Parrikar hints to invest huge amount in S 400 SAM

Parrikar hints to invest huge amount in S 400 SAM

   Defense minister Parrikar said in an interview with economic times, to save money we are planned to cut the medium range SAM procurement to buy more units of S 400 long range surface to air missile system. He also said deploying the S 400 close to Pakistani border will force the PAF to operate fighter jets from Afghan, saying with slight overconfidence.

Parrikar says this move will save more than $7 billion which are slated to spend for lower range surface to air missile systems. that he failed to study the operational differences between long range and medium range systems. Since air defense networks coupled in a layered manner who interconnected with civil and military surveillance radars.

Russia connects the FGFA contract with S 400, which makes some serious troubles in the IAF, who already invested funds in the Indo-Israeli joint project Barak 8. The missile is lesser in range, however, increased performance compared to the Russian S 400 system. IAF freezes the FGFA contract and the S 400 contract due to some issues in the PAK FA's performance.

The layered defense comes with, AAA batteries, such as 23mm and L 70 anti-aircraft artillery's, Quick reaction short range missiles like SpyDer, medium range SAM missiles like Akash, at last, the Barak 8 long range SAM, with additional deployment of homemade AAD, PDV for ballistic missile defense.

The above is layered defense system proposed by both air force and the army, who already operates the above-mentioned systems, except the Braak 8 and the BMD system. The Russian offer of S 400 increases the layer number and also expand the layer's cover zone from initial 80 kilometers into whooping 350 kilometers.

What defense minister saying is, removing few short, medium, long range missiles can save more money when they get covered by the bigger S 400 batteries. failing to understand the tactics used by fighter jets such as low flying, using decoy's, ECCM suites, jamming and more. Long range batteries can be spotted easily by the satellites because of its size, Since both S 400 and Barak 8 is highly mobile, they survive from such precision strikes by cruise missiles.

The defense minister failed to understand the another Russian tactics, using Indian money in every defense projects, Brahmos is absolutely a better platform, however, the clones of P 800 are widely used by other navy's. Even so, Brahmos meant to be 50-50 joint venture, Still India imports 65% of its components from Russia, The reason why production cost of Brahmos is very high and the reason behind the very low number of Brahmos stocks in arsenals.

What Russia planning is the same, By forcing the Indians keep on the S 400 and sacrifice Indigenous efforts to build such long-range missiles, where most of the S 400 equipment's could be outsourced, and it's very rare option of transfer of technology and making S 400 in India with more than 50% of sub-components.

Another question is the slow death of desi ballistic missile defense program, India has a good project for BMD mission, who comes in PDV, AAD in the first phase who is in the final phase of testing now, and AD 1 and AD 2 as the second phase for very long range protection. the BMD scheduled to be deployed before 2014, However the program slowly moving away from the revised timeline.

There is no idea what stopping the DRDO to deploy the BMD system. The 8th successful test of BMD conducted in November last year, deploying the S 400 will surely kill or slower down the desi BMD program. earlier some reports suggested that India went to Russia for the S 400 because of the seeker issues in the BMD missiles.




Reports circulated in the media, that defense minister said, deploying an S 400 launcher unit close to the border will force the Pakistani air force to ground all the fighter's or to be operated from Afghan only. It's clear the Range of S 400 may cover entire Pakistan, Question is can the S 400 take down every military airborne target flying in Pakistan If S 400 deployed close to the border.

Defense minister must acknowledge that China will deploy those S 400 close to Lhasa and in Tibet, which covers northern and eastern India, which includes capital New Delhi. the question repeats, can the Chinese S 400 stops the IAF jets operating from New Delhi and Arunachal.

On the other side, Indo-Israeli joint project Barak 8 almost ready to be operational, and both of them currently working on the land based Barak 8 launchers, even before the pre-production 40% of the Barak 8 components are from India, the % of Indian sub-components will increase in coming years. who decreases the acquisition costs gradually.

As of now all plans are in talks, same like the previous government, This deal to take the time to materialize.

Jackpot for Reliance, Key defense deals Signed with Russia

Jackpot for Reliance, Key defense deals Signed with Russia

    The Recent Indo Russian meet could be a very successful for Reliance, who signed number of memorandum's with Russian defense giants which include Russian shipbuilder cooperation USC and it's export Agent Rosboronexport, Reliance also signed another mega deal with Russian air defense missile maker Almaz Antey who produces the small Tor missile systems to the long range S 400 missiles. The total contract agreement could reach more than some $10 billions. Which is one of the biggest military deal signed with Private company.

     The new Indian government's agenda is produce almost every Military hardware's in India with foreign co operation. The major aspect is bringing private firms in defense sector to produce those hardware's then buy from local vendor. Many of the Indian Private companies like Reliance, TATA and L&T signed many contracts with number of foreign companies. Some of them move with western military industry. Where Reliance keep with Russians as bigger market with less margin.

     The recent PM visit to Russia accompanied by many Reliance officials. Reliance in negotiations with many Russian companies since last one year. The private companies won't waste time unlike government, One year of hard work gives better results to Reliance. It's reported many times here in the blog that Reliance officials camped in Russia to talk with Russian shipbuilders to build warships and maintaining older warships in Russian shipyard.

  

  First deal signed with the Russian shipbuilder United Shipbuilding Cooperation, The USC has entirely controlled by the Russian government, Having three major ship building and maintenance centers in Russia. Most of the Russian warships and Submarines are built in those shipyards only, Another contract signed with Rosboronexport for exporting and maintaining contract of Russian built warships.

     The estimated deal value of the above contract is more than billions of dollars. Reliance look to gain profit of some $10 billions within next fifteen years. The actual contract period is fifteen years. The signed contract is about to be

1. Modernizing all Russian Built Indian Navy ships under Reliance facility

2. Refitment of  all Russian Built Indian Navy ships under Reliance facility

3. Building more Talwar class frigates

4. Building Landing Platfrom Docks for Indian Navy

5. Construction of Missile Boats and Shallow water ASW Craft

     Reliance confirms the first two works should be carried out in Reliance shipyard only, For the others Reliance will compete with Indian PSU's. Reliance bought Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat. The Reliance maritime missions spearheaded by Ex Indian Navy vice admiral H.S Malhi.

     Reliance gets another good contract with the Russian air defense missile company Almaz Antey. who is also a Russian state owned company. Most of the Russian air defense systems are built by Almaz Antey only. S 125, S 300 and S 400 are good examples for that. The Russian government agreed with the Almaz Antey and the Reliance defense to build missile defense systems Radars and modernize existing systems in India. The contract further allows the Reliance factory's to build and sell those systems to Indian Military and foreign countries.

    The deal mainly focus the need of Indian Military's modernization of existing missile defense batteries. The recent DAC meet confirmed the proposal of Air force's modernization of S 125 systems with new electronics. The work could be carried out by Reliance defense only. since they get the contract from Almaz Antey to upgrade works.

Tor M1 Air defense system

     Almaz Antey also confirmed Reliance's option of building Tor M 1 systems in India. Tor M1 is known as one of the best known stand alone air defense system. The Indian Army has a requirement of  QRSAM which will replace the older sterla system. The Tor M1 Production option gives good opportunity to Reliance. If Reliance secures the Army contract.

In future if India signs the S 400 deal, Reliance will built those S 400 systems to Indian Air force.

Air chief Raha warns, China cornering us

Air chief Raha warns, China cornering us

Chinese Su 27 Flankers

   Indian Air force chief attends the annual seminar conducted by center for Air power studies. The seminar is about to discuss Chinese air activity close to Indian air space. Air chief Raha concerned about Chinese increased activities in Tibet autonomous region which was allegedly annexed by China earlier. China tries to focus all available sides to corner India. The Chinese influence in Pakistan and Chinese military tie up with Sri Lanka  is all some small examples.

   Earlier October, Raha said that IAF watching Chinese fighter jets increased presence in the TAR region. IAF also noted Chinese military build up and increased activities of building new military infrastructure in that area's. China has a large military air base close to Daocheng Yading, where they can field most of their fighter jets and missile defense systems.

    Air Force Cheif also expressed concern of fielding long range air defense missile in TAR, which makes IAF fighter's facing huge risk when conducting combat air patrol missions. China is the first customer of Russian S 400 missiles. China plans to field regiments of S 400 close to Taiwan, Hainan and Tibet to counter Chinese rival enemies like Taiwan, USA and India.

    Fielding one S 400 missile battery in TAR makes huge risk of IAF pilots who fly combat missions close to Chinese borders. China will deploy their S 400 Batteries close to above said regions by early next year. IAF chief talks about the latest threats in that region, and also said that, Earlier IAF has a threat of HQ 9 batteries which is a clone of Russian S 300 missile same like S 400. IAF has several options to counter those batteries using kamikaze UAV's and combat drones.

Chinese H 6 Bomber Missile Carrier

   Chief also Talks about Chinese maritime patrol missions very close to Indian waters, IAF Chief surprised about Chinese nuclear boats close to Indian waters in the name of anti piracy mission, with a strange logic. Chinese Naval presence close to Andaman Nicobar command is a way very concern. ANC is vulnerable to enemy attacks due to lack of war ships and air defense assets.

    Air marshal also talked about Indian advancement in Arunachal Pradesh, where China attacks first in case of war erupted between India and China, Building new infrastructure and modernizing older landing grounds and air strips gives quick support to IAF to conduct offensive and defensive operation within and outside Indian air space.

    Raha clearly mentions the need of alliance between AESAN nations to stand against Chinese alleged  claims of disputed territories. From Akshai shin to Tawang China repeatedly violating the borders  and sending Chinese patrol's inside Indian lands. India tries to fortify the Borders by constructing more numbers of Border outposts and deploying more soldiers. Recent stand off shows India has slight upper edge compared to the Chinese.

   Air Chief Raha also briefed about Chinese assistance of constructing Gawdar port in Pakistan. Which gives an upper edge to China to monitor Indian activities in western waters. India also concerns about Chinese assistance of Pakistani construction of economic corridor which connect Pakistan and Pakistani occupied Kashmir. 

    When talking about Pakistan, The Pakistani government and army allegedly support the anti Indian elements operating close to Indian borders. Pakistan continuously supporting those anti Indian elements who focus killing Indian civilians, Stopping those activities only increases the Indo Pakistani relations said Arup Raha.

   Raha also answered questions about IAF's involvements in anti Naxal operations. Raha said So far more than fifteen thousand sorties flown by IAF's both fixed and rotary wings, which transported more than 75,000 para military personnel's and 1600 tons of load.

India plans to buy S 400 Triumf SAM system

India plans to buy S 400 Triumf SAM system

    Sources close to defense ministry confirms, Defense minister Parrikar approves Indian air forces proposal of buying two squadron of S 400 missiles systems directly from Russia as government to government deal. due to the delay in Indian BMD program and delay in extended range Barak missile deployment. IAF asks the Defense ministry to purchase two squadron of S 400 systems each consists of eight launchers and associated systems. the defense ministry plans to clear the proposal in the upcoming DAC meet.

    S 400 is considered one of the best missile defense system, which having multiple type of missiles for engaging different types of flying targets, like Ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and fighter jets. S 400 is the upgraded version of  wider known S 300 PMU systems. as India once rejected to buy from Russia in favor of developing India's own missile defense systems. S 400 is a stand alone long range missile defense systems. can launch multiple missiles simultaneously to engage multiple targets at same time.

    The Indian air forces operates some older SA 3 Goa systems, which is much older. and IAF plans to induct new generation long range missiles. they selected the Indo Israeli joint product the Barak 8 anti missile defense systems. IAF also operates good numbers of short range Akash missiles and plans to induct more in coming days. almost all air forces works under a set of air defense systems, which incorporates surveillance radar's, Fighter jets, Missile defense systems and AAA batteries. as IAF currently in full swing of modernization. as first step they working on to upgrade entire air bases and surveillance systems under one umbrella. the project almost in finishing condition.

    The S 400 is one of the best systems ever developed, comes with three Radar's and multiple launchers, which can cover almost 400 kilometers of air space, one S 400 system close to Rajasthan can cover half Pakistan, China already signed a contract to purchase more than six regiments of S 400 missiles systems, which give Chinese air force an upper edge to control entire Taiwanese air space and much of the Eastern India, even a Battery close to Indian borders can cover entire New Delhi too making IAF jets operates under hostile threat. China and Russia signed the deal in early 2012, and It's believed China  get those missile defense systems in coming years.

    IAF's order is very small compared to China. Just a two squadrons, comes with eight missile launching units. deploying the missile batteries in central India can cover New Delhi and Mumbai. each squadron comes with Missile launchers, Radar systems, command posts and missile reloading vehicle. Russia already deploys those S 400 missiles close to Japan and Baltic states, which secure Russian mainland from enemy infiltration.  

    The S 400 comes with two Radars, which scan targets more than 400 kilometers. the grave stone is the known long range air surveillance radar, used to scan the air space and identifies the hostile threats. the radar comes with IFF- Identification of friend and foe System, allows safe operation inside friendly airspace. the high powerful radar can guide more than 60 missiles to different targets at same time. this radar mainly used for detecting and engaging fighter jets and cruise missiles.

Grave stone and Big Bird

   Another one is the Big Bird Radar, which is used to detect missiles at long range and high altitudes, basically used to detect Ballistic missiles. the S 400 has the unique capability of engaging tactical and short range ballistic missiles. both radars comes with anti jamming capability. so it's hard to jam the Radar's using electronic warfare systems. those Radars lock enemy targets within two minutes, and allows to launch interceptor missiles within seconds. the system comes with optional radars like low band surveillance systems to detect low flying objects in close ranges.

   The S 400 missile launchers comes with three types of missiles, each comes with different characteristics to  engage different type of targets, one version is used for ballistic missile interception, who comes with semi active radar homing, to lock the target before engaging, means the S 400 radar guides the missiles as well as the missiles onboard radar too guide the missile in terminal phase. thus allows high probability of interception Ballistic missiles.

Long Range and highly maneuverable medium range missile

    Another is the Long range Hyper sonic missiles, used to intercept Fighter jets and Cruise missile. the missile travels at hypersonic speed, means 6000 kilometer per hour. at the range of some 250 kilometers, even if the Radar tracks targets at the range of 400 kilometers, the S 400 can launch interceptor missiles when it comes close to 250 kilometers. the Russian S 400 has a missile which can target fighters at some 400 kilometers. however due to MCTR rules, the missile not available for export. 

    There is one more missile in the S 400 battery, which is used to intercept low flying highly maneuvering targets like cruise missiles and mirv'ed warheads from Ballistic missiles. compared to other missiles, this missiles range could be less some 120 kilometers. however this is one of the best missile which destroy almost all kind of flying targets.  

    Over all it's not the missiles, It's the Radars who makes the S 400 is much deadlier than other systems. even if the Indian government signed the contract by this years PM visit. Russia may deliver it only after 2018 or later. due to the economic crisis it's clear that anyone having money can buy those S 400 systems. as countries like Saudi, Turkey, Vietnam already in negotiations to buy S 400 SAM system. 

Countering Chinese S 400

Countering Chinese S 400

      It's been confirmed that Russia deliver first batch of S 400 Advanced Air Defense systems to China, the First batch comes with a Single Battalion, while China ordered Eight battalions to protect it's Territory from any Airborne Targets, A single battalion of S 400 comes with  set of 8 Missile  lunchers, a command and control post, Resupply vehicle, and a Powerful Radar and Fire control System. 

   Unlike other modern Missile systems like American PAC 3 and Indo Israeli Barak NG, the S 400 remains most powerful long range Air defense missile, it's hard to penetrate through any kind of modern anti radiation missile system, while China plans to field it's first  S 400 Battalions near Taiwan makes entire Taiwan comes under Chinese S 400 umbrella.

         The Powerful S 400 bird acquisition Radar named 92N6 can capable of detecting any flying objects at the radius of some 400 kilometers, which cover almost entire Taiwanese Air space, from Chinese mainland. it's believed that the new Radar can capable to withstand powerful jamming too, also one can't jam the Radar from Standoff distance, the source of the jammer should be near to the Radar to make the Jamming makes problems in the Radar.

      The Israeli's the only one who flown successfully above the S 300 system and it's Bird acquisition radar, even from their experience it's bit difficult to manage jamming the S 300 Radar, but the new Radar comes with S 400 even more powerful than the older system, So there is no option to defeat the Chinese Air defense umbrella , it's the Threat to Taiwan now, but sure the threat expanded to New Delhi in coming years,  means China eventually field more systems, the Eight Battalions of S 400 gives good coverage from their Enemy's air asserts.

      The Deployment planned as each for, Taiwan, Senaku Diayou, Sparatly Parcel, South China sea, Tibetan AR, another for Protect their mainland.

        The Taiwan Already stocking bunch of Anti Radiation missiles, but they need to approach the S 400 systems. also it's hard to find the Radar posts in the Battalion, like some eight launchers positioned some 10 mile Radius and Radar and command post inside the heart of the circle, so first It's hard to find the Radar.

     Second, Even if you managed to fly very low without detected, The S 400 contingent comes with three different  missile sets, first one Specially for ABM, it can't engage other air borne targets mainly one of two launchers comes with Such missiles, another set comes with Long Range interception, can intercept any kind of flying object within 200km Range, that means which can kill even smaller Loitering UAV's to Heavy Stealth Bombers, since that uses semi active radar Homing. it can kill almost all flying wings, one should remember China has good numbers of land based CIWS. to protect high value threats from enemy attacks.

       Interestingly, the S 400 systems Radar can track the Stealth Objects such as American high end B 2 Bomber and F 22 Fighter, once the missile gets command and inputs from radar, missile itself goes and kill the Target, also known as fire and forget mode, but its hard to the missile can find the Stealth targets such as F 22 and B 2, meaning  the same semi active radar guided missile easily jammable by most American systems, like E 2 D and other AEWCS planes, even the F 18 G growler can jam the missile, with the stealth and high ECM Characteristics it's difficult to get target lock because those missile uses Radar homing for Target lock.

      Without proper AEWCS support, the Chinese can't achieve the Kill, so the system is same like the other , another set in the battalion comes with even smaller  range missile variant, which also perform same characteristics but even more powerful for engage low flying objects, this missile uses Active Radar Homing, which can be counter-able.

       So the Chinese S 400 good for ABM only, but only good Pilots with supported Fighters and Planes can defeat such high end Radar system, like only Americans have such good systems to defeat the Chinese S 400.

        If the same battalion fielded into Tibet or near to Indian borders, It's clear we don't have the option to kill the S 400, we don't have enough number of dedicated Jamming Fighters, No Stealth Fighters, no good ARM missiles, so India need a Decade to makes it's muscle stronger to defeat the S 400. while China gets all it's S 400 before 2018.  

The Monster Agni 6

The Guardian Agni 6 

Artistic representation of Agni 6 with MIRV warheads

         An ambitious project of the DRDO is ready to take wings and with it the deterrence factor of India will reach new heights. With the country's sphere of influence growing the then Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik pitched for a delivery system that could break the ‘regional context’ and thus began DRDO’s conquest for the Agni 6 program.   

      A potent weapon system is about to be developed by the DRDO which will deliver a death blow to the enemies thousands of kilometres away. DRDO is heading full steam ahead with the Agni program and the reliable delivery system will this time be witnessing some breakthrough advancements which will result in Agni 6 with a speculated range of 10,000 kilometres. 

     The Agni 6 will feature MIRV warheads, which is a first for the Indian forces. At the press of a button the destruction of the enemy is guaranteed for the missile carries a 3 tonne nuclear warhead which if denoted will annihilate the enemy and drive them back to Stone Age. With the MIRV’s the warheads can easily out manoeuvre the enemy BMD systems and equipped with chaff systems and ECM systems the interception of the missile will be extremely unlikely.  

         The success of Agni 5 paved the way for Agni 6 and DRDO is believed to have constituted the program from late 2009, for a ICBM providing ranges of 10000+ km. Mounted with six MIRV warheads, each capable of acquiring different targets, the missile can deliver either a conventional warhead or biological or nuclear warheads with pin point accuracy to the designated target.

       The missile will have a range of more than 10,000 kilometres and with this most of North America will come under the missile strike range. The missile will be an exo-atmospheric system and will make most of its flight in the space helping it to attain the required long range strike.  

          Agni6 completes most its flight in sub orbital trajectory which will help achieve the missile speed up to 6 kilometres per second. The Agni 6 is a three staged ballistic missile and will most probably be a solid propellant powered system. The first and the second stage will contain only the propulsion motors, the final and last stage will launch up to 10 MIRV and also decoy warheads. Agni 6 can carry warheads up to 3 tonnes and with the MIRV’s the missile system is surely a nightmare to the enemy.   

       A single missile can deliver enough fire power to the enemy territory to annihilate the country for years. The ABM shields will be a hindrance to the delivery system, China armed with the most advanced Russian developed S400 systems can counter this threat but with ten MIRV and decoy warheads hurtling the success rate of the S400 will reduce to a great extent and with repeated strikes the purpose will be served.

       Initially the existence of the Agni 6 program was never confirmed by DRDO nor had they declined the repeated reports circulating in the Media. But an expected breakthrough announcement came in May 2011 with the promotion of Shri Avinash Chander. A DRDO newsletter released read.

Chief Controller R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems)

“ Shri Avinash Chander, Distinguished Scientist, Programme Director, SFD and Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory has been appointed as Chief Controller R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems) wef 3 May 2011. He is an eminent scientist in the field of Missiles and is the Chief Designer of Long-range missile system, with specific contribution in Agni programme management, mission design, guidance, navigation, simulation and terminal guidance. He has unique achievement of delivering and deploying three long-range Agni missile weapon systems viz, A1, A2 and A3.





Presently, he is leading three major system developments; A2p, a technologically challenging state-of-the-art system; a 5,000 km canister-launched A5 system; and a 6000 km A6 system with multiple warheads (MIRV) capable of launching both from the ground and underwater. “

       Thus the Agni 6 program was confirmed and the any strategic developments before materializing has to be put up before the government and only after the consent of the CCS will the project progress forward.

     But some recent reports mentioned that India already started the Agni 6 works and already completed the design works and waiting for Govt authorization to start the Project, since DRDO needs govt authorization to materialize any Strategic developments.

          India being a volunteer for no first strike policy any missiles homed in silos and mobile launchers are always vulnerable and an attack by the adversary may disable these missiles. But serving the real purpose of a second strike is the SLBM’s or simply the submarine launched ballistic missiles. Miniaturized missile systems will be fitted on the follow on Arihant SSBN’s and with these submarines submerged and floating silently thousands of kilometres away will surely work as the best platform for second strike scenario. The SLBM’s will also counter the submarine and aircraft carrier threats posed by the Chinese and can fire at the target with pin point accuracy.

          The Agni 6 may very well be developed into a ASAT missile, which is designed to neutralize enemy satellites which circle the orbits designated around a country and can hamper the operations of our forces. The use of any space oriented weapons has been banned by the International community. America, China, Russia and French are believed to posses ASAT missiles and America is the only country to have actually tested an ASAT.

          India strictly follows a “No first use policy” for nuclear weapons and will only retaliate if attacked and will annihilate the adversary”. The Agni 6 missiles are bound to take India to an exclusive club of nations which operate ICBM’s with 10000 kms. India will join America, Russia, France, UK and China.  

 Editor Karthik Kakoor

Infograph of Agni 6

MIRVed ICBM Launching method

A thermonuclear Warhead