Sunday, March 01, 2009

Polish Soldiers With UNIFIL In Lebanon

Polish Soldiers With UNIFIL In Lebanon
(News Source Info) March 1, 2009: An undated handout picutre obtained from the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon's (UNIFIL) press office shows Polish soldiers working with the UNIFIL holding a national flag during a military ceremony at the UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqura on southern Lebanon's border with Israel. Poland is to quit UN-flagged peacekeeping missions in Chad, Lebanon and the Golan Heights, Defence Minister Bogdan Klich, citing crisis-driven spending cuts and a strategic rethink.
Poland also has nearly 500 troops in Lebanon as part of the UN peacekeeping force which is helping to monitor a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah following a month-long war in 2006.

Russia Agrees To Transfer Military Hardware Blueprints To India

Russia Agrees To Transfer Military Hardware Blueprints To India
(News Source Info) March 1, 2009: India is demanding that Russia sell them the design data for many of the weapons they have bought over the years. Russia is under a lot of pressure to accede. For decades, Russia controlled most of the market for high-tech military exports to India. Since the end of the Cold War in 1991, India went through some changes. In this handout photograph made available by Indian Air Force (IAF), an IAF Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter plane sits in a tarmac during Red Flag joint exercise by Indian and US Air Force, at US Air Force base at Nellis, United States, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008.
First, the Indians abandoned their four decade experiment with socialism and state control of the economy (not communism and central planning, but many restrictions on entrepreneurs, as well as importing and exporting goods). The economy flourished, and suddenly India could afford even better quality weapons (from Western suppliers.) At the same time, India sought to expand its domestic arms industry, so that they could design and produce their own high-tech weapons. Russia had already sold India production licenses for many major weapons systems. Russia would have preferred to just ship tanks and aircraft to India, but the license approach was a profitable second best. Russia also planned to make a lot of money with upgrades for the weapons, both the ones built in Russia, and those built under license in India. But the Indians wanted to shop around, and, where it suited their interests, to install non-Russian upgrades. To do that, they often need design details on the Russian gear. India doesn't have to threaten to switch to Western, or domestic, designs for major military systems. This is already happening. India is telling the Russians that, if they want to preserve their privileged position as the major Indian weapons supplier, they will have to cooperate by sharing weapons design data. It's an offer the Russians can't refuse, at least not at great risk to their weapons exports.

Bangladesh Seeks FBI Assistance In BDR Mutiny Investigation

Bangladesh Seeks FBI Assistance In BDR Mutiny Investigation
(NSI News Source Info) DHAKA - March 1, 2009: Bangladesh Sunday sought assistance from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI) to investigate the mutiny by soldiers of paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) on Wednesday. Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) soldiers wait to report for duties in front of the BDR headquarters in Dhaka March 1, 2009. BDR soldiers who were absent from duty following the mutiny were given 24 hours to rejoin BDR at their respective headquarters or face lawful actions against them, according to the home ministry on Saturday. Hasina sought the assistance when U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher telephoned her Sunday morning and offered assistance to the Bangladeshi government, according to a release of the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry. During the telephone conversation the prime minister observed that the BDR incident might be a part of conspiracy. She sought FBI assistance in the investigation to dig out real culprits and bring them to book. Earlier, U.S. embassy said Boucher telephoned Sheikh Hasina on behalf of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to express continued support for the Bangladesh government and its people as they respond to the tragic aftermath of the BDR. The U.S. state department official reiterated the United States' willingness to render all possible assistance to the Bangladeshi government. Thousands of BDR soldiers staged revolted against their army officers on Wednesday leaving 64 army officers dead and 71 still missing. The revolt came to an end on Thursday evening after a series of negotiations between the mutinous soldiers and government officials.

German Navy Orders Minehunter Protection Systems

German Navy Orders Minehunter Protection Systems
(NSI News Source Info) March 1, 2009: Rheinmetall Defence has received an order to equip two more German Navy mine-hunters with Mass naval protection systems. (Mass stands for "Multi Ammunition Softkill System".) By June 2009, one MJ 333-class vessel and one HL 352-class vessel will each be equipped with a Mass two-launcher configuration with integrated detection unit. The order is worth around EUR 8 million.
In the wake of successful sea trials, the German Ministry of Defence already contracted with Rheinmetall in 2008 to equip two German Navy mine countermeasures ships with the Mass system. This was in response to an immediate operational requirement, the Unifil operation off the coast of Lebanon. With this follow-on contract, the German Navy is now well on the way to equipping all eight vessels in this class with Mass technology, reflecting the top priority it attaches to Force Protection.
The Type 333 Kulmbach class is a class of five German Navy ships. Built as Type 343 Hameln class minesweepers, they have been upgraded to minehunters using Seefuchs expendable drones to detonate detected naval mines.
Mass means superior protection
Guided missiles pose an increasing threat to naval vessels and civilian shipping alike. Mass protects ships against advanced sensor-guided weapons on the high seas and in littoral zones, as well as from asymmetric threats. Mass works by firing decoys that divert incoming missiles from their intended targets. Fully automatic, the Mass naval countermeasures system offers substantial tactical, operational and logistical advantages, and can be installed on all types of ships. It can be integrated into existing command and control systems or serve as a stand-alone system. Programmable and omni-spectral, the Mass system's innovative ammunition provides protection in all relevant wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum (radar, infrared, laser, electro-optic and ultraviolet).
Mass with integrated detection unit
Featuring an integrated detection unit, the "Mass ISS_Integrated Sensor Suite" represents an innovative departure in naval electronic warfare. Jointly developed by Rheinmetall Defence and Saab Avitronics, this new version of Mass comes with sensors capable of detecting both radar and laser threats.
The state-of-the-art detection unit consists of an SME 100 electronic measurement support system, which will replace the existing radar warners on board the mine hunters; it also comprises the naval laser warner system NLWS. Furthermore, the Mass version deployed on German Navy mine hunters will be linked to an existing electro-optical sensor system, the MSP 500, or "Multi Sensor Platform", which is also made by Rheinmetall. As a result, Mass_ISS will make it possible not merely to detect incoming threats, but to classify them by category and type while automatically engaging them. This is the first time that Mass_ISS will be integrated into a mine hunter.
Since launching Mass onto the market in 2003, Rheinmetall has concluded contracts with eight nations for a total of 102 launcher units destined for 15 different classes of vessel, ranging from corvettes and frigates to mine hunters and patrol boats.
Mass has already been successfully introduced into the navies of Germany (K130 corvettes, F123 frigates, mine hunters), Finland (Squadron 2000), Norway (Skjold missile torpedo boats), Sweden (Visby-, Göteborg- and Malmö-class vessels), the United Arab Emirates (the Baynunah programme), Oman (Khareef-class ocean patrol vessels) as well as into two other navies in the Middle East.

India To Supply Dhruv Choppers To Mauritius

India To Supply Dhruv Choppers To Mauritius
(NSI News Source Info) New Delhi - March 1, 2009: India will supply 'Dhruv' Advanced Light Helicopter to Mauritius, the second country this year after Ecuador to get the multi-role, multi-mission new generation chopper.
The helicopter, built by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is likely to be handed over this month to Mauritius for use by its police, officials said here.
The aforementioned Dhruv helicopters of the Ecuadorian Air Force. HAL is negotiating with Bolivia for delivery of five Dhruvs and with Venezuela for seven of the choppers in transport roles, and in Europe. The Dhruv is also being offered to Malaysia. Indonesia is also evaluating Dhruv helicopters for the Indonesian Army. Mauritius is also considering Dhruv helicopters.
The state-of-the-art helicopter is being supplied under an inter-governmental MoU concluded last week. The chopper, which costs around seven million USD, is being supplied under a USD 100 million line of credit extended by India to Mauritius over three years ago, they said.
Ecuador became the first country to acquire Dhruv helicopters last month when it signed a contract for seven choppers for its Air Force.
The armed version of Dhruv can be fitted with rockets and a 20 mm gun. Dhruv also has a variant which is equipped with 'fire and forget' air-to-air missiles and 70 mm rockets that can be fired in direct and indirect mode.
Dhruv won the Ecuadorian contract, outperforming rival machines from from global majors like Eurocopter, mainly due to its lower price tag.
Equador already got five helicopters and the remaining two will be handed over in six months.

Belgian Frigate Leopold I In Lebanon Guarded By Lebanese Soldier

Belgian Frigate Leopold I In Lebanon Guarded By Lebanese Soldier
(NSI News Source Info) March 1, 2009: A Lebanese soldier stands guard in front of the Belgian frigate Leopold I during a ceremony for the change of command of UNIFIL's Maritime Task Force at the international port of Beirut March 1, 2009.The United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon, UNIFIL, handed over navy command from the Belgium to French contingents as part of routine rotation in observing Lebanese waters in implementation of U.N. resolution 1701.

Russia's Medvedev Hopes To Discuss Missile Shield With Obama

Russia's Medvedev Hopes To Discuss Missile Shield With Obama
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - March 1, 2009: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Sunday he hoped to discuss U.S. plans to deploy a missile shield system in Central Europe with U.S. President Barack Obama at a G20 summit in London. The summit of the G20 advanced and leading emerging economies will be held in April to shape a new global financial architecture and work out measures to fight the global financial crisis. In an interview with the Spanish media, Medvedev said he hoped the new U.S. administration will display a more creative approach to this issue than the previous administration. Medvedev said the U.S. idea to deploy elements of a missile shield in Europe was not topical and only caused the feeling of "disappointment" as it was aimed, if not directly, then indirectly, against Russia. "Of course, Russia does not like it. This is absolutely obvious. No one denies the existence of various threats, including the threats that may be accompanied by the acts of nuclear terrorism, threats from countries with instable regimes. But let us respond to these threats jointly rather than isolating each other from these processes," Medvedev said. Washington has agreed plans with Warsaw and Prague to deploy 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar in the Czech Republic by 2013. The United States says the defenses are needed to deter possible strikes from "rogue states" such as Iran. Russia has consistently opposed the missile shield as a threat to its national security and the balance of security in Europe. Medvedev threatened in November to retaliate if the U.S. plans went ahead by deploying Iskander-M missiles in the country's westernmost exclave of Kaliningrad, which borders NATO members Poland and Lithuania. Obama indicated earlier that he may put on hold his predecessor George Bush's plans concerning the third site for Washington's global missile defense system, which he said needed more analysis.

Sri Lanka Asks LTTE To Stop Use Of Child Soldiers

Sri Lanka Asks LTTE To Stop Use Of Child Soldiers
In Sri Lanka, particularly problematic in that the Sinhala majority - which constitutes about 74% of the total population - in addition to being the majority, has also two additional attitudes which tend to harden its attitude towards the Tamils. First of all is the idea that they are the sole legitimate inhabitants of the island, that they have been there since Time immemorial and that they have the sole right to be there. And also that the island is a Buddhist country and that it should remain a Buddhist country and that it is very important for the Buddhists to fight against any sort of encroachment by Indian Hindus.
(NSI News Source Info) Washington - March 1, 2009: Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US Jaliya Wickramasuriya has asked the Tamil Tigers to stop the use of child soldiers in the conflict, alleging that the LTTE is recruiting them to serve its political agenda. "It is alarming that LTTE terrorists continue their blatant pattern of recruiting children to serve their own political agendas. It is an intolerable practice and must be stopped," the Sri Lankan Ambassador said in a statement. The statement has been issued coinciding with launch of a media campaign by UNICEF and the Sri Lankan Government to bring to an end such a practice by the LTTE. "We are hopeful this new campaign with UNICEF will help end the manipulation and suffering of Sri Lankan children," Wickramasuriya said. Tamil refugees search for their belongings after fire broke out in a Tamil refugee camp in Vavuniya, northeast Sri Lanka, February 28, 2009. The fire broke out in one of the refugee camps in Vavuniya housing displaced Tamil people escaping from the fighting between the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan army. The cause of the fire is yet unknown and no injuries were reported, officials said. "The image of Sri Lanka, for far too long, said Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the launch of the Sri Lanka National Campaign against the Recruitment of Children for Use in Armed Conflict, has been stained by the presence of child soldiers in our country," he said. A soldier guards the wall where Tamil people, who escaped Tamil Tigers rebels-held area following fighting between Sri Lanka army and Tamil Tigers, chat with their relatives over the fence of a temporary refugee camp in Vavuniya, northern Sri Lanka February 23, 2009. Since the beginning of the year, over 35,000 Tamils have fled to government-controlled areas following fighting and been placed in refugee camps. However, these refugees complain that they are not able to leave the camps, a temporary measure the government says will continue until they can weed out the rebels' infiltrators hiding among civilians. "But, more important than erasing the stain in our image, is the need to save our children from this special horror of terror, the most savage of the chosen weapons of terror, that has been the menace of our society for nearly three decades," he said. UNICEF has recorded more than 6,000 cases of children recruited by LTTE from 2003 to 2008.

Iraq War May End, But Plently Of Fighting Left

Iraq War May End, But Plently Of Fighting Left
(NSI News Source Info) CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - March 1, 2009: The Marines based at Camp Lejeune now know when their missions to Iraq will end, but they also know their deadly days of fighting overseas are far from over. "Being a Marine, you join the Corps to serve your country and do what you have to do to keep it protected," said Sgt. Kelvin Carrington, a 26-year-old from Florida who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. "No matter what the commander in chief says, I will follow." U.S. marines stand guard during the hand over ceremony of the Green Zone in Baghdad January 1, 2009. U.S. forces came under an Iraqi mandate on Thursday for the first time since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and handed control of the Green Zone in central Baghdad to Iraqi troops in a symbol of the dramatic change. President Barack Obama came to the camp near North Carolina's coastline Friday to announce the exact day combat operations will end in Iraq "By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," Obama told them. But for the Marines at Camp Lejeune, new orders for Afghanistan have already arrived. The change in their mission could end up being no more than a change in scenery. Today in Americas When Pfc. Jeffrey Gray arrived at Camp Lejeune from basic training, the 19-year-old from Plymouth, N.C., was told he was going to Iraq. As of this month, his unit is instead headed to Afghanistan. "I am excited. I am serving my country," Gray said. "We have to fight back and take action." Sgt. Joshua Keller, a 23-year-old from San Antonio, Texas, who has served two combat tours to Iraq, even said he was worried the American people would see Obama's decision to withdraw forces from the region as a retreat. To Keller, it's only a course correction to take on the bigger threat: a resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan. "A lot of Americans feel like we are tucking our tails," Keller said. "We are not tucking our tails. We are following the terrorists." Camp Lejeune is the main East Coast base for the Marine Corps. At least 117 service members who called North Carolina home have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many more lived here for a time while based in the state, including two Obama mentioned by name Friday: 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter of Sag Harbor, N.Y., and Cpl. Jonathan Yale, 21, of Burkeville, Va., who died in Iraq's Anbar province last April. "These young men enlisted in a time of war, knowing they would face great danger," Obama said. "They came here, to Camp Lejeune, as they trained for their mission. ... In an age when suicide is a weapon, they were suddenly faced with an oncoming truck filled with explosives. These two Marines stood their ground. These two Marines opened fire. And these two Marines stopped that truck." The pair were credited with saving the lives of dozens of Marines and Iraqi police, and posthumously joined the sailors and Marines to be awarded the Navy Cross — the service's highest award for combat valor — since Sept. 11. Obama has already ordered 8,000 Marines from Camp Lejeune to Afghanistan, and there are rumblings a brigade from the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg in the central part of the state could get similar orders soon. The Marines who Obama addressed Friday insist they're ready, because fighting America's wars is their job. Pfc. Tiffany Johnson gave birth to her first son seven weeks ago, and admits she isn't looking forward to leaving him behind. But the 23-year-old intelligence analyst from Lillington, N.C., was prepared to fight in Iraq. Now, she's ready for Afghanistan. "As a Marine, you have to be ready to go when the military says so," Johnson said. "I am ready to serve wherever my country needs."

Lockheed Martin Delivers Third C-5M Super Galaxy To United States Air Force

Lockheed Martin Delivers Third C-5M Super Galaxy To United States Air Force
(NSI News Source Info) MARIETTA - March 1, 2009: Lockheed Martin today (Feb. 27) delivered the third fully modernized C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force. Following a small send-off at the company's Marietta facility, the C-5M flew to Dover AFB, Del. C-5M: Based on a recent study showing 80% of the C-5 airframe service life remaining, AMC began an aggressive program to modernize all remaining C-5Bs and C-5Cs and many of the C-5As. The C-5 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) began in 1998 and includes upgrading avionics to Global Air Traffic Management compliance, improving communications, new flat panel displays, improving navigation and safety equipment, and installing a new autopilot system. The first flight of the first modified C-5 with AMP (85-0004) occurred on 21 December 2002. Another part of the plan is a comprehensive Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP), which includes new General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, pylons and auxiliary power units, with upgrades to aircraft skin and frame, landing gear, cockpit and the pressurization system. The CF6 engine produces 22% more thrust (for a total of 54,000 lb (240 kN) from each engine) than existing C-5 engines which will result in a 30% shorter take-off roll, a 38% higher climb rate to initial altitude, a significantly increased cargo load, and a longer range between refueling. The C-5s that complete these upgrades are designated C-5M Super Galaxy. The C-5 AMP and RERP modernization programs plan to raise mission-capable rate to a minimum goal of 75%. Over the next 40 years, the U.S. Air Force estimates the C-5M will save over US$20 billion. The first C-5M conversion was completed on 16 May 2006, and performed its first flight on 19 June 2006. C-5Ms have been in flight testing out of Dobbins Air Reserve Base since June 2006. Two of the three (86-0013 and 86-0025) aircraft may be identified by the distinctive colored nose boom used to acquire test data. As of February 2008, the USAF will convert all remaining C-5Bs and C-5Cs into C-5Ms with avionics upgrades and re-engining. The C-5As will receive only the avionics upgrades. The three test C-5Ms successfully completed developmental flight testing in August 2008. The test aircraft will begin Operational Test and Evaluation in the third quarter of 2009. "This delivery is yet another success in the C-5 modernization program," said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin C-5 program vice president. "I'm confident the Air Force will be as impressed with the improved performance, reliability and capability of the Super Galaxy as we were during flight test." This was the second C-5M to be delivered to Dover this month, and was the third and final aircraft delivered during the System Design and Development phase of the program. The C-5M program will enter production this summer. Induction of the first aircraft is planned for August. The C-5M Super Galaxy climbs higher and faster than its legacy counterparts while carrying more cargo over longer distances. It also requires less tanker support and is projected to have a much higher mission availability rate due to increased reliability. Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 fully modernized C-5Ms by 2016. The C-5M is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The first, the ongoing Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), provides a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with modern avionics and flight instruments that meet future Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management requirements. AMP kit installations have now been completed on more than 40 C-5Bs. Lockheed Martin is under contract to perform AMP modifications on 111 C-5 aircraft. The Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program (RERP) is the second phase of the C-5 modernization effort. It includes 70 enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems, including the installation of GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines. Modernization of the C-5 pays for itself through savings in operation and sustainment costs. The C-5 has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every engagement since it entered service. It is the only aircraft capable of carrying 100 percent of certified air-transportable cargo, with a dedicated passenger compartment enabling commanders to have troops and their equipment arrive in an area of operation simultaneously. The C-5 can carry twice the cargo of other strategic airlift systems. With more than 70 percent of its structural service life remaining, the C-5M Super Galaxy will be a force multiplier through 2040. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Israel's Military Supplies To India / Israel Is A Major Supplier Of Military Technology To India

Israel's Military Supplies To India / Israel Is A Major Supplier Of Military Technology To India
(NSI News Source Info) Toronto, ON, Canada, — March 1, 2009: India’s main supplier of advanced military hardware is Israel. In the 1990s India took a major decision to procure arms from Israel after its much-touted Defense Research and Development Organization failed to develop any high-end weapons systems. To keep abreast of its neighbors, from 1965 till 1997 India purchased weapons from the Soviet Union, and later Russia – the preferred choice for the last 40 years as its weapons were cheap, reliable, rugged and direct copies of advanced weapons in the West. Almost 70 percent of India’s weapons are of Russian origin. The fall of the Soviet Union halted its secret development and sales of weapons, thereby letting the West develop countermeasures. India has planned the acquisition of 18 systems at a cost of $415 Million (Rs. 1800 crore) for its air force, but the deal is to be reviewed by the Central Vigilance Commission, the government’s anti-corruption agency. Short of cash, the new Russian Federation from 1990 to 2001 sold its trade secrets to anybody who wished to buy them. In short, India lost its advantage with Russian hardware, as China bought everything that India already had. Also, countermeasures developed by the West for Russian hardware became available to Pakistan. In short, India was at a disadvantage on both fronts. A lot of technology that India wanted from the West was unavailable because the West viewed India and the Soviet Union as allies, due to the Cold War attitude prevalent in Washington. Israel stepped in to fill the breach, as it had enough influence to change U.S. policy on this issue. It was a win-win situation for Israel and India. India negotiated its first large-scale contract with Israel in 1997 for the Barak-1 weapons system. This was meant to knock down Pakistan’s Harpoon anti-ship missiles, supplied by the United States. Since its initial supply of six Barak systems, eight more have been added and negotiations on a multi-billion-dollar Barak-2 system is in progress. Prior to the contract, India’s defense scientist and former President Abdul Kalam paid a number of visits to Israel to get help in missile development. Later India tested its Prithvi and Agni missile systems to counter Chinese and Pakistani moves. During the Kargil War in 1999, India received from Israel unmanned aerial vehicles, laser-guided bombs and other hardware to knock out Pakistani hilltop bunkers. Israel’s support helped India appreciate its sophisticated electronics and weapons systems. Russia’s former President Vladimir Putin, noting India’s declining interest in Russian weaponry, made offers to sell it more sophisticated weapons like T-90 tanks, advanced destroyers, an aircraft carrier and upgrades to existing air force hardware. India accepted the offers, but Israel had already secured a foothold in India’s lucrative military hardware market. End-user agreements between the United States and Israel limited the transfer to India of any U.S.-developed or assisted military hardware – but Israeli political interests in Washington made short work of all U.S. objections. Showing great interest in the Indian market, Israel in 2002 transferred the highly sophisticated Green Pine Radar to India, despite U.S. objections. Today this radar is a key component of India’s ballistic missile defense tracking system. The United States, realizing that Israel will find ways to sell India its military technology, have now folded up their objections. It took them more than 50 years to throw out their Cold War-era attitude; now they are bidding for a US$10-billion Indian fighter contract. In the last 10 years India’s military imports from Israel have included: • Barak -1 anti-ship missile system • Unmanned aerial vehicles of various types • Laser-guided bombs • Technology for ballistic missile systems • Green Pine radar • AWACS • Spyder surface-to-air missile system • Aerostat radars • Service contract to upgrade MIG fighter aircraft • Electronic countermeasures and air-battle support electronics The total contract value of these and other purchases is close to US$9 billion. This is a huge amount given that India and Israel established diplomatic and trade relations only in 1992. The two countries’ intelligence agencies have had contacts for much longer, however. Military contracts under negotiation between India and Israel include the development of Barak -2, worth US$2.5 billion; additional AWACS at $1.8 billion; UAVs worth $500 million; the Arrow anti-missile system at $4 billion; and miscellaneous electronics worth $2 billion. Why did India turn to foreign weapons suppliers? Fifty years ago former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, in establishing the Defense Research and Development Organization, envisioned 80 percent self-sufficiency in arms by the turn of the century. That dream never came true. The DRDO had difficulty marrying high concepts with sound engineering. Thus many major systems on the drawing board did not become potent weapons. Although it had a staff of 30,000, 51 laboratories and a US$2.5-billion budget, the organization operated under technical and critical-component constraints for the last 50 years. It has spent more than US$50 billion and produced very little. The army has had many problems with the INSAS rifle developed by the organization, and nobody wants the main battle tank it developed. Its many tactical missiles have never met their defined parameters, and the Kaveri engine for light combat aircraft has been under development for three decades. The only successes it can claim are the Prithvi, Agni and Brahmos missiles, some light combat aircraft and the multi-barrel Pinaka artillery system. However, it had to import the highly accurate Russian Smerch system to supplement the underpowered Pinaka. The DRDO’s worst failure has been its inability to reverse engineer some of its imported weapons systems. Even Pakistan with its low technology has successfully reverse engineered military hardware. China reverse engineered the highly sophisticated Russian SU-27 fighter jet. Russia has now fallen behind as a military supplier to India, although it continues to provide some systems. The renegotiation of already negotiated deals between the two countries has complicated the partnership. For example, a deal on the Russian aircraft carrier Gorshkov is being renegotiated. The Russians have also refused to transfer technology to manufacture the T-90 tank gun, although it was part of the contract. The supply of a nuclear submarine has fallen behind by several years. Added to this, the quality of Russian hardware and technology is suspect. The Russians have reopened several of their supply contracts and are exploiting their spare parts supply position to extract more money. All of this is not sitting well with the Indians, who may over the next two decades dump them as important suppliers. Thus in the past 10 years Israel, and now the United States, are coming on board to supply India with military hardware. There are distinct differences in the manufacturing philosophies of Russia and the United States. While Russian hardware is rugged, U.S. hardware is like a finely tuned sports car; although buyers like its performance it is three times more expensive to maintain than the Russian. Most underdeveloped countries still prefer Russian hardware. In the end, it is good that Israel stepped in to fill the technology gap India was forced into. Now the Indian military has a distinct advantage over its adversaries. -- (Hari Sud is a retired vice president of C-I-L Inc., a former investment strategies analyst and international relations manager. A graduate of Punjab University and the University of Missouri, he has lived in Canada for the past 34 years. ©Copyright Hari Sud.)