News Report: India to Get Long Range Missile Test Facilities in Indian Ocean

Indian Submarine launch Ballistic Missile test in 2013

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has got governmental approval to set up the country’s land based long-range missile facility at South Andaman’s Rutland Island, which is some 200 km from the Strait of Malacca that connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — India’s National Board of Wildlife cleared the proposal sent by DRDO in 2012 for creating infrastructure facilities for strategic surveillance system at Rutland Island. Facility will have a missile test range for testing of long range missile.

“After discussions, considering the strategic importance of the project for the country’s defense, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions and mitigation measures prescribed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden,” a document released by India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests said.

News Report: Airbus, Antonov in Race for $826 million Indian Deal for Surveillance Planes

A model of the An-148-300MP (Image: Wiki Commons)

After terrorists arrived from the sea to carry out the Mumbai attack in 2008, the Indian government has been intent on strengthening its coastal surveillance with top end radars and maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — The Indian government has decided to add six multi mission maritime aircraft to its coastal security guard. In a marathon meeting on Friday afternoon, sources say that Indian Defense Ministry gave its nod for the purchase of six aircraft at a cost of approximately $826 million. European major Airbus is the frontrunner for supplying aircraft to coastguard with its C-295 while Antonov of Ukrainian firm has also presented its An-148-300MP based on the An-32 platform for the deal.

India: Indo – Russian Bilateral Naval Exercise ( Indra Navy – 2016)

The 9th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY, an annual bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal from 14 to 21 December 2016. The primary aim of exercise INDRA NAVY-16 is to increase inter-operability amongst the two navies and develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. The scope of the exercise includes wide-ranging professional interactions in harbor phase and a diverse canvas of operational activities across a spectrum of maritime operations at sea. INDRA NAVY is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and Russian navies and epitomizes the strategic relationship between the two countries. Initiated in 2003, the exercise has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.

During exercise INDRA NAVY-16, the Indian Navy will be represented by INS Ranvir a guided missile destroyer, INS Satpura an indigenous frigate and INS Kamorta an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette. In addition, an IN submarine, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Short Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer and other integral rotary wing helicopters are scheduled to participate in the bilateral exercise.

News Report: India’s Locally Made Aircraft May Erode Market for Boeing & Airbus

Dornier Do-228 of Indian Navy (Image: Wiki Commons)

Boeing and Airbus have been expecting a bonanza from airlines in India after New Delhi launched a highly subsidized scheme to air-connect hinterland. But, they may not get all of the Indian pie because airlines may opt for smaller aircraft by a local company.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – India’s small town air-connectivity scheme seems a perfect fit for its local manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The state-owned company plans to roll out a 19-seater passenger aircraft Do- 228 by April next year. HAL has already started manufacturing two civil demonstrator aircraft. The Swiss origin India-made twin-turboprop Dornier Do-228 aircraft is high wing aircraft with a retractable tricycle landing gear most suitable for regional connectivity. 

“Our aim is to help the Government in its mission to provide affordable and sustainable air travel with access to various parts of India. As a proactive step, the HAL board has sanctioned $ 15 million for two civil variants though there is no firm order. We see a big business opportunity in this segment for next 10 years,” T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL said. 

News Story: Sri Lanka, India, Maldives to begin sea exercise

Indian Coast Guard Vessel (File Photo)

COLOMBO, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka, India and Maldives will begin a four-day coastguard exercise in the Maldives on Tuesday with the aim of strengthening corporation and enhancing the interoperability of forces, the navy media unit said here.

Sri Lanka Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Sagara' left for Maldives on Monday from the Port of Colombo in order to take part in the tri-lateral coastguard exercise dubbed "DOSTI - XIII".

The 13th edition of the tri-lateral coastguard exercise this year will focus on Maritime Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Marine Pollution Response and anti-piracy operations.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Boeing’s Maritime Aircraft Options Dominate Singapore Airshow

Boeing P-8 Poseidon

By Wendell Minnick

SINGAPORE — Boeing’s Jeff Kohler castigated any contenders against the new P-8 Poseidon Multimission Maritime Aircraft and the Boeing/Bombardier 605 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) in the international market Monday during a news conference a day before the beginning of the Singapore Airshow.

The P-8, which replaced the US military’s P-3 Orion, is the only modern maritime patrol aircraft with integrated built-in lethal capabilities with torpedoes, he said.

“I’ve seen some of the alternatives. Rolling things out of the back of a ramp of a cargo airplane” does not count as a lethal capability. “I’ll leave that to my competitors to explain,” the retired US Air Force Lt. Gen. said.

Kohler, who is now vice president of Boeing’s international business development, defense, space, and security, set the bar high for what will be aggressive campaigns in Asia for maritime patrol aircraft in both the low-tier and high-tier markets and this week’s Singapore Airshow will be the battle ground for the Asia market.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Editorial: Indian Ocean - India Deploys New Sub-Killer Planes to Counter Chinese Subs

By Franz-Stefan Gady

Two Poseidon 8I aircraft have recently been dispatched to the strategically-located Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

India has deployed two of its most advanced maritime patrol/anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the Poseidon 8I, at a military base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, The Times of India reports.

The deployment comes as a response to repeated forays of Chinese conventional and nuclear submarines into the Indian Ocean, according to Indian defense officials who spoke to The Times of India on the condition of anonymity.

The two aircraft are just about to complete their two week deployment at India’s farthest military outpost, 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) away from the Indian mainland.

In addition, the India has also deployed drones at the island. “Navy and IAF [Indian Air Force] are also deploying their (Israeli) Searcher-II unmanned aerial vehicles to the islands on a temporary basis,” the defense official said.

Read the full story at The Diplomat

USA: US, Bangladesh Navies to Strengthen Maritime Partnerships During CARAT

From Task Force 73 Public Affairs

In this file photo, USNS Safeguard arrives in Chittagong in 2014 for CARAT. (U.S. Navy/MC1 Cody Histson) >>

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh - The 5th annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh will commence with an opening ceremony at Naval Base Issa Khan, Sept. 30.

Continuing through Oct. 4, CARAT Bangladesh 2015 will feature five days of shore-based and at-sea training events designed to address shared maritime security priorities, develop relationships, and enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Bangladesh navies.

"Our partnership with the Bangladesh Navy continues to mature and flourish through our routine engagement and strong relationships we’ve developed with our partners,” said Rear Adm. Charlie Williams, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 73. "These relationships enable CARAT to remain a credible venue to sharpen skills, share knowledge, and conduct maritime security cooperation in this important region."

Editorial: India and Seychelles Strengthen Ties Around Maritime Security, Economic Cooperation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of the
Republic of Seychelles, James Alix Michel

By Ankit Panda

India and Seychelles continue to develop the foundations for an enduring partnership in the Indian Ocean.

India’s relationship with the Seychelles, a small Indian Ocean island state northeast of Madagascar with a population of around 90,000, is expanding. President James Michel of Seychelles was in India for a three day state visit last week that highlighted the growing links between New Delhi and Victoria. Michel last visited New Delhi on state visits in 2010 and 2005.

Michel’s visit to New Delhi comes five months after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Seychelles on a broader tour of the Indian Ocean region–Modi also visited Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Amid growing perceptions in India that China is laying down a strategic framework around the Indian Ocean, New Delhi is making a new push to seal in its partnerships around the region.

One of the notable outcomes of Michel’s visit to New Delhi was the conclusion of an information exchange pact, aimed at curbing tax evasion and promoting cooperation between Indian and Seychellois authorities. The India-Seychelles pact resembles similar agreements between New Delhi and other states known for their attractiveness as off-shore tax havens.

Michel’s time in New Delhi also resulted in the conclusion of important agreements on defense and security. New Delhi gifted an interceptor coastguard boat and a Dornier surveillance aircraft during Michel’s visit. In 2011, the Indian Navy stationed one Dornier in Seychelles, in addition to a warship and a survey vessel, per a government-to-government agreement, for “exclusive economic zone surveillance and anti-piracy patrols.” The Dornier gift to Seychelles comes after Modi oversaw the launch of the MCGS Barracuda, the first India-manufactured warship built for export, in Mauritius back in March.

Read the full story at The Diplomat

Editorial: Did Ukraine Just Lose 5 Indian Air Force Planes?

Antonov An-32B of the Indian Air Force at Leh Airbase
(Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

By Franz-Stefan Gady

India is looking to upgrade its military airlift capacity, yet Kiev has proven to be an unreliable partner.

Defense News reports that five Antonov AN-32 military transport aircraft have gone missing in Ukraine. According to an Indian Air Force official, the last five out of 40 AN-32s undergoing upgrades at the Kiev-based Antonov State Company have become “untraceable.”

“These five aircraft are almost lost as it is difficult to trace them and diplomatic efforts to find their whereabouts have failed,” the Air Force official stated.

Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar also said in an interview that the planes were “stuck” in Ukraine due to the ongoing fighting in the country.

In 2009, the Indian Air Force signed a contract with Ukrspetsexport Corporation, Ukraine’s state-owned arms trading company, to upgrade its 104 AN-32 transport aircraft and extend their service life for another 25 to 40 years. 

Read the full story at The Diplomat

India: Navy Dornier Ditches During a Night Training Sortie off Goa

A Dornier Do-228 of the Indian Navy (File Photo)

A Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy on a routine night training sortie ditched at sea about 20 nautical miles South West of Goa on the night of 24 Mar 15. The Naval Air Station at Goa lost radar contact with the aircraft at 10:08 PM on 24 Mar 15. The aircraft is feared to have ditched soon thereafter. The aircrew onboard the aircraft comprised three officers (two Pilots and one woman Observer). One Survivor, Commander Nikhil Kuldip Joshi, was picked up by a passing fishing boat (Niharika – from a fishing hamlet off Karwar) and transferred to a naval Fast Interceptor Craft. He is presently in naval hospital ‘Patanjali’ at Karwar and is reported to be stable.

Eight Naval ships and four aircraft were immediately deployed to search the area to locate the remaining two officers. Presently, there are 12 ships (including two ships from Indian Coast Guard) and four aircraft involved in the SAR operations. The Next of Kin of the aircrew have been informed. Meanwhile, a Board of Inquiry has been ordered to establish the cause of the accident.

During the day Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, flew down to Goa and took stock of the SAR operation. He also met the families of the aircrew and met Cdr NK Joshi at Karwar before returning to Delhi in the evening.

Indian Press Information Bureau

Editorial: Narendra Modi’s Active Indian Ocean Diplomacy

By SK Chatterji

The Indian prime minister has recently visited three small but strategically significant Indian neighbors.

The power equations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) have implications not only for the littoral states but for the entire Asia-Pacific region. Through the Indian Ocean run some of the busiest sea lanes globally, as oil and natural resources traverse from west to east to feed the burgeoning needs of the world’s second largest economy, China, and the country it dislodged from that slot, Japan. By virtue of its size, geographic location, and economic and military potential India is expected to play a leading role in keeping the sea lanes of communication through the Indian Ocean safe for international trade and commerce.

The growing might of the Chinese Navy and its outreach to IOR nations is a concern, one not entirely limited to India. China’s aggressive posture in the South China Sea is shaping regional apprehensions. Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, and even Australia and Japan are anxious. Given its assertiveness in the South China Sea, Chinese plans of a Maritime Silk Route ring bells in many a capital.

It’s essential that we grasp the contours of the Maritime Silk Route before we progress further. The route originates from Quanzhou in Fujian province and, after berthing at Hainan, passes through the Malacca Straits to find anchorage at Kolkata, India. The Chinese map makes no mention of Sitwe in Myanmar or Chittagong, Bangladesh as possible stopovers enroute. Beyond Kolkata, the route conspicuously skirts Hambantota, Sri Lanka, a port facility that Mahinda Rajapaksa, the recently ousted Sri Lankan president, was laying open to Chinese interests. The Silk Route continues west and traverses the Red Sea to dock at Athens and thereon to Venice where the confluence of the maritime and land silk routes occur. Gwadar, Pakistan, where the Chinese have built a mammoth deep-sea port, is also ignored.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently undertook a five-day tour of three Indian Ocean countries, displaying an active foreign policy intent after a period of prolonged drift. His ports of call, Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka, are located strategically in the Indian Ocean region. 

Read the full story at The Diplomat

News Story: India Developing Network of Coastal Radars

A unrelated Coastal Radar Station (File Photo)

By Oscar Nkala

GABORONE, Botswana — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has activated the first of the Indian Navy's planned 32 coastal surveillance radar (CSR) stations in the Seychelles, marking the beginning of the rollout of an Indian-led maritime surveillance project set to have stations in the Seychelles, the Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

Modi activated the radar system during his recent tour of the Seychelles as he visited key Indian Ocean region allies in a move some military strategists view as an effort to forge a strong alliance to counter aggressive expansion by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the region since October.

Addressing senior Indian Navy and Seychelles Coast Guard officers during the commissioning, Modi said India's plan includes setting up radar stations in the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives. Negotiations to set up at least 10 more in Sri Lanka are ongoing.

He said the CSRs will improve the operational capabilities of the maritime security forces of partner nations and the overall security of the exclusive economic zones which make up the region's "blue economy."

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Editorial: Modi's Trip and China’s Islands - The Battle for the Indian Ocean

By Darshana M. Baruah

With his Indian Ocean tour, the PM aims to counter Chinese influence among small island nations.

As China continues to draw attention to the South China Sea with its land reclamation and creation of artificial islands, it is also important to look at Chinese activities in the not-so-contentious but strategically important Indian Ocean Region. Beijing, with the help of economic and commercial initiatives, is mapping out a web of influence by increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean. As I argued in a previous article published by The Diplomat, access to and control of the islands in the Indian Ocean is crucial for Beijing to secure its strategic interests in the region.

There are two reasons for China’s expansion into the Indian Ocean. First, some of these islands — such as Kyaukpyu — can prove to be China’s answer to its Malacca Dilemma, strengthening its energy security by reducing its dependence on the Strait of Malacca. Second, an increasing presence in the Indian Ocean is crucial in strengthening Beijing’s role as a key actor in the emerging security architecture in the Indo-Pacific. There is no doubt that China aspires to be a maritime power. Beijing realizes that to be considered as a great power, it must have a role and stake beyond its region — beyond the Western Pacific and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Having attained a favorable status quo in the Western Pacific, China is now engaging with the island nations of the Indian Ocean through its investments and commercial initiatives. It is through its relationship and investments with these nations that Beijing aims to project itself as a resident power of the Indian Ocean, leading to a greater security role throughout the Indo-Pacific. However, unlike in the Western Pacific, the Indian Ocean is already home to many resident middle powers, wary of China’s unilateral and hostile maritime policies. As a result, the possibility of increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean is leading to competition for geostrategic space, especially between India and China. This article looks at the island nations of Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles, against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indian Ocean tour. 

Read the full story at The Diplomat

India: HAL Bags Rs 1090 Crore Contract for Supplying 14 Do-228 Aircraft to IAF

Do-228 in Maritime Patrol configuration (File Photo)

HAL has bagged a major Defence contract for supplying 14 Do-228 aircraft produced by HAL to the Indian Air Force. “Apart from these aircraft, the contract valued at around Rs. 1090 crores includes six reserve engines, one flight simulator and associated equipment”, says Mr. T. Suvarna Raju, Chairman, HAL. “This also reflects the trust of the Defence customers on HAL and we remain committed to supporting Indian Defence Services for all their needs”, he adds. 

HAL Do-228 aircraft will be manufactured by the Transport Aircraft Division at Kanpur. The Division has expertise in manufacturing of transport and trainer category of aircraft and has till date manufactured 125 HAL Do-228 aircraft for various defence and other customers. This aircraft has been exported to Seychelles and Mauritius. Last year, one Dornier was also supplied to Bangalore based Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) to be used as flying test bed (FTB) for evaluation of performance of various radars being developed by them. 

India: Coast Guard Intercepts Suspect Boat Carrying Explosives in Arabian Sea

An intelligence based midnight operation was conducted on the intervening night of Dec 31 and yesterday by the Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft to intercept a suspect fishing boat in Arabian Sea near Indo-Pak maritime boundary, approximately 365 km from Porbander.

As per the intelligence inputs received on 31st December, a fishing boat from KetiBunder near Karachi was planning some illicit transaction in Arabian Sea. Based on the input, Coast Guard Dornier aircraft undertook sea - air coordinated search and located the suspect fishing boat. Thereafter, the Coast Guard ship on patrol in area was diverted and intercepted the unlit boat at about midnight of 31st December in position 365 km West-South West of Porbandar.

The Coast Guard ship warned the fishing boat to stop for further investigation of the crew and cargo; however, the boat increased speed and tried to escape away from the Indian side of maritime boundary. The hot pursuit continued for nearly one hour and the Coast Guard ship managed to stop the fishing boat after firing warning shots. Four persons were seen on the boat who disregarded all warnings by the Coast Guard ship to stop and cooperate with investigation. Soon thereafter, the crew hid themselves in below deck compartment and set the boat on fire, which resulted in explosion and major fire on the boat.

Due to darkness, bad weather and strong winds, the boat and persons on board could not be saved or recovered. The boat burnt and sank in the same position, in early hours of 1st January. Coast Guard ships and aircraft are continuing operations in area to search for any possible survivor. Coast Guard and other security agencies are maintaining high vigil in maritime and coastal areas since last couple of months due to several inputs on threat from the sea.

Click here to see photos (PDF)

Indian Press Information Bureau

India: Torpedo Recovery Vessel (A 72) sinks off Visakhaptnam Coast SAR Operations Launched by Indian Navy

Torpedo Recovery Vessel (A 72) sinks off Visakhaptnam Coast 

A Torpedo Recovery Vessel of Indian Navy (A 72) has sunk off the coast of Visakhapatnam at around 2000h this evening. The vessel was on a routine mission to recover practice torpedoes fired by fleet ships during a routine exercise, when she experienced flooding in one of her compartments. 

At the time of the incident there were 28 personnel on board. One sailor has lost his life during the rescue operation and four personnel are reported missing. Twenty three personnel have been rescued safely by the Search and Rescue (SAR) ships dispatched to the area. 

News Story: India Chooses Israel Over US for $525M Missile Deal, Sources Say

Spike missile (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)

NEW DELHI — India has chosen to buy anti-tank guided missiles from Israel, rejecting a rival US offer, as the right-wing government clears projects worth $13.1 billion to modernize its aging military, official sources said Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will buy 8,356 Spike missiles and 321 launchers from Israel in a deal worth 32 billion rupees ($525 million), defence ministry sources told AFP.

The government is moving to speed up long-delayed defense orders and bolster its military. The Israeli deal comes after recent firing along India’s border with nuclear-armed rival Pakistan and tensions with giant neighbor China.

The procurement deals, worth 800 billion rupees ($13.1 billion) in total, were cleared at a meeting of India’s Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, on Saturday.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

USA: US, Bangladesh Navy Begin 4th CARAT Maritime Exercise

From Commander, Task Force 73 Public Affairs

<< USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) arrives in Chittagong to take part in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh. (U.S. Navy/MC1 Cody Hitson)

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh - The fourth annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Bangladesh commenced with an opening ceremony at Naval Base Issa Khan, Sept. 25.

Continuing through Sept. 30, CARAT Bangladesh 2014 consists of six days of shore-based and at-sea training events designed to address shared maritime security priorities, develop relationships and enhance cooperation among participating forces.

"In just a few years, CARAT Bangladesh has become the premier engagement between our navies," said Rear Adm. Charlie Williams, commander, Task Force 73 and U.S. 7th Fleet's executive agent for theater security cooperation in South Asia. "CARAT provides a credible venue to sharpen skills, share knowledge and practice cooperation in this vital maritime region."

News Story: Hasina unveils plans to acquire submarine for Bangladesh

DHAKA (PTI): Bangladesh hopes to procure a submarine to boost the capabilities of its navy, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said at an event marking the induction of two patrol aircraft and three warships.

The government, despite an economic crunch, is committed to building an efficient, modern and balanced three-dimensional naval force to safeguard maritime interests on the high seas and littoral regions; Hasina was quoted by the local media as saying on Thursday.

Referring to the plans to acquire a submarine, she said: Global attention is now on maritime resources...Our naval force and coast guard, out of the scene, are playing an enormous role in protecting the valuable resources beating many obstacles."

Read the full story at Brahmand