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In 2020, India ordered 24 Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters from the US to strengthen the navy’s anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare and surveillance capabilities. The government-to-government contract for the helicopters was worth around ₹14,000 crore. Three of these choppers were delivered to the navy last in the US, and continue to be there.

“The first three MH 60Rs delivered in US in 2021 are being utilised for training Indian Navy crews. The next three MH-60R helicopters are being delivered at Kochi, two helicopters were received on Thursday and the third helicopter is scheduled to be delivered in August 22,” the navy said in a statement.

The delivery of all 24 helicopters will be completed by 2025, the navy said. The helicopters are expected to be the mainstay of the navy’s anti-submarine/anti-ship warfare and airborne early-warning capabilities in the coming decades.

Armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, MK 54 torpedoes and advanced precision weapons, the twin-engine helicopters can operate from frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers.

The navy first moved a case to buy multi-role helicopters, a critical operational necessity, more than 16 years ago.

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The new company will have private players’ majority stake so that it does not become a full government entity. IMRH will replace the Russian Mi-17 helicopters in the Indian Army and Indian Air force fleet and DBMRH will replace the Sea King Mk.42B and supplement the MH-60R fleet in Indian Navy.

According to EoI, HAL plans to build 3 IMRH and 3 DBMRH in the next few years that will be used for developmental and flight trials. Selected partners will be assured of orders for nearly 400 IMRH and DBMRH with peak annual production capacities to be around 36 per year.

DBMRH will be a customized Naval Multi-Mission Capability helicopter that can perform Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) / Anti-Surface (ASuW) Special Operations / Search & Rescue (SAR) Utility / Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Command and Control (C2). While externally DBMRH will be similar to the IMRH, it will have a higher all-up weight of 1.2tons and a different engine that is more powerful and likely from a different vendor.

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Utility Helicopter (Marine)

The tender for 111 NUH was earlier being processed through the Strategic Partnership (SP) route of the procedure which last week was included by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in the third positive indigenisation list.

In November 2018, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 111 NUH under the SP model, the first deal to be processed under the ambitious model meant to promote domestic private sector participating in defence manufacturing. Subsequently, the Request for Expression of Interest (REoI) to Original Equipment Manufacturers and Strategic Partners were issued in February 2019.

However, the process has since been held up as HAL jumped into the fray proposing wheeled landing gear variant of ALH with adaptations, officials said. A key requirement of the NUH was folding rotors for the helicopter to be able to fit into the ship hanger.

In October 2021, the Navy and HAL carried out a joint study to exploit ALH to maximum potential for naval operations by optimising it to 5.7 tonnes, reducing the empty weight by choice of light weight avionics and mission sensors, higher payload capability up to 600 kg for deck operations, reduced stowage dimensions to meet requirement with foldable two segment blades and modified upper control system and ASIST (Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse) traversing interface for ship deck.

Based on the suggestions in the joint study report, the Navy has issued its broad requirements to HAL in January for acquisition of 60 utility helicopters for maritime operations as per Buy-Indian IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) route of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. HAL would submit the detailed project report very soon.

The NUH will replace the ageing Chetak fleet in service in urgent need of replacement. In addition to the Chetak, the Navy operates Russian Kamov 28/31s which have been upgraded, shore based ALH Dhruvs and ageing Sea Kings and six Sikorsky UH-3Hs.

The frigates and destroyers have relatively smaller parking spaces and foldable rotors of UH Marine would allow them to be kept easily, sources said. The Navy has more than 150 warships in its fleet and wants them to be equipped with at least one helicopter each and is looking at procuring them through the Make in India route first.

In recent times, the Indian Navy has induced around 16 of these ALH Dhruv Mark 3 choppers along with an equal number of machines for the Indian Coast Guard too. For the Indian Navy also, the HAL has been offering a maritime version of the Dhruv but not much could be done due to the lack of capabilities that have been required by the maritime force for operations.

The Indian Navy warships are deployed all along the Indian Ocean Region and warships are provided with helicopters for reconnaissance and surveillance along with other operations required by the fleet to be carried out.

MH-60 Romeo Helicopters

In the first major helicopter induction in decades, the Navy is set to induct the first batch of three MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters, 24 of which were contracted from the US, in a Foreign Military Sales deal, this June to meet the urgent requirements of multirole attack and anti-submarine warfare choppers. These are a replacement of the Sea King 42/42A helicopters which have been phased out in the 1990s.

However, a contract to procure six Ka-31 early warning helicopters which was in advanced stages as well as the case for six more P-8I long range maritime patrol aircraft have been deferred by the MoD during the review of all direct import deals.

Navy Commissions Second P-8I Squadron

The Navy commissioned its second P-8I aircraft squadron – Indian Naval Air Squadron 316 – on 29 March at INS Hansa, Goa. INAS 316 has been christened ‘Condors’ after one of the largest flying land birds with a massive wingspan.

INAS 316 has been christened ‘Condors’ after one of the largest flying land birds with a massive wingspan.

INAS 316 will operate the Boeing P-8I aircraft, a multi-role Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMR ASW) aircraft, that can be equipped with a range of air-to-ship missiles and torpedoes. The aircraft is a potent platform for maritime surveillance and strike, electronic warfare missions, search and rescue, providing targeting data to weapon platforms, providing time-critical surveillance information for Indian Army and IAF, and is also the platform of choice for detecting and neutralising enemy ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The squadron has been specifically commissioned to be the home for the four new P-8I aircraft procured under the Option Clause contract and to ‘Deter, Detect and Destroy’ any threat in the IOR. These aircraft have been operating from Hansa since December 30, 2021, and the squadron is integrated with full-spectrum surface and subsurface naval operations.

The Indian Navy’s first P8I squadron is INSAS 312, the ‘Albatross’. It was in 2016 that the aircraft was inducted into this squadron. It is based at INS Rajali at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu. However, the first P8I was received by the Indian Navy in 2013 and it took part in the search for the missing Malaysian airliner Flight MH 370 in 2014 in the Indian Ocean region.

India inked a $1 billion deal with the US in 2016 for the four Boeing P-8Is that are part of the second squadron. The contract was a follow-on order to eight P-8I planes bought by India in an earlier deal worth $2.1 billion.

Armed with Harpoon missiles, the P8I can carry out missions across the vast area of the Indian Ocean and help the Indian Navy maintain an effective check on the seas under its influence. The aircraft can also be used for surveillance over the land and has been in operation in Ladakh during the stand-off with China and also on the Indo-Pak border.

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Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Indian Army signed a contract worth ₹471.41 crore for refurbishment of IGLA – 1M missiles. After the refurbishment, a fresh lease of life will be given to the missile for 10 years with the contract signed in New Delhi on 1 December.

In addition to carrying out refurbishment, the public sector defence unit also deals with manufacture and supply of guided missiles and associated equipment, underwater weapon systems, airborne weapon systems, ground support equipment and product life cycle support.

To upgrade its technological capability, the firm has made a paradigm shift in its manufacturing processes by leveraging niche technologies, adopting practices like industry 4.0, and operating latest surface mounted devices assembly lines, said a press release.

Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu

Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt informed the Rajya Sabha on 6 December, that three proposals have been sent by the Government of Tamil Nadu to Government of India concerning Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC). The details and status of these proposals are as follows:

•  Establishment of testing facilities under Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) of Ministry of Defence (MoD). The State Government has been directed to participate in the tender process and follow the procedure/ scheme guidelines in this regard.

•  Leasing of about 160 acres of defence land in taluka Ulundurpettai, Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu for creation of Aviation Technology Hub. This proposal is outside the identified nodes of TNDIC.

•  A proposal has been submitted to Airport Authority of India (AAI) for establishment of Aircraft MRO Complex in 50 acres of land at Chennai Airport.

The Defence Industrial Corridors including TNDIC have been established to attract investments from public / private industries to develop defence manufacturing ecosystem. As per information received from Government of Tamil Nadu, action has been taken to develop TNDIC and an Aerospace &Defence (A&D)policy for incentivizing investments bythe industries in the TNDIC has been notified. They have started land acquisition and taken action to develop defence industrial parks, aerospace parks etc. and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with 39 private/public industries. Against the projected investments worth Rs. 12226.00 crore as per MoUs with various private/public industries in the TNDIC, investment of more than Rs 2,200 crore have already been made in the last three years. Further, the State Government of Tamil Nadu has also spent Rs. 30 Crore for development of Aerospace park.

HAL and Zeroavia to collaborate on Hydrogen Powertrain

ZeroAvia, the leading innovator in zero emission aviation, has announced a development collaboration with the Indian state-owned aerospace & defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying the 19 seat Dornier 228 aircraft up to 500 NM.

HAL intends to work with ZeroAvia to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to allow retrofit of existing airframes for both Indian military and worldwide operators. HAL also intends to continue to build new aircraft with additional FAA approval, designated Hindustan-228, creating the opportunity to incorporate ZeroAvia’s ZA600 zero-emission engines. Additionally, HAL and ZeroAvia engineers will integrate ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain into the Dornier 228 airframe. ZeroAvia will work closely with HAL and aircraft regulators during this project to ensure that aircraft meets both safety and operational requirements.

Approximately 270 Dornier 228 aircraft have been manufactured globally, with 242 currently in service. The production line of Do-228 aircraft is operational at HAL, India (Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, UP, India).

HAL and ZeroAvia engineers will integrate ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain into the Dornier 228 airframe. HAL signed a technology transfer agreement with Dornier in 1983 and has produced main sub-assemblies and over 150 aircraft, including those operated by the Indian Military.

In late October 2021, ZeroAvia and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) announced a partnership with the aim of establishing the world’s first hydrogen-electric international passenger route, using 19-seat aircraft such as HAL’s 228.

HAL delivers the 200th gun bay door for Hornets

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has delivered the 200th gun bay door for Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. HAL said it has been supplying the aero-structure to Boeing for the last ten years.

“We see tremendous potential for India to contribute to the global aerospace industry as an industrial and technology partner. This partnership is a testimony to the world class capability of our industrial partners in the country,” President, Boeing India, Salil Gupte, was quoted as saying in an HAL statement on Friday.

HAL said its Aircraft Division has been a trusted supplier to Boeing for the last three decades. The Division has supplied various aero-structures for Boeing’s military and civil programmes such as the B757 Over-wing Exit Doors, 777 Up-lock Box, F/A-18 Wire Harness and F/A-18 Gun Bay Door, it was stated.

Indonesia seeks Indian defence tech, joint production

Indonesia has sought defence technology from India to bolster its security apparatus amid Chinese expansionist tendencies in the region. Southeast Asia’s biggest nation is exploring joint defence production with India, ET has learnt, and is considering the possibility of jointly producing military vehicles and water cannons.

The proposed initiatives are being planned on Indonesian territory as that would enable it to acquire skills in defence technology.

Expanding the defence partnership and joint defence production were key items on the agenda when India’s deputy national security adviser Pankaj Saran travelled to Jakarta last week to meet Indonesian defence minister Prabawo Subianto and key presidential aides, including presidential chief of staff H Moeldoko.

Counter terrorism and deradicalisation also figured in Saran’s meetings. In his meeting with Saran on December 8, Moeldoko is understood to have said that Indonesia and India have several common interests including in the defence sector.

Jakarta and New Delhi are expected to focus on technology transfer and development of local manufacturing industries in the defence sector. While Indonesia is not a claimant in the South China Sea region, Jakarta remains wary of Beijing’s growing ambitions in the region.

India and Indonesia have also decided to expand their maritime cooperation and partnership in the Indian Ocean Region. Indian firms are planning to build ports in Indonesia, ET has learnt.

In 2018, Indonesia and India held the First Indonesia-India Security Dialogue (IISD-1) in New Delhi. National security adviser Ajit Kumar Doval is hoping that the second security dialogue can be held in near future. Last year, notwithstanding the Covid-19 pandemic, Subianto visited India to meet defence minister Rajnath Singh.

The issue of possible export of BrahMos cruise missiles to Indonesia and ways to further deepen maritime security cooperation had figured prominently in the talks. The two countries also inked a new defence cooperation agreement in 2018 during PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia.

In May 2018, India and Indonesia established a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’. Its key takeaways were the adoption of the “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific” which aimed at greater maritime cooperation.

Lockheed nod for F-16 wings in India

US aerospace company Lockheed Martin today approved the manufacturing of wings of F-16 fighter jets at the Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) facility in Hyderabd. The joint venture with Tatas will cater to the global market.

Hyderabad-based Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) facility has been certified to makeF-16 fighter jet wings

Annually, the facility can make 50 pairs of wings, which can carry fuel, perform and fly at ‘9G’ and have 12,000-hour lifespan

The US firm formally recognised, on 7 December, TLMAL as a potential co-producer of F-16 wings. The facility has the capacity to make 50 pairs of wings a year, Lockheed Martin officials said. A ceremonial event marking the first fighter wing prototype built at the TLMAL facility here was attended by KT Rama Rao, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Telangana.

William Blair, vice-president and chief executive of Lockheed Martin India, said, “We are doing transfer of technology and wing-making is an example.” Lockheed Martin is in race to bid for Indian Air Force tender for 114 fighter aircraft. Sukaran Singh, managing director and chief executive officer of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, said, “If we win the tender, we can make 50 aircraft a year.”

Rossell Techsys to build EWIS parts for the MH-60R Platform

Rossell Techsys has been awarded a contract with Lockheed Martin to build Electrical Wire Harness and Interconnect System (EWIS) parts in support of Lockheed Martin’s MH-60R aircraft that are being supplied to the Indian Navy.

Last year, India signed a USD $2.1 billion deal with the United States Government as part of its Foreign Military Sales program for the purchase of 24 Lockheed Martin anti-submarine MH-60R helicopters. The first three of these MH-60R all-weather helicopters, which can support multiple missions with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors, have been delivered to the Indian Navy and are currently undergoing pilot and crew training in the United States.

The delivery of 24 helicopters will be completed in five years from the time the deal was concluded. The helicopters will be modified with a variety of “India-unique” equipment and weapons. The induction of these fourth-generation MH-60Rs is expected to further enhance the Indian Navy’s three-dimensional capabilities.

As part of the contract received from Lockheed Martin, Rossell Techsys shall perform “Build to Print” (BTP) manufacture of the wire harnesses that will be installed on the MH-60R. Manufacture of these parts is being performed in the “Center of Excellence” (COE), set up by Rossell Techsys for Lockheed Martin platforms. The manufacture of parts has commenced, with the first parts having successfully undergone acceptance by Lockheed Martin. The contract shall also enable Lockheed Martin to obtain offset credits towards this platform sale.

Private firm makes non-lethal weapons to tackle barbed clubs

After the Chinese troops used barbed clubs and tasers against the Indian security forces in the Galwan valley clash, Indian security forces have also now been provided non-lethal weapons to tackle the Chinese during violent face-offs along the Line of Actual Control.

Showcasing the different equipment, Mohit Kumar, Chief Technology Officer of Apasteron Private Limited  said a metal road taser with spikes has been developed with the name Vajra and it can be used for both tasing aggressively attacking enemy soldiers in hand to hand combat as well as puncture their bullet-proof vehicles.

Kumar showcased the Trishul which can be used for tasing as well as blocking vehicles of adversaries while they try to enter prohibited areas.

He said the best response or feedback coming from tasing equipment is called ‘Sapper Punch’ which can be worn like winter protection gloves and can be used to give a blow or two with a current discharge to aggressor enemy troops.

While demonstrating the capabilities of the different types of equipment provided to the Indian troops, Kumar said that none of them can cause deaths or any serious injury but can stun the enemy troops, while making them ineffective temporarily during hand to hand engagement.

The Chinese Army troops had attacked Indian soldiers in the Galwan valley for wearing full riot gear, used tasers and barbed clubs with an aim of causing serious injuries on the border where bullets had not been fired for more than four decades till last year.

Soon after the clash, the Indian troops had also started looking for protective gear as well as equipment to be used in response to the Chinese unconventional weapons.

HAL, IOFB, BEL in top 100 arms sales globally

Three Indian companies are among the world’s top 100 for combined arms sales in 2020, said a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which tracks global arms trade. The three are: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Indian Ordnance Factories, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Of these, the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which comprised the Indian Ordnance Factories, has been dissolved and seven new Public Sector Undertakings created in its place.

The three were ranked among the top 100 in arms sales in 2019 as well.

In the latest rankings, HAL is at number 42 with US$ 2.97 billion, up 1.5 per cent from 2019 sales. Indian Ordnance Factories are at the 60th spot, with US$ 1.9 billion in sales, up 0.2 per cent from the previous year. BEL is ranked 66, with US$ 1.63 billion in arms sales, up 4 per cent compared to 2019.

However, India has the smallest share among the top 11 defence manufacturing nations. With 41 arms companies, the USA has the high¬est number of companies in the top 100 worldwide, the SIPRI report said. Together, their arms sales amounted to $285 billion, an increase of 1.9 per cent compared with 2019.

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