SPECIAL - Happy to be Arrested with Major Milestone - Vol 3, Issue 12, Jan-Mar 2021 - Raksha-Anirveda
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Vol 3, Issue 12, Jan-Mar 2021
SPECIAL
Happy to be Arrested with
Major Milestone
www.hal-india.co.in
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA
IT HOME.
VOL. NO. 3 ISSUE 12
JANUARY - MARCH 2021
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Vol 3, Issue 12, Jan-Mar 2021
SPECIAL
Happy to be Arrested with
Major Milestone
www.hal-india.co.in
PBG Media Ventures
Editorial
INDIA WILL HAVE TO GO FULL
Contents
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 12 | JANUARY - MARCH 2021
THROTTLE IN THIS NEW DECADE
RNI NO. DELENG/2018/76856
p14 Deepening Defence Ties in a Changing
DRONE SWARMS: THE NEXT
Global Order
Editor & Business Director p18 Air-To-Air Missiles: India’s Window of
Ajit Kumar Thakur Vulnerability
EVOLUTION IN WARFARE
Editorial Director p24 Battlefield Energy, ‘Oil of Space’ and
PK Ghosh Rebalancing
Consulting Editor The Raksha Anirveda have always been safety and survival while p28 Indo-French Strategic Cooperation
Vinay Shukla team wishes all its being in a comfort zone. Moreover, the Need of the Hour for Regional Stability
Sri Krishna
Ramesh S readers a vibrant new inability of the current Indian leadership to Advances in drone swarming, the next evolution of robotic p32 IAF’s C-295 Transport Aircraft Project
Advisory Board year 2021 – one that listen to other viewpoints and surrounding warfare, are mostly classified, though governments have given Has Many Long Range Goals
p36 Fund Shortage: Indian Navy Faces
Amb Smita Purushottam, IFS (Retd) brings robust growth itself with people who eventually don’t glimpses of their progress over the years. The question is not Hobson’s choice between Third
Amb Vishnu Prakash, IFS (Retd)
Air Marshal M Matheswaran (Retd) through innovative speak out has resulted in a blurred if, but when and where drone swarms will be utilised as part of Aircraft Carrier and SSNs
p44 At 20 Indo-Russian Strategic Partnership
Lt Gen PC Katoch (Retd) ideas and successful understanding of the real challenges. This a mature concept of operations (ConOps) Falls Victim to Hostile Narratives
Lt Gen PR Shankar (Retd)
Lt Gen AB Shivane (Retd) endeavours. has to change now considering the multiple p54 Re-evolving SAARC with a Strategic
Maj Gen JS Kataria (Retd) Vision
Cmde Ranjit B Rai (Retd)
The terrible and mind-boggling threats to its sovereignty. India has to p58 Halting The Dragon’s March Through
Cmde Anil Jai Singh (Retd) experience of the past year is behind us shed its cocoon and rise to the occasion Unconventional Means
Cdr KP Sanjeev Kumar (Retd) p62 Securing India through Futuristic and
Dr Mathew Simon
now. It brought an end to many things through good governance and economic
Disruptive Technologies
Amit Cowshish and gave rise to some unimaginable development. p70 A Paradigm Shift in Nature And
Sameer Joshi
Dr Punit Saurabh innovations. The year 2021 is special for One hopes the country will make Spectrum of Future Wars
us as it marks the third anniversary of our practical and realistic efforts to ensure p80 IAF Needs At Least a Dozen More
International Roving Correspondent
Powerful AWACS
Arie Egozi magazine at the start of the third decade of steady economic progress that empowers
Legal Advisor
the 21st century. And for India, it’s another it to face the ever-growing challenges P86 AERO INDIA 2021
Ramesh Sharma
opportunity to let go off its balancing act from the Sino-Pak nexus. Similarly, a p108 Boeing Makes Strong Pitch for F/A -18
48
Creative Director
Block III Super Hornet for Indian Navy
Md Moeen Aijaz for now and change its track, be attentive recalibrated and innovative approach p110 Look to Increase India Defense
Design & Layout and alert, initiate permanent corrective in foreign policy is required to counter Cooperation and in Talks with Potential
Design Cubicle
measures taking note of the imbalances China’s sinister manoeuvring in the sub Partners
For Advertisement contact us: p112 Indian Army to Play a Decisive Role in
ajitk.thakur@gmail.com and myriad challenges, and reverse the continental neighbourhood. India has to the New Decade
ajit@raksha-anirveda.com
course of its perilous economic downslide. refocus and think long term to overcome p114 Appointments
LEAD
rakshaanirveda@gmail.com
For any complaint and query The geopolitical world has witnessed the biggest fallacy of its planning – the P117 CIVIL AVIATION SECTION
contact us:
info@raksha-anirveda.com
ajitk.thakur@gmail.com
tectonic shifts. The intensified power tussle
between the US and China has proven that
belief and assumption of its planners
that the outcome will follow their plan. In
STORY p126 News Round Up
p130 In News
Raksha Anirveda is printed and the current world order is still a bipolar reality, a plan is just a best-case scenario.
published by PBG Media Ventures
Published, Edited & Printed by
one. For India to emerge as a real global The real game-changer will be an economic
Ajit Kumar Thakur on behalf of power in the ever-changing, complex policy that embeds defence as a key growth
‘PBG Media Ventures’
649/4, Konark Residency, Nambardar world order, the path ahead will be a driver; a financial planning where the
Colony, Burari, Delhi -110084 tightrope walk. It will have to overcome allocations are realistic for a cohesive, well-
Printed at: Star Print-O-Bind, the multifaceted challenges it faces now. integrated national security requirement.
Star House, F-31, Okhla Industrial Area
Phase-I, New Delhi-110020 Moreover, how India counters its security Also, it goes without saying that a well-
Editor: Ajit Kumar Thakur
All disputes are subjected to the
and non-security threats this decade,
including a looming two-front war with
defined national security policy will
be a force-multiplier for India’s power 40 66 76 82 98
Institutional Reforms Rafael’s Approach to EMALS, AAG Power to Startups, MSMEs to Play Airbus’ Support to
jurisdiction of Delhi
Mobile: +91-9910252485 China and Pakistan, will decide its fate as projection globally.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of
a real global power.
With changing times, democracies
We have put in sincere efforts to make
the Aero India 2021 edition a special
Must for ‘Big Leap’ in India Production & Support India’s Nex-Gen Pivotal Role in Building Indian Armed Forces
individual authors and do not represent any
policy of this publication. around the world are experiencing multiple one for our readers. Hope you will find it Defence Self-Reliance Technology Transfer Aircraft Carrier Indian Defence Ecosystem Modernisation
-Editor
fissures. The absence of consensual interesting, insightful and worthwhile. Just If we want private players The company’s“Value Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Startups and MSMEs to Airbus takes immense
RESPONSE decision-making is taking its toll as nations don’t forget to share your feedback with us. in defence production to Proposition” to India starts Executive, General play a significant role pride in being a partner to
invest their money and from Production to Transfer Atomics sharing his towards India’s journey India’s growing aerospace
‘Raksha Anirveda’ editorial find it difficult to align national interests talent on a long-term of Technology for fulfilling insights on how India-US into making a vigorous industry and Make in India
team looks forward to receive with their global ambitions. Jai Hind!!. basis, then the Ministry the requirements within relations grown over the defence ecosystem, is at the centre stage of
comments and views from the Historically speaking, India’s priorities of Defence must ensure a the country, explains Yoav years in terms of defence opines Mwiven MD while it’s strategy. Remi Maillard,
readers on the content of the credible and stable ‘level Har-Even, President and and strategic footprints, appreciating Government’s Airbus India President
magazine. Ajit Kumar Thakur playing field’ through CEO of Rafael Advanced and GA’s support to India’s latest initiative to promote describes about company’s
Editor & Business Director critical policy reforms Defense Systems Ltd Indigenization journey the sector India connection
COVER GRAPHICS: ANGAD MAOLANKAR RAKSHA ANIRVEDA JANUARY - MARCH 2021 3
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA
OPINION: DIPLOMACY THIS DECADE www.raksha-anirveda.com
FROM TURMOIL TO CLARITY: INTERNATIONAL
The year 2021 therefore is
beginning with a certain clarity
which only the turmoil of 2020
could have made possible.
Consequently, key aspects of the
RELATIONS IN THE NEW DECADE
global order this year will be
sculpted by the legacy of the year
gone by. And perhaps no other
factor will have as much of an
impact on international affairs as
China’s foreign policy trajectory
By HARSH V PANT under President Xi Jinping. Xi
India’s foreign has already veered away from
policy will have e enter a new year and a new decade of the 21st century as the world his predecessors in carving a
W
around us is evolving at such a rapid pace, with a scale and scope often more ambitious and aggressive
to respond to difficult to comprehend. For scholars and pundits, older paradigms have approach to the external world.
the meta-trends ceased being adequate in guiding their analyses about the national and As the COVID-19 outbreak reached
global political environment. Policymakers, for their part, are being forced pandemic proportions, he used
by crafting an to respond in real time to the challenges coming from multiple dimensions. the crisis as an opportunity
The year that has just passed was a reminder that history can be made to expand China’s geopolitical
approach that is up of events — and their consequences — beyond anyone’s control. footprint across the world — from
Mr Xi with Russian President Vladimir Putin
more than just the The world was blindsided by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not the South and East China Seas to geopolitical contest of the coming
only taken lives and livelihoods but is accentuating the trends that were the Himalayas, from Europe to years. Even if Biden decides to
sum of its bilateral already visible in the last few years: changing global balance of power, the West Asia. As Xi lays down a engage China after assuming the
and multilateral weakening multilateral institutions, growing disenchantment with the blueprint for a new world order presidency later in January, it is
global economic order, and challenges to the extant normative consensus. hinged on the Chinese Communist unlikely to change the longer-
engagements Party’s worldview, the rest of the term trajectory of this bilateral
world will be anxiously looking relationship. The sharpening of
for a greater balance in the global their tensions will be accentuated
matrix. in the domains of trade and
For much of the rest of the world, technology — the two areas that
such anticipation extends to the have been driving the global
wait for the Biden administration economic order in the last several
in the United States to set out decades.
its own foreign policy agenda. Attempts by key global actors
Joe Biden has come to power at toward trade and technological
a time when America is divided decoupling are setting the stage
on the fundamental values it has for a conflict that is challenging
An image depicting multi-nation relations
historically espoused. And while the fundamentals of globalisation
Donald Trump will soon be leaving as we have known it since the supply chains to connectivity
the White House, Trumpism is alive early 1990s. An ongoing backlash initiatives — shoring up support
and well. American leadership against globalisation is likely to for globalisation will only become
is in great demand precisely at a gain further momentum, especially more difficult.
time when the country’s ability to as the costs of global integration This fragmentation will
deliver on its global commitments are seemingly rising by the day. influence the future of global
is at its weakest because of fraying Already, there is a recalibration multilateralism. While most
domestic consensus. happening across the West where nations continue to profess their
Yet one area where there is even mainstream political parties abiding faith in multilateralism,
emerging consensus not only have been changing their long- the institutional manifestations
in the US but globally as well is held positions on issues such as underpinning the extant order are
the challenge that China poses trade and migration. It is unlikely, getting hobbled by their internal
to US interests and to the global however, to be restricted to the contradictions. Indeed, a global
order. The US-China contestation West. As the world becomes health pandemic should have
Chinese President Xi Jinping with then US President Donald Trump is shaping up as the epochal more fragmented — from been the high point of the search
4 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA JANUARY - MARCH 2021 5
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA
OPINION: DIPLOMACY THIS DECADE
Ensure Your Advantage
some of the traditional calculus
as we know them. And then
there is the West Asia, a region
that tends to hog the global
limelight. The Abraham Accords
have managed to overturn a
number of assumptions about
regional politics, opening up new Advanced Suite for Fighter Jets
possibilities in the region, both
for cooperation and renewed
conflict.
Indian foreign policy will have
to respond to these meta-trends
by crafting an approach that
is more than just the sum of
its bilateral and multilateral
UNSC meeting engagements. The year gone by
was an inflection point in India’s
The most consequential China policy as it made clear
theatre of this emerging for New Delhi the choices that
geopolitical and geoeconomic it faces in the coming years and
jostling will be the Indo-Pacific, decades. But the crisis with China
which is already the centre of continues, even as the world’s
gravity of global opportunities expectations for India to play a
and challenges – a process that larger global role are heightening.
will hasten in the near future. For An aspirational India in the third
all of China’s attempts to discredit decade of the 21st century will
the idea of the Indo-Pacific, its no longer be satisfied with sitting
unprecedented acceptance -- from on the margins; it is eager to play
Western Europe to the far shores in the big league. Like the rest of
of the Pacific — merely shows that the world, India will have to deal
for a collective solution; instead, its time has come. The churn in with its health and economic
it has turned out to be its nadir. this maritime geography will see crises in 2021. At the same
Not only is China challenging an a strengthening of “coalitions of time, however, it will also have
order that it believes was created the willing” in the absence of any opportunities to mould global
in its absence, but even the US, formal institutional architecture discourse and outcomes, whether
which was its most important and in light of an intensified major with its purported role as the
THE ABILITY AND founder, seems dissatisfied with power contestation. “pharmacy of the world,” or as a
WILLINGNESS the status quo. The other geography that non-permanent member of the
OF INDIAN The same liberal order that is key to unlocking the global United Nations Security Council.
POLICYMAKERS has arguably been central to geopolitical chessboard will The ability and willingness of
TO MAKE USE maintaining peace and prosperity be Eurasia, where the Sino- Indian policymakers to make
OF THESE worldwide for more than seven Russian entente is producing use of these opportunities will
OPPORTUNITIES decades is proving incapable of new realities and can profoundly not only determine India’s global
WILL NOT ONLY
finding equitable and effective shape the global balance of footprint but will also outline the
DETERMINE
INDIA’S GLOBAL solutions to today’s common power. While unlikely to result trajectory of global politics in the
FOOTPRINT challenges. This signals a in a formal alliance, the China- coming decade.
remarkable retreat: a fragmented Russia relationship is disproving The article was earlier published (https://
BUT WILL ALSO www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/turmoil-
OUTLINE THE global order is emerging not only some of the initial skepticism clarity-international-relations-new-decade/)
TRAJECTORY OF in traditional spheres of global about it. Its future trajectory will on Observer Research Foundation portal.
GLOBAL POLITICS
IN THE COMING
governance but also in those areas not only shape the geopolitics -The writer is Director of Studies and Head See us at
where new norms are needed to of the heartland but will also of Strategic Studies Programme at ORF. The
DECADE be set — such as space, cyber and push other major powers into views expressed above belong to the writer
and do not necessarily reflect the views of
Aero India 2021
emerging strategic technologies. reacting in ways that will upend Raksha Anirveda
HALL C 5.9-6.0
6 www.raksha-anirveda.com
RAKSHA ANIRVEDA
STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY www.raksha-anirveda.com
DYNAMICS OF MILITARY DIPLOMACY
IN THE ASIAN SUBCONTINENT
Interestingly, Asia as a continent is increasingly becoming the focus of interest for the
United States and the world since it is home to 40 per cent of the world GDP, 65 per cent of
global population, and accounts for seven largest militaries with six declared nuclear states
Indian Army jawans
trade, competing territorial
with the national flag claims, and consequent demands
for military force is creating a
new Indo-Pacific “Ring of Fire” and defence preparedness. and time factor it can be acquired IN THE INDIAN CONTEXT A VISIBLE SHIFT IN THE
of potential conflict flashpoints However for an enduring peace, through “military alliance’. DEFENSIVE MINDSET OF THE POLITICAL CLASS IS
principally surrounding India it is incumbent that India should In the Indian context a visible ALLOWING FOR GREATER MILITARY FLEXIBILITY
and SCS. The perceived Chinese endeavour to bridge this capability shift in the defensive mindset IN CALIBRATING SUCH RESPONSES, MADE
hegemonistic aim appears to imbalance with military diplomacy of the political class is allowing POSSIBLE BY ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT OF
stymie the growth of India as a as an instrument of state craft. for greater military flexibility WEAPON SYSTEMS WITH INCREASED STANDOFF
global power while taking full Therefore from a regional strategic in calibrating such responses, RANGES, WARHEAD LETHALITY AND PRECISION
ENGAGEMENT
control over the SCS. security standpoint China shall made possible by acquisition
be the principal adversary as and development of weapon Islands by coercion and North
STRATEGIC SECURITY SITUATION we stretch into the next decade.
At the same time there will be a
systems with increased standoff
ranges, warhead lethality and
Korea’s belligerent behaviour
contingent on its nuclear missile
IN SOUTH AND EAST ASIA marked escalation in the ongoing precision engagement. Air power, programs and the abductions of
India terrorist and irregular threats, as long range artillery, weaponised Japanese citizens. Thus Japanese
well as perceived conventional Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) foreign policy and security
The ongoing border intransigence and nuclear threats from less- /drones, maritime dominance perceptions have undergone a
with China is vexed with a sense formidable regional opponents. and space based deterrence shall perceptible and steady change to
By MAJ GEN G SHANKARNARAYANAN (RETD) of political and military insecurity While border provocations, be significant contributors. That include India within its ambit of
T
borne out of the visible military with the potentials for escalation, notwithstanding the focus should security alliance. These actions
he growing dominance of China and its intimidating stance in the Asian asymmetry in numbers and require a challenging and equally be on global military alliances may be viewed as a significant step
subcontinent has fuelled its expansionist tendencies across its land technology besides its collusive befitting response, it calls for as part of defence diplomacy in India’s growing international
borders and costal frontiers. Over the years China’s visible coercive and intent with Pakistan. That a robust military capability to that shall play a dominant role politico-security profile to not only
threatening activities along the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control (LAC) notwithstanding, India is today deal with such incursion besides in checkmating a belligerent act as a regional stabilising factor
and in the South China Sea (SCS) has led to a partial destruction of the juxtaposed between a global being prepared to counter any adversary. It represents a collective addressing hard security concerns
strategic balance in the region. On land, China has moved steadily to take economic and political power in possible escalation. In this regard show of force with shared interest against China and North Korea but
full control over the territory and its restive minority population in Tibet, being and a regional nuclearised India today is at the threshold of a against a common enemy and will also to dispel Japan’s maritime
defend its ground lines of communication to Central Asia via Pakistan military power whose war credible deterrence against China. act as a deterrent besides allowing insecurities that emerge from its
through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) strategy, and exert increasing waging potentials transcend these However it needs to build on it to the flexibility of leveraging military quest for assured energy supplies
pressure on its border with India. seemingly debilitating military reach a level where it can translate strengths in times of conflict. and security of its large maritime
inequalities. While the hard fact into a limited punitive deterrence interests as a trading nation.
of China’s military modernisation that is capable of imposing Japan Towards this end India‘s bilateral
At sea, China has increased its South China Sea (SCS), the Indian and increasingly aggressive foreign reasonable destructive costs in Japan’s regional security threats, summit has spelt out concrete
maritime presence and influence Ocean to Djibouti and other parts of policy cannot be wished away, men and material. The capability stems from China’s relentless steps on a range of global and
from the Senkaku Islands in the eastern Africa. From a geo strategic it can be militarily confronted should preferably be intrinsic but attempts to change the status quo regional security issues including
East China Sea through Taiwan, perspective, the confluence of given the current political will considering the prohibitive cost of the sea area around the Senkaku maritime cooperation in the Indo-
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STRATEGIC DIPLOMACY www.raksha-anirveda.com
THESE ACTIONS Pacific region where the influence already signed similar agreements independent state and is dwarfed encroachment and reaffirms its
MAY BE VIEWED of China is growing. Revival of with the US, France and Singapore. by China’s sheer size and military long standing strategy of “four-nos
AS A SIGNIFICANT Quadrilateral Security Dialogue The inclusion of Australia in capability. Crucially, the military and one-depend.” This means no
STEP IN INDIA’S (QUAD) signals deeper defence MALABAR, the annual India-Japan- gap between China and Taiwan military alliances, no siding with
GROWING cooperation. US maritime exercise is reflective widens every year. Although it one country against another, no
INTERNATIONAL of the regional credibility of QUAD is under Washington’s military foreign military bases, and no using
POLITICO-
SECURITY PROFILE
Australia which in the limited sense may be commitment, these are highly force or threatening to use force
TO NOT ONLY ACT India and Australia, against the classified as an extension of India’s ambiguous. More recently China’s in international relations; but,
AS A REGIONAL backdrop of their frosty relations defence diplomacy where joint border clashes with India have “depending on circumstances and
STABILISING with China, unveiled a shared exercises and capability matching evoked anti-Beijing sentiments specific conditions, Vietnam will
FACTOR vision for maritime cooperation are a part. among the Indian public which has consider developing necessary and
ADDRESSING in the Indo-Pacific, as a counter led to a growing sense of solidarity appropriate defence and military
HARD SECURITY to the growing Chinese military Taiwan with the pro-independence relations with other countries.”
CONCERNS assertiveness. As a sequel to China’s aggressive military probing movements in Hong Kong and It represents the flexibility
AGAINST Chinese border incursion with has been going on for years — Taiwan. Close on its heel is the and resilience long embedded
CHINA AND India and strained relations with an unending stress test for the US legislations for the support in Vietnam’s foreign policy and
NORTH KOREA Australia, after Canberra pitched democratic island of Taiwan. But of Taiwan. However, India’s significantly expands the spectrum Four-nation naval display at Malabar exercise
BUT ALSO TO for an international probe into in 2020, the threat has taken on a approach has been one of caution of strategic choices by giving the
DISPEL JAPAN’S
MARITIME the origin of the Coronavirus new intensity wherein Taiwan had but soon could change if the border military more room to manoeuvre. to Beijing. If true, this naval to involve as many major powers THE INCLUSION
INSECURITIES pandemic which is widely believed to scramble fighters to intercept intransigence continues. The strategic necessity of dealing outpost will put Cambodia in an in the regional balance, so that no OF AUSTRALIA
to have started in China’s Wuhan Chinese warplanes flying towards with an aggressive China brings uncomfortable position vis-à- power can dominate, Singapore IN MALABAR,
THAT EMERGE
FROM ITS QUEST city, the India-Australia relations or even into Taiwan’s airspace. Vietnam India and Vietnam closer together. vis neighbouring Thailand and and the Association of Southeast THE ANNUAL
FOR ASSURED touched a new level with both With China, cracking down on Vietnam considers the Asia- Vietnam has been emerging as a Vietnam, who have beefed up Asian Nations (ASEAN). Its INDIA-JAPAN-
ENERGY SUPPLIES the countries elevating their ties freedom fighters in Hong Kong, Pacific region, including Southeast pivotal state in India’s Act East their armed forces in recent years position of not “choosing sides” US MARITIME
AND SECURITY to a “comprehensive strategic accused of sweeping repression Asia, to be not only its own policy, which can be reflected in besides impacting the existing between Beijing and Washington EXERCISE IS
OF ITS LARGE partnership”, that includes against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, living space, but also a centre multiple dimension of cooperation regional security architecture in comes as a natural evolution of its REFLECTIVE OF
MARITIME a reciprocal access to military expanding in the South China Sea, for dynamic development that including defence cooperation. Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific balance-of-power approach. Its
THE REGIONAL
INTERESTS AS A CREDIBILITY OF
bases namely the Mutual Logistics and clashing with India in the occupy an increasingly important as a whole. While Indo Cambodian relation with India also continues
TRADING NATION Support Agreement (MLSA). Himalayas, Taiwan seems to be geo-economic, geo-politic and Cambodia relations are cordial it needs to on similar lines while maintaining
QUAD WHICH
IN THE LIMITED
The MLSA will allow militaries next on the line. geo-strategic significance. Most Although the current marriage build its relations with India, to a strong military diplomacy for its SENSE MAY BE
of the two countries to use each Whereas Taiwan, despite importantly, it recognises the of convenience with China yields avoid overdependence on China. security preparedness. CLASSIFIED AS
other’s bases for repair and flourishing into a vibrant, high- region as a boiling cauldron economic benefits today, this trend Cambodia has to invigorate the AN EXTENSION
replenishment of supplies besides tech democratic society since where great powers compete could potentially drag Cambodia Indian card to balance China’s Indonesia OF INDIA’S
facilitating scaling up of overall its split from mainland China, for influence. China’s Belt and into Beijing’s geopolitical tutelage economic and geopolitical The recent tensions between DEFENCE
defence cooperation. India has is yet to be recognised as an Road Initiative and the US Free and, as a result, threaten its national influence in Cambodia as well as China and Indonesia in the Natuna DIPLOMACY
and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy security interest in the long in Southeast Asia. islands, has once again put the WHERE JOINT
among others, are mechanisms run, if not properly strategised. spotlight on this flashpoint, and EXERCISES AND
for these powers to exert control. Internally, the influx of Chinese Singapore is expected to continue with a
CAPABILITY
MATCHING ARE
From a strategic standpoint immigrants has fuelled criminal The island nation has maintained range of ongoing Indonesian A PART
Hanoi considers disputes in the activities and alienated local its ties with Washington and Beijing reactions. But importantly it
South China Sea as one of the and foreign tourists from other without provoking the ire of either reflects Indonesia’s inability to
most destabilising elements that countries. Economically, Cambodia side. But as US-China relations deter Beijing’s incursion into
threaten regional stability. More is now one of several countries deteriorate and tensions grow in Jakarta’s waters. While Indonesia
explicitly than ever in the recent around the world whose debt to the South China Sea, Singapore’s technically does not consider itself
past, Vietnam has endured Chinese China amounts to more than 25 per balancing act is proving to be a claimant in the South China Sea
assertiveness, including unilateral cent of its gross domestic product amorphous. However, Singapore’s disputes, it is an interested party
and power-based coercion, (GDP). long-standing relationship with to safeguard regional stability,
violation of international law, Diplomatically, Cambodia’s the United States is a classic and uphold international law,
militarisation, change in the status- reputation on the world stage has exposition of the island nation’s including the United Nations
quo and infringement over its suffered a number of setbacks. foreign policy – taking the world Convention of the Law of the Sea
sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. The military agreement between as it is, and seeking to entrench (UNCLOS), as the world’s largest
While it does not call out Cambodia and China in Ream American power and presence archipelagic state. Indonesia’s
China by name, it is clear that Naval Base is another sign of in the region for the collective traditional approach to the South
Quad nations foreign ministers at a meeting Vietnam reflects fears of Chinese Phnom Penh’s unhealthy drift good. Singapore has also sought China Sea can be best summed up
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to 40 per cent of the world GDP, and continued belligerent and and irregular warfare, followed in fact enshrined in the wider MILITARY
65 per cent of global population, provocative stance all along the by force relocation to augment diplomatic exchange. It is aimed DIPLOMACY
and accounts for seven largest northern borders, tending to resources thereby creating at regular summits, information OF QUAD
militaries with six declared nuclear precipitate a war, has been one positions of strategic advantage exchanges and military drills SHOULD ALSO
states. Thus, in the twenty-first of its kind since the conflict of vis a vis China. From a maritime between members to outweigh STRATEGISE TO
century, Asia is the focus of 1962. From a broader strategic perspective India on the other the military superiority of China NEUTRALISE
THE MILITARY
power dynamics, and economic perspective it gives an impression hand maintains virtually all its thereby limiting its hegemonestic
IMBALANCE
globalisation. Ironically China’s that China is testing waters to forces in the Indian Ocean Region, tendencies. In due course QUAD IN THE REGION
aggressive posturing in Eastern assess India’s retaliatory stance while most of China’s forces are must enhance the scope to WITH A CLEAR
Ladakh and coercive actions in the given its military asymmetry with east of Malacca. This will put a include most of the aggrieved MANDATE OF
South China Sea is a destabilising India. On the contrary the bold great deal of pressure on China to states whose interests have been COLLABORATIVE
factor that has necessitated global and resolute action on the part either keep its Indian Ocean forces impinged by China. MILITARY
intervention with US bearing of the Indian Army to occupy as a fleet in being, or to rapidly link ASSISTANCE
the mantle. Thus Asia’s growing
economic importance and China
dominating heights in the face of
Chinese provocative incursions
its western and eastern forces.
This, in turn, will put pressure on
CONCLUSION THEREBY
ACHIEVING
being a major power, its behaviour thwarting large scale Chinese build India to prevent these outcomes. The fact that the world is viewing CONFLICT
has assumed even greater up has been demonstrative of the Therefore, control of several major China as the sole perpetrator of TERMINATION
IN FAVOURABLE
significance for the United States country’s resolve to deal with such chokepoints including the straits of the Wuhan Virus, there has been
TERMS SHOULD
and the world particularly when incursions politically and militarily. Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok gives a significant relook to allow for a THE NEED ARISE
US China relations have sharply It has also sent a clear message that India the unique opportunity to strategic, political and economic
deteriorated. India is now capable of retaliatory operate on interior lines to prevent isolation of China. In fact, QUAD is
US President Joe Biden Beijing and Washington traded actions and is being viewed as a China from gaining maritime emerging as a dominant security
as a “delicate equilibrium”, seeking talks between India and Indonesia blame over the Coronavirus stabilising factor in the region. superiority in the Indian Ocean. structure vis a vis China. Hence the
to engage China diplomatically on who have agree to expand defence pandemic, remained locked in However under the prevailing scope and engagement with QUAD
the issue while at the same time
pursuing a range of security, legal,
ties and technology sharing. a trade war, competed over 5G
networks and other technologies,
geo strategic situation, this may
be a quick fix but in a conflict
MILITARY DIPLOMACY AT PLAY should include all the ASEAN
nations and must be escalated to
and economic measures designed
to protect its own interests. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and clashed over rights abuses in
Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan,
situation between India and
China, two scenarios emerge: an
Specific to India, in either scenario
a military alliance with US will
the next level of military diplomacy
that will serve to stymie China’s
While Indonesia has taken (USA) - THE CHANGING among other issues. The latest escalation of a border dispute significantly alter the strategic aggressiveness besides acting as
FUNDAMENTALS OF US-CHINA
actions in response to periodic is the contentious issues of US along the LAC reminiscent of imbalance besides lowering an effective counter against any
incursions into Indonesian waters, legislations in support of Taiwan the 1962 Sino-Indian War, or a the threshold of conflict and brazen act of aggression. Military
including shoring up military
capabilities related to the Natuna
RELATIONS and Tibet. The Tibetan Policy and
Support Act of 2020 and Taiwan
maritime clash in the Indian Ocean.
The former is China’s attempt
preventing large scale force
relocation over land, sea and air by
diplomacy of QUAD should also
strategise to neutralise the military
islands and launching diplomatic Currently, the United States and Assurance Act of 2020 include in seeking a broader reordering China. Consequently it will allow imbalance in the region with a
SPECIFIC TO
INDIA, IN EITHER protests, there has been no tangible China are engaged in an intensive economic sanctions against China of the political-military status India with a unique opportunity clear mandate of collaborative
SCENARIO impact. Instead Chinese incursions and costly trade war that, even for appointing the next Dalai Lama quo in the region. The approach to delay and attrite Chinese forces military assistance thereby
A MILITARY have continued episodically. In if resolved through negotiations, while the other seeks to strengthen might be more deliberate and while denying them the ability to achieving conflict termination
ALLIANCE fact China’s deliberate efforts at is unlikely to provide the basis Washington’s ties with Taipei. expansive which will present achieve its military and political in favourable terms should
WITH US WILL cyclical incursions and escalations for long-term stability. Instead, Beijing has resolutely opposed India with an unpleasant dilemma objectives through aggression. the need arise. Herein lay the
SIGNIFICANTLY to test responses have also posed it may carry the seeds of future both bills since Taiwan and Tibet of either a counterattack and It is here that we clearly see the state craft of leveraging shared
ALTER THE a huge issue for South China Sea confrontation. In fact, bureaucratic were China’s issues of territorial potentially escalate a conflict importance of military diplomacy military capability of likeminded
STRATEGIC claimant states, be it Malaysia, processes on both sides are integrity. However, be that as it against a superior foe, or accept a which goes beyond the accepted countries with common National
IMBALANCE which traditionally prides itself on straining to keep up with the may, it is clear that South and loss of territory and the political principles of peacetime military challenges. A strategy that has
BESIDES having a special relationship with growing diversity and complexity East Asia are emerging as global ramifications that shall ensue. collaboration and humanitarian found favour with Washington
LOWERING THE
Beijing, or Vietnam, which remains of the relationship that is global flash points with China taking the However by a careful use of terrain, assistance. under President elect Joe Biden
THRESHOLD OF
CONFLICT AND the most capable of standing up in scope and consequence. As centrestage. weather and tri-service combined The formation of the who is looking to build a coalition
PREVENTING to China. China emerges as a global power arms force application it is possible Quadrilateral Security Dialogue an of likeminded partners and allies
LARGE
SCALE FORCE
Thus with Chinese incursions
continuing unabated the South
the confrontation seems more
belligerent and challenging US CONFLICT SITUATION to achieve disruption, dislocation
and destruction of the Chinese
informal strategic dialogue between
India, US, Japan and Australia with a
with shared interests and values
to confront China - a step in the
RELOCATION China Sea is heating up to be a interests. WITH INDIA military over time. shared objective to support a “free, right direction.
OVER LAND, global flashpoint. The issue of Interestingly, Asia as a continent In physical terms it will entail open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific –The writer is a former GOC-Indian Army
SEA AND AIR BY China’s aggressive posturing in is increasingly becoming the focus In the Indian context the border a border engagement supported Region is an effective counter to and presently a Strategic Consultant &
CHINA eastern Ladakh and South China of interest for the United States skirmish by China followed by by capability incapacitation using China that seeks to threaten the Principal Advisor. Views expressed are
personal and do not necessarily reflect the
Sea figured in the recent ministerial and the world since it is home large scale troop mobilisation long range weapons systems region. Military diplomacy is views of Raksha Anirveda
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OPINION www.raksha-anirveda.com
DEEPENING DEFENCE TIES IN
A CHANGING GLOBAL ORDER
Apart from internal integration of security imperatives and apparatus within the country,
India has to actively think of issue-based security and technology alignments with
prominent likeminded strategic partners across the desired security spectrum
direct ramifications for India. In
such a scenario, even though India Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu Mr Modi with then US President Donald Trump
is averse to traditional alliance
structures it will be forced to of Indo-Pacific gaining traction, structures as well as big power MECHANISMS LIKE IONS, ANTI-PIRACY
enter into issue based alignments India’s Act East Policy, the SAGAR rivalries. Cyber security and OPERATIONS, IORA AND BILATERAL
by reaping the congruence of initiative and the more recent Artificial Intelligence (AI) have AND MULTILATERAL INTEROPERABILITY
economics of objectives and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative become the new norm across ARRANGEMENTS WITH FRIENDLY COUNTRIES
polity of threat perceptions in (IPOI) there is a need to look the spectrum and need constant LIKE US, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, UK AND
accordance with the common beyond the Indian Ocean Region upgradation to deal with hitherto GERMANY WHO HAVE DEVISED INDO-PACIFIC
denominator being the mutually (IOR) and explore the Indo-Pacific unknown challenges. Terrorists STRATEGIES AND DOCTRINES ACQUIRE MUCH
GREATER SALIENCE
beneficial matrix of strategic and Region. Mechanisms like IONS, use disruptive technologies better
reliable choices. Anti-piracy operations, IORA than the Nation States. Non-State that India’s defence and security
Maritime issues, whether and bilateral and multilateral Actors have been embedded doctrine should not only attempt
considered hard or soft, traditional interoperability arrangements and nurtured by some states to have a non-conventional edge
or non-traditional impact the Blue with friendly countries like US, including in our region and serve or parity but also ensure nuclear
Economy of nations, including Japan, Australia, France , UK and as instruments of their foreign deterrence capability and tweak
landlocked nations, with spin-offs Germany who have devised Indo- policy. Hence, a comprehensive its doctrine accordingly. There is
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and EAM S Jaishankar with their US counterparts during 2+2 dialogue at the regional and global levels. Pacific strategies and doctrines security architecture including a greater likelihood of a two-front
Therefore, in order to pursue acquire much greater salience. At the traditional and non-traditional war for which India needs to have
By AMB ANIL TRIGUNAYAT a sustainable and secure Blue the same time we have to maintain dimensions must be built in which military and technological gear
T
Economy, there is a need to ensure our primacy in the region be it on international collaboration with up. For same reasons India figures
he World is in disarray. Multilateralism at its lowest point and Unilateralism a stable, secure and peaceful land, air or sea beginning with friendly countries has a central prominently in the South Asia and
dictating the international discourse especially as the sole hyper power Maritime Environment. our extended neighbourhood by role at least until “Atmanirbharta” Indo-Pacific strategic calculus
under US President Donald Trump created a paradigm shift with his India has over 7,500 km following a policy of “Concentric becomes a reality. Of course, we of USA whose key objective is to
destabilising Twiplomacy for friends and foes alike. Covid-19 engineered coastline and we have seen the Circles of Security Perimeter” must secure ourselves internally keep the South China Sea lanes and
a global recession and unprecedented economic downturn. China has been worst attacks of 26/11 that were which should not only ensure our and externally. No one is going Indo-Pacific free for navigation.
flexing its expansionist muscles. Sino-US Trade wars and implicit conflictual mounted from the sea. Moreover, security but should assure the to do it for us unless we wish to Japan and Australia have been
relationship threatening to enter Cold War 2.0 of a different genre. State India’s trade and energy security security of our partners. Military be subjected to the geo-politico- facing the Chinese brunt and
sponsor terrorism and asymmetric warfare from our western and northern through the Strait of Hormuz Capability and political intent and strategic games of major powers. expansionist policies whereas
borders is a contiguous reality. Fact that Sino-Pak axis becoming toxic in and Arabian Sea is dependent will to exercise this benign power Only the strong can demand and India not only had to fight a war
the region poses tremendous security challenges for India. on our capabilities to provide a are essential ingredients for India. enforce peace and security. with China but also continues to
sustained protection and response World and global power In the changed global scenario remain a major challenge and
mechanism in accordance with equations are going through a and emerging world order China illegal occupant of her territories.
Generally economy and a closed mindset have become our maritime doctrine driven for churn. Newer challenges are and its proxies like Pakistan China’s “String of Pearls” and
security are becoming two sides a common phenomenon. Indo- securing our national interests. posed for the concerns of defence (both nuclear power states) play possible militarisation of its Belt
of the same coin the prospects of Pacific has become a new theatre of Oceans are not restricted by any and security, technology and a truant role in India’s strategic and Road Initiative (BRI) strategy,
protectionism, unilateralism and geo-strategic competition that has boundaries and with the concept economy, and changing alliance matrix .Therefore, it is imperative economic and technological
14 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA JANUARY - MARCH 2021 15RAKSHA ANIRVEDA
OPINION www.raksha-anirveda.com
A COMPREHENSIVE edge and adventurism pose a India’s objectives for ensuring its for Multi-Sectoral Technical and remains New Delhi’s major
SECURITY peculiar threat to India’s security comprehensive security within the Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) partner in civil nuclear energy
ARCHITECTURE and sovereignty. Hence, India context of Strategic Partnership. At must be accorded highest priority. and space cooperation and one of
INCLUDING THE responded to US overtures the same time India will have to In West Asia we have crucial the few countries which agree to
TRADITIONAL AND positively and has expanded to continue with its ‘Neighbourhood stakes and hence India has to transfer the military technology
NON-TRADITIONAL conduct “Malabar “exercises with First Policy’ to work closely for work for acquiring strategic whether we have been able to use
DIMENSIONS Japan and Australia in the context their economic and security depth through mutually beneficial it effectively is debatable. BrahMos
MUST BE BUILT
IN WHICH of QUAD and the Indo-Pacific. development to avoid being pulled projects and partnerships in missile is a credible exception.
INTERNATIONAL It has signed nearly all major down in the regional context. Sub- bilateral and trilateral domain. Russia’s suspicion of India’s
COLLABORATION agreements ensuring exchange and regional connectivity projects Likewise in Africa we have to carry closeness to Washington and US’s
WITH FRIENDLY interoperability with the US be it under the Bangladesh, Bhutan, on with our development, defence suspicion of India’s closeness to
COUNTRIES HAS Logistics Exchange Memorandum India, Nepal (BBIN) initiative and digital partnership directly Moscow are difficult to leverage as
A CENTRAL ROLE of Agreement or LEMOA (2016), and the Bay of Bengal Initiative and with likeminded democracies. Russia-China strategic partnership
AT LEAST UNTIL Communications Compatibility and has the potential to become a
“ATMANIR- Security Agreement or COMCASA military alliance if pushed or Multi-nation naval ships during Malabar exercise
BHARTA” (2018) and Basic Exchange and threats perception exceeds their
BECOMES A Cooperation Agreement or BECA threshold. What we can leverage CHINA’S “STRING
REALITY (2020) as an extension to General is a truly transactional relationship OF PEARLS”
Security of Military Information and India’s market strength and AND POSSIBLE
Agreement or GSOMIA (2002) and potential with anyone who is MILITARISATION
Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2008. eyeing India’s huge defence pie. OF ITS BORDER
India may have to overlap its Technology will underwrite the AND ROAD
reciprocal access arrangements 21st century hence Indovation is INITIATIVE (BRI)
STRATEGY,
with Japan, Australia as well as extremely important. But given
ECONOMIC AND
both have nationalised security the systemic malaise it might be TECHNOLOGICAL
arrangements with the US to meet a while. Hence as argued by C EDGE AND
its growing security challenges. Rajamohan, ‘The time is now ripe ADVENTURISM
France, UK and Germany are for Delhi to consider coalition- POSE A
other three major countries building as a major tool of its PECULIAR
looking at the Indo-Pacific rather tech-diplomacy. India has figured THREAT
seriously and France and UK do quite prominently in the US and TO INDIA’S
Naval ships in column during Malabar 2020
have adequate maritime presence Western discourse on building SECURITY AND
and arrangements in the region new coalitions to promote and Recently speaking at Manohar likeminded strategic partners SOVEREIGNTY.
and key understandings with regulate advanced technologies. Parrikar Institute for Defence across the desired security HENCE, INDIA
PM Modi with then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe RESPONDED TO
them could help in meeting The size of India’s market as well Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA)/ spectrum. It would require
US OVERTURES
Russia is a unique partner as its technological capabilities Forum for Integrated National advocacy and an ongoing SWOT POSITIVELY AND
but at odds on the Indo-Pacific make it an attractive partner in Security (FINS) External Affairs analysis of available strategic HAS EXPANDED
construct which it considers as a the effort to build “technology Minister Dr S Jaishankar aptly space and workable initiatives TO CONDUCT
containment against China and coalitions of the capable and noted, “To my mind, adequately as the strategic autonomy and “MALABAR
where it feels its own strategic willing.” Likewise the growth of securitising foreign policy is for national interest are ensured. For “EXERCISES
interest might be adversely autonomous weapons systems mean absolute imperative…, there contending with the emerging WITH JAPAN
affected especially as it does not and ongoing militarisation of outer are the daily security challenges of global dynamics India has to work AND AUSTRALIA
feel that US-Russia relations will space have created an urgency to long borders and large sea space. through its strategic calculations IN THE CONTEXT
improve anytime sooner especially step up India’s comprehensive The thinking and planning of a and more integrated matrix of OF QUAD AND
under Biden Presidency. It causes strategic doctrine. The “Artemis polity that operates in such an economic strength, smart military THE INDO-
PACIFIC
some perception problem for India Accords” must be seriously uncertain environment naturally capability, astute diplomacy,
for which Russia is her special and examined. In the domain of across should give primacy to hard firm leadership and conviction
privileged partner and supplier the board technological revival security.” combined with its philosophy
of technologies and over 70 per and adaptation, Israel can become Hence apart from internal of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and
cent of its conventional arms and an effective strategic partner integration of security imperatives Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam.
ammunition including nuclear and a conduit for joint research and apparatus within the country -The writer is a former Indian Ambassador
submarines. Even a S-400 missile and development especially as India has to actively think of issue- to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is a
Distinguished Fellow at the Vivekananda
shield will soon be there. “Abraham Accords’ also open up based security and technology International Foundation (VIF) and a
Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed during the former’s visit to UAE More importantly Moscow new vistas of cooperation. alignments with prominent commentator on Foreign Policy issues
16 www.raksha-anirveda.com RAKSHA ANIRVEDA JANUARY - MARCH 2021 17RAKSHA ANIRVEDA
ABSOLUTE POWER www.raksha-anirveda.com
chips that are at the heart of air-to- km range R-73 missile) prevented IAF’S BVR EDGE
air weaponry. It is the quality of the PAF F-16s from coming to the aid ERODED WITH
Fighter aircraft are chips that determines the missile’s of the Pakistan Army which was THE PAF’S
not weapons but accuracy. But while other (usually taking a pounding from the Indian ACQUISITION OF
THE AIM-120C
weapons platforms, large) missiles can compensate Army and Air Force.
AMRAAM. IN
for their lack of accuracy with According to a Strategy Page
and without long- sheer explosive power or speed, report, “While a number of IAF 2006, PAKISTANI
range missiles INKED A DEAL
air-to-air missiles are harmless aircraft took part in the Kargil
FOR 500 OF
and radars, the if they are not accurate. Because campaign, it was the cover THESE MACH 4
they have to be slung under the provided by the MiG-29 Fulcrum MISSILES WITH
IAF is under wings of aircraft, and at least armed with BVR missiles that A RANGE OF
utilising these four such missiles are needed exposed the PAF’s plight. While OVER 100 KM.
powerful aircraft for an effective engagement, air- PAF fighters did fly combat air THE AIM-120C
to-air missiles have to be small. patrols (CAP) during the conflict, INCORPORATES
that were built for This is why the Russians were they stayed well within Pakistani A DATALINK
air dominance. exceptional at building massive air space.” On occasions, IAF MiG- TO GUIDE THE
MISSILE TO A
Therefore, at this ballistic and anti-ship cruise 29s armed with the R-73 missiles
POINT WHERE
missiles, but lagged behind in air- were able to lock on to PAF F-16s,
juncture, IAF has to-air missiles. forcing the latter to disengage.
ITS ACTIVE
RADAR TURNS
two simple fixes, “The Pakistanis had no answer ON AND MAKES
either it replaces AIR TO AIR CLASHES IN THE to the 30 km range R-73. In the
absence of a PAF threat, the IAF
TERMINAL
INTERCEPT OF
underperforming SUBCONTINENT was able to deliver numerous THE TARGET
R-77s with better devastating strikes on intruder
imports or develop The IAF enjoyed an extended positions and supply dumps.”
period of air superiority in beyond However, the IAF’s BVR edge
its own BVR R-77 Missile Systems on display visual range (BVR) combat with eroded with the PAF’s acquisition
missiles the induction of the MiG-29 of the AIM-120C Advanced
AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES: INDIA’S WINDOW
Fulcrum in 1985. The value of an Medium Range Air to Air Missile
RUSSIA’S TECH PROBLEM excellent dogfighter armed with
a long-range weapon was proven
(AMRAAM). In 2006, Pakistani
inked a deal for 500 of these
The dogfight from 1971 in the 1999 Kargil War when the Mach 4 missiles with a range
illustrated the importance of Fulcrum (equipped with the 30 of over 100 km. The AIM-120C
OF VULNERABILITY
superior training and weaponry.
A warplane is only as good as
its air-to-air weapons. While
the enemy plane and launched a Vympel the MiG-21 was without doubt
R-3 (NATO codename AA-2) air-to-air a highly capable aircraft in the
missile. It missed. right hands, its weakness was
By RAKESH KRISHNAN SIMHA The Pakistani attempted to get away the R-3 missile. It was an exact
using sheer speed but realised the MiG- copy of an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-
n the afternoon of December 12, 1971, at the peak of the India-Pakistan War, 21 was equally fast. The desperate chase to-air missile that became lodged
O
two Lockheed F-104 Starfighters of the Pakistan Air Force crossed the Gujarat now took them over the shark-infested in a Chinese MiG-17 without
border on their way to attack the forward airbase at Jamnagar. Indian Air waters of the Arabian Sea. This time, exploding. And like all knockoffs,
Force radar units detected the intruders and scrambled a couple of MiG-21 instead of using missiles, the Indian pilot it simply wasn’t as good as the
interceptors to deal with the threat. As the first Pakistani aircraft dived in took aim with his cannon and fired a long original. There’s a very easy
towards the airfield, a patrolling MiG-21 pilot spotted the attacking aircraft burst. Flashes on the F-104’s metallic explanation for Russia lagging
and got after him. The second MiG-21 went after the wingman. Realising he surface indicated a direct hit. Seconds behind the West in air-to-air
was up against a much superior aircraft, he made his escape back into Pakistan. later the American-built aircraft spun missile development.
out of control and crashed into the sea. The Soviet armament
The Indian Navy sent a couple of search industry had suffered a 70-year
His captain, however, wasn’t so turned and tried to shake off its pursuer. vessels, but the pilot was never found. At technology embargo which made
lucky. Observing the MiG on his tail, the However, the Indian pilot pulled the that speed, when a plane impacts water, it difficult for Moscow to acquire
Amraatm Missile System
Pakistani F-104 broke off the attack, MiG-21 into a tighter turn well inside it is like hitting concrete. microprocessors or computer
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