Endangered

India exploring contours for tech transfers in defence: Saran

New Delhi: India and the United States on Wednesday held the fourth round of dialogue on cooperation in high technology, with New Delhi saying that it was exploring areas for collaboration in technology transfers, co-production, joint development and research in the field of defence.

Welcoming the first meeting of the Defence Procurement and Production Group of the two countries last month, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said, "We are currently exploring contours of cooperation that include technology transfers, co-production, joint development and collaborative research."

Addressing the opening session of the Fourth India-US High Technology Cooperation Group Meeting, he said efforts were underway in India to foster growth of private sector in defence and Indian companies can become active participants in the global supply chains of major defence vendors.

"Partnerships and investments encouraged by our offset policy may be expected to contribute to that trend," Saran said.

Noting that there had been concerted efforts to increase dialogue with Indian defence acquisition community, US Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security David McCormick said the meetings between the two countries have shared common theme of more communication, more clarity in the procurement policies of India and the US and more transparency in how procurement decisions are made.

"I have no doubt that there is much more that can be done to reduce the barriers to trade in this area to take the US-India defence trade relationship to unprecedented levels," he said.

Saran said the technology initiatives unveiled during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's recent visit to Washington were reflective of the changing nature of ties between the two countries.

"Our partnership is expected to benefit not only from shared values and similar practices but equally from our ability to complement each other," he said.

Observing that the linkages and interactions between the knowledge-enabled aspects of the economies of the two countries would acquire greater significance with time, Saran said, "For the initial phase, we have largely fulfilled our regulatory responsibilities and created an enabling structure for high-technology commerce to expand."

On the Indo-US nuclear agreement, Saran said India had improved preventive enforcement capabilities, conducted outreach programmes and embarked on technical exchanges in support of its export control goals.

Noting that the nuclear agreement was premised on New Delhi's impeccable record in non-proliferation, Saran said "it not only recognises that non-proliferation is better served with India as a partner, but also sends a clear message that India cannot be a partner and a target of technology denial regimes at the same time."

McCormick said "the US is deeply committed to the emerging global partnership with India, and we are working hard to make sure that the message is clear: our commitment goes beyond mere words."

He said it was imperative that the outcome of the dialogue at the HTCG was turned into action.

__________________
Wild Wild Web

Endangered

India And Russia To Sign 4 Treaties On Defence And Space

Moscow, Russia (SPX) Dec 02, 2005
Taking their strategic partnership to a new high, India and Russia will sign four key agreements on space and defence cooperation during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's three-day visit beginning on Sunday.

Besides the crucial military Intellectual Property Right (IPR) agreement, an accord is also to be signed to amend the Indo-Russian Military-Technical Programme till 2010 to enhance and expand strategic partnership relations, Indian Ambassador Kanwal Sibal said on Thursday.

Also, space agencies of the two countries will sign a Technology Safeguard Agreement to operationalise the 2004 pact on the joint use of space-based Global Navigational Satellite System (GLONASS) to end the dependency on the US Pentagon controlled Global Positioning System (GPS) in military and civil applications.

ISRO and Russian Space Agency Roskosmos would also ink an agreement on cooperation in Solar Physics.

"The GLONASS agreement is very significant. It is a signal to the whole world to show how far Russia is ready to go with India in its strategic partnership," Sibal said in obvious reference to Moscow's denial of such sensitive partnership with China.

This agreement provides for the joint development of new generation Glonass-K navigational satellites and their launch from India, aided by Indian launch vehicles.

Moscow could have done it alone but due to a tight schedule to replace ageing Soviet-era satellites and keep it operational, it has taken on India as an equal partner in the project," Sibal said.

The Prime Minister will attend the sixth Indo-Russian annual summit with President Vladimir Putin.

Discussions will include defence cooperation in joint development of new generation platforms, including the fifth generation fighter, multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) and deal on new stealth frigates.

Energy cooperation, including Indian investments in Russia's oil and gas sector and Russian participation in developing India's civilian nuclear energy would be discussed in the summit.

Though ONGC CEO Subir Raha and head of its foreign operations arm OVL had flown into Moscow on Tuesday for a confidential meeting with state-owned oil-major Rosneft's CEO Sergey Bogdanchikov, no immediate agreement in energy sector is expected to be signed during Manmohan Singh's visit.

"India has built a firm foothold and credibility in Russia by investing in Sakhalin-1 offshore oil bloc. However new investments involving huge sums do take some time," Sibal said.

The two leaders will also hold parleys on key global issues including UN reforms and UN Security Council expansion, Iraq, Iran nuclear issue, fight against terrorism and Central Asia including the narco-threat and regrouping of Taliban in Afghanistan.

Manmohan Singh is also likely to brief Putin on the ongoing dialogue with Pakistan to normalise the situation in the region.

Singh would also be conferred with a honorary Professor degree of the Moscow State University.

Endangered

Fourth generation of India's combat aircraft joins test-phase

Software-intensive fourth generation Light Combat Aircraft Tejas (second prototype vehicle), indigenously designed and developed by India, joined the test phase today with its maiden flight here.

Its maiden flight launched at 1010 hours was successful and met all flight test objectives, DRDO officials said.

Capability of Tejas aircraft as a flying platform, has been demonstrated with 474 flight tests carried out utilising two technology demonstrators and one Prototype Vehicle.

"Creditable fly past of Tejas aircraft in three international Aerospace Expositions - Aero India (held at Bangalore since 2001) and twice-a-day aerobatic display during Aero India 2005 was a tribute to indigenous self-reliance efforts," DRDO said.

There is a "quantum jump" in the build standard of Tejas (PV2), which is software intensive fourth generation combat aircraft built to the production standard. Besides having high percentage of composite materials in Airframe Structure, it incorporates a state-of-the-art, integrated, modular avionics system with open architecture concepts to facilitate easy hardware and software upgrades and re-usability.

Avionics Systems of Tejas (PV2) provides excellent Pilot Vehicle Interface in glass cockpit having an all round panoramic view to reduce the pilot's workload and to increase the situational awareness.

The maiden flight of Tejas (PV2) is an extremely significant landmark in Indian Tejas full-scale engineering development programme. Flying and testing of this prototype will lead to induction of the first batch of production standard LCAs, Aeronautical Development Agency officials said.

Endangered

Southern Naval Command opens gates to public

Navy Expo 2005 inaugurated; wide array of weapon systems on display

KOCHI: The Southern Naval Command has thrown open its gates to public till Sunday in connection with the Navy Week celebrations.

Flag officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command Vice-Admiral S.C.S Bangara inaugurated Navy Expo 2005, which is being held in this connection, on Thursday.

On display at the ten stalls put up by the different arms of the Navy are a wide array of equipment and weapon systems, some of which are being displayed for the first time. Adjacent to these stalls are located 100 commercial stalls.

Altogether, a carnival mood prevails at the Naval Base. Members of the public and children started pouring in within an hour of the event being inaugurated. Tickets are priced at Rs.10 for adults and Rs.5 for children. Members of the public can also visit INS Krishna, INS Tir and INS Sujatha, three naval warships, and the Naval Museum. An amusement park too has begun functioning at the Naval Base. Impresario is the manager of the whole event.

The stall put up by the Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology has displayed the cross section of a cluster bomb and the way it explodes. The Naval Aircraft Yard has for the first time displayed the Pegasus engine, which is used in Sea Harrier aircraft. The yard has the facility to overhaul these engines. India is the only Asian country with the capability.

The Naval Armament Depot, Aluva, is among the agencies which have been striving for self-reliance in weapons manufacture. It has developed a pistol which is used to fire alarm (SOS) shots in the air. The pistol has a range of 200 metresThe Diving School has exhibited superlite helmets and breathing apparatus used for search and rescue and offensive operations. Vice-Admiral Bangara and his wife Gita Rani Bangara visited each of the stalls.

The Anti-Submarine Warfare School has showcased mines, rocket launchers and replica of minesweeping vessels. Among other things, the Navigation Direction School has put on show a radar simulator. The Signal School has shown how communication takes place between ships. The museum at the Naval Base takes visitors through the maritime history of civilisations, starting from the Harappan culture. Paintings of boats used by the Marathas and vessels in which the Portuguese, Dutch and English came to India have been displayed.

Admiral A.K. Chatterjee Corner shows how the Navy took off after it acquired its first aircraft carrier in 1966. The picture of the first missile attack on the Karachi harbour too has been displayed.

Pistols donated by dignitaries, rifles, guns and telescopes of yore too have been displayed. The history of flags and pendants too has been shown. So are the different types of uniforms of Navy personnel.

Endangered

Eastern Command to celebrate "Vijay Diwas"

December 02, 2005 8:31:27 AM IST

The 34th Vijay Diwas will be celebrated at the Eastern Command Headquarter between December 13 and 25 with due solemnity.

It was on this day in 1971 that the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and the para-military forces achieved a historic victory over Pakistan.

The multi-pronged swift operation executed by the Indian Armed Forces was executed with great valour which led to the formation of Bangladesh.

It was also on this day that the greatest military surrender since World War II took place, when the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora accepted the Instrument of Surrender from Lt Gen A A K Niazi of the Pakistan Army at Dhaka.

For the first time, a delegation of about 60 Bangladesh Mukti Vahini activists, who fought alongside the Indian Army for the liberation of their motherland will attend the celebrations.

This momentous day is remembered as a mark of respect for the brave soldiers of Armed Forces who laid down their lives in the War.

To commemorate the occasion, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen Arvind Sharma, AVSM, VSM, ADC will lay a wreath at the Vijay Smarak War Memorial at Fort William.

This will be followed by wreath laying by the Naval-Officer-Incharge, West Bengal, Commondore A K Patnaik and by the Air Officer Commanding Advance Headquarters, Air Commondore KK Swaminathan.

indianguy4u

Time to rub some salt on pakistani wounds .

__________________
Hala Madrid!!

Endangered

Picture of Tejas PV2

Attached Images

Tejas PV2.jpg (100.3 KB, 112 views)

Endangered

Asia susceptible to insecurity: Indian Army

Abuja: Asia is susceptible to "acute instability", Indian Army chief General Joginder Jaswant Singh says, advising militaries all over the world to adapt to global challenges.

Delivering a lecture on India's security perspective to officers of the Nigerian National War College Wednesday, Singh noted that globalisation had brought with it global dimensions of terrorism.

"International terrorism now occupies centre-stage in the world security matrix and globalisation is suddenly being used for global terrorism," said the general whose five-day visit to Nigeria ended Thursday.

He noted that Asia "is still susceptible to acute instability despite its economic powers" and that the Indian Army was committed to restructuring and constant reorganisation to ensure greater operational and intelligence synergy.

He said India was pursuing dialogue with its neighbours in order to reduce terrorism, specifying talks with China, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"As far as India is concerned we have no extraterritorial ambitions and we have no ambition to transplant our ideology on others," he said.

Without taking any names, Gen. Singh said certain countries had put great resources in the support of terrorism, thus posing a threat to security all over the world.

"The Sep 11 terrorist acts in the US and the London bombings that shook the developed world calls for a lot of concern and multilateral strategies to fight terrorism," he said.

The revitalisation and restructuring of the UN was also imperative if terrorists were to be effectively stopped, he said.

Endangered

ISRO to launch 12 sats in 4 years

New Delhi, Dec 1 The Indian Space Research Organisation is planning to launch 10-12 satellites in the coming four years, Minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan informed the Rajya Sabhya on Thursday.

In a written reply, he said the satellites which have been approved by the Government and for which work is currently on are: Communication Satellies INSAT-4A, 4B and 4C, Communication satellites GSAT-4 and GSAT-5, Advanced satellite for cartographic mapping applications Cartosat-2, Microwaveremote sensing satellite with all weather capability Radar Imaging satellite, Satellite for oceanography studies and services Oceansat-2.

Remote Sensing satellite for natural resources management applications (Resourcesat-2), Development and Qualification of re-entry and recovery Technologies for future space Transportation system and conduct of Micro-Gravity Research (SRE-1and 2), Advanced satellite for meteorological observations (INSAT-3D), Indo-French Joint mission for tropical climatic research (Megha-Tropiques) are some of the others.

Chavan said that the transponder capacity is expected to increase by 60 transponders after the launch of INSAT-4A, 4B and 4C and GSAT-5.

To another question he said a framework agreement between India and European Union on participation in Galileo programme was initiated at New Delhi on September 7, 2005 during the Indo-EU Summit.

Endangered

India studying Chinese navy's 'intentions'

New Delhi: Days after Indian and Chinese warships conducted a rare joint exercise, India's navy chief Friday indicated that New Delhi was keeping a close watch on the "long-term intentions" of Beijing's maritime forces.

But Admiral Arun Prakash hastened to add that relations between India and China were "now cordial" and there was nothing against their navies forging closer relations.

Noting that he had not expressed "concern" about the activities of the Chinese navy, Prakash told a news conference: "We wonder what their long-term intentions are - this is a legitimate area for speculation.

"Relations between the our navies are contingent on relations between the two countries, which are now cordial and bilateral trade is burgeoning. I see no reason why the two navies can't get to know each other better."

On Monday, two Chinese warships - missile destroyer Shenzhen and supply ship Weishanhu - sailed into Kochi harbour to conduct the second joint military exercise with India.

Chinese naval personnel interacted with their Indian counterparts at the Kochi harbour for three days before warships from both sides carried out basic manoeuvres in the waters off Kochi.

This was the first time that Chinese forces joined military exercises in Indian territory.

Prakash, who was addressing the press ahead of Navy Day Sunday, noted that Indian warships had been received with "great warmth and cordiality" when they visited Shanghai in 2003 to conduct the first joint exercise between the two countries.

"We are not averse to getting to know the (Chinese) navy better," he said.

Though military ties between India and China went into a tailspin following their brief border war in 1962, Beijing has given clearance to its defence establishment to forge closer ties with India's armed forces.

Chinese experts described this week's naval drills with India as a reflection of the concept of "seeking security through cooperation", while China's ambassador Sun Yuxi said last month that fighting terrorism and piracy in regional waters could be the focus of future joint military exercises.

Indian defence officials have in the past admitted that the development of military ties with China had been plagued by years of suspicion, particularly concerns about recent efforts by Beijing to bolster its air force and navy through the purchase of modern jets and warships.

Endangered

Indian Navy showcases its prowess

December 02, 2005 14:24 IST

As the sea harrier aircraft shot the targets set by Chetak helicopter, Naval officials along with politicians from Goa witnessing this spectacular prowess of Indian Navy on board a naval ship, held back their breath for a while.

"We would have shown some missile firing but it is not possible as there are ships around," Flag Officer Commanding Goa Region, Rear Admiral Shekhar Sinha told Goa Governor S C Jamir, who was present along with state Power Minister Digamber Kamat for the Indian Navy's Day at Sea on Thursday.

Indian Navy warships INS Tabar, INS Dunagiri, INS Suvarna, SDB T-55, SDB T-54 along with submarine INS Shankul participated in this exercise showcasing the Navy's might at the sea.

The half-day-long exercises held around 50 nautical mile in the sea had warships maneuvering with the different formations, submarine demonstration, guns firing at the target in air, replenishment, aircraft sea harrier and helicopter Chetak demonstration and steam past saluting the Governor.

"The formation of warships are aimed at bearing maximum fire power on the enemy and also to defend in case of any enemy strike. The ships formation and maneuvering also facilitates making optimum use of weapons systems," explained a naval officer on board.

Missile firing exercise by Sea Harrier aircraft on the target set by Chetak helicopter, stole the show during exercises.

Guns fitted onboard firing 1,000 rounds per minute shot down the aerial target set up by INS Dunagiri by shooting a parachute in the air.

In the replenishment exercise, four civilians, including Goa's former Advocate General Carlose Ferreira, were transported from INS Dunagiri to INS Tabar and back while both ships were hardly 30 metres away from each other sailing at a speed of 10 nautical miles per hour.

Endangered

India to acquire Landing Platform dock from USA

New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Government is processing a proposal for acquisition of a 40-year old Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship from the United States, Lok Sabha was informed today.

"A case for acquiring LPD, which is almost four decades old, from the USA is being processed. Discussions have been held with USA regarding this proposal," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said during Question Hour.

A naval delegation has also assessed the LPD and estimated its residual life to be between 12-15 years, he said, adding that the ship could provide the Indian Navy enhanced amphibious capability.

In addition, Mukherjee said the LPD could be deployed for disaster relief operations and also function as a command and control platform during mishaps at sea, like offshore oil installation fires and maritime air accidents.

Endangered

Private sector to be tapped for defence supplies, components

The department of defence is going high on persuading private players for sourcing components and spare parts.

Shrinking budgets and escalating cost and high dependence on public sector units (PSU's) who in turn depend heavily on international players has compelled the defense to seek support from small and medium scale industries.

The representatives of all the three wings of defense, army, navy and air force were in city at a buyer seller meet organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

In a brief presentation, the three wings conveyed their product, quality and other essential requirements to the small and medium enterprise units.

The total budget for army this year is around Rs 40,000 crore.

The demand at present is source from ordinance factories and also from public sector units among other few.

"There is a lot of potential for private players and defense at present is giving preferential treatment to the public sector units that results in less or no competition. The PSU's get high value and assured orders, the units also dictate cost and the costs thus are not market driven," said Col. Krishan Kumar of the Indian Army.

He regretted the tendency of relying on imports.

During the Kargil war the international seller denied supply only at the time of crisis, he pointed out.

Imports could not always be relied in the times of need.

The opportunity given to the private players could also result in proper pricing and reduction in lead time while quantity and recurrent orders would encourage private players.

The private sector may also be encouraged to set up an research and development centre.

Endangered

Indian Navy displays firepower

KOCHI: A spectacular operational demonstration to showcase Indian Navy's firepower was held at INS Dronacharya, Fort Kochi, on Friday evening.

The slew of events started at 5.30 p.m. with a highly manoeuvrable micro-light aircraft, which can attain a speed of up to 70 km per hour, hovering over the spectators. Then arrived the chief guest, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Four Chetak helicopters carrying the national flag and the naval ensign flew past the area. Two of them went on to demonstrate a search-and-rescue mission, by lowering them into the water and recovering them after some time.

A helobatics display followed, in which a Chetak showcased its manoeuvrability. The vertical movements and somersaults, which require tremendous skill, kept spectators spell bound. The helicopter even showed its backward movement. Later, three Chetaks, a Seaking (commonly called `flying frigates'), two Islander aircraft and two Dorniers flew past in formation.

Marine Commandos (MARCOS) demonstrated their skill to undertake assault on sea-borne targets. Slithering down from a Seaking helicopter and jumping down from another, the commandos attacked a mock oilrig set up in the sea. They were taken to the rig in Gemini, a rubberised fast boat. After attaching explosives to the rig they escaped to a safe distance and triggered a blast. They also released a trail of orange smoke to create a smokescreen to evade attack from shore firing.

With the sun almost on the horizon, the naval band marched in playing martial music while executing various manoeuvres. They played `The Indian Fleet,' `Queen's Colours,' `Abide with me' and `Colonel Bogey.'

With the lowering of the national flag and naval ensign at the sunset ceremony, the gymnastics team of the Indian Naval Physical Training School took over. The highlight of the event was a motorcyclist driving over eight sailors. Some gymnasts vaulted through a ring of fire. They were followed by an armed platoon of sailors who performed `Continuity drill' wherein drill movements are carried out without any orders.

As darkness crept in, the stage was set for the guns of INS Dronacharya (a gunnery training base and naval coast battery) to come alive. In keeping with the motto of the institution - `Hit first, hit hard and keep on hitting' - the guns initially boomed one gun at a time. Anti-aircraft guns and 40/60 mm, 25 mm and 30 mm too boomed.

The demo came to a close with all guns being fired simultaneously, providing an awesome effect.

Endangered

Navy to acquire 27 warships

NEW DELHI, DEC 2 (PTI)

In a move to bolster falling force levels of warships, Navy has decided to acquire three more Russian Krivck class missile carrying stealth frigates and is in the process of floating proposals for purchasing more spyplanes and anti-submarine helicopters.

Disclosing that 27 warships and submarines were on order, Naval Chief Admiral Arun Prakash said Government clearance was also in process for inducting 36 more indigenous warships of various tonnage ranging from fast petrol craft to missile carrying destroyers and frigates.

Addressing a news conference on the eve of the 'Navy Day' on Sunday, Prakash also said that Navy had completed the selection of buying a Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) for undertaking rescue of submarines in distress by identifying the vendor.

He said Navy would buy two of these DSRV's and pending their induction in the next three years, it was in the process of formalising an agreement with the US Navy for its help in case of any of the Indian submarines getting into distress in the high seas.

Elaborating on the purchase of three more Krivck class frigates, the Naval Chief said an agreement to this effect was in the offing with the Russians. Indian Navy already has three such frigates and more were being brought to what Prakash described as to balance declining force levels.

On the acquisition of the Long Range Maritime Reconissance aircraft, the Naval Chief said Request For Proposals (RFP) for these would be floated soon and mentioned the US offer of leasing out its new P3C Orions in this connection.

Prakash made it clear that if India went in for the P3C Orions offer of the US Government, it would be an interim measure. "The outlay involved in leasing the Orions can't be an interim arragement." He also disclosed that Navy would be getting back its two IL-38 maritime spyplanes which had been sent to Moscow for midlife upgrades by the end of the year. "In the meantine, we are overcoming the shortcomings in the reconissance field by utilising just inducted Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)." Declaring that in consonance with India's primary role in the Indian Ocean region, the Naval Chief said Navy was in the process of building up a force level for this and mentioned that Gorshkov carrier acquired from Russia would be delivered on schedule by mid-2008, while the country's first ever indigenous carrier to be built at Kochi was also progressing on schedule.

Hailing the Government move to ink the purchase of French Scorpene class submarines deal, Prakash said the project would be used as springboard for indegenisation of submarine building. "From the acquisition of the first of these Scorpene, we intend to work towards building indigenous capability and are sure that by the time the seventh submarine rolls out, it should be 100 per cent Indian content," he said.