Archive for August, 2007
Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
The Arakkonam tests validated LCA Tejas performance over sea level. The airframe and all other parameters were verified. Like all any other engine, GE F 404, which is the interim solution, could not sustain its normal thrust, as with case of all engines which are not made for Indian conditions.
Parallel to the tests in Arakkonam, the representatives from US had given a briefing to the Indian Air Force, pitching GE- F 414 engines for LCA. The offer also included redesigning the LCA Tejas to accommodate the GE- F 414. However it was felt that this offer defies the very Air Staff requirement (ASR) for the light weight, small aircraft. GE- F 414 is heavier engine, LCA dimensions will drastically change and it will push back LCA development for at least 3-5 years. Also the past experience dealing with US on LCA weighed heavy on the Indian minds. This time US decides not to cooperate midway, the Tejas project will be non recoverable.
There is another feeling that the ASR’s specification for thrust of the Kaveri engine might be inadequate. Kaveri engine will require more thrust. If this is proven in the air, Indian Air Force will be at blame.
The solution lies with GTRE. GTRE engine Kaveri is a Flat rated engine. This in lay terms means that, as the engine thrust drops due to change in airflow or altitude or any other factor, the Kaveri engine has been designed to increase its revolutions per minute (RPM), in order to maintain the thrust. This is not possible by non-flat rated engines like GE- F 414. GE-F 414 might have a superior thrust to compensate, but as mentioned earlier, it will have other penalties on the very requirement of LCA type fighter.
IAF’s miscalculation of ASR for Kaveri thrust might have an solution. GTRE kaveri production version of K10 Std. engine, is expected to have more thrust than projected. In fact the Kaveri K9 + version is already showing the enhanced thrust in the tests. Since the exact figures for increased thrust requirement is not available, one cannot judge the extent of IAF’s blunder in drafting the ASR.
Posted in Defence Research and Development, Indian Air Force News | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 14th, 2007
Intelligence Bureau has got a boost in its anti-terror capabilities. In order to optimize intelligence flow and co-ordination between multifarious agencies at the Centre and in the States in the field of counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence, a Multi-Agency Centre and Joint Task Force on Intelligence have been created in the Intelligence Bureau at Delhi, supported by Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centres at almost all State capitals. For strengthening counter intelligence apparatus in the Intelligence Bureau, additional manpower has been given. The states have been advised to earmark up to 5% of the annual total allocations under the Modernization of State Police Forces Scheme towards strengthening training and technical capabilities of Special Branches.
During 2006-07, a total amount of Rs.1065.25 crore was released to various State Governments under the Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF) Scheme. This includes release of an additional amount of Rs.100 crore for purchase of equipment for fighting naxalism against the proposals received from the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh (Rs.15 crore), Bihar (Rs.15 crore), Chhatisgarh (Rs.24.75 crore), Jharkhand (Rs.15 crore), Maharashtra (Rs.6.75 crore), Orissa (Rs.15 crore) and West Bengal (Rs.8.50 crore).
Under the MPF Scheme, the States have been categorized into “A” and “B” Categories with 100% and 75% Central funding respectively. J&K and seven North Eastern States viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura have been classified as “A” category States in view of problems of insurgency, militancy and terrorism faced by these states.
Posted in Counter Terrorism, Intelligence, Para Military and Coast Guard News | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 14th, 2007
140 gallantry awards to Armed Forces & Coast Guard personnel and others have been awarded for the year 2007. This includes three Ashok Chakras, six Kirti Chakras, 20 Shaurya Chakras, two Bars to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 99 Sena Medals (Gallantry), four Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). Out of the six Kirti Chakras, three have been awarded to civilians, posthumously. The President has also approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service), two President’s Tatrakshak Medals (Gallantry) and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious) to Coast Guard personnel.
This year Ashok Chakra has been awarded to Col Vasanth Venugopal of 9 Maratha Light Infantry, Capt Harshan R of the 2 Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Naib Subedar Chunni Lal of 8 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. All of them have been honoured posthumously.
Col Vasanth Venugopal was the commanding officer of his battalion deployed along the Line of Control in Uri Sector of J&K. On 31 July, 2007, he personally took command of a body of troops to intercept a group of terrorists who were attempting to escape back across the Line of Control. Out flanking the terrorists, Col Vasanth engaged them from close quarter, killing one of them. However, he himself was injured in this action. Unmindful of this, he exhorted his men to block all escape routes of the terrorists and killed two more terrorists before succumbing to his wounds. A total of eight foreign terrorists were killed in this operation by his group. Earlier in the same general area, he had led an operation from 27 to 30 June, 2007 in which his battalion had eliminated four terrorists. Col Venugopal was born in Bangalore and had his schooling from Udupi.
Capt. Harshan R killed two hardcore terrorists at very close range in Lolab (North Kashmir) on 20 March, 2007. For over two months preceding the operation, this gallant officer had been relentlessly tracking foreign terrorists. The officer first killed one terrorist but was injured due to a gunshot wound on his thigh in this action. Unmindful of this injury he went on to kill another terrorist. In the process he received another gunshot, this time on his neck. He later succumbed to his wounds. Capt. Harshan R belonged to Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Naib Subedar Chunni Lal who belonged to Bhaderwah (J&K) killed three terrorists on 24 June, 2007 before laying down his life in countering an infiltration bid by terrorists in Kupwara sector of J&K. This courageous junior commissioned officer was decorated twice for bravery on earlier occasions. As a young soldier he had taken part in the capture of Bana Top in Siachen Glacier in 1987 for which he was awarded a Sena Medal. He was also awarded Vir Chakra for beating back an attempted intrusion in Poonch sector in 1999.
The Ashok Chakra is awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra and is awarded for the “most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice” other than in the face of the enemy.
Out of six Kirti Chakras, four have been awarded posthumously. Those awarded Kirti Charka posthumously are Naik Radhakrishnan C from 10 MADRAS Regiment, Shri Dayanand Pandey (Faizabad), Shri Mohd. Shan Ahmed (Jhansi) and Shri Tarun Kumar Dutta (Guwahati). The other Kirti Chakra winners are Capt Abhinav Handa of 9 Maratha Light Infantry and Lt. Pankaj Kumar of 7/11 Gorkha Rifles.
Capt. Abhinav Handa led a column of Ghatak platoon on 30 July, 2007 along the Line of Control in the Uri Sector of J&K. The next day his commanding officer, Col Vasanth Venugopal was killed while encountering the terrorists. At this stage, he took charge of the operations and his group killed four more terrorists including one by himself
Lt. Pankaj Kumar eliminated eight hardcore terrorists on 10 April, 2007 in a seek and destroy mission which lasted for five days in the jungles of Arunachal Pradesh. Two of these terrorists were killed after a chase for over 1.5 kms in a forested area. The officer was born in Meerut.
Naik Radhakrishan C from the Madras Regiment was the commander of a search team in Kupwara district (J&K) on 18 October, 2006. In a close fire fight he killed three terrorists unmindful of the injury he sustained in the operation. He refused to be evacuated for medical help throughout the fire fight. He later succumbed to his injuries. He belonged to Kattur village of Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu. Two other persons of his battalion, 10 MADRAS have also been decorated by the President on the eve of the Independence Day. One of them has been awarded a Shaurya Chakra and the other a Sena Medal, both for gallantry.
Shri Dayanand Pandey laid down his life at Baskhari Sub Post Office, Faizabad on 1 August, 2005 while resisting three robbers who intended to loot Government money. He belonged to village Jahangirganj in Ambedkar Nagar District (UP).
Shri Mohd. Shan Ahmed was posted as Cash Overseer at post office Jhansi. On 26 December, 2005, resisted looting of cash and in the attempt succumbed to fatal injuries inflicted by armed miscreants. He belonged to Jhansi (UP).
(more…)
Posted in General Indian Armed Forces News | 1 Comment »
Saturday, August 11th, 2007
In April 1986, 5th Battalion, Maratha light Infantry (5th MLI) were given the responsibility to carry out the study of Air-Assault formations of the US and USSR armies and make a presentation to the officers of the entire division. This was a pioneering effort which enabled the conceptualization of Air-Borne operations of the formation for offensive airborne operations. This culminated in a major joint exercise between Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force codenamed Exercise Tri Shakti (Ex Tri Shakti). The exercise was conceived by the then Army Chief, General K Sundarji who was a proponent of inter-service cooperation. India had acquired IL-76 transport aircraft and T-72 Tanks with amphibious capability. This enabled India of launching a battalion sized group strike. This exercise enabled India to train its troops in strategic roles.
The concept of and Air Assault Division took shape in India sometime in 1983-84. To validate the concepts envisaged, 54 Infantry Division (which included 5th MLI) was earmarked as Air Assault Division and 47 Infantry brigade was nominated as Air Transported Brigade.
The exercise was conducted under the over all control of Lt General RS Dayal the GOC-in-C of Southern Command. In addition, the Southern Air Command, the Western Naval fleet, 54th Infantry Division and a Battalion group ex 51st Para Brigade were involved. The aim of the exercise was to capture the hypothetic enemy territory, in this case whole of Goa state which borders Western Ghats and the plains of Belgaum District in Karnataka. This article presents the Exercise from 5th, MLI point of view. The offensive plan envisaged the capture of Dabolim Airfield by an airborne battalion group in a night operation and thereafter landing a division size force by air to carry out the offensive. Simultaneously, the plan was to launch a Battalion size amphibious force south of Dabolim Airport to establish a beachhead and there after to launch a heliborne assault to capture the Belgaum town.
Major General M A Zaki, GOC ATNK&K area was Director of Exercise directly under the Army Chief. Rear Admiral V S Shekhawat was the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Fleet.
The Exercise commenced on April, 17th, 1986 and ended on April, 28, 1986. Prior it its physical launch, there was thorough run up in the techniques involved, especially operating with other two forces.
The run up commenced on April 1, 1986, When the commanding officer (CO) attended a discussion of the operational plan at the Head Quarters (HQ) of 47th Infantry Brigade’s sand model room. This was followed up on April, 4, 1986, when 12 officers attended a lecture by the officer commanding Divisional Signal Regment on “The communication plan during “Tri Shakti” as communicating with the opther two services would be involved. On the very next day the Battalion carried out familirisation training on the IL-76 Transport aircraft to be used in the Exercise. In addition MLI personnel were taken to Air Force Academy where AN-32 and IL-76 aircrafts were especially for familirisation. Some drivers, who were seeing the aircrafts in close for the first time, were made to drive a vehicle in and out of the aircraft. Even the most skilled driver among them shuddered with excitement as they were made to drive a 3 Ton Shaktiman in and out of IL-76. This was followed up by a full scale battalion level, live excecise held from 1830 to 2330 hours the same day in which 12 officers, 24 JCO’s and 324 other ranks participated. On April, 8, 1986, the battalion, at Basantar Stadium, practiced the preparation for and loading of aircraft loads that would be needed during the exercise.
An officer was sent to Cochin to liaise with the PARA Commandos who were tasked to carry out a combined operation with the 5th MLI. The officer met the aboard INS Vikrant.
The exercise opened with the 2nd Para (Maratha) air assault on Dabolim Airfield. The local authorities had switched off electrical power and rescue parties were posted near coconut groves to prevent accidents. There was only a minor causality when a parachute got stuck in a coconut tree. The airfield was captured at first light after a night long fight. The 1st MLI, after a sea journey was due to land on a beach about 20 km’s from Dabolim Airfield past midnight. The three Chiefs of Army, Navy and Airforce were among the observers. The army was particularly interested in the performance of T-72 Tanks which had amphibious capabilities. The Naval Sea king helicopters also carried troops to the beachhead. Subsequently they regrouped to launch the heliborne operations in IAF helicopters the next night to capture the important town of Belgaum. The golf course of the MLI in Belgaum served as landing zone.
Early in the morning of April, 18, 2006, the whole unit was lined up at Begumpet airfield near Hyderabad. The whole atmosphere was looking charged with excitement. The entire AN-32 of the Indian Air Force landed and took off with the entire 5th MLI, 2nd MLI and support elements of 54 Infantry Division to Dabolim airport in Goa. The planes landed in Dabolim airport in one and a half hour. On landing, the vehicles were standing ready for the unit to move, which they did swiftly. Subsequently the respective unit vehicles were loaded in IL-76’s which joined the units in later phase of the exercise.
The 54 Infantry Division slithered from hovering helicopters to surround and subdue the enemy troops around the Western Ghats.
On the plains, the Armour led the Infantry advance. They had to be slowed down the speed of advance by helicopters painting imaginary picture as the enemy resources were scanty. They finally launched a divisional level deliberate night attack to clear a strong enemy position on a dominating height that looked over the road axis to Kolhapur. The attack was final.
After four days of relentless action, the exercise ended with everyone reaching a point of exhaustion and sleeplessness.
Note: Colonel JJ Singh , who commanded the 5th MLI in Tri Shakti went on to become the Chief of Army staff and Rear Admiral V S Shekhawat went on to become the Chief of Naval staff.
Copyrights to A ‘Royal’ Tribute , a history of the 5th Maratha Light Infantry Battalion 1800 – 2005, written by Major General (Retd.) E. D’Souza, PVSM . Compilation includes personal recall by Major General (Retd.) K C Karumbaya, SM and Lieutenant General J J Singh, AVSM, VSM who is now the Chief of Army Staff.
This article has been approved by the author with exclusive posting right to Frontier India Journal. It may not be reproduced without the consent of Frontier India or the author.
Posted in Indian Army News, Opinions and Articles | No Comments »
Friday, August 10th, 2007
The second battalion, the Royal Norfolk Regiment was the first British Army unit to leave Indian soil after the country achieved independence. The departure on August 17, 1947 from Mumbai witnessed a ceremonial function in which the Governor General Lord Louis Mountbatten delivered an emotional address to the troops. We reproduce here an article titled “Mountbatten’s Good-bye to British Troops” published in the oldest Defence Journal of the country ‘Fauji Akhbar’ dated September 06, 1947 along with a backgrounder on the British Troops titled “Withdrawal of British Troops” published in the same issue. We also reproduce a message given by the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the troops and which was delivered to them a short while before the ship sailed. This is the third article, which is attached.
ARTICLE NO. 1
MOUNTBATTEN’S GOOD-BYE TO BRITISH TROOPS
Lord Louis Mountbatten, addressing the first contingent of British Troops which left Bombay for England, said:-
I have come down to Bombay today to say good-bye to the first contingent of the British Forces in India to leave India after the transfer of power.
I want to talk to you today in three different capacities: first of all as the constitutional Governor-General India, asked to fill that post by the (Indians themselves. I speak to you on behalf of the Government of India who charged me to say good-bye to you and wish you all the best of luck.
The Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru, has himself sent you message which Major-General Cariappa, the senior Indian Officer, will deliver to you just before the ship sails.
HISTORIC DAY
This is a very historic day; because with the departure of the British forces, the outward and visible sign of British rule in India disappears. And its place is taken by something very much more valuable—a really great friendship between the British and the Indians,
The second capacity I want to talk to you in is as the ex-Viceroy of the whole of India, which post I held up to two days ago. I want to thank all the ‘British forces for the part that they have played in establishing good relations in this country.
When I came out here my instructions were to- transfer power in a manner that would ensure a close and lasting basis of friendship between the British and the Indians. There could have been no better Ambassadors than the troops. You have all played a very valuable part in bringing about the transfer of power, not only in looking after lives and property during, times of trouble, but by your friendly good behaviour, I want to say how grateful Jam to you.
And completed it has been; because both in Karachi on the 14th and in Delhi on the 15th of August, and even in the rain here in Bombay, we have had a most wonderful reception from the Indian people. A reception which in some respects was so magnificent that it could not have been more encouraging if it had been coming from the British themselves.
FRIENDLY SLOGANS
The crowds have been really enthusiastic-and friendly in every possible way, and amid cries of Mahatma Gandhi Ki Jai and Pandit Nehru Ki Jai, I was flattered to hear an occasional “Pandit Mountbatten Ki Jai.”
I asked Pandit Nehru to come down here today, and had he been able to come I am not sure that one of you,; chaps would not have said “What cheer Admiral Nehru”. But Pandit Nehru had to go with the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a conference at Ambala to settle the difficulties of the Punjab
BURMA EXPLOITS RECALLED
The third and last capacity in which I want to talk to you today is that of the ex-Supreme Commander of South East Asia, from 1943 to 1946. There were upwards of a million men in Burma of many nationalities.. Among these the majority were British and Indian troops who fought together to defend India—particularly at the battle of Kohima, where you Norfolks did so well in the Second Division. This was the first time when British and Indian Troops fought together on Indian soil to protect India.
I gather there are not many of you left here who had any share in those exploits—7 officers and it men of the Norfolks-but I dare say that from time to time one or other of the old soldiers had told you of the hardships that were successfully overcome in Burma and of how may they licked the Japs. You may have thought they were shooting a line.
WONDERFUL JOB
I can assure you the fighting in Burma was tough and the forces there really did a wonderful job. We inflicted the biggest single defeat upon the Japanese on land; and we killed over 1,90,000 Japs in the process.
In case you think I am shooting a bit of line now, let me tell you a true story that was well-known at that time.
A day or two after the surrender of the Japanese, I got a telegram from General Kimura who commanded the three Japanese armies in Burma. This telegram was a most polite telegram— you have no idea how polite the Japanese became after the surrender. It read “I beg to inform Your Excellency that I have this day passed the order to cease fire to all the Japanese armies in Burma except for certain units.”
Then came paragraph 2. If your Excellency will kindly inform me of the whereabouts of the remainder of my forces I will try and pass the order to them as well.”
TROOPS THANKED
I came down here with the new- Supreme Commander, your late Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Auchinleck; and on his behalf; on my own; as well as on behalf of everybody in India I want to say, thank you for the job you have done.
Good luck to you; a pleasant trip home; and I hope you find everybody in good heart when you go back
Good-bye and good luck
ARTICLE NO. 2
WITHDRAWAL OF BRITISH TROOPS
The 2nd Battalion, the Royal Norfolk Regiment, was the second British Army Unit to leave India under the scheme for withdrawal of British Troops. The first unit to leave was the 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who sailed for the Far East from Madras on August 07, 1947. Second Battalion, the Royal Norfolk Regiment, left on 17 August, 1947, from Bombay and was given a send off by His Excellency Lord Louis Mountbatten, Governor-General of India. His Excellency Field – Marshal Sir, Claude Auchinleck, Supreme Commander, and senior officers of the three services.
The Royal Norfolk Regiment first appeared in India in 1835, one hundred and fifty years after their formation in Gloucester as the 9th Regiment of Foot. The 1st Battalion saw service in the First Afghan War, and were present at the storming of the Khyber Pass, Mammu Khel and Tezeen in 1843.
BATTLE HONOURS
Two years later, marching 150 miles from Ambala to Mookdee, in 6 days, the Regiment was again engaged, this time against the Sikhs at Mookdee. The 9th of Foot have Ferozeshah and Sabraon as battle honouds. In 1847 they returned to England.
Their next tour of duty in India was not until 1874 when the 2nd Battalion arrived in Bombay in time to take part in the Second Afghan War. The Regimental Colours were carried in action for the last time in their history during this campaign.
Henceforward, until 1905, when the claims of the South African War withdrew them, a battalion of the Regiment was permanently in India, and the Royal Norfolk Regiment was seen in nearly every station in the country.
In 1919 the 2nd Battalion reformed after the losses of the great war, returned to India for an eight-year term, and was followed by the 1st Battalion in 1929. They spent the decade before the present war on internal security duties, and in 1935 the Regiment was granted the honour of the designation Royal H.M. King George VI is now the Colonel of the Regiment.
The outbreak of the World War found the 2nd Battalion in Bordon. It served as part of the B.E.F. in France, where Captain F.P. Barclay won the first M.C. of the war, it took part in the retreat, where C.S.M. Gristock earned the first V.C. for gallantry in a rear guard action; and finally it turned and stood at Lacon near Bethune. This blocked one of the German approaches to the coast, and a grimly determined stand did much to assist the evacuation of the B.E.F., very few of the battalion got away themselves.
IN BURMA
It was a newly formed 2nd Battalion the Royal Norfolk Regiment that arrived at Bombay in 1942. They had nearly two years to wait before their next task of action. After a long period of intensive training at Poona, Ahmednagar, Belgaum and Bangalore, and combined operations exercises near Bombay, the Battalion moved in early 1944 to Burma. Here in May, 1944, as part of the, British 2nd Division, the Battalion took part in the defence of Kohima. Bitter fighting in bad conditions and on short rations held and flung’ back a’ dangerous Japanese thrust. Typical of the nature of this battle was the action of Captain Randie, flinging himself over the machine-gun slit of an enemy bunker while his company charged the position, to win another of the 5 V.Cs. won by the Regiment during the war.
From then on, the Battalion forced its way down the road to Imphal, passed triumphantly through and on to the Irrawady crossings, after fighting through Viswema, Kalewa, Shwebo and Saye near Mandalay.
FLOWN TO INDIA
Towards the end of the campaign, the battalion was flown back to India, where the majority of the officers and men, due for demobilization and leave, left for England.
Reformed in Secunderabad in November, 1945, from drafts from England, the battalion has been stationed since then, in Ramgarh (Bihar) where it was called out in aid of the civil power in Calcutta in August 1946; the battalion then moved to Sialkot, and thence to Rawalpindi just in time to settle into their new home before being called out in aid of the civil power in the Rawalpindi riots. Their forbearance and good temper has won them many friends in their dealings with civil population, while the citizens of both Calcutta and Rawalpindi owe a large debt of gratitude to their firm handling of the recent troubles.
ARTICLE NO. 3
PANDIT NEHRU’S FAREWELL
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of the Indian Dominion, in his farewell message to the first contingent of British troops which left Bombay for England’ by s.s. “Georgic” said—
“During the last few days vital changes have taken place in the relationship’ between India’ and England. The bonds that tied India to England against the wishes of her people have been removed, resulting in a fax more friendly feeling’ in:’ India towards England than at any time previously. That unnatural relationship is giving place gradually to a normal and natural relationship between two countries who desire to co-operate for their mutual advantage and the common good.
Few things are more significant of this change than the withdrawal of British Troops from India. Foreign armies are the most obvious symbols of foreign rule. They are essentially armies of occupation, and as such their presence must inevitably be resented.
No soldier likes this business, for its is neither war nor peace, but a continuing tension and living in a hostile atmosphere. I am sure that sensitive British Officers and men must have disliked being placed in this abnormal position.
It is good, therefore, for all concerned their dealings with the civil population are being withdrawn, and are going home to serve their country in other ways. As a Indian, I have long demanded the withdrawal of British Forces from India, for they were symbol to us of much that we disliked. But I had no grievance against them as individuals, and I liked and admired many whom I came across. What we disliked was the system which invitably brought ill-will in its main apart from other consequences.
I know the good qualities of the British soldier and I should like our own army to develop those qualities. On the occasion of the departure of the first contingent of British troops from India, I wish them Godspeed and trust that between them and the soldiers and people of India there will be goodwill and friendship which can only subsist between equals, who do not fear each other. We have nothing to fear from each other in the future, and there are many things in which we can cooperate together.
It is rare in history that such a parting takes place not only peacefully but also with goodwill. We are fortunate that this should have happened in India. That is good augury for the future.
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Friday, August 10th, 2007
Mortal remains of three soldiers, killed in an AN-12 aircrash nearly four decades ago, were recovered from the remote Lahaul valley in Himachal Pradesh and moved to Chandigarh by helicopters today.
Code named Operation Punaruthan – III, an expedition of the Indian Army into the 1968 crash, retrieved the bodies on 09 August from a glaciated area at an altitude of over 17,500 feet near the Chandrabhaga peak in Lahaul Valley in Lahaul & Spiti district. The expedition, led by Major Nishant Kumar of the Dogra Scouts, stumbled upon the remains on 02 August after a detailed search of the area for about five days.
Efforts are being made to confirm the identity of the deceased soldiers from the documents and identity cards recovered along with the bodies. Thereafter, the next of kin of the deceased soldiers will be intimated.
The AN-12 aircraft of the Indian Air Force had taken off from Chandigarh on Feb 07, 1968 on a routine logistics sortie with 102 persons on board to Leh. The aircraft was not able to negotiate the bad weather enroute and hit the towering 6264-meter high Chandrabhaga peak. There were no survivors of the crash and a detailed search of the area could not even find the remains of the aircraft.
It was only in July 2003 that an expedition from the Manali Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports discovered the wreckage site. The team also found the mortal remains and documents of one victim, - Pioneer Beli Ram. His remains were moved to his native village in Akhnoor and cremated with full military honours.
Subsequently, the army has launched expeditions every summer to recover bodies of the lost soldiers. However, these operations had not yielded any positive results during the past three attempts.
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Monday, August 6th, 2007
Laser science and Technology Centre (LASTEC) has its beginning as the experimental wing of DSO (Defence Science Organisation) started under Prof. DS Kothari, first Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri in January 1950. It was called the Defence Science Laboratory (DSL).
After a decade in 1960 on 9th April, Mr. Krishna Menon, the then Defence Minister, inaugurated the Defence Exhibition at the Metcalfe House. Thus, DSL, moved to its present campus of Metcalfe House. Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru visited DSL on 13th April 1960 and addressed the Defence scientists and academicians.
After reaching Metcalfe House, DSL exploded with expansion giving birth to as many as 15 labs of DRDO which included DRDL, SSPL, INMAS, FRL, ISSA, DESIDOC, DIFR, SAG and ITM etc. DRDO formally came into being on 1st January 1958.
DSL, which was working in many areas of Defence interest, now started concentrating in the area of Pure Sciences such as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The chemistry division developed G-fuel and UDMH for rocket and missile. The Mathematics division continued its support to the missile Programme with simulation and calculations, while the Physics division took the lead by launching many activities.
In 1981 DSL got its new Technical Building, its New charter of duties to work in the area of Lasers and its new name as Defence Science Centre (DScC), which continued till 1999. subsequently, the present name of Laser Science and Technology Centre was notified.
With the start of DScC in 1981, intensive work commenced on solid State Lasers, CO2 Lasers, ALARM, LRF, Fibre Optic Gyroscope, Ring Laser Gyroscope, Laser Intruder Alarm system etc.
In the late eighties, DScC took up challenging work on Gas dynamic Laser, which was successfully developed indigenously. It was operated for the first time in India with output power of 10 KW in 1996. Later in 1997, DScC took yet another challenging work of Chemical Oxygen Iodine Lasers (COIL) and some work on Electro-Optic Counter Measure (EOCM). Chemistry division of DScC started working on laser Materials including Laser Crystals and Laser Glasses.
During the last three years LASTEC has been engaged in developing GDL, COIL, LIDAR, eye Safe Laser, latest Laser Crystals Nd:YVO4, Nd:GGG etc and Er: and Nd:Doped Phosphate Glasses, along with EOCM Gadgets like Laser threat Warner, Laser Dazzlers, PRF Decoders.
Last year LASTEC took R&D work in the area of Heat Capacity Solid State Laser (HCSSL), Fibre laser and Liquid Oxygen Laser and recently achieved outstanding success by making a HCSSL laser of 52j for the first time in India.
This passing year LASTEC has also achieved another milestone by developing Laser Seeker Test set up, LGB tester, IR tester for Missile, in addition to 5kg GD, on trailer. The vehicle mounted laser demonstrated its capability outside the lab as well. This year, for the first time in India, LASTEC also developed a full Nd:YVO4 laser by growing its Crystal, processing it cutting, polishing, thin film coating and finally shaping it into a laser. LASTEC is also on verge of developing new COIL.
LASTEC is fast emerging the pioneer centre of laser activities in India.
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Sunday, August 5th, 2007
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) wanted to test their first missile project, the first place they looked for was obviously, “the neighborhood.” During 1960’s, the large tract of land from the present day DRDL location was totally open, except a dargah on a elevated place. With a reverence and a prayer at dargah, adjacent area was good enough post to launch the first ever Indian indigenous anti tank missile (ATM) for trials. No problem to start firing ATM, with only booster motor in ballistic mode. Sustainer motor was still on drawing board.
Under an exchange program, Dr. H S Rama Rao who had just completer special weapons course at IAT in Pune, was deputed to Royal Aircraft Establishment, Faranbrough, UK. His main task was Missile Flight Data Processing. With a lot of patience and polite tongue, he could visit UK missile testing range at Aberporth, Wales.
When he returned to DRDL, he was the only person who had seen a missile testing range. A host of Cameras were procured and the ground was marked for a flight corridor of 2 kms.
However, with the ATM sustainer when integrated, the ATM used to drift to the neighboring villages adjacent to dargah. DRDL had to start search for a new testing range.
Imarat Kancha
DRDL scouted around the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, yet they settled for neighborhood land. It was on south, on the way to Srisailam, a vast stretch of state government land. DRDL installed a telemetry room, elevated platforms for cameras, a huge steel plate with a tanks picture and of course “A real battle tank!” This was Imarat Kancha. With closure of ATM project, the land was reverted to state government but a portion of the land was retained, which today is called Research Center Imarat.
Sriharikota
After ATM project, “The Devil” project came up. DRDL was working on a plan to set up an exclusive range facility with huge investments without homing on any particular site. At the same time, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had acquired Srihari Kota Island, north of Chennai, for their equatorial launches. The equatorial launches required east coast facilities in India. It was then decided to share the Sriharikota Space Center (SHAR) with DRDL. This range had all previous equipment and additionally Kinetheodolites (KTL). KTL is an optical system to photograph the missile in flight. KTL had unwittingly solved the RH 560 development flight problems which was ISRO’s project. Since then ISRO and DRDL relations became cozier in SHAR. It was no more “DRDL using ISRO facilities” but more of shared relationship.
Change in name
“Hey!… look… what is that…? Was the keen observation made by one of the foreign VIP dignitary at SHAR. The object, a truck, conspicuous with its olive green color, while SHAR had all whites! Thought process triggered and the result was change of name game “Rocket Test Range” (RTR) instead of DRDL cell. Subsequently more facilities were added, like the ground telemetry, receiving station, high speed cine cameras, photo-processing, integration facility, and certain communication systems. Aircraft and System Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bangalore, brought their airplane and Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) brought in their “Fluffy” pilot less aircraft for testing. The Devil project needed propellants storage, filing systems, special launch pad complex etc.
Air Force station Surya lanka
DRDL had SAM missile testing facilities at Air Force Station Surya Lanka, where other SAM’s were tested at regular intervals.
DRDL wants more
It was the vision of DRDL in 1980’s, to develop several missile systems like SS-150, 9M33, ATM III and SS-250’s for multiple users. In spite of new facilities being created at Sulurupeta, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) hard look at the possibility of an independent range. Integrated Missile Development Programme brought in many missiles for trials. System “L” was the first one. The maiden test flight of system L was scheduled at SHAR. The usual flight test format document was sent to SHAR. They scrutinized and came to know that there was no tele command in”L” system and SHAR insisted on having one. Admiral Mohan intervened and SHAR sympathetically cleared the launch. Next day, the system “L” took off straight towards the east then changed its course towards the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) launch pad, where an important integration activity was taking place. However “L” kept turning south before crashing into south KTL premises. SHAR banned any more “L” launches without tele command destruct system. Subsequently SHAR had to be convinced that the next launches will not repeat the first launch, as the missile has restrictions in guidance, which will not let it turn any other direction except the straight course.
National Testing Range (NTR)
As a national policy, to create an independent testing range for missiles. Baliapal in Balasore district, Orissa, attracted both ISRO and DRDL. There was opposition from local farmers and other sectors. Hence, DRDL scrutinized the map again and homed on to North Balasore for putting up its facilities. It conflicted with none.
Interim Test Range (ITR)
Without waiting for the prolonged land acquiring process, DRDL chose Chandipore, availing the land of another DRDO unit, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXEE). This was called Interim Test Range (ITR).
The range activities were taken over by a full time director. The rage was built with the Chief Engineer MES Calcutta and MEACON. The selection of Electro Optical Tracking system (EOTS) as instrumentation for ITR has an anecdote. EOTS had two version “man on the mount” and computer based state of art “man on the mount” system. DRL selected the “Man on the mount system.” Lt. Gen Swaroop committee was appointed to look into the technical system. When he was flying an Indian Airlines plane he peeped into the cockpit to find the captain sitting relaxed with a fag! Chatting with the pilot, the general was told that modern gadgets and computers does not need much interference compared to old ones….. Lt. Gen Swaroop, then recalled his thoughts to “man on the mount” lobbyists and asked them why they are hesitating to use computer based system. Dr. H S Rama Rao told Gen Swaroop “ If such is the case, let Indian Airlines takeoff without pilot, then I would accept the EOTS without the “man on the mount.”
Launch Complex (LC) I was the only one contemplated. However, the Prithvi programme which had special features and multiple testing of missiles made it necessary for LC II. LC II had special storage and integration facilities. Agni launch which was to be conducted at SHAR, was shifted to ITR for tactical reasons. LC III was built, it’s called ELSEETHREE. Tracking and surveillance radar selected from USA came under embargo. Navy offered particular ship radar for the job, but I did not work. At this point Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) stepped in to make PCMC radar. A satellite terminal was also installed.
Today, Integrated Test range Balasore is a state of art missile and weapon testing establishment which is a independent work center with ISO certification.
Mission Statement of ITR reads “To provide safe, reliable and precision launch facility with tracking and telemetry coverage including data acquisition, analysis and display of test results.”
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Friday, August 3rd, 2007
This is a personal recall of Major (later Major General) C K Karumbaya, SM who had participated in India Pakistan 1971 war for liberation of Bangladesh.
A proud Moment
It was a proud moment for us when Maj Gen M S Barar, PVSM, the GOC presented a bottle of Scotch to the “5th Royals” (5th Maratha Light Infantry) which he had promised during the heat of the war. The occasion was the gala victory dinner for the officers of the “Red Eagle Division” (4th Mountain Division) at Jessore (in East Pakistan during 1971 Indo- Pak Bangladesh liberation war). Here is how we earned it.
Change of Command and Link Up
I took over the command of the “Fifth Royal” after our CO Col J P Trophy, VSM, was wounded at the battle of Elangi on 6th December 1971 and was evacuated. . Thereafter we were ordered to switch axis, link up with 41 Mountain Brigade at Jhenda and lead the advance of 4 Mt Div. The link-up was difficult as the bridges enroute has been destroyed by withdrawing Pak forces and the move had to be cross country.
I reached Jhenida at about 100 hours on 8 Dec 1971with B coy commanded by Maj P K Chatterjee, Vr C, D coy commanded by Maj Shri Ram Singh and A squadron less two troops of 45 Cavalry (PT 76 Tanks) commanded by Maj Batra. The rest of te Bn with a coy of 7 Punjab (SKOT APC’s) was trailing behind as APC’s had problems traversing swampy areas.
Mission with a bait
Jhenida was still being mopped up by troops of 41 Mt Bde when the commander Brig A H E Michigan, MVC, briefed me on tactical situation. Pak after loosing Jhenida was carrying out orderly withdrawal towards Magura which was 30 kms away where the HQ of Pak 57 Bde (Pak 9 Div) was located. Magura was a medium size town connected by a tarmac road. It was an important communication center. Brig Rajinder Nath our Bde Cdr (62 Mtn Bde) while ordering me to lead the advance of the brigade, instructed me to be cautious and take all precaution. Maj Gen M S Brar, who was also present during the briefing said halh in jest “Karumbaya, 50 (I) Para Bde is also advancing towards Magura from Jessore and if your Bn can secure it before them, I shall present you with a bottle of Scotch!” I was willing to take up this challenge because the morale of the Pak army was in their boots due to series of setbacks they had received earlier on. Our psychological advantage had to be fully exploited.
Calculated risk but unorthodox formation
I took a calculated risk. I decided to use 8 tanks at my disposal aggressively and unconventionally. I put them in a road formation with 100-159 yard intervals, made D company, R Gp and part of B Coy piggy-back and drive full speed towards Magura. I ordered other coys to follow with what evervehicles they could muster and the balance to march on foot and catch up. Maj Shri ram Singh was in the second tank with Sqn 2IC Capt Mehta and I was in the fourth tank with Maj Batra and the FCO of the medium regt. I instructed Maj Shri Ram to keep watching the area in front and engage suspected delaying positions with prophylactic fire while on the move. He was not to be bogged down dealing with small batches of enemy stranglers who would be taken care of by the follow-up troops. I kept a careful watch myself so that we don’t fall into a trap. As a commander, I realized that I should mix audacity with caution. The occasion called for more audacity.
Advance turns rout
The advance (or pursuit) commenced at 1300 hours and progress was very rapid. After covering 10 kms or so, I realized I should contact my Bgd Cdr to request him to send me the affiliated light regiment quickly forward and deploy (it), so as to support our anticipated attack on Magura. He promised to do so, but again advised me not to be rash and take all precautions. On the way we saw a group of stragglers running away from the main axis, but we pressed on relentlessly till we reached the outskirts of Magura at 1515 hrs. Infantry and tanks quickly got into assault formations and attacked. The enemy was taken completely by surprise. I was just as much surprised when II (2) corps commander, Lt Gen T N Raina, MVC, (later COAS) with GOC and Bde Cdr appeared on the scene to give us a pat on the back, but as the enemy started shelling us, they had to leave. In the shelling, our Arty OP was directly hit and all in his jeep were killed. To our great releief A and C Coys and SKOT APC’s (with their deadly machine gun fire) also arrived while we commenced the attack. The enemy was in total disarray – they fled leaving behind their Bde OP Room complete with maps, kotes full of weapons, ammunition dump (about 300 truck loads) and ordinance stores intact. They had started to make preparations to blow up their ammunition dump with a 6 hour delay fuse which would have been devastating had we delayed. We had assumed that enemy did not know the presence of 4 Mtn Div and its ORBAT as we were inducted in great secrecy with 9 Mtn Div signs. However the enemy’s map markings showed complete details of our ORBAT and locations.
Pursuit continues till last light.
Not content, we of the “Fifth Royal” continued the pursuit the next day at first light. The PT-76 tanks and the APC’s had to be left behind after sometime because of the demolished bridges over sharp banks; but the Btn in true Patton style, continued the advance on foot at light infantry speed. We reached Kamarkhali Ferry area (Majai) on the banks of Madhumati River which was about 300 ft wide and 30 ft deep, at 1130 hrs. The tanks and APC’s caught up with us.
Preparation for river crossing
Pak troops had taken hasty defences on the east bank of the river. Thanks to our superb training, especially in crossing river obstacles, we did not consider it much of a hurdle. We sent patrols on either flanks to find a suitable crossing places and look for country boats. The patrol led by Nb Sub Ramachandra Jatap found a place ion north at Nakul, which I found the most suitable. We planned to cross and establish a bridgehead with the help of country boats and PT-76 tanks which could swim over water obstacles. The PT-7 had arrived by then.
Disappointment
However, to our great disappointment our Tanks (and armored cars) were withdrawn that night to reinforce 22 Rajput which had met with a setback at Khustia sector. We were ordered to firm in and not to cross the Madhumati River. Thus our long pursuit ended on the banks of Madhumati River. I felt than instead of pulling out troops from us, if the higher ups had only reinforced us and exploited our success, the II (2) Corps Ops would have been much more speedy and spectacular.
Secret of Speed
I hold the view that for any formation, unit or sub-unit to move fast in combat conditions, the commanders have to lead from the front and there should be equally strong men with sticks at the back to make the tail catch up with the head. We were lucky in having our Adjutant in Capt (later Col) S S Dhilon who ensured soldiers, ammunition and food moved up so that we never had to look back.
A war record?
I have turned the pages of the post-independence military history books in vain to find out whether any other Indian Army unit had carried as rapid pursuit operation as we had done. Perhaps circumstances were favorable to us, or the Scotch bottle promised by the GOC was too tempting for anyone to resist, but the fact remains that we in the “Fifth Royal” were proud of what we achieved.
The above is a excerpt from the book A “Royal Tribute” - A history of of the 5th Battalion, The Maratha Light Infantry, 1800 - 2005 by Major General (Retd) E D’Souza, PVSM.
By special arrangement for Frontier India Defence and Strategic News Service
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