Aramane inaugurated the third LCA production line and also handed over 100th Sukhoi-30 MKI (Repairs and Overhaul) aircraft to Air Vice Marshal Sarin, VSM, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Eng A), Indian Air Force in a programme at HAL’s Nashik Division.

According to HAL, the Defence Secretary lauded its efforts in taking up the challenge of setting up an facility for Su-30 MKI and also establishing a new production line for LCA manufacturing.

“The Government has come out with several Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ policies, and that puts HAL in a very important position. HAL will be producing more in the coming years. Build more systems, come out with new concepts, new platforms for future growth,” the release quoted him as saying.

He also urged HAL to take up new initiatives to aggressively compete in the defence market and look into new areas like unmanned vehicles as the country is in need of these advanced systems, and emphasized on Initiatives, Innovation and Excellence and focus on performance.

Aramane visited the LCA Assembly Complex, Su-30 Flight Hangar and Final Assembly Hangar, the release added.

HAL CMD C B Ananthakrishnan said, the new production line will enable the Company to enhance LCA MK1A production capacity from 16 to 24 aircraft per year.

He said: “HAL’s Nashik Division has achieved peak overhaul capacity of 20 Su-30 aircraft per year despite having supply chain issues in current geopolitical situations.”

HAL has already set up two LCA manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru.

HAL’s Nashik Division set up Su-30 MKI Repair and Overhaul facility in 2014, the first-of-its-kind anywhere in the world to meet the operational requirements of the IAF.

According to the company, having gained experience from manufacturing MiG-series and Su30-MKI aircraft and subsequent overhaul of MiG-series aircraft, HAL successfully mastered the technology with valuable support from the IAF, regulatory bodies and private industries.

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The overall situation in the area is under control but the actions of the Chinese drones had to be prevented to avoid any claims they make in future.

If the drones are flying parallel to the LAC, India, as per the agreements between the two sides, does not have any issues with them, but if they are picked up by radars flying towards Indian territory, it is necessary that actions are taken to prevent any violation.

The Indian Air Force has a strong presence in the northeast with squadrons of Su-30 fighter jets deployed at multiple locations, including in Tezpur and Chhabra in Assam. The Rafale combat jets have also been deployed very close to Hashimara in West Bengal.

The Indian Air Force has also strengthened its air defence coverage in the area with the operationalisation of the S-400 air defence system in the Assam sector. The system can take care of any aerial threat over the entire area.

The Chinese and Indian sides recently agreed on multiple measures to prevent any aerial escalations after the violation of air space by the Chinese in the Ladakh sector earlier this year.

After provocations by the Chinese in the area, India strongly took up the issue at military talks and it was decided that fighter aircraft of both sides would remain much behind the perceived Line of Actual Control in the area. The drones of the two sides, however, are allowed to fly in forward locations to keep watch over each other’s activities.

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The IAF has decided to indigenously modernize the Su-30 MKI fighters with indigenously-designed weapons, electronic warfare systems, and so on.

Indigenous efforts will promote self-reliance in defence, circumvent possible US sanctions, and continue to nurture close defence cooperation with Russia. The 262-aircraft Su-30MKI fleet is and will likely remain the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for many decades. The technical parameters for the major Sukhoi upgrade are being refined.

The large size of the aircraft not only facilitates upgrades but also leaves room for metamorphoses to futuristic roles such as a weapons truck operating with a penetrating sensor & attack platform such as the AMCA, or a mothership controlling LO loyal wingman UCAVs in a system of system approach similar to the US Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD).

The IAF is the largest operator of the Su-30 variant. Over the past 20 years, India has made significant IPR & infrastructure investments in assembling, operating, servicing (overhaul, spares manufacture), and spiral upgrading (Brahmos-A, Astra, Rudram) the Su-30MKI.

84 Sukhois are likely to be modernised in the first tranche. Modernization will kick off after 4-5 years of design and development.

Besides the ability to carry advanced indigenously developed weapons, the finalized technical parameters would likely include an improved Infrared Imaging Search and Track System (IRST), AESA radar & a more powerful engine.

Imaging Search and Track System. The DRDO is working on the design & development of a Long Range Dual Band IRST for Su-30 MKI aircraft under the ‘Make II’ sub-category. The DAC approved the project in May 2018. On April 26, 2022, HAL and BEL reportedly signed a contract for the co-development and co-production of Long Range Dual Band IRST. The proposed IRST system will be a high-end strategic technology product in the field of defense avionics and technically competitive to existing IRST system in the global market with features of Television Day Camera, Infrared & Laser sensors in a single window for air-to-air and air-to-ground target tracking and localization.

AESA Radar. The modernized Su-30MKI will likely feature an AESA radar to replace its N011M BARS Radar. DRDO, which has already developed the Uttam AESA for the LCA, is reportedly working with HAL & Russian OEM to develop an AESA for the Su-30MKI. Considering the size of the nose cross-section of the Sukhoi, the radar could be the most potent airborne AESA equipping a fighter aircraft.

Engine Upgrade. India will likely procure the engine for the modernized fighter from Russia. Russia is developing an AL-41F-1S (Product 117S) engine variant that could be fitted on Su-30MKI fighters without any airframe modification. Tests of Su-30SM with the AL-41F-1S engine were underway, with completion scheduled for December 2023. Compared to the existing power plant of the Su-30MKI, the AL-41F-1S has 16% more (14,500 kgf) thrust, better Specific Fuel Consumption, improved endurance, and an overhaul life of 4,000 flight hours.

Russian Help. Russia will help India with the modernization without directly participating in it but as part of the “Make in India” programme. They are likely to supply additional technical kits for the assembly of the Su-30MKI and joint work on the modernization, including the integration of the latest aviation weapons and avionics.

Lethality With BrahMos Increased

The IAF is set to increase the number of Sukhoi 30 (SU-30) MKI fighters integrated with BrahMos supersonic missile, which now has a range of over 500 kilometres. These are spread on the country’s western border with Pakistan and its eastern boundary with China.

The IAF currently has 40 SU-30 MKI with BrahMos, the only supersonic cruise missile in the world. While the range of the missile was 290 km earlier, it has been extended to over 500 km. The IAF had tested the extended range of the missile in May. There were certain software changes that had to be made for extending the missile’s range and this was done with the help of Russians.

The land-launched BrahMos has a range of about 400 kilometres and work is also to increase its range to 800 and 1,500-km.

The IAF had commissioned the 222 ‘Tiger Sharks’ squadron of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets equipped with the BrahMos in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in August 2020. The decision to deploy the Su-30 MKIs at Thanjavur was also taken due to its strategic location. The Tiger Sharks squadron has 18 fighters, and about six of which are equipped with BrahMos.

Unlike the land-launched, the air version of BrahMos gives military planners more options to hit deeper targets which would otherwise be out of range. This is because the Sukhois have a range of 1,500 kilometres and hence can hit long distance targets with the cruise missile.

The missile has a maximum speed of 2.8 Mach (around 3,450 kmph or 2,148 mph), and is difficult to intercept by surface-to-air missiles currently deployed from warships across the world. It also has an immense ability to evade radars. The missile’s cruising altitude can be up to 15 km, and the lowest it can fly is 10 metres above the surface and is capable of carrying a conventional warhead (non-nuclear) weighing 200-300 kg.

Su-30MKI Indigenous Upgrade Proposed Equipment Fit (Alphabetical)

Advanced Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN )

Advanced Weapon Control System

Advanced Electronically Scanned Array radar

Aviation Clock

Blanking Unit

CIT

Digital Head Up Display (HUD)

Enhanced EW Suite

Enhanced FDR

Flight Data Transfer Unit clue

GPS Splitter

Higher Size Multi-Function Display System (MFDS)

Helmet Mounted Observation System (HMOS)

Health & Usage Monitoring System (HUMS)

Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)

Indigenous Digital Map Generator (DMG)

Indigenous Solid State Digital Video Recording System (SSDVRS)

Indigenous VOR/ILS

Indigenous/Western Weapons

Imaging Search and Track System (IRTS)

Integrated Stand By Instrument Sys

Mission Computers

Modified INGPS

New Line of Position (LOP)

Software Defined Radio

Upgraded Radio Altimeter

Voice Activated Command System

India has already developed the following:

Mission Computer cum Display Processor

Radar Computer which is RC1 and Rc2

Mk2 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR).

HAL’s full LCD Modern Glass Cockpit.

High Accuracy Direction Finding Module (HADF)

IFF-1410A – Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)

Integrated Communication suite INCOM 1210A

Radar Altimeter – RAM-1701

Programmable Signal Processor (PSP)

Multi Function Displays (MFD) – Samtel/DARE

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Sources in the defence and security establishment said the IAF currently has 40 SU-30 MKI with BrahMos, the only supersonic cruise missile in the world. Sources in the defence and security establishment also said that while the range of the missile was 290 km earlier, it has been extended to over 500 km.

The land-launched BrahMos has a range of about 400 kilometres and work is also to increase its range to 800 and 1,500-km.

Sources also said the missile, with its exceptional accuracy, has been a true wonder for the IAF.

“In every single trial, the missile has hit the designated target on the ground with a difference of maximum 10 metres. When the IAF fired at a ship, the missile hit the ship right in the centre,” a source said.

The IAF had commissioned the 222 ‘Tiger Sharks’ squadron of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets equipped with the BrahMos in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in August 2020. It was the first time the Fourth Generation air dominance fighters were based out of the Southern Air Command. Given the Su-30s’ maritime strike capability, the IAF had made this move with an eye on increasing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The decision to deploy the Su-30 MKIs at Thanjavur was also taken due to its strategic location. The Tiger Sharks squadron has 18 fighters, and about six of which are equipped with BrahMos.

In total, the IAF has 40 Sukhois equipped with Brahmos and these are spread on the country’s western border with Pakistan and its eastern boundary with China.

Difficult to intercept by SAMs

Unlike the land-launched, the air version of BrahMos gives military planners more options to hit deeper targets which would otherwise be out of range. This is because the Sukhois have a range of 1,500 kilometres and hence can hit long distance targets with the cruise missile.

The IAF had tested the extended range of the missile in May.

The Navy also has the BrahMos missiles integrated with a certain class of its warships.

Sources said there were certain software changes that had to be made for extending the missile’s range and this was done with the help of Russians.

BrahMos missiles are manufactured in India under a joint venture that was formed in 1998 between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

The name BrahMos is a portmanteau of the names of two rivers — India’s Brahmaputra and Russia’s Moskva.

The missile has a maximum speed of 2.8 Mach (around 3,450 kmph or 2,148 mph), and is difficult to intercept by surface-to-air missiles currently deployed from warships across the world. It also has an immense ability to evade radars.

The missile’s cruising altitude can be up to 15 km, and the lowest it can fly is 10 metres above the surface and is capable of carrying a conventional warhead (non-nuclear) weighing 200-300 kg.

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India is developing two advanced variants of the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missiles – Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 – with one of them capable of striking targets at a range of 160km, when ready, and the other at almost 300km. The missiles are likely to be tested next year and in 2024 respectively, and are among the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) key ongoing programmes. The current Astra Mk-1 variant has a range of around 100km.

Long-range missiles allow fighter jets to shoot down hostile aircraft from a significant standoff range, staying out of the adversary’s air defence envelope.

IAF Orders Astra Mk 1

The defence ministry, on May 31, signed a Rs 2,971-crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) to equip the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy with Astra Mk-1 missiles and associated equipment, which was seen as a shot in the arm for “Atmanirbharta”, or self-reliance, in the defence manufacturing sector. DRDO has transferred technology to BDL for the production of the Astra Mk-1 and associated systems.

This is the first such indigenous missile to enter the service of the Indian armed forces, which has always depended on Russian (mainly R 73 and R 77) and French (Mica and Meteor) air-to-air missiles.

The government has ordered 248 missiles, including 48 for the Indian Navy. These will cater to the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI of the IAF and the MiG-29K of the Indian Navy. The Astra Mk 1 missile cost about Rs 7-8 crore each.

The plan is to integrate the missile on board the MiG-29 of the IAF and Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ Mk 1 in a phased manner.

While the Astra Mk 1 has a range of about 110 kilometres, sources said the real game-changer will be the next-generation version, which will have a long range of about 160 kms.

Astra Mk 1

The all-weather, night-capable missile is designed to engage and destroy fast-maneuvering supersonic aircraft. It is equipped with a fully indigenous active terminal guidance system and advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to reduce the effectiveness of enemy jamming. The missile also features lock-on before launch (LOBL) and lock-on after launch (LOAL) capability, allowing launching aircraft to take advantage of its reported maximum range of more than 100 kilometers. Astra Mk 1 has a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 (over 5,500 kmph).

The Astra Mk-1 missile has been fully integrated with the Sukhoi-30 fighters and will now add to the capabilities of other combat planes including the Tejas light combat aircraft, the officials said. Also, the navy’s MiG-29K fighters, which operate from India’s sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, will be equipped with the Astra Mk-1 missile.

Retaining Edge Over Pakistan

The IAF had an advantage over its Pakistani counterparts during the Kargil battle in 1999, but lost it in 2010 when the longer-range American AMRAAM was deployed by the latter.

During the aerial clash, India lost one MiG-21 fighter, while its more modern Su-30MKIs were forced to take defensive maneuvers to avoid getting hit by Pakistan’s US-made AIM-120 BVR missiles fired from F-16s.

Pakistan’s victory in this aerial clash may be attributed to its familiarity with India’s Su-30MKIs armed with Russian R-77 BVR missiles and its superior US-made AIM-120 BVR missiles fired from its F-16s.

Pakistan has a known stockpile of 500 AIM-120 BVR missiles for its F-16 fleet, giving it an edge versus India in BVR combat since 2010. It is considered among the most advanced weapon of its type in the world, equipped with an active seeker head with a range of 100 kilometers, in contrast to the export versions of India’s R-77 BVR missile that have a shorter range of 80 kilometers.

The then IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, had on 28 February 2020 said that the force is looking at regaining the upper hand in air-to-air missile capabilities that was “allowed to slip” amid a “struggle” to acquire missiles in a process that has lasted 15 years. The IAF chief was referring to the European-manufactured Meteor missiles, which have a range of about 150 km, which are now on board the Rafale fighters.

Plans to have them integrated with other fighters were ditched, however, because the cost was very high, with each missile costing about Rs 25 crore. Moreover, the European manufacturer of the missile — MBDA — told the IAF that the French-made Mirage 2000 and the Russian Su-30 MKI are not suitable for this missile, because the radars on board these aircraft would not do justice to its capability.

For the Tejas aircraft, MBDA said that the missile can be integrated only when the aircraft is equipped with the indigenous AESA radar, rather than the Israeli one that will be initially used. Following this, the IAF decided to restrict the Meteor missile to the Rafale and rely on better versions of Astra and Israeli I-Derby for its main firepower.

China has developed the PL-15 beyond visual range air-to-air missile that can hit targets at around 200km, while the Meteor  with a range of around 160 km is considered the best in its class in the western world, and the new Astra variants will put India in the big league.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis has exposed India’s overwhelming dependence on imported weaponry, especially from Russia, and underlined the urgent need for speeding up the indigenisation drive to become self-reliant.

Development Journey

India is developing the Astra series to replace the expensive Russian, French, and Israeli-origin beyond-visual-range missiles.

The development of the Astra missile began in 2001. The Mark-1 version of the missile was tested for the first time in May 2003. Since then, Astra Mark-I has been test-fired multiple times and integrated with Su-30 MKI fighters. Apart from the Su-30 MKIs, it will be integrated with Tejas Mark-1A and upgraded MiG-29s.

India has claimed to have fully indigenized production of the Astra, with the Indian Ministry of Defense saying that the missile had been designed with the need to reduce dependence on foreign sources. An early Astra version was equipped with the Russian Agat 9B-1103M active radar seeker and radio proximity fuse detonation mechanism. Sanctions on Russia – India’s traditional military supplier – could mean that sensitive components such as missile seeker heads may be harder to procure in the coming years.

In 2018, the DRDO informed Parliament that it had formally sanctioned the Astra Mark-2 project, although work had begun informally much earlier. The Mk-2 version is now entering developmental trial.

Ramjet Propulsion

Astra Mark-2 has a range of around 160 km. The new missile will have improved jammer resistance and an indigenous seeker. The missile will be equipped with a dual-pulse rocket motor, which is critical for its long range.

India has tested the technology critical for long-range air-to-air missiles. The latest test of solid-fuelled ducted ramjet (SFDR) technology was conducted in April 2022. The technology was also tested in March and December 2021. Astra Mark-3 is based on the SFDR propulsion, which is critical to the missile’s performance in the terminal phase.

The development of SFDR technology will enable India to make its own long-range air-to-air missile, which could mirror the capabilities of the best missiles in this class, like MBDA’s Meteor, which the Indian Air Force uses on its Rafales.

The Meteor missile also depends on its ramjet propulsion for more energy to manoeuvre during the endgame of the engagement. The ramjet motor [propulsion system] provides the [Meteor] missile with thrust all the way to target intercept, providing the largest No-Escape Zone of any air-to-air missile,” the literature on the missile on the MBAD website reads.

Export Potential

The move to develop the Astra missile with extended range is in line with India’s efforts to improve its aerial warfare capabilities against Pakistan, indigenize its defense industry and potentially position itself as an alternative source of Russian standard equipment.

Astra is economically and technologically superior to many such imported missile systems now in Indian service, such as the Russian R-77, Israeli Derby, and French Meteor BVR missiles.

Moreover, India has included the development of indigenous BVR missiles in its Third Positive Indigenization List, which mentions 101 military items that India aims to produce domestically from 2022-2027.

India may also choose to export its Astra Mk1, capturing a market niche for alternative suppliers of Soviet and Russian-standard equipment as questions rise about their reliability and effectiveness in sight of the losses Moscow has sustained in Ukraine.

International sanctions on Russia may also have made it difficult for its client states to place new weapons orders. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam may opt to purchase the Astra, which may be compatible with their Su-30 fighters and be more capable than the older Russian R-77 missiles which they now have in their inventories.

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In a statement 0n 6 June, the Ministry of Defence said the DAC, at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, “accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition Proposals of the Armed Forces amounting to Rs 76,390 crore under ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ and ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ categories”. This, it said, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “clarion call for ‘Aatmanirbharta’.”

The planned next generation corvettes will be the first time that the warships will be designed entirely by the Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design and executed by an Indian shipyard through a competitive bid — this means that the private industry will also be allowed to bid, unlike earlier when a shipyard was nominated. The new warships will eventually replace the Khukri and Kora class corvettes.

“For the Indian Navy, the DAC accorded AoN for procurement of Next Generation Corvettes (NGC) at an estimated cost of approx. Rs 36,000 crore. These NGCs will be versatile platforms for a variety of roles viz. surveillance missions, escort operations, deterrence, Surface Action Group (SAG) operations, Search & Attack and Coastal Defence. These NGCs would be constructed based on the new in-house design of the Indian Navy using the latest technology of ship building and would contribute to further the Government’s initiative of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region),” the Ministry said.

“For the Indian Army, the DAC accorded fresh AoNs for procurement of Rough Terrain Fork Lift Trucks (RTFLTs), Bridge Laying Tanks (BLTs), Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles (Wh AFVs) with Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Weapon Locating Radars (WLRs) through domestic sources with emphasis on indigenous design and development,” it said.

“The DAC accorded AoNs for manufacture of Dornier aircraft and Su-30 MKI aero-engines by the Navratna CPSE M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited with focus on enhancing indigenisation, particularly in indigenising aero-engine material,” the Ministry said.

“In pursuance of the Government’s vision for digital transformation in Defence, ‘Digital Coast Guard’ project under ‘Buy (Indian)’ Category has been approved by the DAC. Under this project, a pan India secure network for digitising of various surface and aviation operations, logistics, finance and HR processes in Coast Guard will be established,” it said.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) will have a major role in defence technology and all defence platforms to be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the future will make use of AI, said DRDO chairman and secretary of department of defence research and development (DD R&D), G Satheesh Reddy, addressing media persons on 15 April.

“DRDO’s priority is to become a leader in developing advanced technologies. AI has been introduced in all DRDO labs and it will be part of every system that comes out of DRDO in future. India is one among the few nations that have successfully developed and demonstrated anti-drone technology. The armed forces and security agencies have started placing orders to get the systems installed for them. Lot of trials too are underway with regard to anti-drone technologies,” Reddy said.

Extended Range Brahmos tested from SU-30 MKI

India, successfully fired the Extended Range Version of BrahMos Air Launched missile from Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft on 12 May. It was the first launch of Extended Range version of BrahMos missile from Su-30MKI aircraft. With this, the IAF has achieved the capability to carry out precision strikes from Su-30MKI aircraft against a land/ sea target over very long ranges. The extended range capability of the missile coupled with the high performance of the Su-30MKI aircraft gives the IAF a strategic reach and allows it to dominate the future battle fields.

DRDO to get Kilo Submarine for research

DRDO will get a Kilo-class submarine from the Indian Navy to test the Electric Propulsion motor, Li-ion battery, AIP, and other Technologies. This sub will be used as a research vessel for the development of next-generation systems and components for the development of 12 indigenous submarines. These submarines will go into manufacturing in 2030.

Formalities are being a workout for the transfer of a Kilo-class submarine that will be drydocked to be used as a test platform for the testing of the prototype Lithium-Ion battery system with a Battery Management system (BMS) to validate its energy output and various discharge rates.

DRDO’s AIP technology is based on a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell that already has been demonstrated on a land-based prototype and DRDO had proposed Navy to loan them a Kilo-class submarine to be used as a research vessel for the AIP system but now it might be fully converted into as a research vessel for many of the systems. Indigenous 5MW Electric Propulsion motor might be next in line to be used for further experimenting with the propulsion system.

ARDE & L&T working on Pinaka-based anti-submarine rocket

ARDE and L&T are working on a Pinaka based extended range anti submarine rocket. L&T will soon start the integration of Extended Range Anti-submarine Rocket on a new launch platform.

The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) has developed an extended range anti-submarine rocket (ASR) with a maximum range of 8.5km for the Indian Navy. Both laboratories are under the DRDO.

ARDE had recently demonstrated a new rocket technology to the Navy, who have issued a set of qualitative requirements to be achieved during the agency’s internal trials.

Currently, the navy has vintage Russian rocket RGB-60 with a maximum range of 5.3km, which is an unguided area weapon for combating submarines. These rockets are fired from the RBU-6000 rocket launcher, which is fitted on-board certain Indian Naval Ships including the R-Class, Delhi Class and Talwar Class of Navy ships.

The Indian navy wants an extended range anti-submarine rocket which can engage an enemy’s submarine from a distance of 8km.

IAF, Navy tie up with DRDO to acquire CHAFF

The Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy have tied up with the DRDO to get the CHAFF technology, which protects the warship from an anti-ship missile during hostilities. India is now the second country after the United States to develop this ability.

The developed assumes significance as the Indian navy is currently studying the sinking of Russian missile cruiser Moskva and focusing on how to protect our warships from anti-ship ballistic missiles like the Chinese DF-21.

In simple words, CHAFF is a critical defence technology used to protect fighter aircrafts or naval ships from enemy radar-guided missile during war. The significance of this technology lies in the fact that very less quantity of CHAFF material deployed in the air acts as a decoy to deflect enemy’s missiles to ensure safety of the fighter aircraft or naval ships.

The DRDO has developed this advanced CHAFF technology to defend naval ships and fighter aircrafts against modern day broadband (including high frequency) radar threat.

Developed by the DRDO, the technology includes all three variants of CHAFF rockets namely Short Range Chaff Rocket (SRCR), Medium Range Chaff Rocket (MRCR) and Long Range Chaff Rocket (LRCR), and have been inducted in the Indian Navy after successful user trials.

The DRDO has also developed advanced CHAFF cartridge-118/I for the Indian Air Force.

LRDE working on active protection system for MBTs

LRDE has initiated work on Radar units of active protection system for Next Gen Tanks.

The present population of T90 tks is qty 1074 and will reach qty 1193 by Sep 2020. By the end of 14th plan the total population of tank T-90 will be 1,657 and this equipment will be the mainstay of the Mechanised Forces up to 2040-50. Tanks T-90s are presently devoid of an Active Protection System and only equipped with ERA panels which provide limited survivability in present battle field scenario.

A requirement has been felt to acquire a Active Protection System capable of not only detecting an ensuing attack but also defeating it, thereby enhancing own survivability.

An active protection system is designed to prevent anti-tank missiles/projectiles from acquiring and/or destroying a target.

Electronic countermeasures that alter the electromagnetic, acoustic or other signature(s) of a target thereby altering the tracking and sensing behaviour of an incoming threat (e.g., guided missile) are designated soft-kill active protection measures (“SKAPS”).

Measures that physically counterattack an incoming threat thereby destroying/altering its payload/warhead in such a way that the intended effect on the target is severely impeded are designated hard-kill active protection measures (“HKAPS”).

DRDO issues guidelines on free access to patents 

Over two years after the DRDO modified its Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy to grant the Indian industry royalty-free access to patents held for technologies developed by it, detailed guidelines on the subject have been issued.

The new rules stipulate that a license for the patent will be given initially for a period of five years based upon the manufacturing capacity. The number of licenses issued to a single firm shall not be more than five and can be renewed after five years depending upon compliance of the license agreement and other defined factors.

DRDO has also expanded the eligibility scope for licensees by including a clause stating that the applicant shall be a manufacturing entity or a system integrator and not a trading company. None of the promoters and directors of the applicant entity should have been wilful defaulters.

Applicants would be required to provide all necessary documentation including details of projects and supply orders successfully executed in the last two years, details of shareholders, promoters, associated firms and joint venture companies if any, as well as details of any vigilance actions, on-going investigation or suspension or blacklisting of the entity or any of its associates.

To boost indigenous production and give a fillip to the ‘Make in India’ policy, DRDO had, in November 2019, decided to grant free access to patents held by it to an Indian company, startup or MSME incorporated as per law. A DRDO screening committee would review the requests for licenses by taking into account the applicant’s financial and technical capabilities as well as national security and strategic implications.

Under the policy, no licence fee or royalty will be applicable on the use of Indian patents held by the research agency and only a processing fee of Rs 1,000 would be levied. Earlier, licence fee for patents and royalty could range anywhere from several lakh rupees to over a crore depending upon the type of technology involved, the cost of the project, baseline price and post-production quantum of sales to non-defence sector.

There are about 450 patents covering missile technology, aeronautics, naval systems, life sciences, armaments, combat engineering, electronics and communication material, which can be used by the Indian industry for commercial production.

The license for the patent shall be given on non-exclusive basis with DRDO retaining complete title and ownership rights including unfettered rights to license the patents to additional parties. 

While the license recipients will be able to manufacture and sell products covered under the patent, they will also be required to submit details about the commercial working of the licensed patent on an annual basis to DRDO, which would be forwarded to the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, as mandated by Indian patent laws and rules.

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The proposed IRST system will be a high end strategic technology product in the field of defence avionics and technically competitive to existing IRST system in the global market with features of Television Day Camera, Infrared & LASER sensors in single window for air to air and air to ground target tracking and localization. The system will enhance the Indian Air Force’s air superiority.

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The fighters, though Russian designed, include indigenous and also, Israeli systems and are built in India by Hindustan Aeronautics. The purchase of the additional Sukhois has come up as the IAF is short of fighters, its squadron strength down to the early 30s, instead of the allotted 40. A dozen fighters will give two-thirds of a much-needed squadron. The IAF had just two squadrons of the Rafale, but it still flies older aircraft, including the upgraded MiG-21 Bison.

Also on the agenda for the DAC are 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft for the IAF. These have been indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics and are also, badly needed as the IAF faces shortages in basic trainers. This deal is worth several thousand crores of rupees. In recent times, the IAF had bought the Pilatus, but a plan to buy a second tranche did not go through.

The DAC could clear about 50 suites of electronic warfare equipment made by Bharat Electronics, valued at about Rs 2,000 crore. All three projects involve a level of indigenisation, keeping in mind the government’s desire for atmanirbharata or self-reliance.

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The French detachment for Ex Desert Knight-21 was deployed in Asia as part of their ‘Skyros Deployment’ and had ferried in forces to Air Force Station Jodhpur.

The French participated with Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft and approximately 175 personnel.

The IAF participated with Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) and airborne early warning & control (AEW&C)  aircraft.

In a press release issued on January 25, the French Ministry of Defense highlighted that the two air arms worked together to carry out aerial combat missions, as well as air-to-air refuelling operations. It quoted the IAF’s Chief of Air Force Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria as saying: “I am sure that our ability to work together will grow exponentially in the years to come. I call for the ever greater development of interactions between our two countries and our two air forces.”

The exercise marked an important milestone in the series of engagements between the two air forces. As measures to further the existing cooperation, the two forces have been gainfully utilising available opportunities to conduct ‘hop-exercises’.

Rafale aircraft from both sides along with Su-30MKI and Mirage-2000 aircrafts of the IAF undertook complex missions including large force engagements. Both air forces exercised in realistic settings with the aim of enhancing operational capabilities and interoperability. The exercise provided an opportunity to share best practices and evolve operational concepts; particularly for effective combat employment of the Rafale fleet.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, visited Air Force Station Jodhpur on 21 January 2021 and flew on-board the MRTT along with Maj Gen Laurent Lherbette, the FASF contingent leader. He was given an overview on conduct of the exercise and witnessed air-to-air refuelling operations by IAF and FASF fighters.

On 23 January 2021, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visited Air Force Station Jodhpur along with the ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain. The CAS appreciated the complexity of operations conducted and interoperability achieved by participants within a short span of four days. He also commended the planning, operational and maintenance staff from both sides for smooth and safe conduct of the exercise.

As part of Indo-French defence cooperation, the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force held six editions of air exercises named ‘Garuda.’

The FASF and IAF have come together regularly since 1953. In recent years, the two air arms have notably participated in Australia’s multinational Pitch Black exercise in 2018, along with the biennially-held bilateral Garuda exercise, which was last held at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base (Base Aérienne 118, BA 118) in southwestern France in July 2019.

The French Air and Space Force deployment, while ferrying to Australia for Exercise Pitchblack in 2018, was hosted by the IAF at the air force stations in Agra and Gwalior for exercise with fighters and MRTT aircraft.

This time, the French Air Force brought one A330 MRTT (Phénix) tanker for training purposes. The IAF plans to lease one A330 MRTT tanker from France for training purposes and five more to act as aerial refuelers for their fighter jets.

India and France also conduct hop exercises, in which, if India or France are moving to a third country for a joint exercise, a short joint exercise is conducted if the other country falls en route. For example, in 2018, while going to Australia for a joint exercise called Pitch Black, France conducted a joint exercise with India. The exercise provided an opportunity for the two sides to learn from each other›s best practices, besides improving interoperability. Interoperability is an essential component in multinational task force operations either as part of the UN or regional grouping.

 IAF and FASF are also scheduled to participate in Ex Desert Flag hosted by UAE Air Force along with other friendly countries in March 2021.

India is also slated to take part in a French Navy exercise “La Perouse” in the Eastern Indian Ocean from 5 to 7 April 2021 with INS Satpura, Kiltan and a P-8I long range maritime patrol aircraft. Navies of the US, Japan and Australia have also planned their participation.

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