DefINsights - Sugosha Advisory Jan 2022

DefInsightsVol.5Issue8-Jan2022
A SUGOSHA MEDIA PRESENTATION

TRIBUTE

CDS Gen Bipin Rawat

CONTENTS

COVER STORY

Tribute to CDS Gen Rawat Industry Buzz

P 10 P 16

Directed-Energy Weapons DAP 2020 Primer : Part 8

P 14 P 20

Business Opportunities

P 22

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From the MD’s Desk

Greetings of the new year 2022 to all our readers!
This month was also witness to the 73rd Republic Day with complete fanfare and
gusto, once again highlighting India’s vision of Atmanirbharta in Defence
Production.
India tested several new missiles to strengthen defence system in Indo-Pacific
region. The Indian military tested at least seven new types of missiles in December
2021. Indian media believes that New Delhi may purchase advanced weapons
Mrs. Shanti Kuber from the United States to deter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Pakistan
military development. On December 23, 2021, the Indian Ministry of National
Defence announced that it had successfully tested an Ultra Long Range Anti-Submarine Missile (SMART)
system. Earlier, India successfully tested the Agni-P missile. This is a new generation ballistic missile that
can carry a nuclear warhead, with a maximum range of up to 2000 km. In addition, India has successfully
tested the BrahMos air-launched cruise missile.
On the other side, there was no breakthrough in the 14th round of talks between the militaries of India
and China, held at Chushul-Moldo border, and the two sides agreed to maintain dialogue via military and
diplomatic channels to work out a "mutually acceptable resolution" of the remaining issues. In this
context it was also agreed that the next round of the Commanders’ talks should be held at the earliest.
All eyes will be on the upcoming Defence Budget on 1st Feb 2022. Strengthening the Navy may be one of
the main focus for India's defence ministry as the threat coming from China rises. While India’s
allocation for defence will go up in absolute terms, it may remain small as a percentage of gross
domestic product (GDP). India’s defence budget has remained consistent roughly at 2% of the GDP in
the last five years. Even though the recommended share is 3%. Indian Navy's Fleet stands at 150 ships
and submarines, and the Coast Guard fleet is at 130 vessels. Each of these is expected to grow to 200
vessels by 2027. Orders are likely to be placed for 165 warships in the medium term

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 3

Global

Prime ministers Scott Morrison of Australia and Fumio Kishida of Japan will meet in a virtual summit to sign
the agreement, which Morrison said "will underpin greater and more complex practical engagement
between the Australian Defence Force and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces."

Eying military gains, France goes big on national quantum technology. France is diving into the quantum
realm with a new multi-sector, cutting-edge computing platform, and by investing billions of euros over
several years to support research-and-development efforts in the emerging technology field.

Morocco could be a likely customer for Barak 8 MRSAM. It is jointly developed by India’s Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO) in close collaboration with Israel's Israel Aircraft Industry (IAI)’s Elta,
RAFAEL, and additional companies in both countries are used by Israel’s navy as well as by India’s naval, air
and ground forces. Morocco’s defence budget for the coming year has allocated $12.8 billion to modernize
its military.

Indian Army

The Indian Army unveiled a new digital pattern combat
uniform, which would be lighter and more climate friendly,
on this Army Day, January 15

In an important milestone, the Intermediate Jet Trainer,
designed and developed by the HAL for stage-II training of
IAF pilots, has successfully demonstrated the capability to
carry out six turn spins, displaying an important requirement
for the platform. The aircraft will require another two years
of testing after which it will be ready for induction.

Shyam Chaurasia, a student from the MIET Engineering
college, Meerut has invented a chargeable Smart Army
Camp which has small heater plates installed in it . There is
no need for solar power or electricity , and these can be
charged with hands using a physical rotated charger. The hi
tech sensors fitted in it will detect the movement of enemies
from 50 kms away and will also alert the soldiers living in the
camp.

Hanwha (South Korea) is offering a range of weapons and
missions systems and local industrial involvement to support
its bid to supply the service with its K21-105 light tank in
response to an RFI issued in April 2021 by the Indian Army to
procure approximately 350 light tanks.

70,000 AK 203 rifles have been delivered to the Army from Russia at a fast pace. The first batch is likely to
be used by IAF. The rifles manufactured at Amethi will be delivered to the Army whose requirement is
600,000 AK 203s.

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Indian Navy

Indian Navy tested the Rafale-M (Marine) fighter aircraft at the INS Hansa in Goa as it plans to procure a
batch of fighter jets for indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant. France sent a Rafale maritime fighter aircraft
to demonstrate its combat capabilities with India specific requirements. In a visit last month, French Defence
Minister indicated that France will be interested to supply the carrier-based jets.

HSL has delivered the 200th vessel
to the Navy , by modernising the
existing infrastructure at a cost of Rs
1000 crores. The process to long
awaited contract for construction of
five fleet support ships at a cost of
Rs 20000 crores is at an advanced
stage which is likely to get finalised
by March 2022.

IAC Vikrant 40,000-ton aircraft
carrier, built at a cost of around ₹
23,000 crore, began another set of
sea trials on 09 January 2022 to
carry out complex manoeuvres in
high seas ahead of its planned
induction in August.

Indian Navy is looking to build a new generation of destroyers from a clean-sheet design and has started
conceptual concept studies for the same that started in mid-2021 and plans are afoot to be ready with new
design and configuration under the “Project 18” that will have displacement for the 13,000 Standard tonnes
for six warships that been planned at an estimated cost of INR 50000 crores. Navy along with DRDO is
working on the new generation of directed energy weapons and high power sensors on the Next Gen
Destroyers (NGD). It will be the first to get the Universal Vertical Launch System (UVLS);in terms of weapon
systems, it will also field naval XRSAM Long Range Air Missile Defence System.

Air Force

The Indian Air Force is developing a real-time health monitoring system for aircrew that will continuously
assess the fitness levels of pilots during flight and relay a warning in case of any abnormality.is a wearable
sensor like a wrist band or a stick-on patch that records the pilot’s parameters like blood pressure,
temperature, heart rate and oxygen saturation level continuously or at periodic intervals and is integrated
with the aircraft’s communication system so that the information is transmitted to ground control.

India is all set to receive last four Rafale fighters from France from February, all of them fully equipped with
India specific enhancements. Three Rafale fighters are expected to leave Istres-Le Tube air base, north-west
of Marseille in south France, around February 1-2 and arrive in India after due mid-air refueling by close ally,
the United Arab Emirates Air Force, using Airbus multi-role transport tankers.

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 5

Industry

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has awarded a contract for the fabrication of 2 composite
Radome to a British-based Meggitt Aerospace Limited. Composite Radome supplied by the company will be
used on the first and second pre-production Tejas Mk2 jets, while efforts are being made by ADA to
fabricate and develop technologies indigenously that will be used in production variants of the aircraft when
it enters service in 2028.

MTU MT 881 Ka -500 V8 water cool diesel engine that offers a power range of 753 kW (1000hp) at 2700 rpm
has been chosen to be the powerpack for the upcoming Light tank that DRDO's CVRDE and L&T are
developing that will be ready for trials in early 2023.

BHEL, the public sector heavy engineering company, is keen to get into the manufacture of electrolysers and
fuel cells. The company will come out with an invitation for ‘expression of interest’ (EOI) for partnering with
it for electrolysers and fuel cells. “BHEL is seeking interest for partnering with it to address growing
Hydrogen economy business through manufacturing of (i) Electrolyser System for Hydrogen Production and
(ii) Hydrogen based PEM Fuel Cell System,” the invitation for EOI had said. “Based on the responses
received, a separate request for partnership shall be issued by BHEL for selection of Partner(s) in the
targeted areas of Hydrogen Value Chain business,” it had said.

Power For Defence Technologies Co (PDTC), a Saudi Arabian company signed an agreement with Navratana
Defence PSU, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) India, to bring India and Saudi Arabia closer through the
promotion of defence and aerospace technologies. The agreement will facilitate BEL and PDTC to
collectively bring cutting-edge technologies and technological solutions to The KSA’s Défense eco-system.

L&T along with a DPSU bags ADE-DRDO supply order for 'Abhyas' target platform. HAL has secured an order
for manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing and supply of High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT)
System, known as 'ABHYAS', from ADE, DRDO. Post successful completion of this initial order, it would be
identified as Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) for supply of this target system along with a
private firm (50 per cent of the volume). L&T the DcPP for ABHYAS with DRDO/ADE along with a DPSU (L2
that matched L1 price of L&T), have received the supply order for ABHYAS.

DRDO has successfully flight tested its
indigenously developed Man-Portable
Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).
During the test, conducted last week, the
missile hit the designated target with
precision and destroyed it. The MPATGM
has a maximum range of 2.5 kilometers
(1.5 miles). The present test was to prove
the consistent performance for the
minimum range. All the mission objectives
were met. The missile has miniaturised
infrared imaging seeker and advanced
avionics for on-board control and
guidance. The missile performance has
been proven for the maximum range in
earlier test trials.

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Indian Army and IAF are the new customers of the AT4, from SAAB of Sweden. The Indian forces are already
using SAAB’s Carl-Gustaf system. The single shot weapon has been selected by the Indian Armed Forces
through a competitive programme. The contract was inked by FFV Ordnance AB, the arm which is
responsible for the company’s Ground Combat offer in India.

Advance Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), the new defence PSU formed out of Gun Carriage
Factory (GCF) at Jabalpur, and other group factories, will be taking part in the tenders issued for air defence
guns by the Army. The GCF at Jabalpur had been making the L-70 guns which ran on a mechanical system.
There are no longer orders for the L-70s with the last batch issued to the Army last year. Now as the Army
wants upgraded guns with electronic gear, AWEIL as a PSU will have to compete in the open tendering
process along with the private sector. The tenders by both Army and the IAF are for around 200 guns each.
The anti-aircraft guns will have electronic equipment radars. In the meantime, even before AWEIL was
created, the GCF had also upgraded the legacy L-70 guns in association with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL),
said sources. The last batch of the upgraded guns was supplied last year.

Contracts

Airbus Now Sole Contender For Supplying Twin-Engine Choppers To Indian Coast Guard As Russia Pulls Out
Of $1 Billion Contest. Russia has pulled out of a $1 billion contest for delivery of twin-engine helicopters to
the ICG which has left Airbus as the sole vendor for the procurement process as there was no participation
from US side. The ICG requires about 14 new helicopters for surveillance tasks as well as several offshore
security-related activities.

Earlier in the month Dept of National Defense of the Philippine government issued a Notice of Award to
Brahmos Aerospace notifying that the proposal for the acquisition of the shore based anti ship missile for
the Philippine Navy has been accepted. The Philippines accepted the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited’s
proposal worth $375 million to supply shore-based Anti-Ship Missile systems for its Navy.it includes the
delivery of three batteries, training for operators and maintainers as well as the necessary Integrated
Logistics Support (ILS) package. Conceptualized as early as 2017, the Office of the President approved its
inclusion in the Horizon 2 Priority Projects in 2020.

India Army has signed the first contract under Make II for Maneuverable Expendable Aerial Target (MEAT)
with Anadrone systems worth Rs 96 crores for Army AD and IAF. Anadrone systems in partnership with UK
defence company QinetiQ has developed Shikra Banshee -40, a jet engine version which can be used to
represent threats posed by UAV, enemy aircraft and general aerial threat weapons.

HAL has signed a contract with the Government of Mauritius (GoM) for export of one Advanced Light
Helicopter (ALH)-MK-III for the Mauritius Police Force. The ALH MK-III, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, is
a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter in the 5.5 ton category in extensive use by the Indian armed forces and
has also been exported.

Data Patterns (India) announced that it has received a development order of Rs 27 crore from Defence
Research and Development Organisation for wide band RF front end units for electronic warfare receivers.
Data Patterns said that the new program allows wide band EW receivers to be configured for naval, land and
aerial platforms. The wide band RF front ends allow faster scanning of enemy emitters to enable better
electronic intelligence with enhanced detection and avoidance. The specifications not only allow faster scan
rate but also better dynamic range providing better detection, the company said in a press release.

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 7

Army has signed contract with IdeaForge for additional number of Switch 1.0 UAVs , similar to the one
signed in January 2021, for surveillance along the LAC.

MoD

An ambitious project to put missiles on the Heron unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs is now before the
Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The "weaponisation" will mean
placing between two to four air-to-ground missiles on the 48 Herons. These can be anti-tank or for other
suitable targets. Despite having weapons on them, the range of the Herons will be almost the same. Along
with the weaponisation, there will be improved satellite communication ability. Engine upgrades of these
Israeli drones are also on the cards.

India is likely to sell its BrahMos cruise missiles to Vietnam and the Philippines to boost its defence export
market. India and the Philippines have signed an "implementing agreement” that dictates the terms and
sets the foundation for government-to-government contracts.

RFI issued for Tent HA small as part of ECC&E. RFI is invited from OEM or their authorized dealers for
participation in Product Improvement of Tent Arctic Small. The technical specifications of the present in-
service item i.e. Tent High Altitude 10-12Men can be obtained from CQA (T&C), Kanpur for reference
purpose. This has been issued by the MGO Branch . The last date of the RFI is 28 Feb2022.

Government to shelve multiple defence import projects. The initiative to shelve multiple import projects
comes when the new Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy is likely to come up. The first
preference will be given to the acquisition of IDDM products. All capital and revenue procurement proposed
or currently underway will be critically reviewed and completed. The government on 15 Jan 2022, scrapped
some major defence procurements from abroad, including helicopters for the Coast Guard, all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs), and short range missiles. The decision taken Friday will not impact deals already inked
under the Buy (Global) route, those being pursued under the government-to-government route and the
Foreign Military sales (FMS) route with the US. They also said that foreign OEMs are now welcome to tie up
with Indian firms or set up their own factories to not only supply the Indian military but also for other
countries.

MoD intends to procure two sets of simulators to emulate the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and
Submarine Rescue Vessel (SRV) of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel System with the Indian Navy and
would be set up at locations indicated by IN. The responses are to be from only OEM/ Authorised Vendors/
Government Sponsored Export Agencies with experience of production of Training Simulator of equivalent
complexity (applicable in the case of countries where domestic laws do not permit direct export by OEMs).

As we move forward, February will see the release of the Union Budget. Do watch out for our analysis of the
same in our next edition. We will also talk about the upcoming DefExpo 2022 in our Feb edition and what is
in store for the exhibitors and participants.

Happy Reading!

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AU REVOIR GEN RAWAT, WE ARE ALL PROUD OF
YOU

Salutations from a fellow Gorkha

On 25th January, on the eve of Republic Day,
when the Civilian and Military awards were
announced, General Bipin Rawat was
bestowed with the second highest civilian
award, the Padma Vibushan. Before him
there are only three Indian Army Chiefs
including Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw who
have been honoured with this award. The
only other recipients from Defence Forces
have been two Air Force Chiefs including
Marshal of the Air Arjan Singh and one Naval
Chief. The award is the testimony to the
recognition of his contributions to the
Nation.

It was just more than a month back when I
attended his funeral at Brar Square, the
overwhelming emotions and outpouring of
grief by the public at large with young men
running along with his hearse from
his house, all the way to Brar square was
reflective of his popularity amongst the
common people. He had indeed touched the
heart of the masses by his simplicity
and straightforwardness. His passing away has been a big loss for the Armed Forces and a setback to the
major Military reforms which he was all set to lead and complete .

Having seen him at very close quarters during the Doklam crisis, during my tenure in Kashmir as 15 Corps
Commander and thereafter as the Military Secretary. I found that he had the sterling qualities of an
outstanding military leader - Decisive, courageous, brave, risk taker and personally honest to the very core.
He always believed in what he did. He was a General who was every inch a soldier wedded to the Olive
Greens.

In my initial years of service I had never met him but knew him more by his spoken and professional
reputation. In fact, my link to him was his younger brother, Colonel Vijay Rawat (Retd), who was my
squadron type in NDA Khadakwasla. Vijay, typically of everyone in the family, was a quiet and dignified
person. What was most endearing about both the brothers was their simplicity and no air or attitude ,
despite being the sons of a very senior officer

My professional and personal association with him was strengthened due to the fact that both of us were
Gorkha officers and came from the same hills of Garhwal, the ‘Abode of the Gods’.

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Gen Rawat was commissioned into his father’s regiment and unit after being awarded the ‘Sword of
Honour’ for being the best cadet at the IMA. Incidentally his father Lt Gen LS Rawat had retired as DCOAS.

His appointment as COAS in Dec 2016 was out of the ordinary in the way that he superseded two of his
seniors Generals. This could be attributed to many reasons, but I am sure the Government took this decision
based on his much wider operational experience and professional reputation and as time proved , they had
made the right choice.

When he took over command of the Indian Army as Chief, I was fortunate to be the Director General of
Military Operations. As Chief, he was unambiguous about what would be the Army’s strategic response on
the western border, He believed that “robust punitive actions” were needed along the Line of Control. This
was implemented with vigour and did change the adversary’s behaviour.

The Doklam crisis in 2017 brought out the best in him . When the Chinese attempted to construct a road
towards the Jhamperi ridge threatening the Siliguri corridor, I found him to be decisive, clear-headed and
bold. It was an unexpected and robust response against our Northern neighbor which set a new normal.
During the 73 day period, never did he waver or show any kind of anxiety or concern despite periods of
much heightened tensions. One of my personal recollections during the crises was his taking the difficult
decision just in a few minutes . He issued unambiguous orders, despite it being a very risky decision for any
Chief to take. His boldness was of course based on his belief in himself and the capabilities of the India
Army.

His exemplary personal honesty and disdain for excessive pomp alarmed many wrongdoers. He showed zero
tolerance towards corruption and inappropriate military behaviour and always came down with a
sledgehammer on any one who crossed the line..

Gen Rawat’s desire to reach out to the last man was reflected in his hectic weekends. After a busy week in
Army headquarters he on Saturdays and Sundays was out in far-flung areas in the northeast, northern and
western borders to meet the men and officers on ground. These inputs from the ground always resulted
in better decision-making in operational and strategic decisions.

As GOC 19 Infantry
Division, our chief
showed a different side.
Despite his multiple
tenures in the Valley
which create a certain
fixation, he was always
flexible and ready to try
new options. He knew a
very large number of
people in Kashmir from
different walks of life; in
his visits he would listen
to them and had the
clarity to absorb the
right insights.

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 11

The fact that he was picked up at the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was because he met all the
requirements of his challenging job. He had the calibre, the vision, and a heart to be the first CDS. He
believed that the entire Armed Forces i.e. the Army, Navy and Air Force need to work in an integrated
manner to fulfil their onerous role for the security of our nation. The creation of a new appointment like the
CDS does disturbs the entrenched beliefs in the three services, all three Armed forces who had been
independent, had to now integrate together. As the CDS he had to think purple, and implement the joint
services agenda. May be in doing that he would have stepped on some toes, this was to meet that
requirement of joint-ness which is a necessity for our Armed Forces. The needs of the modern war fighting
environment all the services have to move in stride.

In his short tenure as Chief of Defence
Staff, he worked towards this much-
needed integration of armed forces,
creation of integrated theatre command,
and modernisation of the forces with
atmanirbharta (self-reliance) as the motto.
He had ensured the promulgation of the
positive indigenous production list which
has been a true and effective initiative to
ensure that the domestic Arms industry
gets the opportunity to grow. Similarly he
had given his whole hearted support to
the corporatisation of Ordnance factories
by the Ministry of Defense.

One of his juniors in NDA had
once mentioned that General Rawat was
an extraordinary boxer at the Academy.
While recollecting his bout with a much
tougher and bigger opponent. He
remembers that even with a formidable adversary, the resolve and confidence to win was there in the eyes
of Cadet Rawat. Later in life, many of his actions were indeed like those of a good boxer﹘nimble on his
feet, focused and aggressive, prepared to take on a tougher adversary and ready to deliver the knockout
blow when required.

Au Revoir our Chief and CDS, you will always remain in our hearts.

Jai Gorakh, Jai Hind

Let Gen A K Bhatt (Retd) PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM

The writer is presently the Director General of the Indian Space Association. Commissioned in the 4th
battalion of 9 Gorkha Rifles in 1981, he has served as Principal Staff Officer twice as Director General of
Military Operations, and Military Secretary . He has also commanded 15 Corps at Srinagar.

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INDIAN ARMY CELEBRATES 74TH ARMY
DAY

The Indian Army celebrated its 74th Army Day
today. Every year, 15 January is
commemorated as “Army Day” to remember
the occasion when General (later Field
Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the
command of the Indian Army from General Sir
FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-
Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian
Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.

The Indian Army’s theme for the year
2022, “In Stride with the Future”, is an
acknowledgement of the increasingly critical
role played by niche and disruptive
technologies in modern warfare. The Indian Army confronts a plethora of security challenges, conventional
and non-traditional, and is looking at Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Robotics and Quantum Technology to
find innovative solutions to these emerging challenges.

The Army Day celebrations commenced with the Wreath Laying ceremony at the National War
Memorial where the three Service Chiefs paid homage to the bravehearts. In his message to all ranks of the
Indian Army, the Chief of the Army Staff, General MM Naravane saluted the supreme sacrifice of all
personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, reiterating his unstinted support to the Veer Naris
and Next of Kin of the fallen soldiers. He assured the Nation that the Indian Army was operationally ready to
deal with any adverse situation.

The Chief of the Army Staff
reviewed the Army Day Parade at
the Cariappa Parade Ground,
Delhi Cantonment and awarded
15 Sena Medals (including five
posthumously) for individual acts
of gallantry and 23 COAS Unit
Citations to units for their
commendable performance. The
Army Day Parade this year
showcased the evolution of
various weapon systems held in
the Indian Army’s inventory. New
and modern weapon systems and platforms were displayed alongside their old counterparts. Centurion
tanks were followed by Arjun Main Battle Tanks and TOPAS was succeeded by the BMP-II. Similarly pairs of
the 75/24 Indian Field Gun and Dhanush, PMP/PMS and Sarvatra bridges and Tiger Cat & Akash Surface to
Air Missiles were also on display.

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 13

DIRECTED-ENERGY WEAPONS

Will fiction turn to reality?

A directed-energy weapon (DEW) is a ranged weapon that damages its target with highly focused energy,
including laser, microwaves and particle beams. Potential applications of this technology include weapons
that target personnel, missiles, vehicles, and optical devices.

After decades of research and development, directed-energy weapons are still at the experimental stage
and it remains to be seen if or when they will be deployed as practical, high-performance military
weapons.

What is DEW?

DEW can be broadly defined as systems that produce ‘a beam of concentrated electromagnetic energy or
atomic or subatomic particles’, which is used as a direct means to incapacitate, injure or kill people, or to
incapacitate, degrade, damage or destroy objects.

They are three main DEW categories based on how this is energy is created

Laser—lasers capable of shooting down planes and missiles, or of using bright light to ‘dazzle’ or
disorient people;

Microwaves—weapons that use electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths, including millimetre
waves or microwaves that can be directed against human or hardware targets;

Plasma—weapons using particle beams to disrupt or damage a target’s molecular or atomic structure.

Conventional Weapons Directed-Energy Weapons
Readily available with reloading May have to wait to recharge between
uses
Inoperable when ammunition depletes Can always operate when power is
Heavy ammunition available
Lightweight

Expensive ammunition Expensive R&D, but no ammunition cost

Speed of about 1mps for bullets and 2mps About 186000mps
for missiles

Less discriminate (low precision) More discriminate (precise accuracy)

Global Efforts

Recent R&D and prototyping of DEW has made it clear that this form of weaponry has moved beyond just
a theoretical concept. US and Russia have for long been promulgating research and development of DEW.

The recent advent of more portable and relatively cheap laser systems driven by developments in

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nanotechnology, battery power and optical fibres, has renewed enthusiasm for DEW broadly and laser
weapons in particular. Lasers require large amounts of power to affect a target. This has been reflected in
the advancement of tests: the US Navy trialled its laser weapons system (LaWS) to shoot down a ScanEagle
UAV in 2013 and, in November 2014, to target small high-speed boats, marking the first successful
demonstration of the operational use of such a weapon.

The defence ministries of the UK and Russia have also reportedly confirmed that they are channelling
extensive funding towards the development of laser, electromagnetic and plasma weapons.

Alternatively, weapons using millimetre waves (often, somewhat confusingly, called ‘microwave weapons’ in
news reports) can be used against people by heating the skin to intolerably painful temperatures. China has
already developed such a weapon, commonly known as Poly WB-1, which will reportedly be used by its
navy .The best-known example, however, remains the US Active Denial System, a millimetre-wave source
that produces an intense burning sensation in the skin, but leaves no visible mark. It was reportedly
deployed in Afghanistan.

Raytheon Co. has successfully brought down multiple drones using its advanced high power microwave
(HPM) and mobile high energy laser (HEL) weapons., in May 2019.

So far, Turkey is the only country that has DEWs in active service and it is reported to have shot down a
Chinese-made drone in Libya with a laser weapon mounted on the back of an armoured car in August 2019.

India’s Efforts

India has the vision for laser weapons as well as the scientific talent to absorb and build on the technology.
Two laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Centre for High
Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), and the Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC), have been
working on developing laser weapons technology for the last few years. In July 2018, they achieved a first
success with a vehicle-mounted 1-kilowatt laser weapon system. The DRDO has been working on several
DEW projects for long, ranging from ‘chemical oxygen iodine’ and ‘high-power fibre’ lasers to a secretive
‘Kali’ particle-beam weapon for ‘soft-kills’ against incoming missiles and aircraft.

Conclusion

India has long borders, a huge airspace, and with Pakistan as an enemy, and China as a regional competitor,
India needs to contain the escalating costs of air defence. Laser-based weapon systems could provide an
affordable solution. They can not only target drones, but also handle the increasing non-traditional threats
that India is confronted with. Even more, laser weapons could turn out to be cheap anti-satellite weapons
for a country that is determined to play a major role in the space race.

This short overview of what is currently going on in the world of DEWs clearly demonstrates that the
question is no longer if DEWs will play a major role on future battlefields, but when. Until recently, the
destructive use of laser, particle beams or microwaves was reserved for science fiction movies like Star
Wars, but it is becoming reality as we speak.

Sohil Patel, Sugosha Advisory

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 15

INDUSTRY BUZZ

DRDO hands over technology of extreme cold weather clothing system ECWCS to five Indian companies

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) Dr G Satheesh Reddy handed over technology for indigenous extreme cold weather clothing system
(ECWS) to 05 Indian companies in New Delhi on December 27, 2021.

The extreme ECWS is required by Indian
Army for its sustained operations in
glacier and Himalayan peaks. The Army,
till recently has been importing extreme
cold weather clothing and several
Special Clothing and Mountaineering
Equipment (SCME) items for the troops
deployed in high altitude regions.

The DRDO designed ECWCS is an
ergonomically designed modular technical clothing with improved thermal insulation and physiological
comfort based on the insulation required at various ambient climatic conditions in Himalayan regions during
different levels of physical activity.

The ECWCS embodies physiological concepts related to reduction in respiratory heat and water loss,
unhindered range of motions and rapid absorption of sweat while providing water proof, wind proof
features with adequate breathability and enhanced insulation as well as strength features required for high
altitude operations. The three layered ECWCS is designed to suitably provide thermal insulation over a
temperature range of +15 to -50° Celsius with different combinations of the layers and intensity of physical
work.

Indian Army Establishes Quantum Laboratory at Mhow (MP)

The Indian Army is making steady, yet significant strides in the field of emerging technology domains. The
Army, with support from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has recently established the
Quantum Lab at Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Mhow (MP) MCTE to spearhead
research and training in this key developing field. Gen MM Naravane, the Chief of Army Staff was briefed on
the facility during his recent visit to Mhow.

Indian Army has also established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre at the same institution with over 140
deployments in forward areas and active support of industry and academia. Training on cyber warfare is
being imparted through a state of art cyber range, and cyber security labs. Ideation for Army's involvement
in Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations was done in a seminar on Electromagnetic Spectrum and National
Security organised in October last year. Since then, an impetus has been given to Indian Army’s Technology
Institutions for investing in AI, Quantum and Cyber.

16

16 | DefInsights | Jan 2022

INDUSTRY BUZZ

MoD notifies positive indigenisation list of sub-systems/assemblies/ sub-assemblies/components to
achieve self-reliance in defence & minimise imports by DPSUs

A positive indigenisation list of sub-systems/assemblies/sub-assemblies/components has been notified by

Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, as part of the efforts to achieve self-reliance in

defence manufacturing and minimise imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). The list

contains 2,500 imported items which have already been indigenised and 351 imported items which will be

indigenised in next three years. This Aatmanirbhar initiative will save foreign exchange approximately

equivalent to

Rs. 3,000 cr every year. Details of these items are available on Srijan portal. They will only be procured from

Indian Industry after the timelines indicated in the list.

Two positive indigenisation lists of weapons/platforms/ systems/ammunitions etc have already been
notified by the Department of Military Affairs, in order to provide impetus to self-reliance in defence
manufacturing, as part of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’.

DRDO successfully conducts Flight-Test of Indigenous Aerial Target ‘Abhyas’

DRDO successfully conducted the flight test of

Indigenously developed High-speed

Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) Abhyas on 23

Dec 2021 from Integrated Test Range (ITR),

Chandipur off the coast, Odisha. During the

flight trial, High subsonic speed trajectory at a

very low altitude with high endurance was

demonstrated. Two boosters provided initial

acceleration during launch and a small turbo

jet engine is used to sustain high subsonic

speed with long endurance. The indigenous

data link designed by Bengaluru based Industry

partner has been successfully flown and tested

during the flight.

The performance of the system during the entire flight duration has been confirmed from the data captured
by various Range instruments deployed.

Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru based DRDO laboratory along with other DRDO
laboratories has developed this indigenous unmanned aerial target system to meet the requirement of
aerial targets of Indian Armed Forces. The aircraft is controlled from a ground based controller and an
indigenously developed MEMS based Inertial Navigation System along with the Flight Control Computer
which helps it to follow the pre-designated path in a fully autonomous mode.

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 17

INDUSTRY BUZZ

BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with enhanced capability, successfully test-fired off Odisha coast

BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with increased
indigenous content and improved performance, was
successfully test-fired from Integrated Test Range,
Chandipur off the coast of Odisha at 1030 hrs on January
20, 2022. The launch was conducted by Brahmos
Aerospace in close coordination with the teams of
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
In this text-book flight, the missile followed the predicted
trajectory meeting all mission objectives.

The flight test is a major milestone in the way forward for
BrahMos programme. The highly manoeuvrable missile
cruised at supersonic speed for its maximum range and all
mission objectives were met. The missile was equipped
with the advanced indigenous technologies and followed
a modified optimal trajectory for enhanced efficiency and
improved performance. The missile with the modified
control system has been fine tuned to achieve an
enhanced capability. This flight test was monitored by all
the sensors of the range instrumentation including
telemetry, radar and electro-optical tracking systems
deployed across the eastern coast and the down range
ships.

Teams from DRDO and NPOM, Russia participated in the
test. BrahMos Aerospace, the joint venture between
DRDO and NPOM, Russia, has been continuously
upgrading the powerful, highly versatile BrahMos to
increase its effectiveness and lethality against sea and
land targets. BrahMos is the potent missile weapon
system already inducted into the Armed Forces.

BrahMos signs contract with Philippines for export of Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System

BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) signed a contract with the Department of National Defence of the
Republic of Philippines on January 28, 2022 for supply of Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System to Philippines.
The BAPL is a joint venture company of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The contract is
an important step forward for Government of India’s policy of promoting responsible defence exports.

18

18 | DefInsights | Jan 2022

INDUSTRY BUZZ

Ministry of Defence organises series of eight webinars in the run up to the DefExpo 2022

Ministry of Defence is hosting the 12th edition of prestigious biennial defence exhibition Def Expo 2022 from
10th to 13th Mar 2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This mega defence International Exhibition is focussing on
Land, Air, Naval, Internal Homeland security and electronic systems. The event provides a unique
opportunity for firms within the defence industry to showcase their capabilities, products & services to the
targeted audience of Industry leaders and business decision makers. Government of India with policy
initiative of 'Make in India" and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat" believes that India has tremendous potential to
become a leading supplier of complete defence solutions to many of its friendly nations. Theme for DefExpo
2022 is “India-The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub”.

In the run up to the DefExpo, a series of 8 webinars are being conducted between January 20, 2022 and
February 24, 2022 with participation from leading luminaries and eminent speakers. The DefExpo webinars
are focused on path breaking topics and will be streamed worldwide.

The details of webinars, schedule, speaker’s profile, and the link for participation for each webinar session
are made available on DefExpo website (https://defexpo.gov.in). The schedule of the webinar is as follows:-

SI No Date Conducting Organization/ Topic
1 20-01-2022 Speaker
2 24-01-2022
3 SIDM Opportunities and way ahead for India’s role in glob-
4 Synergia Foundation al Defence manufacturing
5 The Future of warfare (Primarily in Asia)
6
7 03-02-2022 ASSOCHAM Synergy of policies of GOI for ease of doing business
8
09-02-2022 DRDO Building ecosystem for advanced Technology based
11-02-2022 ASSOCHAM systems
Addressing gaps in Defence Production: Industry 4.0,
Additive manufacturing etc.

14-02-2022 DGAQA Recent QA initiatives in the field of Military Aviation

17-02-2022 Bharat Chamber Rejuvenating Defence Production and Exports from
24-02-2022 Bharat Shakti Eastern India
Indian Defence Industry’s growth linked umbilically
to MSMEs

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 19

Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 Primer

Part 08 – ACQUISITION PROCEDURES FOR ‘BUY’ AND
‘BUY AND MAKE’ SCHEMES - Chapter II

We continue the acquisition process from Part 7 at the SQR stage.

SQR Formulation

By Sohil Patel The SQRs would be drafted by the concerned User directorate at SHQ. In addition to
obtaining the required inputs from RFI analysis, SHQ will seek information from

Defence Attaches, internet, defence journals/magazines/exhibitions, previously contracted cases in such
category and any other relevant and credible information source. A ‘Comparative Analysis of Specifications’
of similar products available in the World and domestic market will be carried out and draft SQRs will be
prepared.

Format of SQRs

The SQRs, as far as possible, would follow a standardized format as under :-

(a) Introduction & Operational Philosophy/Proposed Employment of equipment/system/platform.

(b) Essential Parameters-A.
(i) Operational Parameters. Unambiguous, non-negotiable, essential functional requirements laid
down by the Services, which clearly define basic profile of an equipment/system, specifying
minimum acceptable performance requirements thereby defining ‘Core Capabilities’ of the
equipment/system would be termed as Operational Parameters.
(ii) Technical Parameters. Based on the Operational Parameters, scientific and technical
characteristics required in the system to achieve these operational capabilities would be drawn out
after due analysis of
contemporary and developing technology in the field.
(iii) Maintainability & Ergonomic Parameters. These parameters will primarily relate to aspects like
maintenance, crew comfort, storage of equipment, packing material etc.

(c) Essential Parameters-B.

(d) Enhanced Performance Parameters

Formulation of Joint Service Quality Requirements (JSQRs).

In cases where other Services also intend to procure similar equipment in the next three years, the lead
Service will process the JSQRs through the Integrated Staff Equipment Policy Committee (ISEPC).
Conversion of SQR to JSQRs will not be mandatory in cases where the other Service) accept the SQRs. Also,
in cases where quantities required by other Service(s) is 20% or less as compared to the lead service, joint

20

20 | DefInsights | Jan 2022

procurement case would be progressed on the lead Service SQRs itself. In cases, where a Service opts to
join an ongoing procurement case of other service at the time of seeking AoN, with no change in the SQRs,
the case would be progressed on the lead service SQRs, and the same SQRs would be subsequently
converted into JSQRs, for future procurements.

Approval of SQRs/JSQRs

SQRs (except Shipbuilding cases) will be fielded for approval of the respective Staff Equipment Policy
Committees (SEPC) within six months of the receipt of RFI responses. SHQ should satisfy that the
stipulations mentioned in the DAP have been followed while recommending the SQRs for the approval of
the respective Staff Equipment Committees. SEPCs will be authorised to consult Subject Matter Experts as
deemed necessary while finalising SQRs. In cases of JSQRs, the same would be approved by the ISEPC. A
copy of the approved SQR/JSQR along with the ‘Comparative Analysis of Specifications’ of similar products
available in the World and domestic market as per Paragraph 15 above would be submitted along with the
‘Statement of Case’ (SoC) for seeking AoN.

Amendment to SQR Parameters

There may be situations wherein SQRs need to be amended post accord of AoN, till issue of RFP. In case the
requirement is to amend Operational and Technical parameters of SQR, the approval for same would be
accorded by AoN according authority. However, for amendment of Maintainability and Ergonomic
parameters of SQR, the approval may be accorded by Staff Equipment Policy Committee (SEPC)/ Integrated
Staff Equipment Policy Committee (ISEPC). No amendment to SQRs will be carried out after issue of RFP
without approval of DAC.

Quality standards such as JSS/other relevant standards will be mentioned in the SQRs. Based on the
operating conditions stipulated in the SQRs by the User, selection and sequence of tests for checking
compliance to the standards shall be formulated by QA agencies. SQRs should contain specific and
verifiable parameters for the capabilities sought. Generic terms such as ‘all weather capability’, ‘state-of-
the-art’, etc., are not to be included.

Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)

AoN based on SQRs/JSQRs will be obtained by SHQ within one year of their approval by the respective
SEPC /ISEPC. Extension for obtaining AoN till upto six months after the stipulated one year may be granted
by respective CISC/VCOAS/VCNS/DCAS/DGICG and a further extension of six months by DG (Acquisition). In
order to seek AoN, the SHQ will carry out detailed internal consultations and prepare a draft Statement of
Case (SoC) as per format at Appendix B, assisted by guidelines at Appendix C. The draft SoC would be
approved by the Head of the respective User/Plans Directorate/equivalent of the Services.

Processing of AoN : Non Delegated Power Cases

Copies of the draft SoC would be forwarded to DDP, DRDO, Acquisition Wing (with additional copies for the
concerned JS & AMs, ADG Acquisition Technical and FM) and HQ IDS. Quantity vetting would be carried out
by FMs as per SOP promulgated by MoD (Finance). The finalised SoC, duly considering all comments
received, will be fielded in the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) by the concerned SHQ. AoN for all cases
more than INR 300 crores and upto INR 500 crores will be accorded by the DPB. In cases beyond INR 500
crores, DPB will recommend categorisation, based on the proposal of the SHQ and refer these to the
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for accord of AoN.

21

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 21

Business Opportunities : Nov 2021

SL TENDER TITLE SUBMISSION ORGANISA- TENDER ID ENQUIRY
CLOSING DATE TION/ 2022_ARMY_503836_1 TYPE
NO AGENCY
23-04-2022 ARMY 2022_IAF_666989_1 open
1 RFI for OUTSOURCING SUPPLY 18:00 Navy RFI
CHAIN of SPARES for TATRA
15-03-2022 IAF Limited
2 SIMULATORS FOR REMOTELY OPER-
ATED VEHICLE (ROV) AND SUBMA- 02-03-2022
RINE RESCUE VESSEL (SRV) OF THE 11:00
DEEP SUBMERGENCE RESCUE VES-
SEL WITH THE INDIAN NAV

3 PROCUREMENT OF SPARES FOR MI-
SERIES AIRCRAFT

4 PROCUREMENT OF SPARES FOR AN- 02-03-2022 IAF 2022_IAF_667217_1 Limited
32 AIRCRAFT 11:00

5 PROCUREMENT OF SPARES FOR AN- 02-03-2022 IAF 2022_IAF_667210_1 Limited
32 AIRCRAFT 11:00

6 THERMAL EVAPORATION SYSTEM 24-02-2022 DDRD 2022_DRDO_502319_1 Open
14:00 IAF 2022_IAF_503556_1 Single
7 PROCUREMENT OF TARANG SPARES
04 LINES 23-02-2022 DDRD 2022_DRDO_501230_1 EoI
10:00 ARMY 2021_ARMY_496155_1 global
8 Expression of Interest for Lead Sys-
tem Integrator for sonobuoys and 22-02-2022 NAVY 2022_NAVY_504163_1 Single
Onboard systems 10:30 NAVY 2022_NAVY_504359_1 open
NAVY
9 INVITATION OF BIDS FOR SUPPLY 21-02-2022 ARMY 2022_NAVY_503461_1 Single
OF 5,73,08,208 QUANTITY OF 10:00 2022_ARMY_504349_1 open
CARTG SA 5.56 MM BALL NATO FOR
TAVOR ASSAULT RIFLE 17-02-2022
12:00
10 SPARES FOR HELICOPTER REFUEL-
LING AND DEFUELING UNIT 17-02-2022
11:00
11 RRC OF PUMPS FITTED ONBOARD
IN SHIPS FOR A PERIOD OF THREE 17-02-2022
YEARS 10:00

12 PROCUREMENT OF BEARING FOR ZF 17-02-2022
GEAR BOX FOR IN SHIP 09:55

13 PURCHASE OF T-72, T-90, KMT-6,
EMP SPARES

14 PURCHASE OF TANK T-72 SPARES 17-02-2022 ARMY 2022_ARMY_504363_1 open
09:55 NAVY 2022_NAVY_504342_1 open
15 RRC OF VALVES AND REDUCERS
FITTED ONBOARD IN SHIPS FOR A 16-02-2022
PERIOD OF THREE YEARS 15:00

22

22 | DefInsights | Jan 2022

Business Opportunities : Nov 2021

SL TENDER TITLE SUBMISSION ORGANISA- TENDER ID ENQUIRY
NO CLOSING DATE TION/ 2022_IAF_667195_1 TYPE
AGENCY
16 PROCUREMENT OF SPARES FOR MI- 16-02-2022 11:00 IAF Limited
RAGE 2000 AIRCRAFT
16-02-2022 10:00 DDRD 2022_DRDO_503691_1 Limited
17 TARGET MOTION SIMULATOR

18 INVITATION OF BID FOR SUPPLY OF 16-02-2022 10:00 NAVY 2022_NAVY_500077_1 open
FILTERS , RINGS AND OTHER SPARES 15-02-2022 13:00 DDRD
FOR CATERPILLAR MAKE MAIN EN- DDRD 2022_DRDO_502655_1 Open
GINE AND DG 15-02-2022 10:30 DDRD
15-02-2022 10:00 ARMY 2022_DRDO_502702_1 Open
19 Fabrication of C band blade antenna 14-02-2022 18:00 NAVY
for roof top testing 14-02-2022 12:00 NAVY 2022_DRDO_502780_1 Open
14-02-2022 12:00 ARMY
20 Development of airborne sonar con- 14-02-2022 11:00 2022_ARMY_501397_1 Open
sole ARMY
14-02-2022 11:00 2022_NAVY_504172_1 Single
21 Procurement of Aircraft Specific GSE DRDO
and Spares 14-02-2022 10:00 DDRD 2022_NAVY_504188_1 Single
14-02-2022 10:00 NAVY
22 PROCUREMENT OF ADVANCE NIGHT ARMY 2021_ARMY_498212_1 global
VISION DEVICE FOR INSAS LMG 14-02-2022 10:00
14-02-2022 09:55 2021_ARMY_498212_1 global
23 SPARES FOR ENGINE PANEL OF
EMERGENCY DG SET 2022_DRDO_502942_1 open

24 SPARES FOR HELICOPTER REFUELING 2022_DRDO_502925_1 Open
AND DEFUELLING UNIT 2022_NAVY_503782_1 open

25 INVITATION OF BIDS FOR SUPPLY OF 2022_ARMY_503606_1 Single
7,23,770 QUANTITY OF ROUND
40MM HEAP (MGL UBGL INSAS) QTY
1,94,610 OF ROUND 40MM HEDP
(MGL) QTY 1,94,610 OF ROUND
40MM SMOKE RP( MGL) AMMUNI-
TION

26 INVITATION OF BIDS FOR SUPPLY OF
7,23,770 QUANTITY OF ROUND
40MM HEAP (MGL UBGL INSAS) QTY
1,94,610 OF ROUND 40MM HEDP
(MGL) QTY 1,94,610 OF ROUND
40MM SMOKE RP( MGL) AMMUNI-
TION

27 Customization of Unmanned Aerial
vehicle for Gamma Radiation Surveil-
lance

28 Development and Supply of PDRM
Mk II with Accessories

29 RATE CONTRACT FOR MANUFAC-
TURING OF PVC AWNINGS JOBS IN
SHIPS AND YARD CRAFTS AT NSRY
(KARWAR)

30 PURCHASE OF BMP SPARES

Jan 2022 | DefInsights | 23

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