Ministry plans for Theater command, Combining tri services

Ministry plans for Theater command, Combining tri services 

Defense ministry exploring options of combining tri services, to act against the threat jointly with the support from air naval and ground forces. Currently defense ministry had only one tri service command known as the Andaman command, whose area of responsibility comprises all along the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and waters around. Ministry plans for separate command to counter Pakistan and China. Each focuses their own speculated threat only.

IAF is the one who slowly expanding it's capabilities by wide spreading their missions from initial air defense into deep strike, CAS and observation missions. This also solves the army's requirements of dedicated aviation wing, who currently asks for dedicated attack and troop transporting helicopters.

Defense ministry recently conducted the armed forces commanders conference, and asks the opinion of the commanders about integrating the military commands into one wing. Sources confirmed that Commanders also given green light to the ministry's proposal of working under one umbrella. Earlier ministry planned a Joint chief of staffs to give single point of advice to the Government about the military activities.

Joining the forces into one command significantly reduces the reaction time and give additional support to the deployed troops in very short time. They can help each others in combat search and rescue mission, close air support mission and Infil, exfil operations.

India need two commands to face the Chinese and Pakistani threat simultaneously, Each requires specialized requirements to counter the threat, as in the Chinese front India need CAS and Air superiority fighters in large numbers. while Pakistani front India need large number of troops armored columns and  Artillery's. This difference is comes due to the geographical conditions, The Rajastan frontier is plain, while North east had mountains and rough trains.

The commanders also insisted that Forces need to be vigil at any time, since the threats are advancing day by day with new equipment's and manpower. To counter the threat, India needs to act wisely by selecting exact platform to counter the threat. Like in asymmetric warfare India need troops and observation UAV's, for assassination mission they need armed drones, for manned mission they need good air cover and quick reaction forces for support.

The theater command is in discussion since many years. Once it sanctioned to form, The systematic works takes more than five years, by connecting all assets into one. Currently there is a huge number of protocols to request the Air force for close support to the ground troops.  

Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)

Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)

INS Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, alongwith a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, are participating in the 22nd Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), scheduled from 19-27 Apr 16 in the Andaman Sea.

Maritime interaction between India and Thailand has been growing steadily with frequent port visits, participation in multilateral exercises and training exchanges. Under the broad ambit of this strong maritime relationship, the two navies have been carrying out CORPATs along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2005, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade. 

The CORPAT has also strengthened understanding and interoperability between the navies and facilitated institution of measures to prevent unlawful activities at sea as well as conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

The 22nd edition of the CORPAT would include participation of one warship and one Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both sides with the Closing Ceremony being held at Port Blair, Headquarters Andaman and Nicobar Command (HQANC) from 25-27 Apr 16. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command, Vice Admiral BK Verma, AVSM and Rear Admiral Warongkorn Osathanonda, Commander, Phangnga Naval Base, 3rd Naval Area Command, of the Royal Thailand Navy will be the Senior Officers at the Closing Ceremony.

India and Thailand have traditionally enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years. The 22nd edition of CORPAT would bolster the already strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and contribute significantly to enhancing maritime security in the region.

- PIB

US looks Andaman for stronger Naval presence

US looks Andaman for stronger Naval presence

The US navy is currently looking for a stronger naval pretense in Indian Ocean with the help of Indian Navy, US looks for the Andaman naval base to carryout operations against Chinese increasing naval activity in Indian ocean as well as Bay of Bengal, where Indian navy short on legs to confront the Chinese violations in Indian waters.

US will support the Indians by providing real time imaginary of Chinese naval ship movements to Indian navy to confront. US may fly the modern MQ 4C BAMS along with the Indian navy P 8I for long endurance surveillance.  

India almost close to sign the military logistics supply agreement with the Americans, which can support each others military operations, also include humanitarian and disaster relief, with the logistics agreements US and India both works together to solve issues related to both nations. The modified LSA agreements specially focus the Chinese aggression near Indian borders.

After breaking the decade old ideology of non alignment, The new government taken better steps to counter the Chinese influence in Indian sub continent, which include revamping all stalled construction near Chinese border. where China forced the Indian government to freeze all construction works close to borders.

This include a bridge construction near Ladakh, more number of ITBP outpost construction, allowing US search and rescue team to search for the mortal remains of B 24 bomber crashed near Arunachal, these all plans are forced to freeze due to the Chinese influence. Even more China irked the Indian navy by sending warships and nuclear submarines inside Indian waters in Andaman. where Indian navy short on legs to confront the Chinese ships.

The new government taken some good steps, revamping all constructions close to border, establishing naval bases and re innovating the abandoned air fields close to the Chinese border, even more teaming with the US to counter Chinese influence.

US navy admirals once expressed about the interest of using Andaman islands to operate the Navy's MQ 4C Triton maritime surveillance drone. The same drone which is offered to Indian navy and still  on consideration. with the use of this base, US Navy can monitor the movement of Chinese ships and submarines in Indian ocean and Bay of Bengal through Malacca strait.

Malacca strait  is the narrow way which can be used by the Chinese to enter Indian waters, When war erupts between China and India, China try to  breach Indian waters through that way. To counter the Chinese navy India almost beefed up the security of Andaman, by deploying modern warships missile boats and patrol ships.

Even during the Exercise Malabar both nations stimulated ASW warfare using submarines and P 8I aircraft in bay of Bengal to Malacca strait, which irked the Chinese way too much. Not only that India finding all measures to counter China, with the south China sea issue in far other side, issues near LAC. All these makes China think twice before doing any misadventures against any nations nearby.

More than twenty of landing strips near to the Chinese borders established by the IAF is NATO standard, which means all NATO military aircraft's can operate from that air strips. Where China tries to pin down Indian air force by engaging with only ground troops. where the territories gives upper edge to the Chinese forces.

US look of Andaman is for only one mission, to work with the Indian navy to stop or confront the Chinese ships sailing repeatedly over Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, where Indian navy short on legs to confront them, Indian Navy alone tried the same, due to lower number of ships and equipment Chinese ships easily bypass Indian warnings.

For temporary base deployment US and India must sign another military contract, what exactly is allowing US forces in India. the contract named EDCA. However India doesn't seems to sign. So US may provide clear picture of Chinese naval activity's near IOR if Indian navy asks.

China,Yes to Andaman, No to south china sea

China,Yes to Andaman, No to south china sea

China warns Indian Navy's plan of conducting joint patrols with US Navy in disputed south china sea. China said that, US-Indian joint patrol divides Asia into two. At the same time Indian Navy found a Chinese navy submarine tender ship prowling along the nicober Island, Possibility of supporting two or more Chinese Submarines near the region.

While China issue warning to India, do not come to South China sea, they repeatedly violating the Andaman Island chains, by sending naval frigates and nuclear submarines. last week Indian navy's coastal surveillance radar picked up a unknown military vessel, The ANC later found the vessel is the PLAN Submarine tender ship.

Submarine tender ships are assigned with submarines to conduct mission off from the friendly bases. The ship comes inside the Andaman command's area of responsible zone, Navy suggests the Submarine tender might accompanied by two or more Chinese submarines.

When talking to the press, Andaman nicober commander said, Navy keep an eye on the vessel and tracking it's course. This is not the first time Chinese ships sailing and coming close to the Andaman waters.

Admiral also said about the modernization program of the Andaman Island's. The modernization works already begun, once it finished Indian Navy will send ships to confront the Chinese vessel who infiltrate Indian waters. He also said about the recently deployed P 8I working better to identify the threats.

Recently the Indian defense minister spend days in US Pacific Command, sailed in the US super carrier along with US defense secretary Ashton Carter, This irked the Chinese, while India planning to expand the cooperation between the two Navy's. Parrikar also issued statements regarding South China sea jointly with US counterparts.

Later, Reports revealed that, India and US in talks to conduct a joint naval patrol close to the Chinese artificial Island, more than that both planning to conduct patrols within the territorial waters of the disputed Island. US is the only nation who conducted patrol within the territorial waters, China responded by sending fighter jets and naval frigates to confront the US move, However US didn't changed it's course.

Other Asian nations like Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia too conducted patrols outside the territorial waters which means sailed outside the 12nm of those artificial island. India too send a naval frigate in South China sea to show off against the Chinese illegal claims.   

Indian Navy last year openly suggests Asian nations and India must conduct freedom of navigation flight over the artificial island. US only heard the Indian Navy's option, few months later they flew P8 and B 52 bombers over the artificial island.

China capturing international waters by making artificial island's in the sea, later fortifies into a military fortress, thus allow china to control every flying and sailing ships close to the region. No one tries to stop China due to his military power override in South China sea.

This is the true face of Chinese, They continuously warning India about the South China sea, while repeatedly violating Indian waters in Andaman, and Indian Navy not have proper asserts to confront the Chinese Navy.

India deploys P 8 in Navy's forward airbase Andaman

India deploys P 8 in Navy's forward airbase Andaman

     To effectively counter the Chinese threat in bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, at first India temporarily deploys the long range P 8 I maritime patrol aircraft in Andaman. the temporary basis deployment is the first step to permanent deployment of other naval air assets in Andaman, After brief report from security concerns in Andaman strategic location, Navy plans to deploy fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft's and more warships to defend the Andaman from Chinese threat.

      Andaman's geographic location gives us an upper edge to counter Chinese movements close to Bay Bengal via Malacca straight, Andaman is located some 1300 km off from Indian main land, and some 1000 kilometer off from the Malacca straight. China uses their naval units to access occupied coco Island. Which was illegally captured from Myanmar, the actual distance from Andaman and Coco Island is just 70 kilometers

       China placed a naval listening post in coco Island, to watch Indian Naval activities along Bay of Bengal, they also monitor Naval ship movements close to Andaman and Nicobar Island's. Most of the times China uses their submarines to access their occupied Island's. with that they can test Indian anti submarine capabilities too. They indeed send their modern destroyers too, Earlier many times Chinese tried to ram Indian warships close to Andaman.

      After rising security threats from China, Indian Navy slowly fortifies the Naval emplacements in Andaman, By deploying more warships, coastal missile batteries, surface to air missiles and surveillance drones, The modernization plans almost drafted and it's in progress but slowly.

     At first step, Earlier Indian Navy sends their MiG 29 K fighter aircraft to Andaman's Naval air base known as INS Baaz, The Runway has more than 3000 feet length which can capable to to operate bigger Military planes like C 17 and P 8. The MiG 29 along with some Navy's Dornier Do 228 also operated from the Andaman Islands.

      Expanding the wings, as per modernization plans, Navy deployed it's P 8 I submarine hunter which was bought from USA. Those ASW Planes were bought to monitor Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, hence all the P 8 I has been deployed close to Chennai, INS Arakonam. The P 8 I mostly used to monitor off the Chennai coast from Chinese intruders.

       Now Navy checking it's capabilities by deploying it's long range maritime patrol aircraft in Andaman. Navy completed two week temporary deployment mission in Andaman. Indian Navy operates eight such planes, and almost close to finalize another four, The new batch of four could be deployed in Andaman Command. Adding those ASW planes in Andaman can monitor  each and every Chinese naval activities from Malacca Straight to Coco Island's.    

       Navy already issued a Coastal missile defense batteries, Mostly the Norwegian based NSM could be bought and more than two batteries could be deployed along the Andaman coastal, to effectively counter Chinese Warships. Indian Navy uses Russian Coastal batteries close to Mumbai, However they were older generation missiles. Navy plans to field the Brahmos batteries, due to huge costs, Navy thinks NSM is best option.

     Recent reports confirmed, Navy already deployed Israeli made searcher unmanned surveillance vehicles in Andaman to monitor the Andaman coasts. It's believed Navy may deploys more number of such UAV's in coming years.

Checking the PLAN by ramping up Andaman and Nicobar Command

Fortifying Andaman and Nicobar to check PLAN

 
Officials under the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) have issued warnings after PLAN warships have repeatedly been found snooping close to Indian Territory.  Andaman and Nicobar Islands are placed under ANC, India’s only strategic command comprising of the Army, Air force and Navy. A report from ANC has found Chinese warships attempting to cross over to Indian waters on a repeated succession. Andaman and Nicobar Command have detected Chinese naval ships very close to India’s territorial waters in the recent past. A elaborated yet unconfirmed report from ANC states that PLAN ships attempt to get close at least twice every three months. The intrusions have been on the rise in the past six months.

In a move to counter the Chinese, MoD is now contemplating to deploy more assets under the strategic ANC. ANC is composed mainly around Naval forces and comprises of 20 major warships and patrol vessels, two Navy Sea bases, four Air Force and Naval Air bases and an Army brigade. ANC is India’s first and only joint tri-service command. INS Jarawa is centric to all naval operations happening under the command; INS Baaz and the Car Nicobar Air Force base are the only bases to operate Air assets. The ANC was setup in 2001, with all the land, sea and air military forces under one operational commander. But the command has largely failed to live up to its initial promise. 

ANC mainly operates Patrol vessels, which have been charged with the conducting reconnaissance and surveillance around the EEZ of India. These vessels lack primary long range surveillance radar and equipped with 76 mm naval guns these vessels can effectively subdue smaller threats but they lack a primary offensive weapon and hence can’t deal with larger threats. ANC also operates amphibious assault vessels, which can be effectively used for mounting amphibious operations. These amphibious assault vessels have reached their shelf life and have to be replaced to boost the operational capabilities.

  The air wing under ANC is formed around the Dornier Do 228 surveillance platform, these aircraft is being currently used as the primary recon and surveillance platform by the command. Bigger ASW platforms like the P8I and Tuplov have been deployed temporarily after runways at INS Baaz and Car Nicobar Air base were increased in length.  ANC also operates Mi-8 and Mi-17 V5 fleet of copters to support amphibious operations. An air defense wing was deployed temporarily under the command. Plans to field a squadron of India’s most advanced jet fighters, the Su-30 MKI have been afloat with the MoD.  

    

PLAN has forward deployed its modern Frigates and Destroyers to the bases close to Andaman and Nicobar. Islands around Andaman are critically important considering the close proximity to the strategic Malacca strait. Instances of PLAN’s Diesel-Electric submarines lurking close to EEZ have also been reported. China is also rumoured to have signed an agreement with the Myanmar government to lease Coco Islands, where a small naval outpost has been erected by PLAN. The Coco Island is around 70 nautical miles away from the Andaman Islands.  

INS Baaz; Broadsword

Considering the proximity to the Malacca strait, Islands around Andaman and Nicobar assume great importance. Almost 70% of Chinese export is based on sea routes and the sea lanes passing through Malacca strait account to almost 90% of China’s oil import. If a naval blockade is imposed around the Malacca strait, China would be chocked off Oil and other crucial supplies in a matter of days. The waters around Bay of Bengal are the doorway to mainland territory of India. In a war scenario PLAN will surely mount an offensive operation on Andaman command.  Islands around the disputed Coco Islands have also been placed under ANC and these Islands can be the real changers in a war. 

 The current scenario of ANC is quite disturbing, the assets under ANC would fail to repel a Chinese advancement nor to the have the capability to counter Chinese fleet passing through the Malacca Strait. Officials under ANC have in the past repeatedly requested the government to diplomatically deal with the Chinese presence around the Coco Islands. AS a means to counter the Chinese, Indian government has drawn up elaborate plans to modernize several bases under ANC.

In a move to ramp up the air defense posture of the command, INS Baaz and the Car Nicobar Airbase were modernized. Newer facilities for the maintenance and housing of aircraft were provided, the runway length was increased significantly to allow larger aircraft to operate from these forward bases. But till date larger aircraft operating under the ANC have only been on the papers. During the search operation for MH-370, Long Range Surveillance Aircraft like P8I and Tuplov operated out of INS Baaz. India’s modern submarine killer aircraft, P8I was posted on a temporary rotation to ANC but was withdrawn shortly.  

The facilities available at these bases are satisfactory for the government to deploy modern and long range aircraft. The addition of P8I to the ANC, will be a major game changer in the stand against PLAN.  IAF can also forward deploy its fleet of strategic air lifters. The deployment of C-130 J and C-17 globe master or the IL-76 will boost the strike capabilities of the command. The plans to deploy the air superiority Su-30 MKI needs to be fastened up and the deployment of these aircraft deter the daring Chinese. 

Air force can also consider forward rotating its squadrons till time the Su-30 MKI are available for deployment. The amount of aircraft retiring from the force has forced the government to rethink its strategy towards ANC.  Indian Navy will also be shortly acquiring the Naval version of the MiG 29 fighters from Russia for its IAC-I project. Government can also ponder upon acquiring another squadron of these effective aircraft for Anti-Shipping roles under the ANC.  

ANC Representation; Net 

The air defense module under the command is another matter the government needs address. The command currently lacks an effective air defense system, deployment of Akash SAM systems and Barak systems will address these issues.  The deployment of land based coastal missile batteries is underway and the Navy has issued a RFP for the project. 

 Plans of setting up a fully operational naval base have been under since the command was setup. Navy on several occasions has raised its concern regarding the delay in commissioning forward naval bases. The top command is learn to have suggested the Government to forward deploy submarines at these bases. But the crippling numbers in the underwater force has left the government with little choice. Indian navy will be acquiring the modern P-75 and it’s first indigenously developed nuclear submarine, INS Arihant shortly. With the completion of these projects the submarine force will receive a major boost, hence the government can contemplate posting submarines in the near future.

 The surface combatants under the ANC have also been depleting, the command currently operates amphibious vessels and patrol vessels. The deployment of Saryu class patrol vessels have been welcomed by officials under the command.  The deployment of Destroyers, Frigates and Missile boats can serve as a strong message to the PLAN. ANC should be given a major boost to mount amphibious operations, the addition of Large LHD vessels and amphibious vessels clubbed with the deployment of a brigade of Indian Army personnel is guaranteed to guard the Islands against any threats by the PLAN.  

Indian government has shown keen interest in ramping up the capabilities of the Andaman and Nicobar command. Various projects to modernize forward bases around the Islands are nearing completion. These bases are critical in establishing a naval blockade and are bound to deter the over adventurous PLAN in the Indian Ocean. 

    

Editor - Karthik Kakoor  

Made In Japan The US 2i

Shinmayawa US 2i 

 

 

        Re establishing the Relation with Japan from Indian  Side and Easing Export of Military Products from Japanese end. Both of them Mutually Agreed to Step in closer to counter the Common Enemy the Communist China . The China is same rival to India by trying to occupy Indian Lands in Arunachal and Ladakh Region same goes for Japanese for the Senaku Diayou Island Chain. India and Japan Pulled some Defence Agreements to Jointly Thwart Chinese Shameless Occupation in Indian Ocean and Asian Continent .By Improving Ties with India. Japan agreed to sell it's Famous Amphibious Aircraft US 2i. While Buying some Two of them Directly from the Shinmayawa Corporation other numbers may be some Fifteen Plus will be Manufactured under Make in India Plan. Lets Check out the Capabilities of US 2i. 

          

        The Indian Navy's Amphibious Capability fulfilled by Variety of Landing Crafts those are House only Small Numbers of Troops and Armor unlike the US Amphibious Capability fulfilled by LHD's and LPD's each housing some three thousand troops and Tanks. The Indian Navy also a Requirements of  such Landing Helicopter Dock or Landing Platform Dock. The US have it's own Naval Battle Troops Known as the Famous UN Marines .For India We have also such Troops the Naval Regiments Just Like How the Indian Army have. There's no Clear Numbers but It could be some Thirty to Fifty Thousand Naval Troops operated under Indian Navy for Amphibious Operations. 

            By Coming to the US 2 . The US 2 is the Short Take Off and Landing Aircraft can Land in the water. But Important Aspects are It's Take of is Just impressive It's need just a 300 Meters of waters .Other wise While it carrying it's full combat load some 43 Tons It's need some 300 Meters of water way only. It's commonly best for Sudden Take off for Quick Reaction for Both Humanitarian and Military Operations. same for Landing Normally it's need some 400 meters But Landing with Full combat Load some  42 Tons It's need some 350 Meters .Just Like Infiltrating the Enemy port by a US 2 need just a 300 meters same for Evacuation also needs some 300 meters . The US 2 also Take off and Land on the Earth by how other Passenger Planes.

same for Military Operation ©ShinMayawa

         

The Aircraft can Land and Take off on the Sea's even at some three meters Height Huge waves a Really impressive capability from the  US 2 which is not unique one compared to other Amphibious Aircraft like Be 200. the US 2 also having such slow cruising Speed that is some 90 kilo meters per Hour .this one for Very needful Humanitarian Operations Search and Rescue Operations Need Birds like Slow Flying Aircraft to observe the Stranded Humans over the sea. The US 2 can fly at the Speed of some 550 km/hr while Normal Cruise speed is Nearly 450 km/hr. while It's Range Nearly a Magnificent 4500 kilo meters .That's some round Trips towards Andaman and Chennai by two Times . The Andaman and Chennai distance less than 1500 Kilometers. So it can go on Andaman and Prepare the Mission and get back to Chennai without the Need of Refuel.

       

    The US 2 might be used by the Indian Navy for mostly Search and Rescue Operations only But By operating by a Defence Firm The Navy put's it own FoF ( Friend or Foe ) System and some other IFF transponders along with variety of defensive suits. which is not available for Public Releases. The US 2 can be configured as a Passenger Plane might used for Evacuation and Dropping Soldiers across the designated Area. by Comparing other Amphibious Planes US 2 holds the First Place.