Monthly Archives: August 2018

The Indian Army is eyeing the “Future Tank” platform which it intends to induct by 2030
Nearly a year after India’s Bheema tanks were deployed in the Himalayas amid tensions between India and China along the Line of Control (LAC), according to the Request for Information(RFI) floated by the defence ministry, the Indian Army is looking to procure new generation “Future Tank” platform namely “Future Ready Combat Vehicle” (FRCV), approximately quantity 1770 in a phased manner.
The Army intends to induct the “Future Tanks” by 2030.
The Army has sought foreign takers for the tender and plans to procure the tanks under the “strategic partnership” route. The RFI says that “in conformity with the emerging future threat spectrum and the technological advancements, the Indian Army intends to induct a new “state-of-the-art” “technology-enabled” tank to operate in varied terrain profile (High Altitude Areas, Plains/Riverine, Deserts/Semi-Deserts) across the current and future spectrum of conflict, which will remain in service for the next 40-50 years as the ‘Main Battle Tank’ of the Indian Army.”
Technological Advancements In Tanks
As far as the induction of the tanks are concerned, the RFI says due to the rapid pace of technological advancements taking place every three or four years bringing about new systems and concepts, the phased induction will thus cater for this aspect and facilitate product improvement and upgradation.
The RFI clearly states that the government has invited “responses to only from foreign OEMs” with the end-user of the equipment being the Indian Army with the last date of “acceptance of receipt of response set for September, 15.
Multi-Layered Protection
The Army is looking for a “modern” battle tank platform that is not only superior but also “incorporates niche technologies i.e Artificial Intelligence, see-through armour, and has the ability to operate in a network-centric environment.”
The new tanks are also required to be in continuous operations by day and night in real-time awareness, all-terrain agility and high mobility, precision lethal firepower, multi-layered protection with the use of niche technologies. Not just this, along with the tank the company should also be able to provide a family of combat vehicles for example recovery vehicle, bridge layer tank based on modularity and standardisation of platform.
Auto Target Tracker With Hunter-Killer Capability
The medium-weight class tank would incorporate a 2- 3 crew pod concept with ammunition able to operate in a minimum temperature as in high altitude area and maximum range as existing in deserts terrain with corresponding humidity conditions.
The firepower would include a large calibre, lethal, modular and upgradable weapon system with capability to destroy and offer countermeasures to varied threats. The new tanks would also have multipurpose “smart munitions” both for main and secondary armaments with a gun tube-launched anti-tank guided missile. It would also be required to have a digital fire control system to incorporate, AI-enabled target acquisition and multiple-auto target tracker with hunter-killer capability and eye-safe laser range finder.
Auto-Loading With Minimum Intervention
The Army needs the next generation battle tank to have high detection recognition and identification ranges with thermal night fighting and “lock on target” capability with smoke dischargers with anti-thermal and laser capability.
The Army wants the battle tank to have a loading system to provide auto-loading with minimum intervention and engagement time. The army has insisted on the tank being lightweight in order to achieve higher operational advantage, with “soft kill systems” and other countermeasures meaning laser warning system and RF sensors.
India’s Bhishma Tank
The tanks are also required to have Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), Hard and Soft Kill Measures, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Protection & Instant Fire Detection and Suppression System (IFDSS) along with “high trafficability” in marginal and boggy terrain and operational ranges in cross country and on the road.
During the India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh last year, the Army had moved its premier T-90 battle tanks to eastern Ladakh in late June in the aftermath of the Galwan clash between Indian soldiers and Chinese troops even as India and Chinese commanders began their long-drawn talks to disengage along the LAC.
The Russian-built T-90 Bhishma tanks were acquired by India in 2001. India has already been boosting its T-90 tank capacity for several years keeping in mind the growing security risk along the LAC. Last July the Indian army had moved the tanks to the Line of Actual Control putting its best military firepower at the head of its defensive and offensive capabilities to take on the PLA. India had earlier reportedly made an assessment for up to eight T-90 tank regiments for the LAC with the total number of T-90 and its variants going up to at least 4,500.
The tanks have been further boosted by thermal imaging technology giving it an edge during night-time operations which is considered crucial in the era of 24×7 planning and execution and since the Indian army occupies dominant positions along the LAC at the present moment, the sophisticated battle tanks allow the Indian Army to maintain its edge over the PLA.
India has moved rapidly to beef up the T-90s with India’s defence ministry signing a deal with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for mine ploughs (MP). India’s first T-90s Bhishma tank was rolled out of the assembly line from the Avadi Heavy Vehicles Factory (HFV) on 7 January 2004. The T-90 tanks played a crucial role during the confrontation on August 29 last year against the PLA tanks as the Bishma’s were set out to guard the strategic Spanggur pass at Chuasal.
China Threat
India has been quite openly reinforcing the T-90s in its arsenal.
In 2019, the defence ministry moved to induct more upgraded Russian built- Bishma’s at the cost of $2 billion. According to reports, the T-90s will be upgraded between 2022-26 enhancing India’s capability in the high Himalayas.
China had deployed its Type-15 lightweight tanks which has been conducting military drills in the plateau region. The tank has 105-millimetre shells and is reportedly meant for mountainous terrain. The Type-15 is equipped with chemical and nuclear protection and is reportedly easy to airlifted due to its light weight. India rapidly moved its T-90 tanks divisions after China fortified its presence in Galwan area during the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers.
The Indian Army used its T-90 divisions strategically and placed them in vulnerable points and along with its infantry has pushed back the PLA as witnessed on August 29 when China made aggressive moves in the Himalayas.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on June 04, 2021, has approved proposals concerning Capital Acquisitions of various equipment for modernisation and operational needs of the Armed Forces amounting to approx. Rs 6,000 crore.
This is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model. This would be one of the largest ‘Make in India’ projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India. From a strategic perspective, this will help reduce current dependence on imports and gradually ensure greater self-reliance and dependability of supplies from indigenous sources.
There was a long pending need of the Indian Army for modernisation of its Air Defence guns. These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources. With the continued thrust of Ministry of Defence towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received. All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacture this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India. Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approx. cost of Rs 6,000 crore under the Buy & Make (Indian) category.
Further to better equip the Armed Forces to meet the operational challenges and facilitate faster induction of required arms and ammunition, the DAC extended the timelines for progressing urgent Capital Acquisitions under the delegated powers to the Armed Forces up to August 31, 2021. This will enable the Armed Forces to complete their emergent and critical acquisitions.

New Delhi: Twenty-one years after it was first envisaged, the defence ministry Friday cleared the issuance of the formal tender for the Project 75 India (P75I), under which six new conventional submarines with air independent propulsion (AIP) systems are to be built.

The decision was taken by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

Incidentally, it came on a day when pictures of India’s lone nuclear attack submarine (SSN) — Chakra — which was on lease from Russia, came out on social media making its way back to its country of origin.

Talking about the Rs 43,000 crore project, sources in the defence establishment said that since the programme is being pursued under a strategic partnership, the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to selected Indian shipyards and they will then tie up with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and bid.

The defence ministry had earlier appointed a high-powered committee to assess eight Indian shipyards and select the ones eligible for the project.

Two Indian shipyards — state-run Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) and private firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) — were finally selected.

The OEM’s in contention are Russia’s Rosoboronexport Rubin Design Bureau, Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, France’s Naval Group, Spain’s Navantia and South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. Swedish firm SAAB had pulled out from the race.

“We have promulgated our requirements and specifications which will be part of the RFP that will be issued to the two Indian shipyards. It will be their responsibility to tie up with the foreign firm and submit their bids for the project,” a senior naval officer, who wished to remain unnamed, told ThePrint.

It was not yet clear if the Indian shipyards can submit multiple bids and whether one OEM can tie up with both the domestic firms.

The defence ministry in a statement said this is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model.

This would be one of the largest ‘Make in India’ projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India, it said.https://a06f202bce40639438db582096e142f5.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

“With accord of this approval, the country will be enabled to achieve its 30-year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India,” the statement noted.

If all goes according the plan, it will take another 10 years for the first submarine to be inducted

Also read: Army chief in Kashmir ‘to take stock’ as ‘fragile’ ceasefire with Pakistan completes 100 days

P75I part of India’s 30-year-old submarine plan

The P75I is part of India’s 30-year-old submarine building plan that ends in 2030. Under this, India had to build 24 submarines — 18 conventional submarines and six nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) — as an effective deterrent against China and Pakistan.

In 2016, then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said that the submarine plan should continue till 2050 and that India should look to build more than 24 such vessels.

P75I was first cleared in 2007 but no further movement could be achieved on it. It is only in February 2019 that the defence ministry gave it a fresh “Acceptance of Necessity”.

Russia has pitched govt-to-govt deal

Even as it will participate in the P75I tendering process, Russia has also pitched for a government-to-government contract for joint designing and building of a completely new class of submarines.

Russia wants to use its new Lada class submarines (its export version is called Amur), being built by the Admiralty Shipyard, as the prototype for the design and construction of the new submarines.

In 2019, Russia’s biggest design bureau for conventional submarines — the Rubin Design Bureau — had said that there was no submarine in the world that matches all the specifications laid down by the Indian Navy.

Incidentally, the Admiralty Shipyard has supplied 16 submarines to India including the first the country ever operated — the Foxtrot class of submarines — which were inducted in 1966.

Also read: Covid, production quality concerns delay induction of ‘Desi Bofors’ Dhanush by Army

Chakra on its way back to Russia

Meanwhile, sources confirmed that the Chakra is on its way back and is being escorted by a Russian destroyer and a tanker. The lease for the Chakra got over earlier this year.

However, India and Russia had, in 2019, signed a $3 billion deal for the lease of a third SSN — Chakra III — which is likely to be in Indian waters by 2025 at the earliest.

While both India and Russia were trying to work out a possible extension of the Chakra II, it did not materialise because of cost and technical aspects. The Chakra is said to have had some major repairs over the last few years because of which sailing was limited.

The original INS Chakra initially came to India on a three-year lease that began in 1988. Chakra II was inducted in 2012.

The Chakras were leased to train crews for India’s own fleet of ballistic missile firing submarines (SSBNs). India’s first indigenously built SSBN, the INS Arihant, entered service in 2016. A second, the INS Arighat, was launched in 2017 and is expected to enter service soon.

Also read: India notifies 2nd list of defence items it won’t import, industry hopes more will be added

Proof of its efficacy lies in the implementation

The Model Tenancy Act approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday is a laudable step towards ironing out some major kinks that beset a large chunk of the owner-tenant community under the existing legal framework. Chandigarh has done well to adopt it immediately. The other states and UTs should incorporate it, too, with provisions suited to their local markets. The letter and spirit of the new Act is to restore trust and balance in this potentially volatile owner-occupant relationship by encompassing the safety measures essential to both parties for a symbiotic growth. The mutually beneficial terms and conditions laid out in the Act along with separate rent authorities and courts envisaged for speedy resolution of tenancy issues are the reforms whose need has been felt for a long time. They are directed at pulling the rental sector out of a dispute-riddled quagmire.

At present, in the absence of a mandatory written agreement to be registered with the authorities, as also the costly and protracted system of judicial reprieve, often it is money and muscle power that tend to shift advantage. Generally, depending on who is at the receiving end, either the landlady feels robbed of her returns from a hard-earned investment (a factor crucial in a poor social security ambience) or a needy tenant, commercial or residential, finds himself/herself extorted of funds or evicted from the premises.

The Act aims to protect the two parties by addressing such loopholes. The rent deed binds them against taking such harsh steps as levying huge security deposits or withholding essential supplies as also not paying rent, subletting or overstaying the tenancy period. But the proof of its efficacy lies in the implementation. The authorities need to facilitate the execution of the new rules at once. These confidence-building measures are bound to have a positive impact on real estate. In a trustworthy legal environment, more proprietors can be expected to unlock their properties for tenants and developers to invest in rental apartments. The inclusive atmosphere will ease the problem of housing shortage, and lead to a stabilising of rates.

Legendary athlete Milkha Singh. File photo

New Delhi, June 4

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to former Indian sprinter Milkha Singh and inquired about his health, reported ANI.

Modi wished the legendary athlete a speedy recovery and hoped he will be back soon to bless and inspire the athletes who are participating in the Tokyo Olympics.

Singh who is Covid-19 positive was admitted to the ICU in Covid Hospital of the PGIMER here on Thursday due to dipping levels of oxygen.https://f6d7b062fa224ec9b530b72ed8144a3b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

He has been kept under observation and is stable now. He was discharged from a private hospital earlier this week.

Milkha Singh was on Sunday discharged from a private hospital where he was getting treatment for Covid-19 infection even as he continues to be on oxygen support.

The 91-year-old was discharged in stable condition on the request of his family.

“On the request of the family, Mr Milkha Singh was discharged from the hospital today in a stable condition. He is on oxygen and nutritional support,” the Fortis hospital, Mohali, had said in its update.https://f6d7b062fa224ec9b530b72ed8144a3b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Milkha is suspected to have contracted the infection from a house help.

The legendary athlete is a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion but his greatest performance was the fourth-place finish in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome Olympics.–ANI/TNS 

rmy Chief at forward areas along LoC on Thursday

Srinagar, June 3

Army chief General MM Naravane reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir on Thursday and lauded the troops for the high level of operational preparedness.

Gen. Naravane arrived on a two-day visit to Kashmir on Wednesday to review the overall security scenario in the valley. “On the second day of his two-day visit to #Kashmir, General MM Naravane #COAS reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control,” the Army wrote on its official Twitter handle.

It said the local commanders briefed the Chief of Army Staff on the existing security situation and the measures instituted to foil infiltration bids by terrorists.

“#COAS also interacted with the troops and complimented them for their high morale and the high state of operational preparedness,” the Army added.

On his arrival in Srinagar on Wednesday, Gen. Naravane, accompanied by Lieutenant General YK Joshi, the Northern Army Commander, and Lieutenant General D P Pandey, the Chinar Corps Commander, visited units and formations in the hinterland, where he was briefed by the local commanders on the existing security situation.

The Army chief was also briefed about the measures being taken to identify and target the overground workers (OGWs) network involved in the radicalisation and recruitment of youngsters into terrorist ranks. Efforts to prevent local recruitment and facilitate the surrender of local terrorists were also discussed.

The Army chief’s arrival in Kashmir assumes significance as it comes on a day when the ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the LoC completed 100 days.

While interacting with the troops, the Chief of Army Staff expressed his appreciation to the jawans and commanders, who are relentlessly battling the dual challenges of Pakistan-abetted terror and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He reinforced the need to be prepared to meet the emerging security challenges effectively. PTI 

General MM Naravane reviews the security situation along the LoC in Kashmir on Thursday. PTI

Srinagar, June 3

Making it clear that the onus of building bridges with India is on Pakistan, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Thursday said that while the ceasefire continued, steps such as putting a stop to infiltration would help in building trust between the two countries.

He said the longevity of the ceasefire along the Line of Control with Pakistan depended on the actions of the neighbouring country, but asserted that there would be “no slackening” of preparedness as terror infrastructure across the border was intact.

‘Decades of mistrust with neighbouring country’

Asked if Islamabad can be trusted as the ceasefire has been maintained for 100 days, General Naravane said, “There have been decades of mistrust between India and Pakistan. The situation can’t change overnight.”

Terming Covid another kind of war, Naravane said the Army had left no stone unturned in providing relief to the people of the country. He said he was happy that Covid cases were declining.

“The ceasefire along the LoC is there as of now. The onus of making sure that the ceasefire remains is squarely on Pakistan. We are willing to observe the ceasefire as long as they do so,” he told journalists at the end of his two-day visit to Kashmir.

The Army Chief said other activities like terror infrastructure including terrorist camps and presence of terrorists on the other side of the LoC were continuing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Asked if Islamabad can be trusted as the ceasefire has been maintained for 100 days now, General Naravane said, “There have been decades of mistrust between India and Pakistan. So, the situation on that score cannot change overnight.”

He lauded the troops for the high level of operational preparedness. “On the second day of his two-day visit to Kashmir, General MM Naravane reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control,” the Army wrote on its official Twitter handle. It said the local commanders briefed the Chief of Army Staff on the existing security situation and the measures taken to foil infiltration bids by terrorists. — PTI

File picture of the Kalvari class submarines which are currently under construction.

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 4

The Ministry of Defence on Friday okayed the proposal to issue a formal tender for a Rs 43,000 crore project to construct six new-generation stealth conventional submarines in India.

A foreign manufacturer will tie up with an Indian partner under what is termed as ‘strategic partnership (SP) model’ to make these under-sea vessels for nearly $ 5.8 Billion. The SP model entails foreign manufacturers working in India at the facility of its Indian partner.

India has asked for submarines, that will run on a mix of Diesel-electric power, to have air-independent propulsion (AIP). An AIP adds to be submergence capabilities, allowing the submarine to dive for 12-15 days, much more than the 4-5 days endurance of conventional subs.

The Indian Navy would have the option to manufacture six more submarines under the project.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, okayed the move. The DAC is the apex decision making body of the MoD. The case will go to the Cabinet Committee on Security for formal ratification. Known as the ‘project 75-India’, the DAC okayed the next step that is Request for Proposal (RFF) for the submarines.

Under the procurement rule of the MoD, the RFP is the second stage of the tendering process. This will be followed by technical evaluation of bids, cost evaluation and negotiations, technology transfer on offer, before a contract is signed.

The Ministry of Defence owned shipyard Mazagon Docks (MDL) and Larsen & Turbo (L&T) have been shortlisted among bidders. The latter is a private entity and is engaged in making the hulls of the Arihant Class of Indian strategic submarines.

Both will have a tie-up of their own with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) from the five makers short-listed by the MoD earlier.

The five foreign companies in the race are South Korean company Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, The Naval Group of France, Navantia of Spain, ThysenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany and the Rosboronexport of Russia.

The Naval group in collaboration with the MDL is already making six conventional submarines.

New Delhi, June 4

The Centre has asked all states to set up special search committees to find out talented people who could be nominated for Padma awards but so far have been left out of consideration despite their exceptional contributions.

The Narendra Modi government has been honouring many “unsung heroes”, who are contributing to society in different ways, with Padma awards.

The letter from the Union Home Ministry to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories was sent as the Central government opened the window for receiving applications on the online portal ‘padmaawards.gov.in’ from June 1 to September 15 for the Padma awards to be announced on the eve of Republic Day 2022.

The Home Ministry said it has been observed in the past that while nominations are received in respect of a large number of people, there could be several talented persons who are left out of consideration despite exceptional contribution in their field.

Often many such persons may get overlooked primarily for the reason that they may not seek publicity or attention in the public domain, it said.

“It is, therefore, requested to make concerted efforts in identifying such persons whose excellence and achievements deserve to be recognised and make suitable nominations in their favour. It goes without saying that recognition of such deserving persons will only add to the prestige of these awards.

“In the above background, I request you to kindly send suitable nominations for the Padma awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2022. In this regard, it is suggested that you may constitute a Special Search Committee for identifying, considering and finalising your recommendations or nominations,” the letter by Home Ministry Joint Secretary RK Singh said.

The states were told that while finalising recommendations, they should keep in mind that the persons recommended are pre-eminently worthy of the awards, looking at their lifetime achievements.

The criteria for selection should invariably be ‘excellence plus’ and the highest standards should be applied while recommending persons for these awards. The existence of an element of public service in the achievements of the person recommended for the award would be a desirable factor.

As the Padma awards are the second-highest civilian award of the country, it should also be considered whether the recommended person has earlier been given any national award or a state award in his or her field, the letter said.

Efforts may be made to identify talented persons from among women, weaker sections of the society, SCs and STs, and ‘divyangs’ who deserve to be considered for the award.

The decoration is normally not conferred posthumously. However, in highly deserving cases, the government could consider giving an award posthumously if the demise of the person proposed to be honoured has been recent, say within a period of one year preceding the Republic Day on which it is proposed to announce the award, it said.

A higher category of Padma awards can be considered in respect of a person who has earlier been conferred an award, provided a period of at least five years has elapsed. However, in exceptionally deserving cases, a relaxation can also be considered.

Government servants, including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for the Padma awards.

The nominations or recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the portal, including a citation in narrative form (maximum 800 words), clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements or service of the person recommended in his or her respective fields or discipline.

While recommending a person online, it should be ensured that all the necessary details are properly filled.

The Padma awards—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri—are among the highest civilian awards of the country.

The award seeks to recognise ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements or service in all fields or disciplines, such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry among others.

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.

Apart from the state governments, Union Territory administrations, central ministries, NGOs and individuals themselves can send their nominations for the Padma awards. PTI