YEAR END REVIEW – 2016 Various Achievements Of Ministry Of Defence
Speedy modernisation of the Armed Forces to meet present and emerging challenges, development of requisite capacities and infrastructure for making up critical deficiency of weapons and equipment and creating a robust defence set up in the country through the ‘Make in India’ initiative, were the salient achievements of the Ministry of Defence during 2016.
The year also saw progress for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen as the much awaited One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme funds reaching the accounts of Ex-Servicemen and families. During the year as part of Defence Diplomacy, India engaged with its neighbours and Far Eastern countries, as well as also developed countries through bilateral talks, ship visits and bilateral as well as trilateral military exercises. To expedite capacity building, as well as offensive capabilities of the Armed Forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the apex body of the Ministry of Defence in matters of acquisitions, cleared different critical and high end defence procurement proposals to the tune of more than 1 lakh crore.
The new Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 was promulgated for capital procurements and came into effect from 1st April. DPP-2016 has a focus on achieving the ‘Make in India’ vision by according priority to ‘Buy Indian – IDDM (Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured) and ‘Buy (Indian)’ categories. It also focuses on enhancement and rationalization of indigenous content.
The Ministry of Defence also issued guidelines for penalties in business dealings with entities, which have come into effect from 21 November. The guidelines lay down policy for levy of financial penalties and / or suspension / banning of business dealings with entities, seeking to enter into contract with / having entered into a contract for the procurement of goods and services by the Ministry of Defence. ‘Entities’ will include companies, trusts, societies, as well as individuals and their associations with whom the Ministry of Defence has entered into, or intends to enter into, or could enter into contracts or agreements. The guidelines are available at http://mod.nic.in/writereaddata/guideentities.pdf.
INDIAN ARMY
Current Situation in J&K: The security situation in J&K is at an important crossroads. Cease Fire Violations (CFVs) which saw a meteoric rise in the preceding months, wherein more than 70 incidents of calibre escalation to Artillery/ 120 mm Mortar were attempted by Pakistan. This has seen a drastic reduction in CFVs post the DGsMO level talks which took place on 23 November 2016. Relentless operations by the Army both, along the Line of Control (LC) and in the hinterland in concert with other security forces have thwarted the designs of the nexus to give a fillip to the proxy war being waged against India. Army along with CAPF and JKP continues to put in relentless efforts to bring back normalcy to the Kashmir Valley.
Situation Along LAC: There is no commonly delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the border areas between India and China. From time to time, on account of differing perception of the LAC, situations have arisen on the ground that could have been avoided if we had a common perception of the LAC. Army regularly takes up any such situation along the LAC with the Chinese side through established mechanism including border personnel meeting, flag meetings, meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs and diplomatic channels.
Surgical Strikes along Line of Control: Based on specific and credible inputs about some terrorist teams having positioned themselves at launch pads along Line of Control to carry out infiltration and conduct terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and in various metros in other States, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on 29 September at several of these launch pads to pre-empt infiltration by terrorists.
The operations were focussed on ensuring that these terrorists did not succeed in their design to cause destruction and endanger the lives of our citizens. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties were caused to terrorists and those providing support to them.
TRAINING EVENTS & MILITARY EXERCISES
Indo – French Joint Military ‘Exercise Shakti – 2016’ was conducted from 6 to 16 January 2016. ‘Exercise Shakti-2016’ is the seventh edition in the series of bilateral exercises. The exercise was conducted in two phases. Both armies shared valuable combat experience on countering terrorist operations in an international environment.
Indo-Nepal Combined Military Training ‘Exercise Surya Kiran IX’ was conducted at Pithoragarh from 08 to 21 February 2016 under the aegis of Panchshul Brigade/ Central Command. An Infantry Battalion of the Indian Army and Shree Rudra Dhoj Battalion of the Nepalese Army participated.
India – Indonesia Joint Training ‘Exercise Garuda Shakti IV’ The fourth edition of the joint exercise was conducted for 13 days from 10 to 23 March 2016 at Magelang, Indonesia. A platoon of an Infantry Battalion from Southern Command theatre carried out joint training with a platoon from 503 Airborne Battalion of the Indonesian Army.
‘Exercise Force -18’, the largest ground forces multinational field training exercise on ‘Humanitarian Mine Action and Peacekeeping Operations’ culminated at Pune on 8 March 2016. Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Dalbir Singh presided over the closing ceremony. The week long exercise saw participation of over 300 foreign participants and observers from ASEAN Plus countries. Lt Col Sofia Qureshi was selected to lead the Indian army training contingent of 40 personnel during this exercise. She was the first woman to lead the Indian Army in an 18-nation military exercise.
‘Exercise Shatrujeet’: COAS General Dalbir Singh witnessed ‘Exercise Shatrujeet’ in Rajasthan on 22 April 2016. The COAS was briefed on operational plans and conduct of the exercise by GOC, Strike Corps Lt Gen Shokin Chauhan. The exercise is part of regular training where the Strike Corps practices and hones war fighting skills.
‘Exercise Chakravyuh-II’: In a follow up to ‘Exercise Shatrujeet’ by the Strike Corps (Strike One) in April 2016, the pivot formations held the fortnight-long military training exercise, ‘Exercise Chakravyuh-II’ in Rajasthan. The exercise conceptualized by the Pivot Corps involved rapid mobilization and execution of plans in sync with the Air Force in desert terrain. It was a success. The exercise validated the battle readiness and operational effectiveness of the RAPID Division along with all its affiliated components.
‘Exercise Jalrahat’: As a step towards achieving the goals of National Disaster Management Plan 2016 released by the Prime Minister on 1 June 2016 and with the outlines of identifying high risk disaster areas and coordination between the Armed Forces, NDRF and State Disaster Management Agencies along with other State Emergency services, a mock exercise and demonstration under ‘Exercise Jalrahat’ was conducted on 29 June 2016 in Shantipur area of Guwahati on the banks of the Brahmaputra River.
‘Exercise Maitree’: A joint exercise of the Indian Army and Royal Thailand Army was held from 15 to 30 July 2016 in Thailand. The aim was to train contingents of both armies on conduct of counter-terrorist operations in an urban environment. The exercise was designed to enhance mutual cooperation and interoperability between the two armies.
‘Exercise Yudh Abhyas’: As part of the continuing Indo – US defence cooperation, the 12th edition of the joint military training ‘Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2016’ was conducted at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand from 14 to 27 September 2016. The exercise was in a series of one of the longest running joint military training exercises covering counter-terrorist operations under the flagship of UN for countering international terrorism. It included a series of training events such as cordon and search operation, cliff chop assaults and other training events covering operational activities carried out under the flag of UN Mission.
Indian Army Medical Team Participated in the Joint Exercise of ASEAN PLUS countries in Thailand in September 2016. Exercise was based on humanitarian action during natural calamity.
Indo-Kazakhstan Joint Exercise: As a part of India’s continued efforts to strengthen Indo-Kazakh relations, Armies of the two countries had undergone a 14-day joint exercise ‘Prabal Dostyk’ in September 2016. The exercise was conducted in Karaganda region of Kazakhstan.
‘Indra – 2016’: As part of continued efforts to further strengthen Indo-Russian friendship, troops of two sides, participated in the eight edition of Joint ‘Exercise Indra – 2016’ from 22 September to 2 October 2016. The 11-day exercise focused on Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain under the UN mandate. The exercise was held at the 249thCombined Arms Range, Sergiveskey.
‘Sino – Indian Joint Exercise’: As part of the ongoing initiative to enhance interaction and cooperation between India and China, under the provisions of the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, 2013, the Indian and Chinese armies held their Second Joint Exercise ‘Sino India Cooperation 2016’ on 19 October 2016. This was a sequel to the first Joint Exercise held on 6 February 2016 in the Chusul Garrison of Eastern Ladakh.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Army Everest Massif Expedition to Mt Everest and Mt Lhotse:The Indian Army Everest Massif Expedition to scale Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse, was flagged off by Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen MMS Rai, on 29 March 2016 in New Delhi. The 30-member team of 5 Officers, 4 Junior Commissioned Officers and 21 Other Ranks was led by Lt Col RS Jamwal, a reputed climber.
Chinar Corps Centenary Expedition to Mt Harmukh: A 45-member team of Indian Army mountaineers led by Col SS Shekhawat, who had scaled Mt Everest thrice earlier, scaled the formidable peak of Harmukh on 21 May 2016 as part of the Chinar Corps’ centenary celebrations. Harmukh at 5148m lies in the North Western Himalayan range.
Joint Indo-Kyrgyz Army Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Jogin III: A 23-member team conducted the expedition from 30 August to 25 September 2016 in Harsil sector of Garhwal Himalaya (Uttarakhand). The team included nine members from the Kyrgyz Army. It successfully completed the expedition.
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DISASTER RELIEF (HADR)
Vivekananda Flyover Collapse. Kolkata witnessed the collapse of the Vivekananda Flyover on 31 March 2016. The civil authorities immediately called the Army to carry out rescue operations. On arrival rescue work was coordinated with civil administration and the NDRF.
SPORTS
International Day of Yoga – 2016: This year approximately 4 lakh Jawans and Officers participated in the International Day of Yoga – 2016 across the entire length and breadth of the nation.
Three World Records Established By Indian Army Dare Devils: Dare Devil team of Corps of Signals set a new world record on 09 September 2016 at 1 Signal Training Centre, Jabalpur. The world record for ‘longest continuous ride standing on the seat of a motor cycle’ was broken by Capt Manpreet Singh (Team Captain “Dare Devils”) covering a distance of 75.2km in 2 hrs 24 min and 12 secs. The world record for ‘Handle Bar Riding on a Motorcycle’ under fresh category was broken by Lance Havildar Sandeep Kumar, covering a distance of 46.9km in 01 hr 27 min and 31 secs. The world record for ‘Fastest 100m running with a football balanced on the head’ was broken by Subedar Azad Singh with a time of 17.7 secs.
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS
The Directorate Of Indian Army Veterans launched: COAS General Dalbir Singh inaugurated the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV) on 14 January 2016 at Delhi Cantt. The Directorate will provide a wide range of veteran care and support services and will act as a single point of contact for redressal of complaints of veterans, widows and their wards. The inauguration of the new Directorate coincided with the first ever celebration of Veterans Day.
Release of Beta Version of Integrated Quartermaster Package (IQMP) For The Indian Army: The beta version was released by Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen MMS Rai, on 29 January 2016 as a pre-cursor to the final release of IQMP. As part of ongoing efforts, DGIS with the help of M/s Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. has developed IQMP for automating all logistics functions at the unit level. It will also cater for exchange of info and data with Logistics Management Support applications through CMA (Central Management Application) hosted at Army Headquarters Computer Centre. This avoids replication and achieves the aim of automation.
Colour Presentation to Signals Corps: COAS Gen Dalbir Singh presented the President’s Colours to the Corps of Signals of Indian Army at Gauri Shankar Parade Ground of 1 Signal Training Centre, Jabalpur on 15 February 2016.
A Multispecialty Dental Wing For Veterans: On the occasion of Platinum Jubilee Celebration of the Army Dental Corps, a Multispecialty Dental Wing for veterans was inaugurated by the COAS Gen Dalbir Singh on 10 February 2016 at Army Dental Clinic (Research & Referral), Delhi.
Cardio Thoracic Vascular Clinic Inaugurated: COAS Gen Dalbir Singh inaugurated the Cardio Thoracic Vascular Clinic on 16 April 2016. The clinic is a part of the newly constructed 200 bedded Cardio Thoracic Vascular Science Centre in the premises of Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi.
Defence Communication Network: The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, dedicated the Defence Communication Network (DCN) to the Nation on 30 June 2016 in New Delhi. He complimented the three Services on putting in place a communication system to facilitate jointmanship. He further stressed on the need for keeping the network secure.
Army Skill Training Centre: The pilot project of the Army Skill Training Centre (ASTC) was inaugurated by President AWWA Mrs Namita Suhag on 22 August 2016 in Delhi. The Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, COAS Gen Dalbir Singh and other senior officials were present. With the inauguration of the ASTC, the Indian Army now embarks on a new mission by bringing Army spouses and wards into the folds of the skilling landscape. Army personnel and their spouses/wards who attend training at ASTC will receive skill certificate from NSDC and will become eligible for employment/ entrepreneurship under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna scheme.
‘Make In India’ Portal On Army Website Launched: COAS Gen Dalbir Singh formally announced establishment of the Army Design Bureau (ADB) on 31 August 2016 during an Army Seminar on ‘Make Projects’ held in New Delhi. The COAS also launched the ‘Make in India’ Portal on the Army Website.
Inauguration of Military Station: Berhampore Military station in West Bengal was inaugurated by the President Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 8 October 2016. The military station located 25 Km from Murshidabad has been developed as a model military station to include state-of-the-art training and administrative facilities for the Army.
EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE
OROP
After a gap of more than 40 years, the much awaited One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme was announced by the Government on 7 November 2015. Detailed instructions along with tables announcing its implementation were issued on 3 February 2016. So far 20,63,529 Ex-Servicemen have been identified for getting financial benefits under OROP in pre-July 2014 category, out of which 19,57,925 defence pensioners have received the first instalment of revised pension. Expeditious steps have been taken by the Government to cover the remainder 1,05,604 defence/family pensioners under OROP.
ECHS
The government is taking special measures to provide quality and affordable medicare to ex-servicemen and their dependents. As part of health care reforms, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has been completely digitized. A total of approximately 50 lakh beneficiaries have been covered under the scheme. As of now the scheme is being run through 28 regional centres and 426 polyclinics. A total of 1445 civil hospitals have been empanelled to provide cashless treatment to ECHS beneficiaries.
MAP
Looking at the hardships and long separation of Jawans from their families while serving in forward and high altitude areas, the Ministry is taking steps to expedite the Married Accommodation Project (MAP) for Armed Forces personnel on priority basis. This will provide nearly 2 lakh dwelling units for the married personnel near their places of posting. The third and final phase of MAP is soon expected to be implemented providing 71,000 more dwelling units. The second phase foundation laying ceremony was held at the hands of MoS Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre at Merut Military station on 21st December 2016.
INDIAN NAVY
To enhance its Blue Water capability, the Indian Navy opted to strengthen its submarine arm for which Request For Proposal (RFP) to acquire six more conventional submarines under Project 75(I) was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). The project will cost around Rs. 80,000 crore. Under this programme six conventional submarines are planned to be built in India with foreign collaboration. Under this INS Kalvari, the first of the Scorpene class submarine being built at the Mazagon Docks Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai, went for sea trial for the first time on 1 May 2016. A number of preliminary tests on the propulsion systems, auxiliary equipment and systems, navigation aids, communication equipment and steering gear were conducted during the trials. Various Standard Operating Procedures were also validated for this new class of submarines during the trial.
Kamov Ka-226T: At the India-Russia summit held in Goa on 17 October 2016, the two nations announced the signing of the shareholders agreement for the joint venture of the Ka-226T helicopters in India. The joint venture is between Russia-based Rosoboronexport, Russian Helicopters and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to jointly produce 200 Kamov Ka-226T helicopters. This will go a long way in strengthening the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare capability of the Navy.
INS Marmugao: The second ship of Project-15B, the indigenous Guided Missile Destroyer, christened INS Marmugao was launched on 17 September 2016 at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai. With a launch weight of 2844 tonnes, the vessel was launched by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Sunil Lanba.
INS Chennai: Under Project-15A the indigenous Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Chennai was commissioned into the Indian Navy by the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar on 21 November 2016 at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai. The event marks the formal induction into the Navy of the third and last of the three ‘Kolkata’ class destroyers, indigenously developed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation, Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by the MDL.
INS Kadamatt: the second ship of Project-28, class Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette was commissioned at Naval Dockyard Vishakapatnam on 7 January 2016. The ship designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Directorate of Naval Design has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata
INS Tarmugli: The high manoeuvrable fast attack craft INS Tarmugli was commissioned into the Indian Navy by FoC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command on 23 May 2016 at Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam. Placed under the Naval Officer-in-Charge, Andhra Pradesh, the ship has been deployed for coastal patrol and surveillance operations along the East coast of India.
De-induction of Sea Harrier and induction of MiG-29K: The illustrious and unique Sea Harriers of the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS 300) were given a farewell at INS Hansa, Goa on 11 May 2016. The function was attended by the erstwhile CNS Admiral RK Dhowan and Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba. On this occasion, the MiG-29K Squadron was seamlessly integrated into the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
LCU L-56 (Yard 2097): The sixth vessel of the series of eight Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Ships designed and built by GRSE Ltd, Kolkata for the Navy was launched on 12 March 2016. The ship can be deployed for multi-role activities such as beaching operations, Humanitarian and Disaster Relief operations and evacuation from distant islands. The first ship of the class ‘LCU-L51’ was launched on 12 March 2014 and is now undergoing sea trials at GRSE.
LCU 57 (Yard 2098): The seventh ship of Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV project, was launched on 24 November 2016 at an impressive ceremony at GRSE, Kolkata.
INS Karna: The Marine Commando base at Visakhapatnam was commissioned by the CNS Admiral Sunil Lanba at Bheemunipatnam on 12 July 2016. The marine commando force also called Marcos was raised in February 1987 as the Indian Marine Special Force. It is capable of operating in all three dimensions at sea, air and on land.
OPERATIONS AND EXERCISES
IFR 2016 – Passage Exercise: The International Fleet Review 2016, conducted at Visakhapatnam from 4 to 8 February 2016, culminated with Indian and foreign Naval ships undertaking a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Bay of Bengal on 9 February 2016. 54 ships that had participated in IFR-16 sailed out from Visakhapatnam in the first ever PASSEX with combined participation of foreign and Indian warships.
Exercise RIMPAC: Exercise RIMPAC is the largest multilateral naval exercise in the world and is held biennially in the Western Pacific Ocean. Indian Navy’s association with Ex RIMPAC commenced with participation as an ‘Observer’ in 2006, 2010 and 2012. In 2014, Indian Navy participation was enhanced with deployment of the Indian Naval ship Sahyadri in the 24th edition of the exercise. INS Satpura arrived at Hawaii on 30 June 2016 to participate in the 25th edition of Exercise RIMPAC.
Assistance to Sri Lanka: Two Indian Navy warships, INS Sutlej and INS Sunayna, were deployed to Sri-Lanka on 20 May 2016 to provide assistance consequent to the calamity caused due to cyclone “Roanu”. The ships sailed from Kochi with 30 to 40 tons of relief material which included inflatable rafts, fresh water, medical supplies, clothing and other provisions necessary for disaster relief operations and reached Colombo on 21 May 2016. A Chetak helicopter was also deployed.
BILATERAL EXERCISES AND OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT
Exercise Malabar – 2016: In consonance with India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and growing relations among India, US and Japan, Indian Navy Ships Satpura, Shakti and Kirch participated in the 20thEdition of Ex Malabar – 2016 with the US Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The exercise was conducted from 14 to 17 June 2016 at Sasebo, Japan, with the harbour phase at Sasebo from 10 to 13 June 2016 and the sea phase in the Pacific Ocean from 14 to 17 June 2016
Nassem – Al – Bahr: The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman conducted their 10th bilateral maritime exercise Nassem-Al-Bahr from 22 to 27 January 2016. This epitomises the strong long-term strategic relationship between the two countries. The exercise has matured over the years with increasing scope, complexity of operations and level of participation in the Arabian Sea.
ADMM Plus Exercise on Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism: The Indian Navy has been a regular participant in maritime exercises conducted by the ADMM countries. ASEAN Defence Minister’s Meeting (ADMM) Plus Ex MS & CT is a multinational exercise under the aegis of ADMM Plus consortium. The current edition commenced at Brunei and culminated at Singapore, with various drills and exercises in the South China Sea. During the exercise, the Indian Navy engaged with navies from Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, China, Japan, Russia, Australia, Republic of Korea and US. INS Airavat participated in the ADMM Plus Exercise on Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism (Ex MS & CT) from 1 to 9 May 2016.
Co-ordinated Patrol and India-Indonesia Bilateral Maritime Exercise: INS Karmuk, an indigenously built missile corvette, based under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, along with a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft participated in the 28th India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol and Second Bilateral Maritime Exercise, from 10 to 27 October 2016 in the Andaman Sea.
OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT
Deployment of P8i to Seychelles for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Surveillance: The Indian Navy deployed a P8i maritime reconnaissance aircraft to Seychelles from 20 to 23 March 2016, for surveillance in the EEZ of Seychelles.
Indo–Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (IMCOR): The fourth edition of the India-Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (IMCO) was undertaken from 13 to 16 February 2016 along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Andaman Sea.
Deployment to Mauritius: INS Tabar, a stealth frigate visited Port Louis, Mauritius from 10 to 13 March 2016. The primary aim of the visit was to participate in the Mauritius National Day celebrations and to strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Ships of First Training Squadron (1 Ts) visit Thailand and Sri Lanka: Indian Naval Ships Tir, Sujata, Sail Training Ship (STS) Sudarshini alongwith Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna, comprising the 1st Training Squadron visited Phuket, Thailand and Colombo, Sri Lanka from 4 to 8 April 2016 and 15 to 19 April 2016 respectively, as part of Overseas Deployment during Spring Term 2016.
ALH detachment to Male: One Indian Navy Advanced Light Helicopter MK III was deployed in Maldives on 27 April 2016. The helicopter assisted MNDF for undertaking Search and Rescue, Casualty Evacuation, Coastal Surveillance, Maritime Reconnaissance, Communication and Logistic duties.
INSV Mhadei sails to Mauritius with an All Women Crew: The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Mhadei (INSV Mhadei) sailed from Goa with an all-women crew for a voyage to Port Louis, Mauritius on 24 May 2016. The boat was skippered by Lt Cdr Vartika Joshi (a Naval Constructor). This was the first open-ocean voyage of the Navy’s all-women crew of Mhadei, who are currently training to undertake a circumnavigation of the globe in 2017.
Visit of Indian Warships: As part of ‘Act East Policy’, Indian Warships also visited Malaysia, The Philippines and Vietnam during the year.
INDIAN AIR FORCE
Rafale Acquisition deal: The much awaited Rafale deal with France was signed on 23 September 2016 in New Delhi under which France will provide 36 Rafale fighter jets to India at a cost of €7.87 billion (around Rs 59,000 crore). The Rafale fighter has 14 India-specific enhancements and a modern air-to-air missile that restores its edge in aerial combat over Pakistan. The twin-engine, multi-role aircraft will be fitted with the 150-km range Meteor missile in the weapons package, which is capable of carrying out all combat missions like air defence, interception, ground support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence.
India gets First Women Fighter Pilots: History was created as the first three women fighter pilots of the IAF were commissioned at the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal on 18 June 2016. India joined a select few nations in the world that have women fighter pilots. These women fighter pilots are Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh.
Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC felicitates three Women Fighter Pilots: On 12 August, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC felicitated the three women fighter pilots who are ushering the IAF into a new era of women in combat roles in the IAF.
OPERATIONS
Acquisitions & Upgrades:The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) “Tejas” was inducted into No. 45 Squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) on 1 July 2016. Its motto is ‘Ajeet Nabha’. The Squadron will operate from Bangalore for nearly two years, before it moves to its designated location at Sulur near Coimbatore. It is the first fighter Squadron to be a part of the Southern Air Command of IAF headquartered at Thiruvananthapuram.
ALG: The upgraded Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh was made functionalon 19 August 2016. It may be recalled that following a MoU between Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Ministry of Defence in June 2009, the IAF had embarked on an ambitious reconstruction plan to upgrade eight ALGs, including infrastructure development at an overall outlay of nearly Rs. 1,000 crore. The ALGs at Walong, Ziro, Along, Mechuka and Pasighat have since been upgraded and are operational now.
IAF Fighter on Lucknow-Agra Expressway: Three IAF Mirage-2000s and three Su-30s successfully carried out Trial Landings on the Lucknow- Agra Express Highway on 21 November 2016. These fighter aircraft successfully carried out a ‘touch and go’ on a portion of the newly constructed Agra-Lucknow Expressway.
EXERCISES
Exercise Iron Fist 2016: IAF’s day-night exercise demonstrating its combat and fire power was conducted on 18 March 2016 at Rajasthan’s Pokhran firing range in the presence of President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The event comprised six packages depicting six themes in which more than 180 aircraft, including fighters, transport and helicopters participated.
HADR OPERATIONS
‘Op Sankat Mochan’: At Least 149 Indian nationals were evacuated from the war-torn South Sudan’s capital city of Juba on 14 July 2016. The Minister of State for External Affairs, General VK Singh, flew to Juba with two C-17 Globemaster in what was named ‘Operation Sankat Mochan’, to evacuate more than 600 Indians.
DEFENCE COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Bilateral Exercise ‘RED FLAG-1’ with United States Air Force (USAF): As part of International Defence Cooperation, Red Flag Alaska 16-1, an advanced aerial combat training exercise was hosted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (a successor to the previous COPE THUNDER exercise series), USA on 28 April 2016. There was a mix of combat and support elements participating from IAF, USAF and US Navy. The exercise was played under multiple simulated scenarios designed to provide realistic settings.
Desert Eagle II was the second in the series of bilateral exercises between the IAF and United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAE AF). This was a ten-day air combat exercise in which the IAF and the UAE AF undertook air exercises from Al-Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi starting from 22 May 2016.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ For Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society: Recognising its efforts for developing football at the grassroots level, the ‘Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society’ (SMSES) was bestowed the National Sports Award ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’, for ‘Sports for Development’ by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports on 23 August 2016. The SMSES organises the famous Subroto Cup Football Tournament.
COLOUR PRESENTATION
President Awards Standard to 119 HU and Colours to 28 Equipment Depot: The President Shri Pranab Mukherjee awarded the prestigious Presidential Colours to 28 Equipment Depot and Presidential Standard to 119 Helicopter Unit at ceremonial parade, held at Air Force Station Jamnagar on 4 March 2016.
Award of President’s Standard to 501 Signal unit and 30 Squadron : The President also awarded the President’s Standard to 501 Signal Unit and 30 Squadron on 10 November 2016 at Air Force Station Ambala.
DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (DRDO)
Agni – V Successfully Test-Fired: Agni-V, the Long Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile was successfully flight tested by DRDO on 26 December from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The full range test-flight of the missile further boosted the indigenous missile capabilities and deterrence level of the country. All the Radars, tracking systems and Range Stations tracked and monitored the flight performance and all the Mission objectives were successfully met. This was the 4th test of Agni-V missile and the second one from a Canister on a Road Mobile Launcher.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’: Indigenously developed LCA is an advanced technology, single seat, single engine, supersonic, light weight, all-weather, multi-role, air superiority fighter designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea combat roles. During the year, ‘Tejas’ made its international debut in January 2016 with participation in the Bahrain International Air Show. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first two Tejas aircraft to IAF at a ceremony at ASTE Bengaluru on 1 July 2016 which will make up the ‘Flying Daggers’ 45, the name of the first squadron of LCA.
Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System: The AEW&C system consists of sensors mounted on an aircraft, for locating and providing early warning of airborne and sea surface targets and hostile emissions. All the mission systems have been integrated on the first two aircraft and the developmental trials are in advanced stage of progression. The system integration on the third aircraft is under progress. The installation of the ground systems namely Mission Planning and Analysis Station (MIPAS), Operator Training Station (OTS) and Automatic Test equipment have been completed. Ground Exploitation System (GES) is being integrated with Integrated Air Command and Control Station (IACCS).
Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV ‘Rustom-II’: Rustom-II, a multi-mission Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is being developed to carry out the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the three Armed Forces with an endurance of 24 hours. During the year, taxi trials commenced from 8 August. DRDO also successfully carried out the maiden flight of Rustom-II from Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga in November.
Heavy Drop System (HDS): Heavy Drop System (HDS) with capability to drop loads like 3 ton from AN-32 aircraft and 7 ton and 16 ton from IL-76 aircraft have already been developed. Army has already placed intent on OFB for 159 sets for 3 ton HDS. P-7 HDS has been accepted by the Army for induction. A total of six UATTs have been completed for the P-16 HDS and the system has met all the requirements of guidance.
Controlled Aerial Delivery System (CADS): Airdrop technology is a vital capability for rapid deployment of payloads to specific rendezvous points. CADS with its Air Borne Unit (ABU) steers its flight path towards a predetermined target by operating the control lanyards of Ram Air Parachutes (RAP). CADS for 500 kg All Up Weight (AUW) has been successfully developed by DRDO.
Surface-to-Air Missile ‘Akash’ :The medium range surface-to-air missile ‘Akash’ has been developed and inducted into IAF and Indian Army. During the year, Akash Army version, user exercise was carried out. The total production orders placed by Services for eight squadrons of IAF and two regiments of Indian Army for Anti-Missile System amounts to approximately Rs. 23,900 crore. Indigenous development of the system has given impetus to the Defence industrial base in the country. DRDO has also undertaken two new projects of Akash this year.
Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM): LRSAM is a joint development programme of DRDO, Indian Navy and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel. The missiles are intended to equip three guided missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. LRSAM Home-on-Tests were conducted at ITR during September to prove three intercept scenarios with Banshee Jet 80 as target.
Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM): MRSAM is being developed for the IAF for protecting our territory and ground forces from air attacks by intercepting aerial targets like fighter aircraft and guided weapons. The system is jointly developed by DRDO, IAF and IAI, Israel. During the year, three flight trials were successfully carried out in June and July to evaluate target detection and tracking by Long Range Detection and Tracking Radar (LBMFSTAR), missile launch and homing on target and radar tracking and ASP generation.
Anti-Tank Missile ‘PROSPINA’: ‘Nag’ is a third generation anti-tank missile (ATM) with ‘Fire & Forget’ and ‘Top Attack’ capabilities, which can be used in day and night. It is deployed on a specially modified Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) BMP-2 vehicle ‘NAMICA’. During the year, guided flight tests of ‘Nag’ were carried out with the objective of demonstrating range capabilities of IIR Seeker during worst time of the day in summer environment.
New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM): DRDO is involved in the design and development of NGARM. AKU-58 launcher after suitable modification will be used for missile integration on Su-30 MKI aircraft. During the year, captive flight trials (CFT-1) sorties were carried out at AF Station, Pune with Su-30 MKI aircraft.
Smart Anti Air Field Weapon (SAAW): SAAW is a long-range, stand-off, precision air-to-surface weapon capable of engaging ground targets for launch from Jaguar and Su-30 MKI aircraft. During the year, mechanical, electrical and avionics integration of SAAW to Jaguar CLP were successfully completed and communication between SAAW OBC and Jaguar MC was established. On 24thDecember, DRDO successfully tested this indigenously designed and developed 120 Kg class smart weapon from an IAF aircraft. It is capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up to a range of 100 kms.
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS): DRDO has taken up the task of design and development of 155mm X 52 calibre ATAGS having higher calibre, range, accuracy and consistency for the Artillery of Indian Army. The gun system will be compatible to ACCCS-Shakti command and control network being operational with the Indian Army.
New Family of Munitions: Six types of munitions are being designed and developed by DRDO viz. Soft Target Blast Munition ‘Nipun’, Anti-Tank Point Attack Munition ‘Vibhav’, Anti-Tank Bar Munition ‘Vishal’, Directional Fragmentation Munition ‘Parth’, Anti-Tank Munition ‘Prachand’ and Jumping Fragmentation Munition ‘Ulka’ to improve the existing munitions and enhance its performance. During the year, Phase-I & Phase-II user trials of ‘Nipun’ were completed.
Penetration-cum-Blast (PCB) and Thermo-baric (TB) Ammunition for 120 mm Arjun Tank: PCB ammunition has been designed to defeat LOC bunkers, light concrete structures, administrative buildings, field fortifications and machine gun posts. The TB ammunition is being designed to defeat light vehicles, infantry formations, etc. Test firing of 120mm PCB & TB tank ammunition specifically designed for ‘Arjun’ tank was carried out in January at PXE, Chandipur in association with active involvement of the Army.
Advance Light Towed Array Sonar (ALTAS): ALTAS is an efficient sensing system for detection, localization and classification of submarines operating especially in below layer ocean conditions. It is useful in anti-submarine warfare operations and is the apt sensor for warships to locate silent submarines capable of launching high speed torpedoes. During the year, technical trials were conducted wherein detection of dived submarine in active and passive modes was established. High speed towing at 16 knots was also demonstrated successfully.
Hull Mounted Sonar Advanced (HUMSA) Upgrade system was installed onboard INS Talwar in August 2014 and three technical trials were conducted. UETs were conducted in Apr 2015 and more than 80% of NSQR parameters were demonstrated. Since INS Talwar was slated for midlife upgrade, the sonar system was re-installed in INS Trishul. During April, user evaluation trials were held onboard INS Trishul followed by handing over of the SONAR system by the Defence Minister to the Indian Navy in November.
Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS): DRDO has taken up a new TD project in 2016 to design and develop a PDDS system that is capable of detecting small targets such as divers and diver delivery vehicles in and around harbours. The system will be deployable and retrievable as and when required. During the year, lab prototype was fabricated and trials conducted at VARI, Kulamavn in January. Installation and testing of developed system on board INS Sagardhwani was completed in March. CDR was completed in July.
EW Systems ‘Samudrika’ for Capital Ships, Aircraft and Helicopters for Indian Navy: DRDO has taken up the development of a family of seven EW systems. The ship-borne systems include EW Suite ‘Shakti’, COMINT ‘Nayan’ and ESM ‘Tushar’. The air-borne systems include COMINT ‘Sarvadhari’, ESM ‘Sarang’ and ‘Sarakshi’ and ESM and COMINT ‘Nikash’. Design of each of the above mentioned products has been completed and hardware is under realization. M/s BEL will be the prime production agency for the production of EW systems.
Internal EW System for MiG-29 Upgrade Aircraft (D-29 System): D-29 is an integrated EW system for warning and jamming that encompasses RWR, ECM, and ESM functions and utilizes state-of-the-art active phased arrays for selectively jamming multiple threat radars. The system detects and gives information about position of the RF sources illuminating the aircraft and applies the appropriate jamming technique. During the year, 26 sorties were completed for multi emitter trials. New software of Elisra was tested on the rig and loaded on the aircraft.
Digital Radar Warning Receiver (DR-118): DR118 is a new generation Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) designed and developed for installation on any fighter, transport aircraft or helicopter. It intercepts and identifies airborne, ship-borne and ground based acquisition, target tracking and missile guidance radars up to the J Band frequencies. The identified emitters (radars) are indicated to the aircrew by displaying corresponding set of symbols on the corresponding MFD page in the cockpits. A synthesized audio warning is provided to the aircrew at the birth of each emitter. During the year, first milestone of hardware and software integration was achieved. This was followed by partial acceptance test procedure which was carried out jointly with IAF and high temperature antenna trials at Bareilly.
Dual Colour Missile Approach Warning System (DCMAWS) for fighter aircraft (Su-30 MKI): DCMAWS provides warning to the pilot on detecting a missile threat on the aircraft. Upon the declaration of the threat, the system provides audio visual display to the pilot and activates the counter measure dispensing system through onboard MC. The DCMAWS is a passive missile approach warning system that utilizes two spectral bands in the mid band IR. The system is being jointly developed with M/s Elisra, Israel and MoD, Israel. System development is completed.
S-Band Hub and Ground SATCOM Terminals: DRDO has realized three types of Terminal hardware namely, Manpack Satcom Terminal (MST), Satcom Messaging Terminal (SMT) and Handheld Satcom Terminal (HST). The fourth type, Satcom On The Move (SOTM) Terminal has been developed by DRDO with BEL as production partner.
Border Surveillance System (BOSS): DRDO is involved in design and development of a border surveillance system comprising EO payload consisting of thermal and day camera, LRF, GPS and DMC and BFSR (XR) for day/night monitoring of border area to ease man patrolling by automatically detecting an intrusion. During the year, two units of BOSS have been realized and installed in Leh and the Ladakh region. Performance has been demonstrated to GOC and Corps Commander HQ.
Indigenization of Microwave Chaff for Defence Application: Chaff is one of the most widely used and effective expendable electronic countermeasure devices. The project aims at indigenous development of chaff cartridges to bridge the technology gap in the field of chaff cartridges development. An indigenous process of preparing very fine aluminium fibres has been developed and a small capacity pilot plant has been established. During the year, Limited Qualification Tests (LQT) for indigenously developed chaff cartridges were carried out in presence of representatives from RCMA (AA), Pune.
Bullet Proof Jacket: DRDO is involved in the development of the prototype bullet proof jacket (BPJ), as per GSQR using different state- of-the-art ballistic materials providing protection against AK47 (MSC and HSC), 7.62 SLR and 9 mm SMC ammunitions. A total of 150 BPJs will be provided for user trials.
BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION
During the financial year 2016-17, BRO took up the construction of ten critical bridges and roads of strategic importance on a war-footing by mobilizing its resources and manpower in a vigorous way. The projects are:-
- Construction of a 470ft Himank Setu over Shyok River on the Indo-China border.
- Tsultak Setu connecting Pangong Tso for improving traffic-ability of both tourists and military personnel.
- The 529m span cable-stayed Atal Setu connecting Dunera-Basoli-Bhaderwah in J&K at 14.74km.
- 1020m span Ujh bridge in Kathua district of J&K connecting Parole-Korepannu-Rajpura Road as an alternative axis to NH44.
- 453m span Jodh bridge located at 13.40km on Akhnoor-Pallanwala Road in J&K, completed.
- 55m span Dobniyar bridge located at 0.29km on Berripattan-Minka Road in J&K completed.
- Under Project Hirak a 100ft span equipment bridge connecting Ghatiabagrah-Lipulekh road at 57.04km over Dogong Nallah was completed.
- Under project Arunank, a 200ft DDR Bailey Bridge at Gelensiniak across the Subansiri River approximately 20km ahead of Limekingon at the confluence of the River and Tsari Chu has been launched.
- A 100ft Bailey bridge over Kaochao River in Mizoram connecting Kaochao-Phura-Tokalo Road was opened to the public.
*****
NW/NAo/DM/RAJ
(Release ID :155998)
