Chapter 11: Modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces

Section 1: Necessity for Modernisation

India is an aspiring super power. To achieve its destined place among the elite armies of the world it requires to modernise its armed forces. The desire to modernise is also propelled by the continuous threat from its immediate neighbourhood.

The continuing clashes over unresolved boundary disputes with China and Pakistan, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, insurgency in the North Eastern states, the uncontrolled menace of left wing extremism, and the rising challenges from urban terrorism have further complicated India’s security environment. To fight a modern day war it must have modern day weapons.

Ideally any country should have 1/3rd of its military hardware of vintage origin, 1/3rd state of the art and the balance futuristic. Many policy decisions have been taken to overhaul the entire war machinery. The focus is both on acquiring the latest military hardware from the international market and manufacturing them indigenously.

Section 2: Army Modernisation

The present security threat at the borders with China and Pakistan, as also the pressing requirement for upgrading ageing weapons and ammunition, has propelled the government into fast-tracking the procurement process. The modernisation plan has been prioritised to give the Army the cutting edge over its contemporary rivals.

Personal Weapons & Soldier Equipment

• Process to acquire 7 lakh Assault Rifles, 44,000 Light Machine Guns and 44,600 Carbines initiated in Sep 2017 (basic personal weapons for a soldier and his section).
• Effort to make the battle load lighter by procuring lighter personal kit, ballistic helmets with communication facilities, lighter weapons and body armour (bullet-proof jackets).

Battlefield Management Systems (BMS)

The BMS aims to integrate combat units — armoured, artillery and infantry regiments, infantry battalions, helicopter flights, etc. — into a digital network that will link together all components of the future battlefield. It will enable senior commanders to know the precise location of every soldier and weapon and exchange reports, photos, data and verbal/written communications.

Mechanised Forces

• Progressive induction of up to 248 Arjun Main Battle Tanks and 1,657 Russian-origin T-90 Main Battle Tanks, apart from ongoing upgrade of the T-72 fleet.
• Improved features: night vision with thermal imaging, mine ploughs, ability to fire anti-tank missiles, Advanced Air Defence gun (360° coverage against helicopters), Automatic Target Tracking (ATT), superior Laser Warning and Control systems.
• Six additional regiments being raised for High Altitude conditions.
• Entire BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) fleet to be upgraded: futuristic fire control system, twin missile launchers, commander’s thermal imaging panoramic sights, anti-tank guided missiles and automatic grenade launchers.

Artillery & Air Defence

• Under the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan: procure 3000–4000 artillery guns at a cost of US$3 billion (1580 towed, 814 mounted, 180 self-propelled wheeled, 100 self-propelled tracked and 145 ultra-light 155 mm/52 calibre guns). India ordered 145 ultra-light 155 mm/52 howitzers from USA in September 2013.
• Army Air Defence provides Low Level Air Defence. Two Regiments of indigenous Akash Missiles ordered from DRDO. Further trials for Very Short Range and Short Range missiles.

High Technology Areas

Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Nano Technology, Non-Lethal Weapons, Directed Energy Weapons and NBC warfare. Research is progressing. AI and Robotics are in a nascent stage. Rapid strides in Nano technology would reduce size and weight — suitable for High Altitude and Glaciated regions.

Section 3: Navy Modernisation

The Indian Navy has been focusing on developing indigenous capabilities, systems, sensors and weapons as part of the nation’s modernisation and expansion of its maritime forces. To secure maritime Exclusive Economic Zones and maintain credible deterrence in the Indian Ocean, naval ships and aircraft are deployed from the Gulf of Aden to the Western Pacific on an almost 24×7 basis.

The emerging threat from China in the Indo-Pacific arena and Chinese muscle-flexing by deploying more naval assets pose security challenges that need to be addressed at the earliest.

Key Highlights

• Ambitious project to build six nuclear-powered attack submarines to boost overall strike capabilities.
• 34 ships under construction; projects worth Rs 40,000 crores identified for private shipyards.
• Near-future surface combatant fleet likely to be: 03 Carriers, 10 Destroyers, 24 Frigates, 20 Corvettes, 20 Submarines.
• Primary air-defence cover provided by Barak-1 Surface to Air Missile; advanced Barak-8 (developed with Israel) has entered service.
• Next-generation Scorpene class submarines will be armed with the Exocet anti-ship missile system.
• Indigenous ship-launched version of Prithvi-II called Dhanush (range 350 km) can carry a nuclear warhead.
• Induction of indigenous HAL Dhruv as multi-role utility platform.
• Long-range maritime reconnaissance: Boeing P-8I Neptune; global tender for nine medium-range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft.
• Attack submarine INS Chakra and development of INS Arihant make the Indian Navy one of only six navies worldwide capable of building and operating nuclear-powered submarines.

Section 4: Air Force Modernisation

The IAF is authorised 42 squadrons of aircraft (each squadron authorised 18 aircraft). Today it has a strength of only 32 squadrons. It also had to phase out its vintage MiG-21 and MiG-27 fleet that together form 11 squadrons. With threats on two fronts (China and Pakistan), the IAF is in dire need of upgradation and modernisation.

Key Acquisitions & Upgrades

• 36 Rafale fighter aircraft (state-of-the-art) being purchased from France; delivery to begin soon.
• 83 Tejas 1A aircraft — single-engine, multi-role fighter designed and built by India.
• Deal for 22 Apache AH-64 attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters signed in September 2015 (Boeing). Apaches will replace ageing Mi-35E; Chinooks will replace Mi-8.
• Acquisition of C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III has increased special-mission and strategic military-lift capability.
• Upgrading combat aircraft fleet to enhance operational capability and maintain them as modern weapon platforms. Also considering upgrades of medium-lift helicopters (Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-17-IV) and AN-32 transport aircraft.
• Plans to induct advanced aircraft in Mid-Air Refuelling, Trainer jets, Airborne Warning systems, Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle, Cruise and Surface-to-Air Missile Systems.