He said that the delay in modernization of the Indian Armed Forces among other things is the issue of Intellectual Property Right (IPR). But despite delays the Army’s modernization plans for 2020 are being implemented.
Delivering his valedictory address in the concluding session of the two-day seminar on military modernization organized by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and the apex industry body, CII here Lt Gen Chauhan said : “The modest defence technology absorption capabilities in our country and IPR related issues with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) also contribute to delays in modernisation of Mechanised Forces.”
The Armed Forces are gearing up to face the threats of cyber warfare. As part of the defence cyber warfare capability, measures like conducting cyber audits and cyber security review, evolving a comprehensive Crisis Management Plan for incident handling and response facility, vulnerability analysis and penetration testing of computer networks and applications and cyber forensic analysis are being undertaken. The long-term perspective would be to gradually develop, with the ability to undertake offensive cyber operations in future.
He said that the modernisation of Mechanised Forces involved acquisition of technologies that were on the critical list, even with developed nations. When the technology was available, the state-of-the-art veronicas that were part of all modern tracked combat vehicles, pose peculiar challenges, related to integration with other on-board sub systems.
However, according to him the challenges involved in the process have been identified and efforts are being made to resolve the issue. There is now clarity on the future road map and the philosophy of equipping. The projects that are already underway are being monitored closely to ensure that further slippages are avoided. Induction of new tanks and upgradation of existing equipment have been accorded top priority. Progress on addressing the night blindness of the forces has been satisfactory. Both indigenous and external sources are being explored for enhancing our anti-tank capabilities. The results of indigenous development are encouraging.
Critical capabilities that are being enhanced, include battlefield transparency, battlefield management systems, night-fighting capability, firepower capability by inducting and operationalising long-range missiles, terminally guided munitions, integrated manoeuvre capability to include Self Propelled Artillery, Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air missiles, latest assault engineer equipment, tactical control systems, integral combat aviation support and network centricity, Rocket Regiments and advanced gun systems on varied platforms.
Emphasis is being given to make up deficiencies, upgrade “in inventory” platforms, streamline existing logistics support, improve infrastructure in border areas, especially in North-East India and also focus on human development to harness technology at the cutting edge level.
Lt Gen Chauhan said : “Modernisation programme of Artillery, though delayed, is now on track…..Trials of new gun systems are progressing well. Actions for procurement of towed guns, mounted guns and tracked self propelled guns and upgradation of existing guns have been initiated and we expect major trials in 2011. Indigenous industry is being engaged to upgrade guns and build a reliable support and production base for the long term.”
The development work on ACCCS has been completed and it is at a very advanced stage of procurement. It is a force multiplier that will enable optimal employment of artillery resources.
Lt Gen Chauhan said that as part of the consolidation efforts, the existing AD guns were being upgraded with state-of-the-art electro-optical fire control systems and mechanisms while the associated surveillance, fire control, communication and battle management systems were being revamped. Efforts at enhancing all weather operational capabilities have been successful and significant progress has been made. Procurement of new training and target systems were progressing well, he said.
The futuristic advanced air defence (AAD) envisages a layered and tiered defence employing integrated family of weapon systems which include state-of-the-art gun systems, very short-range, short-range and medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
“There will be a very perceptible shift from gun-centric approach to gun-missile and missile-centric approach to air defence to cater for envisaged future threats. Efforts to modernise AAD are progressing well and the visible changes in its equipment profile can be expected in the near future. Definitive actions for induction of new missile systems and upgradation of existing equipment are expected to be completed this year. Actions for procurement of medium, short and very short-range missiles have gathered irreversible momentum and they should be inducted in due course of time,” Lt Gen Chauhan said.
He said that the Army has made progress towards achieving a robust, survivable and high speed common user network (CUN) across the country. Army Switched Communication Network (ASCON), Command Inter communication Network (CICN), Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) and Army Radio Engineered Network (AREN) have been established to provide robust communication networks across the length and breadth of the country. These networks are being upgraded to meet the ever-growing user needs and changes in technology.
A large number of projects like network for spectrum (NFS), ASCON Phase IV, Tactical Communication System (TCS) have been initiated which are in various stages of implementation. These shall provide a state-of-the-art and robust communication system for the CUN as well as in the tactical battle area (TBA). This will be the backbone network and will provide user interface for various applications for Tactical Command, Control, Communication and Information (TacC3I) which are in various stages of development. These applications will ride intra communication system and the CUN for seamless flow of data across different domains.
The three Services are in the process of developing various information systems, based on Service-Specific operational requirements. To ensure seamless exchange of information in a joint operations scenario, the HQ IDS has undertaken necessary measures, which includes development of strategic Tri-Service Information Communication Technology (ICT) networks. There are two major projects namely Data Communication Network (DCN) and Network for Spectrum (NFS) at the tri-services level, besides other similar projects. DCN and NFS would provide a network for seamless flow of information between tactically and strategically important locations of all the three Services.