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

Lt Gen KJ Singh (Retd)

PLA Armour Offensive in Himalayas

Background

PLA executed its ‘Three warfare’ strategy spear-headed by an array of armoured formations in Ladakh. PLA exercises in last few years have included mechanised manoeuvres and heavy drop of armoured vehicles, simulating capture of passes and lightly held areas in high altitude. It is widely reported that 6 Highland Mechanised Infantry Division and 4 Highland Motorised Infantry Division have deployed assorted AFVs- medium, light tanks and heavy support equipment across LAC in Ladakh to project their coercive messaging potential, as part of psychological warfare.

At the very outset, it can be categorically stated that India has not only stalemated the situation but had also caused criticality for PLA by pre-emptive occupation of dominating features on Kailash range. The operation on Kailash Range had mechanised elements in vanguard and were in face of massed PLA armour across Spanggur gap. According to informed experts stalemate, for initiator claiming to be global hegemony, amounts to loss.

Theme Setting

PLA has injected more versatility in their armoured fleet with introduction of light tank, ZTQ, first fielded during Doklam crisis.  Our BMP-2s, ICVs, duly integrated with medium tanks can be adapted for some of the relevant tasks. The Chinese threat, though stemmed currently could manifest again and more such forays can’t be ruled out. Hence, it was axiomatic that a review of mechanised fleet was carried out to meet emerging challenges in Himalayan sector. Consequently, Request for Information (RFI) for 350 light tanks has been issued. Concurrently, customised modernization of existing fleet of medium tanks is also being fast tracked.

PLA’s Mechanised Profile in Tibet 

6 Highland Mechanised Infantry Division and 4 Highland Motorised Infantry Divisions are orbatted with two Mechanised Infantry Regiments (Brigades) supported by an armoured regiment.  Each Mechanised Infantry Regiment has four mechanised battalions. It has combat support elements – artillery, air defence regiments supported by engineers, EW and CBRN Defence battalions. Division has reconnaissance battalion equipped with eighteen ZBD-04A infantry fighting vehicles armed with ATGMs. Artillery and Air Defence and most other combat support equipment are tracked. Other associated equipment like helicopters, drones and rocket artillery are grouped as per envisaged tasking.

Comparative Evaluation-Medium Tanks

PLA medium tank battalions are equipped with thirty-five ZTZ-99A (Type 99) tanks or earlier versions like Type 96. Chinese tanks follow an evolutionary approach and are reverse engineered from original Russian models and cloned by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). Their numbering has typical psychological hype attached. T-54 clone is referred to as Type-59 and T-90 equivalent as Type-99. Current lot of PLA medium tanks weigh around 55 tonnes, 125 mm smooth bore guns and 1000 to 1200 HP engines.

Our medium tanks, T-90s and T-72, in right combination are more than a match for these tanks.  It is pertinent to highlight that numerically four of our regiments can match five Chinese regiments as our regiments have nearly 50 A vehicles. However, our main stay- T-72 needs to be equipped with upgraded engine. Additional power is required to compensate for de-rating of engines by approximately 25% in high altitude areas. Russian tanks are customised to operate in extreme cold climate but customised value additions like Auxiliary Power Unit (APUs) have been identified, as part of ongoing modernisation including creating an eco-system of heated garages and repair bays, which needs to be fast tracked.

Comparison-Mechanised Infantry

PLA’s mechanised infantry ismix of old tracked Type 86 ICVs,  wheeled WZ-551 APCs (6×6) and limited number of more contemporary VN-1 (8×8) ATGM carriers with Red Arrow missiles. Our BMP-2s are more than a match to PLA ICVs. It is seen that PLA infantry has got used to being transported and operates largely in motorised mode. Although we enjoy marginal edge in our ICVs, yet modernisation in terms of up-gradation of power pack is a critical requirement for operation in high altitude terrain to offset losses in engine power. While India follows traditional philosophy of employment of infantry, largely without vehicles, yet the need is to give them some protection and mobility in form of mechanised/motorised infantry. It is indeed commendable that much needed though belated correctives are underway with induction of Kalyani M4, Mahindra ALSV and TATA LAMV variants.

Appraisal-PLA Light Tank

China added considerable versatility to its mechanised fleet by fielding a light tank, ZTQ-15 also referred to as Type 15 or Xinquingtan. It is essentially lighter medium tank with weight of around 34 tonnes, amounting to sort of hybrid between medium and light tanks.  Classically, light tanks are generally in sub 30 tonne class, ideally 25 tonnes, with Power to weight ratio (PWR) between 30 to 35. Type-15 has been fitted with extra wide tracks to offset additional weight and reduce Nominal Ground Pressure (NGP). PWR and NGP are key enablers for agility and trafficability in marginal terrain. To that extent, it is compromise of sorts specially in terms of protection, fire power and mobility.

Type 15 has been utilised in heavy droppings, giving it as an edge for utilisation in quick reaction forces. This tank was introduced in 2017 and 40 tanks have been supplied to Bangladesh, with 140 more in pipe line. The main features of this tank are 105 mm rifled guns and 1000 HP engine. Type 15 though hyped as game changer is neither really light nor replacement for medium tanks, certainly not panacea. In keeping with Chinese reliance on incremental or evolutionary designs, this tank is follow-up and replacement for antiquated Type-62 tanks.

History- Indian Light Tanks

As is well known, we currently don’t have a light tank on our inventory. Historically, light tanks had defining and iconic role in 1947 operations, when Stuart tanks were inducted across Zojila to stem raiders. AMX-13 were again utilised in Chusul during 1962. We had Stuarts, Shermans, AMX-13 and assorted armoured cars in 1965 and earlier operations till 70s. Russian PT-76 tanks, replacement of older light tanks proved their mettle in 1971 operations. Light tanks have their utility in reconnaissance, scouting and out of area contingencies including peace keeping operations. They can be also be utilised in riverine, creeks/marshy back waters, island territories and coastal areas besides high altitude terrain.  Light tanks, if applied audaciously and with imagination for reconnaissance in force, can open up possibility for Quid Pro Quo (QPQ) operations.

Quest For Replacement Light Tank

After de-induction of PT-76 tanks in 1989, half-hearted attempts to find replacement were made including trials of Brazilian- Uruthu; British- Scorpion and French light tank in late 80s. Formalised RFI for 200 wheeled and 100 tracked light tanks was promulgated again in 2009 as part of build up for Mountain Strike Corps. Major specifications were 22 tons with gun calibre between 105 to 120 mm. Wheeled variant was to be 8×8 or 6×6 configuration. However, this RFI was retracted. Concurrently, DRDO has experimented with certain variants, utilising BMP chassis with 105 mm gun as also French GIAT TS-90 chassis. Even certain private manufacturers and DPSUs/Ordnance factories have produced prototypes in both wheeled and tracked versions, not finding much traction.

Current RFI and Options

India has projected requirement for 350 light tanks on fast track basis. This would translate to six to seven regiments depending on equipping norms. It will be important to clarify that the requirement is for an ‘Agile’ tank with optimum balance between fire power, weight (light) yet with sufficient protection.  Strategic mobility in terms of air portability is an added imperative enabling strategic mobility. Desired profile would be tank of around 25 tonnes with power to PWR of 30-35 and gun calibre of 105-120 mm with missile firing and modern optronics. It is desirable to have tracks with rubber shoes to minimise damage to fragile communication arteries. Modernization in terms of Active Protection System (APS), anti-drone measures and rubberized tracks could be incorporated later. The overriding parameter is ownership of not only TOT but also ‘know-how’ through co-development under Atam Nirbhar route.

Options

Scan of global inventory generates few options ranging from eight wheeled Stryker variants, which were tried out in Yudh Abhyas series of joint exercises and even offered by USA through FMS route but not found suitable. Russia has 2S25 Sprut-SD light tank , weighing 18 tonnes, with 125 mm SB gun and PWR of 28.3 hp/ton. These tanks have also been air dropped in exercises. Israeli Sabrah tank is in keeping with her protection oriented philosophy and weighs 55 tonnes and only suited for desert terrain. Another viable line of development is to utilise expertise gained in production of K-9 Vajra SP gun. This is aligned with S Korean, K21-105 Hanwaha tank. This tank is joint production endeavour with Belgian John Cockerill Defence. Prima-facie, it can be tweaked to meet most RFI parameters, thereby adhering to stipulated deadline. The details of this platform can be accessed on Chankya Forum site and app.

Recommendations

First and foremost requirement is to build a versatile family of ‘A’ vehicles with optimum mix of medium and light tanks with customised support equipment. Consequently, there is urgent need to fast track development process for light tanks. Secondly, we need to find partners and achieve indigenisation and joint production. Thirdly, existing fleet of medium tanks in high altitude areas needs to be modernised, most importantly by upgrading their power packs. Fourthly, ageing ICVs should be given much needed up gradation package including power pack and better protection system. Fifthly, an eco-system for garages, training and sustenance should be set up in these areas. Sixthly, infantry should be provided with protected high mobility vehicles. Seventhly, commonality of platform should be attempted to reduce logistical challenges.

Author

Lt Gen KJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM & Bar is a former Western Army Commander and is currently, Haryana State Information Commissioner, after his tenure as Advisor to CM. He holds the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair in PU and is Member- UT Advisory Council. He is a regular columnist.