US plans third patrol near disputed South China Sea islands

US plans third patrol near disputed South China Sea islands

The U.S. Navy plans to conduct another passage near disputed islands in the South China Sea in early April, a source familiar with the plan said on Friday, the third in a series of challenges that have drawn sharps rebukes from China.

Other U.S. officials, speaking after Reuters reported the plan, disputed that such an exercise was imminent. But they made clear Washington will continue to challenge what it considers Beijing's unfounded maritime claims.

The United States has conducted what it calls "freedom of navigation" exercises in recent months, sailing near disputed islands to underscore its right to navigate the seas. U.S. Navy officials have said they plan to conduct more and increasingly complex exercises in the future.

"Our long-standing position is unchanged - we do not take a position on competing sovereignty claims to naturally formed land features in the South China Sea," a senior Obama administration official said on Saturday.

"We routinely conduct such operations throughout the world to challenge maritime claims that would unlawfully restrict rights and freedoms provided in international law. This applies to the South China Sea as well," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The USS Stennis carrier strike group is currently operating in the South China Sea. The next freedom of navigation exercise is unlikely to be conducted by a carrier like the Stennis, but rather by a smaller ship, the source said.

Experts predict the next U.S. challenge to the various claims in the South China Sea could occur near Mischief Reef, a feature claimed by the Philippines and which was submerged at high tide before China began a dredging project to turn it into an island in 2014.

Mischief Reef is now the site of one of three military-length airfields China has built on man-made islands in the Spratly Islands archipelago.

U.S. Navy ships regularly patrol the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of world trade travels every year. China claims most of the area, and Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims.

In recent months, with tensions rising around China's reclamation activities, U.S. ships have been frequently and routinely shadowed by Chinese ships and regular communications with Chinese vessels have often been tense.

News of the planned exercise came a day after U.S. President Barack Obama met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a nuclear summit in Washington.

During the meetings, Xi told Obama that China would not accept any behavior in the disguise of freedom of navigation that violates its sovereignty, in a clear warning to the United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told Reuters on Saturday that China opposed any such exercise.

"China consistently respects and supports the freedom of navigation and fly over that all countries' enjoy in the South China Sea under international law, but resolutely opposes any country using so-called 'freedom of navigation' as an excuse to damage China's sovereignty, security and maritime rights," Hong said.

- Reuters

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  

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

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

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