Frontier India Strategic and Defence - News, Analysis, Opinion

Chinese Deceit

United States of America (US) recently de-classified papers, that presented US view of the 1962 Chinese aggression on India, from the Chinese occupied Tibet. The papers talk about the Chinese deceit in all aspects in Chinese policy on India. Chinese have denied it, which is again a deceit. It is common knowledge in India that Chinese had tricked Nehru.

The documents quote “It was basic Chinese policy early in Peiping’s relations with New Delhi not to claim territory in writing or orally, but only on the basis of maps. Thus the Chinese claim to NEFA appeared only as a line on Chinese maps dipping at points about 100 miles south of t h e McMahon line. Chou En-lai, in talks with Nehru in 1954 and 1956, treated the Chinese maps not as representing Peiping’s “claim” but , on the contrary, as old maps handed down from the previous mainland regime which had “not yet” been corrected. This provided the Chinese premier with a means for concealing Peiping’s long-range intention of surfacing Chinese claims at some time in the future (when there would be no longer any necessity to be deceptive about them) while avoiding a dispute with the Indian Prime minister in the present.”

In 1950, Chinese assured India that Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) would not march towards Lhasa. But the Chinese went back on their promise and entered Lhasa on 26 October 1951.

In 1956, Chinese created an impression that they will accept the Mc Mohan line after consulting the Tibetan authorities. China also implied that they had accepted the Mc Mohan line on the Burmese (now Myanmar) border and hence will follow the suit with India too. Same year Chinese started to build Sinkiang-Tibet road through the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir and kept the news under wraps. In 1958, Chinese refused to amend the map. Chinese still chose to claim the border problem as “very minor border problems” and “petty issues” which could be settled by meetings of officials on lower levels.

Chinese attacked Indian border police and tried to pass them as Indian border guards and then tried Maoist methods to make them confess, that Indians attacked Chinese and Chinese just defended them selves.

Chinese claimed that its troops did not cross for a single step into Longju, later China admitted that Chinese troops already occupied Longju and there could be no question of a withdrawal. Chinese troops kept occupying Indian Territory and officially Chinese wrote to India for “status quo.” Chinese kept lying that Indians are anti-China policies with regard to Tibet. China armed, funded and supported armed unrest in India.

The trend continues. After agreeing that the populated areas will not be traded, Chinese have again stated that Twang is their territory. The Chinese refuse to show their maps even in 2007 and make statements on early resolution of the border dispute. Chinese have built major roads near Indian border and now are building dams on the rivers originating from occupied Tibet without sharing the data. The China controlled Indian communist are right in the Indian Parliament demanding and coercing concessions for Chinese in business and military spheres. Chinese has armed the Indian neighbor with nuclear weapons and missiles. Chinese diplomatic officials have started intimidating Indian politicians on Indian soil. Indians are time and again explaining to China that it has no intentions to encircle it in cooperation with Japan and Russia, this is not needed. While old slogan of “status quo” from China is now replaced by “transparency – open and inclusive,” this is meant to be done only by India. China instigates armed struggle in India through proxy.

The conditions that existed before 1962 war, exists even now. Is the 1962 aggression over yet?

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DRDO AWARDS 2006

Prime Minister gave away DRDO Awards for the year 2006 to scientists, establishments and private sector firmsin New Delhi, on July 07, 2007.

Silicon Trophy : In recognition of its vibrant, uncompromising and relentless efforts in updating the range techniques and range technologies in the country and extraordinary support provided to all armament research and development activities in the country, Silicon Trophy 2006 for the Best Systems Laboratory was awarded to Proof & Experimental Establishment, Chandipur.

Titanium Trophy : The Titanium Trophy for the Best Science Laboratory to Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior. The DRDE has developed a number of products and technologies, which have large scale military and civil end use, particularly in the field of chemical and biological defence.

DRDO Award for path breaking Research / Outstanding Technology Development : This award was conferred on Dr. VK Saraswat and his team of following scientists :-

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RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT,
HYDERBAD

Dr. VK Saraswat and his team achieved a unique milestone in the development of Area Defence System against ballistic missile attack on vulnerable areas by successfully intercepting an incoming missile with ballistic trajectory using interceptor PAD missile at exo-layer.

AGNI AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SELF – RELIANCE

Shri NB Vijayakumar and his team (Shri SC Sati, Shri VB Ware, Shri S Bhaumik and Shri VH Made) from Research and Development Establishment (Engrs), Pune for design and development of main mobile hydro-pneumatic launcher prototype and power supply system, UAV handling devices and transportation containers, antenna system vehicle and EMI/EMC shelter for ground control station, avionics preparation vehicle, photo-processing vehicle, etc.

Shri SM Nirgude & his team (Ms CP Mahajan, Shri AP Narkhede, Shri SR Chavan, Shri BM Satisha and Ms Sobha Singh) from Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune for designing and developing Influence Mine (Adrushy Mk II), the first “Smart Mine” for the Indian Army.

Shri VL Narasimhan and his team (Shri SC Bhattacharya, Shri AK Mandal, Shri LD Chavan, Shri AK Nandi, Ms S Basu, Shri VV Jadhav and Shri VB Sutar) from High Energy Materials Research Laboratory for successfully developing the process for preparing 1,3,5-Triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, a thermally stable, insensitive high explosive mainly used for strategic applications in the defence sector.

Shri G Satheesh Reddy & his team (Shri B Chattopadhyaya, Shri KC Nancharaiah, Shri Gopak Naik, Shri G Murali Krishna, Shri Manjeeth Kumar, Shri KC Das, Shri Anil Badegar, Ms Runa Banerjee, Shri Brijnesh Sitara and Ms M Vijayasree) from Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad for successfully developing indigenous RLG – based INS – GPS system for fighter aircraft and medium / long range missile applications.

Dr. Sudershan Kumar & his team (Shri GL Baheti, Dr. Deepak Gopalani, Shri Alok Mukherjee, Dr. MVS Suryanarayana, Shri Taragu Prabhakar, Shri Sanjeev Pillai and Shri SK Shendge) from Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur and a group of DRDO Laboratories for development and production of NBC Recce vehicle.

DRDO AWARDS FOR PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE

Shri Ashok Sen and his team (Dr RS Pundir, Shri Sanjay Burman, Shri SO Gupta, Shri S Mahto, Shri LC Mangal and Shri Prakash Chand) from Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory, Dehradun and Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Bangalore for designing and developing a state-of-the-art software driven combat net radio and armoured fighter vehicle application.

Dr. SK Vasudeva & his team (Shri MR Gangur, Shri DS Reddy, Shri M Gurubasavraj, Shri S Gopinath, Shri PK Khosla, Shri Sreenivasan, Shri Amod Mathur, Smt U Jeya Shanti and Shri Gopi Chand) from System Planning & Implementation Centre, New Delhi and other laboratories for outstanding and innovative contributions in the design and development of indigenous armament system for a strategic programme of national importance.

DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AWARD

M/s Active Carbon (I) Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad for significant contribution in successful absorption of the technology for production of NBC canisters and impregnated carbon for use in NBC canisters and filters for tanks, shelters, ships etc.

DRDO SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

Shri RN Bhattacharjee of Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad for significant contribution in the areas of control, guidance and system engineering studies for Akash, Nag and Trishul guided missile systems leading to successful completion of their development flight.

Shri MR Kesheorey of Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Bangalore for successfully developing and fielding several versions of the speech secrecy equipment SECTEL.

Dr. R Sreehari Rao of Defence Electronics Research Laboratory, Hyderabad for development of electronic warfare subsystems and systems.

Dr KD Nayak of Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group, Hyderabad for indigenous development of critical application – specific integrated circuits for strategic application of the major programmes of DRDO like IGMDP and LCA.

Prof Manas K Mandal of Defence Institute of Psychological Research, Delhi for outstanding contribution in the field of military psychology.

Dr. Sri Prakash of Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior for development of semiochemicals based technology involving pheromone in combination with insect growth regulator for monitoring and control of dengue and chikungunya transmitting mosquito Aedes Aegypti.

Dr. Zakwan Ahmed of Field Research Laboratory, Leh for development and identification of varieties/hybrids of vegetable crops suitable for high altitude areas of Himalayan region.

Shri Tusharkanti Raychaudhuri of Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh for the development of critical specialized technologies required for production of gas filled three electrode trigger spark gap switch.

Dr M Vijayakumar of Defence Metallurgical Laboratory, Hyderabad for development of technology for fabrication of continuous silica fiber reinforced silica composites for Agni missile.

Shri CD Malleswar of Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, for design and development of high quality integrated anti-submarine warfare complex – IAC MOD ‘0’ – for naval frigates.

DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY SPIN-OFF AWARD

Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Delhi for design and development of ALOCAL an Aloe Vera cream as an anti frostbite preparation for use in cold areas at high altitudes.

Research & development Establishment (Engineers), Pune for design and development of life saving biomedical equipment such as hyperbaric chamber, nitric oxide therapy system, high – altitude breathing apparatus, etc.

High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune for designing and assembling economic explosive detection and identification kit.

Centre for fire, explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi for developing technologies in the field of fire and environment safety.

Vehicle Research & Development Establish, Ahmednagar for successfully developing bullet-proof vehicles and riot-control vehicles and their productionisation through industry partners.

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Typhoons and SU-30 MKI’s match-up

Much was at stake of its reputation, when for the first-time-ever, the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by a consortium of European manufacturers and recently inducted into the RAF, was to engage in any kind of an aerial combat with any non-RAF/NATO fighter. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sukhoi-30 MKI ‘air superiority fighter’, which are at Waddington, UK for the bilateral air ‘Exercise Indradhanush-2007′, had an opponent for the befitting duel.

The operational part of the ‘Exercise Indradhanush-2007′ began with a series of 1 vs 1 air combat sorties. Both variants landed with their much-touted reputations intact as each side tested their potentials with their adversary in the air to their limits. These sorties were premised not entirely on having winners or losers – but more for their evaluator and training values as encapsulated in the objectives. Both sides ended-up sharing an enhanced respect for each other’s capabilities – both in terms of training values, and combat potentials of the diverse aerial platforms.

While the RAF fielded some of their most-experienced and highly-qualified pilots, some of them being very senior performance evaluators in active service, the IAF pilots were a mix of ‘young to middle-level pilots’ from the ‘Rhinos’ squadron. The RAF pilots were candid in their admission of the Su-30 MKI’s observed superior manouevring in the air, just as they had studied, prepared and anticipated. The IAF pilots on their part were also visibly impressed by the Typhoon’s agility in the air.

While it does not imply to say that the 1 vs 1 air combat sorties were meant for backslapping each other, it may be understood that in today’s aerial combat scenarios of ‘beyond visual range’ (BVR) capabilities of air platforms, it is highly unlikely that any of the modern-day fighters will ever get into a situation that warrants extreme close air combat, as in the situation simulated in the 1 vs 1 sorties. With a ‘kill’ criterion of front-gun ranges being mostly under 1000 metres and a visual tracking envelope behind the target for only up to a 60-degree cone mostly for most fighter aircraft of the world, the unlikely scenario gets more exemplified.

But the irony also lies in the fact that while there is a number of counter and counter-counter measures to make the modern missiles with claims of inescapable parameters redundant by using ‘chaff’ and other active/passive measures, a ‘gun kill’ is invariably a most certain kill. The pilots invariably begin honing their tracking and combat skills under such close combat situations.

The exercise constitutes mostly mixed missions where RAF F3 Tornados, Hawks and Typhoons are packed together with IAF Su-30 MKIs. The sorties include combat situations of 2 vs 1, 2 vs 2 and upward combinations. The raiders are tasked ‘High Value Asset’ (HVA) busting on the ground and ‘High Value Airborne Asset’ (HVAA) busting in the air with the defensive elements designated to counter their ambitions.

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IAF’S world microlight expedition crosses international date line

The Indian Air Force’s microlight aircraft presently on ‘Round the World’ expedition entered into the western hemisphere by crossing the International Date Line (IDL) this morning IST. The microlight aircraft took of from Anader in Russia and landed today at Nome in Alaska after crossing the IDL at about 0915 IST this morning and thereby gaining one day.

It may be recalled that an IAF microlight expedition has been undertaken on the occasion of Force’s platinum jubilee year and was flagged off on 01 Jun 07 from Air Force Station Hindan near Delhi. The expedition flown by Wg Cdr Rahul Monga and Wg Cdr Anil Kumar also aims to set a new world record by competing in 300 Kg weight category microlight of make CSTW advance.

On being asked on telephone how it felt to cross over the IDL, Wg Cdr Monga answered in stoic vein saying “We have got one more day in our expedition to live it fully”.

The expedition has so far flown and crossed over Myanmar, Thailand, China and Russia and in doing so they have covered the most difficult terrain and successfully negotiated bad weather conditions. The weather over China due monsoons was particularly bad. The terrain of Eastern Russia and freezing Siberia was covered successfully.

Though the expedition is a few days behind scheduled due to bad weather, the crew and the team at operations-centre is very confident of catching up and setting the new world record. The expedition is being tracked in its operations-centre at New Delhi by a satellite tracking system called I-Trax with a satellite tracker on board. The progress of the expedition can be seen on satellite picture on website called web sentinel.net or even on IAF’s Official website by opening the expedition’s link.

The microlight would be undergoing scheduled maintenance at Nome in Alaska after having completed in 80 hours of flying.

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‘Ex-Indradhanush 2007′ Kickstarts

The second bilateral Indo-UK air exercise - ‘Indradhanush-2007′, involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF), got underway here at the Royal Air Force (RAF) base, Waddington, on July 04, 2007.

The IAF are participating with six SU-30MKIs from 30 Squadron, IAF Station Pune and one IL78 AAR aircraft from IAF Station Agra, India. The RAF assets taking part include F3 Tornados fighters from XXV(F) Squadron, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, to be based at Waddington for the duration of the exercise and E3-D AWACS aircraft from 8 Squadron, RAF Waddington. In addition other RAF aircraft types will also participate in the exercise at different stages including Hawks from RAF Leeming, Typhoons from RAF Coningsby and one VC10 Air to Air Refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.

The inaugural day, primarily for familiarization of the participating IAF Su-30 MKI aircrew with the flying environment in UK, saw them flying alongside RAF F3 Tornadoes of the XXV Squadron that are based at RAF Leeming, but are operating from Waddington alongside IAF Su-30 MKIs for the duration of the exercise. Also airborne were a Eurofighter Typhoon from No. 17 Squadron from RAF Coningsby , and a Hawk aircraft.

“It will be a mutual learning experience for both”, said Wing Commander AK Bharti, talking of the learning values in terms of inter-operability between the two air forces after returning from a sortie, of a four-aircraft formation comprising a Su-30 MKI, F3 Tornado, Typhoon and a Hawk.

The ‘airborne warning and control’ (AWAC) system experience, a veritable electronic ‘eye-in-the-sky’ platform was also observed by few IAF personnel onboard an E3-D Sentry AWAC aircraft belonging to RAF’s No. 8 Fighter Squadron, based here in Waddington. The E3-D Sentry and the F3 Tornadoes also participated in the first series of Exercise Indradhanush-2006, held at Gwalior in India, last year.

The exercise between two simulated air elements, the “Red Air” (aggressors) and the “Blue Air” (defenders) forces will have the training element for the latter. Missions comprising multiple aircraft will form some of the intrinsic training missions, some of them highly advanced and complex missions. Mediating between the two will be the “White” force, who remain neutral and whose decisions will be the last word, to mitigate differences, if any. They comprise ‘observers’ from both sides, and include members from the IAF’s ‘Tactics and Combat Development Establishment’ (TACDE) and the RAF’s ‘Air Warfare Centre’ (AWC), the premiere institutions of the two air forces, constituting the ‘best-amongst-the-best’ aircrew and personnel on both sides.

In October 2006, 43(F) Squadron from RAF Leuchars, in Scotland took part in an exercise in India, which was the first time that the RAF had exercised with the IAF for 40 years.

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INS Sindhuvijay upgrade on schedule

INS Sindhuvijay has completed mooring tests. The boat will now proceed to Barents white Sea for weapons test.

As per the terms mentioned in the contract, the INS Sindhuvijay will be returned to Indian Navy by November 2007, after which INS Sindhuvijay will set sail to India.

Out of four submarines sent to Russia for mid life upgrades, INS Sindhuvir had undergone only overhaul in 1999 while INS Sindhuratna, INS Sindhugosh and INS Sindhuvijay have substantial upgrades including Klub cruise missiles.

INS Sindhuratna was equipped with only anti-ship version of 3M-54E missiles. INS Sindhugosh and INS Sindhuvijay have both ship attack and Land attack version of 3M-14E missiles.

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ICGS Samrat launched

The Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) will build a 105 meter Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Launched by Dr. (Smt) Sushmita Dutt, wife of Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, in Goa on July 02, 2007, the AOPV, named ICGS Samrat is the biggest vessel designed and being constructed by the GSL.

The AOPV, which will have berthing facility for an Advanced Light Helicopter, is totally indigenous and will be built by GSL using state-of-the-art technology. The vessel will have a range of 6,500 nautical miles and reach a speed up to 24 knots. It will be armed with a 30 mm gun, maneuvered by a fire control system.

The Defence Secretary Shri Shekhar Dutt was the Chief Guest at the launching ceremony. The function was attended by Vice Admiral RF Contractor, Director General, Coast Guard and Rear Admiral AK Handa, Chairman and Managing Director, GSL among others.

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Delay in induction of the new Arjun tanks averted

Induction of the new Arjun Tanks which was being delayed by Indian Army successfully passed all tests. Indian Army delayed the induction of the 9 Arjun Tanks by giving reason that Arjun Tank should have medium fording capability. Defence research and Development Organisation pointed out that Arjun Tank already has the capability of medium fording and could remain in medium waters for more than 20 minutes against just 3 minutes of T-72 kind of tanks. The Arjun Tank Radiator is capable of using water as a cooling agent when medium fording, where as, the T-72 radiator is shut off during medium fording resulting in rise in engine temperature. Even without modifications Arjun Tanks collects only 5-10 liters of water inside in those 15 and more minutes which is of no consequence. Barring some minor instances Indian Army never had to medium ford in both western and eastern borders in 1971. The modifications are more of time consuming mechanical in nature. Indian Army wanted complete ceiling which DRDO promised in future makes.

However, the visit of the defense minister to the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) and the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) at Avadi, changed all that. But the Arjun Tank comparative trials which was due in July has been pushed to September and this will again effect the production schedule. This time the production delay is not any more attributed to DRDO.

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IAF SU-30 MKI impresses Waddington International Air Show 2007

The two-day Royal Air Force (RAF) Waddington International Air Show 2007, that began over the weekend on Saturday, June 30, had an eclectic mix of flying machines – military and civil, both vintage and modern. Yet none could take the sheen and glory away from the formidable Sukhoi-30 MKIs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) that pronounced their thunderous presence at this annual pilgrimage of aircraft in UK. And as if maintaining a studied silence at the ongoing, an IL-78 MKI fuel-tanker of the IAF stood majestic, towering over all the other aircraft put together at the static display.

The visitors just could not have enough of the two Su-30 MKIs of the IAF’s No. 30 Squadron (‘Rhinos’) and the giant IL-78 MKI that were put-up for display. Aircrew and aviation enthusiasts were seen busy, persuading IAF air warriors to part with their squadron and aircraft badges for keepsake, and most willingly obliged. Clearly IAF was winning hearts all the way.

Lieutenants Elden and Nordtun, F-16 pilots from the No. 331 ‘Sniper’ Squadron, based in Bodoe, Norway who were here at the air show with their jets, interacting with IAF pilots queried if the IAF Su-30 MKIs could also visit Norway. “Wish you could come to Norway. They (Su-30 MKIs) are big and intimidating! Never seen them before” shared the duo, visibly impressed. On learning of the Aero-India shows held at Bangalore, Elden chuckled, “It would be really nice if we were invited to participate. Maybe the IAF could provide us the mid-air refuel support”. The statement just summed up the camaraderie of the inter-mingling aircrew that was clearly evident at the venue.

The static display by the IAF was declared the ‘best static display’, confirmed Group Captain Girish Saini, the IAF contingent leader here at Waddington. The honour is a ‘matter of pride’ indeed considering the maiden participation at an International Air Show by IAF abroad. There were nearly 100 aircraft of various types at the static display. An estimated gathering of over 40-thousand visitors was at the air show when IAF fighter aircraft’s air display flight took place at the UK air show.

Even as several participating aircraft carried out aerobatics and other displays, nearly all waited with bated breath for the IAF Su-30 MKI’s maiden fly past in the UK. The ‘Rhinos’, with their motto - ‘Boundless Valour’, did not disappoint. Doubts, if any, were laid to rest as three Su-30 MKIs lined-up on the runway for a staggered ‘minute apart’ stream take-off, roaring away into the sky shortly after mid-day on the first day of the air show. Arriving a bit later, the formation having joined-up in right echelon formation flew over the runway at about 500 feet and at a speed of 750 kmph. While two of the air superiority fighters landed off after a ‘peel-off’ manouevre, a single Su-30 MKI carried out an overshoot before executing a gentle touchdown.

Other attractions included DC-3 Charter and Twin Pin Charter from the yore, C-130 Hercules (acclaimed RAF workhorses), The Blue Eagles (Army Air Corps Helicopter Display Team flying a mix of Sioux, Gazelle, Lynx and Scout), The Black Cats (The Royal Navy Lynx Display Team), The Blades (acclaimed as the world’s only global aerobatic airline flown by former RAF Red Arrow pilots in the ‘Extra 300 LP’), Swift Glider and Tug, Grob 115E - Tutor (used for Elementary Flying Training at UK), Tucano - T1 (used to train RAF and Royal Navy student pilots and Weapon System Operators) , British Hawk, Hawker Siddeley - Hunter, Supermarine Spitfire, FR Aviation - Falcon 20 (used to train UK military pilots by providing realistic electronic warfare threat simulation and target towing facilities) and Sepecat Jaguar aircraft, whose active service with the RAF just got over last week.

A Eurofighter Typhoon, a multi-role combat aircraft inducted in the RAF two years back on this day, also demonstrated its flight performance in a ‘flat display’. The Typhoons are also slated to take part in the ‘Exercise Indradhanush-07’ that begins on Monday at RAF Waddington. They will operate from their base at RAF Conningsby, nearby.

IAF Su-30 MKIs and IL-78 MKI will also participate at RIAT making it two displays in a row in under-a-month, making it an epoch-making participation globally, coinciding with the IAF’s 75th Anniversary (platinum jubilee year).

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Indigenous retort

Defence Food research laboratory (DFRL), Mysore, has been a pioneer in developing the retort pouch processing technology indigenously in the country. Over the past two decades, research and development work has been carried out in developing multilayer flexible packaging materials as well as designing a simple low cost retort (semi-automatic and automatic) amenable to Indian food industry. Due to continuous efforts, DFRL has so far successfully transferred the retort pouch processing technology to 44 firms for commercial exploitation.

Principle of Retort Processing

Retort processing is generally carried out for low acid foods with a pH more than 4.5 at a temperature of 121.1degree centigrade using moist heat. During heat treatment, undesirable spoilage as well as pathogenic microorganisms are inactivated / killed and thereby the food products become commercially sterile. Thermal destruction of microorganisms is measured and monitored by time-temperature history, lethality and Fo -value.

During retort pouch processing, the partially cooked food is filled in pre-fabricated multilayer flexible pouches like and hermetic sealed. The pouches are then stacked in a specially designed retort in which the packed food is subjected to 121.10C under pneumatic pressure till commercial sterility is achieved. The progress of the heat transfer during sterilization process is monitored by special thermocouples and thereby time-temperature history, lethality and Fo -value are obtained. Generally, the process schedule is optimized based on nutritivity, quality attributes like colour, texture and taste as well as thermal resistance of microorganisms. Retort pouch processed foods have shelf-stability of one year under ambient condition and do not require for refrigerated storage.

Design and fabrication of indigenous retort

Since, no indigenous retort was available in India, DFRL has designed and fabricated semi automatic as well as automatic steam-air retorts with the assistance of fabricators and are now being adopted by the industries.

Rations for Service Forces

The development of pack rations to service forces is very critical. Because, protection of food items from physical and chemical deterioration during storage, transport and handling, the packaging and packing of any operational ration used during logistic period, depends upon three main considerations of (i) operational limitations on meals patterns, (ii) operational limitations on weight and volume and (iii) availability of materials. With the due consideration to the above fact, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore has developed various rations such as one man compo pack ration, modified (mini) compo pack ration, meals-ready-to-eat ration, MBT ration, sub marine ration and survival ration for PSP to meet the operational requirements of Army, Navy and Air Force. Among these rations, Meals – Ready – to - Eat rations have been specially developed to meet the operational needs for the Army and Navy.

The further research is in progress to develop/select low cost flexible packaging materials for microwavable retort pouch products. It has also been planned to develop multi entree / multi product retort processed trays to improve convenience and provide wholesome meals.

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The Kaoboys of R&AW- Down memory lane

A new book “The Kaoboys of R&AW - Down Memory Lane” by B Raman will go on sale on August 15, 2007. In addition being a ex-Research & analysis wing (R&WB) personnel, B Raman is former additional secretary at the Cabinet Secretariat and currently heads the Institute For Topical Studies, Chennai.

This is the second such book written on R&AW, which is the Indian spy agency responsible for external intelligence.

The book is being released by The Lancer Publishers. In India the book will cost Rs 795 and International USD 27 inclusive of international shipping.

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126 MMRCA procurement process cleared

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by the Defence Minister has cleared the process for the procurement of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force. During its meeting here today, the DAC debated various issues related to the initial purchase, transfer of technology, licensed production and life time maintenance support for the 126 MMRCA and gave the final go-ahead for the project.

For issuing the much awaited Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 126 fighter jets, the Ministry of Defence and Indian Air Force officers have been scrutinizing all aspects of the RFP. In view of the size and operational importance of the likely purchase, the criteria for selecting the final MMRCA contender from amongst some of the best combat aircraft offered by American, Russian and European companies, has been fine tuned. The RFP would contain a selection model that would involve an exhaustive evaluation process as detailed in the Defence Procurement Procedures — 2006.

The proposals from the likely contenders would first be technically evaluated by a professional team to check for compliance with IAF’s operational requirements and other RFP conditions. Extensive field trials would be carried out to evaluate the performance. Finally, the commercial proposal of the vendors, short-listed after technical and field evaluations, would be examined and compared. The aircraft are likely to be in service for over 40 years. The vendors are required to provide a life time support and performance based warranty for the aircraft. MoD officials have confirmed that great care has been taken to ensure that only determinable factors, which do not lend themselves to any subjectivity, are included in the commercial selection model. The selection would be transparent and fair.

The DAC has approved that a majority of the MMRCA would be produced in India under transfer of technology. The vendor finally selected would also b e required to undertake offset obligations in India. It is expected that the ToT and offset contracts would provide a great technological and economic boost to the indigenous defence industries, which would include DPSUs, RURs and other eligible private sector industries. Foreign vendors would be provided great flexibility in effecting tie-up with Indian partners, for this purpose.

There are three guiding principles for this procurement scheme. First, the operational requirements of IAF should be fully met. Second, the selection process should be competitive, fair and transparent, so that best value for money is realized. Lastly, Indian defence industries should get an opportunity to grow to global scales.

However, the date of RFP issue has not been announced.

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1st director general of Indian army remount vet service

Lt Gen Narayan Mohanty took over as the first Director General of Remount Veterinary Services (RVC) on June 29, 2007.

Lt Gen Mohanty is an alumni of the Orissa Veterinary College, Bhubaneswar and graduated in 1969. He did his post graduation in Vet Surgery in 1986 from the same college. Lt Gen Mohanty has a distinguished career in Army spanning 37 years.

He has commanded the Military Veterinary Hospital at the President Body Guard (PBG). Besides, he has had the distinction of commanding Remount Training School & Depot, Hempur and Equine Breeding Stud Farm, Babugarh - the two leading, bastions of the Remount Veterinary Corps.

A sportsman of repute, he has promoted the equestrian sports in the country and was actively associated in selection and training of Indian team for ASIAD-2006 which won a Bronze Medal for the country. Currently he is associated with the development of Equestrian sports and was instrumental in creating world class infrastructure in the country. A qualified International Judge, he has participated in the 1982 Asian Games, Delhi as Judge and as Manager-cum-Coach of the Indian Equestrian Contingent for the Doha Asian Games 2006.

He has been conferred with the prestigious “Fellow of National Academy of Veterinary Sciences (India)” by National Academy of Veterinary Sciences, India.

As Director General Remount Veterinary Services, he is the custodian of the largest organized Equine & Canine Breeding, rearing, training and health care operations in the country.

He has been awarded Vishisht and Ati Vishist Sewa Medals for his distinguished Services.

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