DRDO Plans maritime mission onboard C 295

DRDO Plans maritime mission onboard C 295

State firm DRDO plans to modify the C 295 military transport aircraft into a multi mission maritime aircraft to meet the requirement of Navy and Coast guards medium maritime patrol aircraft. The Navy plans to add new generation maritime patrol aircraft to boost the surveillance capabilities in Indian EEZ replacing the older Il 38 SD.

DRDO plans to integrate the existing maritime surveillance radar onboard the upcoming  C 295 Aircraft. Which TATA gets license from Air Bus to produce them in India. DRDO already successfully integrated the Airborne AESA radar onboard the Brazilian Embraer. Which is going to be inducted into the air force before the end of this year.

Navy already floated an RFI which focusing medium range patrol aircraft, where Lockheed's SC 130 and Swedish Swordfish responded. However state firm DRDO offers the state of art home made maritime surveillance radar. whose ground version already operational in various naval stations across India and friendly nations.

DRDO facilitates the C 295 MMMA into many roles, MMMA stands for Multi mission maritime aircraft. Which can perform

• Maritime and pollution surveillance
• Search and Rescue
• Cargo and Personnel transportation and
• Air Ambulance

The primary maritime surveillance can be achieved with the state of art airborne maritime radar, which can work along with the integrated coastal surveillance system for better surveillance and real time data transmission with friendly units. The Radar can perform search and track mission, who keep an eye on the targeted vessel. Also Classifies it's model and operator, identifying whether it's friendly or hostile, and provide communication support to friendlies in network denied zones.

With the support of satcom link, the C 295 can communicate with the base operating center and receive real time information from either base or friendly ships. The SATCOM link connected with existing navy's communication satellite INSAT.

Not only for Navy, Coast guard also keen to procure modern maritime patrol aircraft. with the same above capability. However it's highly unlikely Coast guard may receive the C 295 based MMMA. while Navy's primary requirement include underwater detection system for anti submarine warfare, which the C 295 MMMA can't.

As per Indian orders, Air force plans to induct more than 56 C 295. where initial 18 comes directly from Air bus plant, while all future numbers will be produced in India under TATA's plant. Air force already planning to induct a gunship version to provide close air support to the ground troops by adding 30mm cannon and missile launching racks.

C 295 recently spotted in HAL air port Bangalore. Suggesting that DRDO and HAL team exploring the options to build modified C 295 to suits Air force and Coast Guard requirements.  

There is a Maritime patrol aircraft available in the market based on the C 295,Navy's like Chile and Portugal already operating them. and it does have anti submarine capabilities too. The maritime variant of C 295 aka Persuader also had four outer hard points to launch anti shipping missiles.

Caesar front running for Army's Truck mounted Artillery

Caesar front running for Army's Truck mounted Artillery

Indian army had a requirement of more than hundred's of truck mounted 155mm 52 cal artillery's for it's strike corps and new mountain strike corps. Under the artillery project, Army looks to induct range of artillery systems, like towed, self propelled and now this truck mounted. Like other procurement's, this truck mounted artillery too comes under make in India program.

For this project vendors from all over the world requested to provide information about the respected system to Indian army evaluation team. The French teamed with Ashok Leyland and L&T offered the Caesar System, South Africa teamed with TATA offered Denel, Serbia teamed with OFB and BMEL offered the Nora system. While BAE Archer never made any attempts. which is the known better system in truck mounted artillery.

As the performance wise Ashok Leyland and Nexter made Caesar is front running to seal the deal. Caesar is the known battle proven artillery system operated by French, Saudi and some other nations. It's a 155mm 52 Cal heavy artillery system, used to suppress the enemy firing ranges. Caesar had an automatic reloading system can holds 18 ready to fire rounds. with the firing range of upto 50km using rocket assisted projectiles or some 40 kilometers with normal shells.

The Caesar is light weight, can comes with the either 8x8 or 6x6 wheels, can also easily air lifted by the existing IAF's C 130 air lifters. The entire system, that is Truck and gun weights around some 18 tons only for 6x6 and weights around 30 tons for 8x8. The Caesar is already operationally deployed by many nations include Thailand who claimed two Cambodian BM 21's.

Caesar is one of the finest option for the Army, can be used with existing Ashok Leyland trucks. and in performance wise it's better who operationally deployed hot and cold weather conditions around the world. Can also launch guided projectiles for effective fire power. although all artillery's can fire guided rounds.

The other one who competing the deal is the South African Denel teaming with the TATA. who offering the Denel G6 for the Army's truck mounted artillery program.G 6 also a good competitor in terms of fire power and range. The G 6 is weights around 46 tons, due to it's large size and 6x6 wheel platform. Making hard stance for air transport.

G 6 can capable to strike targets upto 67 kilometers thanks to it's V LAP round. Normally it's effective firing range is upto 40 kilometers same like other system, along with auto re loader and other known modern systems like fire control and target acquisition.

G 6 can fire only 4 rounds per minute, which is low compared to it's competitors. 6-8 rounds is the known good figure for such systems. Since truck mounted artillery can perform shoot and scoot with the delay of 30 to 60 seconds. making hard to find the potion of the artillery using weapon locating radars.

G 6 already deployed by several Arab army's and the South African army. In India that gun placed in the TATA truck who unveiled the model in defense exhibition in last year.

The DPSU also teamed with the Serbians for the Truck mounted artillery project. State firms like OFB and BEML joins with Serbian state firm to produce the Nora B 52 in India. The artillery is already operational under the Bangladeshi ground forces.

Nora is also a comparable systems to other competitors, with better range fire power and integrated network systems. With better firing capability Nora can fire 6-10 rounds per minute. using normal and guided shells for effective fire power. The Nora also works with the Russian standard artillery ammunition's like Krasnopol guided shells.

The entire system weights around some 30 tons, fitted in a 8x8 platform. Nora already operational in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Kenya, Nora is a better system comes in handy price compared to others. In India Nora can be made by OFB and carried by BEML trucks.

BAE Archer is the one who is a better system compared to all the above, developed by the Swedish firm, Archer shares similar characteristic with existing Bofors and Dhanush artillery system. Archer is comes with Volvo truck. In case of Indian orders Volvo India can deliver those trucks. Despite heavy looking the Archer weights below 30 tons. with this weight Archer can be air lifted using A 400 and C 130 J.

Archer can carry 21 ready to fire shells, can be refilled with an minutes. Archer can fire and scoot within 30 seconds. Archer can fire more than 8 rounds per minute, can achieve the fire rate by using  both guided and normal shells. Archer is an best performing Truck mounted artillery. compared to others Archer costs more. Archer is already operational under Swedish, Norwegian and Croatian army's.

IA yet to conduct the field trials, however by looking the performance, as already said Ashok Leyland Caesar is the best one for Indian Army.

TATA ready for the FICV proposal to Indian Army

TATA ready for the FICV proposal to Indian Army

FICV is one of the flagship project of TATA, who works with major Indian private sector companies like MKU and Bharath forge. FICV is intended to developed to replace the older soviet era BMP 2 infantry vehicle from Indian Army service. The replacement programs start effective by 2025, as scheduled. TATA chooses General Dynamics as their partner to design and develop the FICV in India.

General Dynamics already teamed with British military for the Scout vehicle program under the name of Ajax, Whose displacement about 38 tons. Indian Army looks for a modern infantry fighting vehicle whose tonnage could be lesser than 20 tons, for air transport, amphibious capability and cross country mobilization.

The flagship project valued of some $10 billions, for research and development, prototype test and also for 2400 vehicles, which include ambulance variant, mobile command variant, equipment recovery variant, and the main troop carrier variant, each of the FICV costs around $4 million, which include additional support system, maintenance equipment and weapon systems.

The FICV comes with a remotely operated 30 mm cannon, sometimes Nexter 40 mm cannon too be used for larger fire power, along with a anti personnel 7.62mm HMG, and twin anti tank missile launchers. The FICV is manned by three member crew, a driver, commander and weapon systems officer, FICV can carry seven fully armed soldiers for rapid deployment inside the conflict zone.

Additional protection systems include, 360 degree view thermal imagery and vision systems, composite armour, which can able to withstand from large caliber bullets, and soft kill mechanism to spoof off the infrared guided missiles, smoke and other countermeasure systems.

It's believed the FICV will be powered by 800 horsepower powerful engine developed by TATA in one of it's factory in England, and the transmission system used in the engine is developed by US major Allison, who is world leader providing automatic transmission systems to gigantic power packs.

The FICV already running behind scheduled, as first announced in 2008, the replacement starts effective by 2017. however so far no real progress can be made regarding this process. Due to the delay in the program, Ministry plans to upgrade the existing OFB produced BMP 2K into BMP 2M for the cost of some $2 billions. which allows the BMP to serve upto 2035 or upto the replacement with FICV. OFB front running to seal the tender, however the $2 billion tender yet to be finalized,

The dilemma about the BMP 2K upgrade program can be found here, first the Ministry awards the OFB to upgrade the BMP 2, after raising issues by private industry and Indian Army ministry cancels the same in early January, The new tender also available which is yet to be finalized.

As of now, TATA led teams so active and almost close to submit their proposal and start the R&D and look for pre manufacture variants. other companies like OFB and Mahindra also planning to enter the FICV program, however there is no concrete reports found about their interest in the FICV program.

It's better Ministry can cancel the $2 billion worth of BMP 2 upgrade program and can transfer the same into FICV R&D to fast track the FICV development to meet the scheduled timeline of 2025. The decision upto the defense ministry only.

TATA delivered 300 ATV's to Indian Army

TATA delivered 300 ATV's to Indian Army 

Tata Motors has bagged an order to supply around 1,200 vehicles of its high-mobility 6X6 multi-axle trucks, from the Indian Army – the single largest order awarded to an Indian private original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in land systems under the DPP by the Indian army. The order for 6X6 vehicles is for ‘material handling cranes’ for the loading-unloading and transportation of ammunition pallets, spares and other operational equipment.

Developed indigenously, the Tata 6X6 high mobility all-terrain all-wheel drive vehicle has completed a total trial duration of 25 months, demonstrating maximum performance in the most demanding conditions. Designed to cope with extreme on or off-road loads, these vehicle have gone through trials like water-fording, on cross country terrains and plains and at Vehicle Research & Development Establishment’s (VRDE) torture track.

The Tata 6X6 is designed for easy operability. The vehicle is easy to maintain, due to accessibility to its aggregates. The vehicle is fitted with central tire inflation system (CTIS) for mobility in soft sand desert conditions. The CTIS allows the driver to adjust the tyre pressure from his seat. The system provides the vehicle with better traction on different types of surfaces, especially when carrying vital and heavy loads. The self-recovery winch assists in extraction of the vehicle (including other vehicles in the convoy) during operations. 

The vehicles cabin is modular with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and is fully-ready for up-armouring. High ground clearance enables better negotiation of gradients, sand dunes, off-road terrains, trenches with higher water and mud fording capabilities, whilst carrying designated military payloads. The vehicle is also capable of achieving sustained speeds of 40 kmph, on severe cross country terrains.

Vernon Noronha, vice president, Defence and Government Business, Tata Motors said, “We at Tata Motors are extremely proud to have bagged the single largest order, among Indian OEM’s from the Indian army, for the most technologically advanced high mobility load carrier system ever built here in India. The order is a validation of our strategy and growth potential, for our durable and extensive range of defence vehicles, designed and developed with our evolving customers, including that of security forces across the world. As leading suppliers of mobility solutions to the country’s security forces, we will shortly commence delivery of these high-mobility vehicles”.

The Tata Motors 6X6 high-mobility multi-axle vehicles can be customised for a wide range of applications such as:

• CGT (Common Gun Tower)
• MBRL (Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher)
• MFU (Missile Firing Unit)
• MSV (Missile Service Vehicle)
• FSV (Field Service Vehicle)
• SRSAM (Short Range Surface to Air Missile)
• QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile) vehicle
• LLQRM (Low Level Quick Reaction Missile) vehicle
• MRV (Medium Recovery Vehicle)

Tata Motors offers its defence customers with a wide range of vehicles, in the light, medium and heavy category, having created a focused division to design and develop defence technologies and products, at its manufacturing facilities in Jamshedpur and Pune. Tata Motors also has a dedicated service team and network for defence products, across the length and breadth of the country. 

Through Horizonext, Tata Motors four-pronged customer-focused strategy, we have adopted a customer centric approach in the design and development of our mobile defence land solutions, that are reliable, offer optimum usability, and are easily serviceable, with technology at the forefront.

For self-reliance in the area of combat vehicles and engineering, Tata Motors has laid emphasis on the development of combat vehicle technologies and systems, with the aim of empowering our defence forces, with breakthrough technologies. The idea is to ensure high mobility, fire power and protection to troops during military operations, with world-class armoured fighting vehicles. Hence Tata Motors is strategically moving from a logistics support provider, to a combat vehicle player.

In combat vehicles, Tata Motors has designed and developed indigenously, the wheeled armoured platform (WHAP), an Indian armoured personnel carrier, designed for optimized survivability, all terrain performance and increased lethality. Tata Motors has also developed a light armoured multi-role vehicle (LAMV), a reconnaissance vehicle, combining vital operational pre requisites of mobility, protection and firepower. Equipped with modern observation, surveillance and communication equipment, the vehicle will provide our armed forces with a technological edge necessary to achieve superiority on the battlefield.

From TATA 

Achievement of TATA in Indian Defense

Achievement of TATA in Indian Defense

    Tata advanced systems limited organized a seminar to express its activities in Indian defense with foreign collaboration. TATA was known as the best alternative to the state-owned Hindustan aeronautics limited, who is the prime supplier of Indian defense. TATA plans to overtake the HAL by involving multiple projects in future with the government's make in India plan.

TATA confirmed its partnership with global leaders in defense technology, which include US-based Lockheed Martin, Boeing, French aerospace giant Airbus and the British companies like Rolls-Royce and Cobham who also a world leader in aviation and defense related products. TATA confirmed that they were working for the above-mentioned companies and executing its projects in India.

TATA's ongoing projects like missile system development and integration, aerospace sector, homeland security systems, optronics systems, command and control systems, radars, and UAV. these are key area's that TATA currently focusing on developing in India.

In the aerospace sector, TATA is offering the C 295 tactical turboprop transporter for the air forces AVRO replacement program. Ministry shortlisted TATA to build and assemble the systems in India with the assistance from French Airbus. TATA is currently looking to get the approval from the govt to start the production.

TATA also gears up to build a facility to make AH 64 attack helicopters fuselage in India. TATA confirms construction of the new facility will commence within a month, and TATA plans to roll out the first AH 64 D fuselage in next 18 months.

TATA already joined with the Sikorsky to build the S 92 cabins in India. as of now TATA produced  nearly 117 Sikorsky S 92 cabins in Indian plant runs by TASL. TASL also delivered 38 tail assembly systems and 28 CWB's to Lockheed martin for the C 130 J Hercules aircraft.

TATA and the state-owned NAL already developed mission computers for the military aircraft and maritime systems. which could be supplied to foreign customers like Lockheed martin, Indian customers like, Airforce, Navy and research and development companies like ADA and DRDO.

TATA also confirmed that his presence in the Indo-Israeli made barak 8 SAM system, TATA's work in the project is the combat management computers/systems. TATA's CEO Sukran Singh said that TASL is the first Indian company who assembled a complete radar system.

In land based systems, TATA currently conducting trials for a 10x10 wheeled platform to carry the Smerch 300mm rocket launchers. TATA land systems also supplied 12x12 wheeled platform to carry the supersonic cruise missile Brahmos.

Mine protected vehicles developed by TATA can withstand up to 21 kg of TNT blast. the MPV can carry 14 fully armed soldiers. which is already operated by Indian Army, told TATA official in the seminar.

TATA also said about the IFV Kestral developed with the assistance from DRDO. who is currently testing it one of the DRDO facilities. they also planned to showcase the actual system in the upcoming DEFEXPO.

TATA also confirms about his research in the guided missile program. who also part of many guided programs which include Pinaka Mk 2 guided rocket launcher. In the last three years, TATA alone delivered 64 Akash launchers to the user. TATA confirmed his presence in Akash, MRSAM, and the AAD program.

TATA also developed some crucial systems, Fire control system used in the Arjun is developed by TATA claimed one of the TATA official Rahul Chaudry who is the CEO of TATA power SED. He also claimed and shows the model of the ground-based electronic warfare system.

Other key elements in the ground support like NVG devices, Thermal imagining binoculars which currently on delivery to Indian armed forces and central armed police forces.

TATA plans to lead the FICV project by Combining Companies

TATA plans to lead the FICV project by Combining Companies

    The TATA group bidding to win the tender of India's future Infantry fighting vehicle project, by combining all other defense companies under TATA control. many Private firms plans to catch the FICV program, However TATA plans to secure the deal and allows others to produce sub components. Which makes the FICV become better in all kind of technical parameters.

    Indian Army soon to float India's future armored fighting vehicle tender worth of some $10 billions, Army will buy more than 3000 such vehicles under the FICV program. Private companies like L&T, Bharath Forge, Punj Llyod, Mahindra, Rolta, Pipavav and the State owned OFB shows interest to build the FICV.

    Army asks the above companies to confirm their participation on or before Jan 16 this year. Before floating the RFI, Army stricken that the FICV should be transported into Il 76 and C 17. Which means the IFV must be lighter than some 25 Tons. The FICV also capable to fire anti tank guided missiles through it's external mounts for anti tank missions.

     TATA is already leads in the Wheeled APC program dubbed by Kestral, Who is performing better in all kind of Army evaluations. So TATA plans to secure the tracked versions too.

     Army plans to select two companies to produce the FICV, Then both of them send into extensive trails, and the evaluation team select one as L1 and awards the company to mass produce the FICV. Army plans to replace BMP 2M with newer FICV. The BMP is currently in modernization. which could be served upto some ten years or until the arrival of FICV.

    It's believed TATA is also the front runner of FICV program, who leads in delivering transport vehicles to the Armed Forces. which is used to transport Tanks, Troops and weapons. TATA has many laboratories to research modern technology in fighting vehicles such as mission electronics, Weapon integration, hull manufacturing and technical expertise.

    FICV is complete a mobile platforms, more than 70 % of parameters are transport based, another 20 for weapon support. with the broad range of technical expertise from TATA, they will produce a better FICV in terms of mobility and weapon support.

    It's reported that TATA already engaged base engineering works to produce the infantry fighting vehicle.

   The Known characteristics of the FICV is, It could carry some eight troops and three crews, FICV should have modern armour,  capable to fire 30 or 40 mm rounds, along with Anti tank guided missiles, with the operational speed of some 40 kilometers per hour in cross roads.

Augsta Westland join hands with TATA to Manufacture AW 119 in India

Augsta Westland join hands with TATA to Manufacture AW 119 in India

    The Indian government finally approved the company named Indian Rotor craft Limited, which is a joint venture between Italian Agusta Westland and Indian TATA. the company plans to produce the European light helicopter AW 119 in India. because of the scam in VVIP helicopter supply the Indian government put the Augusta and it's prime company Finmeccanica into blacklist. due to the short of supply, government removes the ban, and continue bid in Indian Defense deals.

    The Light helicopter deal is one of the hanging deal since years. the tender for procuring some 200 plus light helicopter deal is scrapped many times since 2011. the Light helicopters replaces the vintage Chetak and Chetaah helicopters from Tri services. as a surprise the government announced they selected the Russian Kamov Ka 226T helicopters under make in India plan. government shortlisted the Ka 226T to supply more than 400 light helicopters to tri services and para military forces. however the contract yet to be signed. It's believed HAL joins with Kamov to license produce those helicopters in India.

    The Agusta westland also offers a light helicopter. the AW 119 is one of the good helicopter used in many foreign countries for multi role supports and patrols. even many Indian private aviation's owns some AW 119 and older A 109 versions. the AW 119 also a runner in the light helicopter deal, due to the blacklist Augtsa won't able to catch the deal.

    TATA is a good Private player in Indian military services, who already made many companies with foreigner supports. the last known CASA C 295 deal and Kestral programs are good examples. the government shortlisted the C 295 as the replacement of older HS 748. however the contract yet to be signed. the Kestral also impressed the Indian army officials, which is under tough trails. TATA plans to seal the $15 billion FICV deal.

   IRL- Indian Rotor craft limited plans to produce the AW 119 helicopters in it's Hyderabad facility as TATA recently inaugurates. which is a bigger technology hub in India. as per IRL officials they will try for the Defense ministry's light helicopter deal. however that's not the major program.  IRL plans to modify the existing AW 119 versions into more powerful modern AW 119Ke. which is currently bidding many foreign countries. as the new governments plan of make in India perfectly fits in the program, if the IRL secures any foreign contract.

Agusta A 109

  The helicopter costs less than $2 millions, as more than 200 units currently operated by multiple foreign customers, include military customers. the AW 119 mainly used for reconnaissance and search missions, also used for VIP transport and multiple naval missions. with the single engine and higher performance it's remains one of the most wanted private helicopters. and It's clear the newer AW 119Ke version impress many customer, which boosts the TATA and Agusta's pocket money. even India too get many opportunities, as TATA may absorb entire helicopter building process and manufacturing techniques.

  This gives TATA a good chance to design a in house Helicopter later, which can compete future Indian and International orders. as per the current plan the IRL may starts working to assemble the helicopters within next two years.   

Hawk-eye of the battlefield - Battle Field Management System

Battle Field Management System (BMS) providing commanders with real time battlefield information

Source - Net 

    The situation on a battlefield is fluid and keeps changing rapidly. More the awareness of the happening of the battlefield, better decisions can be made and better counter-measures be deployed and thus a promising victory. But in a fluid environment, the situation keeps varying and the only way any situational awareness can be attained is by maintaining eyes and ears in the battlefield. Can this mission be left to the human beings? Can the mission be carried out by increasing the reconnaissance missions? Or is there any technology, which not only works on the battlefield but also keeps tab of the activities? The answer is simply implementing a management system that can manage the battle field activities named the BMS.

    Battlefield management system (BMS) is a state-of-the-art system which promises the helps in rapid acquisition and processing of information relating to the battlefield. This process of rapid acquisition and processing of information helps to greatly enhance the command and control cycle of a military unit. Charged with the BMS, a military unit can have a complete situational awareness of the battlefield. The BMS displays all crucial data required by a Field Commander at any given point of time, hence enhancing the decision making capability of the unit. In the chaos of battle, the ability to manage and control events at combat levels, as they unravel on the battlefield is the key to the success of an operation. BMS thus helps in maintaining a situational analysis and decision-making pertaining to the battlefield.

Source - Tarmak 007

 

  BMS is a highly versatile, flexible, multilevel and fully inter-operable tactical command and control information system providing ground forces from the level of a Commander down to the individual soldier – with integrated situation awareness, a common communication infrastructure, collaborative planning tools and knowledge-based command and control capabilities.

       The need for a BMS in the Indian Army has been echoing for years and was felt clearly after the Kargil operation. Indian army has been actively studying the BMS implemented across the globe. Indian army has the ambition of implementing a reliable BMS with around INR 50000 Crore/ $ 8 billion. Indian Army has already floated an International tender for equipping the army with a BMS under the ToT or Make in India campaign. The competition for the tender has been intense and various companies have formed working groups with Indian giants to equip the army, with the latest BMS system.

Source - Net

Source - Net

    Rolta in collaboration with Bharat Electronics (BEL) has been actively pitching for their latest BMS system for the project. Tata Power SED and L&T Defence have also formed reliable working partnership to field their system. Both these working partners will now develop a BMS individually and will then field the same for field tests. The selected BMS will be rapidly inducted and the selected company will be reimbursed with 80% of the development cost. The first Prototype of the BMS would available with the army by 2017 for field testing which would last for around a year.

    BEL has been selected as a ‘developmental agency’ and is charged with the development of every aspect relating to the project. BEL has also established a testing hotbed for BMS, which enables continuous evaluation and implementation of user requirements. BEL has been a key partner of DRDO in the development of several Tactical Command, Control and Communications & Intelligence (Tac C3I) systems being used by the Indian Army. Having worked as the developer and integrator of several Tac C3I systems, BEL have a unmatched knowledge regarding the Indian army needs.

       With newer and newer technology reaching the battle-filed, it remains evolving every second and with the advent of more lethal weaponry the battlefield has been turned out to be extremely chaotic. But technology like BMS has now made it possible for battlefield commanders to see their areas of responsibility in depth and in real time, and has also helped to develop an accurate common picture of the battle space. This can further be shared right to the bottom of the command with a click of the button. This has been made possible only by enabling rapid acquisition, processing and transfer of information, enhancing situational awareness and acquiring capability to react to information. 

    The Management of the information available on the battlefield is crucial and decides the course of the war. The information management is war course decider and the implementation of these decision needs to e precise. The BMS is a third generation warfare system. This third generation system effectively digitizes the battlefield. The sensors and weapons which are used in current warfare are now using extensive digital technology. The sensors, weapons and units which help in enabling the digital technology collectively help in integrating and bolstering the usages of Battle Management Systems (BMS).

   The BMS can effectively provide an integrated ‘Common Operating Picture’ which can be used by the all armed forces to plan evasive plans collaboratively. This helps in exercising highly effective control over operations in a dynamic and ever changing battlefield. The main principal of the BMS is based on Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA). This process involves quickly, observing and reacting to unfolding events more rapidly than an opponent, can thereby "get inside" the opponent's decision cycle and gain the advantage.

      Most advanced countries have a very well implemented situation awareness packages but what is crucial is integrating these packages and digitizing them. In an implemented BMS it is crucial for the system to cover the whole military command from the highest order to a even foot soldier. The BMS sought by the Indian Army is expected to perform a variety of operational situational awareness tasks and should also be of decision making support end to a battalion. The Commanding Officer will have a very high amount of situational awareness and through this can command his unit to a very effective position against the enemy with the help of a secure communication link.

Source - Net

   The BMS system being sought by the army is a mobile tactical command and control platform which are integrated with sensors, various weapon platforms and decision making command units. This effectively reduces the time taken for making these decisions with the help of real time analysis of the battle field. BMS will comprise of wearable or hand-held information relay systems which are mounted or controlled on a individual soldier, this information is further relayed to a central command through a secure communication link.

  BMS also compromises of vehicle mounted information systems which are relay the information back to the Central command. This information relayed back is quickly analysed and with the advance systems is placed in real time situations and crucial decisions. The decision made now is verified with various other commands charged with the crucial surveillance task. These commands are responsible for noting the location position of the enemy and the friendly forces. Once the positions of these forces are made available and the battle field scenario is drawn up the information is soon analysed and is forwarded to the strike units which have the crucial weapons systems. These weapon platforms are integrated part of the BMS. With a higher level of combat information available these forces can retaliate/Strike forward enemy positions inflicting huge drawbacks on the hostile forces and paving the way for forward movement of ‘friendly forces’.

   The BMS is one of the crucial projects for the army and can turn out to be a major factor deciding the outcome of a operation. BMS is also one of the projects selected by the government for ‘Make in India’ platform. BMS was cleared from the DAC (Defence Acquisitions Council) tables in July, 2013. The EoI (Expression of Interest) for the project was issued by November, 2013. Around 15 companies received the EoI for the project which involved the Larsen & Turbo, BEL , Rolta , Tata Powers and various other companies. The companies were given four months to form consortium, forward the proposals and a detailed plan to be submitted to the MoD by July 2014.

   The foreign consortium involved of Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael and Elbit from Israel, Thales of France, BAE systems from UK and General Dynamics of US. The MoD would be funding around 80 % of the project cost and the remaining 20 % to be funded by the foreign companies. Two consortiums would be selected and their BMS would be put to test on battle fields and the best one would be finally cleared by the MoD to be implemented on the Battlefield. The implementation of BMS has a long way to progress with at least 3 years required to test the systems at various and finally to be implemented at a battle field level. BMS is a force multiplier that gives a combat edge to a military force, enabling faster and accurate decisions to be made which may totally change the course of an operation. With the location of every single tank, artillery, soldier known the command can easily make course changing decisions. If the system is put in place the command will have a hawk eye over the battlefield enhancing the capabilities of the command to manage ground forces of the third largest army in the world.

• BMS is centric around a wireless network plan. This wireless network is in-charge of linking all machinery used on the battle-field. 
• Various machinery, communication systems, information relay systems and recon devices used  by soldiers on the battlefield is linked to the unit commanders, kilometers away.  
• With each of the device integrated and relying information, a common battle-field picture can be formed thus helping in decision making. 
• The same decision made in the level of a general or the unit's commander can be relied right down to the last position on the battlefield. 
• Currently there are two working partners which have been instructed to pitch up “special purpose companies” for the project. 
• The first consortium is between BEL and Rolta. The second is between Tata Power SED and Larsen & Toubro. 
• Ministry has also cleared these consortium's of the four, to develop BMS for the army.  
• The companies are expected to individually develop two separate BMS system and field them for rapid field tests with the army.
• After selecting the best,  MoD will reimburse the selected company 80 per cent of the development cost spend on the project. 
• Even though a single product is reimbursed, both consortium are expected to mass-produce their completed and cleared prototype.  

Article - Karthik Kakoor

Indian Army Evaluates TATA Kestral IFV

Indian Army Evaluates TATA Kestral IFV 

      The Indian Amry evaluating or field trailing the Tata  Kestral wheeled platform for limited number of Infantry Fighting vehicle for the Army's Elite corps, earlier in the Def Expo TATA unveiled a Model of a 8x8 wheeled platform for Army's Future Infantry Combat Vehicle, this one is produced with the  support of DRDO and manufactured by TATA. The Army now evaluating the Kestral before buy in limited numbers which helps them to go for huge orders FICV based on Kestral.

      Sources says TATA already provided three prototypes to the Army to conduct field Trails and evaluate it's performance before going to the order. the Army will further check the system and suggest the TATA for minor changes and improvements makes the systems best. the original contract value of the FICV program is about more than $10 billions to supply wheeled and Tracked FICV's to the Army. and the order numbers may goes upto 2500 to fill up and replace old soviet era BMP, and BMP 2 Sarath from Front line services,

      The Indian Army uses multiple variants of BMP 2 armored personnel Carriers. those BMP's comes with 30mm main cannon for heavy fire support and a 7.62 HMG for anti personnel use, but those can be replaced with Anti tank missile carriers, Specialized Mortars and so.but those lacks of primary protection systems like Laser warning Receiver, anti RPG rounds, and smoke launchers to Hide and sneak from dense enemy area's. so the need of replacement is must, those new generation IFV and FICV comes with automatic cannons and  protective systems with improved armor and mobility.

      The TATA kestral comes with fully Automatic remote weapon station, which  Requires zero crews to operate the weapons,  the Primary cannon produced by Konsberg Protector MCT-30R(RWS), uses a 30 mm Gun, which works as full automatic mode, the remote weapon station gets targets by laser and thermal readings, and engages with or without the approval of commander. the 30 mm cannon can fire small HE and small armor piercing rounds to kill enemy IFV and other armored platforms. the main cannon can hits the target accurately even at the Range of 3 Kilo meters,

      The Secondary weapon is the 7.62 mm machine gun for anti personnel use, the coaxial gun also assigned with the main cannon's fire control and target acquisition systems, this gun used to engage enemy cover and infantry soldiers at close and medium ranges to give additional support to the deployed forces in the battle area. the 7.62 mm cannon also used to engage enemy choppers in closest range, it can engage only enemy troop transporting helicopters and observation helicopters, not the Attack Helicopters.

       The FICV or IFV can be configured with two Anti tank missile systems, possibly Spike fire and forget anti tank guided missile, to engage enemy Tanks from standoff Region, gives full support to the IFV from Enemy Tanks and Armored platforms.  which helps the IFV can engage enemy main battle Tanks too. gives an additional support for the crew from enemy Fire. the Spike Range varied from 2.5 km to 4 km depend upon the variant of the missile.

      The TATA Kestral comes with additional mounting of either 40mm Grenade launcher or a 12.7 mm Heavy machine gun. the port will host any such systems, to give addition fire support to the deployed Troops.

    The Kestral can Transport nine fully armed Infantry Soldiers with three Kestral IFV crew, one driver, commander and weapon support officer. and can move at the rate of 100 kilometers in roads, and good mobility on cross roads, and Hills, the Kestral has amphibious capability can move in the  waters at the speed 10 km per hour.

     A 600 HP engine used in the Kestral to move the 25 Ton heavy IFV in roads and water, and gives good speed in cross roads desert and Mountain terrains. with the 25 tons of weight the IAF's C 17 can able to carry three Kestrals and the IL 76 can carry two Kestrals.

   It's expected that Army will clear the Kestral's field Trails and buy some good numbers. with the field of experience with the Kestral, Army will order more numbers to fulfill the FICV requirement.

DRDO Alternative Reliance in the Bring

DRDO Alternative Reliance in the Bring

   The Private Indian Company all set to land in the Indian defense Industry as their plans seems like a DRDO alternative. they not  new to the Defense sector since they develop and manufacture Subsystems to Most defense equipments both Indian and International Customers, best one is the C 130 J and Sirkosky Helicopters Cabin assembly and subsystems production. they are not new but doing this since years,

  After New Governments major plans of Bringing India's major Private companies into the defense sector, the Indian companies gets a Cheer from the government, companies like L&T who involved in the Arihant SSBN projects too take a good step into defense. The Reliance seems something smarter, they investing most technologies  where DRDO and other Public sector Undertaking companies like BEL, CSL and more. the Reliance takes his first step by Buying the Pipavav's Shares in huge makes their stand in concrete in the Company, also starts talks with the Russians to help build the SSN's in India, where Navy has the plans of fielding six Nuclear attack submarines in coming years.

    Reliance investing more in the Aerospace sector where Combat Jets, Helicopter and Transport Planes falls under this category, the aerospace sector has the bright future where Indigenous programs like AMCA and Light combat Aircrafts to the variety of Transport Planes.  as of now they were in handling of Aircraft maintenance and Logistic supports, but they have plans of start research and development works future Combat jet Technologies which can be integrated into the Indian fifth generation fighter AMCA.

    They also have big Plans of developing and supplying mini Drones to the armed forces. since the requirements of the battlefield UAV's is huge numbers can be used for all Services including para military forces, where DRDO failed to supply on the Time, since DRDO has a lot of other projects they have less staffing requirements, and area the Private sectors can easily takes the Advantage to build themselves and Supply to the Armed forces.

    The Option is one more with the Huge staffing requirements and Software technicians It's an Easy job for Reliance to design and supply simulators to the armed forces, from Tanks to Ships, combat Aircrafts and more. where DRDO lags behind, only competitor for these projects is the TATA who is also makes his stand in the defense, earlier DRDO asks the Reliance and others for making the combat simulating devices but from now the armed forces can directly purchase from the private company, which can decrease the time and induction process.

   The Reliance Top most project is the Submarine Building, the India Navy lacks the authorized number of underwater platforms either Submarine or any underwater vehicles, same problem also here where DRDO still have no time and money to materialize or  continue the project after the first prototype, where Reliance already in talks with Russian and other countries to build most advanced submarines and underwater vehicles in India.

    After the Kaveri Engine, no private other companies shown interests in engine building, the engine R&D and first prototype costs makes billions of dollars, but most gets the failure as the results, even the Russians too, Currently the Americans and the French are the best in engine manufacturing and building where 80% of the Flying birds powered by American or French engines, everyone knows about Boeing planes and Airbus planes, where they are masters in engine technologies, Reliance also plans to enter the Hells cage, but we hope for the Positive result.

   MRO Facilities for all kind of defense Equipments, MRO simply means Maintenance repair and Overhaul,  Every countries need a good company which can repair and maintain their Military hardware to fight the war in any day, without facing the problems, the Reliance plans of MRO for all kind of Military hardware including Aircrafts, and Ships.

    Reliance another view on the defense is supplying Electronic equipments, where Indian PSU BEL is master in defense electronics, but it's hard to overcome the experience of state owned BEL, where almost all kind of Electronics found in the Military hardware is somewhat BEL designed.

    Missiles is the another Step, where most western countries are upgraded their Missile producing units, but India and some other countries still making Hand made missiles, with the Technological expertise of Reliance, they can handle them it easily, but they must remember TATA who is master in automatic assembly line. 

      Night vision devices and other portable surveillance systems, Most other Indian private companies are offering the high end Devices like NVD, BFJ and surveillance systems,  where they almost in competition to supply those items to the Defense forces, It seems Reliance would not gain more attention on these projects, with the huge money investing Reliance can look upon the major projects like ship building and aerospace sectors.

    While western and Americans comes masters in defense technologies because of their private Companies. and they also earned huge profit by selling those hardware to friendly Countries with Government approval, It's the Time for India too come masters in Defense Technology with the Participation of Private Companies.