INDIA'S CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS CAPABILITY
ayaz1
Contributing Editor Air Marshal (Retd) AYAZ AHMED KHAN gave a very comprehensive lecture to the members of the INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES. DJ takes great pleasure in the re-printing the text of his knowledgeable analysis
India always had well stocked weapon inventories which ensured three times or more superiority over Pakistan. But in spite of material and personnel preponderance Indian armed forces were humiliated in the October 1962 war with China in the NE, and with Pakistan in 1964 in the Rann of Kutch, and again in 1965. The present enhanced Indian weapon capability should be viewed in its historical context to understand that war is not a game of numbers alone. Lack of strategic wisdom, tactical, technical and organizational expertise, inflexibility, poor leadership, lack of boldness, courage, coordination, absence of cooperation, degraded political and military leadership, and low morale of officers and men has led to defeats in spite of highly favourable balance of forces. Reverses for India in the above conflicts were for such reasons.
The 1962 debacle at the hands of the PLA in the NE was used as a pretext for rapid military buildup with Soviet, US and Western assistance. Moscow provided military hardware including, APC's, and vast quantities of artillery and munitions for the Indian Army, Mig-21 fighters, SAM-2's, 3's and 7's and radar to the IAF, and combat ships and submarines for the Indian Navy. Hunter and Gnat fighters, Canberra bombers and Mystere fighters were procured from UK and France. The US supplied several squadrons of C-119 transport a/c, air defence radar and command communication systems. India invaded Pakistan with this massive military buildup but failed in its military and political aims and objectives for the earlier specified reasons. When India invaded Pakistan on the night of Sept 5/6, 1965, Indian Army was thrice the size of Pakistan Army-800000 troops in 17 Divs, Pakistan had about 250000; India had 1450 tanks compared to about 700 of Pakistan, and the I.A.F and I.N were three times larger than the PAF and Pakistan Navy. Indian military preponderance could not dictate the outcome of the 1965 war. Indian Air Force was decisively defeated in the battle for air superiority. Indian Navy was given crushing blows by the small but audacious Pakistan Navy, and Indian Army's armour and infantry offensives were blunted, and Pakistan Army made sizable gains in many areas. Patriotism, motivation, high morale, fine training, professionalism and good leadership were important Pakistani assets.
1971 War
After the 1965 humiliation India started preparing for the next round. Indian high command had learnt its lessons, and had resolved not to repeat past mistakes. The new strategic plan was for cultural and political subversion to foment rebellion in the East and invasion with enormously superior force. Indian Army was reorganized and reinforced into one armoured, 13 infantry, ten mountain divisions. 450 T-55/56 tanks were procured from Moscow, and 300 British Vickers were assembled in India. The armoured strength was increased to over 2200 MBT's. IAF was reinforced with seven squadrons of new Mig-21's and several squadrons of Su-7 strike aircraft. Flexibility was gained by raising more independent armour, infantry and para-brigades. Out of 25 divisions ten divisions were deployed around East Pakistan. Fifteen divisions and several independent brigades were concentrated close to the Western border to halt possible Pakistani riposte from the West. Soviet supplied radar, SAM-6, SAM-7 and SAM -8 regiments were deployed at IAF bases, and AAM's fitted on Mig-21's. Ten Hunter, and Canberra squadrons were deployed around East Pakistan. The bulk of the IAF 625 combat aircraft in 25 squadrons were positioned against West Pakistan. Indian Navy was made into a potent force, with a carrier battle group around Vikrant, and several submarines, destroyers, frigates and Ossa missile boats were moved to interdict maritime traffic between the two Wings. Having created political anarchy through subversion, internal chaos and external propaganda the opportunity of the century was exploited by invading East Pakistan from land, air and sea with ten times superior forces. The outcome of the invasion by ten to one superior attacking forces against the trapped and logistically deficient Pakistan Army was a foregone conclusion. Pakistan was axed into two. Pakistani rulers, politicians and generals did not rise to the occasion, and failed to provide political or military leadership to avert the looming disaster. The enemy cashed on the internal chaos created by them, and the political and military blunders made by them.
After the Ãâ71 war the Indian appetite for hegemony and enhanced self image became intense. Puffed by the victory Indian political and military leaders redefined their strategic aims and aspirations, but astonishingly continued to harp that besides China, Pakistan was the most serious threat to Indian security. Since December 1971 India has openly sought regional pre-eminence in the short term, and world power status in the long run.
India's entry into the nuclear club was announced on 17 May 1974 by the benign words Buddha is smiling. That day India detonated a 15 kiloton nuclear device at Pokharan. This atomic explosion heralded the evolution of new national and military strategy for India. Today the Indian defence minister George Fernandes is harping on the inevitability of nuclear weapons for India. He is talking about strategic review, and the inevitable next step. But he is repeating what Jawahar Lal Nehru had stressed four decades ago. Nehru was categorical that, It is difficult to envisage a mighty and powerful India without it possessing the nuclear arsenal. Defence Research and Development Organization established in late 60's embarked on missile development programme in 1979. By 1983 Integrated Guided missile Development Programme was approved for the development of five missile systems i.e. IRBM Agni, SSM Prithvi, Akash, Trishul and ATGM Nag. They are operational now. With priority given to IRBM Agni, ICBM Suriya, SLBM Sagarika, and surface skimming Parkash (with multiple warheads) are being developed in line with BJP's agenda for global thermonuclear capability. Other major indigenous defence production programmes including manufacture of Soviet designed Mig-21 fighters, T-74 tanks, design and manufacture of Arjun MBT, LCA fighter, modern destroyers, frigates, missile boats, radar, command and communication systems and full range of missiles and munitions were launched. India's massive military buildup since January 1972 has been fully supported by the 38 indigenous defence manufacturing industries, thereby enabling India to gain a military capability to sustain a full scale conventional military conflict for a longer period.
India has intensified defence buildup, because Indian motive is to masquerade as a potential global power, a regional hegemonist and a bully. Her perception of threat emerges from her aggressive national aims. Down sized and peaceful Pakistan is deliberately perceived as the main threat to regional Indian aims and global objectives. This exaggerated and overstated threat perception has resulted in the creation of a military force, which generates apprehensions of military interference and aggression among the neighbouring states in South Asia.
Indian track record is that of blatant aggression against all its neighbours. Indian aggression and military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is continuing till date. Only yesterday George Fernandes said that, We have come to a point where we believe we need to review the defence policy. If those threat perceptions are as one visualizes them to be, then you have no other option. If the strategic review leads us to a point where it becomes obvious it is time now to exercise the nuclear option, then we will exercise it.
This sabre rattling of nuclear option, when considered in the light of massive conventional military capability must never be ignored by Pakistan, China and other countries who are working for durable peace.
Indian defence build up and military capabilities have multiplied overtime, and have initiated a domino effect in the region. That Indian buildup is Pak-specific is evidenced by the fact that Indian mechanized forces viz three armoured divisions, four semi-armoured divisions, nine armoured brigades, and 17 tank regiments in as many infantry divisions i.e. total strength of 3314 tanks cannot be employed against the island of Sri Lanka, soggy Bangladesh, mountainous and tiny Nepal or across the mighty Himalayas against China. Pakistan clearly is the target.
The current strength of the Indian armed forces is 1.1145 million. The strength of the Indian Army is 980000. With 300000 Army reserves it totals at 1.28 million. Compared to this the strength of Pakistan Army is 520000. With half million reserves it totals at 1.02 million i.e. a ratio of 1.8 to one in ready troop strength, and 1.2 to one with reserves. Permanent deployment of 30% of the Indian Army on IS duties in Occupied Kashmir, Assam, Punjab, Nagaland and other states in the East has caused erosion in morale, training and operational expertise. Today 310,000 Indian troops deployed in IHK. Of these 110,000 are stationed in the Valley, 175,000 in Jammu province and 25000 in Ladakh. The regular troops are supported by 240,000 paras and 45000 police. That makes a total of nearly 600,000 Indian troops bottled up in Kashmir. This is a risky adventure and India which has slaughtered, tortured, maimed and raped quarter million Kashmiri men, women and children may have to pay a very heavy price for the brutal blood letting in Occupied Kashmir.
The Indian defence budget has increased from $ 8.4 billion in 1996-97 to $ 10.4 billion in 1997-98. Indian Army's capability is superior in some areas, e.g. it has 900 more tanks than Pakistan. But its 1200 Vijayantas are not considered battle worthy and are on their way to the scrap heap. The 700 T- 55's are also no match for modern and updated Pakistani armour. India's armour punch lies in its 1400 T-72-M1's. But half of that force is due for overhaul and updating. With the present state of Indian armour, Indian Army is not in a position to launch two or more decisive land offensives against Pakistan. Note however must be taken of the location and training status of the four Indian Rapid divisions with one mechanized brigade in each division.
Indian Army has an edge in fire-power i.e. 6499 artillery guns and mortars, compared to 2816 with Pakistan Army. This artillery imbalance must be corrected as soon as possible.
Indian superiority at sea is more than clear. Indian has 17 submarines while PN Navy has only six, and four of them are quite old. Three new submarines are under construction. India has invested heavily to create a blue water navy, which has plans to dominate the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean from the Straits of Malacca to Hormuz. Structured into Western and Eastern fleets under four naval commands the Indian Navy operates from ten naval bases, thus gaining dispersal and flexibility. Indian navy is primarily Pakistan specific; i.e. is a major threat to Pakistan's economy and security. Pakistan is an island state in the sense that its economy is dependent on the sea i.e. almost the entire movement of imports and exports including 70% of POL is by ships. Pakistan must have a strong Navy which is a guarantor of maritime security. We need a long term maritime policy if the looming maritime threat form India is to be averted. According the Chief of the Naval Staff the continental thinking that the battle will be fought in the plains has to change. I do not see interventionist moves across the international borders. What we do see are actions at sea, to hit at the economic vitals of the country. Pakistan Navy is the economic guarantor of this island nation, where 97% trade takes place through the sea. Well said Admiral Fasih Bokhari. It is hoped that the Government takes this advice seriously.
And lastly a few words about Indian Air power. The Chief of the Air Staff PAF recently stated that, Air power will be a decisive factor in any future conflict. Future wars will start with air power, and defeat and victory will be decided when either side concedes defeat in the air. Indian air power experts have derived hard lessons from the conduct and outcome of the Gulf War. India has invested heavily in air power. The IAF has been reinforced with 40 Su-30K force multiplier -multi-role fighters at a cost of $ 2 billion. One Su-30 has the range and punch of six modern day fighters. Existing fleets of 110 Mig-21 bis and 120 Mig-27's are being updated, and BVR- fire and forget munitions have been obtained in quantity. The thrust of the current IAF development strategy is towards the induction of modern aircraft and equipment. According to the Air Chief, The PAF today faces the traditional adverse ratio of one to three. But in the high tech dimension the adverse ratio is one to seven. Today the Indian Air force has a high tech combat aircraft inventory of 232 aircraft, while Pakistan is left with only 32 F-16 fighters. The imbalance in high tech weapons could result in serious consequences in the next three to four years. Presently the IAF has 44 combat squadrons, which will be reduced to 34 by 2005, but the IAF would enjoy much higher combat potential than today.
With 40 Su 30K's reinforcing 97 Jaguars, 80 Mig 23's and 120 Mig 27's IAF's deep penetration and strike/ offensive potential has greatly improved. It will further improve when the Prithvi is fitted with a better war-head, and the five Prithvi regiments are deployed in silos at designated positions. According to the present plans SSM Prithvis are being deployed in Occupied Kashmir at Uri, Gulmarg, and at Krishna Ghati near Raujari. Prithvi silos are under construction at Mahajan in Rajasthan, Ganganagar, Barmer, Bikaner, Lathi, Jaisalmer, and Jullunder. The known CEP of Prithvi is 1% of range, and therefore it cannot be categorized as a precision munitions. Besides at US Dollar one million per missile it is not cost effective for concentrated firepower. Frankly it is not the Prithvi which should give us sleepless nights, it is the offensive potential of the 232 high tech IAF strike aircraft which should. Their fire power can be concentrated in time and space with great mobility, accuracy and lethality. The IAF unless properly confronted by the PAF will be a menace for the Pakistan Army, Pak Navy, centres of industry, communications and population. In a future conflict IAF bases and Indian VP's will be buzzing with fourth generation Akash and Trishul SAM's in addition to the wide range of SAM's and radar controlled guns procured from Russia. For air to air missile capability IAF has top of the line AA-11 and AA-12 AAM's of Russian origin. DRDO is developing the advanced AAM Astra for the LCA, which is expected to enter service during the first decade of the next century.
For spying and strategic surveillance India has launched its own satellite with highly accurate imagery. With air to air refueling Su-30K will become a potent force multiplier, with enhanced range and capability to attack our VA's and VP's from unexpected directions. This capability will enable the Indian Navy to prowl deep in the Indian Ocean, with adequate air protection.
IAF has taken due note of the electronic spectrum which had successfully paralysed Iraqi air defences and command communications during the Gulf War. India has developed the capability to use EW technology to cripple command and communications of adversary's Army, Navy and Air Force. IAF has acquired a wide range of BVR munitions. Such capabilities have greatly enhanced the offensive and defensive capabilities of the IAF. In the next three to four years IAF is planned to be transformed into a formidable force possessing improved air defence capability, and potent offensive capability, able to create desired tactical and strategic impacts.
ayaz1
Contributing Editor Air Marshal (Retd) AYAZ AHMED KHAN gave a very comprehensive lecture to the members of the INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC STUDIES. DJ takes great pleasure in the re-printing the text of his knowledgeable analysis
India always had well stocked weapon inventories which ensured three times or more superiority over Pakistan. But in spite of material and personnel preponderance Indian armed forces were humiliated in the October 1962 war with China in the NE, and with Pakistan in 1964 in the Rann of Kutch, and again in 1965. The present enhanced Indian weapon capability should be viewed in its historical context to understand that war is not a game of numbers alone. Lack of strategic wisdom, tactical, technical and organizational expertise, inflexibility, poor leadership, lack of boldness, courage, coordination, absence of cooperation, degraded political and military leadership, and low morale of officers and men has led to defeats in spite of highly favourable balance of forces. Reverses for India in the above conflicts were for such reasons.
The 1962 debacle at the hands of the PLA in the NE was used as a pretext for rapid military buildup with Soviet, US and Western assistance. Moscow provided military hardware including, APC's, and vast quantities of artillery and munitions for the Indian Army, Mig-21 fighters, SAM-2's, 3's and 7's and radar to the IAF, and combat ships and submarines for the Indian Navy. Hunter and Gnat fighters, Canberra bombers and Mystere fighters were procured from UK and France. The US supplied several squadrons of C-119 transport a/c, air defence radar and command communication systems. India invaded Pakistan with this massive military buildup but failed in its military and political aims and objectives for the earlier specified reasons. When India invaded Pakistan on the night of Sept 5/6, 1965, Indian Army was thrice the size of Pakistan Army-800000 troops in 17 Divs, Pakistan had about 250000; India had 1450 tanks compared to about 700 of Pakistan, and the I.A.F and I.N were three times larger than the PAF and Pakistan Navy. Indian military preponderance could not dictate the outcome of the 1965 war. Indian Air Force was decisively defeated in the battle for air superiority. Indian Navy was given crushing blows by the small but audacious Pakistan Navy, and Indian Army's armour and infantry offensives were blunted, and Pakistan Army made sizable gains in many areas. Patriotism, motivation, high morale, fine training, professionalism and good leadership were important Pakistani assets.
1971 War
After the 1965 humiliation India started preparing for the next round. Indian high command had learnt its lessons, and had resolved not to repeat past mistakes. The new strategic plan was for cultural and political subversion to foment rebellion in the East and invasion with enormously superior force. Indian Army was reorganized and reinforced into one armoured, 13 infantry, ten mountain divisions. 450 T-55/56 tanks were procured from Moscow, and 300 British Vickers were assembled in India. The armoured strength was increased to over 2200 MBT's. IAF was reinforced with seven squadrons of new Mig-21's and several squadrons of Su-7 strike aircraft. Flexibility was gained by raising more independent armour, infantry and para-brigades. Out of 25 divisions ten divisions were deployed around East Pakistan. Fifteen divisions and several independent brigades were concentrated close to the Western border to halt possible Pakistani riposte from the West. Soviet supplied radar, SAM-6, SAM-7 and SAM -8 regiments were deployed at IAF bases, and AAM's fitted on Mig-21's. Ten Hunter, and Canberra squadrons were deployed around East Pakistan. The bulk of the IAF 625 combat aircraft in 25 squadrons were positioned against West Pakistan. Indian Navy was made into a potent force, with a carrier battle group around Vikrant, and several submarines, destroyers, frigates and Ossa missile boats were moved to interdict maritime traffic between the two Wings. Having created political anarchy through subversion, internal chaos and external propaganda the opportunity of the century was exploited by invading East Pakistan from land, air and sea with ten times superior forces. The outcome of the invasion by ten to one superior attacking forces against the trapped and logistically deficient Pakistan Army was a foregone conclusion. Pakistan was axed into two. Pakistani rulers, politicians and generals did not rise to the occasion, and failed to provide political or military leadership to avert the looming disaster. The enemy cashed on the internal chaos created by them, and the political and military blunders made by them.
After the Ãâ71 war the Indian appetite for hegemony and enhanced self image became intense. Puffed by the victory Indian political and military leaders redefined their strategic aims and aspirations, but astonishingly continued to harp that besides China, Pakistan was the most serious threat to Indian security. Since December 1971 India has openly sought regional pre-eminence in the short term, and world power status in the long run.
India's entry into the nuclear club was announced on 17 May 1974 by the benign words Buddha is smiling. That day India detonated a 15 kiloton nuclear device at Pokharan. This atomic explosion heralded the evolution of new national and military strategy for India. Today the Indian defence minister George Fernandes is harping on the inevitability of nuclear weapons for India. He is talking about strategic review, and the inevitable next step. But he is repeating what Jawahar Lal Nehru had stressed four decades ago. Nehru was categorical that, It is difficult to envisage a mighty and powerful India without it possessing the nuclear arsenal. Defence Research and Development Organization established in late 60's embarked on missile development programme in 1979. By 1983 Integrated Guided missile Development Programme was approved for the development of five missile systems i.e. IRBM Agni, SSM Prithvi, Akash, Trishul and ATGM Nag. They are operational now. With priority given to IRBM Agni, ICBM Suriya, SLBM Sagarika, and surface skimming Parkash (with multiple warheads) are being developed in line with BJP's agenda for global thermonuclear capability. Other major indigenous defence production programmes including manufacture of Soviet designed Mig-21 fighters, T-74 tanks, design and manufacture of Arjun MBT, LCA fighter, modern destroyers, frigates, missile boats, radar, command and communication systems and full range of missiles and munitions were launched. India's massive military buildup since January 1972 has been fully supported by the 38 indigenous defence manufacturing industries, thereby enabling India to gain a military capability to sustain a full scale conventional military conflict for a longer period.
India has intensified defence buildup, because Indian motive is to masquerade as a potential global power, a regional hegemonist and a bully. Her perception of threat emerges from her aggressive national aims. Down sized and peaceful Pakistan is deliberately perceived as the main threat to regional Indian aims and global objectives. This exaggerated and overstated threat perception has resulted in the creation of a military force, which generates apprehensions of military interference and aggression among the neighbouring states in South Asia.
Indian track record is that of blatant aggression against all its neighbours. Indian aggression and military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is continuing till date. Only yesterday George Fernandes said that, We have come to a point where we believe we need to review the defence policy. If those threat perceptions are as one visualizes them to be, then you have no other option. If the strategic review leads us to a point where it becomes obvious it is time now to exercise the nuclear option, then we will exercise it.
This sabre rattling of nuclear option, when considered in the light of massive conventional military capability must never be ignored by Pakistan, China and other countries who are working for durable peace.
Indian defence build up and military capabilities have multiplied overtime, and have initiated a domino effect in the region. That Indian buildup is Pak-specific is evidenced by the fact that Indian mechanized forces viz three armoured divisions, four semi-armoured divisions, nine armoured brigades, and 17 tank regiments in as many infantry divisions i.e. total strength of 3314 tanks cannot be employed against the island of Sri Lanka, soggy Bangladesh, mountainous and tiny Nepal or across the mighty Himalayas against China. Pakistan clearly is the target.
The current strength of the Indian armed forces is 1.1145 million. The strength of the Indian Army is 980000. With 300000 Army reserves it totals at 1.28 million. Compared to this the strength of Pakistan Army is 520000. With half million reserves it totals at 1.02 million i.e. a ratio of 1.8 to one in ready troop strength, and 1.2 to one with reserves. Permanent deployment of 30% of the Indian Army on IS duties in Occupied Kashmir, Assam, Punjab, Nagaland and other states in the East has caused erosion in morale, training and operational expertise. Today 310,000 Indian troops deployed in IHK. Of these 110,000 are stationed in the Valley, 175,000 in Jammu province and 25000 in Ladakh. The regular troops are supported by 240,000 paras and 45000 police. That makes a total of nearly 600,000 Indian troops bottled up in Kashmir. This is a risky adventure and India which has slaughtered, tortured, maimed and raped quarter million Kashmiri men, women and children may have to pay a very heavy price for the brutal blood letting in Occupied Kashmir.
The Indian defence budget has increased from $ 8.4 billion in 1996-97 to $ 10.4 billion in 1997-98. Indian Army's capability is superior in some areas, e.g. it has 900 more tanks than Pakistan. But its 1200 Vijayantas are not considered battle worthy and are on their way to the scrap heap. The 700 T- 55's are also no match for modern and updated Pakistani armour. India's armour punch lies in its 1400 T-72-M1's. But half of that force is due for overhaul and updating. With the present state of Indian armour, Indian Army is not in a position to launch two or more decisive land offensives against Pakistan. Note however must be taken of the location and training status of the four Indian Rapid divisions with one mechanized brigade in each division.
Indian Army has an edge in fire-power i.e. 6499 artillery guns and mortars, compared to 2816 with Pakistan Army. This artillery imbalance must be corrected as soon as possible.
Indian superiority at sea is more than clear. Indian has 17 submarines while PN Navy has only six, and four of them are quite old. Three new submarines are under construction. India has invested heavily to create a blue water navy, which has plans to dominate the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean from the Straits of Malacca to Hormuz. Structured into Western and Eastern fleets under four naval commands the Indian Navy operates from ten naval bases, thus gaining dispersal and flexibility. Indian navy is primarily Pakistan specific; i.e. is a major threat to Pakistan's economy and security. Pakistan is an island state in the sense that its economy is dependent on the sea i.e. almost the entire movement of imports and exports including 70% of POL is by ships. Pakistan must have a strong Navy which is a guarantor of maritime security. We need a long term maritime policy if the looming maritime threat form India is to be averted. According the Chief of the Naval Staff the continental thinking that the battle will be fought in the plains has to change. I do not see interventionist moves across the international borders. What we do see are actions at sea, to hit at the economic vitals of the country. Pakistan Navy is the economic guarantor of this island nation, where 97% trade takes place through the sea. Well said Admiral Fasih Bokhari. It is hoped that the Government takes this advice seriously.
And lastly a few words about Indian Air power. The Chief of the Air Staff PAF recently stated that, Air power will be a decisive factor in any future conflict. Future wars will start with air power, and defeat and victory will be decided when either side concedes defeat in the air. Indian air power experts have derived hard lessons from the conduct and outcome of the Gulf War. India has invested heavily in air power. The IAF has been reinforced with 40 Su-30K force multiplier -multi-role fighters at a cost of $ 2 billion. One Su-30 has the range and punch of six modern day fighters. Existing fleets of 110 Mig-21 bis and 120 Mig-27's are being updated, and BVR- fire and forget munitions have been obtained in quantity. The thrust of the current IAF development strategy is towards the induction of modern aircraft and equipment. According to the Air Chief, The PAF today faces the traditional adverse ratio of one to three. But in the high tech dimension the adverse ratio is one to seven. Today the Indian Air force has a high tech combat aircraft inventory of 232 aircraft, while Pakistan is left with only 32 F-16 fighters. The imbalance in high tech weapons could result in serious consequences in the next three to four years. Presently the IAF has 44 combat squadrons, which will be reduced to 34 by 2005, but the IAF would enjoy much higher combat potential than today.
With 40 Su 30K's reinforcing 97 Jaguars, 80 Mig 23's and 120 Mig 27's IAF's deep penetration and strike/ offensive potential has greatly improved. It will further improve when the Prithvi is fitted with a better war-head, and the five Prithvi regiments are deployed in silos at designated positions. According to the present plans SSM Prithvis are being deployed in Occupied Kashmir at Uri, Gulmarg, and at Krishna Ghati near Raujari. Prithvi silos are under construction at Mahajan in Rajasthan, Ganganagar, Barmer, Bikaner, Lathi, Jaisalmer, and Jullunder. The known CEP of Prithvi is 1% of range, and therefore it cannot be categorized as a precision munitions. Besides at US Dollar one million per missile it is not cost effective for concentrated firepower. Frankly it is not the Prithvi which should give us sleepless nights, it is the offensive potential of the 232 high tech IAF strike aircraft which should. Their fire power can be concentrated in time and space with great mobility, accuracy and lethality. The IAF unless properly confronted by the PAF will be a menace for the Pakistan Army, Pak Navy, centres of industry, communications and population. In a future conflict IAF bases and Indian VP's will be buzzing with fourth generation Akash and Trishul SAM's in addition to the wide range of SAM's and radar controlled guns procured from Russia. For air to air missile capability IAF has top of the line AA-11 and AA-12 AAM's of Russian origin. DRDO is developing the advanced AAM Astra for the LCA, which is expected to enter service during the first decade of the next century.
For spying and strategic surveillance India has launched its own satellite with highly accurate imagery. With air to air refueling Su-30K will become a potent force multiplier, with enhanced range and capability to attack our VA's and VP's from unexpected directions. This capability will enable the Indian Navy to prowl deep in the Indian Ocean, with adequate air protection.
IAF has taken due note of the electronic spectrum which had successfully paralysed Iraqi air defences and command communications during the Gulf War. India has developed the capability to use EW technology to cripple command and communications of adversary's Army, Navy and Air Force. IAF has acquired a wide range of BVR munitions. Such capabilities have greatly enhanced the offensive and defensive capabilities of the IAF. In the next three to four years IAF is planned to be transformed into a formidable force possessing improved air defence capability, and potent offensive capability, able to create desired tactical and strategic impacts.
