According to the Indian armed forces, the Akash surface-to-air missile will be tested this Sunday, from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Orissa.
The missile, which was first inducted in to the Indian Armed Forces in 2008, underwent several tests later, as technical issues and flaws were discovered later. During the test, which is estimated to take place this Sunday, a Pilot-less Target Aircraft (PTA) will be intercepted and destroyed by the missile launched from a wheeled platform.
The Akash missile is capable of destroying aircrafts which are 20 miles away, with altitude up to 60,000 feet. The missile can be fitted with nuclear warheads and is capable of carrying a conventional warhead of up to 60 kg. The missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and jointly manufactured by the Bharat Electronics Limited and the Bharat Dynamics Limited. The development of the missile was done as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). There are two versions of the Akash missile available, one each for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.
The Akash missiles are supported by indigenously developed passive phased array radar “Rajendra”. The radar was also developed by the DRDO. The Rajendra is a multifunction radar, capable of tracking as many as 64 targets and controlling up to 12 missiles simultaneously. Indian defence experts have drawn comparisons for the Akash missile system with the American MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system. Indians claim that similar to the MIM-104, the Akash is capable of neutralizing aerial targets such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
Ravi Kumar Gupta, senior DRDO official dismissed the fears about the technical snags in Akash, saying that all the recent tests of the missile have been successful. He said that the latest test will help the armed forces to analyse the effectiveness and capability of the missile. The Indian Army, which is conducting the missile test this week, plans to induct two Akash regiments (containing approximately two thousand missiles) to replace its antiquated Russian 2K12 Kub (SA-6) missiles.
The IAF is planning to induct a total of 1,000 Akash missiles in 8 squadrons, which will increase its defence capabilities. According to Indian officials, the The Isayev S-125 Pechora surface-to-air missile, which the IAF is currently using, will be phased out in favour of the Akash missile. The induction of the missiles is estimated to cost the Indian Armed Forces some INR 233 billion.
WIPRO CLOSE TO BAGGING RS 960-CR CONTRACT FROM IAF
BANGALORE:Wipro,India’s third-largest information technology (IT) services company, is likely to bag a contract worth Rs 960 crore from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to automate its maintenance management system.
The city-based soap-to-software maker has emerged as the lowest bidder for the contract, according to sources with direct knowledge of the development. Wipro is understood to have quoted Rs 960 crore for the project, while the second- and third-lowest bidders have quoted over Rs 1,000 crore.
The defence ministry had issued the request for proposals (RFP) in 2008. Around 14 Indian and global IT companies, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro and HCL, were said to be in the fray.
The sources said Wipro had bid for the contract as a system integrator for the project, with IBM as the original equipment manufacturer. Wipro will be responsible for the supply, installation, integration and maintenance of servers, and storage for the project, while IBM will supply the necessary hardware.
Anand Sankaran, senior vice-president and business head -India, Middle East & Africa of Wipro’s IT business, declined to comment. The IAF spokesperson could not be reached, despite repeated attempts.
The IAF intends to set up an enterprise-wide, web-based and centralised online e-maintenance management system. This will help in configuration management, fleet planning and management, maintenance repair and overhaul, along with the supply chain management of the IAF’s entire fleet of aircraft, radars, missiles and other equipment.
According to the terms of the RFP, the system will first be implemented centrally and then be gradually rolled out in 170 locations, covering about 550 units of the IAF with a user base of 70,000.
“IT is at the heart of any defence platform these days. Other than the latest warfare and training, Indian defence forces’ drive for modernisation requires a 21st century network-centric command, control, communication and intelligence structure. Thus, this conversion to a digital age, coupled with the drive to increase indigenisation, is bound to open up new opportunities for Indian IT companies,” said Rajiv Chib, associate director – aerospace and defence, PwCIndia.
IAF is increasingly seen using technologies to make its processes simpler. Earlier, TCS had implemented an integrated materials management online system for the IAF to electronically manage its inventory, spares, weapons and other systems. In collaboration with Cisco, HCL Infosystems and BSNL, the IAF has also launched air force network for Rs 1,077 crore.
The IAF contract is expected to alleviate Wipro’s concerns regarding the domestic market.
CYBER DEFENCE RESEARCH CENTRE STARTS OPERATION IN JHARKHAND
RANCHI: The long-awaited dream of Jharkhand police became a reality with the Cyber Defence Research Centre (CDRC) carrying out its maiden recce at ATMs and cyber cafes in the capital. The CDRC, which is under the state police, has been authorized to carry out checks and set parameters for standards of operation to control cyber crime that includes registration of cyber cafes and checking ATM frauds.
A CDRC team headed by chief technical officer (CTO) Vineet Kumar and surveillance advisor Dinesh Bareja visited over a dozen cyber cafes and nearly 30 ATMs in different parts of the capital on Wednesday. In course of its first survey, the team handed over a questionnaire to operators of cyber cafes and guards in the ATM to seek details. It was found that in one of the ATMs of the Bank of India at Bariatu road, the guard deputed his brother in his place in uniform as he was busy with some personal work. The CDRC team also found that most cyber cafes had no measures in place to record details of users coming to the cafe for net surfing.
CTO Vineet Kumar said in the initial process the CDRC collected details of possible fraud and cheating following which a guideline would be circulated. “Though the standards are known to cafe owners and ATM guards, they seem to be less concerned about adhering to them,” he said adding that after proper survey the centre would lodge FIR for violation of norms.
The CDRC team which continued with its survey operations in the state capital on Thursday came across few cyber cafes in North Office Para where a student of Lorreto Convent was found in a compromising position with a college-going boy in one of the cabins allotted to them by the cafe owner. Both were reprimanded and sent back to their respective homes. The CDRC team, however, did not lodge any complaint in this regard at this juncture.
Kumar said the surprise visit by the CDRC team to the cyber cafes was not appreciated by the cafe owners and the team is making entries of their responses. “In another cafe of the same area, the CDRC team came across a large number of liquor bottles, empty corex formula bottles and beer cans for which the owner was warned to improve standards and restrict such activities,” Kumar said.
The team headed forJamshedpurand on way covered one ATM and one cyber cafe in the Bundu-Tamar region. Vineet said the operation, being carried out on direction of ADG Special Branch (SB) Rezi Dungdung, was aimed at creating a survey report on status and potential of cyber threat in the state following which operational procedure would be framed and communicated to the people in general.
The state home department has made budgetary provision of around Rs 150 crore in the budget for financial year 2010-11 to strengthen cyber security cell. Highly-placed sources in the police department said detailed project report for formation of CDRC has shown the use of fund requirement for the particular project. The CDRC constitutes one chief technological officer (CTO) and two senior advisors from IT sector, besides three cyber security professionals to be appointed from among civilians. The other positions would be filled up by policemen trained in cyber security.
IG SN Pradhan had earlier said once the CDRC started functioning, Jharkhand would be one among the main centres of cyber security in the country. “While cyber security team of NAG is already assisting the Jharkhand police, we have held talks with founder of HoneynetIndiaproject to seek their support in laying foundation of a smart cyber security laboratory,” he told TOI in an interview. Considered his brainchild, the the CDRC is to gear up to address cyber crime in the state and extend assistance to other states as well.
DEFENCE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCE TECHNOLOGY TO COLLABORATE WITH UNITED STATES NAVAL SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL MEET ON DEFENCE MATERIAL
PUNE: City-based Defence Institute of Advance Technology (DIAT) has collaborated with US-basedNavalPostgraduateSchoolto organize a three-day international conference on functional materials for defence from May 18.
DIAT had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the NPS two years ago, which would translate into a collaboration in research and development and researchers from DIAT completing training in theUS.
The MoU includes collaboration in fields like materials, physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology. The conference will feature 12 speakers from abroad. J Narayandas, chief controller research and development, Defence Research and Development Organization – working under Union government for development of technology for defence purpose, would be the chief guest.
The three-day conference will cover aspects of research and development in sectors primarily related to defence. The conference will takes place on DIAT premises, near Khadakwasla dam.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, vice-chancellor of DIAT, Prahlada said, “This is the first such international conference taking place in Pune. Speakers from US,UK,Singapore,Italy,Belarus,MalaysiaandCzechRepublicwould attend it.”
The collaboration is focused on joint research and development activities in sensor technology, smart fabrics, green technology and quantum dot based solar cells, he said. Prahlada said, “We are also focusing on developing various types of materials, as it has an application in aerospace, missile technology, radar, and torpedo. We also need more application in coating material to enhance the efficiency of our defence equipment and projects.”
About the purpose of conducting the conference in Pune, Prahlada said, “Delhicontrols the defence policy, while major missile work is done inHyderabad.Bangaloreis another important city for defence where core activities of aeronautics take place. In the last couple of years, DIAT has also tied up with various institutions from advanced countries and our scope and area of functioning is growing. Institutes in US,Canada,Israel,CzechRepublic, theUK,AustraliaandRussiaare working with us. The conference in Pune would give an opportunity to interact with experts from these countries about future activities with these partners.”
AIR MARSHAL VISITS MANAURI AIR FORCE STATION
ALLAHABAD: The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command (CAC), Allahabad Air Marshal Arup Raha visited Air Force Station Manauri on Wednesday.
This was his first visit to the equipment depot. The Air Marshal was received by Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Manauri, Air Commodore KS Phansalkar. Air Marshal Raha visited various sections and sites of the station. He expressed happiness over the improvement brought out in the quality of life of the personnel and optimum use of modern technology in work culture. He also interacted with personnel of the station.
Karate summer camp: Under the aegis of Railway Electrification Women Welfare Organisation, a 15-day karate summer camp began on Wednesday at Railway Electrification Staff Club, Triveni Vihar, Rambagh,Allahabadfor the children of railway staff. The camp will be conducted by Shailendra Kumar, a black belt in karate. About 15 children are participating in the camp. Further, a dance summer camp from May 17 and a drawing-painting summer camp from May 19 will also be organised by Railway Electrification Women Welfare Organisation
Training workshop: Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) is organising a training workshop of Regional Centre coordinators and in charges of the different units, officers of the University on Thursday. It will be inaugurated at committee hall of administrative building at 11 am.ProfAKBakhshi, UPRTOU vice-chancellor, will be chief guest. New changes in admissions process, assignment evaluation, assignment dispatch and examination reforms will be the focus of the workshop. The co-coordinators of five regional centres –Allahabad,Lucknow,Varanasi,GorakhpurandBareilly– will participate, said convener Prof SP Gupta.
Mehfil: In memory of Fatima Zehra, a programme will be organised at Imambara Irshad Husain at Pathargali on May 19. The programme, Mehfil Shuaue Noor, will be held from 8pm to 11pm. Fatima Zehra was the daughter of Prophet Mohammad and wife of Hazrat Ali. Various poets, including Sajjad Lucknowi, Dilkash Ghazipuri, Athar Banarsi, Khadim Shabbir Nasirabadi, Atash Banarsi, will attend the programme. Prof Syed Abul Qasim will preside over the programme.
SPACE : THE NEXT WAR ZONE
The evolution of technology has opened new fields of conflict. Outer space has become the new area of contest, thanks to the advent of information era and the dependence on satellites for communication. Rockets reaching outer space have been talked about since WW2. The Nazis pioneered the technology with the V1 and V2 rockets. Later, the Soviets came up with FOBS (Fractional Orbit Bombardment System). The latest weapons such as DEW (Direct Energy Weapon) using X-ray to neutralize ICBMS in mid-flight and ABL (Air Borne Laser) to direct energy against incoming projectiles or aircrafts are used for neutralizing spying satellites.
The new technology will have a profound effect on how war will be fought. Satellites are used for remote sensing and intelligence gathering and is vital for C4I (Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence) systems. Therefore protecting satellites and neutralizing that of the enemy’s is critical for swift victory. The anti-satellite weapons are much cheaper and thus easily deployable. The use of micro satellites to neutralize satellites is very effective tool. The robotic plane of USAF X37B and X37, the reusable spacecrafts are a few space weaponries. The US DoD is investing much in anti-satellite missiles and space vehicles capable of dispersing projectiles for ASAT purposes.
The new arms race in space is betweenChinaandUSA. Chinese space program is being carried out under the guise ofChina’s supposedly non-military space program. NowChinahas risen to a major force in space technology. The use of ASAT in shooting down its own satellite in Jan 2007 is a fitting example. For attaining CNP (Comprehensive National Power), being a dominant power in space technology is seen as an important step. In the near futureChinaforesees a clash with theUS. To have an upper hand,Chinahas prioritized nuclear, space, shipbuilding electronics and other defence-related industries. The most striking feature of Chinese space industry is that it is directly related with missile development. It’s not exclusively a civilian enterprise.
The 1st Gulf War, Kosovo andAfghanistanwars have taught that in a conventional war the technologically-superior nation always wins due to superior intelligence-gathering ability. In the 21st Century, the space-based support systems could well be the difference between victory and failure. The Chinese has developed the Long March rocket systems to be used in 2014 which can outperform Arianne 5.Chinahas noticed the overdependence ofUSAon satellites for smooth running of its war machine, and considers it the Achilles heel of theUS. And they have come up with ASAT capabilities to obstruct the satellite communication capability. Chinese are using OST for monitoring activities in West Pacific, South China Sea andIndian Oceanwhere its strategic interests lie. They see space program as an anti-containment strategy. SinceChinais a rising power, the West probably wants to containChina’s rise. Chinese see the way out of this trap by equipping themselves with better technological ability, especially in space. During 60th anniversary of PLAAF, its former commander Xu Qiuling stated that it will develop force projection ability to outer space too and that only power can protect peace. This statement itself shows the coming era of weaponisation of outer space.
Chinese space technology is a direct threat toIndia, increasing our vulnerability in both land and sea. For instance as the ballistic missile program matures forChina, the threat to our land and naval assets will increase over time.Chinawould be able to hit targets deep insideIndian Territory.
As the technology will tilt the balance of power in favor ofChina, the geopolitical climate will become unfavorable toIndia, andChinawill start dictating its terms. Hence,Indiahas started to recalibrate its space program and focus on technological developments to counter the Chinese superiority. Agni 5 can be seen in this light as a counter-weight to Chinese weaponry. With a range of 5000 km Agni-5 is aChinacentric missile, enhancingIndia’s ability to hit targets deep insideChina. And with V. K. Saraswat saying that the Agni programme would continue and the program won’t be caped, one can assume thatIndiais at least for the time being is moving in the right direction.
HIGHER CALLIBRE ARTILLERY GUN TO BE READY BY 2013 : MOD
This was the detail given by the Ministry of Defence regarding the indigenous artillery manufacturing programme.
As per the Defence Acquisition Council decision of October 2011, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is to manufacture 155mm Howitzers as per the details given below:-
(i) Manufacturing of two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 and two prototypes of upgraded 155mm/45 calibre Howitzer Gun.
(ii) Also simultaneously carryout electronic and mechanical upgrade (to 45mm calibre) on one ‘in service’ 155mm/39 calibre gun separately.
The time lines for OFB to offer indigenous Howitzers for trials are as follows:-
(iii) Two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre guns by December 2012.
(iv) Two prototypes of 155mm/45 calibre guns by June 2013.
The Technology Transfer Agreement with Swedish company allows this provision.
The Government of India had entered into License Agreement with M/s AB Bofors,Swedenfor indigenous manufacture of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 Gun and Ammunition along with the procurement of 155mm/39 calibre FH77 B02 for the Indian Army.
EX-ISRO CHIEF REGRETS FATE OF NATION DECIDED BY POLITICIANS
MANDYA: Ex-chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) U R Rao saidIndianeeds the aid of science and technology badly than any other country as almost one quarter of the world population live here on less than one sixteenth of the space available on earth.
Delivering his inaugural address at the golden jubilee celebrations of People’s Education Trust (PET) andPESCollegeof Engineering here on Thursday, he said a nation prospers only due to the efforts and contribution of engineers and scientists.
Decrying the present day politicians, he said it was unfortunate that the fate of the nation was decided by dishonest and corrupt politicians. “They share their booty with gods, who do not exist.
“If possible, all politicians should be sent to Mars when the mission becomes a reality to end the misery on earth,” he quipped.
Stating that the second biggest revolution to happen inIndiaafter green revolution was in space research, Rao said the effects were evident in the field of telecommunication, education and disaster management.
Expressing fear over the decline in food production over the years, he said while the population was growing at over two per cent, food production was drastically coming down.
Putting the blame partially on green revolution for the soil becoming infertile and saline, use of satellites would help progress in agriculture.
Making a mention of various governments trying to attract more and more industries, Rao said steps should be taken to increase power generation first.
“Power generation should increase at the rate of six per cent while the present growth is just one and a half per cent. It is foolish to establish new industries while we are not able to produce enough power for existing industries,” he said.
Elaborating on the scope of space research he said as we are exhausting natural resources, it was time we look out of earth.
He was felicitated along with vice-chancellor of Rani Chennamma University B R Ananthan, who is from Basaralu in the district.
Founder secretary late K V Shankara Gowda’s wife Susheelamma and PET chairman H D Chowdaiah and his wife Doddalingamma were also felicitated.
Earlier, the dignitaries were brought in a colourful procession with ‘poorna kumbha’ from the main entrance of the college to the venue, PET Outdoor Stadium.
Ex-MP G Madegowda, PET secretary H Honnappa, principal V Sridhar and others were present on the occasion.
The inaugural function of thePESCollegein Mandya was a damp squib with a lot of lengthy speeches and a lot of felicitations and honours, coupled with a lot of confusion. The elderly ex-chairman of ISRO U R Rao could not bear for long. He took his car and went to ease himself, soon after his felicitation.
Rao also did not like actor-director Nagasekhar, an alumnus of the college, and actor Chetan being invited on the stage to be honoured by PET chairman H D Chowdiah.
He said all the stars of the tinsel world were a result of the revolution initiated by space research. “The wide choice of television channels available have been made possible by satellites. That is how even starlets get noticed. However, all that the stars do is go around trees behind a belle,” he said.
FAREWELL AT SEA FOR VICE ADMIRAL SUSHIL
KOCHI: Vice Admiral KN Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, on Thursday reviewed the preparedness of the operational units of Southern Naval Command at sea.
The Vice Admiral is retiring from Naval Service after nearly 40 years of service on May 31.
Eight ships from Southern Naval Command participated in the manoeuvres held offKochicoast during which the ships displayed their operational prowess for their Commander-in-Chief. INS Tir, the senior ship of the 1st Training Squadron based atKochiwas the Flag Ship of the Commander-in-Chief.
Dorniers, Seakings, Chetaks and Dhruvs (ALH) were the naval aircraft from INS Garuda which took part in the event.
Vice Admiral Sushil also addressed the men onboard the ships and exhorted them to always keep the Naval Ensign flying high and remain sharp and ready to defend the interests of the Nation.
A doyen submariner and among the pioneers who inducted the modern Shishumar Class submarines in the Navy, the Vice Admiral was the first Inspector General Nuclear Safety of Indian Navy. He had laid the ground work for induction of advanced nuclear submarines like INS Chakra, a Defence press release said.
NAIR GIVEN ADEQUATE CHANCE TO EXPLAIN: GOVT
NEW DELHI: Government on Thursday said former ISRO chief G Madhavan Nair was given a “due and adequate chance” by a high-level panel to put forth his views on the action taken against him in connection with irregularities in the Antrix-Devas deal.
A High Level Team (HLT) chaired by former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pratyush Sinha had provided opportunity for personal hearing to Nair, Minister of State in PMO V Narayanasamy said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
“Further, the former Chairman of ISRO followed it up with a letter to Chairman HLT, on August 10, 2011,” he said.
Besides Sinha, Secretaries of the Departments of Space(K Radhakrishnan), Telecommunication (R Chandrashekhar) and Expenditure (Sumit Bose) were members of the HLT.
The HLT had sought detailed clarifications from all officers who at any point in time had dealt with the files concerning the Antrix-Devas agreement and the decision on the satellites, the minister said.
“Based on the findings of the High Level Team, the former ISRO Chairman and three other former scientists (who were already superannuated from service) of the Department of Space have been excluded from re-employment, committee roles or any other important role under the Government and have been divested of any current assignment/consultancy with the government,” Narayanasamy said.
“As elaborated above, the former scientists concerned of ISRO have been given due and adequate chance to explain their position by the High Level Team before taking action,” he said.
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