Let's go buy an air defence system

Elections '99

The Indian Express

The Financial Express

Let's go buy an air defence system

GAURAV SAWANT & SAURABH SHUKLA

NEW DELHI, OCT 17: The Def-Expo which ended in Delhi on Friday showcased the latest technology from some of the big names in defence equipment. Post-Kargil, Indian defence authorities took stock of some of the stuff that was on display. The ones they showed keen interest in:

150-mm Howitzer 77: This is the upgraded version of the (Bofors) 155 mm Howitzers which made the difference in the Kargil conflict. The artillery now wants a higher caliber version with a longer range. After the year 2000, the version is of a higher caliber (45 instead of the present 39 caliber) for more precision and has a longer range (39 instead of the present 30 kilometres). The artillery has shown keen interest in the weapon which is mounted on a truck and can shoot and scoot in less than 10 seconds to avoid enemy's weapon locating radars. The Howitzers are likely to be sent to India for user trials early next year. Cost depends on numbers and technology transfer, say Celsius Weapon System representatives.

Bullet/Splinter proof jackets and helmets: The Army suffered large casualties from splinters in artillery fire and bullets in infantry assaults. Israel has come forward with lightweight bullet-proof jackets, helmets and visors. The jackets come in several versions with add-ons to deal with specific situations and are quite useful for low intensity conflicts, and are being used by the Israeli security forces. Also on display were the latest camouflage nets with special treatment to hide the guns, tents, weapon systems, troops etc. from thermal-imaging and radar censors.

Passive night-vision devices: The thermal imagers, night-vision goggles and binoculars are high on the Army shopping list and are being offered not just by French firms but also by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The sophisticated French Sagem thermal imagers are light and drew interest from infantry officers. In Kargil, the advancing infantry soldiers climbed in the dark and surveillance was limited at night.The Sagem representative spoke about the heat sensing device which subsequently formed an image and said it was ideal for night movement and surveillance.

Mine-detectors, ploughs and protected vehicles: Having already delivered their first consignment of 90 mine protected armoured personnel carriers, the South Africans are keen to probe deeper in the market, not only to sell but also for transfer of technology. The British have displayed their mine ploughs which dig out mines up to a 300-mm depth. These were quite useful during the Gulf War and are well suited for the deserts. The Royal Army is using them currently.

Air Defence system: The Barak air defence system, produced by Israeli company Rafael, the system is a muted version of Gulf War names like American Patriot missiles, Barak is effective for low altitude targets and covers a range of 12 kilometres. However, the missile with a vertical launch and short reaction time can tackle the threat of supersonic aircraft and also occupy littlespace.

Airpower: British aircraft giant British Aerospace had its latest advanced jet trainer, Hawk to offer. The company that gave India Sea Harrier is looking to replace the Kiran AJT trainer currently being used by the Indian Air Force. After the infamous Apache attack helicopters of Kosovo especially made for the US Airforce, the British company Westland have come with a new variant, the EH 101. The chopper is a combo of providing anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare and is ideal for amphibious operations. It is being currently used by the Royal Air Force, and the Canadian Air Force. However, the estimated price is to the tune of 150 crore.

Assault rifles: Another probable item on the Indian shopping list could be the South African answer to the Russian Kalashnikov, the Vektor CR 21. Armed with a 35 shots magazine it has a reflex optical sight that ensures a first time accuracy of 50 percent. Priced at about $1,000, the assault rifle is already being used by the South African Armed Forces,and may replace the Kalashnikov in the near future.

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