Mate, all sorts of 'variables' are played out in contingency planning..... for heavens sake, the Yanks have even played simulations in which even the Martians were one of the variables. It's just one of those discreet system simulations where you get to test out your new hardware and throw in various probabilistic models........ in the end, these are just 'games', most of which will never be used..... the problem here is many not-so-discreet Indian General and Admirals milking these studies............ maybe they are required to spread this 'difinformation' as part of the package by military intelligence? Only god knows............
P.S. Merchants ships are in a different ballpark altogether....... even a half-fed Somali armed with an AK with APB rounds, 6 clips, two sidearms, a kevlar jacket and fast enough dinghy can wreak havoc to a 'merchant ship'!