Defence TechnologyBy Dr. Roman Saini

Stealth technology● Stealth technology also termed low observable technology (LO technology)

covers a range of techniques used with personnel, aircraft, ships, submarines, missiles and satellites to make them less visible (ideally invisible) to radar, infrared, sonar and other detection methods.

● It corresponds to military camouflage for these parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (Multi-spectral camouflage).

● Designers turned to develop a particular shape for planes that tended to reduce detection, by redirecting electromagnetic waves from radars.

Principle of Stealth Technology

● Stealth technology works on the principle of eliminating radar reflections.

● This can be done by following two methods

1. Absorbing radio waves (RAM coatings)

2. Deflecting radio waves (Shaping of the surfaces)

● The methods of deflection and absorption of EM waves complement each other in order to create a stealth aircraft/ship.

● These methods do not make the object invisible, but extremely hard to detect and generally are detected at ranges of 10-20 km by ultra-modern radars compared to 150-300 km for non-stealth objects.

● In this way, it delays the detection of the aircraft until it is too late for the enemy. So the accurate term for stealth aircraft is ‘low-observable’ aircraft.

● This enables them to maintain the element of surprise which is extremely decisive in a conflict.

● By the time multiple radars, IR sensors, Optical sensors are combined to get a lock on the target, the stealth aircraft would have completed its mission and would be on the way home.

1. Absorbing radio waves (RAM coatings):

● Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) coatings involve an application of materials which can absorb electromagnetic waves on the object.

● The radio waves fall on the paint and they are absorbed through multiple diffusions.

● This absorption is caused by the conversion of radar energy into heat which is dissipated off the surface of the aircraft.

2. Deflecting Radio Waves:

● It involves designing the object in such a way that the radio waves, instead of being reflected back along the same path are deflected and scattered in different directions.

● This is achieved by using sharply angled flat surfaces or specially curved surfaces which conduct the radio wave along its surface and thus does not give back a reflection.

● The conventional aircraft reflects radio waves and the stealth aircraft deflects it.

● To obtain near perfect stealth, RAM coating with deflecting design is necessary.

● This involves a higher degree of research and testing compared to conventional aircraft. That’s one of the reasons that stealth aircrafts are very expensive.

Disadvantages of Stealth Technology● Modern systems using the L-Band radar are said to be capable of

detecting stealth aircraft. ● Stealth aircrafts have to hide their infrared signature and not just their

radar signature to prevent detection by the enemy. ● Modern systems like Infrared Search & Track will be able to detect

stealth aircraft from far off by detecting their IR signatures. ● One of the biggest disadvantages is its extremely high manufacturing,

operational and maintenance costs. ● The Radar absorbent coating is extremely fragile and needs to be replaced

after being exposed to combat or harsh weather.

Communication Satellite: GSAT-7 Rukmini● Rukmini was the first military communication satellite developed by the

ISRO for the Indian Navy.

● It is also the last of ISRO’s seven fourth-generation satellites which have at least a 2,000 nautical mile footprint over the IOR.

● Rukmini is used exclusively by the Indian Navy to secure real-time communications between its numerous warships, aircraft, submarines and land-based communication systems.

● With the help of the shore-based operational centers, ‘Rukmini’ has not only helped the Navy keep an eye on both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal but also helped the force increase its communication and surveillance capabilities from the Persian Gulf to Malacca Strait.

Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)

● It is an automated command and control system for Air Defence (AD).

● It detects and tackles enemy and terror aerial threats in real-time.

● It also obtains a composite air situation picture since it will be integrating Air Force, Army, Naval, and civilian radars.

● It enables the surveillance of national airspace for airspace safety and Air traffic operations.

● It helps in real time transportation of data, voice, and images among stations and aircrafts.

Airborne Early Warning and Control System: Netra

● The AEW&C Netra system is developed to serve the Indian Air Force in detection and tracking, identification and classification of threats, guidance and interception control, display of air situation picture and multi-sensor data integration.

● The Airborne Surveillance System is a game changer in air warfare.

● This system has been developed and evaluated through collaborative efforts between DRDO and the IAF.

● It also allows for Search and Rescue Operations, mission planning as well as record and replays for post-mission analysis.

RADAR systems of India

Rohini RadarSalient Features:

● Medium range 3D surveillance

● S-band operation

● Surveillance Range up to 150 km

● Covers elevation of up to 15 km in height

● High altitude deployability

● Deployment in less than 30 minutes

● Capable of flying up to the speed of 3 mach

Rajendra Radar

● Rajendra is a passive Phased Array Radar developed by the Indian DRDO.

● It is a multifunction radar.

● Capability to maintain 20 automatically selected tracks during pre-engagement phase, and multiple missiles and the assigned multiple aircraft tracks during engagement phase.

● Highly mobile with fast deploying ability and automated operations.

● It is currently in production at Bharat Electronics Limited.

The major functions of the Rajendra are:

● Surveillance of the assigned volume of space

● Acquisition of aircraft targets either independently or handed over from group control center

● Tracking of targets

● Tracking of assigned targets and missiles during engagement

● Command guidance of missiles

● Integrated IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) functions

Indra Radar● The Indian Doppler Radar (INDRA) series of 2D radars were developed

by India's DRDO for the Army and Air Force.

● The INDRA-I is a mobile surveillance radar for low-level target detection.

● The radar is housed in two wheeled vehicles.

● Some of the main features are automated Track While Scan (TWS), integrated IFF and high scan rate for high speed target detection.

● The radar is produced by M/s BEL and inducted into service.

● INDRA-II is a variant of INDRA radar for ground controlled interception of targets.

● The radar uses pulse compression for detection of low flying aircrafts in heavy ground clutter with high range resolution.

● Radar has good Electronic Counter Counter Measures (ECCM) capabilities including frequency agility and jammer analysis.

● The radar has been produced by M/s BEL and is used by Indian Air Force and Army.

Swathi Radar

● Weapon Locating Radar (WLR), SWATHI was developed by DRDO’s Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE).

● WLR is a coherent, electronically scanned C-Band pulse doppler radar.

● The radar automatically locates hostile artillery, mortars and rocket launchers and tracks friendly fire to locate the impact point of friendly artillery fire to issue necessary corrections.

SONAR systems of India

Abhay

● It is an integrated sonar system designed and developed for the smaller platforms such as coastal surveillance/ patrol vessels.

● It employs advanced adaptive signal and information processing techniques for detection, tracking & classification of targets.

● It will be enhancing the ASW surveillance capability of the fleet to a smaller vessel, like Shallows Water Crafts, Light Frigates & Patrol Vessels, which was hitherto limited to frigates and destroyers.

HUMSA-UG

● Upgrade for the Hull-Mounted Sonar Array (HUMSA) Series of Sonar Systems for Ships.

● It enables the smooth upgrade of the capabilities of the indigenously-developed legacy Sonar System HUMSA.

● It was done by drastically minimizing the existing hardware and addressing technology obsolescence issues, which is currently operational onboard on 18 ships.

NACS

● Near-field Acoustic Characterization System (NACS) for Ship Sonars.

● It provides a simple and operationally efficient means to determine the frequency-dependent 3-D transmission and reception characteristics of the hull-mounted sonar aiding in the optimum performance and maintenance of the sonar.

AIDSS

● Advanced Indigenous Distress Sonar System (AIDSS) for Submarines.

● It is used to signal that a submarine is in distress and thereby enable quick rescue and salvage.

● It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation, so as to attract the attention of the Rescue Vessel in the vicinity.

Indian Missile System

What is a Missile?

● The missile is a rocket-propelled weapon designed to deliver an explosive warhead with great accuracy at high speed.

● Missiles vary from small tactical weapons that are effective out to only a few hundred feet to much larger strategic weapons that have ranges of several thousand miles.

● Almost all missiles contain some form of guidance and control mechanism and are therefore often referred to as guided missiles.

● An unguided military missile, as well as any launch vehicle used to sound the upper atmosphere or place a satellite in space, is usually called a rocket.

● A propeller-driven underwater missile is called a torpedo.

● A guided missile powered along a low-level flight path by an air-breathing jet engine is called a cruise missile.

● Although missiles can be propelled by either liquid-fueled or solid-fueled rocket engines.

● But solid fuel is preferred for military uses because it is less likely to explode and can be kept ready-loaded for quick launch.

● Such engines commonly propel tactical guided missiles—i.e., missiles intended for use within the immediate battle area—toward their targets at twice the speed of sound.

● Strategic missiles are the weapons designed to strike targets far beyond the battle area. They are either of the cruise or ballistic type.

● The guidance system is the most important and sophisticated part of the missile.

● In tactical missiles, electronic sensors locate the target by detecting energy emitted or reflected from it. For eg., heat-seeking missiles carry infrared sensors that allow them to “home” onto the hot exhaust of jet engines.

● Upon receiving information through its sensor, the guidance system relays instructions for course correction to the control mechanism through some type of autopilot contained within the missile or through commands transmitted from the launch platform.

Types of Missiles

Based on target and launching position, the military missiles are classified as

● Air-to-Air Missile: This missile is carried by aircraft and targets the enemy’s aircraft.

● Surface-to-Air: Such missiles are fired at enemy’s aircraft from the ground.

● Air-to-Surface: These missiles are fired at the enemy country’s ships, tankers, vehicles, bunkers, or military men from the aircraft.

● Surface-to-Surface: Such missiles are fired at enemy grounds from our grounds.

● Underwater: Such missiles target enemy locations in the water.

Ballistic Missiles

● Ballistics is the science of mechanics that deals with the flight, behavior, and effects of projectiles, especially bullets, unguided bombs, rockets, or the like.

● A ballistic missile is a missile only guided during the relatively brief initial powered phase of flight, and whose subsequent course is governed by the laws of classical mechanics.

● The ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target.

● Ballistic missiles contain some type of inertial guidance system, which compares the missile’s actual speed and position to the positions that it must assume in order to hit the target.

● The guidance system then generates correcting commands to the control system.

● Ballistic missiles can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.

● They can be launched from aircraft, ships, and submarines in addition to land-based silos and mobile platforms.

● It follows the path of an object thrown upwards in the parabolic path which falls down. Since it depends on gravity to reach its target, it's called a ballistic missile.

Classification of Ballistic missiles

It is classified by its coverage.

● Small Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM): Up to 1000 Km

● Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM): Up to 3000 Km

● Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM): Up to 5000 Km

● Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM): Up to 12000 Km

Ballistic Missile Defence System of India

● The Ballistic Missile Defence programme aims to provide an effective missile shield against incoming enemy ballistic and nuclear missiles.

● A hostile missile needs to be intercepted at boost (launch) point, mid-course (flight through space), or terminal phase (during atmospheric descent).

● The BMD is a two-tier fully automated system which comprises of:

1. An overlapping network of early warning and tracking radars

2. Reliable command and control posts

3. Land and sea-based batteries of advanced interceptor missiles.

Cruise Missile

● A Cruise missile cruises throughout its flight. Therefore, it can change its directions altitude and does not follow the ballistic trajectory.

● It is powered throughout the flight up to its destination.

● They fly within the earth’s atmosphere and use jet engine technology.

● Hence, it is guided by sensors and is a self-navigating type of missile.

● Its range is shorter than that of the ballistic missile.

● High precision due to navigation or guided trajectory.

● It can be supersonic, subsonic or hypersonic.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

● The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was an Indian Ministry of Defence programme for the research and development of the comprehensive range of missiles.

● The project started in 1982–83 under the leadership of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

● Keeping in mind the requirements of various types of missiles by the defense forces, the team recommended the development of five missile systems.

● After receiving the goal of making India self-sufficient in missile technology, DRDO has formally announced the successful completion of IGMDP in 2008.

The missiles developed under the IGMD programme were:

1. Prithvi: Short-range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile

2. Agni: Intermediate-range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile

3. Akash: Medium-range Surface-to-air Missile

4. Nag: Third Generation Anti-tank Missile

5. Trishul: Short-range low-level surface-to-air Missile

1. Prithvi: Short-Range Surface-to-Surface● The Prithvi missile is a family of tactical surface-to-surface short-range

ballistic missiles (SRBM) and is India’s first indigenously developed ballistic missile.

● Prithvi I (Army version) class is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 1,000 kg, with a range of 150 km. It will be replaced by the Prahaar missiles.

● Prithvi II (Airforce version) class is also a single-stage liquid-fueled missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 500-1000 kg with a strike range of 250 km.

● Prithvi III (Naval version) class is a two-stage surface-to-surface missile. It is a longer-range, naval version of the Prithvi and is also called Dhanush.

2. Agni: Intermediate-Range Surface-to-Surface

● The Agni missile is a family of Medium to Intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by DRDO of India.

● It is named after one of the five elements of nature.

● Agni missiles are long range, nuclear weapons capable, surface to surface ballistic missile.

● The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program and tested in 1989.

● After its success, Agni missile program was separated from the IGMDP upon realizing its strategic importance.

Agni I

● Agni I is a single stage, solid fuel, road and rail mobile, Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM).

● The Agni I has a range of 700-900 kms.

● Agni missiles consist of one (short range) or two stages (intermediate range).

● These are rail and road mobile and powered by solid propellants.

● Agni-I is used by the Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the Indian Army.

● As compared to Agni-II, Agni-I is less costly, simple, accurate and more mobile.

Agni II

● The Agni-II is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with two solid fuel stages and a Post Boost Vehicle (PBV) integrated into the missile's Re-entry Vehicle (RV).

● The Agni-II A is a more advanced version of Agni-II, but with more sophisticated and lighter materials, yielding a better range and operating regime.

● Agni-II A was later renamed as Agni-IV plugging the gap between Agni-II and Agni-III.

● Agni-II developed as part of medium and long-range Agni series of missile systems has already been inducted into the Armed Forces.

● Agni-II can reach all of Pakistan and most parts of south and southeastern China.

Agni III

● Agni-III is the third in the Agni series of missiles.

● Agni III uses solid propellant in both stages.

● It has a range of 3,500 km and can take a warhead of 1.5 tonnes.

● It has also been reported that with smaller payloads, the Agni-III can hit strategic targets well beyond 3,500 km.

Agni-IV

● Agni-IV is the fourth in the Agni series of missiles which was earlier known as Agni II prime.

● With a range of 3,000–4,000 km, Agni-IV bridges the gap between Agni II and Agni III.

● Agni IV can take a warhead of 1 tonne. It is designed to increase the killing efficiency along with a higher range performance.

● It is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, that includes indigenously developed ring laser gyro and composite rocket motor.

● It is a two-stage missile powered by a solid propellant.

● It can be fired from a road-mobile launcher.

Agni-V

● Agni-V is a solid-fueled Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India.

● Its range is more than 5,500 km.

● Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) has been designed with the addition of a 3rd composite stage to the 2-stage Agni-III missile.

● To reduce the weight, it is built with high composite content.

● The 17.5-metre-long Agni-V would be a canister-launch missile system so as to ensure that it has the requisite operational flexibility and can be swiftly transported and fired from anywhere.

3. Trishul: Short-Range Low-Level Surface to Air

● Trishul is the name of a short-range surface-to-air missile developed by India as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

● It has a range of 9 km and is fitted with a 5.5 kg warhead.

● Designed to be used against low-level (sea skimming) targets at short range, the system has been developed to defend naval vessels against missiles and also as a short-range surface-to-air missile on land.

● The guidance consists of three different guiding beams, with the guidance handed over progressively to a narrower beam as the missile approaches the target.

4. Akash: Medium Range Surface to Air ● Akash is a medium range surface-to-air missile developed as part of India’s

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme to achieve self-sufficiency in the area of surface-to-air missiles.

● Akash has a range of 25 km and can simultaneously engage multiple targets in all weather conditions.

● It flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5. ● It can reach an altitude of 18 km and can be fired from both tracked and

wheeled platforms.● It uses high-energy solid propellant for the booster and ram-rocket

propulsion for the sustainer phase.

5. Nag: Third Generation Anti-tank Missile

● Nag is a third-generation, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile developed by India’s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to support both mechanized infantry and airborne forces of the Indian Army.

● The missile incorporates an advanced passive homing guidance system and possesses high single-shot kill probability.

● It is designed to destroy modern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets.

● Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms.

● The land version is currently available for integration on the Nag missile carrier (NAMICA).

● The helicopter-launched configuration, designated as helicopter-launched NAG (HELINA), can be fired from Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) and HAL Rudra (ALH WSI) attack helicopter.

● It is an all weather, top attack missile with a range of 3 to 7 km.

Other Important Missiles

Brahmos Missiles● Brahmos has been developed as part of a joint venture between India and

Russia. Its main features are:

○ A supersonic cruise missile capable of carrying a warhead of 300 kg.

○ Operates on ‘Fire and forget principle’, adopting varieties of flights on its way to the target.

○ Low Radar signature

○ Short flight times leading to lower target dispersion and quicker engagement

○ Pin point accuracy with high lethal power aided by large kinetic energy on impact

● Its earlier strike range was 290 km.

● But after India’s induction into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016, missile’s range has been increased beyond 300km in the same configuration.

● The two-stage missile, one being solid and the second one ramjet liquid propellant, has already been inducted into the Army, the Navy, and the air force.

● It is the world's fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation.

● The missile travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0.

Nirbhay

● A supplement to the BrahMos is the Nirbhay- a subsonic missile using a terrain-following navigation system to reach up to 1,000 kms.

● It is capable of being launched from multiple platforms on land, sea and air.

● Nirbhay will be a terrain hugging, stealth missile capable of delivering 24 different types of warheads depending on mission requirements.

● Nirbhay is capable of carrying warheads of up to 300 kg.

● It can carry the designated warhead at a speed of 0.6-0.7 Mach.

● Its launch weight is about 1500 kg.

● With an operational range of 1,000 km, the missile is fueled by a solid rocket motor booster developed by the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL).

● The missile is guided by a highly-advanced inertial navigation system which is also indigenously designed and developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO

● ‘Nirbhay’ missile can travel with a turbofan or turbojet engine.

Sagarika

● It is a Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) with a range of 750 kms.

● Sagarika missile is being integrated with India’s nuclear powered Arihant-class submarine.

● It can be launched from different platforms — from the ground, from underwater and mobile launchers.

● The missile can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.

● It belongs to the K Missile family and forms a part of India's nuclear triad, and will provide retaliatory nuclear strike capability.

Shaurya

● The Shaurya missile is a canister launched hypersonic boost-glide surface-to-surface tactical missile developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for use by the Indian Armed Forces.

● It has a range of 700 km and is capable of carrying a payload of one ton conventional or nuclear warhead.

● It gives the potential to strike in the short-intermediate range against any adversary.

● This nuclear-capable missile aims to enhance India’s 2nd-strike capability.

Astra

● The Astra is a beyond-visual-range, air-to-air missile using a solid-propellant.

● In terms of size and weight, the Astra is the smallest missile developed by the DRDO.

● It is envisaged to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speeds in the head-on mode at a range of 80 kms.

● Astra has an active radar seeker to find targets, and electronic counter-measure capabilities which permit it to jam radar signals from an enemy surface-to-air battery that ensure, it’s not tracked or shot down.

Prahaar● The Prahaar is India’s latest surface-to-surface missile with a range of 150

kms and speed of Mach 2.03.● The primary objective of the conventionally armed Prahaar missile is to

bridge the gap between the unguided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (ranging 45 kms) and the guided Prithvi missile variants.

● Stated to be a unique missile, the Prahaar boasts of high maneuverability, acceleration and accuracy.

● It will be equipped with omnidirectional warheads and could be used for striking both tactical and strategic targets.

● The Export Variant of the System is Pragati surface to surface missile.

Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM)

● It is developed by India and Israel.● The missile is similar to the Barak-8 missile used by the Navy’s

destroyers. ● The missile is designed to defend any type of airborne threat including

aircraft and helicopters. ● It can intercept supersonic aircraft and even missiles. ● The MR-SAM has strike ranges from 50 to 70 km. ● The system also includes a multi-functional surveillance and threat alert

radar for tracking, detection and guidance of the missile.

Barak-8● Long-range surface-to-air nuclear-capable ballistic missile ● Jointly developed with Israel. ● The missile configuration is the same for both LRSAM/MRSAM. ● It has the ability to hit targets within radii of 70 km to 90 km. ● The missile is designed to defend against any type of airborne threat

including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and UAVs as well as cruise missiles and combat jets.

● Both maritime and land-based versions of the system exist.● Barak-8 missile’s most technologically advanced aspect is its ability to

intercept missiles aimed at sea-bound vessels.

Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM)

● The QR-SAM weapon system has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Ltd.

● It is a quick reaction, all-weather, network-centric missile system capable of search-on-the-move.

● The missile system can also engage multiple targets within a range of around 30 km with two vehicle configuration for area air defence.

● It is a truck-mounted missile with a 360° rotatable, electro-mechanically operated, turret-based launch unit.

S-400 missile defence system● It is Russia’s most advanced long range surface-to-air defence systems

and one of the most sophisticated surface-to-air defence systems in the world.

● It has a range of 400km (248 miles) and can simultaneously knock down up to 80 targets.

● It is capable of firing three types of missiles to create a layered defence.

● It is capable of destroying hostile strategic bombers, jets, missiles and drones.

● It is an upgraded version of S-300 systems.

● The S-400 is twice more efficient than previous Russian air defence systems and can be deployed within five minutes.

● It integrates a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, command and control centre, anti-aircraft missile systems and launchers.

● Russia has deployed it since 2007.

● It is also considered much more effective than the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system developed by the US.

Significance

● India, in 2018, signed a deal with Russia to purchase S-400 air defence missile system.

● India requires such defence systems as it perceives threat from neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China.

● Indian Air Force’s capabilities had also been down due to lack of fighter squadrons.

● The deal strengthens the relations between Russia and India.

● It also showcases ‘India’s strategic autonomy’ as India had signed the deal despite looming sanctions from US.

R-27 missile

● Recently, India has signed a 1500 crore deal to acquire R-27 air-to-air missiles from Russia.

● It will used for Su-30MKI combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

● R-27 is a medium-to-long-range air-to-air missile.

● It is used for Sukhoi series of fighters of Russia.

● It will enable long range compatibility.

Fighter Aircrafts in India

Different generations of aircrafts:

● The term aircraft 'generations' signifies improvements in performance of jet fighter aircraft brought about through major advances in aircraft design, avionics, and weapon systems.

● A generational shift in jet fighter aircraft occurs only when a technological innovation cannot be incorporated into an existing aircraft through upgrades and/or retrospective fit-outs.

First Generation Jet Fighters (mid 1940s to mid 1950s)● The first generation of jet fighters had basic avionics systems with no radar

or self-protection countermeasures.

● Examples: the F-86 SABRE, MiG-15 FAGOT and MiG-17 FRESCO.

● These were armed with machine guns or cannons, as well as unguided bombs and rockets.

● A common characteristic of these generation of fighters was that the jet engines did not have afterburners and the aircraft operated in the subsonic range.

Second generation jet fighters (mid-1950s to early 1960s)

● The second generation fighters had the introduction of air-to-air radar, infrared and semi-active guided missiles, as well as radar warning receivers.

● Example: F-104 STARFIGHTER, F-5 TIGERSHARK, MiG-19 FARMER and MiG-21 FISHBED.

● This generation’s fighters also incorporated advances in engine design and aerodynamics, which allowed them to reach and sustain supersonic speeds in level flight.

● During this period, although air-to-air combat was still within visual range only, radar-guided missiles started to extend engagement ranges.

Third generation jet fighters (early 1960s to 1970)

● These were the first cadre of multi-role fighters - such as the MiG-23 FLOGGER, F-4 PHANTOM II, and the DASSAULT MIRAGE III.

● This generation witnessed improvements in maneuverability and significant enhancements to the avionics suites and weapon systems.

● The major change brought about by this generation aircraft was that it was no longer necessary to visually acquire opponents to neutralize them and gain control of the air.

Fourth generation jet fighters (1970 to late 1980s)

● They had improved avionics such as head-up displays and optimized aerodynamic design.

● E.g. MiG-29 FULCRUM, Su-27 FLANKER, F/A-18 HORNET, F-15 EAGLE, F-16 FIGHTING FALCON, and DASSAULT Mirage-2000.

● Most of this generation of fighters had the ability to switch roles between air-to-air and air-to-ground seamlessly, as opposed to the previous role-dedicated aircraft.

● This, in turn, provided the pilot with the ability to perform strike missions as well as control of the air.

Four and half generation jet fighters (late 1980s and into the 90s)

● It had added features like ‘stealth’, radar absorbent materials, thrust vector controlled engines, greater weapons carriage capacity etc.

● The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is an example of a 4.5 generation fighter evolved from a fourth generation aircraft.

● Some aircraft manufacturers designed new platforms, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab JAS 39 Gripen and Dassault Rafale, which incorporate many of the generation 4.5 advanced characteristics.

Fifth generation jet fighters (2005 to date)

● The F-22 Raptor, introduced in 2005, is considered the next generation fighter aircraft - or 21st century fighter.

● Soon to follow are aircraft designs like the F 35-LIGHTNING II Joint Strike Fighter, the Sukhoi PAK FA and the planned joint Russian/India variant known as the FGFA (due in 2022) as well as the Chinese Chengdu J-20 which is believed to reflect features of this generation fighter.

● Fifth generation fighter capabilities are largely defined by their software and it will be the ongoing development of their software that will ensure they maintain their edge against evolving threats.

● Ultimately, a fifth generation aircraft allows the pilot to maintain decision superiority over an adversary.

● This provides greater chances of survivability, which when combined with effective lethality, assures battlespace dominance.

● Main Characteristics:

1. All-aspect stealth even when armed,

2. Low-probability-of-intercept radar (LPIR),

3. High-performance airframes,

4. Advanced avionics features, and

5. Highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the battlespace for situation awareness

SU-30 MKI

● Twin seater twin engine multirole fighter of Russian origin.

● Twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

● It is capable of carrying a variety of medium-range guided air to air missiles.

● It has a max speed of 2120 km/hr (Mach 2).

Mirage-2000

● The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engine fourth-generation jet fighter manufactured by Dassault Aviation.

● It was designed in the late 1970s as a lightweight fighter to replace the Mirage III for the French Air Force

● It can attain a max speed of 2495 km/hr(Mach 2.3).

Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher● Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by

the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.

● The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 75 km for Mark-II.

● It can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds. ● The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility. ● Each Pinaka battery consists of six launcher vehicles, each with 12 rockets,

six loader-replenishment vehicles; three replenishment vehicles; two Command Post vehicle (one standby) with a Fire Control computer.

Pilotless Target Aircraft: Lakshya-I● Lakshya is a remotely piloted aerial vehicle designed and built by

Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a subsidiary of the DRDO, for the Indian Armed Forces.

● The drone is ground or ship launched from a Zero length Launcher.

● And recovery is by a two-stage parachute system developed by ADE (DRDO), for land or sea based recovery.

● The PTA is a sub-sonic and re-usable aerial target system.

● It is remote controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both airborne and air-defence pilots.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA): Tejas

● Tejas is a single-engine lightweight multirole fighter jet.

● It is the smallest and lightest in its class of contemporary supersonic combat aircraft.

● It will replace the country’s aging MiG-21 fighters.

● LCA Tejas has a limited reach of a little over 400-km.

● It will be mainly used for close air-to-ground operations.

● The first squadron of LCA Tejas has been named as ‘Flying Daggers’.

● LCA Tejas is not the first indigenous fighter to be inducted into the IAF.

● In 1967, IAF had formed the first operational squadron with the indigenous HF- 24 Marut fighter.

Rafale fighter jets

● The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation.

● Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions.

● The Rafale is referred to as an "omnirole" aircraft by Dassault.

● These aircrafts are capable of carrying out all combat missions such as interception, air defence, in-depth strikes, ground support, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence.

UAVs of India

TAPAS 201 (RUSTOM – II)● India’s indigenously developed long-endurance combat-capable drone● It is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV. ● It has an endurance of 24 hours.● It can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the country’s

armed forces. ● The UAV can also be used as an unmanned armed combat vehicle on the

lines of the US’s Predator drone. ● Many critical systems such as airframe, landing gear, flight control and

avionics sub-systems are being developed in India with the collaboration of private industries.

Nishant

● The DRDO Nishant was an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by India's ADE (Aeronautical Development Establishment), a branch of DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) for the Indian Armed Forces.

● The Nishant UAV is primarily tasked with intelligence gathering over enemy territory and also for reconnaissance, training, surveillance, target designation, artillery fire correction, damage assessment etc.

Panchi● Panchi is the wheeled version of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Nishant.● It is capable of taking off from and landing on small airstrips. ● Panchi was designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development

Establishment (ADE), DRDO facility at Bengaluru. ● Panchi has all the surveillance capabilities of Nishant, but it can stay in

the air longer because it does not have to carry the airbag and the parachute systems of the other.

● It is also a light vehicle with its body made of composites and has a high degree of stealth because it has a low radar cross-section signature.

Indian Navy Ships (INS)

INS Arihant ● INS Arihant is the lead ship of India's Arihant class of nuclear- powered

ballistic missile submarines and formally commissioned in August 2016.

● It is India's first indigenously-constructed nuclear submarine.

● It was built with Russia’s help under Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project started in the 1980s.

● It is powered by 83 MW pressurised light water nuclear reactor with enriched uranium fuel.

● It is capable of carrying nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, the class referred to as Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN).

INS Kalvari● INS Kalvari is Indian Navy’s first indigenous Scorpene-class stealth

submarine that is also known as Tiger Shark (or S50).

● It is built under the strategic Project 75 by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in collaboration with French naval defence and Energy Company DCNS.

● It can undertake various operations including multifarious warfare, Antisubmarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc.

● It has superior stealth and the ability to launch crippling attacks on the enemy with precision-guided weapons.

● The attack can be carried out with torpedoes as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles underwater or from the surface.

INS Khanderi

● Khanderi is the second Scorpene submarine under Project-75 being built at Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL).

● Khanderi is named after the Island fort of Maratha forces, which played a vital role in ensuring their supremacy at sea in the late 17th century.

● The attack can be launched with torpedoes, as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles, whilst underwater or on the surface.

● The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, including the tropics. ● It can undertake multifarious types of missions typically undertaken by any

modern submarine like anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance.

INS Karanj

● Karanj is the third of the six Scorpene-class submarines being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under Project 75 programme of the Indian navy.

● It is designed to operate in all theatres, including the tropics.

● It has superior stealth features such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels and hydrodynamically optimized shape.

● These stealth features give it invulnerability, unmatched by most submarines.

INS Tarasa● INS Tarasa, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FAC) was commissioned into the

Indian Navy.

● INS Tarasa is the fourth and last of the follow-on Water Jet FAC’s built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

● The first two ships of the class i.e. INS Tarmugli and INS Tihayu were commissioned in 2016 and the third ship INS Tillanchang was commissioned in early 2017.

● The ship is an ideal platform for missions like coastal and off-shore surveillance, EEZ Patrol, law enforcement as well as non-military missions such as Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

INS Vikramaditya

● INS Vikramaditya is the Indian Navy’s largest short take-off but assisted recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carrier and warship.

● It has been converted from the Russian Navy’s decommissioned Admiral Gorshkov vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) missile cruiser carrier.

● INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier which entered into service with the Indian Navy in 2013.

● The warship has been extensively refurbished with new propulsion systems, hull sections, sensors and flight deck.

● The vessel can carry more than 30 long-range multi-role fighters with anti-ship missiles, air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and rockets.

INS Vikrant ● The Indian Navy has successfully launched a 37,500-ton indigenous

Vikrant-class aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant in August 2013.

● It is India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) and the biggest warship to be built in the country.

● It will be equipped with modern weapons systems including long range surface-to-air missiles (LR SAM) and close-in weapons system (CIWS).

● It marked India's entry into a select club of countries capable of designing and building a carrier of this size.

● Other countries capable of building a similar ship are the US, the UK, Russia and France.

ICGS Vijaya and ICGS Varaha

• The Indian Coast Guard recently commissioned the indigenously built patrol vessels called ICGS Vijaya and ICGS Varaha.

• The 98-metre ships will be used for extensive surveillance in the Exclusive Economic Zone.

• This ships are fitted with advanced navigation and communication equipment, sensor and machinery.

• The ships are also be equipped with Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Automated Power Management System (APMS) and High Power External Fire Fighting (EFF) system.

• Both ICGS Vijaya and Varaha carry one twin engine helicopter and four high speed boats, including two inflatable boats for boarding operation, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.

• It is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spill at sea.

• The ships have been designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots and has an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles.

● The 98 M OPV has been designed and built indigenously by Larsen & Toubro.

● It is part of the ICG shipbuilding contract for construction of seven OPVs awarded to L&T in March, 2015 by defence ministry.

● The shipyard will deliver all the seven ships by 2021.

INAS 313● Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 313, the fifth Dornier aircraft squadron

was commissioned into the Indian Navy recently.

● The Squadron will be operating from Chennai International Airport.

● With this, Tamil Nadu became the coastal state with the highest number of naval air bases.

● The Squadron will operate Dornier aircraft which is a multi-role Short Range Maritime Reconnaissance (SRMR) aircraft manufactured by HAL, under license from RUAG Aerospace.

● The aircraft is used for maritime surveillance, Search and Rescue Operations and to provide targeting data to weapon platforms.

IN LCU L56

● IN LCU L56, the sixth ship of the Landing Craft Utility(LCU) MK IV class was commissioned into the Indian Navy recently.

● LCU 56 is an amphibious ship with its primary role being transportation and deployment of Main Battle Tanks, Armoured Vehicles, Troops and Equipment from ship to shore.

● It has been indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata.

● LCU L56 would be administered and based in Port Blair under the NAVCC in ANC.

Other Defence Equipments

Main Battle Tank: Arjun Mk-I

● The Arjun is a third generation main battle tank developed by India.

● In comparison, the army has almost 2,500 T-72 tanks, many of which are night-blind and nearing the end of their 32-year service lives.

● The Arjun Mark II is an improved version of the original Arjun main battle tank. It was developed in cooperation with Israeli defense companies.

● The new tank weighs a whopping 68 tonnes which makes it the heaviest tank in the world.

● It has an improved KANCHAN armour, a modular composite armour developed by India that gives all-round protection to the tank from anti-tank ammunition.

● The Arjun is equipped with a computer-controlled integrated fire control system with a laser range finder.

● The day/ night stabilised sighting system is also incorporated into the system.

● The targets are hit with high first-round-hit probability and reduced reaction time.

● The system is capable of acquiring targets under all weather conditions, and the stabilisation system allows the main armament to accurately fire at targets on the move.

First Unmanned Tank: Muntra● Muntra is India’s first unmanned tank developed by the Defence Research and

Development Organisation (DRDO).

● It is built for surveillance missions, mine detection and reconnaissance in areas with the nuclear and biological threat.

● It can be used in Naxal-hit areas as well.

● Muntra has three variants:

1. Muntra-S has been developed for unmanned surveillance missions,

2. Muntra-M is built for detecting mines,

3. Muntra-N, will be deployed in areas where nuclear radiation or bio weapon risk is high.

Bridging Systems: Sarvatra

● The Sarvatra truck-mounted bridging system has been developed by DRDO.

● This bridge can be placed over water and land obstacles.

● It can provide 75 meters of bridge-length for battle tanks, supply convoys and troops.

● The system is designed to take the weight of the Arjun MBT, by far the heaviest vehicle in the Army's inventory.

● The Sarvatra is presently in service with the Army.

Torpedo: VARUNASTRA● DRDO's first indigenous heavyweight ship launched anti-submarine electric

torpedo that is capable of targeting quiet and stealthy submarines● It has been designed with the latest technologies such as high speed and long

endurance propulsion, software driven intelligence etc.● It has GPS based locating aid, a unique feature in contemporary torpedoes in

the world, claims DRDO.● The weapon has completed all environmental qualification tests like shock,

vibration, temperature cycling, marine environmental tests etc.● Varunastra can be fired from the Rajput class destroyers, Delhi class and all

future Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) ships capable of firing heavyweight torpedoes.

Robot: Daksh● Daksh is a battery-operated remote-controlled robot on wheels and its

primary role is to recover bombs.

● Developed by DRDO, it is fully automated.

● It can navigate staircases, negotiate steep slopes, navigate narrow corridors and tow vehicles to reach hazardous materials.

● Using its robotized arm, it can lift a suspect object and scan it using its portable X-Ray device.

● If the object is a bomb, Daksh can defuse it with its water jet disrupter.

● It has a shotgun, which can break open locked doors, and it can scan cars for explosives. Ninety per cent of the robot’s components are indigenous.

Dhanush artillery guns

● Recently, six Dhanush artillery guns were handed over to the Army by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

● Dhanush is the first indigenously built 155 mm x 45 calibre long-range artillery gun with strike range of 38 kilometres.

● It is an upgraded version of 155m, 39 calibre Swedish Bofors FH 77 gun procured in the 1980s.

● Automated technology allows three to six guns to be fired simultaneously at a single target, each gun having a capacity to fire 42 rounds in an hour.

● The gun is equipped with

○ inertial navigation-based sighting system

○ auto-laying facility

○ on-board ballistic computation and

○ an advanced day-night direct firing system

Significance

● It reasserts the significance of the Make in India initiative.

● The weight of the gun is less than 13 tonnes, making it easy to mobilise in hilly terrain and remote areas.

● It is a versatile weapon that can operate in all climatic conditions.

● The self-propulsion unit allows the gun to negotiate and deploy itself in the field

Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)

• The Indian Navy has inducted a Submarine Rescue System with a Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) in 2018.

• It has the capability to rescue personnel from a distressed submarine up to a depth of 650 m.

• It is the latest in terms of technology and capabilities.

• India has thus joined a select league of nations which have this unique capability.

How it works?• The DSRV has a Side Scan Sonar.

• The sonar will locate the position of the submarine in distress at sea.

• It will then provide immediate relief by way of posting Emergency Life Support Containers with the help of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

• Thereafter, it will rescue the crew of the submarine using the DSRV itself.

• To ensure early mobilisation, the System has been procured in a Flyaway configuration.

• It permits rapid transportation of the Rescue System from the base to the exact location of the distressed submarine by transportation using air/land/sea vessels.

Thank You!