Feb-17Sec Flashcards
Feb-17Sec -Index
- India Launches Cyber Swachchta Kendra
- Tropex 2017
- Indian Coast Guard
- Outer Space Treaty
- Fencing the Eastern Border Along Myanmar
- Need of A Chief of Defence Staff
- UAVS to Power Armed Forces
- Modernization of Police Force
- Strengthening Security Along Coastline
- National Security Council
- Harbour Defense and Surveillance System
- Netra
- Ashwin Interceptor Missile
4.1. INDIA LAUNCHES CYBER SWACHCHTA KENDRA
Why in news
Minister of Electronics and Information Technology launched the Cyber Swachchta Kendra–Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre for analysis of malware and botnets that affect networks and systems.
About Cyber Swachchta Kendra
It is part of Digital India initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The systems will be scanned by the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) for free of all those users who register to the CSK website.
It will then notify, enable cleaning and secure systems of end-users to prevent further infections
This centre will work in coordination with the internet service providers (ISPs) and Industry.
This Kendra will also enhance awareness among citizens regarding botnet and malware infection along with
measures to be taken to secure their devices. Need Cybercrime cases in the country registered under the IT Act surged nearly 300 per cent between 2011 and 2014.
There are half a billion people online and over 250 million smartphones and one billion mobile phones in the country.
India is promoting Digital India, Go cashless campaign.
This will also promote start-ups in cyber-attack security
Announcements at the launch of Cyber Swachhta Kendra
The National Cyber Coordination Centre to be operational
by June 2017
Sectoral CERTs to be created, that would operate under CERT-In. CERTs are to be set up in the state level as well
10 more STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) Testing Facilities to be set up. Testing fee for any start-up that comes up with a digital technology in the quest of cyber security, to be reduced by 50%.
Empower designated Forensic Labs to work as the certified authority to establish cyber-crime.
Reasons for increasing cyber attacks
Increased Penetration: Use of internet is increasing rapidly whereas awareness about the security features is inadequate.
Moreover, India uses cheap smartphone which have low security features.
Borderless: The cyber world has no barriers of geography.
There is no national security architecture today that can assess the nature of cyber threats and respond to them effectively.
There is a lack of IT skilled manpower and also the local police is unaware of various provisions of IT Act, 2000 and also of IPC related to cybercrimes.
Lack of coordination among agencies and departments involved in cyber space like CERT-In, NTRO, etc.
What could be done?
Measures suggested by National Cyber Security 2013 should be implemented.
Immediate focus should be on increasing the trained workforce to manage the cyber security issues.
R&D should be done in cyber security in order to innovate technologies.
India should also build its own offensive team like China has built.
Concept of air gapping which isolate the critical infrastructures from the internet should be used
Institutional measures to be taken such as setting up Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, National Cyber Security Agency that can coordinate with various agencies at national level.
There should be coordination among all the stake holders vis-a-vis corporates, government, NGOs, etc. Recent Ground Zero Summit held to discuss the challenges in cyber security was a good move.
India should persuade at global forum for depleting the use of cyber weapons similar to that of NSG.
India can also follow Tallinn Manual which is an academic work related to laws that apply to cyber-crimes which developed nations such as USA are following.
Main 2013
Q. Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same?
Box–1-Botnet
A botnet is a network of computers infected with malware without the user’s knowledge and controlled by cybercriminals. They’re typically used to send spam emails, transmit viruses and engage in other acts of cybercrime. Malware
“Malware” is short for “malicious software” - computer programs designed to infiltrate and damage computers without the users consent.
Box–2-Tools provided for free under CSK are: M Kavach: Special anti-virus tool for smartphones and tablets. USB Pratirodh: It is a USB protector to help clean various external storage devices like USB(s), memory cards, external hard disks, etc. AppSamvid: This is a whitelisting tool for the desktop. Browser JSGuard: It helps to block malicious JavaScript and HTML files while browsing the web. Free Bot Removal Tool: It’s a QuickHeal partner tool.
4.2. TROPEX 2017
A month-long naval exercise put to test the combat readiness of the Navy, the IAF and the Army with over 45 ships and 70 aircraft taking part.
Theatre Readiness Operational Exercise (Tropex) was conducted along the Western seaboard.
The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in January 2015.
Tropex, in complete coordination with the Army and the Indian Air Force, took place in phases to test the various facets of war-fighting and joint combat capabilities of the armed forces.
The 2017 edition of TROPEX included the conduct of large scale ‘Out of Area Contingency’ in island territory.
4.3. INDIAN COAST GUARD
Why in news?
Indian Coast Guard recently celebrated its 41st Raising Day
Background
Nag committee of 1970 recommended the creation of separate marine
force (other than Indian Navy) to deal with smuggling activities.
In 1972, UNCLOS awarded Exclusive Economic Zones to coastal states and
India enacted Maritime Zones of India Act 1976 to claim it.
After discovery of commercial oil assets in 1974 in Arabian Sea, India
appointed Rustamji committee to suggest measures to combat piracy and
smuggling in coastal areas. Committee recommended the creation of
‘Coast Guard’ for superintendence and policing of our seas.
Finally Coast guard came into existence under the Indian Coast Guard Act
1978.
About Indian Coast Guard
It is headquartered in Delhi.
It is headed by Director General Indian Coast Guard and operates
under Ministry of Defence.
For effective command and control, maritime zones of Coast guards
are divided into five regions - North-West, West, East, North-East and
Andaman & Nicobar.
Functions of Indian Coast guard are -
o Safety and protection of Artificial islands and offshore terminals
o Protection of Fishermen by giving assistance to fishermen in
distress at sea.
o Prevention and Protection of Marine environment like marine pollution.
o Assistance to custom officials in prevention of smuggling operations.
o Coast guard ships are also involved in collection of scientific data.
o Enforce maritime laws and related international conventions along with the Indian Navy.
Its jurisdiction of enforcement extends from territorial water to the Exclusive Economic Zone (see diagram).
Box–Operation Oliva
It is a mission launched by Indian Coast Guard and Odisha state forest department along the sea waters of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.
It is to ensure safe mid-sea breeding of Olive Ridley turtles and to intercept intruding fishing vessels involved in illegal fishing.
—Fig—
4.4. OUTER SPACE TREATY
Why in News?
Outer Space Treaty has just completed 50 years of its establishment.
Background
Launch of Russian space satellite Sputnik in 1957 and the resultant Cold War conditions led to a space race.
For a stable framework to use space, UN General Assembly formed a Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) after the launch of Sputnik. This led to the establishment of the treaty in 1967.
About the Treaty
The treaty draws on several previous United Nations General
Assembly resolutions -
Resolution 1962 regarding the “Declaration of Legal Principles
Governing the State Activities in the Exploration and Use of
Outer Space”.
Resolution 1884 calling States to refrain from placing any
nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in
space.
Some of the other provisions of the treaty are –
The exploration and use of outer space is open to all and shall
be carried out for the benefit of all countries and mankind.
Outer space is not subject to national claims on sovereignty,
occupation, or other means.
Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for
peaceful purposes.
States shall be liable for national space activities and damages whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities.
India is also a member of Outer Space Treaty.
Need of the treaty
Space is a Global common – a resource that lies outside the political reach of any one nation State. Fair and Equitable access to Space is therefore necessary for all.
Geopolitically, space is becoming a tool of state militarization and sovereignty. It has to be kept a peaceful and progressive domain by effective standards.
With rise of commercialization of space like space travel, asteroid mining, experimental sciences etc. a treaty for better regulation can be useful.
Significance of the Treaty
It is the only treaty to govern the space sector with worldwide representation.
It has been successful in preventing any major military conflicts in space sector till now.
Challenges faced by the Treaty
Multiple issues have cropped up that challenge the space sector today such as –
Privatization of space exploration
Dangers of excessive satellite debris
Utilization of satellite technology for unethical breaches of privacy
Emergence of Quantum Physics, Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computing
Limitations of the treaty
Vague definition of terms like Weapons of mass
destruction, Outer Space etc. makes it liable for
misuse.
Although it bans the deployment of military
technology, it allows it for research purposes only
which is sometimes exploited as a loophole.
It is a 20th century treaty in a 21st century digital age
which has replaced the traditional weapons by
cyber-digital weapons. The treaty is still focused in
previous lexicon.
Lack of a ‘Space Police’ makes it toothless to enforce the provisions of the Treaty against any State excess.
Way Forward
It is time to revisit the treaty to deal with the unique challenges posed by the interconnected postmodern globalized world and maximize the benefits out of the space domain for all. Also, Indian Parliament should pass a dedicated space law on lines of Outer Space Treaty to protect its interests.
Box–1-UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) (1958)
It promotes international cooperation in peaceful uses of Outer Space.
It serves as the secretariat for UNGA’s UN committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
It also establishes UN register for Objects launched into Outer space.
It manages the UN Platform for Space based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN -SPIDER).
Issues relating to militarization of space are handled by Conference on
Box–2-Four other major treaties dealing with Outer Space
- Rescue Agreement: States to take steps for rescue and assist of astronauts in distress.
- Liability Convention: The launching State is liable to pay compensation for damage caused by its space objects on the Earth’s surface, airspace and in space.
- Registration Convention: An openly accessible register of all launches.
- Moon Treaty - An international regime should be established to govern the exploitation of Moon’s resources when it becomes feasible.
Box–3-Space Law proposed by India
India does not have a space law to protect sovereign, public or commercial interests.
Presently space activities in India are guided by –
o Some international space agreements like Outer Space Treaty
o Constitution and some national laws
o Satellite Communications (SatCom) Policy (2000), Revised Remote sensing policy (2011).
Provisions of the proposed law –
o It would include a regulator
o Registration and licences for private operators
o Insurance and compensation for harm caused by space objects
o Miscellaneous issues like Rescue of space tourists, environmental damage and handling of intellectual property issues.
Benefits of the law –It will help the government to approach commercial use of space, international treaties and state regulatory mechanisms.
4.5. FENCING THE EASTERN BORDER ALONG MYANMAR
Why in News?
Recent construction of border fence by Myanmar has led to resentment among the people along the Indo-
Myanmar border.
Background
Myanmar will construct the fence in its Naga self-
administered zone, 10 metres from the demarcation border
line for effective border management.
The Northeast insurgents like NSCN-K move seamlessly between the two countries due to porous borders.
They also find safe havens across the border after carrying out attacks in India.
In 2015, India carried out surgical strikes against NSCN-K by crossing the border in response to the killing of a troop contingent by the insurgents.
Supreme Court has also asked the government to fence the eastern border like the western one.
Issues involved
Sovereignty v/s National Security – With recent surgical strike by India, question arises whether National Security of one country can be given precedence over the Sovereignty of the other country. Fencing may be a move to protect sovereignty.
National security v/s right to livelihood and trade - 1,624 km long India-Myanmar border gives tribals a travel access up to 16 km on either side without visa (known as Free Movement Regime). Fencing may disturb these trade activities but may prevent seamless movement of insurgents.
Challenges to the fencing
Indian intelligence agencies have cautioned that fencing by Myanmar may lead to armed conflicts by locals.
What needs to be done? Alternative strategies other than unconditional fencing can be taken up like - Selective fencing and better use of technology to check the militant’s movements. Regulated flow of cross-border movement. It is essential to have tripartite talks between both the governments and the locals before the finalization and implementation of such plans.
Way Forward Regulated borders with greater emphasis on developing people-to-people contacts and cross-border trade initiatives are likely to yield greater security benefits as against a closed border that may lead to a disturbed security environment amidst popular discontent.
Box–Surgical Strike
It is a military attack intended to inflict damage on a specific target, with little or no collateral damage to surrounding areas.
4.6. NEED OF A CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
Why in News?
There was a proposal to setup a single point military advisor in one year in the recently held Combined Commanders’ conference in Dehradun, chaired by the Prime Minister.
Background
Both Kargil Review committee and a Group of Ministers in 2000, recommended setting up a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to improve synergy in the three armed services.
In 2011, Naresh Chandra recommended the same for reforms in higher defence management.
Issue involved
Under the present structure, Ministry of Defence (MoD)
receives military advice in a fragmented way as each of the
service chiefs, advices MOD independent of one another.
Characteristics of Chief of Defence Staff
Group of Ministers setup in 2000 recommended the following
related to CDS –
It will be a five star military officer with the function of
being a single point military advisor to the government.
It would chair the meetings of Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC)
Naresh Chandra committee (2011) recommended a four-star CDS that would act as a permanent chairman of the CoSC.
It was recommended that CDS will also be in charge of the country’s tri-Service Commands –
Strategic Forces Command (SFC) - dealing with India’s nuclear forces.
Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)
Significance It will improve jointness in military command by integration of the present tri-service approach in projects and resource sharing. It would also improve capacity of the armed forces on defence acquisition by removing time and cost overruns with the bureaucracy.
Challenges
A five star ranking general would
bypass the civilian bureaucracy in
defence decision-making.
It may become a ceremonial post
without any clear cut roles and
responsibilities.
Way Forward
Government of India should act steadfastly to have a single point military adviser that is free of bureaucratic hassles and helps provide synergy to the armed forces.
Box–1-Chief of Staff Committee
It consists of Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs.
It is headed by the senior-most of the three chiefs in a rotation till the senior-most retires.
It is a platform where the three service chiefs discuss important military issues
Box–2-Other reforms needed to promote synergy in armed forces
Need to set up theatre commands to integrate air, land and sea assets under one operational entity to optimize resource utilization.
India should have specialized commands for special operations like space and cyber domains.
Need to have synergy among research institutions like DRDO with the armed forces and Ministry of Defence.
4.7. UAVS TO POWER ARMED FORCES
Why in News?
Recently there was a wide display of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the Aero India 2017 by domestic and overseas companies to tap India’s $3 billion domestic market.
Background
India is investing heavily in developing unmanned vehicles at ground, sea and air.
DRDO, National Aeronautics Ltd. And Hindustan
Aeronautics Ltd. is working on various drone
projects.
DRDO is also planning to have a policy document
for drones by 2020.
Upcoming projects
The defence PSUs are now focusing on developing
mini-UAVs which can be used for surveillance and
would also have better stealth in combat facilities.
The Combat Vehicles Research and Development
Establishment (CVRDE), a DRDO laboratory, is
developing various unmanned ground vehicles
(UGV) under its Muntra project.
o Muntra-N is designed for nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance
o Muntra-M is intended for mine detection missions.
The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, is developing various Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for naval warfare.
Significance
They can be remotely controlled. Therefore it saves any loss of soldiers in the case of security threats.
They can be used for reconnaissance of difficult terrain like forests or marshes where access is difficult.
Such vehicles are also needed for monotonous and technical works like bomb and mine disposal.
UAV is capable of remote warfare to counter threatening state and non-state actors.
Challenges
UAVs are being increasingly used for both military and non-military purposes. There is an apprehension that UAVs can be misused to violate privacy.
Sufficient digital infrastructure for security is still not there to protect our drones from instances of hacking.
Way Forward
UAV regulations have been released recently by the government. It should be implemented in an efficient manner.
India is a large importer of defence equipment. It even imports Unmanned Vehicles especially from Israel. Therefore indigenous production of UAVs is also needed to improve self-sufficiency.
Box–1-Aero India 2017
It was held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Karnataka.
It would bolster business opportunities in International aviation sector.
It was held by Ministry of Defence along with Ministry of Civil Aviation
Box–2-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
It is an aircraft with no pilot on board.
UAVs can be remote controlled aircraft (e.g. flown by a pilot at a ground control station) or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems.
Unmanned vehicles can also exist on land and in sea.
Box–3-Draft UAV regulations
All UAVs operated in India will require a Unique Identification Number (UIN) issued from DGCA.
All civil UAVs have to obtain operator permit from DGCA.
UIN will be granted to an Indian citizen or a company whose chairperson and two-thirds of its directors are Indian citizens.
Such UAVs shall not be sold or disposed to any other person or firm without permission from DGCA.
It lists out guidelines to train remote pilots above 18 years of age as well as the regulations on controlled airspace.
Import of drones will require prior approval from DGCA.
UA operations only at or above 200 feet AGL (above ground level) in uncontrolled airspace will require permit from DGCA.
International operations of civil UAV and/or over water shall be strictly prohibited.
Box–4-Various Unmanned Aerial Vehicles today in India
Rustom: It has been indigenously designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of Bangalore under DRDO. Its features are:
o It is a medium altitude long endurance (24 hours) UAV.
o It is being developed to carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the armed forces.
o It can carry different short and long range payloads. It can also carry electronic and communication intelligence.
Nishant: It has been designed and developed by ADE. Its features are
o It was designed for battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance, tracking of targets and artillery fire correction.
o It is capable of catapult launch and recovered by using parachute thus eliminating need for runway.
o After various crashes Army has decided to stop any further induction of them.
Panchi: It has been designed and developed by ADE. Its features are
o It is the wheeled version of UAV Nishant. It is capable to land and take off from small airstrips.
o It is lighter UAV than Nishant. It also has better stealth features.
Lakshya: It is a reusable aerial target system. Its features are
o It can be remotely operated from ground to provide aerial target for training of gun and Missile crew and Air
Box–5-Defence pilots for the armed forces.
Daksh: It is a land based drone used for bomb disposal developed by DRDO.
4.8. MODERNIZATION OF POLICE FORCE
Why in News?
Despite a 30% increase in the budget of Home Ministry, projects related to police modernization and police infrastructure are still lagging.
Background
In 2000, Modernization of Police Force (MPF) scheme was launched by Ministry of Home Affairs
o To modernize police and reduce dependence on paramilitary troops.
o To equip the police with the latest equipment and infrastructure.
o To improve police mobility, weapons, equipment, training infrastructure, computerization and forensic science facilities.
o For funding, the states are grouped into two categories –
Category A states: North East States and J&K– Centre and States share funding in the ratio of 90:10.
Category B states- Centre and States share funding in the ratio of 60:40.
Budget 2017-18 - Recently budgetary allocation was increased (as compared to previous year) for Modernization of the police and Police infrastructure.
Other schemes proposed for Modernizing police
Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS) scheme –
o It aims to provide the Investigating Officers of the Civil Police with tools, technology and information to facilitate investigation of crime and criminals by connecting the police stations to a centralized database.
o It aims to improve Police functioning in various other areas such as Law & Order, Traffic Management etc.
o It is far from completion still.
Police modernization has been included as an Integrated Mission Mode Project (MMP) under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP).
Scheme of Mega City Policing (MCP) has been started where police forces in seven cities – Mumbai. Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Ahmedabad are being modernized.
Significance of Modernization
Modernization of police force is centered upon two broad issues –
o Modernization of physical infrastructure – Eg. Construction of more forensic science laboratories etc.
o Modernization of Police Force – Eg. Improving our weaponry and equipments etc.
To improve law and order and also make the police more transparent and accountable, such reforms are necessary.
Modernization of police force is a step towards achieving a ‘SMART’ police as stated by the Prime Minister of India.
Challenges
Law and Order is a State subject. Therefore Centre-State
cooperation is necessary.
Connectivity and server issues are a huge problem in some
states, where districts are far-flung.
CAG report has found challenges in the working of the MPF
scheme:
o There were persistent delays in the formation of plans for up gradation by the State police.
o There were considerable delays in procuring new infrastructure like vehicles.
o Modernization happened without adequate increase in the manpower. Eg. Many District Control rooms were made without any manpower.
o Basic facilities like Forensic labs and Fingerprint bureaus are still in shortage.
o Police training to use modernized equipments and processes was low.
Way Forward
A Parliamentary Committee has recommended pursuing police modernization as soon as possible. With the internal security threat expanding from just being physical to even in digital domain, police modernization is the need of the hour to tackle threats from both the state and non-state actors.
Box--SMART Police In 2014, Prime Minister of India gave an acronym of SMART police which means: S – Strict and Sensitive M – Modern and Mobile A – Alert and Accountable R – Reliable and responsive T – Tech savvy and Trained
4.9. STRENGTHENING SECURITY ALONG COASTLINE
Why in news?
The Home Ministry said that a comprehensive Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) to strengthen security infrastructure of Marine Police Force in coastal states/UTs is being implemented.
Background
Following the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack greater need was felt to strengthen patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas, particularly shallow areas close to the coast.
At the apex level the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS), coordinates all matters related to Maritime and Coastal Security.
At present, there is three-tier security for the coastal states of the country.
o The police forces of the respective coastal states and Union territories have jurisdiction of up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.
o The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have jurisdiction over the entire maritime zone up to 200 nautical miles, including the 12 nautical miles of territorial waters.
About CSS
CSS seeks to strengthen patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas.
Patrolling:
Under the scheme, coastal states and Union territories have operationalized 183 Coastal Police Stations (CPSs). These CPSs have come up in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha.
Coastal check posts have also been set up in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
204 boats and vessels have been deployed across all coastal regions, along with 280 four-wheelers and 546 two-wheelers.
Surveillance:
Modern technical measures have been implemented by way of a chain of 74 Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers and a chain of overlapping 46 coastal radars, for gapless cover along the entire coast.
National Command Control Communication and Intelligence Network (NC3I) collates data about all ships, dhows, fishing boats and all other vessels operating near our coast, from multiple technical sources including AIS and radar chain.
These inputs are fused and analysed at the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) at Gurgaon, which disseminates this compiled Common Operating Picture for Coastal Security to all 51 nodes of the Navy & Coast Guard spread across the coast of India.
Joint operations centres have been set up by the Indian Navy as command and control hubs for coastal security at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi and Port Blair.
Paramilitary forces and the Indian Army have also been manning open riverine spaces in north India to thwart infiltration attempts
NCSMCS periodically reviews coastal security against threats from the sea with all stakeholders.
Other steps taken include:
Issue of ID cards to all fishermen with a single centralised database.
Registration of over 2 lakh fishing vessels operating off our coast and equipping fishing boats with suitable equipment, to facilitate vessel identification and tracking.
4.10. NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
Why in News?
The government has allocated Rs 333 crore to National Security Council Secretariat in budget 2017-18, a major hike from Rs. 33 crore from last fiscal.
What is National Security Council?
The National Security Council is the apex body of national security management system in India.
The council is responsible for advising the PM on matters of strategic importance and security issues relating both to domestic and international arenas.
It is presided over by the National Security Advisor.
It comprises of Strategic Policy Group, the National Security Advisory Board and a secretariat from Joint Intelligence Committee.
Box—
NSAB: to undertake long-term analysis of and provide perspectives on issues of national security.
Strategic policy Group: to make policy recommendations to the NSC.
Joint Intelligence Committee:
Analyses intelligence data from different intelligence agencies in the country.
4.11. HARBOUR DEFENSE AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
Indian Navy has installed Integrated Underwater Harbour Defense and Surveillance (IUHDSS) at Mumbai naval harbour.
Designed by Israeli Aerospace Industry called ELTA, it comprise of Coastal Surveillance Radars, High Power Underwater Sensors and Diver Detection Sonars.
It is capable of detecting, identifying, tracking and generating warnings for all types of surface and sub-surface threats to harbour security.
This integrated system (already installed at Kochi and Visakhapatnam) will enhance the security of naval dockyard of Mumbai by providing the comprehensive real-time images for monitoring and analysis.
The creation of the Sagar Prahari Bal, induction of Fast Interceptor Crafts and commissioning of the IUHDSS are some of the Navy’s measures to strengthen coastal security in a post 26/11 scenario.
4.12. NETRA
First indigenously developed airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C) called NETRA, mounted on a Brazilian Embraer-145 jet has been inducted into Indian Air Force.
NETRA has been developed by Defense Research and Development Organization.
India has become only 4th such nation after United States, Russia and Israel that have developed such technology on their own.
Currently Indian Air Force using 3 Israeli Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) which are mounted on Russian IL-76 heavy-lift planes. These Phalcon AWACS has a range of 400 kms and 360-degre coverage.
Some of the important features of NETRA are:
Range of 200 kms (Capability to detect aerial threats from incoming aircraft and missiles).
240 degrees coverage (simultaneously scan the area on both sides of aircraft)
State of the art active electronically scanned radar.
Secondary surveillance radar.
Electronic and communication counter measures.
Line of sight and beyond line of sight data link.
Voice communication system and self-protection suit.
4.13. ASHWIN INTERCEPTOR MISSILE
Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested its indigenously developed supersonic Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile called Ashwin from Abdul Kalam Island (also known as Wheeler Island) of the coast of Odisha.
Ashwin Missile, capable of destroying any incoming enemy ballistic missile at low altitude of 15-30 kms (endo-atmospheric), successfully destroyed the incoming missile at an altitude of 15 km.
It is 7.5-metre long, single stage, solid rock propelled guided missile equipped with an inertial navigation system, an advanced computer and an electro-mechanical activator.
Successful trial validates the reliability of India’s under development Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System.
It places India in the exclusive club of USA, Russia and Israel that have full-fledged multi layered Ballistic Missile Defense
system.
Box—About Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System
It provides an effective missile shield against incoming ballistic and nuclear missiles.
India’s BMD is a double-layered defense system capable of tracking and destroying hostile missiles both inside (endo) and outside (exo) the earth’s atmosphere.
It consists of two interceptor missiles namely:
Prithvi Defence vehicle (PDV) missile for exo-atmospheric ranges (15-30 km altitude).
Advanced Area Defence (Ashwin) missile for endo-atmosphere - (more than 50 km altitude).
DRDO expects to have the BMD system
