Alarmed over the shortfall of officers, the government is also likely to hike the intake of NCC ‘C’ certificate holders into the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, from 79 to 100,” he said while addressing a conference ahead of the NCC Republic Day Camp. The OTA takes in 600 cadets every year.
The army faces a shortage of around 11,200 officers.
Karwal added that since 2007, the NCC is working on a scheme to raise the enrolment of cadets, a majority of whom would be girls. The NCC strength would also go up from the present 1.3 million to 1.5 million in five years, he added.
Vice President Hamid Ansari will Jan 8 inaugurate the annual NCC Republic Day camp, in which 1,950 cadets from across the country will be participating. It will conclude with the Prime Minister’s Rally Jan 29.
Indian navy begins review to build nuclear submarine
A high-level review of country's efforts to build an indigenous nuclear submarine and moves to procure two Akula class nuclear submarines from Russia and also attempts to shore up the country's dipping warship strength got underway on Wednesday.
The review is being undertaken at the three-day bi-annual meeting of top naval commander's conference which began in Mumbai, business capital of India, official media reported here quoting defense sources.
At the conclave, being chaired by Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, a complete review of the country's maritime strategy is likely to be undertaken.
The exercise, Defense Ministry sources said, is being undertaken in the backdrop of recent spy satellite evidence that China has now in operation five new generation nuclear submarines and the threat they may pose to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal regions.
After the top level deliberations, Mehta is expected to brief the Cabinet Committee on Security on the Chinese build-up of its nuclear submarine forces.
India has already given a go ahead for construction of 6 French Scorpene conventional submarines and the Navy is now giving final touches to floating global tenders for opening another line of submarines.
The country's first indigenous nuclear submarine is expected to be ready for sea trials next year and by that time Navy is also expected to receive the first of the two Akula class Russian nuclear submarines on lease.
Naval Commanders would also be focusing on the delay in the induction of the country's second carrier Admiral Groshkov currently being retrofitted in Russia and also likely to finalize the induction of carrier borne Russian Mig-29K fighters
The review is being undertaken at the three-day bi-annual meeting of top naval commander's conference which began in Mumbai, business capital of India, official media reported here quoting defense sources.
At the conclave, being chaired by Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, a complete review of the country's maritime strategy is likely to be undertaken.
The exercise, Defense Ministry sources said, is being undertaken in the backdrop of recent spy satellite evidence that China has now in operation five new generation nuclear submarines and the threat they may pose to maritime security in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal regions.
After the top level deliberations, Mehta is expected to brief the Cabinet Committee on Security on the Chinese build-up of its nuclear submarine forces.
India has already given a go ahead for construction of 6 French Scorpene conventional submarines and the Navy is now giving final touches to floating global tenders for opening another line of submarines.
The country's first indigenous nuclear submarine is expected to be ready for sea trials next year and by that time Navy is also expected to receive the first of the two Akula class Russian nuclear submarines on lease.
Naval Commanders would also be focusing on the delay in the induction of the country's second carrier Admiral Groshkov currently being retrofitted in Russia and also likely to finalize the induction of carrier borne Russian Mig-29K fighters
Indian nuclear capability is out of whack with the threat scenario
India's nuclear doctrine is centered on maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent. However, there is serious doubt that our current nuclear deterrent is credible. Indeed, our nuclear capability seems to be completely out of whack with the threat that we face.
The threat that we face today, both from China and Pakistan, is not of annihilation, but humiliation through loss of territory. Our territorial integrity is at stake, not our existence.
In this and the following series of posts on the subject, I will present to you credible threat scenarios and illustrate how our proven nuclear capability will not help us deal with these scenarios.
In this post I will dwell on a realistic threat scenario emanating from China.
The Chinese Threat
India is an impediment to Chinese ambitions of dominating Asia, and eventually emerging as an economic and military superpower at par with the US.
In recent history China has twice used its military might against sovereign nations (India and Vietnam) to humiliate them. It is an astute strategy, a strategy that has worked, a strategy that can continue to work in a nuclear world.
Chinese humiliation of India in 1962 still dictates our policy towards that nation, with fear guiding the conduct of policy towards them as much as logic. Indian military and bureaucracy remains extremely wary of the Chinese over 45 years after the slap on the face they delivered in 1962.
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh being presented a traditional memento by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Dorjee Khandu, at a public meeting, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on January 31, 2008. Photo Credit: PIB
Indian regional aspirations will surely place India at odds with China in the future. It is just a matter of time. When a major conflict of interest develops, if India does not give in, China will be tempted to deliver India a reality check through a measured military blow.
It could, for example, put India's economic progress back a decade, and put our great power ambitions on hold for the next half a century, through a massive intrusion into Arunachal Pradesh.
How the threat could play out
China has been steadily building up its infrastructure in Tibet, to a level where it could mobilize enough troops to overrun Indian border posts within a matter of weeks.
India's counter mobilization, to stop the planned Chinese incursion, could take months because of the relatively poor infrastructure, giving the Chinese a window of opportunity to overrun vast chunks of Arunachal Pradesh.
In such a scenario, India's only hope will be a strike on intruding Chinese troops with tactical nuclear weapons, while they are still massed on the right side of the border.
The threat and ability to deliver such a strike would in all probabilities stop the Chinese in their tracks. If it does not, the strike would definitely do so.
However, if we are forced to go through with a nuclear strike, a Chinese nuclear counter force response would definitely follow.
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh meeting with Army Jawans/Officers during the 'Badakhana' at forward area at Lohitpur, in Arunachal Pradesh on February 01, 2008. Photo Credit: PIB
The nature of the Chinese response would be determined by the credibility of our nuclear deterrent. A weak deterrent would tempt the Chinese to make their counter strike massive, enabling them to achieve their original goal of humiliating India.
The existence of a strong Indian deterrent would limit them to a more face saving response. At worst, it would be a punishing strike, but not a humiliating one. There is no humiliation in standing up to a bully even if you end up receiving more than you gave.
The imperative for a 'credible' nuclear deterrent
A credible deterrent, and a sensible nuclear doctrine that does not rule out first use of nuclear weapons, will ensure that China removes India from its list of nations that it can humiliate, and force it to deal with India much like it deals with Russia and Japan, two other neighboring countries with which it has territorial disputes.
It is clear that to counter a very realistic Chinese threat, India needs tactical nuclear weapons mounted on accurate delivery systems, and a proven counter force (nuclear) and counter value (Thermonuclear) capability, both of which we don't have.
Since our deterrent is less than credible at this point of time, our best bet would be to speed up the development of our infrastructure in the northeast, to ensure that we can match a build up of conventional Chinese forces, both in time and numbers, to dissuade any incursions.
The threat that we face today, both from China and Pakistan, is not of annihilation, but humiliation through loss of territory. Our territorial integrity is at stake, not our existence.
In this and the following series of posts on the subject, I will present to you credible threat scenarios and illustrate how our proven nuclear capability will not help us deal with these scenarios.
In this post I will dwell on a realistic threat scenario emanating from China.
The Chinese Threat
India is an impediment to Chinese ambitions of dominating Asia, and eventually emerging as an economic and military superpower at par with the US.
In recent history China has twice used its military might against sovereign nations (India and Vietnam) to humiliate them. It is an astute strategy, a strategy that has worked, a strategy that can continue to work in a nuclear world.
Chinese humiliation of India in 1962 still dictates our policy towards that nation, with fear guiding the conduct of policy towards them as much as logic. Indian military and bureaucracy remains extremely wary of the Chinese over 45 years after the slap on the face they delivered in 1962.
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh being presented a traditional memento by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Dorjee Khandu, at a public meeting, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on January 31, 2008. Photo Credit: PIB
Indian regional aspirations will surely place India at odds with China in the future. It is just a matter of time. When a major conflict of interest develops, if India does not give in, China will be tempted to deliver India a reality check through a measured military blow.
It could, for example, put India's economic progress back a decade, and put our great power ambitions on hold for the next half a century, through a massive intrusion into Arunachal Pradesh.
How the threat could play out
China has been steadily building up its infrastructure in Tibet, to a level where it could mobilize enough troops to overrun Indian border posts within a matter of weeks.
India's counter mobilization, to stop the planned Chinese incursion, could take months because of the relatively poor infrastructure, giving the Chinese a window of opportunity to overrun vast chunks of Arunachal Pradesh.
In such a scenario, India's only hope will be a strike on intruding Chinese troops with tactical nuclear weapons, while they are still massed on the right side of the border.
The threat and ability to deliver such a strike would in all probabilities stop the Chinese in their tracks. If it does not, the strike would definitely do so.
However, if we are forced to go through with a nuclear strike, a Chinese nuclear counter force response would definitely follow.
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh meeting with Army Jawans/Officers during the 'Badakhana' at forward area at Lohitpur, in Arunachal Pradesh on February 01, 2008. Photo Credit: PIB
The nature of the Chinese response would be determined by the credibility of our nuclear deterrent. A weak deterrent would tempt the Chinese to make their counter strike massive, enabling them to achieve their original goal of humiliating India.
The existence of a strong Indian deterrent would limit them to a more face saving response. At worst, it would be a punishing strike, but not a humiliating one. There is no humiliation in standing up to a bully even if you end up receiving more than you gave.
The imperative for a 'credible' nuclear deterrent
A credible deterrent, and a sensible nuclear doctrine that does not rule out first use of nuclear weapons, will ensure that China removes India from its list of nations that it can humiliate, and force it to deal with India much like it deals with Russia and Japan, two other neighboring countries with which it has territorial disputes.
It is clear that to counter a very realistic Chinese threat, India needs tactical nuclear weapons mounted on accurate delivery systems, and a proven counter force (nuclear) and counter value (Thermonuclear) capability, both of which we don't have.
Since our deterrent is less than credible at this point of time, our best bet would be to speed up the development of our infrastructure in the northeast, to ensure that we can match a build up of conventional Chinese forces, both in time and numbers, to dissuade any incursions.
Mumbai Terror: Marine Commandos did a fine job
December 02, 2008, (Sawf News) - The role of Indian commandos, including the Marine commandos (MARCOS), during the November 26 terror strike has made the nation proud.
Here are the views of a former MARCOS officer, voiced to the Maharashtra government over email.
"This e-mail is in my private capacity. I am a retired Naval Marine Commando and was the first batch of trainee. Subsequently, I was in Naval HQ looking after policy, tactics and equipment for Marine Commandos. I have been in touch with this force ever since and the Commander of the MARCOS who carried out the mission is personally known to me, was my trainee and we have regular social contact. The aim of this mail is to highlight the positives emerging out of this incident as I see gloom all over and a lot of negative reporting.
As far as I am concerned, the people in Power handling this reaction did an outstanding job for the following reasons:
Indian stood up to be counted when we stood by our stated policy of "No Negotiations with terrorists" irrespective of the collateral damage. They were neutralized professionally with no escape.
The timely intervention, with complete freedom for the professionals to carry out their task as deemed appropriate was indeed an outstanding decision. I call it timely because the MARCOS were there as soon as called, and would have upset the terrorist plans as they never did expect them so soon.
Whoever invited the MARCOS deserves credit. The Marcos kept the terrorist busy and on the run which would have added to their fatigue factor.
The MARCOS were given the freedom to neutralize terrorist and try and assist hostages to safety. The Naval Chief, Adm Bedi deserves credit for allowing the MARCOS to intervene though they are not necessarily meant for such interventions.
Hats off to the MARCOS who went in, irrespective of the consequences and brought back one captured bag with ammo, id etc - remember, they went in the middle of the night, without any preparations and in total dark conditions - Almost blind!
Unlike the politicians, all the soldiers addressing the press were professionals with no blame game or self pat - only professional statements.
I am inclined to say that our response to terror strikes is generally reactive and episodic rather then proactive and sustained. Hence the lapses leading to this incident are many including the fact that India has been soft on terrorists thus far - we indicated our changed stand with this counter strike. We should feel proud that despite all out shortcomings, the Government responded with urgency, using all its resources and allowing the professionals a free hand, with no interference by bureaucrats or politicians.. The response was swift and as brutal as should be. Let us not worry about Israeli's making some adverse comments. We did what best we could with what we have. Israelis never bother about collateral damage when it comes to themselves and hence we ignore their negative statements. Please convey to the Government, that we are proud of you in so far as the response was concerned and the professional manner with which it was allowed to progress."
Here are the views of a former MARCOS officer, voiced to the Maharashtra government over email.
"This e-mail is in my private capacity. I am a retired Naval Marine Commando and was the first batch of trainee. Subsequently, I was in Naval HQ looking after policy, tactics and equipment for Marine Commandos. I have been in touch with this force ever since and the Commander of the MARCOS who carried out the mission is personally known to me, was my trainee and we have regular social contact. The aim of this mail is to highlight the positives emerging out of this incident as I see gloom all over and a lot of negative reporting.
As far as I am concerned, the people in Power handling this reaction did an outstanding job for the following reasons:
Indian stood up to be counted when we stood by our stated policy of "No Negotiations with terrorists" irrespective of the collateral damage. They were neutralized professionally with no escape.
The timely intervention, with complete freedom for the professionals to carry out their task as deemed appropriate was indeed an outstanding decision. I call it timely because the MARCOS were there as soon as called, and would have upset the terrorist plans as they never did expect them so soon.
Whoever invited the MARCOS deserves credit. The Marcos kept the terrorist busy and on the run which would have added to their fatigue factor.
The MARCOS were given the freedom to neutralize terrorist and try and assist hostages to safety. The Naval Chief, Adm Bedi deserves credit for allowing the MARCOS to intervene though they are not necessarily meant for such interventions.
Hats off to the MARCOS who went in, irrespective of the consequences and brought back one captured bag with ammo, id etc - remember, they went in the middle of the night, without any preparations and in total dark conditions - Almost blind!
Unlike the politicians, all the soldiers addressing the press were professionals with no blame game or self pat - only professional statements.
I am inclined to say that our response to terror strikes is generally reactive and episodic rather then proactive and sustained. Hence the lapses leading to this incident are many including the fact that India has been soft on terrorists thus far - we indicated our changed stand with this counter strike. We should feel proud that despite all out shortcomings, the Government responded with urgency, using all its resources and allowing the professionals a free hand, with no interference by bureaucrats or politicians.. The response was swift and as brutal as should be. Let us not worry about Israeli's making some adverse comments. We did what best we could with what we have. Israelis never bother about collateral damage when it comes to themselves and hence we ignore their negative statements. Please convey to the Government, that we are proud of you in so far as the response was concerned and the professional manner with which it was allowed to progress."
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