EY India's quarterly defense news letter.

1. Eye on defence
March 2013
Dear readers,
The Indian defense sector is currently in the middle of a
storm. I sincerely hope that this does not derail our planned
and ongoing procurement programs, which may then
seriously affect the operational capability and morale of our
armed forces.
The Union Budget was presented in the Parliament on 28
February. Whether the Defense Budget grew by 5% or 14%
is an argument that has not been settled yet. There is also uncertainty over the
increase in the Defense Budget, especially when the exchange rate of the US
dollar last year is compared to the one at present. We provide a high-level analysis
Contents of this year’s Defense Budget, and hope to help answer this query.
India’s artillery modernization program has not made any ground level progress
• Introduction 01 in the past two decades. In our article, we try to provide a holistic picture of the
• India’s Defese Budget 2013–14: same. Thus, we have not limited ourselves to only large-caliber weapon systems.
a high-level analysis 02
The range, accuracy and availability of missile systems are a potent force
• Artillery modernization program of multiplier for any defense force. In our article we have attempted to present the
the Indian Army 05 entire gamut of currently ongoing missile programs (purchase, indigenous, co-
• Missile projects of India 13 develop) in India. We may, of course, have overlooked a few, and look forward to
hearing from our readers for updates.
• Request for information (RFI)
(December 2012–March 2013) 23 Among the regular sections, we have industrial license applicants, new projects
and investments, joint ventures and alliances, country-level deals and the latest
• Request for proposals (December
buzz in the industry.
2012–March 2013) 24
• List of industrial licenses (ILs) filed for I hope you find the first issue of this year useful. It has been our constant
the period between November 2012 endeavor to make this publication increasingly relevant to you and we will greatly
and February 2013 27 appreciate your comments and suggestions in this regard.
• New projects/investments/
contracts 29
• Joint ventures and alliances 32
• Country-level deals and K. Ganesh Raj
initiatives 35 Partner and Leader
• Industry buzz 36 Aerospace and Defence Practice
• Sources 42

2. India’s Defense Budget 2013–14:
a high-level analysis
As part of the Union Budget presented in the Parliament
of India for fiscal year 2013–14, the allocation for
capital expenditure (mostly used for fresh procurement
programs of military hardware and platforms) was fixed
at US$16.06 billion. This is an increase of 9 percentage
points, as compared to the original planned capital
expenditure of US$14.74 billion for the last fiscal year,
2012–13.
Overall, the budgetary allocation for India’s defense
forces has been raised to US$ 37.72 billion currently,
as compared to the last fiscal year’s figure of US$35.82
billion — an increase of 5.31 percentage points. Most of
India’s procurements are in US dollars (imports). If we
compare the current exchange rate to that prevailing in
the same time last year, we see that the US dollar has
appreciated by approximately 10% and, thus, the budget
has actually not seen any increase.
For our graphs, we have taken the exchange rate at
1US$ = INR54
Total defense expenditure (US$ billion)
37.72
35.82
33.06
2012-13 (Budget) 2012-13 (Revised) 2013-14 (Budget)
Percentage increase from 2012–13 (Budget): 5.31%
Percentage increase from 2012–13 (Revised): 14.10%
Eye on defence | 2

3. Capital budget for last year was reduced by INR100 In the current year, the Air Force has been allocated
billion in January. The Navy and the Army were the ones approximately 29% of capital to procure aircraft and
affected most by this reduction. The Air Force, on the aero engines. With several past commitments (C-17;
other hand, having already spent most of its allocation, P8I; C-130J first tranche; Basic Trainer, LCA, SU-30MKI)
had remained largely untouched by the reduction. and other large programs under negotiation (Apache;
Chinook; A330MRTT), the Air Force needs to evaluate
Capital expenditure (US$ billion) whether it has adequate funds to sign the MMRCA
contract in this financial year as the Ministry of Defence
16.06
14.74 (MoD) will have to make a down-payment of up to 15% of
12.88
the contract value to Dessault Aviation.
This year, the Army has also allocated only INR10 million
toward the ”Make” programs. This has made it almost
impossible to expect any major progress in the tactical
communication system (TCS), future infantry combat
2012-13 (Budget) 2012-13 (Revised) 2013-14 (Budget) vehicle (FICV) and battlefield management system (BMS)
programs in the current financial year.
Percentage increase from 2012–13 (Budget): 9.00%
Percentage increase from 2012–13 (Revised): 24.67%
Breakdown of capital expenditure (US$ billion)
8.00
7.14
7.00
6.00 5.53 5.54
5.00 4.42 4.33
4.00 3.49 3.30
3.22
2.89
3.00
2.00
0.86 0.86 0.94
1.00 0.37 0.30 0.27
0.07 0.07 0.08
0.00
2012-13 (Budget) 2012-13 (Revised) 2013-14 (Revised)
Army Navy Airforce Defence Ordnance Factories R&D Other
Eye on defence | 3

4. Revenue expenditure (US$ billion)
21.65
21.08
20.17
Percentage increase from 2012–13 (Budget): 2.73%
Percentage increase from 2012–13 (Revised): 7.35%
2012-13 (Budget) 2012-13 (Revised) 2013-14 (Budget)
Breakdown of revenue expenditure (US$ billion)
16.00 15.15
14.47 14.11
14.00
12.00
10.00
8.00
6.00
3.28 3.17 3.39
4.00 2.32 2.11 2.26
2.00 1.11 0.96 1.03
0.00
-2.00 -0.10 -0.18 -0.17
2012-13 (Budget) 2012-13 (Revised) 2013-14 (Budget)
Army Navy Air Force Defence Ordnance Factories R&D
Eye on defence | 4

5. Artillery modernization program —
the Indian Army
Keeping in mind the dismal state of artillery, the Army Artillery Imports — India
initiated an Artillery Modernization Program or Field 70
Artillery Rationalization Plan (FARP) in 1999. Key
60
acquisitions included:
Amiunt in $ million
50
• 155 mm Towed guns 40
• 155 mm Air Mobile Ultra Light Howitzers 30
20
• 155 mm Wheeled guns
10
• 155 mm Self-propelled tracked and wheeled guns 0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
• 155 mm Mounted gun systems
Multi-barrel rocket launchers, missiles, surveillance Source: SIPRI, Compiled by Q-Tech Synergy
and counter bombardment
equipment, ammunition and
communication equipment
were also acquired.
Indian Army’s artillery
modernization plan has
been a non-starter over the
last two decades for various INR 28 billion
reasons. Each of the Army’s
180 artillery regiments has
18 guns, and they have not
received any new equipment
since the last major
acquisition of 410 pieces of
39-calibre 155 mm FH-77B INR 32 billion
howitzers from AB Bofors in
1987. Furthermore, between
INR 47 billion
2000 and 2011, India spent
only around US$277 million
to procure artillery items,
mainly propelling charges
and other items. Ten years
INR 85 billion
is almost one-third of the
life of the main equipment. INR 34 billion
Schedule replacement should
have ensured the induction
of almost one-third of the
planned equipments by now.
Eye on defence | 5

6. The Government needs to acquire between 2,700 and attempt by the MOD to procure these guns, which are
3,600 guns over the next 15 to 20 years. The Army has expected to equip nine regiments. Another procurement
issued several tenders for procuring types of Howitzers, of 100 155 mm self-propelled tracked guns, needed
but has failed to follow up with selection and contracts to arm five regiments, is currently underway. For this,
due to various reasons. Procuring towed Howitzers for 79 a fresh RFP was issued in 2009 after the indigenous
regiments is the key requirement at the moment. After DRDO BHIM program (Denel G-6 gun on Arjun tank
four failed attempts, the Army came out with a fresh chassis) was scrapped in 2006. At present, the tenders
global request for proposal (RFP) for these guns at the of the contenders are being formulated on technical
beginning of 2011. The evaluation process is currently parameters. The Army also needs 814 155 mm mounted
expected to be under way. Furthermore, , India is guns to arm its 40 regiments (RFP expected to be issued
procuring 145 M-777 Ultra Light Howitzers (ULHs) from soon). These are required for upgrading the firepower of
a US-based company, BAE System, through the Foreign the Army’s mountain-based artillery regiments. Over and
Military Sales (FMS) route. These howitzers are expected above these procurements, there is a requirement of 1,
to equip seven medium-artillery regiments. The Minister 50,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition (of all types).
of Defense has also initiated the procurement of Wheeled
The following table illustrates the programs for 155
Self-Propelled 155mm guns and has re-floated a fresh
mm howitzers related to the Indian Army’s Artillery
global request for information (RFI). This is the fourth
Modernization Programme:
Type Total quantity Category Cost Likely contenders Status
155 mm Total: 1580 Buy US$1.78 Nexter (France) RFP for these guns was issued at
towed gun 400 (direct billion Elbit (Israel) the beginning of 2011. BAE did not
purchase) + Both are confirmed respond. The first set of trials related
30% offset
1180 (to be built contenders. to this is currently taking place in
indigenously) Rajasthan.
155 mm 100 Buy US$778 Nexter, BAE A fresh RFP was issued in 2009. The
tracked million tenders of the contenders are currently
Gun under formulation.
155 mm 145 Buy US$647 BAE Systems The Army is expected to procure
Ultra Light (through million M-777 ULHs from BAE Systems
Howitzer FMS) through the FMS program.
155 mm Total: 400 Buy-Make US$889 Konstrukta Defence A fresh RFI was issued in 2012.
wheeled (Global) million – Konštrukta;
180 (direct
self- SpGHZuzana 2;
purchase) +
propelled Nexter CAESAR; BAE-
220 (to be built
gun Bofors FH77 BW L52
indigenously)
Archer; Samsung
Techwin
155 mm Total: 814 Buy-Make US$1.9 Not known Government approval has been given,
mounted 200 (direct (Global) billion and the procurement process is
gun purchase) + expected to commence soon.
614 (to be built
indigenously)
Source Compiled By: Q-Tech Synergy
Eye on defence | 6

7. Indigenous artillery systems extended range (base bleed) ammunition and rocket-
assisted ammunition at the desired range. The platform
The MOD has issued a letter of intent for the Ordnance has ammunition-carrying capacity of 26 projectiles and
Factory Board (OFB) to manufacture approximately 26 charges on board. The main weapon, along with its
114 155 mm 52 caliber Howitzers utilizing the sub assemblies, is expected to be manufactured in India
drawings earlier transferred by Bofors. The project on transfer of technology (ToT).
is worth INR12.6 billion (US$352 million). OFB is
already engaged in locally producing most of the gun’s With the procurements not making much headway,
components, including the barrel, breach mechanism, owing to repeated cancellations of RFP or blacklisting
muzzle break, loading trough, recoil system, elevation of firms, the MOD has been considering changing the
and traversing cylinders. categorization of its artillery program from “Buy and
Make (Global)” to simply “Buy and Make”. This is likely
In addition to the manufacture of FH77 B02 155 mm/ to help include domestic defense companies in the
52 caliber Howitzers, the DRDO and the Indian Army international bidding process.
are expected to develop a fully indigenous 155 mm/
52 caliber gun. ARDE, a Pune-based DRDO laboratory,
has been spearheading the project. Recently, it held an Force multipliers
interaction with various Indian private sector industries
Beside the guns, a number of force multipliers are crucial
to explore the feasibility of involving private firms in the
for the modernization of artillery in the army. These
development of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
include the following:
(ATAGS).
• Precision-guided and extended range munitions.
Until recently, the manufacturing of weapon systems
was the sole preserve of the government sector, which • Bi-modular charge systems
had the requisite technological infrastructure and the • Electronic fuses
facilities. However, in recent years, the Indian private
sector, with its superior technical and manufacturing • Automated fire control systems
skills, has taken on the challenge. As a case in point, • Medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs and
Tata Power SED has developed a prototype 155 mm, 52 high-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs
caliber truck- mounted gun-Howitzer. Mounted on an 8x8
truck, the gun is 50% indigenous and has been set up for • Forward observer equipment
dynamic firing trials, followed by road trials. The weapon
system has tactical and road-strategic mobility. It has a Precision-guided munitions (PGMs)
range of 600 km without refueling, and can travel at a
speed of up to 85 km/hour. It can fire all kinds of 155 The artillery needs large quantities of precision-guided
mm NATO standard rounds, standard HE ammunition, munitions (PGMs) for accurate targeting. However, PGMs
still need to enter service in numbers large enough to
make a real difference.
Precision Guidance Kit (PGK)
155 mm projectile accuracy
Eye on defence | 7

8. Less than 1% of Indian munition is precision-guided. modules and 100,000 low-zone modules. In June
The present stocking levels are rather low. Previously, 2005, a ban was imposed on Denel, and the contract
India had imported 3,000 Krasnapol terminally guided with Denel was cancelled. By then, Denel had supplied
munitions (TGMs) and 81 laser designators from Russia 178,000 high-zone modules, of which only 87,750 were
for INR5.22 billion. These have failed to perform accepted. The remaining 90,500 were rejected in joint-
adequately. Further, last year, a deal worth US$100 receipt inspection. Thus, of the total 300,000 high-zone
million was signed with Israel’s Rafael for 500 NGPGMs. modules, only 87,750 were received/ accepted. Another
contract was signed in March 2009 between OFB and
The Indian Army has a huge requirement of about
IMI of Israel to set up an ordnance complex of five plants
50,000 155 mm PGMs. Some global procurement has
in Nalanda, Bihar. The collaboration was touted as being
also been initiated in this regard by way of issuance of
able to manufacture 155 mm bi-modular charge systems
RFIs by the Defence Ministry, as indicated below.
and other propellant charges for heavy-caliber artillery
Date of Issue Product Category Quantity Worth Remarks
31 March 10 120 mm long- Buy Not US$25million Key companies expected to
range mortars with specified respond to the tenders:
ammunition system
• BAE Systems Raytheon
14 May 10 155 mm trajectory- Buy Not US$25 million–
correctable specified US$30 million • Israel’s IAI Russia’s KBP
munitions Instrument Design Bureau
29 August 11 120 mm mortar Buy Not Not known • ATK
terminally guided specified
munitions(TGM)
2008 Sensor-fused Buy-Make 4800 US$120 million Not known
munitions (SFM)
Source Compiled By: Q-Tech Synergy
ammunition at a project cost of US$260 million. An
Bi-modular charge systems (BMCS) advance amount of US$120 million was paid to IMI.
However, due to the controversy regarding IMI deals, this
BMCSs are the propellants required to fire ammunition
contract was cancelled.
of high-caliber Howitzers and artillery guns. BMCS
production in India
has been marred Current charges Modular charges Modular charge benefits
with controversies. In Performance
February 2002, the • Permits higher rate of fire
project in Nalanda was • Extends performance
slated to be undertaken • Improved logistics
by the South African
firm Denel and an Cost
initial US$60 million • More economical then current charges
was spent. At the same • Allows for up to 20% savings in O&S costs
time, a second contract
was signed with M/s Environmental
• Virtually eliminates burning residual
Denel for the supply
charges
of 300,000 high-zone
• Eliminates Lead
• Significant reduction in volatile organic
compounds during manufacture
Eye on defence | 8

9. Thus, plagued by delays in procurement owing to a series Electronic fuses
of failed attempts at producing critical components
for artillery shells, OFB has decided to take on the India continues to use mechanical fuses over electronic
responsibility to produce BMCS indigenously. OFB has fuses, as the former offer greater precision. Currently,
now tied up with the DRDO to locally produce bi-modular there is a deficiency of more than 1 million electronic
charges that have already undergone trials. The MoD has fuses for artillery guns alone. Owing to limited source
not set a timeline for the project. OFB hopes to make the of supply, the timeline for meeting the immediate
plants fully functional by early 2013, and ready the final requirement of 1 million fuses is anticipated to be
products soon thereafter. five to six years. However, at this stage, it will be
difficult to predict the timeline for the complete
Significantly, the Army issued an RFI for BMCS for 155 transformation of fuse inventory to its electronic mode.
mm Howitzers in 2011. Recently, OFB has issued an The rate of acquisition is expected to be incremented
Expression of Interest for the design, fabrication, supply, by approximately 15%–20% each year. The absence of
erection and commissioning of the following plants: indigenous capability in the electronic fuses technology
• Single-base propellant plant and its variants offers market opportunity to establish
a JV to fill the void. Taking the average price of an
• NC-NG paste plant electronic fuse to be US$ 300 (INR15,000) , the existing
• Triple base propellant market can be pegged at approximately US$30 million
(INR1500 million). The requirement is bound to increase
• Combustible components manufacturing plant when conversion for mortars takes place. Since electronic
These plants are required for establishing manufacturing time fuses will have applications for air defense, naval
facilities for BMCS for 155 mm gun ammunition. and air platforms, the annual market size for electronic
fuses may be closer to US$ 2 billion ( INR100 billion).
RFPs issued for electronic fuse for 155 mm, 130 mm and105 mm
Caliber Total Variants Quantity Respondent
730 quantity
155 mm 392300 Percussion 290700 BEL, ECIL,HBL,
490 Proximity 50700 Micron
450
Carrier Shell 50900
320 300
130 mm 286900 Percussion 256900 BEL, ECIL, Yugo
210
Proximity 25000 Export, HBL
Carrier Shell 5000
105 mm 320800 Percussion 150000 BEL, ECIL
2015 2017 2019 Proximity 50800
Quantity (in '000) Cost (in INR million) Carrier Shell 120000
Eye on defence | 9

10. Automated fire control systems Market potential in India
An automated artillery fire-control system (FCS) links fire Since its first purchase of UAVs in the late 1990s,
direction centers, gun positions and forward observers. India has reportedly bought UAV platforms worth
FCS comprises all the equipment needed, including digital approximately US$1.3 billion . Keeping in mind the
communication and differential GPS, to accomplish present small holding of UAV systems with the Indian
artillery tasks ranging from the observer’s instruments armed forces, and also the recently issued tenders for
and fire direction center to fire positions. It enables fast the acquisition of various types of UAV platforms by the
reaction time of artillery, firing accuracy and optimal Indian MOD, the UAV segment promises an opportunity
efficiency with minimal use of ammunition. It is also greater than US$2 million–US$3 billion in capital
soldier-friendly. Modern fire-control systems are also able procurement over the next 5–10 years (2012–2020).
to aim and fire the weapon(s). The Government, acknowledging the force multiplier
role that UAVs are expected to play in the present and
FCS is used not only for artillery guns but also in naval
emerging network-centric warfare scenario as well as
ships, tanks, aircraft and helicopters. DRDO has designed
the current Naxal situation, has started investing heavily
and developed electro-optical fire control system for
in UAVs/UCAVs to meet the armed forces’ operational
the Navy. The FCS for the T-90 tank was developed with
requirements. India is expects to acquire almost all types
the help of Elbit, Israel. Apart from this, FCS has been
of UAVs — tactical UAVs (TUAVs), HALE UAVs, vertical
developed in-house by Tata Power SED for its 155 mm,
take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs and MALE UAVs within
52 caliber artillery gun.
the forecast period of 2012–2020.
No RFI has been floated for automated FCS.
Anticipated share of UAVs in Indian defense
expenditure (in percentage)
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS)
Others 25%
In simple terms, UAVs can be described as aerial vehicles
that operate without a human pilot. UAVs, in addition
Air 30%
to their main role of intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance missions, have entered the domains Naval 15%
of electronic attack, strike missions, suppression and
destruction of enemy air defense, communication relays, Land 15%
combat search and rescue, and derivations of these
themes. UAVs or drones are increasingly becoming R&D 10%
a part of the Indian armed forces. Furthermore, the
C4ISR 4%
forces have been operating UAVs for over a decade.
The country presently operates Israeli Searcher Tactical
UAVs 1%
UAVs, Heron Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE)
UAVs and Harpy 2 UAVs. Over and above these foreign 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
procurements, all the defense services have indigenously
Source: Compiled by Q-tech synergy
developed UAVs — Nishant and Lakshya — in their
inventory, with more such in the pipeline. It cannot be
denied that India has made some progress in this field.
However, it has a long way to go, as the Indian armed
forces, including the paramilitary forces, still require a
large number of UAVs in order to meet their military and
civil needs.
Eye on defence | 10

11. MALE and HALE UAVs Procurements in the pipeline
The Indian Army’s current UAV fleet includes Israel The Army has IAI-supplied MALE Herons. Having
Aerospace Industries’ Searcher-I, Searcher-II and Heron procured 50 Herons, the Army is expected to purchase
UAVs. The time has come for the Army to urgently two more troops (six to eight each) of advanced Heron
consider the induction of unmanned combat air vehicles UAVs from Israel for INR11.18 billion (US$225 million).
(UCAVs) armed with air-to-surface missiles into service However, given that the Indian Army has HALE UAVs in
for air-to-ground precision attacks. MALE UAV flies at an its inventory, there is a huge requirement for them in the
altitude of up to 30,000 feet for extended durations of Indian armed forces.
time, typically for 24 to 48 hours, and has a range of up
Apart from the previously outright purchase of MALE
to 500 km. On the other hand, HALE UAVs fly typically
UAVs, the Defence Ministry has initiated a program by
at an altitude of 60,000–65,000 feet, at an airspeed of
issuing a global RFI for the procurement of unspecified
more than 300 knots (560 km/hour).
HALE UAVs for the three defense services. Indigenous
design and development efforts are also underway, owing
to the Governmental push for increased indigenous
capability. However, these efforts have seen limited
success. Some of the ongoing foreign and indigenous
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) programs with regard
to MALE and HALE have been given in the table below:
Program Manufacturer Approx. Cost Remarks
quantity
HALE UAVs — foreign procurements
HALE Undecided Unspecified US$175 The MOD, in 2009, issued an RFI to initiate the
UAVs million procurement of an unspecified number of HALE UAVs
(approx.) for the Army, Navy and Air Force. As of now, the RFP is
awaited.
HALE UAVS — indigenous procurements
“Nishant” ADE 12 US$4.47 The Army has already inducted four such drones, which
UAV million each can be launched from hydro-pneumatic launchers
(approx.) without the need of runways. Eight more are being
manufactured.
MALE UAVs — indigenous procurements
Rustom-I DRDO --- US$ 230 The Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the
million project for 10 Rustom MALE UAVs worth US$230
(approx.) million.
Rustom-II DRDO, ADE and 10 US$ 342.25 The first prototype is expected to be ready by the end
HALE one selected million of 2013, and the first flight is likely to occur in the first
production (approx.) quarter of 2014. The designing of Rustom-II has been
agency cum completed, and agencies are selecting a development
development partner. Major private sector defense companies have
partner submitted their proposal for this.
Solar- DRDO ---- --- As of now, the initial work is in progress and a search
Powered for a development partner is on. DRDO also has an
HALE UAV independent unmanned surveillance air vehicle in the
course.
Eye on defence | 11

12. Forward observer equipment measure range, azimuth and vertical angle may also be
used for fire control by FOs.
Primary tasks of the forward observer (FO) are target
acquisition and fire control. For this, he must be Besides being rugged, the sophistication of the FO
adequately equipped. Not only must the FO be able equipment is expected to improve along with the
to detect targets in all weathers and during the day or equipment’s portability and ergonomics. Future systems
night, he must also be able to report the position of are expected to offer infrared illuminating and pointing
these targets to artillery units, other troops or aircraft. laser with longer-range detection, improved image clarity
Earlier, the FO used to be equipped with a radio and a and better data sharing capabilities.
binocular for this task. Today communications (radio or
otherwise) and modems with data inputting capability It is imperative that we think rationally and keep
form an integral and important requirement of an FO. logistics in mind while considering the above
Other equipment for the FO may include binoculars, procurements. Each armament/weapon procured
laser rangefinder (typically for a range of 5 km), pointer, increases the existing inventory. This leads to a
a global positioning system (GPS), digital magnetic variety of calibers, and the associated accessories,
compass, digital camera and a hand-held thermal imager such as charges and fuses, each particular to a gun,
(HHTI) for surveillance and reconnaissance applications makes the matrix complicated for a normal soldier to
during night. Laser range-finder binoculars, which can handle.
Eye on defence | 12

13. Missile projects of India
A missile offers a number of features, such as range, as the production agency. DRDO was also permitted
accuracy, ease of usage and deployment, low readiness significant political discretion to select and build new
time, high flight speeds and accuracy. These add to missile projects.
its element of surprise and make it a potent weapon
To build the missile portfolio of India, The indigenous
of choice among military planners. India has a mature
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)
missile development program which, in contrast to
was sanctioned in July 1983. The program has come
development and procurement programs of other
a long way since then, and has many achievements to
platforms, has been proceeding largely on schedule,
its credit. The program initially comprised the strategic
despite inevitable delays in certain systems. Most missile
Agni ballistic missile, the tactical Prithvi ballistic missile,
programs have moved from the development to the
the Akash and Trishul surface-to-air missiles and the Nag
production phase in recent years and have provided
anti-tank guided missile. Later, Project K-15 was also
systems and products that cover a large portion of the
added to the program. Various missiles that are still in
spectrum of land, air and sea-based platforms. The joint
their development phase under the IGMDP include the
production and foreign procurement effort also seems to
Surya ICBM, the Dhanush SLBM, the Sagarika SLCM,
be proceeding smoothly.
the Trishul SAM, and the Astra Beyond Visual Range
Historically, India’s quest for missile technology has Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM). Besides TRISHUL, all other
not been smooth. After India test-fired the first Prithvi missiles have been inducted into the armed forces. On
missile in 1988 and the first Agni missile in 1989, 7 May 2008, DRDO closed the IGMDP and declared it
the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) led by a success. This was complemented by joint projects,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the such as BRAHMOS and Barak, which were developed
US restricted India’s access to any technology that may through collaboration with other nations having better
help the country in its missile development program. technological advancement and global procurement
All the signatory nations of the MTCR were barred from programs in areas, such as air defense, air-to-air missiles
providing critical missile technologies to India. Given and torpedoes.
these technology denial regimes and western monopoly
This article attempts to outline India’s development and
on critical missile technologies, it became imperative
procurement programs in missiles and their systems.
for India to develop indigenous source of missiles and
These will be studied under the following major heads:
become self-sufficient.
1. Air defense programs
A slew of public sector firms with independent research
laboratories were set up throughout country to develop 2. Air-to-air missiles
technologies, sub systems, materials, testing facilities 3. Naval missiles and torpedoes
and system integrating agencies, led by Defence
Research Development Organization (DRDO) as the 4. Land-based and Ballistic missiles systems
development agency and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
Eye on defence | 13

14. Air Defense Programs of India Rafael Advanced Defense Systems signed a deal in
December 2008 for 18 systems. These 18 systems will
1. Program: Very Short Range Air Defence Missile replace Russian OSA - AKM (SA-8 Gecko) and ZRK BD
System (VSHORAD 6-10Km) Strela – 10M (SA-13 Gopher) SAM systems.
Ownership: All three forces Rafael is the prime contractor and IAI the major
subcontractor for the SPYDER program. SPYDAR uses
Estimated size : INR270 billion the Python and Derby Missiles by Rafael. The radar is
Background: Initial requirement is for 800 launchers and from Elta.
5,185 missiles. Eventually, as many as 15,000 units may Current situation: Currently, three systems have been
be procured. These will replace the existing SA-18 IGLA delivered. Furthermore, Rafael is planning a vertical
Very Short Range Air Defense Systems. launch medium range system for SPYDAR, similar to that
Five vendors submitted bids against a Buy Global of the SPYDAR Short Range SAM.
tender floated by India’s MoD. These include Russia’s
Rosoboronexport (IGLA), French Thales (Starstreak), 3. Program: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
South Korea’s LIG Nex1 (KP-SAM Shin-Kung), Sweden’s System (QRSAM; 15 km)
SAAB (RBS-70 NG0) and France’s MBDA (Mistral). Four Ownership: Indian Army
vendors were reportedly selected for field evaluation
trials scheduled for May 2012. The Thales Starstreak Estimated size : INR45 billion
system was eliminated after technical evaluation. Background: This is the Indian Army’s effort to acquire
The three contenders currently standing after field trials a quick reaction SAM similar to the procurement of
are France’s MBDA Mistral, Sweden’s Saab RBS 70 NG SPYDER by the IAF.
and Russia’s KBM new generation IGLA-S. The army wants to purchase a quick reaction system that
Current position: Quality assurance tests at Bangalore can engage targets at a range of 15 km at a minimum
and a check-out of the electronics systems on the three altitude of 6,000 meter in less than 6 seconds. It wants
remaining contenders in Ladakh is currently being done. the new systems to have the ability to fire two missiles
In the current phase, there is also expected to be a at a time, and simultaneously guide them to the desired
discussion on ToT with the default license manufacturing targets.
partner Bharat Dynamics Ltd. The MoD released an RFI on 29 January 2010. Approval
to procure eight regiments of QR-SAMs worth over
2. Program: Low Level Quick Reaction Missile System INR100 billion was accorded in the DAC meeting in
(LLRQM; 15 km) June 2012, of which three may be procured during the
Ownership: Indian Air Forces ongoing Twelfth Defence Plan
Estimated size : INR45 billion Current situation: The army is now expected to issue a
global request for proposal to procure these missiles to
Background: In June 2006, SPYDER was selected by replace the Russian-origin Kvadrats. The likely contenders
the Indian Army for protection against Aircraft UAV, in this project include the American Raytheon, the Israeli
helicopters, bombers. The procurement was finally Rafael and the French MBDA.
approved by the Indian Defence Acquisitions Council in
July 2008. A contract worth US$1 billion for 18 SPYDER
systems was awarded to Rafael in September 2008
without any ToT.
Eye on defence | 14

15. 4. Program: Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile 6. Program: Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System
System (SRSAM; 15–20 km) (25–30 km)
Ownership: All forces Ownership: Indian Army and Indian Air Force
Estimated size : INR300 billion Estimated size : INR250 billion
Background: To plug the gap left by the cancellation of Background: This requirement is being fulfilled by the
the Trishul project, DRDO had decided to pursue a joint iconic Akash medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile
development program with MBDA. This project was defense system developed by the DRDO, Ordnance
named the “Maitri Project” and was estimated to be Factories Board (OFB) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).The
worth USD5 billion. Even after four years of negotiations production agency of Akash Missile is BDL. The system
with the French MBDA, India and France were not able to has been mounted on T 72 Chassis for mobility.
agree on terms of funding and technology transfers for
The Army has placed an order worth INR150 billion for
the project.
2000 missiles with BDL, in addition to launchers, ground
Current position: There have been recent developments stations and radars. The Air Force has placed an order
after the French PM’s visit to India. The Maitri project worth INR10 billion. In March 2011, the acquisition was
has been revived and negotiations concluded at a cost of cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.
US$6 billion for the joint project. The missiles will be used
Current position: The first batch of these missiles for the
by the Indian Air Force and the Navy.
Army rolled out in September 2012. The IAF has already
inducted two squadrons of the Akash Missile.
5. Program: Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile
System (SRSAM; 15–20 km) DRDO has started work on the development of Akash
Mk-II version, and it is expected to be ready for its first
Ownership: Indian Army flight in 24 months. The Akash Mk-II is likely to be a
Estimated size : INR300 billion longer-range, faster and more accurate SAM. The missile
is expected to have an intercept range of 30–35 km and
Background: The Army wanted an SRSAM system that
increase the accuracy of the missile’s guidance and fire
would be able to engage multiple targets, including those
control system.
flying up to 500 meter per second, such as UAVs, fighter
and surveillance aircraft and helicopters, and have a
7. Program: Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile
maximum range of not less than 15 km.
System (MRSAM; 70–80 km)
The Indian Army recently sent RFIs in May 2010 and
Ownership: Indian Army and Indian Air Force
subsequently the RFP in mid 2012. It is understood that
the RFP was sent to Raytheon of the US, Israel’s Rafael, Estimated size : INR100.75 billion
France’s MBDA and Thales, Germany’s Diehl Defence,
Background: India has started cooperating with Israel on
Russia’s KBP Tula and Rosoboronexport, Ukraine’s
the Barak program for short range SAMs for the Navy,
Ukraineexport, Sweden’s SAAB and South Korea’s LIG
and has bought missiles of the Barak I variety worth
NEX1. “Maitri” may also participate in this program.
US$300 million.
The tender is for two regiments (36 systems, 1,000
Following the success of Barak 1 system with the Navy, a
missiles), estimated to cost approximately US$800
JV was announced in February 2006 between the Israeli
million each. The total requirement is likely to be about
firms, Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI), RAFAEL and
eight regiments in the next five to seven years.
the DRDO to co-develop the medium-range air defense
Current position: Technical evaluation of the proposals system with a range of 70 km for the Navy. The cost of
is currently underway, and trials are slated for this program is estimated to be approximately US$2
commencement in the coming winter months. billion. Simultaneously, in July 2006, work commenced
on the land variant, MRSAM. The surface-to-air variant is
expected to be a derivation of the proposed naval variant
and may replace the ageing Pechora systems of the IAF.
Eye on defence | 15

16. This program was christened Barak 8. It was cleared by interception. The two-tiered shield is expected to be able
the CCS in December 2008. to intercept any incoming missile launched 5,000 km
away.
In the long term, this four to five year long project aims
to provide India’s military with nine advanced air defense Current position: A new missile by the name of PDV
squadrons, each with two MR-SAM firing units. Each unit, seems to have currently replaced the PAD, with an
in turn, is expect to comprise a command and control effective capability to go up to altitudes of 150 km and
center, acquisition radar, guidance radar and three above.
launchers with eight missiles each. Therefore, the total
Also under development are the missiles named AD1 and
order is expected to be of 10 C2 centers, 18 acquisition
AD2, which can intercept IRBMs and have an effective
radars, 18 guidance radars, and 54 launchers, armed
capacity to go up to altitudes of 150 km at hypersonic
with 432 ready-to-fire missiles.
speeds.
The missile is from Rafael/ BMC4I is supplied by MBT
Division of IAI Missile Systems and Space Group. The
Elta supplies the radar. Indian firms are expected to
9. Missile on offer: Interceptor Missile Systems (70
contribute the dual-pulse rocket motor, associated motor
km)
arming/safing mechanisms and the pneumatic actuation
system. Ownership: Indian Army
Current position: The trials of the MRSAM system are Background: Rafael is offering its “Iron Dome” rocket
likely to take place in 2013–14 and the induction of the interceptor to the Indian army, which is expected to be
first firing unit into the Services is being planned in the using it against missile attacks. Rafael is also developing
third quarter of 2014. its longer range rocket and ballistic missile interceptor
— the “David’s Sling” — scheduled for completion in late
8. Program: Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile system 2014. The range of Iron Dome using the Stunner missile
or Interceptor Missile System (LRSAM; 150 km) is said to be up to 70 km, while that of “David’s Sling”
is said to be 70–250 km, with Arrow 2 and Arrow 3
Ownership: All forces
missiles.
Estimated size: Unknown
Current position: The Indian Amy has shown some
Background: As part of the Indian Ballistic Missile interest in purchasing the interceptor system. However,
Defence Programme, there is a two-tiered system there seems to be more interest in the “David’s Sling”
comprising two interceptor missiles — the Prithvi Air longer-range rocket and missile interceptor than the Iron
Defence (PAD) missile for high altitude interception and Dome, as it is felt that India’s airspace is too large for a
the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile for lower altitude short-range system like the Iron Dome.
Eye on defence | 16

17. Air-to-air missile programs of India 3. Program: Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (SRAAM)
Ownership: Indian Air Force
1. Program: Medium Range Beyond Visual Range Air-
Estimated size: INR9 billion (approximately)
to-Air Missile (BVRAAM; 50 km)
Ownership: Indian Air Force Background: To upgrade its fleet of Jaguar strike
jets, India had released a tender to buy short-range
Estimated size : Unknown infrared homing missiles. RFP was sent to five missile
Background: The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft manufacturers, including the Raytheon Corporation
needed to be equipped with medium- range BVRAAM from the US, Raphael from Israel, the European
missiles. DRDO had established an indigenous program to missile consortium, MBDA and Diehl from Germany.
develop a BVRAAM, but due to delays in its development Approximately 250 to 300 missiles are to be inducted.
and the urgency to complete the LCA for user trials, India Current position: Last year, Diehl’s IRIS-T was eliminated
went to the global market to procure these missiles. from the competition, ahead of field evaluation trials.
The IAF was offered the Python and Derby missiles. The Thus, the current competition is between the Rafael
Derby missile already equips India’s Sea Harrier jets and Python-5 and MBDA’s Advanced Short Range Air-To-Air
SPYDAR anti-aircraft system. Missile (ASRAAM). MBDA is participating in these trials
along with its partners ELBIT (Targo Dash V HMS) and
Current position: LCA Tejas’ twin-seat trainer mock-up on Cobham (JOWL — Jaguar Overwing Missile Launcher).
display at Aero India 2013 showed it alongside a Rafael Rafael Python, along with the SPYDAR system, has
Python-5 IR short-range air-to-air missile, Rafael Derby already been bought by India.
BVRAAM, Astra BVRAAM and R 73 of Russia. However,
this may be a temporary arrangement till the completion 4. Program: Aerial Combat Fire and Forget Missile
of the development of Astra.
Ownership: Indian Air Force
2. Program: Astra Active Radar Homing Beyond Estimated size: INR60 billion
Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM; 80 km)
Background: To upgrade its fleet of French Mirage 2000
Ownership: Indian Air Force aircraft and replace Matra Super 530D medium-range
Estimated size : Unknown and Magic-II short-range missiles, India decided to buy
the 490 MICA interception and aerial combat fire and
Background: The missile is being developed by the forget air-to-air missile from MBDA, France. This deal was
DRDO to arm various IAF aircraft, including the Tejas, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in January
Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000 and even the Sea Harrier. 2012.
Development of BVRAAM started in 2003, and currently
the development trials are being held. User trials by The missiles are expected to be deployed on the
the IAF can begin only once these trials have been 51 Mirage 2000 aircraft, two of which are already
completed. Current position: Last successful trials of this undergoing upgrades at French facilities (the rest will be
missile were held in December 2012, both from ground upgraded at HAL India) by weapon integrator Thales and
launcher and captive Su 30, to test maneuverability and Dassault as part of a mid-life upgrade.
target intercept. It is expected to enter user trials by Current Position: The delivery of missiles is expected to
2014. start by 2015, and the integration is likely to be carried
out at Hindustan Aeronautic Limited (HAL) in Bangalore.
Eye on defence | 17

18. 5. Program: Brahmos Air-launched Version 6. Program: Sensor Fused Weapon
Ownership: Indian Air Force Ownership: Indian Air Force
Estimated size: INR60 billion Estimated size: INR15.39 billion
Background: Brahmos is a supersonic cruise missile that Background: A request for cluster munitions was made
can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or by the Indian Government to the US Government in
land. It is a joint venture between the Republic of India 2008 for an FMS deal. The deal was cleared by the US
DRDO and Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroeyenia. Congress in December 2010 for the sale of 512 sensor-
Together, they have formed BrahMos Aerospace Private fused bombs, 19 CBU-105 integration test assets and
Limited. associated equipment to the Indian Government by
Textron Defence Systems.
Air-to-air version of the Brahmos Missile is scheduled to
be integrated into the Su 30 MkI platform. The half-ton CBU-105 is supposed to be launched from
the SU-30MKI and Jaguar. The CBU-105 can be used to
The plan to induct 200 missiles into the IAF was cleared
attack formations of tanks or armored vehicles through
by CCS in 2012.
laser and computer equipped submunitions.
Current position: The integration for tests is in its last
Current position: Textron Systems has started delivering
stages and it is expected to be ready for induction by
systems to the US Air Force. Deliveries to the Indian Air
2015.
Force by the US Air Force are expected to begin in early
A new, smaller variant of the air-launched Brahmos is 2013.
also currently undergoing development. This variant
is expected to arm the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000 7. Missiles on offer: There are various missile systems
and future inductions, such as the 126 multirole combat on offer to the Indian defense forces:
aircraft.
a. The US is offering 245 Stinger missiles and 56
Another variant of the hypersonic type is also currently launchers to India as part of a weapons package for
under development. It is expected to be ready by 2017, the Apache attack helicopters being acquired by the
and achieve speeds of up to 7 mach. Indian Air Force (IAF). India has selected the Boeing
AH64D Apache for its requirement of 22 attack
helicopters, which will have both air-to-ground and
air-to-air roles.
b. As part of the US$18-billion MMRC aircraft
competition, which was won by the French Rafale last
year for 126 aircraft, MBDA has offered its Meteor
air-to-air missile to India as a weapon for its planned
fleet. The missile is in its preproduction phase and
was tested from a Rafale in 2011. A fully guided test
firing was carried out in 2012.
Eye on defence | 18

19. Naval missiles and torpedoes 3. Program: Light Weight Torpedoes
Ownership: Indian Navy
1. Program: Indigenous Heavy Weight Torpedoes
Estimated size: Unknown
Ownership: Indian Navy
Background: The Light Weight Torpedo christened
Estimated size: Unknown “Sheyena” has been indigenously developed by the
Background: The Naval Science and Technological National Science and Technology Laboratory (NSTL),
Laboratory (NSTL) of DRDO in Visakhapatnam develops Visakhapatnam. The Light Weight Torpedo (TAL) is
torpedoes for the Indian Navy. Currently, it is working an electrically propelled, self-homing Torpedo, which
on three heavy-weight torpedo (HWT) projects, named can be launched from both ships and helicopters.
Thakshak, Varunastra and Shakti. BDL is currently manufacturing these torpedoes at its
Visakhapatnam Unit.
Thakshak has two versions, a submarine-launched
variant with wire guidance and a ship-launched one with Current position: The Navy has currently ordered 25
autonomous guidance. It has already entered service with units of this torpedo, but the order is expected to grow
the Indian Navy. bigger. The first unit was handed over to the Navy in
March 2012, and subsequent deliveries are currently
Varunastra is a state-of-the-art, ship-launched, heavy- underway.
weight, wire-guided, anti-submarine electric torpedo,.
equipped with the latest advances in control, homing and 4. Program: Light Weight Torpedoes and Missiles for
recovery aspects, and advanced indigenously developed Boeing P8I
propulsion. It underwent user trials last year and is
expected to soon enter service with the Indian Navy. Ownership: Indian Navy
The Shakti, with its thermal propulsion, can generate 500 Estimated size: INR15 billion
kilowatts of power and rev up the engine within a second. Background: A formal request was made by the Defense
Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to the US Congress
2. Program: Heavy Weight Torpedoes from India in June 2011 to buy Lockheed Martin’s MK-54
Ownership: Indian Navy lightweight torpedoes from the US for US$86 million
through the FMS route. These torpedoes are needed to
Estimated size: INR50 billion (Potential) arm the dozen P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
Background: The Navy had floated a tender for 98 Heavy In December 2010, the US DSCA announced India’s
Weight Torpedoes to equip its fleet of six Scorpene formal request for up to 21 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II
Submarines (P75), which are currently under production Missiles, 5 ATM-84L Block II Training Missiles, Captive
at the Mazagaon Docks Limited under license from DCNS Air Training Missiles, containers, spare and repair
of France and Navantia of Spain. The same torpedoes parts, support and test equipment, publications and
are also expected to be selected for the P75I and the INS technical documentation, personnel training and training
Arihant series of submarines. Thus, the total order for equipment, and related support of the US Government
this class of torpedoes may reach INR50 billion. and the contractor. The estimated cost is approximately
Current position: WASS, a Finmeccanica group company, US$200 million.
was declared L1 in 2010. It had offered the BLACK Current Position: The first P8I was delivered (for testing)
SHARK variant of its torpedoes. However, the final in early March this year, along with the Mk-54 torpedoes
contract is yet to be signed. and Harpoon missiles.
Eye on defence | 19

20. 5. Program: Project K — Nuclear-launch Capability 7. Program: Barak Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile
from the Sea System
Ownership: Indian Navy Ownership: Indian Navy
Estimated size: Unknown Estimated size: INR26.06 billion
Background: Background: India started cooperating with Israel on the
Barak program for short range SAMs for the Navy and
a. Sagarika (K-15): Belongs to the K Missile family and
bought US$300-million worth of missiles of the Barak I
is a nuclear-capable submarine- launched ballistic
variety (short- range of up to 10 km).
missile, with a range of 750 km and capacity to carry
payloads of 1000 kg. It was successful in trials in Following the success of Barak 1 system with the Navy, a
January 2013 and is currently being integrated with JV was announced in February 2006 between the Israeli
India’s nuclear-powered Arihant class submarine, firms Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) and RAFAEL,
which is on sea trials. andIndia’s DRDO to co-develop the Barak-NG medium-
shipborne air defense missile system with a range of
b. Shaurya: Developed for a nuclear capable submarine
70–120 km for the Navy. The cost of this program
launch capability, SHAURYA is a two- stage, solid-
was expected to be US$2 billion. This, along with the
propelled, canister-based missile. It can reach speeds
development of MRSAM land variant of the air defense
of mach 6 even at low altitudes and strike targets
systems, was christened Barak 8.
1500 km away, with a payload of 500–1000 kg. This
land variant of the K 15 missile underwent successful In 2009, IAI won a deal from the Navy worth US$1.1
trials in January 2013. billion to supply the Barak 8 Missile System.
c. K4: This is an intermediate-range (3500 km), The missile system is expected to be delivered by 2017.
nuclear-capable, submarine-launched ballistic missile The LR-SAM missiles are scheduled to equip the three
under development by DRDO to arm the Arihant Kolkata-class guided missile, destroyers, which were
class submarine and to complement K-15 Sagarika. expected to be delivered by Mazagon Docks by 2012,
thereby leading to the installation of the Barak-8 systems
6. Program: Naval Jaguar Upgrade by 2013. Four additional Kolkata-class destroyers are
expected to be equipped with an extended range version of
Ownership: Indian Navy
the missile (ER-SAM) capable of intercepting targets 100
Estimated size : INR8.5 billion km away. These destroyers are being built in India under
the Project 15 A, 15 B and 17 A of the Indian Navy.
Background: India signed an agreement with the US for
the sale of 24 Harpoon Block II missiles for 10 Jaguar Current position: Control and Navigation Tests (CNT) for
aircraft of the Navy in July 2010 through the FMS route. LRSAM were conducted successfully on 16 July 2012 and
These Jaguars have been upgraded with the IAI ELta’s 18 July 2012. The missile is expected to enter service in
EL/M-2032 radar as well as improved electronic defense early 2014.
systems.
Eye on defence | 20

21. Land-based missiles and ballistic missiles success in the latest user trials. Though it is yet to be
inducted, the Army has decided to buy 13 Nag carriers
systems
and 443 Nag missiles in their current state for INR3.35
billion. The above-mentioned programs are expected to
1. Program: Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
fill in the gap till Nag is ready for induction.
Ownership: Indian Army
The DRDL plans to extend the range of the HELINA
Estimated size: INR60 billion–INR120 billion (helicopter-mounted Nag) anti-armour missile to more
than 20 km for combat aircraft and helicopters. The
Background: The Army’s initial requirement is
DRDL is building a “miniaturized inertial navigation
approximately 2,000 launchers and 24,000 missiles to
package” to enhance the existing weapon without
arm its 356 infantry units. According to the Army, this
increasing weight or cost. A feasibility study is officially
procurement is expected to be completed in 2017, by
underway to integrate the HELINA with the Rustom-H
the end of the Twelfth Plan. The new missiles are likely to
MALE UAV.
replace the French Milan (2 km) and Russian Konkur (4
km) missiles.
3. Program: Agni Ballistic Missile Programme
Current position: To fulfill this requirement, the CCS
cleared the order for 10,000 Konkur M ATGM missiles in Ownership: All forces
October 2012. A proposal to buy 25,000 Invar missiles Estimated size: Unknown
for the T-90 tanks was also cleared by the CCS in October
Background: The Agni missile is a family of medium to
2012. 10,000 missiles are expected to be bought from
intercontinental-range ballistic missiles developed by
the Russians. 15,000 missiles are likely to be produced
India. The program was launched under the IGMDP. The
under Transfer of Technology by BDL.
following missiles have been developed as part of the
A competition for 300 launchers and 8000 missiles is Agni program:
also currently underway. The two participating nations in
• Agni I is a short-range ballistic missile, with a range
this project are the US with FGM 148 “Javelin” produced
between 700 km and 800 km, and a payload of
by a JV of Lockheed and Raytheon, Israel, with “Spike”
approximately 1000 kg. It has been inducted and is
produced by Rafael.
currently operational.
• Agni II is a medium-range ballistic missile with
a range between 2000 km and 2500 km, and a
2. Program: Nag Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
payload between 500 kg and 1000 kg. It has been
Ownership: Indian Army inducted and is currently operational.
Estimated size: INR3.35 billion • AGNI-III is a nuclear-capable, two-stage, solid-
propelled intermediate range ballistic missile with
Background: It is a third-generation “Fire-and-forget”
a range between 3500 km and 5000 km, and a
anti-tank missile developed in India. It was developed
payload of 2490 kg. The Indian Army has conducted
under the Integrated Guided Missile Development
multiple successful user trials and it is to be inducted
Program (IGMDP). Nag has both ground as well as a
soon.
helicopter version mounted on the ALH Dhruv. It also has
a man portable version. • Agni IV is a nuclear-capable, two-stage, solid-
propelled intermediate range ballistic missile with
Two different versions of the carrier for NAG missile by
a range of 4000 km and a nuclear payload of
the name of NAMICA has been manufactured by BEL and
1000 kg. It was successfully test fired in 2011,
L&T. The production agency for Nag is BDL.
and subsequently in September 2012, and will be
Current position: The Nag has achieved only partial inducted soon.
• Agni V is the first three-stage, intercontinental
ballistic missile with a range of more than 5000 km
and capability to carry 1000 kg of nuclear warhead.
Eye on defence | 21

22. It is capable of canister launch, was successfully test 5. Program: Prahar Ballistic Missile Programme
fired in April 2012 and is expected to be inducted in
Ownership: All forces
2014–15.
Estimated size: Unknown
• Agni VI is in its initial stages of development and is
expected to be in a range of 10,000 km. No official Background: It is a surface-to-surface missile with a range
statement on its development has been issued by the of 150 km and capacity to carry 200 kg of conventional
DRDO yet. warhead. The DRDO developed Prahar in 2 years, to
specifically bridge the gap in the range between the
4. Program: Prithvi Ballistic Missile Programme unguided Pinaka rocket, which has a range of 45 km, and
the guided Prithvi missile variants, that can hit targets
Ownership: All forces 250 km to 350 km away.
Estimated size: Unknown Current position: The Prahaar is currently under
Background: Prithvi is a nuclear-capable, tactical surface- development and the first successful flight test occurred
to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed in July 2011.
by the DRDO of India under the IGMDP. The following
missiles were developed as part of this program: 6. Program: Nirbhay Cruise Missile Programme
• Prithvi I (SS-150) — Army Version (range of 150 km, Ownership: All forces
with a payload of 1,000 kg). It was inducted by the
Estimated size: Unknown
Indian Army in 1994.
Background: It is India’s first subsonic medium-range
• Prithvi II (SS-250) — Capable of striking at a range of
cruise missile. Designed and developed at Aeronautical
250 km, with a payload of 500 kg. It was inducted
Development Establishment (ADE), a DRDO lab based
into the Army in 2004. It was successfully test fired
in Bangalore, the two-stage missile has a range of
in October 2012, with an increased range of 350 km
approximately 1,000 km. It can travel at a speed of 0.7
and an improved Aided Inertial Navigation System.
mach and can be launched from any platform.
• Prithvi III (Dhanush) — Dhanush is a naval version
Current position: It is ready for tests
of Prithvi, which can be launched from ships with a
strike range of up to 350 km. It can carry 500 kg of
conventional or nuclear warhead. Its accuracy has
increased significantly, as compared to the older
versions. The last successful test was conducted in
October 2012. It has not been inducted as of now.
Eye on defence | 22

23. Request for Information (RFIs)
December 2012–March 2013
Date of issue RFI details Response date Issued by Service
6 Feb 2013 Automatic Carrier Landing 20 Feb 2013 Directorate of Staff Indian Navy
System (ACLS) Requirements,
Integrated
Headquarters of MoD
(Navy)
17 Jan 2013 Surface target fitted with 20 Feb 2013 Directorate of Staff Indian Navy
dynamic positioning system Requirements,
Integrated
Headquarter of MoD
(Navy)
9 Jan 2013 UAV simulator 25 Feb 2013 Directorate General of Indian Army
Artillery
Artillery-11 (UAV)
2 Jan 2013 Diver Interdiction System 20 Feb 2013 Directorate Of Staff Indian Navy
Requirements,
Integrated
Headquarters of
MoD(Navy)
28 Dec 2012 Medium-range, anti-ship 20 Feb 2013 Directorate of Indian Navy
missile for naval surface Information
platforms Technology
Eye on defence | 23

24. Request for Proposal (RFPs)
December 2012–March 2013
Date of issue RFI details Response date Issued by Remarks
2 Mar 2013 Long Range Thermal 4 Apr 2013 Army Commander’s For Indian Army
Imaginary Camera special financial Qty: 08
powers
4 Feb 2013 Through Wall Radars 8 Mar 2013 The Chairman TPC For Indian Army
HQ, Northern Qty: 08
Command (EME)
1 Feb 2013 Ballistic Helmet 26 Feb 2013 GOC-in-C, HQ Northern For Indian Army
Command Qty: 6000
17 Jan 2013 Border Surveillance 26 Feb 2013 GOC-in-C, HQ Northern For Indian Army
Management Systems Command Qty: 06
27 Dec 2012 FUSE 0.63A 5X20T Modal 18 Jan 2013 Comdt COD Agra For Indian Army
6694 Qty: 326
27 Dec 2012 FUSE Electrical Cartridges 18 Jan 2013 Comdt COD Agra For Indian Army
Timely 315M AMPS 20X5 Qty: 172
mm
27 Dec 2012 Electrical FUSE Link 5X20 18 Jan 2013 Comdt COD Agra For Indian Army
mm Quick Acting 250V 5A Qty: 367
22 Dec 2012 Free Fall Equipments 4 Feb 2013 GOC-in-C, Northern For Indian Army
Command Rucksack Air Borne
Qty: 200
Free Fall Overall Jump
Suits Qty: 48
Airborne PJI Helmets –
Qty: 200
Free Fall Camera
Qty: 04
6 Feb 2013 Aeroengines SU 30 MKI 21 Mar 2013 Air Headquarters, For Indian Air Force
Government of India, Qty: 25
MOD
Eye on defence | 24

25. Date of issue RFI details Response date Issued by Remarks
1 Feb 2013 NATO Ammunition 19 Mar 2013 Directorate of For Indian Air Force
Armament and 5.56 mm NATO for
Safety Equipment, Air TRAVOR Assault
Headquarters Rifle-2131000,
Ammunition 5.56 mm
LMG Negev Belted
- 1419000,
Ammunition 7.62 mm
NATO for Galil Sniper
Rifle, 178000
18 Jan 2013 Fiber Glass Outer Shell of 4 Feb 2013 Air Force Station, For Indian Air Force
Avro Aircraft for Simulator Begumpet, Qty: 01
Bowenpally,
Secunderabad
15 Jan 2013 Aircrew Survival Jacket 14 Feb 2013 Directorate of For Indian Air Force
Procurement, Qty: 2700
Indigenous Purchase
Wing
24 Jan 2013 Providing and Fixing of Early 5 Feb 2012 Frontier Head For Border Security
Warning Device Quarters, BSF Force (BSF)
Jallandhar
Cantonment
18 Feb 2013 Fuse DA 5A (Empty) For 51 26 Mar 2013 Ordnance Factory, Issued by Ordnance
mm Mortar Bomb Badmal, MoD Factory Board (OFB)
Qty: 338180
15 Feb 2013 Expression of Interest for 31 Mar 2013 Ordnance Factory, Issued by OFB
plants of Bi-Modular Charge Nalanda
System
30 Jan 2013 Propellant for A-7 22 Mar 2013 Ordnance Factory, Issued by OFB
Ammunition Varangaon
23 Jan 2013 Component and Assembly 8 Mar 2013 OFAJ, Nagpur Issued by OFB
of Fuse 24a for 68 mm
Rocket.
22 Jan 2013 Supply of FUSE T & P 213 1 Mar 2013 Ammunition Factory, Issued by OFB
MK 5 (M-R) ARDE 2020 etc. Khadki — Pune Qty: 848
16 Jan 2013 Shell Forging Plant with 21 Mar 2013 Indian Ordnance Issued by OFB
Cabbaging and Piercing Factories, Ordnance Qty: 01
Press of 12500 kN and Factory, Kanpur
Drawing Press of 4000 kN
Eye on defence | 25

26. Date of issue RFI details Response date Issued by Remarks
14 Jan 2013 3G Cap Complete 19 Feb 2013 Ordnance Factory Issued by OFB
Badmal Qty: 370396
15 Feb 2013 S Band WR 284 waveguide 5 Apr 2013 Defence Materials For DRDO
calibration kit and WR 137 Research & Qty: 01
C-Band waveguid calibration Development
kit Establishment
(DMSRDE)
6 Feb 2013 G Band Wave Guide 6 Mar 2013 Microwave Tube Issued by the DRDO
Components Research and
Development Centre
(MTRDC)
18 Feb 2013 Inflatable Boat with Motor 12 Mar 2013 Directorate General For Indo-Tibetan
& Fiber Reinforced Plastic ITBP, Procurement Cell Border Police (ITBP)
Boat with OBM ITBP
Qty: 04 each
4 Feb 2013 Communication Intelligence 3 Apr 2013 The Director, ADE, Issued by ADE
(COMINT) New Thippasandra, Aeronautical
Bangalore Development
Establishment
Eye on defence | 26