The year 2022 was of path-breaking reforms for Ministry of Defence as giant strides were made with Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at the helm to transform the military into a youthful, modern and ‘Aatmanirbhar’ force, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the Armed Forces were equipped with state-of-the-art weapons/ equipment/ technologies manufactured by a self-reliant indigenous industry, a major reform was rolled out with the aim to build a youthful and tech-savvy military ready to meet future challenges. Continuous efforts to increase defence exports in order to achieve the collective goal of global peace and prosperity, in line with the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, bore fruit as many countries showed keen interest in Indian platforms, resulting in record defence exports. Border area development, Nari Shakti, expansion of National Cadet Corps (NCC) and setting up of new Sainik Schools to instill patriotism among youth moved forward with renewed thrust.
Agnipath– Major Transformative Reform
The AGNIPATH scheme for recruitment of youth in the Armed Forces was launched in June, allowing patriotic youth (Agniveers) to don the sacred uniform and serve the country for a period of four years. The scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces and bring about a transformational shift towards a more tech-savvy military. The response from youth towards the scheme has been encouraging. Over 54 lakh registrations, including by female aspirants, were received by the three Services for recruitment into the Armed Forces (Indian Army 37.09 lakh; Indian Navy 9.55 lakh and Indian Air Force 7.69 lakh). Training centres are geared up to commence training shortly with improved training infrastructure.
INS Vikrant – Red letter day for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was commissioned by the Prime Minister at Cochin Shipyard Limited in September. The commissioning showcased the country’s growing prowess of indigenous manufacturing and a major milestone in the path towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. With 76% indigenous content, the 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide ship is equipped with stateof- the-art equipment/systems, designed for a crew of around 1,600 officers and sailors.
LCH ‘Prachand’: The Raksha Mantri presided over the formal induction of Light Combat Helicopter, designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), ‘Prachand’ into the Indian Air Force in Jodhpur in October 2022. The LCH is the first indigenous Multi- Role Combat Helicopter which has potent ground attack and aerial combat capability. It possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability.
Indian Naval Air Squadron: Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 325, operating the indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in a ceremony held at INS Utkrosh, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Command in May 2022. The unit was the second ALH MK III Squadron commissioned into the Indian Navy. The state-of-the-art multi role helicopter has been developed and manufactured by HAL.
Missile Destroyers/Frigates: The Raksha Mantri launched two frontline warships of the Indian Navy – ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ - at Mazagon Docks Limited, Mumbai in May. ‘Surat’ is the fourth Stealth-Guided Missile Destroyer of P15B class, while ‘Udaygiri’ is the second Stealth Frigate of P17A class. Project 15B class of ships are the next-generation stealth guidedmissile destroyers of the Indian Navy which are follow-on class of the weapon intensive P15A (Kolkata Class) Destroyers. P17A Frigates are warships that are follow-on class of the P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems. Y-12705 (Mormugao), the second ship of Project 15B, was delivered to Indian Navy in November, while fifth Stealth Frigate ‘Taragiri’ of P17A was launched in September.
Diving Support/Survey vessels: Two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) - Nistar and Nipun - built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam were launched in September. DSVs equipped with an array of complex Diving Support systems and Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel are being deployed for deep sea diving and submarine rescue operations. The ships are also capable of conducting Search and Rescue operations and carrying out Helicopter Operations at sea.
ICG ALH squadrons: In a major boost to further strengthening the capabilities of Indian Coast Guard, ALH Mk-III squadrons - 835 Sqn (CG) and 840 Sqn (CG) - were commissioned in Porbandar and Chennai in June and December respectively.
ICG-Offshore Patrol Vessel: Indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel for Indian Coast Guard, Saksham was inducted in February. The ship has been designed and built by Goa Shipyard Ltd and is fitted with advanced technology navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery.
C - 295 transport aircraft manufacturing facility: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of C-295 transport aircraft manufacturing facility, the country’s first in the private sector, in Vadodara, Gujarat in October. The facility Indian Air Force through collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Defence and Space. This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company. The total cost of the project is Rs 21,935 crore. The aircraft can be used for civilian purposes as well.
Positive Indigenisation Lists: Four lists– two of 101 items each and two others for Defence PSUs of 780 and 107 items respectively – were notified by Ministry of Defence.
Union Budget 2022-23: Total allocation under capital outlay of Defence Services was enhanced to Rs 1.52 lakh crore in Budget 2022-23. 68% of capital procurement budget was earmarked for domestic industry to promote self-reliance and reduce import dependency.
Defence exports: Due to the Government’s persistent efforts,defence exports grew by 334% in the last five years. They touched a record Rs 13,000 crore in Financial Year 2021-22. India is now exporting defence equipment to over 75 countries.
BrahMos: A contract was signed for procurement of 35 combat and three practice BrahMos missiles for two P-15B ships from BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd, India for an amount of Rs 1,723 crore.
EWSA/IEWR: Two contracts for procurement of 42 D-29 EW Systems and Associated Equipment and one Instrumented Electronic Warfare Range (IEWR) for Indian Air Force from BEL, Bengaluru and Hyderabad for a total cost of Rs 1,993 crore and 1,109 crore under Buy (Indian) category respectively were signed in March.
Commander Thermal Image: A contract for procurement of 957 Commander Thermal image (Ti) cum day sight for T-90 Tanks from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was signed in February. The total cost of contract is Rs 1,075 crore.
Fast Patrol Vessels: A contract for construction of eight Fast Patrol vessels (FPVs) for Indian Coast Guard with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa at a total cost of Rs 473.47 crore under Buy (Indian) category was signed in March.
Multi-Purpose Vessels: Contract for procurement of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) for Indian Navy from Larsen & Tubro Limited, Mumbai for a total cost of Rs 887 crore under Buy (Indian) category was signed in March.
Bollard Pull Tugs: Contract for construction of six 25-Ton Bollard Pull Tugs was concluded with Titagarh Wagons Ltd, Kolkata. These tugs, with a service life of 30 years, will be capable of assisting naval ships and submarines in berthing and un-berthing, turning and manoeuvring in confined waters.
Major successful missile tests:
Brahmos Extended Range Version: In May, India successfully fired the Extended Range Version of BrahMos Air Launched missile from Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The launch from the aircraft was as planned and the missile achieved a direct hit on the designated target in the Bay of Bengal region.
Prithvi-II: A successful training launch of a Short-Range Ballistic Missile, Prithvi-II was carried out in June from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The missile is a proven system and is capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision.
Agni: India carried out a successful training launch of Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-3 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha in November. It was part of routine user training launches carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. The launch was carried out for a predetermined range and validated all operational parameters of the system. Earlier, in June, a successful training launch Agni-4 was carried out. It, too, validated all operational parameters as also the reliability of the system. The successful test reaffirms India’s policy of having a ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ Capability.
Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile: INS Arihant carried out a successful launch of a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile in October. The missile was tested to a predetermined range and impacted the target area in the Bay of Bengal with very high accuracy. All operational and technological parameters of the weapon system have been validated.
Helina: In April, indigenously developed helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ was successfully flight tested twice at different high-altitude ranges as part of user validation trials. The flight tests were jointly conducted by DRDO, Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The flight trials were conducted from an Advanced Light Helicopter and the missile was fired successfully engaging simulated tank target.
Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile: Indigenously-developed Laser- Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile was successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank Arjun by DRDO and Indian Army at KK Ranges with support of Armoured Corps Centre & School, Ahmednagar in June. In the test, the ATGM hit the bull’s eye with textbook precision and successfully defeated the target at minimum ranges. The all indigenous ATGM employs a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) protected armoured vehicles.
Naval Anti-Ship Missile: DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile launched from a Naval Helicopter from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha in May. It was the first indigenous air launched anti-ship missile system for the Indian Navy. The missile followed the desired sea skimming trajectory and reached the designated target with high degree of accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms. It employed many new technologies, including an indigenously developed launcher for the helicopter.
Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile: DRDO and Indian Army successfully completed six flight-tests of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system from ITR Chandipur off the Odisha coast. The flight tests were conducted as part of evaluation trials by the Indian Army. The flight-tests were carried out against highspeed aerial targets mimicking various types of threats to evaluate the capability of the weapon systems under different scenarios, including long range medium altitude, short range, high altitude manoeuvring target, low radar signature with receding and crossing target and salvo launch with two missiles fired in quick succession.
Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile: Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile Army weapon system has once again proved its effectiveness as two missiles, during the flight tests, achieved direct hits against high speed aerial targets at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha in March. The launches were carried out establishing the accuracy and reliability of the weapon system against targets covering the sea skimming and high altitude functionality within the envelope.
Vertical Launch Short Range Surfaceto- Air Missile: Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) was successfully flight-tested by DRDO and Indian Navy from an Indian Naval Ship at ITR, Chandipur. The system will further strengthen the Indian Navy for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets.
Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor: DRDO conducted a successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor AD-1missile with large kill altitude bracket from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha in November. The flight test was carried out with participation of all BMD weapon system elements located at different geographical locations. The AD-1 is a longrange interceptor missile designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft.
Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile: In January, DRDO successfully flight tested the final deliverable configuration of Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile. The indigenously developed anti-tank missile is a low weight, fire & forget missile and is launched from a man portable launcher, integrated with thermal sight. The missile impacted the designated target and destroyed it.
Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator: Maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator was carried out successfully by DRDO from the Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka in July. Operating in a fully autonomous mode, the aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown.
IAF Weapon Systems branch
In a historic step for the Indian Air Force, Government approved the creation of a new branch ‘Weapon Systems (WS) branch’. It would entail unification of all weapon system operators under one entity dedicated to the operational employment of all ground-based and specialist airborne weapon systems. The branch would encompass operators in four specialised streams of Surface-to-Surface missiles, Surface-to-Air missiles, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Weapon System Operators in twin/multi-crew aircraft.
Indian Army
The Indian Army primarily focused on maintaining its operational preparedness in line with India’s desire to ensure stability and dominance along the Line of Actual Control, Line of Control, carried out relentless counter insurgency/counter terrorist operations and maintained high training standards while constantly monitoring and reviewing emerging and future threats to national security. The Indian Army remains prepared for all military contingencies emanating out of the collusive threat from the military modernisation and aggressive actions by the country’s adversaries while, creating capacities to deal with emerging threats in cyber, space and info domains due to blurring of physical borders. The endeavour to progressively increase the capabilities through infusion of technology, induction of Force Multipliers, modernisation and improvement of infrastructure are progressing well. The Indian Army’s modernisation plan is essentially based on developing ‘Force Capabilities’ as per the enunciated national security requirements. Modernisation plan encompasses developing critical combat capabilities, besides overcoming the obsolescence in core capabilities. Currently our acquisition plans are focussing on enhanced capabilities incorporating modern technologies and simultaneously improving the lethality, accuracy and reliability of existing equipment. Acquisition of platforms like Akash Missile System, Satellites, Modular Bridges, Utility Helicopters, Electronic Warfare Systems, Surface to Air Missiles, Towed Gun Systems are fine examples of ‘Aatmanirbharta’. Currently 140 schemes valued at over Rs 2 lakh crore are at various stages of acquisition. To invest in futuristic as well as disruptive technologies, impetus is being given to projects through Make in India and Innovation in Defence Excellence also. Indigenous manufacturing of ammunition has been achieved in some ammunition of artillery guns and missile systems leading us to the goal of self-reliance. The process of procuring Indigenously Designed and Developed, advance Loitering Weapon System with enhanced strike capability has also progressed well. In an attempt to reform the Indian Army into a leaner and agile Army driven by technology, the Integrated Battle Groups were conceptualised. All formations of the IA will be structured on an IBG model in a phased manner. IBG-isation is progressing well and Phase 1 is near completion.
Indian Navy
Commissioning/launching Commissioning of INS Vikrant: The first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier of India, INS Vikrant, was commissioned. During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled the new Naval Ensign, doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage.
INS Mormugao: INS Mormugao, the second ship of Project 15B will be commissioned in Mumbai on 18 December 2022.
Sea Trials Vagir (SM#5) followed by Commissioning: Vagir, the fifth submarine of Project-75 is undergoing sea trials. The submarine is planned to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2023.
Launch of ships
Udaygiri (Yard 12652). The Launch Ceremony of 2nd ship of P17A at MDL ‘Udaygiri’ was held in May 2022 at MDL Mumbai.
Dunagiri (Yard 3023). The Launch Ceremony of 2nd ship of P17A at GRSE ‘Dunagiri’ was held in July 2022 at GRSE, Kolkata.
Taragiri (Yard 12653): The Launch Ceremony of 3rd ship of P17A at MDL ‘Taragiri’ was held in September 2022 at MDL, Mumbai.
Survey Vessel (Large) (Four Ships at GRSE)
Nirdeshak (Yard 3026): The launch of Yard 3026 ‘Nirdeshak’ (second ship of SVL) was held in May 2022 at L&T, Kattupalli from shiplift.
Yard 3026 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli: Project 75 (Six Submarines at MDL with Transfer of Technology and Naval Group, France as the collaborator).
Vaghsheer: Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine of Project-75 was launched in April 2022.
Nistar and Nipun: Diving Support Vessels (Nistar and Nipun) were launched successfully in September 2022.
Naval Aviation: Naval Aviation is poised at a crucial juncture on its path towards modernisation. Numerous initiatives have been undertaken in the quest towards ensuring a potent, professionally competent and operationally ready Naval Air Arm of the future.
Induction of aircraft
In the year under review, the following aircraft have been inducted into the Indian Navy: 1
1. 16 ALH Mk III helicopters
2. 4 P8I aircraft
3. First batch of 3 out of 24 Multi-role helicopters (MH 60Rs). The remaining helicopters would be inducted by mid-2025, from USA. (Three other helicopters have been accepted by IN and were retained in USA for training of IN personnel)
4. Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). Indian Navy along with ADA/DRDO are proactively pursuing design and development of an indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).
5. Commissioning of Air Stations/Air Squadrons. IN has commissioned three new Air Squadrons in the last one year. The second P8I Squadron INAS 316 was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa in March 2022. Two ALH Mk III Squadrons, INAS 324 and INAS 325 were been commissioned at Visakhapatnam and Port Blair on 4 July 2022 and 31 May 2022 respectively.
Indian Air Force
‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’: In 2022, the IAF continued to modernise its airfield infrastructure under project - Modernisation of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) with a major Indian company Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The upgradation of navigational aids and infrastructure under this project is enhancing the operational capability by facilitating air operations of military and civil aircraft even in adverse weather conditions.
Support to Drone Industry: The unmanned aerial vehicles, popularly known as the Drones, have globally caught the imagination for its military application and challenges globally. The Drone industry in the country holds tremendous potential for growth. The IAF has done its bit by launching Mehar Baba-2. The competition is aimed at developing indigenous technology for a ‘Swarm drone based system to detect foreign objects on aircraft operating surfaces’.
Rafale: The teeth of IAF got sharper as France completed the delivery of all 36 Rafale aircraft. The final fighter jet of the deal landed in India in December. Both Rafale Squadrons also became fully operational.
Diamond Jubilee of Chetak Helicopters: This year, Chetak helicopters in the inventory of Armed Forces completed 60 years of glorious service to the nation. To commemorate this, momentous event celebrations were held under the aegis of IAF’s Training Command at AF Stn, Hakimpet. The Raksha Mantri was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
The achievements of DRDO, other than the successful missile tests mentioned above, are as follows:
New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG): The successful flight trial of New Generation Surface to Air Akash-NG Missile was conducted from a land-based platform with all weapon system elements such as Multifunction Radar, Command, Control & Communication System and launcher participating in deployment configuration.
Akash Prime Missile: A new version of the Akash Missile ‘Akash Prime’ was successfully flight tested from ITR, Chandipur. It is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency seeker for improved accuracy.
Short Span Bridging System-10 m: The SSBS-10 m was inducted into Indian Army. It plays a crucial role of bridging the gaps as a single span providing a wide, fully decked roadway, ensuring faster movement of the troops. The system will help in quick movement of troops and enhance the mobilisation of resources.
Advanced Chaff Technology: The technology was developed by DRDO to safeguard the fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force against hostile radar threats and enemy missile attack. Chaff is a passive expendable electronic countermeasure technology used worldwide to protect naval ship from enemy’s radar and radio frequency missile seekers.
Long-Range Bomb: DRDO and IAF successfully flight-tested indigenously developed Long-Range Bomb from an aerial platform. The Bomb, after release from the IAF fighter aircraft, guided to a land-based target at a long range with accuracy within specified limits.
Abhyas: The High-speed Expendable Aerial Target was successfully flight-tested from ITR, Chandipur. Abhyas can be used as an aerial target for evaluation of various missile systems. This indigenous target aircraft, once developed, will meet the requirements of High-speed Expendable Aerial Targets.
Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon: Two successful flight tests of indigenously developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) was carried out jointly by DRDO and IAF at Chandan ranges at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. DRDO has indigenously designed and developed SAAW capable of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways etc. The high precision guided bomb is light weight as compared to weapon system of the same class.
Pralay: The maiden flight test of indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile ‘Pralay’ was successfully conducted by DRDO from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island. The missile can be launched from a mobile launcher. This was a new generation missile equipped with modern technologies and induction of this weapon system will give necessary impetus to the Armed Forces.
Supersonic Missile assisted Torpedo System: DRDO developed supersonic missile assisted torpedo (SMART) system was successfully launched from Wheeler Island in Odisha. The system is a next generation missile-based standoff torpedo delivery system. It has been designed to enhance anti-submarine warfare capability far beyond the conventional range of the torpedo. The system will further enhance the strength of our Navy and promote selfreliance in defence, harnessing of expertise and capabilities.
Stand-Off Anti-Tank Missile: DRDO and IAF flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed Helicopter launched Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran ranges. The missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art MMW seeker which provides high precision strike capability from a safe distance.
Pinaka: Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) and Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) rocket systems were successfully flight-tested by DRDO and Indian Army at Pokhran Firing Ranges. The EPRS is the upgraded version of Pinaka variant which has been in service with the Indian Army for the last decade. The system has been upgraded with advanced technologies enhancing the range to meet the emerging requirements.
Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Technology: DRDO successfully flight tested Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet booster, which demonstrated the reliable functioning of all critical components involved in the complex missile system. The SFDR-based propulsion enables the missile to intercept aerial threats at very long range at supersonic speeds. With the successful trial of SFDR, the range of air-toair missiles can be enhanced.
Very Short Range Air Defence System: DRDO conducted two successful test flight of Very Short Range Air Defence System from a ground based portable launcher at ITR, Chandipur. It is a Man Portable Air Defence System designed and developed indigenously by DRDO in collaboration with Industry Partners.
BrahMos contract with Philippines: BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) signed a contract with the Department of National Defence of Philippines for supply of Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System. The BAPL is a joint venture company of DRDO. The contract is an important step forward for Government of India’s policy of promoting responsible defence exports.
Flight Control System Integration complex: The state-of-the-art seven story Flight Control System Integration facility at Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru was constructed in record 45 days, with in-house hybrid technology consisting of conventional, pre-engineered and precast methodology. The technology has been developed by DRDO with the help of Larsen & Toubro. This facility will support R&D activities for developing Avionics for Fighter Aircraft and FCS for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft being undertaken by ADE, Bengaluru. The complex will also provide simulator training to the pilots of combat aircraft.
Courtesy: India MoD
Photos: Vayu, IAF, Indian Army, Indian Navy, DRDO, MoD