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Defense Research and Development Organization

The Central Government has recently formed a nine-member committee to revamp the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

• It serves as the R&D arm of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, aiming to equip India with cutting-edge defence technologies and striving for self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems.
• Established in 1958, DRDO is India's largest research organization. It emerged from the amalgamation of the existing Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
• Headquartered in New Delhi, DRDO operates a network of laboratories engaged in the development of defence technologies across various fields, including aeronautics, armaments, electronics, land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems.

Major Projects:

• One of DRDO's initial projects for the Indian military was Project Indigo, focusing on surface-to-air missiles (SAM), which was discontinued after limited success.
• Over the years, DRDO has achieved significant success in developing major systems and critical technologies, such as aircraft avionics, UAVs, small arms, artillery systems, EW Systems, tanks and armored vehicles, sonar systems, command and control systems, and missile systems.
• In 2016, DRDO successfully tested Rustom 2, India's first indigenously developed heavy-duty drone, designed as an unmanned armed combat vehicle akin to the US's Predator drone.
• DRDO collaborated on INS Arihant, India's inaugural nuclear ballistic missile submarine, which became operational in 2018.
• In March 2019, DRDO developed India's first anti-satellite system, elevating India to the status of a space superpower.
• DRDO has played a pivotal role in the development of several ballistic missiles under its Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, including Prithvi, Trishul, Agni, Akash, and Nag.

Central Armed Police Forces

According to recent data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to Parliament, 432 personnel of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) took their own lives in the last three years.

About Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)

The Central Armed Police Forces collectively refer to central police organizations in India under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs. These are technically paramilitary forces, formerly known as "Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF)." Since 2011, India has adopted the term "Central Armed Police Forces" to eliminate the word "paramilitary." These forces are responsible for internal security and border protection, and there are seven security forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs:

• Assam Rifles (AR)
• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• National Security Guard (NSG)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Each force has its cadre of officers, led by officers of the Indian Police Service.

Assam Rifles (AR)

• The Assam Rifles is a central police and paramilitary organization responsible for border security, counter-insurgency, and law and order in Northeast India. Its primary role is to guard the 1,643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. 
• The AR operates under the administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with operational control maintained by the Indian Army. It is the oldest paramilitary force in India, often nicknamed "Sentinels of the North East" and "Friends of the Hill People."

Border Security Force (BSF)

• The primary role of the Border Security Force is to guard the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders, deployed both on the international border and the Line of Control (LOC). 
• The BSF has an air wing, marine wing, an artillery regiment, and commando units. It stands as the world's largest border guarding force and is considered the First Line of Defence of Indian Territories.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

• Established in 1969, the CISF provides integrated security cover to sensitive public sector undertakings. Its security umbrella includes critical infrastructure facilities like nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, etc.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF):

• The primary responsibility of the CRPF involves assisting the State/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and counter-insurgency. The Central Reserve Police includes specialized units such as the Rapid Action Force (RAF), a 15-battalion anti-riot force trained to respond to sectarian violence, and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA), a 10-battalion strong anti-Naxalite/COIN force. 
• Established as the Crown Representative's Police in 1939, the CRPF, besides its law and order and counter-insurgency duties, has played an increasingly significant role in India's general elections.

Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP):

• Founded in 1962 after the Indo-China war, the ITBP is deployed for guarding duties on the Indo-China border from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Diphu Pass in Arunachal Pradesh, covering a total distance of 3,488 km. Recognized as a specialized mountain force, most of its officers and personnel are professionally trained mountaineers and skiers.

National Security Guard (NSG):

• Commonly known as Black Cats, the NSG is a counter-terrorism unit established under the National Security Guard Act, 1986, following Operation Blue Star. The NSG is dedicated to combating terrorist activities and protecting states against internal disturbances.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB):

• Sashastra Seema Bal is a border guarding force deployed along India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Originally set up as the Special Service Bureau in 1963 after the Indo-China War to strengthen India's border areas against enemy operations.

Challenges Faced by CAPF along with Suggestions:

• The Committee on Estimates, chaired by Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, submitted its report on 'Central Armed Police Forces and Internal Security Challenges – Evaluation and Response Mechanism' in March 2018, addressing various challenges and providing suggestions:

Deployment of CAPFs:

• The Committee observed heavy dependence on central armed police forces (CAPFs) by states for everyday law and order issues, impacting anti-insurgency and border guarding operations. The recommendation stressed that states develop their own systems and enhance their police forces through proper training and equipment.

Training of CAPFs:

• The Committee highlighted the heavy dependence of states on CAPFs for law and order issues, affecting anti-insurgency and border guarding operations. It recommended that states develop their own systems and strengthen their police forces with adequate training and equipment.

Modernizing of CAPFs:

• The Modernization Plan II (2012-17) aimed at providing financial support for modernizing CAPFs, but the Committee noted a cumbersome and time-consuming procurement process. 
• Recommendations included identifying bottlenecks in procurement and ensuring uninterrupted supply of equipment through negotiations with manufacturers.

Stress among CAPF Personnel:

• Data revealed a significant number of suicides among CAPF personnel. The Committee emphasized the need for accommodation near deployment areas to enable personnel to meet their family members, addressing personal and domestic problems.

Youth in Jammu & Kashmir

• The Committee stressed the urgency of engaging with the youth in Jammu and Kashmir to bring them into the mainstream. 
• It recommended evaluating the impact of government schemes, such as Udaan and Himayat, designed to increase youth employability in the region.

Inter-services Organisation (command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023

The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill - 2023 was recently approved by the Lok Sabha. The bill is geared towards enhancing the effectiveness, discipline, and coordination within the Armed Forces.

What is the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill 2023?

Background:

• Currently, the Armed Forces operate under distinct Service Acts – the Army Act 1950, Navy Act 1957, and Air Force Act 1950. However, the diverse nature of these acts has sometimes posed challenges in maintaining uniform discipline, coordination, and expeditious proceedings across the inter-services establishments. 
• The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, & Discipline) Bill - 2023 addresses these concerns with its forward-looking provisions. The ISO Bill 2023 does not propose any alteration to the existing Service Acts, Rules, or Regulations that have stood the test of time and judicial scrutiny over several decades.

Salient Features:

• Applicability: The bill is applicable to all regular Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. Also, the central government holds the right to designate any force established and maintained within India to which the provisions of the bill will apply.
• Inter-services Organisation: Existing Inter-services Organisations will be deemed to have been constituted under the Bill. These include the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Defence Space Agency, and the National Defence Academy. The central government may constitute an Inter-services Organisation which has personnel belonging to at least two of the three services: the army, the navy, and the air force.
• Expanded Authority for Command and Control: The bill revolves around the fundamental principle of extending command and control authority to the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of an Inter-services Organisation. In contrast to the existing structure, where these officers lack disciplinary and administrative powers over personnel from other services, the bill empowers them to exercise full command and control. This empowerment includes maintaining discipline and ensuring the proper execution of duties by service personnel.
• Role of Commanding Officer: The bill introduces the role of a Commanding Officer, tasked with overseeing a unit, ship, or establishment. In addition to their unit-specific responsibilities, this officer also undertakes tasks assigned by the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of the Inter-services Organisation.
• Authority of the Central Government: The superintendence of an Inter-services Organisation will be vested in the central government. Furthermore, the government retains the authority to issue directions to such organizations based on considerations of national security, general administration, or public interest.

Swathi Weapon Locating Radar Mountains

The Indian Army has introduced the "Swathi Mountains," a lighter and more compact iteration of the domestically developed Weapon Locating Radar (WLR-M).

What is a Weapon Locating Radar?

• The Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) is a crucial asset for modern military operations, utilizing advanced signal processing techniques to autonomously detect and track hostile artillery, mortars, and rocket launchers. Notably, it can even track trajectories of friendly fire, enabling precise calculations for more accurate artillery strikes.
• The radar's sophistication lies in its capability to detect and track small projectiles across the battlefield, accounting for environmental conditions to estimate launch and impact points precisely. The WLR's high mobility and rapid deployment capabilities make it adaptable to changing operational requirements efficiently.
• With a swivel platform, the radar enhances agility, allowing it to scan different areas without the need for physical repositioning. Designed for effectiveness in hostile environments, the radar prioritizes survivability and resistance to electronic warfare measures.
• Furthermore, the WLR serves as a potent force multiplier for friendly forces by providing critical information on enemy weapon systems.

Swathi Mountains WLR

Overview

• The Swathi Mountains WLR represents an advanced electronically scanned phased array radar, meticulously developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru. Tailored for operations in mountainous and high-altitude terrains, its primary objective is to bolster the nation's battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Previous Version

• The earlier iteration, Swathi WLR (Plains), utilizes a passive phased array system with side lobe levels, enabling it to handle simultaneous fire from weapons deployed at multiple locations. Its adept signal processing efficiently manages diverse factors like weather conditions, ground clutter, and aerial objects, providing real-time information crucial for mission success.

Swathi Plains vs. Swathi Mountains

• The Swathi radar is available in two variants: Swathi Plains (WLR) and Swathi Mountains (WLR-M). While Swathi Plains focuses on locating hostile weaponry on flat terrains, Swathi Mountains emerges as a more compact and mobile version, specifically crafted for operations in mountainous and high-altitude landscapes. WLR-M can detect mortar shells and rockets, classify different targets, and automatically correct for height, ensuring enhanced accuracy.

Noteworthy Features:

• Trajectory Estimation: Offers trajectory estimation and launch/impact point extrapolation.
• Signal Rejection: Discriminates between projectile and non-projectile targets, rejecting unwanted signals like birds, clutter, and aircraft.
• Coordination Capabilities: Equipped to store and display trajectory data, maintaining seamless communication with higher echelons for better coordination.

Swathi's Success

• In March 2023, the Ministry of Defence inked contracts for the procurement of an improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars (WLR) Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army, amounting to over Rs 9,100 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a significant development fostering self-reliance and supporting the MSME sector. 
• The Indian Army, with recent orders, is set to operate 48 such systems. Additionally, India exported four Swathi Weapons Locating Radars to Armenia in March 2020, valued at $40 million, showcasing potential collaboration for defense equipment sales between the two nations.

3d-Printed Bombs

Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian private space vehicle company, has successfully conducted a test firing of its 3D-printed cryogenic engine, known as Dhawan II. This engine is specifically designed for their heavier launch vehicle, Vikram II.

Background:

• In November 2022, Skyroot Aerospace achieved a milestone by launching India's first privately developed rocket, Vikram-S. This recent test of the Dhawan II cryogenic engine contributes to the ongoing narrative of the privatization and expansion of India's space sector.

What is a Cryogenic Engine?

About:

• A cryogenic engine/ cryogenic stage is the last stage of space launch vehicles which makes use of Cryogenics.
• Cryogenics - the study of the production and behaviour of materials at extremely low temperatures (below -150℃) to lift and place the heavier objects in space.
• It uses Liquid Oxygen (LOx) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) as propellants.
• They are one of the hardest to develop and so far only 6 countries have these launch vehicles - the US, China, Russia, France, Japan, and India.
• India’s heaviest launch vehicles – GSLV and GSLV Mk III – use cryogenic fuel in the upper stage of the launch vehicle.

Advantages:

• It is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to solid and earth-storable liquid propellant rocket stages.
• Using a cryogenic upper stage instead of a solid fuel stage enhances the payload carrying capacity of a rocket.
• Both fuels (LOx and LH2) are environment-friendly compared to other solid, semi-cryogenic and hypergolic propellants used in the rocket industry.

Disadvantage:

• It is technically a much more complex system as against solid/earth-storable liquid propellant stages due to the usage of propellants at extremely low temperatures and the associated thermal and structural problems.

Initiatives in Space Sector Privatization

IN-SPACE:

• IN-SPACE, designed to ensure fairness for private companies utilizing Indian space infrastructure, serves as a centralized interface between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and entities interested in space activities or leveraging India's space resources.

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL):

• NSIL seeks to commercialize the research and development conducted by ISRO by collaborating with Indian industry partners for commercial purposes.

Indian Space Association (ISpA):

• ISpA, a non-profit industry body, is dedicated to fostering successful exploration, collaboration, and development within the private and public space industry in India.

Vikram Series of Skyroot:

• The Vikram series, named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the founder of the Indian Space Program, comprises modular space launch vehicles tailored for the small satellite market. The series includes Vikram S, Vikram, Vikram II, and Vikram III. Vikram S marked Skyroot as the first Indian private company to launch a rocket into space. Vikram II is slated for launch readiness in 2024, aiming to establish the company as the first private launcher from South Asia.

Significance of Space Sector Privatization:

• Global Market Share: The global space economy, valued at around USD 360.1 billion, sees India contributing only ~2%. Encouraging private participation can increase India's market share in the global space economy.
• Economic Boost: Involving Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) more actively can stimulate job creation in the space and related sectors, enhancing India's competitiveness in the global space market.
• Leadership in Space Technology: Privatization supports India's aspiration to become a global leader in space technology and innovation by leveraging new technologies, innovation, and management skills brought in by private players.
• Cost Optimization: Private sector involvement can lead to cost optimization and increased efficiency in space-related activities, allowing government resources to be directed to other critical sectors.
• Technological Advancements: Collaboration with private entities facilitates the infusion of new technologies and management expertise into the space sector, promoting innovation and progress.