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Foundation PT CUM MAINS

WORK-SHEET
Part - 12
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Defence
Helpful: PT & Mains (S&T)

In news: • It is designed to carry payload of more than one

tonne (both conventional and nuclear warhead).
• India has successfully carried out night user trial
• It is single stage missile powered by solid
of agni-I short-range nuclear-capable ballistic
propellents.
missile. • It can hit a target 700 km away.
• The test flight was conducted by Indian Army's • its strike range can be extended by reducing the
Strategic Forces Command off Abdul Kalam payload.
Island, formerly known as wheeler Island, in Bay • It can be fired from road and rail mobile
of Bengal, off the coast of the Indian state of launchers.
Odisha • It is equipped with sophisticated navigation
system which ensures it reaches the target with a
• The test was second Known trial of agni-I since its
high degree of accuracy and precision.
first such successful test in April 2014. • The missile already has been inducted into armed
Agni-I Missile: forces. since its induction it has proved its
• Short range nuclear capable surface-to-surface excellent performance in terms of range,
ballistic missile. accuracy and lethality.
• It is first missile of the agni series launched in • It is also claimed to be a part of India's minimum
1983. credible deterrence under No first to use policy.
• It was developed by premier missile development
laboratory of DRDO in collaboration with Defence
Research Development Laboratory and Research
Centre Imarat and integrated by Bharat Dynamics
Limited, Hyderabad.
• It weighs 12 tonnes and is 15-metre-long.
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The Integrated Guided Missile Development development of the comprehensive range of

Programme, now known better by its missiles. The programme was managed by the
abbreviation IGMDP, is perhaps the first Defence Research and Development Organisation
programme in India which brought together a (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories Board in
large number of R&D laboratories, government partnership with other Indian government
departments, industries and academic political organisations. The project started in
institutions in the country within an integrated 1982–83 with popular political support from the
structure involving all the groups in a functional successive governments and bestowed under the
network. The Programme was visionary and leadership of Abdul Kalam who oversaw its
ambitious, aiming at the same time, deliveries to ending in 2008 after these strategic missiles were
the Services as the end goal in a reasonable time successfully developed.
frame. On 8 January 2008, the DRDO formally
The Integrated Guided Missile Development announced the successful completion of the
Programme (IGMDP) was an Indian Ministry of IGMDP. It added that the strategic integrated
Defence programme for the research and guided missile programme was completed with
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its design objectives achieved since most of the The Agni missile was initially conceived in the
missiles in the programme had been developed IGMDP as a technology demonstrator project in
and inducted by the Indian armed forces. the form of a re-entry vehicle, and was later
By the start of the 1980s, the DRDL had upgraded to a ballistic missile with different
developed competence and expertise in the fields ranges. As part of this program, the Interim Test
of propulsion, navigation and manufacture of Range at Balasore in Orissa was also developed
aerospace materials based on the Soviet rocketry for missile testing.
technologies. Thus, India's political leadership, TIME-LINE
which included Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, 1. Prithvi I
Defence Minister R. Venkataraman, V.S. Prithvi I was one of the first missiles developed
Arunachalam (Political Advisor to the Defence under Government of India's IGMDP. Launched in
Minister), decided that all these technologies February 1988, Prithvi I is a single-stage, liquid-
should be consolidated. fuelled missile. A surface-to-surface missile, it has
This led to the birth of the Integrated Guided a range of 150 km and a mounting capability of
Missile Development Programme with Dr. Abdul 1000 kg. It was inducted into the Indian Army in
Kalam, who had previously been the project 1994.
director for the SLV-3 programme at ISRO, was 2. Agni I
inducted as the DRDL Director in 1983 to A nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni 1 is the
conceive and lead it. While the scientists first of the five-missile Agni series launched in
proposed the development of each missile 1983 by the Defence Research and Development
consecutively, the Defence Minister R. Organisation. It has a range of 700 km.
Venkataraman asked them to reconsider and 3. Akash
develop all the missiles simultaneously. Thus, Akash is a surface-to-air missile with an intercept
four projects, to be pursued concurrently, were range of 30 km. It has multi-target engagement
born under the IGMDP: capability and is in operational service with the
Short range surface-to-surface missile (code- Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
named Prithvi) 4. Nag
Short range low-level surface-to-air missile (code- Nag is a third-generation hit-to-kill anti-tank
named Trishul) missile that was first tested in 1990. The two-
Medium range surface-to-air missile (code- stage solid propellant weapon uses the lock-on
named Akash) and before launch system where the target is
Third-generation anti-tank missile (code-named identified and designated before the weapon is
Nag). launched.
5. Trishul
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Trishul is a short-range surface-to-air missile The successful test of the Sagarika marks an
equipped with electronic measures against all inflection point in India’s military history. It forms
known aircraft jammers. It has a range of 9 km the crucial third leg of India’s nuclear deterrent
and is used as anti-sea skimmer from ships vis-à-vis its submarine-launched ballistic missile
against low-flying attacks. (SLBM) capability. The K-15 Sagarika, which has a
6. Agni II range of 750 km, was successfully tested in
An intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Agni-II February 2008, and was subsequently integrated
was first test fired on April 11, 1999. The surface- with India’s nuclear-powered Arihant class
to-surface missile has a range of 2000 to 2500 km submarine.
and can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. 11. Dhanush
7. Prithvi III Dhanush is a liquid propelled sea-based missile
Prithvi III is the naval-version missile with a range that was envisaged as a short-range version of
of 350 km. A two-stage surface-to-surface missile, the Prithvi II ballistic missile. It has a range of 350
Prithvi III was first tested in 2000. km and is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It
8. Brahmos was successfully test-fired from a naval warship in
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that is first March 2011, and carries forward the legacy of the
test-fired on June 12, 2001. It was developed as a K-15 Sagarika.
joint venture between India and Russia and is the 12. Agni III
world's fastest anti-ship cruise missile in Agni III is an intermediate-range ballistic missile
operation. developed as the successor to the Agni II. It is an
9. Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) improvement over its previous iteration, and has
India’s ballistic missile defence got a fillip with the a range of 3,500-5,000 km, making it capable of
development of PAD, which has been given the engaging targets deep inside neighbouring
moniker Pradyumna. The system was tested with countries. It was inducted in to the armed forces
a maximum interception altitude of 80 km, and in June 2011, enhancing its strike capability.
has been designed to neutralise missiles within a 13. Agni IV
range of 300-2000 km up to a speed of Mach 5.0. Carrying forward the success of its predecessor,
The technology employed in the PAD was the the Agni III was developed to strike targets within
precursor to the indigenously developed a similar range but with a significantly shorter
Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile flight time of 20 minutes. The Agni IV, which has a
which was tested in 2007, as well as the Barak-2 two-phase propulsion system is designed to carry
which was developed in collaboration with Israel. a 1,000 kg payload.
10. K-15 Sagarika 14. Shaurya
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It was initially conceived as a surface-to-surface Agni is India’s first inter-continental ballistic
ballistic missile (SSM) variant of the K-15 Sagarika, missile (ICBM), with high road mobility, fast-
that can be stored in underground silos for reaction ability and a strike range of over 5,000
extended periods and launched using gas km.
canisters as a trigger. The nuclear capability of
the missile enhances India’s second strike Hurdle
capability reduces the dependence on the K-15 After India test-fired the first Prithvi missile in
ballistic missile which was built with significant 1988, and the Agni missile in 1989, the Missile
Russian assistance. Technology Control Regime (then an informal
15. Nirbhay grouping established in 1987 by Canada, France,
Nirbhay is a subsonic missile which is ancillary to Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and
the BrahMos range. It uses a terrain-following the United States) decided to restrict access to
navigation system to reach up to 1,000 km. any technology that would help India in its missile
Nirbhay is capable of being launched from development program. To counter the MTCR, the
multiple platforms on land, sea, and air. IGMDP team formed a consortium of DRDO
16. Prahaar laboratories, industries and academic institutions
Prahaar is a surface-to-surface missile with a to build these sub-systems, components and
range of 150 km that was successfully tested for materials. Though this slowed down the progress
the first time in July 2011. Stated to be a unique of the program, India successfully developed
missile, the Prahaarboasts of high indigenously all the restricted components
maneuverability, acceleration and accuracy. denied to it by the MTCR.
Primarily a battlefield support system for the
Army, the missile can be fired from a road mobile MTCR
launchers and is extremely mobile in battle MTCR is the acronym for Missile Technology and
situations owing to its lighter build. Control Regime. MTCR was recently in the news
17. Astra as India got membership in the group (contrary to
Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air NSG where India was denied membership).
missile (AAM) that was tested successfully in May
2011. In terms of size and weight, the Astra is the Benefit to India?
smallest missile developed by the DRDO. It was India has joined MTCR as a full member and also
envisaged to intercept and destroy enemy agreed to join the Hague Code of conduct made it
aircraft at supersonic speeds in the head-on bolster its position as a responsible nuclear state
mode within a range of 80 km. and strengthen its case for the membership of
18. Agni V other multilateral export control regimes like
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Nuclear Suppliers Group, Australia Group, and It controls the export of the technologies and
Wassenaar arrangement. materials involved in ballistic missile systems and
India can buy high-end missile technology and unmanned aerial vehicles particularly capable of
run joint programmes for development of carrying nuclear warheads of above 500kg
unmanned aerial vehicles with other countries. payload for more than 300 km.
eg. Procurement of theater missile interceptor This is a non–treaty association of member
“Arrow II” from Israel, military drones like countries with certain guidelines about the
“Avenger” from the USA etc. information sharing, national control laws and
India can sell its missiles to other non-member export policies for missile systems and a rule-
countries with comparative [Link]. Supersonic based regulation mechanism to limit the transfer
cruise missile, “BrahMos”, to Vietnam. of such critical technologies of these missile
ISRO can access the forbidden cryogenic systems.
technology from Russia which is required for the
space exploration operations. Rules
MTCR membership can be used as a bargaining It was established in April 1987 by G-7 countries –
chip against China which is not a full member of USA, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, and
the regime and aspiring to be one as it has Japan, to check the spread of unmanned delivery
blocked India’s way to NSG. systems capable of carrying nuclear weapons of
above 500kg for more than 300km. In 1992, it
About MTCR was extended for all types of weapons of mass
destruction.
Now, it has 35 full members including India and 4
“non-adherent members” – Israel, Macedonia,
Romania, Slovakia.
China is not a member of this regime but it had
verbally pledged to adhere to its original
guidelines but not to the subsequent additions.
These efforts of non-proliferation of ballistic
It is a multilateral, consensus – based grouping of missile systems had further been strengthened by
35 member countries who are voluntarily “The International Code of Conduct against
committed to the non-proliferation of missiles Ballistic Missile Proliferation”, also known as the
capable of carrying chemical, biological and Hague Code of Conduct (HCOC), which was
nuclear weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). established on 25 November 2002 as an
arrangement to prevent the proliferation of
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ballistic missiles with 136 UN member countries The USA had bent some rules to give concessions
including India. to some Non -member countries aspiring to join
the regime. Eg. Ukraine was allowed to retain its
Analysis Scud missiles irrespective of the rule of
Positive: It has significantly contributed to curbing destroying ballistic missiles (capable of carrying a
or slow down the nuclear programmes of some 500kg payload for 300km) for the non-recognised
countries. nuclear state. Similarly, USA also allowed South
Argentina dropped its joint ballistic missile Korea to develop ballistic missiles of the range of
programme” Condor II” with Egypt and Iraq. 800 kilometers with a 500-kilogram payload.
Poland and the Czech Republic vanished their With a technological advancement, it is also
ballistic missiles in an effort to join the regime. possible to adapt and develop the existing
Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, and Taiwan also missiles with a range shorter than 300km and
withdrew or curbed their missiles or space launch carrying WMDs less than 500kgs to escape the
vehicle programs. regulations imposed by the regime.
Recently, it played a major role to hamper Libyan
and Syrian missile efforts. Limitation for India
MTCR membership does not guarantee any
Negative: It is not a legally-binding treaty. Hence, special technological entitlement from other
no punitive measures could be taken against non- members or adherent countries.
compliance to the guidelines of the regime. India needs to align its national laws dealing with
It has only 35 member countries as full members. development, transfer, and procurement of the
Whereas, countries like North Korea, Pakistan, nuclear technologies and export policies as per
Iran which have significant missile systems which the guidelines of the MTCR regime which could
could deliver WMDs, are not adherent to the be stricter and stringent as compared to the
regime. existing ones and likely to have implications for
Some of such countries are exploring long – range the stakeholders.
intercontinental missiles and they are also sellers It is unlikely to give an immediate boost to the
in the arms market. export of the India missiles.
There are incidences of violation of the rules by India being a member of the regime will have
MTCR countries. In 2007, China secretly sold some obligations like sharing critical information
solid-fuel, medium-range ballistic missiles,” DF about its military and technological assets,
21”, to Saudi Arabia. France sold the Storm consulting other member countries regarding the
Shadow/SCALP cruise missile to the UAE (Black export of any MTCR items, especially those
Shaheen) in the 1990s. notified or denied by another partner.
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BENEFITS: buy surveillance drones from other countries like
Benefit to ISRO: During the cold war years, Russia the American Predator drones (e.g. the Avenger
denied cryogenic technology to India. However, drone). The US might also consider exporting
in a welcome change ISRO will now have access UAVs, Reaper and Global Hawk, which have been
to restricted high-end technologies for key to counter-terrorism efforts in countries like
developing its cryogenic engines in order to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen.
enhance space exploration.
Sale of BrahMos: India will be able to sell the Boost to Make in India: Indian technology that
Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile BrahMos will be developed or made under the flagship of
to Vietnam and other countries in a development Make in India will see free movement out of the
that would make India a significant arms country, which in turn will contribute to the
exporter. success of the programme.
Procurement of Israel's Arrow II missile: In its bid
to develop indigenous Ballistic Missile System, Step closer to NSG: The accession to MTCR is one
India wanted to procure Arrow II theatre missile step closer to India's membership to the 48-
defence interceptor from Israel but was denied member NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group). It also
due to the MTCR sanctions. The newly-forged gives India a chance to engage with other global
membership will help India in the procurement of non-proliferation players.
Arrow II, which will further help India defend One-upping China: Significantly, China, which
itself against Pakistani or Chinese ballistic opposed India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers
missiles. Group at the just-concluded Seoul plenary, is not
a member of 34-nation MTCR.
Buying surveillance drones: India will be able to
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Defence Procurement Policy of Rs. 10 crore (government funded) and Rs.
Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)-2016, 3 crore (industry funded) for MSMEs.
which has come into effect from April 2016, The following achievement has been made by the
focuses on institutionalising, streamlining and Government under this programme:-
simplifying defence procurement procedure to give
a boost to “Make in India” initiative of the • Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded
Government of India, by promoting indigenous approval of 136 capital procurement cases at an
design, development and manufacturing of estimated cost of Rs. 4,00,714/- crore during the
defence equipment, platforms, systems and sub- last two financial years (2014-15 and 2015-16) and
systems. The key features of revised current year 2016-17 (upto January 2017), out of
DPP, promoting ‘Make in India’ inter alia include:- which 96 cases involving Rs. 2,46,417/- crore are
under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’, ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy
• A new category of procurement ‘Buy {Indian- & Make (Indian)’, ‘Make’ categories.
IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and
Manufactured)}’ has been introduced in Defence • 141 contracts with total value of Rs. 2,00,010/-
Procurement Procedure-2016 and the same has Crore (approx.) were signed during the last two
been accorded top most priority for procurement financial years (2014-15 and 2015-16) and current
of capital equipment. year 2016-17 (upto December 2016), out of which
90 contracts involving a value of Rs. 83,344/- crore
• Preference has been accorded to ‘Buy (Indian)’ (Approx) were signed with Indian vendors.
and ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ categories of capital
acquisition over ‘Buy (Global)’ & ‘Buy & Make • Capital expenditure of Rs. 1,75,420/- Crore
(Global)’ categories. (approx.) was incurred on purchase of defence
items for Armed forces during the last two financial
• Requirement of Indigenous content has been years (2014-15 and 2015-16) and current year
enhanced / rationalised for various categories of 2016-17 (upto December 2016), out of which of
capital acquisition. Capital expenditure of Rs. 1,05,030/- Crore
(approx.) was incurred on purchase from Indian
• The ‘Make’ Procedure has been simplified with vendors.
provisions for funding of 90 % of development
cost by the government to Indian industry and The responsibility of quality assurance of raw
reserving projects not exceeding development cost material used in defence products rests with
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Organizations such as Ordnance Factory Board across the country to check / investigate the
(OFB), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), defence products.
Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA),
etc. At present, there is no proposal to open any
new lab in the country to check / investigate the
defence products. However DGQA, DRDO, OFB,
DPSUs and Armed forces already have their own
laboratories or test facilities at various locations

DEFENCE

Introduction of kingdoms the concept of army was

• India Defense force comprising of Army, Navy introduced which was gradually developed
and the Air Force is responsible for defending further.
the country's borders as defined by law and • The present structure of India defense is based
enshrined in the Constitution. on the system introduced by the British during
• The history of India Defense can be traced to their colonial stay.
the emergence of civilization when for the first • INDIA’S landmass covers an area of 3.3 million
time the need to defend the inhabited territory sq. kms. and is strategically located vis-a-vis
gained significant importance. To begin with, both continental Asia and the Indian Ocean
the groups within the community took the Region (IOR).
responsibility of safeguarding their area • Land borders extending more than 15,500 kms.
amongst themselves. Later with the emergence and a coastline totalling over 7500 kilometers
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make India a continental or maritime neighbour • India’s view is that all countries must exercise
of 11 countries in Asia. restraint and resolve bilateral issues
• The island territories of the Andaman and diplomatically, according to principles of
Nicobar Islands, located 1,300 kms. away from International law and without recourse to the
the mainland in the Bay of use or threat of use of force.
Bengal, provide India with a strategic presence The Regional Security Environment
at the entrance to the Strait of Malacca, India is committed to build an open and dialogue
through which more than 60,000 shipping based security co-operation with all partners in the
vessels transit each year. neighborhood on the basis of equality, mutual
• The Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands, located benefit and mutual respect.
about 450 kms. away from the mainland in the 1. Afghanistan
Arabian Sea, sit astride the sea lanes of The present political transition in the country is a
communication running eastward from the significant milestone for Afghanistan with renewed
Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. opportunities for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned
• The island territories along with a long coastline national reconciliation process. The Strategic
extend India’s territorial waters to more than Partnership Agreement between India and
160,000 sq. kms. and the Exclusive Economic Afghanistan provides the framework for the
Zone (EEZ) to more than two million square commitment of both countries to build the
kilometers. India is, thus a maritime as well as a bilateral relationship in all spheres, including
continental entity. through defence and security cooperation aimed at
• The activities of terrorist groups, the menace of enhancing mutual capacity in the fight against
drug trafficking, the spread of small arms, the terrorism and other security challenges.
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction 2. Pakistan
and the challenges to maritime security in the The expanding footprints of extremist and terrorist
immediate and extended neighborhood are organizations in Pakistan and their linkages with
some of the critical factors that affect India’s terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and rest
security environment. of India poses a major security challenge to India,
• India has important political, economic, with severe ramifications on bilateral relations, as
commercial and social interests in the Asia well as to the peace and security of the region.
Pacific and has a stake in continued peace and India remains committed to resolving all
stability in the region. outstanding issues with Pakistan through a
• India supports freedom of navigation in peaceful, bilateral dialogue on the basis of the
international waters and the right of passage, in Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration.
accordance with International law.
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During the meeting of the DGMOs of both Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, alleged
countries at Wagah in December 5, 2013, India that Indian intelligence agencies were
reiterated the need for Pakistan to uphold the responsible for the unrest in Balochistan,
sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC) and and Mr. Jaishankar “firmly rebutted” the
International Boundary in Jammu and Kashmir by charge.
stopping ceasefire violations and cross IB and cross
LoC transgressions. Issues of terrorism and Kashmir kept both
Pakistan has continued with its policy of selective sides from taking a common position and
approach to tackling terrorist groups operating there was no joint statement at the end of
from its territory and areas under its control which the meeting. While Pakistan supported the
do not serve the interests of regional peace and CBD, India made no mention of the
security dialogue process.
Recent development (Summary)
0B

India- Pak.
1B
“India’s Foreign Secretary emphasised the
India, Pakistan fail to break
2B

need for early and visible progress on the

deadlock on talks Pathankot terrorist attack investigation as
well as the Mumbai case trial in Pakistan,”
The much-anticipated talks between the said a source after the meeting. The
Indian and Pakistani Foreign Secretaries on strongest comment, however, was made by
failed to make headway on the Pakistan when the visiting Foreign Secretary
Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue, with described Kashmir as the “core issue”,
both sides trading allegations. echoing Pakistan’s traditional position on
the dispute.
“Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar conveyed
that Pakistan cannot be in denial on the Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary conveyed his
impact of terrorism on the bilateral country’s concern about developments in
relationship. Terrorist groups based in the Samjhauta Express blasts case. “The
Pakistan targeting India must not be Foreign Secretary also conveyed concerns
allowed to operate with impunity,” a senior over the environment being created in India
official of the Ministry of External Affairs for the release of the prime suspects of the
told The Hindu after the nearly two-hour Samjhauta Express blasts. He further
meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of pointed out that, despite repeated
Asia Senior Officials Meeting. requests, India has not shared investigation
reports in which 42 Pakistanis lost their
The Pakistan delegation, led by Foreign
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lives,” said an official of the Pakistan High Pradesh. The outlay plan for the
Commission. upgradation of ALGs alone is nearly Rs.
1,000 crore.

3. China 4. Bhutan
Although the unresolved boundary dispute India has been the privileged socio-economic
between India and China is a major factor in India’s partner of Bhutan since 1961. Today, there is
security calculus, India has engaged with China on extensive cooperation between the two countries
the principle of mutual respect and sensitivity for in all areas including in the area of trade and
each other’s interests, concerns and aspiration and economy including hydropower, defence and
mutual and equal security. security, as also people-to-people level linkages.
India remains conscious and watchful of the 5. Nepal
implication of China’s increasing military profile in External influence on Nepal, the demography along
our immediate and extended neighborhood, as the India-Nepal border and possible exploitation of
well as the development of strategic infrastructure porosity of the India-Nepal border by terrorists
by China in the border areas. sponsored by our adversaries, are some of the
Recent development (Summary)
3B
issues that India is concerned about and will have
India-China
4B
to monitor closely.
IAF
5B reactivates two landing At the same time, it will have to be kept in mind
grounds in Arunachal Pradesh that the 1950 Treaty provides for an open border
Boosting the nation’s rapid airlift capability
6B
and is a major asset that is a cornerstone of India-
for forward operations and troop Nepal friendship. Security cooperation between
deployment, the Indian Air Force re- India and Nepal is proceeding well, owing to
activated two upgraded Advanced Landing enhanced assistance in the form of training and
Grounds (ALG) at Ziro and Along in equipment supply.
Arunachal Pradesh . 6. Bangladesh
This will give the ability to rapidly airlift
7B

Cooperative relations between India and

troops in case of hostilities or a standoff. Bangladesh continued to be a positive factor in the
India has belatedly embarked on a major regional security scenario. Both countries share a
drive to operationalise the ALGs which have convergence of views on security matters and on
not been in use for decades. managing border security concerns. Bilateral
The ALGs for upgradation include Tuting,
8B

efforts are being pursued for the settlement of

Mechuka, Along, Tawang, Ziro, Pasighat, border issues. Both sides have on various occasions
Walong and Vijaynagar in Arunachal
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reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism efforts to maintain stability on the borders through
on all its forms and manifestations. a number of measures being pursued under the
Recent development (Summary)
9B umbrella of multi-tiered mechanisms at the local,
India-Bangladesh
10B
regional and national level. The Myanmar
India-Bangladesh
1B drill in leadership has conveyed its assurances that it will
Sundarbans not allow its territory to be used for activities
In an attempt to bring in more synergy in
12B
inimical to India.
coordinated border management, border- 8. Sri Lanka
guarding forces of Bangladesh and India Relations between India and Sri Lanka are based on
conducted their first-ever joint exercise in shared cultural, religious, linguistic and historical
the riverine borders of the Sundarbans. ties and remain cooperative and constructive. India
The exercise between the Border Security
13B
continues to remain engaged with Sri Lanka to
Force (BSF) and the Border Guard achieve a lasting political settlement that meets
Bangladesh (BGB) commenced with the aspiration of the Tamil community for equality,
troopers, including dog and bomb squads, justice, peace and dignity. Both countries are
from both the forces carrying out joint pursuing efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in
searches of cargo vessels on the Ichamati a range of areas, including defence and security.
river. The commonality of regional maritime security
The second day of the drill called
14B
challenges is the foundation for the trilateral
‘Sundarbans Maithri’ on Sunday was defence and security cooperation framework
supervised by Inspector General, South through which India, Sri Lanka and Maldives are
Bengal frontier, Sandeep Salunkhe, Colonel working to develop joint capabilities to respond to
Khandekar Farid Hassan, Region a variety of maritime challenges. The initiative
Commander BGB onboard the floating enables the defence and security establishments
border outpost (BOP) Kamakhya. and the Armed Forces of all three countries to
pursue practical cooperation on a regular basis. It is
expected that the initiative which acknowledges
7. Myanmar India’s role as the net provider of security in the
Myanmar is located on crossroads of South and Indian Ocean neighbourhood will contribute to the
South-East Asia and is India’s land bridge to the development of a cooperative vision of security in
South-East Asian countries. India continues to the region.
engage with Myanmar on various fronts, including Who is responsible for Defence of India?
trade and infrastructure and cooperation in The government of India is responsible for ensuring
security matters. Both countries are engaged in the defence of India. The Supreme command of
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Armed forces vests in the President of India. The
responsibility for defence of the country rests
with the Cabinet. This is discharged through
Ministry of Defence, which provides the policy
framework and wherewithal to the Armed forces
to discharge their responsibilities for defence of
the country.
Ministry of Defence
The primary task of the Ministry of Defence is to
prepare for Defence of the country by providing
required infrastructure, adequate trained
manpower and Defence equipment and plateforms
to the armed forces.

(i) The Department of Defence deals with the

Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and three Services
and various Inter Service Organizations. It is also
responsible for the Defence Budget, establishment
matters, defence policy, matters relating to
Parliament, defence co-operation with foreign
countries and co-ordination of all defence related
activities.
(ii) The Department of Defence Production is
headed by a Secretary and deals with matters
pertaining to defence production, indigenization of
imported stores, equipment and spares, planning
and control of departmental production units of
the Ordnance Factory Board and Defence Public
Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
(iii) The Department of Defence Research and
Development is headed by a Secretary, who is the
Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri. Its function
is to advise the Government on scientific aspects of
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military equipment and logistics and the Conflicts and operations
formulation of research, design and development
plans for equipment required by the Services. (Indian Army)
(iv) The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare is
headed by a Secretary and deals with all • First Kashmir War (1947)
resettlement, welfare and pensionary matters of • Annexation of Hyderabad (1948)
Ex-Servicemen. • Medical assistance during Korean War
(1950–1953)
• Annexation of Goa, Daman and Diu
(1961)
Indian Army • Sino-Indian War (1962)
• Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
• 1967 Sino-Indian Conflict
• Operation against the Naxalites during
1971
The Indian Army is the land-based branch and the • Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971
largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The • Siachen conflict (1984)
• Kargil war (1999)
President of India serves as Supreme Commander
• United Nations peacekeeping missions
of the Indian Army, and it is commanded by the
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star
General. Two officers have been conferred the rank
The Indian Army has a regimental system, but is
of Field marshal, a Five-star rank, which is a
operationally and geographically divided into seven
ceremonial position of great honour. The Indian
commands, with the basic field formation being a
Army originated from the armies of the East India
division. It is an all-volunteer force and comprises
Company, which eventually became the British
more than 80% of the country's active defence
Indian Army, and the armies of the princely states,
personnel. It is the 2nd largest standing army in
which finally became the national army after
the world, with 1,129,900 active troops and
independence.
960,000 reserve troops. The army has embarked on
an infantry modernisation programme known as
Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System (F-INSAS),
and is also upgrading and acquiring new assets for
its armoured, artillery and aviation branches
Indian Army Rank Structure
Recent exercises
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integrated air-land battle environment was
• Yudh Abhyas (with USA) evaluated. The focus of the exercise was to achieve
• Exercise Shakti (with France) joint and seamless coordination among all the
forces in a nuclear biological chemical warfare
• Exercise Nomadic Elephant (with
scenario so as to deliver the enemy, a lethal punch
Mongolia) with full might at a lightening speed. The
Exercise Shatrujeet - operationally-oriented exercise was focused on
In April 2016, Indian Army conducted a major validating integrated theatre battle fighting
exercise called 'Shatrujeet' by the elite Mathura- concept by incorporating new age technologies,
based Strike Corps in desert area of Mahajan field weapon platforms and systems as well as long-
firing range of Rajasthan, wherein the capability to range precision targeting vectors.
strike, deep into the enemy territory in an

Operational Commands of Indian Army

& their Headquarters 1. Southern Command is headquartered at
Indian army is organized into 7 operational Pune
commands.
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2. Northern Command at Udhampur Jammu & • When India became a republic in 1950, the
Kashmir Royal Indian Navy as it had been named
3. Western Command at Chandimandir Punjab since 1934 was renamed to Indian Navy.
4. Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata • The 17th-century Maratha emperor
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is considered
5. Central command headquarters in Lucknow
as the 'Father of the Indian Navy'
6. Training command at Mhow Madhya The Indian Navy is the prime enabler and guarantor
Pradesh of the country’s maritime sovereignty and myriad
7. South Western Command with use-of-sea activities. This is discharged by the
headquarters at Jaipur. Indian Navy through its four roles – military,
diplomatic, constabulary and benign.
Navy Objective
The objective of the Navy’s military role is
deterrence/ dissuasion against any intervention or
act which is against our national interests, and the
ability to inflict a crushing defeat on the adversary
in the event of hostilities. A major objective of the
Navy’s Constabulary role is to ensure coastal
Brief History- security and implement anti-piracy measures.
• The Indian Navy can trace its lineage back • India is a maritime nation and our economy
to the Honourable East India Company's is critically dependent on the seas for
Marine which was founded in 1612 to conduct of trade. More than 90 per cent of
protect British merchant shipping in the our trade by volume, and 77 per cent by
region. value, is transported over the seas.
• In 1793 the East India Company established • The Navy discharges this role by shaping
its rule over eastern part of the Indian perceptions, building partnership, showing
subcontinent i.e. Bengal, but it wasn't until presence, building trust with other friendly
1830 that the colonial navy became known navies and participating in combined/joint
as Her Majesty's Indian Navy. operations.
• In 1858, East India Company rule gave way • The use of the Indian Navy for disaster relief
to the British Raj which lasted until India operations, both within the country and
became independent in 1947. also in global areas of interest, as part of
the Navy's benign role, would continue to
provide options to the national leadership.
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Commands (Indian Navy)

International fleet Review 2016

International Fleet Review 2016 (IFR 2016) was an
international maritime exercise hosted and
conducted by the Indian Navy on behalf of the
President of India in February 2016. Its objective
was to improve the extent of mutual trust and
confidence with neighbouring navies by inviting
them to participate in the review.
The Indian Navy displayed its maritime capabilities
to the foreign navies which participated in the
review Prior to the 2016 review, there were two
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other notable international fleet reviews. These
Naval exercises were the International Fleet Review 2013 and the
International Fleet Review 2005 held by Australia
and United Kingdom respectively. This is the
Varuna (with the French Navy)
second International Fleet Review conducted in
Konkan (with the Royal Navy)
India. Prior this, India had conduct an international
Indra (with Russian Navy)
fleet review in 2001 at Mumbai.
Malabar (with the US Navy)
The event was organized by the Eastern Naval
Simbex (with the Republic of Singapore Navy)
Command of the Indian Navy
IBSAMAR (with the Brazil and South
African navies)
TROPEX (Theatre-level Readiness Operational 2. Operation Capella: INS Mysore was deployed
Exercises) was held during which Indian Navy in the Persian Gulf from end June to July, 2014
experimented the doctrine of influencing a land and was standby to undertake evacuation of
and air battle to support the Indian Army and the personnel from Iraq.
Indian Air Force 3. Eastern Fleet Overseas Deployment (OSD):
SLINEX-II (with Sri lanka) Indian Navy ships Shakti, Ranvijay and Shivalik
Milan Once in two years navies from the Indian were deployed in the South China Sea, Sea of
Ocean region meet at the Andaman and Nicobar Japan and Western Pacific Ocean in July-
Islands and the event is named as Mila August, 2014. The Indian Navy ships undertook
two major exercises viz. INDRA 14 with the
Overseas Operations Russian Navy and Malabar 2014 with the US
1. Search and Rescue Operation of Missing Navy.
Malaysian Aircraft: Malaysian Airlines Aircraft 4. Western Fleet OSD: Indian Navy ships Deepak,
MH 370 was reported to be missing on the Mumbai, Talwar and Teg were deployed in the
night of March 7/8, 2014, during flight from Southern Indian Ocean in October-November,
Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. A search and rescue 2014 and visited Antisiranana, Mombasa, Dar –
operation was undertaken (Operation es – Salem, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, Port
Sahayata) by the Indian Navy from April 13-17, Louis, St Denis, Port Victoria and Nacala during
2014 by INS Kumbhir, Kesari and Saryu. the OSD.
Operation Haystack for the same incident was 5. OSD of Training Squadron: Indian Navy ships of
undertaken by INS Saryu, Bangaram and 1st Training Squadron visited Abu Dhabi and
Battimalv from April 19-26, 2014. P-8I maritime Muscat as part of training for sea cadets.
surveillance aircraft of the Indian Navy were
also deployed for search operations.
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Indian Coast Guard (भारतीय 1. Safety and protection of artificial islands,
offshore terminals and other installations
तटर�क) 2. Protection and assistance to fishermen and
mariners at sea
3. Preservation and protection of marine
ecology and environment including
pollution control
4. Assistance to the Department of Customs
and other authorities in anti-smuggling
operations
• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protects 5. Law enforcement in territorial as well as
India's maritime interests and enforces international waters
maritime law, with jurisdiction over the 6. Scientific data collection and support
territorial waters of India, including its 7. National defence during hostilities (under
contiguous zone and exclusive economic the operational control of the Indian Navy)
zone. Additional responsibilities of the Indian
• The Indian Coast Guard was formally Coast Guard
established on 18 August 1978 by the Coast 1. Offshore Security Coordination Committee
Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India (OSCC) - The Director-General of the Indian
as an independent Armed force of India. Coast Guard is the Chairman of OSCC
• It operates under the Ministry of Defence constituted by the Ministry of Petroleum and
• The Coast Guard works in close cooperation Natural Gas (MoPNG).
with the Indian Navy, the Department of 2. National Maritime Search and Rescue
Fisheries, the Department of Revenue Coordinating Authority (NMSARCA) - The
(Customs) and the Central and State police Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard is
forces. the NMSARCA for executing / coordinating
• The command and control of the Coast search and rescue (SAR) missions
Guard lies with the Director General of 3. Lead Intelligence Agency (LIA) - For coastal and
Indian Coast Guard, at New Delhi. sea borders
• The organization has regional headquarters 4. Coastal Security - The Director-General of the
located at Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Chennai, Indian Coast Guard is the commander of coastal
Kolkata and Port Blair. command and is responsible for overall
coordination between central and state
Role/Missions of Indian Coast Guard
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Indian Air Force ( भारतीय
agencies in all matters relating to coastal
security
Coast Guard patrol vessel Arnvesh
वायु सेना)
15B

commissioned
The fast patrol vessel (FPV) of the Indian Coast
Guard, ICGS Arnvesh, was commissioned here on
Monday by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief,
Eastern Naval Command, Vice-Admiral H.C.S. Bisht.
The 50-metre long, 300-tonne vessel is the 16th of the
20 in this category being built by the Cochin Shipyard
Limited (CSL).
Propelled by triple Rolls Royce Kamewa water jets, it
can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots and carry a • The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian
crew of five officers and 34 men. armed forces. It is the World's 4th largest
Fitted with the state-of-the-art navigational and airforce.
communication equipment, including night vision • Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian
capabilities, its main armament comprises 40/60 airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a
Bofors guns. conflict.
Commissioning the vessel, Vice-Admiral Bisht said
• Since independence, the IAF has been involved
the role of the Coast Guard had now become 24/7,
in four wars with neighbouring Pakistan and
and it played a very active role in coastal security,
one with the People's Republic of China.
especially terror threat from the sea. “Today, the coast
is secured by the tri-forces of the Navy, the Coast • Other major operations undertaken by the IAF
Guard and the Marine Police,” he said. include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot,
On the role of ICGS Arnvesh , Inspector General of Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai.
Coast Guard (Eastern Region) S.P. Sharma said the Apart from conflicts, the IAF has been an active
vessel would primarily focus on surveillance at sea, participant in United Nations peacekeeping
coastal patrol, anti-smuggling operations, anti-piracy missions.
and search and rescue operations. • The President of India serves as Supreme
According to him, the Coast Guard was on an Commander of the IAF.
expansion mode, as its role in safeguarding the
• The Chief of Air Staff, an Air Chief Marshal, is a
maritime assets in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
four-star officer and commands the Air Force.
and coastal security had increased.
There is never more than one serving ACM at
any given time in the IAF.
• The rank of Marshal of the Air Force has been
conferred once, to Arjan Singh, by the
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President of India on 26 Jan 2002 and he IAF & serves as the ceremonial chief.
became first five-star rank holding officer of

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exiting trades were called and sent for commando
(HADR) is one of the key tasks of the IAF, and it has and specialised training at various institutes of
risen to the challenge whenever called upon to do army and other forces. The airmen who
so. The calamitous floods in Kashmir valley this successfully completed all course were inducted in
year saw the IAF undertake Operation Megh Garud force, while special recruitment and
Rahat. Approximately 70 IAF aircraft were selections from various IAF training institute were
deployed in HADR missions. In coordination with made for selecting young air warriors for Garud SF.
the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force The unit derives its name from Garuda, a divine
(NDRF) and civil agencies, over 96,000 people were mythical bird of Hindu Mythology, but more
rescued and over 3,500 tonnes of relief material commonly the word for Garuda in Sanskrit.
airlifted. Air effort during Cyclone Hudhud in Garud is tasked with the protection of critical
Odisha was another sterling contribution by the installations; During hostilities, Garuds undertake
IAF. Also, air support provided during the 2014 combat search and rescue, rescue of downed
General Elections, search and rescue operations, airmen and other forces from behind enemy lines,
air maintenance missions flown towards Operation suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD), radar
Triveni as well as sustained air maintenance for busting, combat control, missile and munitions
Indian Army were notable achievements during the guidance ("lasing" of targets) and other missions in
year. support of air operations. It has been suggested
Garud Commando Force that they undertake an offensive role including
In September 2009, the IAFMM established its own raids on enemy air bases etc. during times of war.
special operation unit called the Garud Commando Apart from protecting air bases from sabotage and
Force, consisting of approximately 1,500 personnel. attacks by commando raids, they are also tasked to
For starting this special force volunteers from seal off weapons systems, fighter hangars and
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other major systems during intrusions and conflicts 1. What is Rafale aircraft?
and disaster relief during calamities Rafales are twin-engine Medium Multi-Role
Key Acquisitions and Upgrades (Air Force) Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured
Su-30 MKI: Delivery of additional Su-30 MKI by Dassault Aviation, a French firm. Rafale fighter
aircraft contracted with Hindustan Aeronautics jets are positioned as ‘omnirole’ aircrafts that
Limited (HAL) continued this year, and is planned capable to perform a wide-range of combat roles
to be completed by 2016-17. Modification work on such as air supremacy, interdiction,aerial
Su-30 MKI for integration of BrahMos missile on reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike,
the aircraft has been completed. Meanwhile, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence.
indigenously developed Astra ‘Beyond Visual
Range’ Air-to-Air Missile was successfully test fired
from Su-30 MKI aircraft.
Mirage 2000 Upgrade: The Project for upgrade of
Mirage 2000 aircraft is under implementation.
MiG-29 Upgrade: After completing the final
stages of flight tests, Series Upgrade for the MiG-29
fleet has commenced at a Base Repair Depot of the
IAF.
Jaguar DARIN-III Upgrade: Jaguar aircraft has
flown with its enhanced navigation and weapon
delivery capabilities. Upgrade of the engine
alongside will provide extended operational
relevance for this aircraft.
Tejas Light Combat Aircraft: With HAL having
commenced series production of Light Combat 2. Why has India opted for Rafale?
Aircraft, its operational induction is anticipated in Rafale was not India’s only choice. Several
2015. international aviation manufacturers expressed
interest upon knowing the Indian government’s
Latest Development in Indian Air mammoth plan to revamp its Indian Airforce fleet
force 2016 (The Hindu) by introducing MMRCAs.
Six renowned aircraft manufacturers competed to
All you need to know about
16B

bag the contract of 126 fighter jets, which was

the Rafale deal touted to be the largest-ever defence procurement
deal of India.
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The Initial bidders were Lockheed Martin’s F-16s, negotiations to stretch to several months, the
Boeing’s F/A-18s, Eurofighter Typhoon, Russia’s Rafale negotiations has been on for almost four
MiG-35, Sweden’s Saab’s Gripen and Rafale. years now. The agreement was signed only in
All aircraft were tested by the IAF and after careful January this year.
analysis on the bids, two of them — Eurofighter 6. Why this delay?
and Rafale — were shortlisted. Dassault bagged the Both India and France witnessed national elections
contract to provide 126 fighter jets, as it was the and a change in government while the negotiations
lowest bidder and the aircraft were said to be easy were under way. Pricing was another factor. Even
to maintain. during the signing of the purchase agreement, both
3. When did the actual procurement the sides couldn’t reach a conclusion on the
process begin? financial aspects. According to sources, the price of
Indian Air Force sought additional fighter jets in an aircraft it about Rs.740 crores and India wants
2001. The current IAF fleet largely consists of heavy them for at least 20 per cent lesser cost.
and light-weight combat aircraft. So the Defence Though the initial plan was to buy 126 jets, India
Ministry considered bringing in intermediate scaled it down to 36, that too in ready condition.
medium-weight fighter jets. Though the idea has 7. How important is this deal to both India
been around since 2001, the actual process began and France?
in 2007. The Defence Acquisition Council, headed France: Rafale jets are currently being used mostly
by then Defence Minister A.K. Antony, approved by France and also by Egypt and Qatar. Dassault is
the Request For Proposal to buy 126 aircraft in hoping that export of Rafale jets will help the
August 2007. This kick-started the bidding process. company meet its revenue targets. India was the
4. How many Rafales are we buying and first country that agreed to buy Rafale, after it was
what’s the cost involved? used in Libyan airstrikes. If India inducts these jets
The deal was initially estimated to be worth $10.2 in its military fold, other nations could express its
billion (Rs.54,000 crore). The plan included willingness to buy Rafales.
acquiring 126 aircraft, 18 of them in fly-away India: India chose Dassault over its traditional
condition and the rest to be made in India at the partner Russia’s MiG. It also ignored U.S.’
Hindustan Aeronautics facility under transfer of Lockheed, at a time when India and U.S. were
technology. aiming for closer ties. Procurement of combat
5. So Rafale won the contract. And India is aircraft is long overdue for the Indian Air Force.
buying 126 jets. That’s it? Further delay can only make things worse. This deal
No, it’s trickier than that. After Rafale won the is India’s biggest-ever procurement. In the
contract, the Indian side and Dassault started effectiveness of the Rafale deal lies the future of
negotiations in 2012. While it is usual for such other defence procurements.
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the highlight of the day. As it moves closer to Final
Operational Clearance, it can soon be included in
the IAF’s official fleet for combat roles. Tejas is set
to fire US- and Russia-made missiles. Astra, the
Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile will be fired
for the first time at the rally.
Iron Fist 2016: Display of Besides showcasing aircraft, the event also aims at
IAF's might flaunting the lethal competence of the IAF. From
weapons to acrobatic capabilities, the show of
The event will be conducted at the Pokhran firing strength is bound to send a powerful message
range in Rajasthan, and will have President Pranab about India’s military readiness to
Mukherjee, Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister her contemporaries.
Manohar Parikar and Chief of IAF Air Marshal Arup New technologies such as all-weather, network-
Raha, among many other senior officers as guests. centric operations, lethal firepower, and precision
India’s Iron Fist Exercise was first held in 2013 as a weapon delivery boasts of the IAF’s modern
demonstration of the military capabilities and combat capabilities.
tactical skills of the Indian Air Force. Typically, the
The Defence Procurement Policy 2016
day and night event is divided into four sections:
the flypast, offensive capabilities, defensive
capabilities, and night operations. Hundreds of
aircraft and weapons are showcased.
The fighter planes on display this year include
Sukhoi Su-30, Mirage 2000, Jaguars, MIG 21, attack
helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and
high-tech Airborne Warning And Control Systems
(AWACS).
Tejas, India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), will be
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• The Defence Acquisition Council has manufacturing), which would become

approved a revised Defence the most preferred acquisition category.
Procurement Procedure (DPP), aimed at • Under Buy Indian, domestically designed
boosting indigenous defence equipment with 40 per cent indigenous
procurement and encouraging better components or foreign-designed
participation from the Indian private equipment with 60 per cent local
sector. components will be considered.
• The Council is headed by Defence • The new DPP has significantly increased
Minister Manohar Parrikar and includes the offset threshold for foreign
key stakeholders of the defence contracts from Rs. 300 crore to Rs.
establishment. 2,000 crore (with 30 per cent of the
• Among its key decisions is a proposal to contract value to be procured from
introduce a new category of acquisition within India), while it has certain
termed Buy Indian (or IDDM, provisions for encouraging Micro, Small
indigenous design development and and Medium Enterprises.
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• At first glance, the DPP is an incremental now the obligation to invest at least 30 per cent of
improvement over recent efforts to the contract value in India will kick in at Rs.2,000
reduce India’s import dependence, crore, a significant increase from the previous
which stands at 65 per cent of total Rs.300-crore mark. The policy lays stress on micro,
small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and on
defence procurement, to help create a
“Make in India”. A 10 per cent weightage has been
robust military industrial complex within
introduced for superior technology, instead of
the country. selecting the lowest bidder only in financial terms.
Analysis of The Defence Procurement Policy, DPP 2016, however, falls far short of the
19B

2016 (from the Hindu) expectations raised by the Narendra Modi

government’s ambitious “Make in India” push that
Towards military self-reliance
17B
aims to transform the country into a global
The Defence Procurement Policy 2016 made public
18B
manufacturing hub. India is the world’s largest
this week is a step forward in increasing the importer of defence equipment, and indigenising
participation of India’s private sector in military production is key to such a plan. The DPP is
manufacturing. It replaces the last DPP unveiled in noticeable for the absence of Chapter VII, titled
2013, and has several recommendations for ‘Strategic Partners and Partnerships’, which the
improving indigenous procurement. The DPP, the Defence Minister said would be notified separately.
governing manual for all defence procurement, Under Strategic Partnerships, select Indian private
was part of a set of military reforms undertaken to companies were to be given preferential status in
address the many deficiencies noticed during the major defence projects. The inability of the Centre
1999 Kargil war. Since the first one in 2002, the to finalise a credible policy to radically increase
DPP has been revised periodically. The new policy indigenous military manufacturing is a sure sign
places the highest preference to a newly that India will remain heavily dependent on
incorporated procurement class called ‘Buy Indian- defence imports. Given the country’s robust
IDDM’, with IDDM denoting Indigenous Designed financial growth, one of its greatest leveraging
Developed and Manufactured. This category refers points is the annual spend on procurement. India
to procurement from an Indian vendor, products has all the necessary prerequisites for a robust
that are indigenously designed, developed and military-industrial complex: a diverse private
manufactured with a minimum of 40 per cent local sector, a large base of engineering institutes, and a
content, or products having 60 per cent indigenous growing defence budget. The fact that India faces a
content if not designed and developed within the combination of security threats from both state
country. The policy has also liberalised the and non-state actors is an obvious reason why it
threshold for offset liabilities for foreign vendors — needs to be self-reliant in military equipment.
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There is another important reason why India needs countries and 224 delegations from 48 countries.
an indigenous military-industrial complex: it will
significantly reduce the potential for corruption in The Minister said the policy had taken care of some
military procurement. However, the new of the issues raised by foreign companies and in
procurement policy does not inspire hope that another two or three months, the Ministry would
domestic defence production will grow sufficiently. take care of a few more issues that were pending.
It may not be just an irony that the policy has been The new DPP can push the agenda of Make in India
released as India hosts yet another Defexpo event, in a big way, he said.
in Goa, where global vendors are hawking their war
machines to a technologically famished Indian While the FDI limit remains 49 per cent through
military. the automatic route, a higher percentage can be
considered on special cases, he said. The DPP
Defence policy to give a push to
20B
recognises the role of small and medium
‘Make in India’ enterprises in the sector, and a further boost will
The Defence Ministry on Monday unveiled the new be given to it.
Defence Procurement Policy, intended primarily to
improve indigenous procurement, but left out the Pointing out that self-reliance is “a major
most significant reform it had been promising. corner-stone on which the military capability of
any nation must rest,” the DPP says it is of
The DPP-2016, made public to coincide with the “utmost importance that the concept of ‘Make
latest edition of DefExpo in Goa, was expected to in India’ remains the focal point of the defence
herald a new era in the way India’s private sector acquisition policy/procedure.”
participates in defence procurement, but that is
not to be.
Make in India in defence
Speaking at the inauguration of DefExpo, an (Indian Express)
exhibition of land and naval systems, Defence
Minister Manohar Parrikar said the new policy Being the multi-billion dollar and most lucrative
would give top priority to speedy procurement, defence market in the world, India provides several
focus on indigenous design and development and opportunities for Indian and foreign corporate
lay emphasis on Make in India. entities for defence manufacturing. Thanks to the
Make in India campaign, the defence sector has
The expo, being held in Goa for the first time, has moved from the periphery to the core of Indian
the participation of 1,055 companies from 47 manufacturing. Several CII reports have suggested
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that the sector not only has the potential to Exchange Rate Variation (FERV), were addressed
augment manufacturing but also add nearly one before the DPP’s release. For instance, excise and
million direct and indirect jobs. Some of the top customs duty exemptions available to PSUs/
industrial houses have already made some inroads Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) have been
into the sector. Several more are waiting for the withdrawn. The Union budget also mentions this.
right opportunity. FERV is now allowed for the private sector in all
The CII welcomes the much-awaited release of the contracts, as was available to PSUs/ OFB earlier in
Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP 2016) on the nomination cases.
inaugural day of Defexpo 2016 by the defence The DPP also addresses issues like incentives to
minister. The initial feedback from all stakeholders, move the Indian defence industry up the value
including industry and end-users, indicates that chain. Various provisions remove ambiguities,
many issues have been ironed out to enhance the ensure transparency, offer a level playing field and
DPP’s efficacy. There has been a clear departure clearly lay down procedures. It won’t be an
from past practices that often left critical defence exaggeration to say that the defence ministry has
procurements in limbo. The revised procedures taken all the right steps to create a conducive
provide more flexibility to the end-users and the environment for the defence industry’s growth, as
industry to work together, especially on envisaged in the Defence Production Policy. Given
development projects. A new procurement the opportunity, this industry has the potential to
category — Indigenously Designed, Developed and become a huge foreign exchange earner and also
Manufactured (IDDM) — has been introduced and lead India to its professed goal of self-reliance.
accorded top priority. It essentially means the Nearly $14 billion worth of defence offset
government is leaving no stone unturned to give a obligations will be discharged by the foreign
boost to Make in India. The “Make” procedure has Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by
been further classified into three types to address 2028. It’s heartening to note that the government
the concerns of MSMEs in particular. The defence has taken serious note of
ministry would fund up to 90 per cent of the Make the industry’s recommendation for further
project’s prototype development cost. Adding one streamlining the Defence Offset Guidelines. These
more safeguard for the industry, the ministry will guidelines are part of the DPP and have been
reimburse the remaining 10 per cent prototype revised to add more flexibility and accountability.
development cost, if the order is not placed within DPP 2016 has also opened up several co-
a stipulated timeframe after the successful test of development and co-production avenues for Indian
prototypes. as well as foreign companies. The ministry seems
A few issues, including ensuring a level playing field to have successfully bridged the gap between
between public and private and the Foreign intent and implementation. Earlier policies and
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procedures were often criticised for lacking in for and tie up with foreign OEMs as a co-
implementation despite the best of intent. For the developer/ technology partner.
first time, the defence ministry has accepted the
industry’s longstanding request for linking defence
procurement with defence production. This inter-
Concluding note
linkage would go a long way in realising Make in Defexpo India 2016
India in defence. Defexpo India 2016, the ninth in the series of
End-users will literally have to exhaust all possible biennial Land, Naval and Internal Homeland
options of domestic manufacturing before Security Systems Exhibition, will be held at Naqueri
suggesting “Buy Global” procurements. Quitol in Quepem Taluka of South Goa, India from
Interestingly, in the past one-year-plus, most of the
28th to 31st March 2016. Defexpo India is clearly
“Acceptance of Necessity” for forthcoming defence
steering the path of steady growth and has been
procurements have been granted for “Buy India”
and “Buy and Make (Indian)” category. It means receiving overwhelming and unprecedented
the government is walking the talk. international response with each edition.
Indian industry is keen to take on complex hi-tech
and more challenging projects. It would be
desirable to identify and share more Make projects
across the three services to enable Indian industry
to prepare their business case. Also, prior
intimation would also allow Indian industry to look
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Class explanation- mind map
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