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GS Paper: GS3-24. Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.

  • [pib] Exercise Desert Flag-VI

    Exercise Desert Flag –VI has successfully culminated with the de-induction of the Indian contingent from the UAE.

    Ex Desert Flag

    • It is an annual multi-lateral large force employment exercise hosted by UAE.
    • The sixth edition of the exercise was conducted at Air Force Base Al Dhafra, UAE.
    • IAF participated in the exercise for the first time, fielding Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.
    • Six countries; UAE, USA, France, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain apart from India participated with aerial assets. Jordan, Greece, Qatar, Egypt and South Korea participated as observer forces.

    Objective of the exercise

    • The aim for the participating crew and specialist observers was to expose them to operational environment in scenarios requiring multinational forces working together.
    • A multinational exercise in UAE with friendly forces afforded a unique opportunity to gain valuable learning to all the participating forces.

    Must read:

    [Prelims Spotlight] Defence Exercises

  • Induction of INS Dhruv

    India Navy is set to commission INS Dhruv to track satellites, strategic missiles and map the Indian Ocean bed later this year.

    INS Dhruv is no ordinary vessel for the Indian Navy. Read its stealth capabilities and utilities.

    INS Dhruv

    • INS Dhruv has been developed with the help of the DRDO and Indian Navy with India’s Strategic Force Command and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) as main intelligence consumers.
    • The indigenously-developed surveillance ship has been built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd at its Visakhapatnam facility under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan initiative.
    • The 15,000-tonne ship, part of a classified project, will not only create maritime domain awareness for India in the Indian Ocean but also act as an early warning system for adversary missiles headed towards India.

    Stealth capabilities

    • INS Dhruv is equipped with active electronically scanned array radars, or AESA considered a game-changer in radar technology.
    • It can scan various spectrums to monitor satellites of adversaries that are watching over India.
    • It can also understand the range and true missile capability of adversary nations that it finds in the Indo-Pacific.

    Benefits offered

    • Once the vessel is commissioned, India will be the only country outside the P-5 – the US, the UK, China, Russia and France – to have this capability
    • It will act as a major force multiplier to India’s ocean surveillance capabilities.
    • It will be able to provide the Indian Navy with an “ECG of the Indian Ocean”.

  • [pib] INS Karanj – A Kalvari Class Submarine

    Indian Navy’s third stealth Scorpene-class Submarine INS Karanj has been commissioned into the Indian Navy. It also completed the trials of the Indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System jointly developed by Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) and DRDO.

    In a rare case, we would see a question based on various classes of Indian Submarines in the CSP. However, we can expect a question based on the AIP system in the CSP and CAPF exam.

    INS Karanj

    • INS Karanj is the third submarine of the first batch of six Kalvari-class submarines for the Indian Navy.
    • It is a diesel-electric attack submarine based on the Scorpene-class, designed by French naval defence and energy group DCNS and manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited, an Indian shipyard in Mumbai.

    What is AIP?

    For this, we have to understand how a submarine works. Traditionally we hear about two types of submarines- Nuclear and Diesel Electric.

    Diesel Electric Submarines

    • While Nuclear Submarines can stay submerged for a prolonged period and remain undetected, Diesel Electric submarines cannot do so, and they must surface after a stipulated time interval.
    • Their Diesel Propulsion would need air to run the engine like any other Vehicle or Aircraft engines and for this, they would need oxygen which is not available underwater.
    • Hence they have to move closer to the surface so that their engines can breathe air through their snorkels.

    So, these diesel turbines charge the batteries available in the submarine and once the batteries are fully charged, the submarine goes underwater where the propeller shaft, as well as other systems, runs on the power stored in the batteries.

    • This makes the Submarine very much vulnerable to threats from Air, Sea or even underwater.
    • Not only has this, but the storage of excessive fuel also reduced the overall performance and weapon holding of the submarine too.

    Why don’t we can induct only the Nuclear Submarines in the Navy?

    • Though nuclear submarines can stay underwater for months, they cannot do so with total stealth.
    • While a diesel-electric submarine (while underwater) is making no noise, Nuclear submarines have a lot of vibrations that are generated from the coolant pumping system of their reactors which must run nonstop.
    • This makes even nuclear submarines vulnerable to depth sonars.
    • Moreover, the manufacturing cost of these submarines is several times higher than those of diesel-electric ones.
    • So, the most effective and commercially viable solution is a diesel-electric submarine with AIP.

    What is AIP, then?

    • Over the years the biggest challenge before the mariners was to ensure that the submarines can sustain underwater for a prolonged time.
    • AIP is any marine propulsion technology that allows a non-nuclear submarine to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen (by surfacing or using a snorkel).
    • While there are different types of AIP systems being pursued internationally, the DRDO has applied fuel cell-based AIP using hydrogen onboard.
    • Fuel cell-based AIP has merits in performance compared to other technologies
    • While the first two submarines (INS Kalvari & INS Khanderi) are equipped with French-made AIPs, the rest of the submarines will be equipped with an Indian system.

    Note: The Project 75I-class submarine is a follow-on of the Project 75 Kalvari-class submarine for the Indian Navy.

    Significance for India

    • With this induction, India has joined the club of six other elites who have the capacity to design and install such complex systems.
    • These countries are France, China, Spain, Sweden, Germany and Russia.
    • Indian AIP system is unique. It is one of the most advanced AIP systems of the world where Fuel Cell technology is used to generate onboard power.
    • With indigenous AIP, submarines can stay underwater for more than 3 weeks in low consumption mode, more than 2 weeks in endurance mode and 2-4 days in max power mode.

    Back2Basics: Various classes of Submarines in India

    In maritime terms, a class of ships is a group of vessels that have the same make, purpose and displacement.

    • Chakra Class: Under a 10-year lease from Russia since 2012
    • Arihant Class: Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines
    • Shishumar Class: Diesel-electric attack submarines Indian variant of the Type 209 submarines developed by the German Navy
    • Kalvari Class: Diesel-electric attack submarines designed by French company DCNS
    • Sindhughosh Class: Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines built with the help of Russia

  • [pib] Exercise Dustlik-II

    The Second Edition of Joint Exercise Dustlik is scheduled from tomorrow.

    Must read:

    [Prelims Spotlight] Various Defence Exercises in News

    Exercise Dustlik-II

    • It is a bilateral defence exercise held between the Indian Army And Uzbekistan Army.
    • It is named after Dustlik, a town in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan.
    • The first edition of the exercise, Dustlik-I was held in Uzbekistan, near Tashkent, from November 3-13, 2019.
    • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had flagged off the exercise along with his Uzbek counterpart, Major General Bakhodir Kurbanov in 2019 for the first time.
    • The joint exercise focused on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in urban settings.

  • Arjun: Main Battle Tank MK-1A

    PM has recently handed over the indigenously developed Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) to the Indian Army.

    Q.Discuss India’s preparedness for high-altitude warfare.

    Arjun Main Battle Tank

    • The Arjun Main Battle Tank project was initiated by DRDO in 1972 with the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) as its lead laboratory.
    • The objective was to create a “state-of-the-art tank with superior firepower, high mobility, and excellent protection”.
    • During the development, the CVRDE achieved breakthroughs in the engine, transmission, hydro-pneumatic suspension, hull and turret as well as the gun control system.
    • Mass production began in 1996 at the Indian Ordnance Factory’s production facility in Avadi, Tamil Nadu.

    Features of the Arjun tank

    • The Arjun tanks stand out for their ‘Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS)’ ammunition and 120-mm calibre rifled gun.
    • It also has a computer-controlled integrated fire control system with a stabilised sighting that works in all lighting conditions.
    • The secondary weapons include a co-axial 7.62-mm machine gun for anti-personnel and a 12.7-mm machine gun for anti-aircraft and ground targets.

    How is Mk-1A different?

    • The Mk-1A version has 14 major upgrades on the earlier version.
    • It is also supposed to have missile firing capability as per the design, but this feature will be added later as final testing of the capability is still on.
    • However, the biggest achievement with the latest version is 54.3 per cent indigenous content against the 41 per cent in the earlier model.

  • [pib] Malabar Naval Exercises

    The 24th edition of Malabar maritime exercise, hosted by Indian Navy in 2020, witnessed the participation by Indian Navy, United States Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force and Royal Australian Navy.

    Such news is nothing but the repetitive chunk that occurs every year with few or no new developments. Still, they are significant for the sake of information as Australia has joined it after several apprehensions.

     Question can be expected in CAPF, CDS or AFCAT exams.

    About Ex. Malabar

    • Exercise Malabar is a trilateral naval exercise involving the US, Japan and India as permanent partners.
    • This year Australia has joined as a permanent partner.
    • Originally begun in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States, Japan became a permanent partner in 2015.
    • Past non-permanent participants are Australia and Singapore.
    • The annual Malabar series began in 1992 and includes diverse activities, ranging from fighter combat operations from aircraft carriers through Maritime Interdiction Operations Exercises.

    Significance of Australia’s inclusion

    • Earlier, India had concerns that it would give the appearance of a “quadrilateral military alliance” aimed at China.
    • Now both look forward to the cooperation in the ‘Indo-Pacific’ and the strengthening of defence ties.
    • This has led to a convergence of mutual interest in many areas for a better understanding of regional and global issues.
    • Both are expected to conclude the long-pending Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) as part of measures to elevate the strategic partnership.

  • ‘Smart walls’ for Indian Borders

    The new US President has stopped the construction of the much-publicized “border wall” between the U.S. and Mexico.

    Q.Smart fencing along with physical fencing can protect major infiltration areas of Indian borders. Analyse its feasibility for India.

    What is the news?

    • The Mexico–US barrier also known as the border wall is a series of vertical barriers along the border intended to reduce illegal immigration to the US.
    • Biden’s decision was confirmed, however, that an alternative has been offered — a ‘smart’ wall that replaces the physical and armed patrolling with advanced surveillance tech is the proposed future of border security now.

    What is the Smart Wall?

    • The ‘smart wall’ technology could solve border security issues without the need for a physical barrier.
    • The wall would use sensors, radars, and surveillance technology to detect and track border break-ins, and technology capable of performing the most difficult tasks dedicated to border security.
    • The complete system of a virtual wall would consist of a radar satellite, computer-equipped border-control vehicles, control sensors and underground sensors.
    • Along with surveillance towers and cameras, thermal imaging would be used, which would help in the detection of objects.
    • The system would even be capable of distinguishing between animals, humans, and vehicles, and then sending updates to handheld mobile devices of the patrol agents.

    Not a new concept

    • The concept is not new and the novelty of it cannot be directly associated with Biden.
    • Interestingly, the U.S.-Mexico border wall proposed by Donald Trump envisaged this concept.
    • A technology firm was sought to be hired by the Trump administration, and it was indicated that artificial intelligence shall be used at a novel scale to complement the steel barrier (border wall).

    Feasibility for India

    • A question that now arises is whether such a project can be undertaken to secure Indian borders.
    • India has been struggling with the problem of terrorists and smugglers infiltrating into the country and efforts are ongoing to secure our borders and curb cross-border infiltration.
    • Therefore, it is proposed that it is high time we start envisaging the use of technology to help India secure its borders.

    Various challenges

    • A critical factor that must be considered to enable the usage of such a system along Indian borders is that the terrain in the region is rugged, and, furthermore, not even clearly defined.
    • Hence, erecting fences, walls or any physical structures is extremely difficult.
    • A “smart” wall, however, makes use of systems that would be designed in such a way that they can operate even in rugged areas.
    • Imperatively, in the US various other benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, less damage to the environment, fewer land seizures, and speedier deployment are being noted.
    • This gives the concept an edge over traditional borders.

    Benefits that Indian can reap

    • Notably, such a system, even if not feasible for our long boundaries, may still be deployed to enhance critical security establishments of the country and complement the already-existing physical fencing and walls.
    • This can no doubt secure the major infiltration areas.

    Way forward

    • The attack on the Pathankot Airbase highlighted that often, it may become difficult to secure establishments due to their vast size.
    • Further, it is imperative for Indian armed forces to be well-equipped and simultaneously have the latest technological advantage over its enemies.
    • Experts must explore this idea to effectively counter the problem of cross-border infiltration.
    • Is it unfathomable to deploy a security system that clubs technology with traditional set-ups due to terrain and other problematic factors? This is a question for Digital India to answer.

  • Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2021

    The 16th edition of Indo-U.S. joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is set to be held in Rajasthan between February 8 and 21.

    Yudh Abhyas

    • The exercise near the India-Pakistan border aims at enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the two armies and will focus on counter-terrorism operations under the UN mandate.
    • The drill comes days after the air forces of India and France held a five-day joint exercise in Rajasthan in January.
    • Exercise with U.S. Army is significant in terms of security challenges faced by both the nations in the backdrop of global terrorism.
    • The joint military exercise will enhance the level of defence cooperation between both armies which will also foster the bilateral relations between both nations.
    • It reiterates India’s key role as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

  • [pib] Exercise Kavach

    A large scale all-services exercise ‘Exercise Kavach’ will be conducted next week under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), the only Joint Forces Command of the country.

    All-time generic question seeking ‘match the pairs’ can be asked from the news as such.  Click here for more exercises.

    Exercise Kavach

    • The tri-services exercise aims to fine-tune joint war-fighting capabilities and SOPs towards enhancing operational synergy in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.
    • This exercise would involve assets of Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard.
    • The exercise involves synergized application of maritime surveillance assets, coordinated air and maritime strikes, air defence, submarine and landing operations.
    • Concurrently Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) exercise involving various technical, electronic and human intelligence from three services will be conducted.
    • The ISR exercise will validate the capabilities of intelligence gathering from space, air, land and sea-based assets/ sensors, its analysis and sharing to achieve battlefield transparency.
    • It would carry out amphibious landing operations, air landed operation, helicopters-borne insertion of Special Forces from sea culminating in tactical follow-on operations on land.

  • [pib] IAF to induct LCA Tejas

    The Union Cabinet has approved procurement of 73 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 Trainer aircraft for Indian Air Force.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2018:

    Q.What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    (a) An Israeli radar system

    (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    (c) An American anti-missile system

    (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

    LCA Tejas

    • The Tejas is an Indian single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole light fighter aircraft.
    • It is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
    • It came from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fighters.
    • The indigenous content of the Tejas was 59.7% by value and 75.5% by a number of lines replaceable units.

    Which are the procured variants?

    • Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A variant is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft.
    • It is the first “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category procurement of combat aircraft.

    Significance

    • Tejas enable IAF to handle repairs or servicing at their base depot so that the turnaround time would get reduced for mission-critical systems.
    • This would enable IAF to sustain the fleet more efficiently and effectively due to the availability of repair infrastructure at respective bases.
    • It will give a further push to Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and boost indigenization of defence production and the defence industry in the country.