Air & Missile Defence India Seminar & Exhibition 2022 was organised by Indian Military Review and CENJOWS on 15 July 2022. The objective was to provide a forum for interaction between the armed forced and industry to deliberate, appraise and redress contemporary issues pertaining to air and missile defence. Various domain experts expressed their views on threats and countermeasures and need for certain technologies. Senior representatives from industry elaborated upon the growth of self-reliance and ongoing and future development of required technologies.

Seminar Sessions

Five seminar sessions included topics like Emerging Threats and Countermeasures; Emerging Technologies; Upgrades, Optimisation and Self-Reliance; and Joint Planning and Conduct of Air Defence Operations.

Session I: Inaugural Session

The Welcome Address was given by Lt Gen Sunil Srivastava, Director, CENJOWS. He highlighted the significance of the event being held physically after two years of online conduct of events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He extensively covered various conflicts and lessons to be drawn from them while underlining the significance of the air domain. He mentioned the need to leverage manned and unmanned platforms indigenously and analyse the threat landscape carefully. Comparative capabilities, he discussed components of People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and cautioned against growing Sino-Pak collusion. To cater to growing needs, he proposed the use of novel sensing solutions, counter stealth capabilities, high power data domain, sense of fusion, algorithms and AI; machine learning, counter-UAS, counter swarm capabilities, threat evaluation and assignment algorithms.

The Inaugural Address was given by Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff. He covered an array of topics. He emphasised that,” Air defence is an essential and continuous mission in peace time.”  He underlined the changes in the concept of air defence through lessons learnt from 9/11, Sri Lanka and Ukraine. He noted that proliferation and easy availability of platforms have made us highly vulnerable, due to utilisation by anti-national elements. Thus, he called for a threat scenario analysis. He stressed the challenges faced by us in speed spectrum besides the challenge for interception posed due to enormous speed difference in hypersonic weapons. He noted the increasing demand of joint operations, budgetary constraints and the need to make crucial technical choices. He emphasised the need to strengthen air defence through integration into a bigger network and that intermarrying of air defence system, passive and an offensive counter head was critical. He defined amalgamation of territorial and space domains as fundamental to future war fighting.

The Theme Address was delivered by Lt Gen SP Goswami, Director General Army Air Defence. In his address, he dwelled on the increasing criticality of the subject and accentuated the importance of army air defence as pioneers since 1940 with an emphasis on its operations in joint study groups. He emphasised on the need to evolve air defence strategy and sought answers on questions pertaining to stealth technology, carbon composite materials, variations of physical sizes. While addressing our needs, he focussed on the requirement of ECCM technology, modules to operate in a wider bandwidth with 2-3 bandwidths simultaneously. He said that incorporation of electronic IIF and improvement of scan technology will have to be incorporated.  He mentioned 3D and 4D radars as the mainstay of technology to counter threats. He highlighted quantum radar as a new area of research to ultimately replace current radar technology. He recommended the use of lighter missiles with better propellants backed by unjammed fuses and laser beam missiles as the answer to engagement of low RCS drones. He said that radar control guns will provide terminal defence against release from stand-off platforms. Lastly, he stressed on the imperative need for integration of various surveillance outcomes.

Navdeep Singh of Dassault Systemes gave an Introductory Talk on “Boosting Innovation and Operations Through Collaboration on a Digital Platform”. He noted the emerging threats in the landscape with emphasis on two challenges – how to integrate new technology and optimise legacy systems? He then presented the solutions available at Dassault Systemes highlighting their inter applicability across platforms through a data driven approach. He mentioned the use of such platforms by the Indian Navy.

Eli Hefetz of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems gave an Introductory Talk on their efforts towards manufacturing globally and drew a parallel towards their efforts in India to cater to Atmanirbharta including engagement with partners in industry, highlighting Rafael as a team player.

The Industry Perspective was provided by Col KV Kuber, Director Defence and Aerospace, Ernst and Young. He expressed his views on the Atmanirbharta initiative and the need for indigenised weapons. He listed future prospects and reported the key industrial developments in the domain. He further provided a roadmap for the development and upgradation of indigenised weapons, underlining their role in providing enhanced security and protection.

The session concluded with release of the IMR– EY Knowledge Paper on Air Defence 2022. 

Session II: Emerging Threats and Countermeasures

The theme of Session II was “Emerging Threats and Countermeasures.”It was chaired by Air Vice Marshal Makarand Ranade, ACAS Ops (Space), Air HQ. In his introductory remarks he stated obsolescence of our system and cyber threat as key challenges and suggested various countermeasures.

Gp Capt Prashant Arora, Air HQ spoke on “Russia-Ukraine War – Lessons from the AD Battles.” He extensively covered and compared the evolution of Russian air defence philosophy and the Ukrainian air defence philosophy, their Air Defence architecture and air operations. Broadly he covered – symbiotic relationship of air defence and offensive operations, co-ordination in employment of air defence systems, active and passive air defence against SSM threat, lethality of MANPADS, low observable technology, networked operations, geography and air defence. Key points include:

• Offensive air operations must complement AD operations: degrade the adversary airpower at source.
• Common AD communication network was essential
• Russians made extensive use of Active and Passive AD against SSM threat in the conflict
• Active and Passive AD measures against SSM threat have become mandatory in modern conflicts
• Missile defence systems, Terminal Weapon Systems, CIWS, Non-kinetic options, HAS, U/G complexes, dispersion of assets and agility are some of the solutions
• Mitigation of MANPAD threat is essential through countermeasures and sound tactics
• The procurement and employment of cost-effective and viable AD systems must to be continued owing to relevance in modern conflicts
• Importance of Low Observable technology for operations in dense AD environment
• Networked operations should be complemented by training and inter-operability

Brig Manish Kumar, Brig AD (Ops & C2) Army Air Defence Directorate, Army HQ, spoke on “Emerging Threats in the Indian Sub-continent”. He dwelled on classification of air threat, various platforms, air threat manifestation, nuances, emerging technologies, mitigation strategies, mitigation challenges, preferred mitigation philosophy and electronic warfare. Key points were:

• Emerging technologies in next gen aircraft include stealth design, carbon composites and low RCS
• Mitigation strategies in RPA are classified into:
  • Ultra-Low/Low Bracket – high rate of fire guns, fragmentation ammunition, AD sights, decentralised control
  • Med Bracket – Surveillance by active sensors, tracking and mitigation: Radar controlled gun systems and VSHORADS, centralised control
  • Deep Bracket – Surveillance by active sensors, tracking and mitigation: Radar controlled missile systems
• Army’s concern in Tactical Battle Area (TBA) – Air threat manifestation
• Low level threat critical for the Army in TBA
• Noted a progressive shift from manned to unmanned and platforms to weapons.
• Preferred mitigation philosophy for hypersonic weapons/cruise missile to be “Target the weapons systems ‘Left of Launch’.” 

Col Manish Sareen, Senior Director Land Systems, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems spoke on “Flexible AD resource deployment.”  He advanced the operational requirements – manoeuvrability, fast and flexible deployment, force protection, use of passive detection capabilities and reliability. He then introduced SPYDER All-in-One: A Complete AD Solution developed by Rafael. He enumerated its characteristics – response to saturated attacks, mature operational system, effective solution, high mobility, TMS, open architecture and all-weather operation. He explained its configuration and components – exMHR Radar and Toplite EO Sensors. He further presented details about three missiles and the range and systems. Lastly, he summarised all benefits of SPYDER.

Ran Marom, Vice President, Rada Electronic Industries spoke on “Tactical Air Surveillance and Emerging Threats.” He explained the tactical threats to airspace permeability in tactical forces, critical infrastructure and maritime. He further explained the common gaps through the purview of local air picture and local defence and analysed the use of MANPADS as potential effective countermeasures. He then proposed the use of RADA radars as current operational solutions. He presented the characteristics of USMC LMADIS, USMC MADIS, and US Army MSHORAD. He further explained NEM-TASK-Network-Enabled, Mobile, Modular Tactical Air Situation Kit and various software and hardware modules available under it. Under requirements for critical asset protection and gap filling, he listed:

• Low SWaP
• Very high reliability
• Effective range
• Unattended 24/7 operation
• Control Local AD assets
• Multi-mission – very high Pd and reliable tracking against widely varying threats
• Mobile
• SW-defined – easy integration and adaptation, future-proof SW upgrade
• Low cost of ownership

Session III: Emerging Technologies

Session III was chaired by Air Vice Marshal PV Shivanand, ACAS (Air Defence), Air HQ.

Air Marshal Daljit Singh from Rafael Advanced Defence Systems spoke on “Challenges of Optimizing the AD Array.” He covered the operational challenges of AD deployment – vulnerability of RF sensors, challenging terrain, multiple origin AD assets, redeployment in a dynamic environment, multiple threats and experience and expertise. He provided the following solutions:

• User friendly, upgradable and adaptive software tool to plan deployment/ redeployment of AD assets for adequate and optimum AD protection of VA/VPs against multiple types of threats
• Quick results
• Provide effective debrief and training tools for evaluation
• Tool to be available at all relevant C2 centers and standalone tool for forward formations.
• The tool is to be operationally mature and available Now.

He also spoke about the purpose, workflow and other capabilities of the Rafael AD Optimizer. These were:

• Training tool
• Exercise Debriefs
• Tool for offensive strikes
• Tool for Future Inductions
• He labelled the following as future blocks roadmap:
• Time line – waves of attack, fire capacity
• Advanced ECCM
• Manoeuvring Forces
• Connectivity to live systems

R. Suman, Senior Manager, Hind High Vacuum Company presented an overview of the company profile and history. He gave details about:

• Optics fabrication, materials
• Coating technology, capabilities, manufacturing
• ZnS, Domes, Periscope prisms, Night vision optics,
• Thin Film Characterization
• Lithography

Session IV: Upgrades, Optimisation and Self-Reliance

The theme of Session IV was Upgrades, Optimisation and Self-Reliance. It was chaired by Cmde Alok Ananda, Cmde Naval Ops, Naval HQ.

Air Cmde Vikram Gaur, Air Cmde Air Staff Requirements, Air HQ spoke on “Air Force upgrades and optimisation.” He highlighted how the Low Speed and Very Low RCS instruments have evolved as the emerging threats in the AD domain. He suggested procuring high-powered indigenous radars along with AWE&C capabilities and N-LOS systems as a counter to these emerging threats. Further, he reflected on how we can upgrade our present fleet of Mirage 2000, SU30 MKI, Jaguars, helicopters, etc, with BrahMos, Astra MK-I, Derby, Dhanush ATGMs, Spike N-LOS systems, EW suites (developed indigenously by DRDO and BEL) against the enemy.

Lt Col GNVS Vijay, GSO-1 AD (Procurement), Army Air Defence Directorate, Army HQ spoke on “Ground-based Air Defence Weapons’ Upgrades and Optimisation”. He brought out how ‘AD Battle is not sequential.’ He emphasised the following in the present scenario:

• Procurement cycles are considerably slower.
• Change is a constant phenomenon.
• Battles are getting more dynamic.
• Upgrades are getting delayed.

He highlighted how we face a dual challenge from the dated technology and the legacy platforms and our only way forward was to make the upgrades in the field of:

• Detection
• Interception
• C3 (Command, Control, Communications)

Capt SS Sinsunwal, Capt SR (ND & CMS), Naval HQ spoke on “Recent developments in Indian Navy’s AD capabilities.” He reflected on the fact how maritime air defence was quite similar yet distant from the conventional air defence. Further, he highlighted how leveraging ICT tools and awareness in this domain was the key enabler of the Net Centric Operations in the maritime domain.

Raghunandan Jagdish, Managing Director, Nandan GSE spoke on the “Customised Solutions for Missile Handling.” He presented an overview of the company profile and history. Further, he reflected on how ‘people’ serve as the weakest link in missile and bombs handling procedures and highlighted the need to revolutionise the missile defence and safe handing in India with the help of specialised lifting and handling solutions with applications in the aerospace, aviation, defence, material handling, car parking, and similar sectors.

Sunil Dhingra, Technical Executive, Industry Consultants Group, Dassault Systemes spoke on “Data Driven Program Governance & MRO on Digital Platform.” He stressed on the need of Optimised Design as the platform allows us to digitally innovate the product and allow us to digitally recreate the old technology and find prospects of optimising it.

Session V: Joint Planning and Conduct of Air Defence Operations

The theme of this session was “Joint Planning and Conduct of Air Defence Operations.” The session was chaired by Brig Manish Kumar, Brig AD (Ops & C2), Army Air Defence Directorate.

Air Cmde Manu Midlha, Air Cmde Ops (Offensive), Air HQ covered “Integration & Interoperability – Air Force Perspective.” He broadly covered the Principles of War, Characteristics of the Operating Medium and Tasks. He defined air defence as ‘a misnomer’ and labelled its military strategy based solely on defensive operations as reactive besides conceding time, scope and tempo to enemy. He talked about the under exploitation of air power capabilities. He highlighted the significance of offensive air power capabilities and characteristics of air power. He was of the view that Indian Air Force’s Air HQ has the highest authority with ultimate responsibility for the air defence of the country. He quoted Mitchell to substantiate his belief that the first battles of any future war would be air battles.

Under key approaches to ensure air defence, he covered:

• Surveillance and Early Warning – integration of sensors, integration of communications,
• integration of weapon systems
• Fire power upon enemy – airborne, ship/ land-based radars, MOP, civilian radars, naval air defence radars, army radars in TBA
• Centralised Command and Control – defence through offence, minimise risks, airspace control, efficient and flexible use of airspace by all elements
• Under the Indian Air Force Perspective, he presented the following points:
• Cohesive and synergized approach to AD is elementary to optimum response
• Offensive and defensive elements under one commander
• Resources irrespective of colour of uniform under functional control of one air commander

His recommendations included:

• Interoperability at architectural level key to ensure seamless integration
• Emphasis on integrated and secure communication network imperative for network centric warfare
• Naval and land forces can significantly enhance the defensive depth only if they are fully integrated within the AD system
• Failure to integrate can be disastrous in terms of fratricide
• Authority to approve, disapprove or dent combat operations vested in only one operational Air commander

Col Sameer Babu, Col AD, AAD Directorate covered “Integration & Interoperability – Army Perspective”. The main topics included were – current air threats, jointness in planning of air defence operations, jointness in conduct of air defence operations and areas of integration. He introduced the concept of embedded air defence and mentioned the role of Army Air Defence in conjunction with Air Force in all conflicts post-Independence. He presented a brief overview of the functions of Army Air Defence in joint operations at strategic, operational and tactical levels. He enumerated the following functions pertaining to jointness in conduct of air defence operations:

• Integration of Surveillance.
• Integration of surveillance inputs is supreme and time critical
• Geographical Basis of Control.
• All ground-based AD weapon systems in the geographical area of responsibility operate under the operational control of one joint entity at the tactical level
• Exclusive Engagement Zones.
• The induction of Long Range Surface to Air Missiles (LRSAMs)
• Mutually exclusive areas may have to be earmarked
• Maximum freedom of action to GBADWS
• Afford maximum safety to the interceptor aircraft
• Coordinated interplay between Surface to Air Missiles and interceptor aircraft
• Air Defence Battle Management.
• AD Control and Reporting System is the Army Air Defence Battle Management System.
• Highly reliable, responsive and flexible
• Backbone of robust communication network
• Distributed Architecture
• Upwards integrated architecture – integrated surveillance, control and reporting, weapon engagement
• Dynamic nature of weapons
• Temperamental communications
• Empowered and Decentralized Control and Reporting
• Real time situational awareness
• Afford battlefield transparency
• Infusion of technology
• Decentralized architecture
• Low flying low Radar Cross Section (RCS) targets in terms of RPAs, SWARMS and munitions will afford minimum reaction time.

Under recommendations in areas of integration, following were mentioned:

• Development of air and electronic intelligence
• AD policy formulation
• AD resource planning
• AD Control and Reporting and Airspace Control including integrated/ joint manning of control nodes
• Establishment and management of interoperable networks
• Integrated training
• Integrated logistics sustenance
• Integrated AD procurement and budget management
• Common manning/ staffing norms
• Situational awareness through Integrated
• Communication Networks
• Battle Field Transparency will provide
• Sensor-shooter linkage
• Robust and secure digital integrated communication network amongst the three services

Capt Vishnu V Reddy, Capt (Naval Plans) – Financial Planning, Naval HQ covered “Integration & Interoperability – Navy Perspective.” The major topics were India’s maritime security environment, air defence threats, air defence in maritime domain, avenues of overlap, offshore installations, ground-based air defence, command and control, communication systems and data links and integrated capability development. He emphasised that Indian Navy has to be self-sufficient towards AD and AMD at high seas. And stressed on the criticality of information sharing between IN and IAF for quick and precise AD action.

Under maritime security environment – he noted maritime terrorism, unresolved land/maritime disputes, Sino-Pak collusion, Chinese military/economic growth and nuclear armed neighbours to be some of many key factors influencing maritime security.

He further characterised the air defence threats into the following:

• Platform – conventional surface forces, sub-surface platforms, air platforms, land-based strike platforms.
• Kinetic Weapons – cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, precision guided munitions.
• Non-Kinetic/ SEAD – EMP weapons, swarm drones, offensive EW, laser weapons.

Under the avenues of overlap, following points were mentioned:

• Offshore installations/ VAs and Vps
• Coastal areas
• Anti-ship strike and MR busting within ROA of IAD AD aircraft
• AD Cover for land forces, when required

The ways, means and ends to be met in AD in maritime domain were mentioned. Those are:

Ends.

• AD of Naval Assets at Sea – IN responsibility
• Battle groups/ single units to defend themselves
• Provide AD cover to escorted Convoys/HVUs

Ways.

• Naval operations/ tactics formulated to protect forces against incoming air strikes/ missiles
• Continuous Surveillance and Engagement Zones (Fleet/ Ship Air Defence Zones)
• Expanse of zones defined by Sensor and Weapon capabilities
• Catered for layered protection

Means,

• Integrated sensors
• Area Defence Missile Systems (LRSAM/ MRSAM)
• Point Defence Systems (SRSAM/ PDMS/ Guns)
• Decoys/ Chaff
• Organic Air Early Warning Assets
• Carrier borne fighter aircraft – CAP Role
• Organic air launched weapons

Following points were enumerated under integrated capability development:

• Joint capability development’s significance as the foundation for integration and interoperability
• LTIPP – Merger of capability requirements post finalisation of Service Capability Development Plans
• ICADS – Joint activity from initial stages
• ICDP – Inter service prioritisation and impetus on commonality

The speaker concluded with the following recommendations:

• Forces to be responsive, flexible and integrated
• Identification of specific and common tasks/missions enabled through network centric operations
• Key to affective and efficient AD
• Clear command relationships
• Shared responsibilities
• Common operating picture
• Communication networks
• Component of joint forces

The Vote of Thanks and Concluding Remarks was presented by Maj Gen Ravi Arora, Chief Editor, Indian Military Review.

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Interestingly there has always been Seven foreign aircraft manufacturers in the MRFA tender that includes American firms Boeing and Lockheed Martin, Russia’s Mig corporation and Sukhoi bureau, French Dassault Aviation, Swedish SAAB group and the Eurofighter which could mean that there is a new entry in the MRFA tender or it was simply a slip off to mind he also confirmed that the Indian Air Force prefers to take.

Some sources says that there will be a new entrants and that may be a stealth fighter. Speculations are circulating that this will be either American F-35 or Russian Su-75 single engine or Su-57E twin engine stealth fighters.

Air Chief Marshall confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) would prefer to take the “˜Buy Global Make Indian” route over the strategic partnership policy model to produce the planes within the country just like the C-295 deal with Airbus will be executed with the Tata Systems in India.

The post Air Chief: 8 OEMs have responded to RFI of 114 MRFA jets appeared first on IMR.

IMR. In view of the existential Chinese threat how do you intend to make up deficiencies in aircraft, armament and essential resources in the short and long term?

CAS. The Chinese threat is not existential. While we continue to evaluate our current and future threat scenario as part of our planning process, we are taking suitable measures in terms of threat perceptions with respect to China for acquisition of platforms, weapons and capabilities in order to meet our capability requirement.  We have planned for induction of indigenous fighters such as the remaining LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Mk1 and the LCA Mk1A.  Further, we fully support the LCA Mk2 and AMCA (Advanced Multi-role Combat Aircraft) programmes. The remaining Rafales will also join the IAF by 2022.  Additional Su-30 and MiG-29 fighters are also in the pipeline.  Additional force multipliers such as AEW (Airborne Early Warning) Systems and FRA (Flight Refuelling Aircraft) aircraft are also under consideration.

Aerospace Commission

IMR. What is happening about setting up an aerospace commission, which was recommended years ago. Is it not doable? Does the IAF support the concept to bring in synergy in use of all aerospace resources like ISRO in the case of space.

CAS. Outer space has been recognized as a strategic domain with likelihood of future battles being fought in an integrated manner with increased utilization of space assets. To this end, the Defence Space Agency (DSA) has been formed to bring about the required synergy for operational control of all space resources in achieving our national military objectives. We fully support this concept. The DSA itself is an interim arrangement and we shall see its evolution to an Aerospace Command in times to come. As regards an Aerospace Commission, we have given our recommendations in the matter and support this evolution.

Light Combat Helicopter

IMR. The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) remains under development. When can we expect the IAF to be equipped with it? What is causing delays?

CAS. The RFP (Request for Proposals) for the helicopter for both IAF and IA (Indian Army) was issued in December 2017. The IOC (Initial Operational Clearance) for the LCH LSP (Limited Series Production) has been accorded and the cost has already been finalised by the cost committee. The contract is likely to be signed in this calendar year and we expect the induction to commence a year or so thereafter.

IMR. Would the IAF not like to be involved in the development of the LCA Mk 2 like the India Navy gets involved in its projects through design bureaus and leading the manufacturing effort. Can we improve HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) performance in the regards with more involvement of private companies or a consortium.

Design & Development

CAS. The IAF has been fully involved in the development of LCA through our team in flight test centre and project management at ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency). The Tejas variants and AMCA are indigenous fighters, which will form the core of our fighter fleet in the decades ahead. We are also deeply committed to the HTT-40 and the LCH programmes. The IAF is heavily invested in these projects. We have teams of test pilots, flight test engineers, programme managers and logisticians deeply embedded at all levels in the design and manufacturing complexes at DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation), HAL, ADA and other stakeholders.

In keeping with the requirements of an Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, we see a major opportunity for the private sector. We feel our requirements could be met faster and more efficiently with a mix of public and private sector partnership, both in design and development and manufacturing.

Aeroengines

IMR. We made a fatal mistake when we declined an offer by Rolls Royce for the co-development of an aeroengine for HF-24. We repeated the same when Safran offered co-development of Kaveri engine as part of offsets of Rafale project. How do we move forward to get aeroengines technology?

CAS. For the AMCA programme to succeed, the design and development of an indigenous aero engine is a pre-requisite. The technology is niche and the process complex and expensive. This can happen with experience gained from the Kaveri programme and a collaboration of aero engine houses, academia, industry and defence PSUs. DRDO is considering various options with international design houses including Safran for co-development of an engine for AMCA and beyond.

Training

IMR. NDA cadets have moved from gliders to microlight. Systems are getting more complex but more automation, AI, robotics and simulators, can compress time frame of training and improve degree of difficulty for better proficiency. What changes have taken place in training philosophy of the IAF?

CAS. The training philosophy of the IAF has been adapted to keep pace with developments in the strategic space of operations. We have modified our basic training stage, which will see pilot trainees graduating with a B.Tech degree.
To promote jointness in operations, ground duty and technical branch officers will also now be inducted through NDA (National Defence Academy), expanding the inter-Services interaction across branches. Use of simulators for ground training such as for mechanical transport operators, e-training format for air warriors and more officers being sent for post-graduate courses to remain abreast of technological developments are some of the steps taken in this direction. Simulators have also become an integral part of our flying training right from the basic stage in the Pilatus PC-7 to frontline fighters such as the Su-30 MKI and the Rafale.

ALSO READ IAF MODERNISATION: Arming to be Ready

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