Within the framework of MBDA Deutschland’s export campaign for India, three PARS 3 LR firings were carried out from a German Tiger helicopter at the Vidsel test range in Sweden in April 2011. All three missiles were equipped with live warheads and all three struck their intended targets at the optimal hit points, as

MBDA's PARS 3 LR

Werner Kaltenegger, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland, said “I am delighted that the Indian Army has short listed PARS 3 LR for its procurement project. This represents a further confirmation of the close partnership MBDA has developed with India over the years. The successful industrial trials confirm the high level of reliability of the PARS 3 LR guided missile system. We are proud to offer the Indian Army such a powerful fire-and-forget system that can deploy precision attacks against a wide range of targets”.

Related Newss:

1. MBDA tests Indian Army short listed PARS 3 LR on helicopter
2. HELINA air to surface missile to be ready by 2013
3. Nag Missile to be tested by Indian Army in July

Helina is a fast track project spanning just 33 months to establish its full functionality with ALH. The 4 to 6 months time frame was given for realization of both the helicopter and the missile data link units.

The data link consists of helicopter-and missile-borne trans-receiver modules. The helicopter borne module is supposed to consist of a two-way C band command transmitter with antenna switching and an S band video receiver with input antenna switching mechanism.

Similarly, the missile-borne unit is expected to consist of a dual C band command receiver with linear AGC and an S band video transmitter with antenna switching logic.

ECCM has also been tested.

Two NAG missiles were fired from a ground launcher in full Helina configuration with RF data link. The range of operation was 4 km. Two hot targets separated by 30 m were erected at 4 km from launch point. The seeker was focused on first target when missile was launched. During missile flight the target video received via data-link was monitored by weapon system officer. Based on the target video. The track gate was shifted to the second target and lock command was issued using command link. It was stated that the officer could perform all the tasks within 10 seconds of missile flight from ground itself.

The field test to validate range of operation was carried out and a range of approximately 10 km was established. All the interface checks in full mission configuration were carried out and the LOAL principle was verified.

Helina’s flight duration is approximately 40 seconds.

Related Newss:

1. US$15.6M Contract for Tactical Video Data Link for U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W
2. HELINA air to surface missile to be ready by 2013
3. Next-Generation Longbow UAS Data Link Has Successful First Powered Flight On Apache Block III

In the area of basic research, DRDO is focusing on advanced materials, sensors and sensor material, nanotechnology, high energy materials, high power microwave and lasers. DRDO will put special incentives and recognition for basic research output.

DRDO is establishing a Directorate of Quality, Reliability and Safety for transfer of technology to the Production agency. “A major bugbear in our development-cum-ToT efforts has been the gaps in quality control and reliability,” said Saraswat.

Saraswat also called upon Armed Forces for realistic requirements to enable DRDO to properly plan its project requirements. He cited the example of NAG Missile. He hoped Army will induct it since the project has been completed. He also touched upon the Arjun Tank example where it went through 10 years of development and another 10 years of evaluation cum improvement phase. DRDO is implementing strategies for time and cost overruns.

DRDO is working on development of 1500 hp Tank engine; and gun development programs like the 155mm/ 52 caliber artillery gun in both stand-alone and self propelled versions. It is developing Cyber security initiatives. Software and hardware developments are being setup at Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad. DRDO is also launching projects for space based surveillance; space based Command and Control; and development of low cost satellites with launch-on-demand capability.

Related Newss:

1. DRDO to create technology base for possible 155 MM Artillery Gun Project
2. DRDO to begin nanotechnology course at DIAT
3. DRDO works on National Mission for developing AFV engines

Silicon Trophy for the year 2010 for the Best Systems Laboratory of DRDO has been awarded to the Research Centre Imarat (Programme AD), Hyderabad in recognition of the outstanding achievements of the laboratory in developing a Ballistic Missile Defence System.
Titanium Trophy for the year 2010 for the Best Science Laboratory of DRDO has been awarded to DL, Jodhpur in recognition of its contribution in the area of camouflage and low observable technologies for the Armed Forces and critical defence equipment.

The Life Time Achievement Award for the year 2010 has been conferred on Air Cmde R Gopalaswami (Retd), Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) Hyderabad for exceptional contributions of the highest order in the development of liquid rocket engines for missiles and multi-fold array of technology and management initiatives.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions and leadership qualities, the Technology Leadership Awards for the year 2010 have been awarded to 3 Scientists. Dr. V Bhujanga Rao, Distinguished Scientist & Director, Naval Science and Technology Laboratory (NSTL), Vishakhapatnam for outstanding contributions in the design, development and induction of Indigenous Underwater Weapons, Naval Stealth products, Underwater Mines, Fire Control Systems and Autonomous Underwater vehicles. S Sundaresh, Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller Research & Development. Shri S Sundaresh pioneered the development of complex, multi-disciplinary, technology intensive Integrated Fire Control System (IFCS) for the MBT Arjun through successful system integration, weapon system trials and user acceptance. Dr G Malakondaiah, Distinguished Scientist and Director, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad. Dr. G Malakondaiah has made valuable contributions in the development of speciality low-alloy steel DMR-1700 as a cost-effective replacement of maraging steels. AB class naval steels were indigenized under the leadership of Dr G Malakondaiah and are being used in the construction of the very first indigenously built aircraft carrier at the Cochin Shipyard.

Agni Awards for Excellence in Self-Reliance for the year 2010 have been conferred to Scientists along with their teams for their excellent contributions towards building self-reliance in defence technologies. Dr Jagannath Nayak, Sc ‘F’, Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad; G. Raghavaiah, Sc ‘G’, Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad; RC Agarwal, Outstanding Scientist and Director, Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun; Dr AK Singh, Sc ‘G’, Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bengaluru; and MZ Siddique, Sc ‘G’, Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru.

Out of the two Performance Excellence Awards 2010 for excellent performance and contributions, one has been awarded to PS Krishnan, Distinguished Scientist and Director, Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bangaluru and his team. The other award is shared equally among Dr Satish Kumar, Outstanding Scientist and Director, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh and Shri SK Shenoy, Sc ‘G’, Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi and their team members from TBRL, NPOL, Armament Research and Development (ARDE), Pune, Research Center Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, SPIC, and ADE, Bengaluru.

DRDO Scientist of the Year Awards for the year 2010 have been conferred to twenty Scientists. Dr Ramprasad R Panyam, Outstanding Scientist, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) Hyderabad; J Chattopadhyay, Sc ‘G’, Advance Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad; Dr Chitra Rajagopal, Sc ‘G’, Centre for Fire, Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi; Dr Manoj Gupta, Sc ‘G’, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune; Dr Dipti Deodhare, Sc ‘F’, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru; Dr AK Singh, Sc ‘E’, Defence Institute of Advance Technology (DIAT), Pune; Dr K Maheswara Reddy, Sc ‘G’, Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), Bengaluru; Smt Padmavathi, Sc ‘F’, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru; Dr Kadiyam Venkateswara Rao, Sc ‘G’, Naval Science & Technology Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam; P Sivakumar, Sc ‘G’ and Director, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai; Dr DK Dubey, Sc ‘F’, Defence R & D Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior; Gopal Bhushan, Sc ‘G’ and Director, Dte of International Cooperation, DRDO HQrs.;Shyam Govind Vaijapurkar, Sc ‘F’, Defence Laboratory (DL), Jodhpur; Dr Dev Raj Saroha, Sc ‘G’, Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh; Dr Bikash Chandra Chakraborty, Sc ‘G’, Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), Ambarnath; Dr (Mrs) KS Premavalli, Sc ‘F’, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore; Gokula Ranjan Panda, Sc ‘F’, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur; Dr S Guruprasad, Sc ‘G’ and Director, Research & Development Establishment (Engrs), Pune; G Satheesh Reddy, Sc ‘G’, Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad; and MS Easwaran, Sc ‘G’, Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru.

Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore has been awarded the Defence Technology Spin-Off Award for the year 2010 for developing physiologically active foods, Aloe vera juice, Aloe vera based fruit spread, seabuckthorn based herbal tea and baked foods, Rhodiola based coffee for combating diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, colon cancer and other stress related disorders & diseases.

The Special Award for Strategic Contribution for the year 2010 is conferred on Ajay Singh, Chief Executive, Dte of Civil Works & Estates, DRDO HQrs and his team for outstanding contributions in highly specialized nature of Civil works at some of the most difficult and hazardous area within the stipulated time frame.

Dr V Ramanujachari, Sc ‘G’, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and his team have successfully designed, developed and static tested the scramjet combustor for HSTDV project and hence awarded Best Innovation/Futuristic Development Award for the year 2010 for valuable contribution.

R Raveendran, Sc ‘D’, Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi and his team coordinated with 24 laboratories all over India in the 98th Indian Science Congress and successfully organized the DRDO exhibits where more than 122 models from various laboratories were kept in the DRDO pavilion. DRDO pavilion was given the Best Exhibitor Award. In recognition of their valuable contribution the Best Popular Science Communication AWARD for the year 2010 is conferred on R Raveendran, CVRDE, Avadi & his team members. The award will be equally shared with Dr JP Singh, Sc ‘F’, Directorate of Planning and Coordination, DRDO HQ. for disseminating information pertaining to “DRDO’s contributions” to the Parliament and its committees.

M/s Tratec Engineers Pvt Ltd, Gurgaon and M/s VEM Technologies, Hyderabad have been awarded Defence Technology Absorption Awards for the year 2010 for excellent support associated with design and development of critical DRDO technologies.

Related Newss:

1. DRDO lists recent achievements in run up to outstanding achievement awards 2010
2. DRDO Life Sciences protects Indian Armed Forces Personnel
3. DRDO to begin nanotechnology course at DIAT

Many significant achievements have been made by DRDO during the recent past, including the year 2010. Many important systems were inducted/accepted by the services. The production value of systems based on technologies developed by DRDO (inducted/accepted/orders placed during the past one decade is well over 1, 10,000 crores).

Agni, the 3500 km range ballistic missile was successfully launched with user’s participation. Training flights were held by the users for various missiles that are already inducted. These included two flight tests each of Agni – I, Agni – II and Dhanush (from naval ships) and five flights of Prithvi II (P– II). Orders worth over Rs. 25000 crores for surface-to-air missile- AKASH have been placed by the users. These include 8 squadron for IAF and 2 regiments for the Army. Successful flight tests of Endo-Atmospheric Interceptor for 2000 km class target were carried out. Each flight led to a direct target hit and disintegration of the target. Capabilities of NAG, the third generation anti-tank missile, which is a vehicle mounted system was demonstrated in a series of user trials. Advanced versions of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the only one of its kind in the world, were developed and flight-tested. Thus, BrahMos block II with target discrimination precision strike capabilities was test-fired. Similarly, BrahMos block III with capability for steep diving from high altitudes and high maneuvers at multiple points during supersonic flight. Development of advanced missile systems is a continuous effort and requires systematic development of more and more advanced technologies. RLG based Inertial Navigation System was developed, qualified and tested. Active Radar Seeker for advanced missions was developed. A Fibre Optics Gyro was successfully developed and tested on board.

In the area of Aeronautics, Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) concluded its extensive flight tests including weapon trials, dropping of bombs, jettisoning drop tanks and night flights; leading to its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) on 10th January, 2011. Over 1640 flights covering a period of over 969 hours have been completed by Tejas Mark 01. The first prototype of LCA Navy was rolled out and its induction tests were concluded. In tune with changing war of scenario, major thrust has been given to develop Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Successful flight trials of RUSTAM-1, a UAV with endurance of 14 hours and altitude ceiling of 8,000 meters demonstrated the capabilities for automated / remotely piloted landing/ take-off and associated technologies. NISHANT, another UAV developed by DRDO was ready for induction by the Army. A medium sized aerostat based platform was developed for surveillance applications. A novel method was developed and flight-tested for an in-flight structural monitoring of the manned as well as unmanned aircraft structures. The scheme was flight tested on a NISHANT UAV. Besides, over 100 test flights of a 3,000 gram Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) designed and developed by DRDO were carried out. A Laser Seeker Kit – ‘SUDARSHAN’, for 1,000 pound bombs was developed and initial demand for significant number of seekers kits has been received from the users. Major milestones in the indigenous development of fighter aircraft engine was achieved with the completion of “Official Altitude Testing” (OAT) of Kaveri Gas Turbine Engine for simulated operating conditions. Subsequently, the flights of Kaveri engine were successfully carried out on a Flying Test Bed (FTB) proving the technological capability and maturity of the indigenous efforts. This is the first time that an indigenously developed gas turbine engine for fighter aircraft has been flown on a FTB board. DRDO has developed expertise in the field of testing and certification for various components sub-systems and systems as well as complete airborne platforms. Thus, Initial Operational Clearance of LCA and Advanced Light Helicopter MK – III were major activities in this area.

Advanced Active-cum-Passive integrated sonar system HUMSA NG was designed, developed and installed on various ships of Indian Navy. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capable of navigation was demonstrated at sea. A Carbon Dioxide Curtailment System for submarines was designed and developed. The system has been accepted by the user. SANJEEVANI MK II, a device designed and developed to locate victims trapped under the debris was handed over to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Kerala Govt. Fire Services.

An advanced facility was created to undertake full scale processing of large Rocket motors. The facility was commissioned and the casting of various motors commenced. Development of PINAKA – Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System was achieved with the successful transfer of technology to production agencies, two regiments of PINAKA (worth Rs 1300 crores) have been raised by Army which is likely to place orders for another two regiments. The Transfer of Technology (ToT) for multimode grenade was completed, for which Army has placed an order for 10 lakh grenades. Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) for INSAS and AK-47 rifle was introduced into service with order for 10,000 Launchers. The state-of-the-art microcontroller based system Instant Fire Detection & Suppression System (IFDSS) BMP-2/2K developed for providing protection against fire to the troops & engine compartment, was accepted by the Army. Production order worth Rs. 168 crores has been received.

MBT Arjun Mark I was successfully inducted in the Army and two regiments of Arjun Main Battle Tank have been raised. A Carrier Command Post Tracked (CCPT) vehicle was accepted by the Army for induction. A modified Armoured Amphibious Dozer (AAD) completed its user trials. User trials of remotely operated vehicle (ROV DAKSH) were successfully carried out and LSP order for 20 numbers is being executed. Design of Snow Gallery for protection of personnel and equipment from avalanches and design of Instrumented Composite Tower for studies on avalanches were completed.

In the field of electronics and electro-optics, many systems were inducted/accepted by the services. 3D medium range surveillance radar – ROHINI and its naval variant REVATHI were inducted. 3D low-level light weight radar – Aslesha (for IAF) as well as Bharani (for Army) was accepted by the user. The engineered version of upgraded Weapon Locating Radar (WLR – Swathi) developed by DRDO was realized by the production agency. The electronic warfare system SAMYUKTA (naval variant) and SUJAV were inducted. Orders have been received for the Combat Net Radio (CNR) with anti-jamming features. A holographic sight for rifles/carbines was developed for aiming in closed quarter battle role and was accepted by the users.

The Life Sciences laboratories of DRDO continued to develop technology to maximize the operational efficiency of our soldiers and provide them with adequate support and protection. Some of the major achievements are highlighted. Three mobile laboratories for nuclear, biological and chemical defence were handed over to the user and rigorous training was imparted to them. An upgraded first-aid kit for protection against chemical and biological agents as well as the nuclear radiation were accepted by the services. Technology for producing DRDO developed kits for detection of swine flu was transferred to the production agency. The Combat Free Fall (CFF) protection system to meet the requirements of high altitude paratrooper’s mission requirements was designed developed and is under limited series production. A Submarine Escape Set (SES) for escape from an abandoned submarine from depths of 100m was designed and developed. Navy has projected a requirement of over 400 suits. Greenhouses were established at power plant locations such as Siachen Base camp, Chushul, Battalik etc and an average of 1400 kg vegetables of high nutritive values were produced in each greenhouse by standardizing the practices and procedures. About 5000 MT of vegetables are locally grown for meeting Army’s requirements A Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) was designed, developed and accepted by the Air Force. Series production of systems for deployment at all the Air Force Selection Boards of the IAF is underway. Yoga Training Modules have been developed for toning up cardio-respiratory, respiratory, endocrine and nervous systems to maintain optimum physical fitness and mental health of troops deployed at high altitude extreme climates. Yoga training was provided to over 2000 personnel who were to be deployed at Siachen Glacier. MoU has been signed with Indian Railways for joint development of Biotoilets to be installed in rail coaches. Biotoilets have been installed in Lakshadweep Islands and NE region of India for safe disposal of human waste and MoUs signed with Indian Railways & Min. of Urban Development for installation in rail coaches & homes. MoU with Ministry of Urban Development is under process for joint development of biotoilets and their installation under mass civilian program.

Advanced materials have been always at the core of weapon systems and military hardware. Significant milestones were achieved in this critical area. A low-alloy steel “DMR-1700” with ultrahigh strength and high fracture toughness was developed as a cost effective replacement of 250 grade maraging steel. The alloy was successfully proven by successful demonstration in the intended application. A 500 ton per annum capacity titanium sponge plant based on DRDO technology was set up at Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML). The Plant was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 27 Feb 2011. Light-weight composite armour for Mi-17-IV helicopter of IAF has successfully undergone integration and flight-trials. Technology developed for vacuum investment casting of gas turbine blades for Kaveri engine was extended for making high pressure turbine blades for land-based gas turbine for power generation. The runways at strategic locations often require rapid repairs. Many of these locations are in extreme cold regions where the normal concrete does not set in easily. Technology for rapid repair of runways in cold regions was developed and successfully demonstrated at sub zero temperature.

A dedicated team of DRDO engineers executed highly specialized nature of Civil works at some of the most difficult and hazardous area within the stipulated time frame. Agreements for co-operation / co-development in frontline areas of science, technology and engineering were signed with several countries.

Related Newss:

1. Indian Kaveri Engine maiden flight test successful in flying test bed trials
2. Nishant UAV flies with indigenous Wankel engine
3. DRDO works on National Mission for developing AFV engines

The first two test firings from the Tiger were carried out within one minute of each other. Flying just 10 m above the treetops, the helicopter first fired at a stationary target around 7,000 m away. The second missile was fired just a few moments later at a target travelling at approximately 40 km/h. To make this shot, the Tiger turned 180° and assumed a firing position at an altitude of approx. 100 m. The moving target was approx 700 m distant. Both PARS 3 LR missiles hit the targets precisely at their centres.

MBDA's PARS 3 LR

MBDA Deutschland conducted the campaign on the test range in Vidsel, Sweden. The three PARS 3 LR firings were part of a MBDA Deutschland export campaign.

“With this successful firing campaign, we have impressively demonstrated the exceptional capabilities and high accuracy of the PARS 3 LR,” declared Werner Kaltenegger, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland. “We also demonstrated our dependable performance. In times of tight budgets, this is a particularly important signal to our customers.”

The guided missile is manufactured by PARSYS, a joint venture of LFK GmbH (MBDA Deutschland) and Diehl BGT Defence. The German Army has already authorized series production of 680 PARS 3 LR guided missiles. This guided missile system is the future main armament of the Tiger support helicopter.

Related Newss:

1. Indian Army tests Prithvi-II short range ballistic missile
2. MBDA to display missiles for Indian Armed Forces at Aero India 2011
3. South Africa completes MILAN ADT firing post trials

The variants were revealed in the DRDO’s May 2011 newsletter. As per the newsletter, Avinash Chander, Distinguished Scientist, Programme
Director, SFD and Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) has been appointed as Chief Controller R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems) wef 03 May 2011.

He is an eminent scientist in the fi eld of Missiles and is the Chief Designer of long-range missile system, with specific contribution in Agni programme management, mission design, guidance, navigation, simulation and terminal guidance. He has the unique achievement of delivering and deploying three long-range Agni missile weapon systems viz., A1, A2 and A3. currently, he is leading three major system developments; Agni 2P, Agni 5 and Agni 6.

Related Newss:

1. DRDO working on 5,500 Km Agni
2. Agni 2 – Plus launch a failure : DRDO
3. Agni-1 Missile test fired by Indian Army unit

HELINA is also an upgraded version of NAG missile. It is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

It is being developed as per the user requirement and the project will see upgraded propulsion that will enable HELINA to strike enemy armor at a distance of 7 kms to 8 kms.

Nag is a third generation “Fire-and-forget” anti -tank missile developed by DRDO. The missile has a top attack capability.

Related Newss:

1. India tests a 600 km surface to surface ballastic missile SHOURYA
2. Nag anti-Tank Missile demonstrated to Indian Army
3. Indian anti-tank missile NAG to be user tested this year

ORBIT will showcase its advanced audio and IP Communications Management System, as well as its latest offering – the AL-4000 tracking antenna controller.

Orbit-AL-3400

Orbit’s solutions for tracking cover a wide range of applications, such as UAV command & control, LEO satellite imaging & processing, high altitude flight testing, missile range telemetry, point to point stabilized data link systems as well as positioners and rotators for electronic warfare and radars.

In Aero India ORBIT will demonstrate the AL-4000 Antenna Control Unit, designed to provide overall control of tracking antenna motion, display position and tracking data. The system’s touch screen interface can be easily customized for different applications, allowing the operators to choose the preferred display data and modes. Its dual-CPU architecture ensures real-time response for mission-critical data acquisition and supports redundant and remote interfaces via a standard SNMP interface.

ORBIT’s Communication Management Systems product line features fully digital and secure systems which allow the flight crew to select and control all onboard communication devices. The systems provide a focal point for inbound and outbound communications, including public announcement, warning systems, radios and crew intercommunications.

The system is based on a set of ‘building blocks’ providing the capability to tailor a solution from commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components for airborne applications (fixed and rotary wing), as well as seaborne applications.

A software configuration suite enables quick installation and reconfiguration to existing communication system, including the ability to interface with IP-based applications.

In Aero India ORBIT will conduct a live demonstration of the IP interface, enabling the transfer of IP based data such as VoIP between the terminals. Through its IP interface the systems can support advanced communications and allow for future growth requirements.

In addition to the Communication Management and Tracking and Telemetry solutions, ORBIT Communication Systems is also a leading supplier of stabilized maritime Satellite Communication solutions, which are deployed in over 20 navies as well as in a variety of commercial applications, including global oil and gas vessels and platforms, merchant ships and many others. The company’s systems provide broadband satellite connectivity to maritime vessels, enabling communications services such as: data links, internet browsing, telephony, video and IP TV.

ORBIT has participated for over 15 years in the Indian market and has local sales and service representations. The company looks forward to a deepening of ties with this important market and expects further sales in the future.

Related Newss:

1. Orbit Wins $4 million contract to Supply OrSat Ku-Band and C-Band Marine Satellite Communication Systems to French Navy
2. Elbit Systems to supply advanced Battlefield Management Systems to Dutch for $40 million
3. Rafael to Demonstrate Air force version of C4I systems at Aero India 09

“Go ahead”, Indira replied, “ Are you frightened ?,” she asked. “I am not. I am only telling you there is no going back now. That is all,” Homi answered in his no nonsense manner, that he was known for..

Homi Sethna a nuclear legend of India, was educated as a chemical engineer in Ann Arbour Michigan and took over in times when Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai had passed away and left a void. Earlier in his career, he was responsible for setting up of the thorium extraction plant at Alwaye in Kerala for separation of rare earth from Monazite sands, and came in to contact with naval officers in Cochin, including then Commodore SG Karmarkar Commodore in Charge Cochin (COMCHIN). Later Sethna set up the plant for the production of nuclear grade uranium metal at Trombay, and also set up the Plutonium Reprocessing Plant (PRP) there itself in 1959. India Strategic is proud to recount Dr Sethna’s support to the Indian Navy and what is now Indian Navy’s ambitions to build and operate nuclear submarines. The story of Indian Navy’s quest for nuclear submarines needs recounting.

NUCLEAR SUBMARINES ARE INESCAPABLE FOR NUCLEAR DETERRENCE

The Indian Navy has always looked ahead, and its ambitious horizons have always included plans to acquire, build and operate nuclear submarines. Sethna supported that, and it is essential to appreciate why India needs expensive home built nuclear submarines like the 6,500 ton INS Arihant (ATV) which is being readied for sea trials and deep diving trials at the Ship Building Center(SBC) at Vishakapatnam. The DRDO-Navy project is being directed by Director General ATV Vice Admiral DSP Verma, a former Chief of Material of the Indian Navy, from the offices of Akshanka( means Hope) in New Delhi, under the control of a board in PMO with the Prime Minister as its head. Another large classified establishment under Akshanka, the Directorate of Marine Engineering Technology (DMET) at Hyderabad has pioneered and tested all engineering equipment inducted from Indian industry for the INS Arihant, and continues to seek suppliers for sea going machinery that goes in to a submarine but its activities are classified, despite all suppliers having all the details. It’s a dichotomy.

A large 8,500 ton nuclear Akula class submarine of Project 971, the Nerpa is also being taken on lease from Russia for training and the Indian crew is likely to commission the boat later this year, if all is equal. The boat had suffered a fire and explosion and the damage has been repaired at Vladivostok. The nuclear submarines are planned to augment the Navy’s long grey line of 32 warships and 6 diesel propelled Scorpene submarines including two aircraft carriers that are under construction, and on order in India and abroad. A nuclear boat with its organic under water launched nuclear missiles, is stealth at its best and is the most proven form of deterrence against another nuclear armed adversary. India has two nuclear neighbors.

The world’s five nuclear weapon NPT states USA, Russia, France, UK and China, continue to maintain and design nuclear submarines capable of launching nuclear tipped missiles besides, air and land launched nuclear missiles. UK and France have admittedly reduced their land and air launched nuclear assets, but they are on course to build newer nuclear submarines despite the burden on their defence budgets, that this class of nuclear boats impose. A nuclear submarine costs around $2 bill a piece, is expensive to maintain, but it is an essential and vital strategic asset of a nation.

India has yet to achieve a credible ‘Triad’ deterrence capability to protect its national interests which includes its growing economy slated to grow faster in the coming decades. The Chinese PLA Navy has been pursuing a vigorous programme to build up its Han, Xia(093), 094 and 095 class of nuclear submarines which can launch short range missiles from SSNs, and long range 5000km ICBMs like the JL-1 derived from the DF-31 from SSBMs, and if India is to join the big league which is now on the cards, then it has little option but to have a line of SSN and SSBM nuclear submarines to ensure deterrence, akin to insurance against nuclear states. One however hopes, the use of nuclear weapons is never resorted to.

Politicians, the public at large and even business leaders in India have to appreciate that if you do not have security, then you will have no governance or business in a growing economy. National security is a national pre-requisite, and this is what late Dr HN Sethna who when he was working as Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Center Bombay in the 1960s producing weapon grade plutonium(P-239) from waste from nuclear reactors, always emphasized in conversations with naval officers in Bombay. His education in USA had fired his imagination on security and nuclear issues. He often visited the USO club’s golf course which was close to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research(TIFR) in Colaba. TIFR was constructed on naval land adjacent to Navy Nagar, and a number of ‘hush hush research projects’ were conducted there and a few technical naval officers took short courses at TIFR.

Rear Admiral SG Karmarkar, the first Indian officer who had commanded British officers on INS Kistna had by then become Flag Officer Bombay(1963-65). Dr Sethna was known to him from his Cochin days and hosted him at Northbrooke House next to the Atomic Energy Commission Office in the Old Yacht Club premises at Apollo Bunder near the Taj Mahal Hotel. Sethna took the Admiral to visits to Tarapur Nuclear Power project and BARC, and this writer as Flag Lt accompanied the Admiral on one visit to Tarapur when a reactor was being commissioned. Dr Sethna who had served under Dr Homi Bhabha is acknowledged is as being the prime architect of India’s nuclear weapons programme with Dr Raja Ramanna. They both successfully demonstrated capability to build indegenious nuclear bombs in May 1974 and ‘Smiling Buddha’ took under his stewardship when he was the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, but he was a modest person and never hogged the lime light and diligently pursued his tasks and interests.

NUCLEAR PROPULSION AND WARFARE

Many naval officers recall Sethna tell young naval officers in Mumbai to dream of nuclear propulsion. He did this in times when officially Indian Armed Forces were not taught offensive nuclear doctrines. Nuclear and nuclear warfare in India’s context was not in India’s toxilogy or lexicon as a subject in Indian staff colleges, but it is less known that all major Indian Naval ships have always been fitted to fight through and defend themselves against a nuclear explosion. All major naval ships have ‘citadel capability’ to button up the ship and re-circulate internal air and generate oxygen like a submarine does. Every major warship can pre- wet the whole ship structure to cleanse nuclear fallout. A warship’s raison d’etre is “To Float, To Move, To Fight’ even thorough a nuclear explosion at sea.

Every IN navigator is taught to steer the ship away from the centre of a nuclear bomb explosion at sea. The Fleet regularly exercises nuclear explosion drill and ships are required to calculate a moving geographic position called ‘Roaming Romeo’(the centre of explosion and fallout) depending on the direction of the wind, and steer a safe course to evade the nuclear fallout at high speed, with the ship’s company sealed breathing circulated and re-oxidised air.

Nuclear warfare drill has been taught to every naval officer since the 50s, and officials from Bharat Atomic Energy Centre(BARC) at Mumbai where India’s plutonium nuclear bombs(cores) are currently stored, regularly gave lectures on board ships on how to check radiation levels, apply radiation cleansing techniques and calibrate the naval ships fixed and portable electromagnetic Rontogen X-radiation meters. Nuclear bomb effects and methods of delivery is bread and butter to the youngest of Indian naval officer at sea, as it forms a part of the inspection routine by the Fleet Commander. It is a legacy of the British ships Indian Navy acquired after partition.

It is to Dr Sethna’s credit that he as AEC Chairman he opened the secret portals of India’s nuclear establishment BARC in 1976 which was under Dr Raja Ramanna then and accepted a team of four naval officers led by then Capts PN Agarwala and Bharat Bhusan both very bright engineer officers trained at the Royal Naval Engineering College at Manaden Plymouth, to form a Diesel Propulsion Research Team(DPRT) at BARC. DPRT was a subterfuge for designing a nuclear propulsion plant. Cdrs Gurmit Singh and Cdr BK Subbarao were also in the team, and in later years Subbarao designed a submarine nuclear power plant but crossed swords with Dr Raja Ramanna. Bhusan later headed the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) nuclear project and subsequently many naval officers were trained in nuclear engineering at BARC and transferred to the the DRDO-Navy classified ATV project, which fructified in the launching of INS Arihant by PM’s wife Mrs Gursharan Kaur on 22nd August,2009 at Vishakapatnam.

INS Arihant a 7,000 ton medium sized nuclear propulsion technology demonstrator submarine and is being readied to go to sea and will be fitted with the 700km Sagarika K-15 solid fuel nuclear tipped missile, and it will possess India’s first underwater launched deterrent, if all is equal. India already has air and land launched nuclear arsenals, and two of Navy’s four off shore patrol vessels (OPVs) INS Subhadra and Suvarna can launch one 350km liquid fuelled nuclear tipped Dhanush missile each. These launch platforms operate on surface and can be located from visual and radar observations and from satellites and are vulnerable.

ADMIRAL SERGIE GORSHKOV SUPPORTED LEASE OF INS CHAKRA

It needs recall that at a nuclear session at India International Center three years ago, when India’s nuclear deal was being pursued with USA, the speakers included India’s doyen nuclear analyst K Subrahmanyam, Raja Mohan of the Indian Express and others. Former PM I K Gujral shared an anecdote which holds relevance for the Indian Navy’s plans and ambitions to possess nuclear submarines with under water launched long range missiles. IK Gujral unveiled how in 1979 when he was Ambassador in Russia and C Subramaniam and K Subrahmanyam were the Defence Minister and Defence Secretary (Production) respectively in MOD, he was tasked to meet Admiral Sergei Gorshkov and seek help and guidance on India’s quest for nuclear submarines, which were prompted by the Indian Navy, and supported by Dr Raja Ramanna. Admiral of the Fleet Sergei Gorshkov known to be a supporter of the Indian Navy and officially acknowledged as the ‘Benefactor of the modern Indian Navy’ was one of the finest naval minds of the last century. When Shri Gujral met him he made him look at the chart/map of the Indian Ocean and went on to explain to Gujral how India was hemmed in by the Straits on both sides and said China has nuclear submarines and so India must also have nuclear submarines. That was the time when relations between Russia and China had soured. That led to the birth of the ATV and later the lease of INS Chakra.

From 1983 under the guidance of late Dr Raja Ramanna who worked under Dr HN Sethna , the ATV project took off and a former roommate of Dr Raja Rammana, Vice Admiral M K Roy, when they were living together in digs in London was made the first DG. The rest is history, and INS Chakra was given by Russia on lease to the Indian Navy from 1987 to 1991 despite rumblings in the West, and the IN cut its teeth in nuclear submarine operations and handling with the full support of BARC which opened its portals and a large number of naval officers hold M(Tech) degrees in nuclear engineering from BARC. The nuclear reactor in INS Chakra was maintained by Russians on board and all activities kept secret, including those of the ATV even from other service chiefs, and senior officers of the Indian Navy.

It was only six years ago that then Defence Ministers of India Pranab Mukherjee and Sergei Ivanov of Russia, jointly acknowledged the ATV project in pubic in Moscow for the first time and wowed to complete it. India also secretly clinched the deal to take Akula nulcear submarines on lease on the lines of the INS Chakra, but with full control. Many feel Russia readily agreed, as the funding for rejuvenating the Akulas, Nerpa and Jaguar came through the advances for the 1000X 2 Kundankulam nuclear power projects, and they needed the business. A few thousand of crores has also been spent on INS Arihant which has Russian assistance and equipment makes it the next most expensive DRDO project along with the LCA. Possibly the most expensive.

NUCLEAR SUBMARINES AND DIESEL SUBMARINES A COMPARISION

A nuclear Submarine force is the right option for countries with large oceans to patrol and though this issue has never been debated in India, it must be stated that nuclear submarines are very expensive technological toys. The cost of buying or building nuclear submarines is approximately 50 % to 75% higher per unit than diesel- electric powered boats but has greater capabilities. Nuke boats cruise three times faster , have a greater sustained speed underwater, and an unlimited range. For this reason larger number of diesel units are required for the same duty. Higher speeds by diesel propelled boats for very short period deplete their underwater batteries in few hours, and without resorting to recharge they then become incapable and vulnerable to the point of helplessness. PNS Hangor under then Cdr Tasneem of Pakistan almost suffered this fate in 1971, after attacking INS Kuthar which Hangor’s torpedoes missed, but sunk INS Khukri with the loss of 168 souls. However the Captain of Hangor made an ingenious get away by daring to navigate in shallow waters, to escape the Indian Navy ships and submarines that were deployed off Diu. Nuclear submarines cannot do that in shallow waters.

Diesel submarines are warships of position, whereas nuclear submarines are vehicles of maneuver. Diesel subs are suited for small shallow seas with straits to block like the Malacca Straits and the Baltic hence Singapore has opted for small submarines, but when rapid movements over long ocean distances are required, nuclear propulsion is the desired choice and India must afford it. A conventional boat needs to be in the vicinity of its target . A nuclear boat can be dispatched to intercept or can track and attack when ordered. The sinking of the Argentinean’s cruiser General Belgrano in the Falklands war is the most recent demonstration of the capability when HMS Conqueror which was dispatched at full speed for 8000miles submerged all the way. Went and intercepted the Argentinean Navy’s cruiser. No conventional submarines could have achieved this feat and bottled up the whole Argentinean fleet. Unlike the diesel electric boats, which have to surface to recharge batteries about 20 percent of their time at sea, the nuclear submarine does not have to come up and surface and then effectively broadcast its position with noisy engines for sonars to detect it. The motto of nuclear submarines is ‘Run Deep, Run Silent, Run Long’.

The diesel–electric submarine can be a useful weapon provided it can get to the right place at the right time. Conversely a nuclear powered boat, which can stay submerged indefinitely run at high speeds indefinitely, has enormous flexibility. A nuclear powered boat running silent , fast and deep can be switched very quickly from, for example , a wartime role of barrier patrol against hostile submarine in a specific area to convoy escort ships across an ocean, or land saboteurs secretly.

In its frequent surfacing, the diesel- electric submarine is highly vulnerable to visual, acoustic and radar detection and thus open to attack by other submarines, aircraft and surface ships. The nuclear boat’s reactor also produces much more electrical power than diesel electric submarines and makes its ‘pear shaped hull’ possible to operate at much higher speeds for its highly powered sonar detection systems , provide more oxygen re-generation and unlimited water supply. The mere threat of a nuclear powered submarine in an area inhibits an opponent and acts as a powerful deterrent. Very rigorous safety standards have to be followed by navies building and operating nuclear submarines and most have ensured nuclear accident free operations. The US Navy for example has used nuclear propulsion for more than 40 years and accumulated more than 3600 reactor years of operation.

CONCLUSION

The importance of nuclear propulsion and nuclear submarines needs publicity. Once the importance and inescapable need for nuclear submarines is accepted by India and the Indian Navy becomes confident and masters nuclear propulsion along the way, the nation’s Navy should be encouraged to think of nuclear propulsion for all its major naval warships of the future especially aircraft carriers that the Indian Navy is planning for the second decade of the 21st century. This will be a tribute to Drs Homi Bhabha, Homi Sethna and Raja Ramanna who showed the way. The cost of fossil fuel is set to rise exponentially and India which is a net importer of hydro carbons has to plan for alternate fuels and savings. Navies are large consumers of oil. The Government has maintained overt secrecy over all the equipment fitted in INS Arihant and kept a veil over the Indian designed and Indian built small nuclear reactor in the boat, which was a joint effort by BARC and Indian industry. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh admitted that Indian industry has largely contributed to the building of INS Arihant and names of companies like Larsen& Toubro Ltd, Walchandnagar Industries Ltd, Bharat Heavy Elecriclas Ltd, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Tata Group and pump makers like Khosla and Kirloskar Pumps Ltd and some small suppliers and fabricators are known, but not their deeds. These need to be made public as it is reported two more larger Arihant class with modifications to take additional missiles is on the cards.

Note by Author: The writer Cmde (Retd) Ranjit B Rai had opportunity whilst at RN Staff College Greenwich London in 1974 to witness the operation and the fuel change procedure of Royal Navy’s mini training reactor called “Jason”, while undertaking a thesis on nuclear weapons. Such access needs to be provided to service officers at Kalpakam where AEC has set up a 40MW training reactor for the Indian Navy.

(Reproduced from India Defence Update ) Click For “About the Author“

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