Russia China deepen maritime ties

Russia China deepen maritime ties

Russia and China deepens their maritime relationship into new level to counter the US and Pacific navy's threats in South China sea, Barents sea and in the Atlantic Ocean. This include assisting the shipbuilding, conducting joint patrols and regular military exercise. The Russian and Chinese both needed to be cooperate to defeat the US and allied navy's to expand the Communist aim of Naval superiority in their respected region.

At first step, Russia will assist the Chinese navy to build much powerful warships and submarines, also assist the Chinese to upgrade the existing warships with advanced weapon systems and sensor systems. Most of the Chinese warships are designed with the support of ex soviet designers who were reallocated into China rather than Ukraine during the collapse of Soviet.

Russia is the first nation who supported the Chinese illegal occupation of Taiwanese and Japanese Islands and it's announcement of air defense identical zones. Both of them also armed North Korea to keep the Pacific nations always under threat, recent footage of 300mm Rocket launchers and S 300 variants displayed in DPRK is achieved with the Russian and Chinese help.

The Russian assistance also gives the Chinese navy to get a lethal fire power, Recent deployment of long range supersonic cruise missile in the Chinese frigates and destroyers is the example. The YJ 18 is considered as long range supersonic anti shipping cruise missiles, deployed in the new generation Type 52 D Destroyer, also currently being fitted out in some older generation Type 52 and Chinese frigates.

The Type 52 D can carry combination of 64 long range cruise missiles and naval S 300 missiles which include YJ 18 cruise missile. With the assistance from Russia, China successfully modified the YJ 12 air launched anti ship cruise missiles in the Su 27 and Su 30 MKK platforms. The YJ 12 is an long range supersonic cruise missile with ranging upto 540 kilometers. 

The Chinese and Russians also planning much bigger level of maritime exercises, Earlier years China and Russia conducted larger ever maritime exercise off the Japanese coast, deterring the Japanese who is the common enemy of both China and Russia, The Exercise validated with the presence of more than twenty three Chinese surface warships and two nuclear submarines along with airborne units and marines, the exact Russian ships numbers are not published.

Both Russia and China planning for such massive maritime exercises to express solditarity with each others. Those exercises validated Chinese air defense systems are performed far better than the Russian counterpart, where Russian ASW tactics lead in the drills. later days same such large scale of exercise conducted near Black sea, during when Russian forces invaded Ukraine in earlier 2014.

Sources also suggested that both Russians and Chinese working together to develop a common operating picture to work together. In the medium of ASW and A2D theater. This further deepens the military relationship. who get  information from each other in real time, Similar like the NATO's Link 16 communication interface.

On the far other side, Russia deployed coastal missile batteries, marine garrisons, and military early warning networks close to Japanese shores, Those deployed forces are placed in a disputed Island which is claimed by both Russia and Japan. The Russian deployment started once Japanese conducted routine patrol in Senaku Islands, which is another disputed Island located near China. which is claimed by both China and Japan.

So far, the Chinese Russian maritime alliance didn't threaten the Indian Navy so far, The day it will be broke, if Russian and Chinese navy conducts drills in Indian Ocean region or sails over Bay of Bengal en route to Chinese occupied coco Islands.

China can station carrier in Gwadar if US & Indian navy get too close

China can station carrier in Gwadar if US & Indian navy get too close

China plans to counter the Indian US navy mutual agreement's by deploying aircraft carrier in Chinese leased Pakistani naval base in Gwadar, The US Navy and Indian navy comes closer together to confront the Chinese illegal actions in South China and across the Indian ocean. China earlier leased the atoll island from Maldives, which could be converted into a militarily base. 

After Indian navy's close relationship with US, China planned to deploy it's carrier strike group in Pakistan, to counterbalance Indian superiority in Indian Ocean region. It allows China to get a over watch over Indian naval establishment in Arabic sea.

China get slammed by all sides, South Korea from east, Taiwan and may other south pacific nations in the beneath, and now from Indian Navy too, However China posing as a superior fire power nation by conducting rouge patrols close to international free zone and abducting international waters.

The Chinese Indian naval nexus starts, when Chinese nuclear submarines comes to sri lanka and conducted rough patrols close to Andaman. after few days later the Chinese routinely conduct patrols close to Andaman and violating the territorial waters. India is not fully equipped to confront the Chinese, however managed to increase the relationship with US, the major rival of China.

Moreover, encircling the India, China proposes maritime silk route, connecting Pakistani Gwadar port and Bangladeshi Chittagong port. China plans to establish a economical sea line around India which is closely escorted by Chinese Naval ships, this allow china can deploy his naval asserts in all sides of India, in Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabic ocean.

India strongly opposes the plans, however China didn't hear the Indian sounds. they continue work on the proposed plan, and more they leased a island from Maldives in Indian Ocean, This allows China gets a strong maritime superiority compared to Indian Navy, since China has more numbers of naval ships.

Later India moved with the US and Japan very closely, even signed many agreements to conduct patrols in international waters. this irked the Chinese too much, China did warned Indian moves with USA so did the Indian communists too, this time India didn't hear Chinese plea and moved with US for more patrols. Meantime China is right on his proposed maritime silk road plan.

Earlier India and the US signed a treaty to mutually replenish naval warships in ocean's. This allows   allows the U.S. Navy to refuel the Indian navy, or vice versa, at sea with F76 naval distillate fuel and/or JP5 jet fuel. More probably Indian navy gets numerous number of Replenishment oilier in very quick time. 

Replenishment oilier's are must for conducting long range patrols, India have only four of them, rival china has more than fifteen such ships who assists Chinese long range patrols.

China plans to reveal it's new Aircraft Carrier by end of this Year

China plans to reveal it's new Aircraft Carrier by end of this Year

     As per reports from Chinese media, China plans to launch a new aircraft carrier by end of this this year, during the Mao Zedong's birth anniversary, details of the Chinese aircraft carrier program unveiled many times, however there is no proper evidences to claim the carrier's construction, recent satellite images found China constructing a new carrier in Dailan shipyard north of China, they completed the hull of the ship, which looks like different from normal commercial ships, and looks like a aircraft carrier's hull, IHS Janes also confirms the same, they first analyzed the satellite picture earlier this year, which shows some doubts whether it's a carrier or an commercial oil tanker, and new satellite images confirms it's the base of Chinese Ingenious carrier.

    The satellite pictures also gives clear input of speedy construction of the Carrier, they almost completed the Hull, and preparing to build the flight deck, the Ship's shape almost identical to the Chinese first carrier liaoing,  it's length and width too, scale calculations suggest the ship length is  some 240 meter, and still in construction, so it's clear the ship length can be increased upto some 300 meter, which is normal carriers length.

    China started studying Aircraft carrier development program by early 1985, they bought a ex Australian aircraft carrier for scrapping, before scrapping the Ship, Chinese Engineers and officers almost analyzed the Ship's capability, they almost explored the ship's steam catapult launching system, arresting mechanism and mirror landing guidance system.many western experts suggests that Chinese naval officials almost rip off some equipment from the carrier, to make a indigenous carrier later.

    And China bought two more Soviet carriers, and displayed as a Museum, however it's not under the government hand, A Chinese businessman bought this carrier via South Korean company, and it's still on display, another ex Soviet navy Aircraft carrier currently in China, as a floating luxury hotel, It's clear before serving into civilian leisure, Chinese Navy officials explored complete ship and gathered complete information, which help them to build future carrier.

     The First Operational Chinese carrier is the Liaoning, The Chinese Navy almost given new life to the Ex Varyag carrier, the Ship is much older and almost a show piece only, during the transit from Ukraine to China, It almost close to Sunk off the Greek Coast, however the tug boats managed to save the Carrier, China refurbished the carrier and successfully conducted sea trails and inducted into the Navy, Still many questions remains about the capability of the carrier.

     By coming to the new carrier, as per calculations it's same like the liaoning, displacing same tonnage and characteristics, however it's believed they can add some modern navigation and surveillance systems in the new carrier, like their modern AESA Radar named Type 348, which is already fitted into the  Chinese front line destroyers like Type 052 D, new digital control systems, and adding more numbers of SAM missiles. It's clear that China may use the same Ski Jump technology to launch the aircraft, because no one willing to give the steam catapult, even more they don't have assisted launching aircraft, the Su 33 and it's clone J 15 can work as a Ski Jumper only, thus reduce the range of the Fighter jet. and no option of using heavy aircraft like on board AEWCS plane or cargo planes like E 2 or C 1.

     It's a known fact that China may  unveil it's carrier very soon, however it's took another three to four years to complete the sea trails and aircraft launching and arresting trails, China can fast track the process, since they get enough training from the Liaoning carrier. as per Chinese media they plans to induct the new carrier in the PLA before 2019, at the same year they also mulls to build another new carrier in Dailan shipyard.

   They Ship identified as Type 001 A, and a STOBAR carrier based on the Liaoning model, able to carry Su 33 based J 15, and some reports suggests they plans use the J 31 fifth generation fighter  onboard the carrier.

The Chinese Offensive power: How India counters

The Chinese Offensive power: How India counters

     The Chinese are way advanced in both conventional and unconventional warfare as compared to India, although India gets strategic advantage by geographic positions with American and Asian-Pacific support. Even if Chinese flex their naval and air power, India has to use all her resources to stop the Chinese. This would mean that Indian forces have to take defensive measures instead of offensive attacks across the borders. Both China and India have adopted the NO-First use policy and hence we cannot use ballistic missiles as launching an AGNI missile would be considered as a nuclear capable missile. To counter China, Indian forces need to prepare a fully unconventional warfare as China has enough firepower to defeat India using their unconventional weapons.

    India gets geographic advantage from all sides, from Kashmir to Arunachal, and an expansive shoreline, also it's clear that Chinese usage of ground units could be limited because of logistical support. Mountainous terrain in the north can be accessed by helicopters only to provide soldiers with logistics support, both on the Indian and Chinese sides. A stand-off between India and China in 2013 at Doulat Beg Oldie threw open many questions, where both the Chinese and Indians got supply by only Helicopter. Indian Ground based AAA and MANPAD systems can effectively counter the Chinese supply line, the same can be done from Chinese side too. It is clear that China would not try a ground offensive attack. 

    As already predicted, the next Indo-Chinese war would take place only in the air and sea. Both countries have been extensively modernizing their fleet. Currently, the Chinese can easily outnumber and outgun the Indian Navy in the Bay of Bengal. Hence it is imperative that India ought to attack the Chinese fleet before they enter the Bay of Bengal. If China is to use the narrow Straight of Malacca to enter the Bay of Bengal, India has a better strike capability.

    Chinese ships can come through Indonesia, albeit, Indonesians are not in good relations with the Chinese. It is not expected of Indonesians to go on an offensive with Chinese forces as they will be vastly outnumbered. India can support the Indonesian forces, where the war will shift focus from Straight of Malacca to far South China Sea, where Chinese forces will be at an advantage. However, India can use the Nicobar Command to counter the Chinese with their fighter jets and fast attack crafts to ambush the Chinese fleet. 

     Meantime, India can seek help from the Americans, from their super carriers; one or two Carrier Strike Group comprised by some 40 US ships, can help India to manage the blockade and ambush for several days or sinking entire Chinese naval ships. Chinese will be irked by US involvement. Even if China tries to attack the US allies in Pacific, they will pay a hefty price for that, since South Koreans and Japanese can counter attack the Chinese forces. Both the South Korean and Japanese forces are more powerful and have battle experience. It doubtful that China could use its forces to attack Pacific nations and India too should not expect the Pacific nations to attack the Chinese first.

    India can withstand a war even without US battle groups. That won't last for many days, so need of the US support is a must. USA may not offer Indian forces support because of cold war and communism allies. China can always replenish their ammunition from Russia in many fronts. The war can happen in the Europe too, if India seeks help openly. US intervention forces the Russians to help the Chinese. If India wins a war against China with help from USA, Indo American relations will get stronger, and that will certainly affect Russian Interests in India.

A quite interesting fact, Chinese and Indian warship ratio is 10:3

Editor Darren Julian Pinto

P 15 A Kolkatha Vs Type 52 D Luyang III

P 15 A Kolkatha Vs Type 52 D Luyang III

      

India's most efficient and finest front line Destroyer is the P 15A Kolkatha Class destroyers, under this program Navy will build three Destroyers, China also build such good front line Destroyers under their Type 52 Destroyer Program, lets have a break and discuss about the destroyers line by line about it's performance and fighting capability, since both fall on same Category Comparison become easier to Judge Who is better,

Size and Weight

   Both Type 52D and P 15 A shares same tonnage, both having displacement of about 7500 tonnage, where upto 100 to 500 Tons can be increased are decreased depend upon the Mission package and other accessories fitted/removed in the  Destroyer,

    The Kolkatha has slight bigger in length it's nearly 10 meters more longer than the Type 52 D, because of the sleek design the ship can attain more faster, less visibility in Radar and more maneuverable than the Type 52 D, but that won't give any good scores to the P 15 A,

     Both Ship can attain more than 30 knots, But the P15 A hold 325 crews and Soldiers compared to the 280 crew in the Type 52 D, makes the Kolkatha better, because the Kolkatha can carry good number of Combat Soldiers compared to the Type 52 D.

P 17 A vs Type 52 D = 9.5 vs 9

Propulsion

       The Chinese uses the Upgraded Ukrainian made  Engines GT25000 Gas Turbine, in Chinese It named as QC 280, the Type 52 D has two such engines each produces 28 MW power to run the mega propeller and gives power supply to the Ship, the Engine is re moded Ukrainian Engines but which runs smoothly without making any problems, so the reliability of the Main engine gives Type 52D good in combat deployment, also the Engines installed in previous Destroyer shows no problems, makes the Reliable and more economic to the Chinese Navy.

     The Indian P 15 A uses the imported Ukrainian Zorya Engines each engines deliver 28+28 MW power to the Ship, the Zorya is the modern Ship engine produced by the Ukrainian Company, most Russian and South Asian Navy's using it to powers their Front line warships, 

In comparison Both Engines get good and equal marks.

P 17 A vs Type 52 D = 9.5 vs 9.5

Radar System

     The Chinese uses the upgraded Type 348 AESA Radar as it's primary Fire control Radar in the Ships, the New Radar is completely upgraded from previous Type 348 Radars. with improved cooling features and more Transmitter and receiver array's. actually the Radar is an cloned version of Ukrainian Kvant Radar, the original Radar has the Range of 160 kilometers only, But it's believed the  Chinese upgrade makes the Radar boosted Range of some 50 to 100 Kilometers, So in most Chances the Chinese Type 348 can't exceeds the Range of some 250 kilometers.

     The P 15 A uses the most powerful modern advanced MF STAR multi functional AESA Radar, which have range of more than 250 kilometers for  all kind of Aerial and surface Targets, while most Naval and Radar experts compares the MF STAR with the most advanced American AN SPY 1 D Radar, it's believed the MF STAR is one of the modern Radar used in the world except the US Navy.

     India uses the Thales LW 08 Air search radar for Surveillance and providing Target information to the main fire control Radar, The Radar also comes with the IFF - Identification of Friend or Foe algorithms which makes the Operator work faster by assigning friendlies to attack enemy Targets. the Thales LW 08 has a Range of 200 kilometers for big size Targets like Fighter Jets and Bomber planes, and 100 km range to detect low observable cruise and Anti shipping missiles.

     The Chinese uses cloned version of vintage Radar systems for primary uses, makes the reliability and performance of the system during dense electromagnetic situations, the Radar is not completely reliable. thus the P 15 gets more points than the Type 52 D.

      Also the Israeli French Indian Radar and Processing systems completely thwart the Chinese cloned Sensor and processing systems.  

P 17 A vs Type 52 D = 10 vs 4

Weapons

Offensive

     Naval Artillery is not the prime mission of Destroyer, but during peacetime deployments, the Naval Gun is the best options to use, the Indians uses the world class oto melara SRGM which is a 73 mm Gun, while the Chinese uses the bigger caliber of 130mm dual barrel reverse engineered AK 130 Gun, that makes a slight advantage and also slight disadvantage to the Chinese highly effective low rate of power and Short Range, But Indian 73 mm has less effective but improved fire rate and longer range, so one each gets one minus and one plus points.

     The Chinese used combination of Long and Short Range Anti Shipping missiles, the 32 VLS assigned for this role makes the Destroyer perfect armed wagon, the CJ 10 Anti ship cruise missile is a Sub sonic Anti shipping missile, can able to strike both Land and ship Targets. with the Half ton warhead, the Missile scores 100 points by destroying the Target completely, with the Guidance of INS and Satellites the Chinese can strike targets beyond 1000 kilometers without any problems, gives the Type 52 D more score,

     Another Short Range sea skimming Missile the C 803, the Anti ship missile having range of some 200 kilometers, having 200 kg of HE or Armour piercing warhead,

     But India have only 16 VLS cells to launch it's more powerful Brahmos Cruise missile, which is deadlier and the Current and future Chinese Technology have no good interceptors to intercept the Brahmos Cruse missile, thus gives a upper hand, but the Range is capped upto 300kilometers. the Brahmos is a good missile it uses the Sea skimming method to travel, makes the Chinese Radar's blind.

with combination of long and short Range Chinese Type 52 D gets upper hand in this point.

P 17 A vs Type 52 D = 7 vs 8

Defensive

     The Chinese Destroyer comes with variety of good SAM system. the Chinese uses 16 or 32  VLS Cells to launch it's long range HQ 9 SAM missile to intercept long range Targets mostly cruise missiles and Fighter Aircrafts, HQ 9 has the range of more than 100 kilometers , the HQ 9 based on the Russian S 300 SAM,

    Another 16 or 8 VLS cells allocated to launch quad packed QR SAM's. means those 16 VLS can accommodate 16x3 ship launched PL 12 QR SAM's, which can intercept low flying and Sea skimming missiles at closest ranges, 

       It also having 24 ready to fire Rolling Airframe missile type CIWS. thus gives another short Range interception advantage, makes the Type 52 D better in defensive parameters.

    The Chinese have single cannon based CIWS 30mm system, which gives last line of defensive support to the Ship whose Range is 3 kilometers.

      The Four Variety of Air defense system gives the Type 52 D allows to combat Heavily powered enemy flotilla's.

     But for P 15 A, It uses 32 VLS cells to launch the newer generation advanced long Range Barak 8 SAM, which is jointly developed by the Indians and Israeli's, series of Tests shows the missile is more powerful, when engaging targets, also scored good points by Chasing and Intercepting Sea skimming missile, the Primary secondary and all defensive based on the Barak 8 only.   

      India also has four AK 630 30 mm cannon for CIWS, these four situated in well balanced area gives cover to the Destroyer from all sides.

      Both have same kind of Anti torpedo charges like RBU 6000, while the Kolkatha gets more points since it's having longer range and larger quantity.

P 17 A vs Type 52 D = 8 vs 9.5

SONAR.

    The Kolkatha uses the Desi made HUMSA NG main sonar fitted in the Ship's bow, also having desi made Towed array sonar, used to detect Submarines from Stand off distance, both were designed and developed by BEL with foreign assistance,

     The details about the Type 52 D's sonar informations unavailable, mostly they too uses their own Sonar, and Towed array Sonar, so both shares same Points.

Heli Borne ASW Warfare

     It's believed that China uses the modified Z 9 Ship borne multi purpose Naval Helicopters or Russian Made Ka 27 or the Chinese Z 18 ASW Helicopters, Here the Ka 27 and the Z 18 only have the Heli borne sonar system,

     India plans to use the most advanced US Made  S 70 B Naval ASW Helicopters, on board the P15 A, which is currently the most advanced ASW  Helicopter, the P15 A 's deck can accommodate two medium size Helicopters in It's hanger, so It's possible to use two S 70 B and any other utility Helicopters on board the  P 15 A, which not gives any boost to the P 15 A during combats.

P 17 A vs Type 52 D = 9.5 vs  6

     By overall performance the P 15 A series is best in Radar and processing systems with proven missile systems, while the Type 52 D is best in defensive and offensive fire power.

Overall score P 17 A gets 88 marks and Type 52 D gets 73 Marks out of 100. 

China audacious claims of imposing a naval blockade with just ten submarines

China audacious claims of imposing a naval blockade with just ten Submarines

        A leading Taiwanese based newspaper has published a report in which the Chinese PLAN officials have made audacious claims of imposing a complete naval blockade on India with just ten submarines.  The very same paper had reported a PLAN source claiming a single PLAN nuclear attack submarine could sink India’s CBG headed by INS Vikramaditya.

        A blockade can be a game changer in war, during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war India had imposed a naval blockade on West Pakistan which proved a major breakthrough in the war. A blockade would simply mean blocking all the shipping lanes to a country which will eventually choke the country with it lacking any reinforcements. India has a very long coast which stretches almost 7500 km, a blockade to be enforced on India is extremely demanding. Do completely block the Indian shores will have to field more than ten of its modern nuclear submarines. Let alone Indian navy operates more than 80 major ships along the Western and Eastern sea boards.   

       A blockade is something that can be achieved on a specified port or area but blocking the whole coast is something next to impossible. Indian navy operates harbours along the sea boards.  Chinese dreams of Indian naval ships always in ports making it easy to blocked is something far from reality.

         China at the same time is not having enough number of nuclear attack submarines unlike the Americans and Russians. China is believed to be operating around five nuclear attack submarines, which can be instrumental in putting a blockade on the Vietnam or Taiwan Navy.

        unlike Nuclear attack Boats, the Diesel electrics has many limits, like diesel shortage, oxygen shortage which forces the Sub should surface once in some 500km Travels. also it's endurance limit the Boat by some thousand Kilometers. makes them only good for securing and patrolling Chinese Economic zone only. Not for operating beyond some 1000 kilometers. Even Chinese too knows that.

        the Nuclear attack boats can sail faster upto thirty knots in submerged mode, can travel some 5000 kilometers without surfacing, travel deep in the water, lets say some 400meters or 1200 feet, allows them to come nearby Indian Shores, But India have less submarines, which can even not worth of securing our Economic zones. But currently India have Projects going on to beef up the Maritime Patrol and combat duties using underwater platforms.

       India have a Nuclear Attack Submarine Akula Leased from Russia, which is More modern than the existing Chinese Nuclear attack submarine, more Silent when Running deep under water compared to other Chinese SSN. China Claimed it's modern Type 093 SSN is less sound than the Russian Akula class, and American Los Angeles Class Attack Submarine, But US Navy claimed it is not a Quite submarine but makes more noise than the First Generation Russian Attack submarine which was entered in 1980's. Also the Chinese claimed the New Type 093 can dive upto the depth of 400meters, but no confirmations on this, where newest Russian Submarines can dive upto  some 500 meters.

         The Chinese have only two active Type 093 class Submarines, where three more will be inducted soon, but they have some three Type 091 Han Class Attack submarines which was entered service in early 1990's. The Indian Navy successfully snooped the Han class submarine many times outside Indian Shores, also watches it;'s movement, Earlier Navy alerted the Indian Government even before the Han Class Submarine docked in the Sri Lankan Port.

       Also earlier once in 2009 near Yemeni coast a Indian Kilo class Submarines successfully snooped the Han Class SSN who is in anti piracy mission, but Two other Chinese Destroyers nearby the area found the Indian Sub, which forced the Indian Submarine to Surface, but no other incidents happens, Chinese warned the Submarine to Surface and readying their ASW Helicopters to drop Torpedo's to destroy the Unknown Submarine, the Chinese Identified it's a Indian Boat only after it was surfaced.

        So almost India have each and every available informations to trace the Chinese Submarines, India lacks in Submarines but not in anti submarine utility's. where china lacks so. India operates less to Long Range ASW aircrafts to, finest Anti Submarine Ships like Kamorta, where Navy plans to build eight new Komarta Class ASW ships, where one in Operational other three in Sea Trails.

         The Indian Navy's ASW Air asserts or the second biggest in the world, after America Indian operates good number of asw aircrafts, all of them can fire Torpedos' and drop sonoubouys to detect submarines deep in the water, Platforms like P 8 and Tu 142 MKE can travel upto some 6000 kilometers and do missions. even the P8 can launch four Harpoon Anti Shipping Missiles too, and both of them can launch Torpedo's and Depth Charges.

        The IL 38 SD and Do 228 also act as a Medium to short range ASW. both can able to drop Torpedo's and Depth Charges. makes very tough to enemy Sub merged asserts who tries enter Indian waters.

      The China has only one option, It can blockade the Indian Naval bases, for that they need to be submerged more than 500 meters, never ever sub surface to breath, It can give easy chances to Indian ASW asserts to Kill you. and comes to Eastern Naval Command and Kill some Tug Boats. It's clear China would not find any other Ships in the Base, all other ships maybe in Patrol.

      and within a moments a large column of Indian ASW planes comes for Hunt missions, and they even won't warn you, but they drop all available Torpedo's and Depth Charges against the Chinese SSN's. that's why it's clear China won't like to do some Suicidal mission like this

Editor Karthik Kakoor

Reliance defense teams up with Russia to build nuclear powered submarines

Reliance to carter Indian navy’s demand for six indigenously developed nuclear submarines.

    

    Russia one of India’s oldest ally, the nation which has catered to India’s various needs. Russia has supplied India with the most sophisticated technologies to India, not only has Russia been supplier but has turned out to be a key in India’s quest to master various critical technologies. Russia was one of the nations which pitched for India after the Pokran tests. Russia declined to pay heed to the sanctions the western bloc imposed over India soon after the test was made public. 

   Russia was also instrumental in helping India evolve towards a nuclear state. The civil nuclear pacts have received importance right from the soviet era, Russia was the key In India’s quest to nuclear power plants. Most of the nuclear power plants operated by India are mainly because of Russian supplied nuclear reactors which have powered India’s dreams over the years by supplying uninterrupted power to the nation.

      During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Nixon administration fielded Task Force 74 headed by USS Enterprise off the Bay of Bengal as a show of power. With India’s limited naval reach it would have been impossible to even challenge this force, but it was Russia again to India’s rescue. Russia fielded its nuclear submarines in the Indian Ocean blocking any further US assistance to the Pakistani’s. 

   The Indian administration then realized the need for nuclear submarines which could enhance India’s operational reach to a great extend. Even though India started several black projects to fuel their need for a nuclear submarine it was realized only with Russia supplying India, its first nuclear fueled submarine the ‘INS Chakra’ way back in1988. Russia leased its K-43 a Charlie class submarine that served with Indian navy from 1988 to 1991. Displaying its trust in India, in 2011 Russia least yet another nuclear powered submarine to be operated by the Indian navy.  The Indian Navy started operating an advanced Akula class submarine which was cherished as INS Chakra.


The home grown Arihant class nuclear submarine project has gained wings with the first vessel under the program, INS Arihant entering its sea trial phase. Addressing a press meet the Chief of Naval Staff, R K Dhowan had claimed that the sea trials were going very well. It is believed India is contemplating to build three more follow on ships of the class. To counter its diminishing number of underwater force and with China flexing its muscles along the Indian Ocean, 

   India has been forced to look at acquiring more nuclear powered submarines. Indian government has now given its consent to acquire six SSN, these submarines will have to be manufactured in India by a state owned company or a private company under collaborations with a foreign company. Realizing the crippling underwater capabilities of the Indian navy, the new government has fast tracked the Project 75 and Project 75I. Six new Scorpene submarines will be inducted under the P 75 and will acquire six more under P 75I.

       With the demands increasing for the submarine force various Indian based private companies and ship yards have now shown keen interest in working towards building home developed submarines. Mazagon docks have teamed up with DCNS to provide Indian navy with advanced submarines. L&T has also shown keen interest in developing submarines in its ship yard in Tamil Nadu. The newest to join the list is Reliance which has offered to team up with Russian companies in order to provide highly advanced submarines. Reliance boosts of an 18% share in the nation’s biggest ship building yard Pipavav shipyard. 

     Reliance has three subsidiaries, Reliance Defence Systems, Reliance Defence Technologies and Reliance Defence & Aerospace which have varied interests in the Indian defence sector. With its eye on the 10 billion orders for manufacturing six nuclear powered submarines, Reliance is believed to be entering with a Russian shipyard. Russia will offer its technology expertise to manufacture these submarines in India by Reliance. Reliance is now believed to have already negotiated with the Russian defence ministry is expected to be waiting for entering with Joint Venture (JV) with an undisclosed Russian shipyard. Officials from Reliance are believed to have met with the Russian defence minister Sergey Shoigu in Moscow.


    Reliance may also pitch in for the production of stealth frigates under P 17A. The project is believed to be worth around US $ 4 billion. The Modi government has increased the FDI in defence sector to 49 %. With Reliance opting for Russian partnership can be a huge boost to grab the project. Indian navy currently operates Russian origin Kilo submarines. The ‘ Make in India’ will also be a boost for the Reliance formed JV. 

   If a private shipyard masters the process of building nuclear submarines, Indian navies demand along the western and eastern naval boards can be easily catered to.  It has to be seen of a newly formed Reliance JV will be awarded the deal of the battle proven L&T and experience rich Mazagon docks and DCNS. It is also crucial that the Indian navy acquires these submarines at a fastened rate. Public-Private partnership will surely help India build its diminishing submarine force.


Editor - Karthik Kakoor

Indian Navy in South China sea

Indian Navy in South China sea

    The Chinese almost managed to build a base in south china sea, with small air strips and anti aircraft guns, for self defense of the Artificial Island, at first the US Navy confronted the Chinese Navy and flew above the Island and inspected the Chinese Developments, the Chinese main objective is to gain control of the South China sea which is owned by Vietnam and Philippines under International Law, once they discovered the huge natural deposits, China shown interest in the South China Sea starts its game to  take the Area with his military Power,

          After the American aircraft the Philippines send it's coast guard, and tries to enter the South China sea, but unfortunately they never sailed near to the Artificial Islands, despite Chinese pressure, and the South Chinese Nations united and planned a Joint Naval drill near to the South China Sea, with the presence of US Navy, also Japan and Australia too planned for a Joint Naval drill in the SCS, to counterbalance Chinese influence in SCS.

        Recently Chinese Warned the Indians do not explore oil or do not try any other activities near to South China sea, which will create Problems, a Chinese official quoted, where ONGC almost started excavating oils deposits from SCS. the Chinese already many times warned the Indians about exploring oil reserves in SCS, But India didn't shows it's resistance, Once the Navy openly bombard the Chinese by saying Navy will ready to use it's powers to secure it's interests in SCS.

 

        The Indian Navy and Singapore Navy is in Singapore waters and conducting Joint annual Anti submarine warfare exercise named SIMBEX 2015, India sends it's ASW corvette INS Komarta and the Frigate INS Satpura, they almost completed the exercise and Now they heading to South China Sea,

          Another set of Indian Naval group consisting a Destroyer INS Ranvir accompanied by the fleet Tanker INS Shakti scheduled to travel some south Asian countries like Vietnam, Philippines and Australia, but with the latest incidents in South China sea, now Navy plans a drill near to south china but within the Philippines naval shores, the Two countries planned a quick naval drill to show off it's power,

            Earlier it's mentioned that some South Asian countries include India, and US , with Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and Australia   planned a Huge Naval drills near by the SCS, But so far the reports says currently almost all friendly ships nearby SCS, and They will soon start the Drills,

        Earlier two times the Indian Navy gets message from Chinese Navy, when operating within the friendly waters of Vietnam and Philippines, But India refused the Chinese warning and advanced to it's targets,

          The New development in the China sea, and Indians Quick decision almost take the Chinese into their  highest sense.

Pakistani Deterrence, Chinese Boats and Korean Missiles

Pakistani Deterrence, Chinese Boats and Korean Missiles

Chinese S 20 SSK

         Pakistan reaffirming its stand for a modernized naval force, has signed a deal with the Chinese for eight advanced diesel electric submarines equipped with AIP systems. The submarines will be built in a Chinese yard and will be delivered to Pakistan in the least possible time frame.

         Pakistan has stressed upon modernizing its aging and depleting naval force. Due to its limited defence outlay, Pakistan has reaffirmed its stand to modernize the underwater arm and to look at building naval vessels and has turned down reports of it acquiring an aircraft carrier. To a country which mainly depends on contribution and transfer of weaponry from USA to modernizing its force, this is an over stretch program in any means. America for well over a decade is trying with all its might to check the expansion the Chinese forces in the IOR and Pacific regions.

        With Pakistan aligning itself with the Chinese it has to be seen if America will really fund this ambitious project of Pakistan. China has been working with all its resources to lure the countries in the IOR to be part of it’s over ambitious “Pearl of String”. Pakistan has already drawn up plans with China to strength the mutual relationship they share, China has agreed to invest in developing Pakistan and has agreed to build roads to help connect Pakistan with central China which will help in developing the trade. The MOU signed for Chandar port  has strengthened the ties between the countries.

Is this a threat to the Indian Navy?

          Yes it is!! But it’s a threat India can handle and there is not many things India has to be concerned of. The P75 and P 75 I are slated to increase the Indian navy submarine warfare significantly. The under test Arihant and the other vessels of the class promise to provide India with a guaranteed Second strike capability and Indian navy is expected to get around four submarines of this class.  The submarines Pakistan will be opting for are conventionally powered subs and are basically hunter killer submarines and cannot perform deterrence patrol missions and come with their own set of drawbacks.


          These submarines can pose a serious threat to India’s CBG’s and forward operating vessels, but thanks to the superior Anti-submarine warfare measures the Indian navy is equipped with. The ASW has received importance, the commissioning of modern ASW vessels and the procurement of P8I long range surveillance aircrafts are a few measures the Navy has taken.

       The North Korean forces have successfully test fired a MRBM from an modified Diesel electric submarine, the exact platform used to test fire the missile is yet to be released, US had recently published images of modified North Korean submarines having two Silo's capable to launch large size ballistic missiles. But surprisingly the North Koreans fired a Russian made modified R 27 IRBM with more than 4000 kilometer operational range.





      This development has shocked the western bloc, while countries with access to advanced technologies are struggling to take minute steps in the field, North Korea has made a leap that could have needed years for the other countries. It’s debatable how the sanction imposed country could make such developments even as its citizens struggle for the basic amenities.  Chances of North Korea developing on its own are a very bleak possibility but at the same time outside help to the crippled nation is very much evident.

          Pakistan had initially floated tenders to acquire six submarines from the Chinese but over time the final numbers have increased to eight. China is believed to be offering the S-20 which is based on the Type-039A/Type-041 Yuan-class submarine and is believed to be developed for exports. The sub comes with VLS tubes for Launching YJ-2 (YJ-82) anti-ship missiles, arming the submarine with Pakistani missiles is possible, but most of the Pakistani Missiles have to be  redesigned to fit inside the submarine and the technology required is very demanding. Pakistan acquiring a second strike capability through these subs is very minimal and these submarines are not designed to be equipped with ballistic missile capabilities. The Koreans are known to have pacts with Pakistan and the international community strongly believes the involvement of the North Koreans in Pakistan nuclear program.

        The few questions which have plaques the minds of several countries will be answered soon once the Pakistani submarines surface and the questions of the Korean development will be shortly answered by the international community. It has to been seen if the Pakistani’s will ever with Koreans for they run their machines through the US treasury and involvement with the Koreans will surely bringing it to a grinding halt. 

Editor Karthik Kakoor

North Korean SLBM

Pakistani Agosta Boat

DPRK SLBM Test

Is India finding the perfect solution for countering the Chinese aggression

 Is India finding the perfect solution for countering the Chinese aggression.?

           The tensions are high in the South China Sea, China is in full expansion mode and has shown little change in its aggressive maneuver throughout South China Sea even after repeated heated escalations with America and Japan. Chinese forces have repeatedly intercepted American and Japanese aircrafts flying in the region and each side has cried of extremely risky manoeuvres being made and this escalation has threatened to set off an International incident. China has raised alarms in India’s power corridors over its heightened presence in the backyards of India. The ‘Pearl of String’ through which China is proactively gaining a strong foothold across IOR and South China Sea has raised eyebrows not only in India but as far as in America and threatens to set off the critical balance of power which for long has been maintained in the Asian region.

         Countering China is one of the foremost agendas for the nations sharing borders with it and seems countries have realized the ever growing China can’t be countered unless a mutual consent for the same is forged. America has now teamed up with Japan and Indonesia and is now looking forward have India in the fray. India is the sole nation with the ability to take on the Chinese. The smaller countries sharing borders with China have their own tales to be narrated to the International community. Vietnam, Myanmar, Loas and Nepal have faced the wrath of Chinese policies over time. The Tibetan issue has been a long standing problem for which Nepal has always been stretched by China.

          South China Sea which is part of the vast Pacific Ocean has been a long contested battleground where China, Vietnam and Philippines have fought for long to have a foothold of the resource rich waters. Philippines shares a warm relationship with USA and has had the mighty US Navy at its disposal if needed. At the other end Vietnam was left in unknown waters after its long civil war in which America has memories and US been reluctant to take up Vitenam’s stand. Vietnam is looking out to India to help save the wrath of China. India had shared a warm diplomatic relation with Vietnam and since India set its agenda to counter the Chinese onset, it picked up Vietnam’s cause.

         The military relationship between India and Vietnam date back to 1978, India was one of the very few nations which backed Vietnam in its war against Cambodia. A more coherent relationship was setup in 1992 and the nations agreed to setup co-operations for renewed economic ties, oil exploration projects , agriculture and manufacturing industries. India adopting the ‘Look East’ policy the defence ties between the countries received a major boost. Since then India has proactively supported Vietnam by supplying weaponry and has helped impart a higher degree of training for the Vietnam forces.

          It is time India looks at renewing its presence in the troubled waters. This has been echoed by US, Admiral Harry Harris, Commander Pacific Fleet,US Navy asked India to look out for the troubled waters and went to request India’s role in crisis in International waters. Increasing its presence in the South China Sea should be one of the main agenda’s Indian Navy has to be considering but a deployment would surely draw bitter reactions from across the border, after all the area is disputed. But what the Navy can be aiming at is to conduct “Joint naval exercises” with Vietnam which could be named as a friendly gesture, under which the Vietnamese would be imparted training in naval warfare. India’s role in the resurgent Asia has been notable but not really noticeable, India needs to mark its position across the continent and has to guarantee its allies its stand be it peace time or be it a troubled situation.

        India has responded to the calls by Vietnam, to boost its economy and have its share from the resource rich waters of the South China Sea Vietnam considered drilling the sea beds and exploring oil reserves. This would not only reduce its dependence other nations but would also guarantee a living for its citizens. Lacking the needed resource for the demanding project, Vietnam looked for India’s help for exploring oil. Answering Vietnam’s call, India put in charge ONGC, a PSU(Public Sector Undertaking) for helping Vietnam complete this ambitious project. ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) recently signed agreements with the Vietnamese government to setup off shore facilities which would enable the firm to explore oil blocks in the South Chinese Sea. Under the agreement Vietnam offered India two oil-exploration blocks which are located in disputed South China Sea waters, this has drawn a flank from Beijing. Wanting to make its presence felt China raised its concern through diplomatic channels and threatened any developments in the disputed waters would be delt with force.

          The chosen oil blocks are in the Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone of which the Spratly Islands is an integral part. The claim of Vietnamese over these islands has been recognised by the UN but Chinese differ to this and have named the Islands as Nanshu Islands. Vietnam recently purchased the advanced Kilo class submarines from Russia which have been armed with Klub cruise missiles which can be used to nullify land based threats. Vietnam had minimal knowledge of the Submarine operations, it was again towards India that Vietnam inclined. Responding positively for Vietnam’s request, India imparted training to Vietnam submariners and made them aware of the complicated methods involved in operating a submarine.

        When questioned about India’s stand towards China aggression, Indian Navy said India won't really hesitate to send its force to secure any Indian interests across the globe, be it the South China Sea or the Pacific Ocean but if India’s interests are in distress the Navy will react and it doesn’t matter to use the force.

       Strengthening Vietnam’s presence in the South China Sea is one of the priorities for the Indian government. India has now opened a $100 credit line to support Vietnam’s growth. India is now planning to supply Vietnam with modern naval platforms using the credit line. Arming the Vietnamese will serve India in unique way. One for India gains a reliable partner to counter China, two to guard it’s off shore facilities which it is likely to set up with the Vietnamese. The BrahMos missile has been one of the topic which is being linked to the plans. India has acknowledged its interest in arming Vietnam with the BrahMos and if chosen, Vietnam will be the first nation to receive the world’s fastest anti-shipping missile.

Article By Karthik Kakoor

US Think Tank, US must Arm Indian Navy

US Think Tank, US must Arm Indian Navy

Only available IAC 2 Vishaal Artistic representation Model

     Ashley J Tellis Released a research paper saying the US must Arm the Indian Navy to defeat the Chinese Navy in each and Every aspects, Since it's a Threat to Indian Ocean region both Indian and American interests, Tellis was worked as a US state Advisor, member of Indian Civil Nuclear Disunion bench, senior adviser to US Ambassador to India.

    It's been a discussion between Indian and US government that supplying US's most advanced EMAL aircraft launching system to Indian Navy, since discussion going through Navy freeze the designing works of Indian Nuke powered Carrier IAC 2.

      Ashley addressed many times to the US congress about the Chinese advancement in Indian Ocean, which will be controlled only by arming the Indians without any delays,

      He also urged the US government that they should speed up the negotiations to supply the EMAL systems to the Indian Navy, not only but US should support the Indian Naval shipbuilders to design the IAC 2, he also says that US should not hesitate to supply the modern carrier borne AEW system the E2 D Hawk, and the Fifth Gen CATOBAR capable F 35 C. which allows the Indian Navy to secure and get upper edge to rival's air wing.

      He also pressed the US congress to assign a partnership between Indian and American SEA commands to work jointly for securing the Indian Ocean and controlling the Chinese deterrence  patrol in IOR, also urged to help Indian navy to design the Nuclear reactor which is going to be placed in the carrier. and US industry should assist Indian Ship builders to construct Bigger ships in Indian docks.

         The US assistance to the Indian Navy should send a strong Signal to the PLAN and Chinese Government. he also urged US congress to step in Indian defense sector how Israel and Russia acting Indian interests.

           The same above was reflected to US Senator John McCain briefed by the carniage in sep last year, reflects the Obama's trip to India this year and both agreed to jointly work on the aircraft Carrier Technology Sharing and Design. The New government in India understand the importance of the Indian Ocean and arising threats of Chinese activities around IOR. that's the move was pulled by the New Modi government by Visiting and Hosting the US.

         Indian Navy operating Carrier for more than half a century and used in almost all war battled by India. but never engaged in a bigger Naval battle, thus Pakistani Navy is too small and Indians CG alone take care of them, The Indian Navy building it's fleet to Fight against the Chinese Naval fleet, as Americans Helps the Japanese and South Korean Navy's to Compete against the Chinese Navy, It's time to Build the Indian Navy fully optimized to Fight against entire Chinese Navy.

       Tellis also mentioned the Modi's initiative plans of setting up coastal reconnaissance Radars across IOR and also refurbish Ancient Indian Relationship with Countries like Mauritius and Seychelles. there is no doubt that irked the Chinese so much.    

         The Submarines operated by the Chinese Navy is also worse the Indian Navy's operational capabilities, many times Indians managed to identify the Chinese vessels closely patrolling near to Indian waters. but if they comes with Aircraft carriers the vision is totally different. which is a model of gun boat diplomacy,

         But India's favorable land based Air strips in Andaman gives upper edge to the Indian Navy also, a quick target for Chinese too. since it can't be mobilized.

          The Author and the Veteran Think tank  not only mentioned the Naval architect but briefed  Indian Fighting capabilities against China and the American role in Indian Defence too, you can download the research paper in below link 

Making Waves

 

the Advanced E 2D AEW

US marines V 22

EMAL system