Gp Capt Sachin Tendulkar To Be Pipped By Air Chief In Delhi's Subroto Park On Sep 3 !!

Army Chief Calls Some Media Reports 'Appalling'

Opening a two-day seminar today on military-media relations, Army Chief Gen V K Singh said that certain media reports were 'appalling' to the men in uniform. But he acknowledged the existence of the inevitable friction between the media and the military, which he said would exist as both were doing their respective jobs.

The seminar, organised by Indian Army's Simla-based Artrac, is on tomorrow also at the DRDO Bhawan's Kothari auditorium in New Delhi. Prominent and senior media personalities have been invited to speak on both days, along with army officers (retired and serving). Tomorrow Times Now's Arnab Goswami is one of the speakers.

First Indian Defence Minister To Visit South Korea, As Part Of Look East Policy

Defence Cooperation between India and South Korea is poised to receive a major boost when the Defence Minister AK Antony goes on a two-day visit to Seoul beginning September 02, 2010. This is the first ever visit of an Indian Defence Minister to South Korea at the invitation of his counterpart, Mr. Kim Tae-young. The visit is part of India’s Look East Policy and a wide range of issues including defence cooperation for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and bilateral cooperation in Research and Development for manufacture of military equipment will figure prominently during the discussion between Antony and the top leadership of South Korea. Antony will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Vice Admiral RK Dhowan, Lt General KT Parnaik, Dr. Prahlada and Sundaram Krishna. The Indian delegation will also visit some of the defence establishments of South Korea.

Antony’s visit has been planned as a follow-up of the declaration issued by both countries during the State visit of the South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak to New Delhi in January, this year, when it was decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a ‘strategic partnership’. It may be recalled that the foundation for India - South Korea defence relations was laid in 2005, when the two countries signed a MoU on Cooperation in Defence, Industry and Logistics. Yet another MoU for Cooperation between the Coast Guards of the two countries was signed in March 2006.

China In PoK

MoD Increases Ration Entitlement Of PBORs At Par With Officers:2 Eggs, 230 Gms Fresh Fruit Everyday In Peace-Field

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has ordered an increased quota of fresh rations for PBORs at par with the officers, a letter of which has been to the Army chief with a copy to the Naval and Air Chiefs.

Earlier those posted at high altitude (9000 feet and above), were entitled to one egg and no egg in peace locations and 230 grams fresh fruits thrice a week in high alti areas and 110 gms fresh fruit in peace.

The new order says that officers and PBORs will all be entitled to two eggs a day and 230 gms fresh fruit everyday both in peace and field.

Comes right after the CAG report on stale rations for troops. A major egg scam surfaced in the Army's Northern Command in 2007.Around 50 Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels were asked to explain the irregularities in the procurement and supply of eggs to officers.

Normally an officer is authorized an egg weighing 48 grams as part of his ration, but the eggs being supplied to officers posted in the Northern Command weighed 40 grams.

Beijing Mum On Visa Denial

R I P Lt Cdr Firdaus D Moghal

The second-in-command of naval submarine INS Shankush, Lt Cdr Firdaus D Moghal, Executive Officer of Shankush died in an accident at sea, off Mumbai, in the forenoon hours today.

The submarine on a planned exercise had developed a defect which necessitated the maintenance crew to come out on the casing and attempt repairs. Whilst coming out for effecting repairs, the maintenance team was washed overboard due to very rough sea state.

A team of five officers and sailors led by Lt Cdr Firdaus started the rescue operations immediately and managed to recover all the sailors who were washed overboard. During the operation, Lt Cdr Firdaus was also washed overboard and suffered concussions on his forehead. He was subsequently rescued by a helicopter which was dispatched from INS Shikra (Naval Air Station) at Mumbai. The officer was administered first aid in the helicopter, but could not be revived. The post mortem report has indicated death by drowning due to an injury.

CWG Queen's Baton In Southern Naval Command, Kochi !!

Lt Gen Jaswal Visited China In 2008 After 3 Command tenures in J and K, Is Not Ethnic Kashmiri, Dogra From Himachal !

*Flash* : Chetak Crashes Today Morning At HAL Airport, No Casualties

Army Proposes Re-definition Of Operational Areas Of Engagement

With an aim to fix benefits and allowances attached with areas of engagement and operation, the Indian Army has put up a proposal with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to re-define its field, modified field and peace stations.

Done almost three decades back, the need for re-definition was felt as the Army's operational engagements like counter insurgency and counter terrorism (CICT) were not existent thirty years back. Since these roles also have similar rules of engagement and operational areas like that of conventional field, it was important to re-define them, so that if there was a loss of life the deceased soldier or his next-of-kin could be categorised as per his operational commitment, for monetary benefits.

After insurgency began in 1989, the Army tried to re-define areas of operation in the mid-90s but was not able to do it. MoD is yet to take a decision on this.

A source said that since earlier in a conventional operational scenario, it was the area along the border coming in close contact with the enemy which was categorised as field, now since those in counter insurgency are also in close contact with the enemy, therefore despite being hinterland, it would still be called field or modified field, for practical purposes.

Though the army reviews its operational areas every six months, but strict definition has not been carried out for almost thirty years.

Army Officers Seek Stay On Movie Lamhaa

DNA

'Henderson Brooks Report Reveals Total Incompetence Of Indian Military Top Brass In 1962 Sino-Indian Conflict'--CIC

India Third In Nuclear Legal Liability Limit

DNA

Xclusive : MoD Directs Army To Hold Out Of Turn Promotion Board For A Major General

In an unprecedented move the Indian Army's seven Army Commanders, and Chief and Vice Chief got together on August 20 in Delhi to hold a promotion board for a Major General who's complaint had been rejected twice by the Army and who has lost his case for promotion in the Armed Forces Tribunal.

Presently serving in the Chandimandir-based Western Command as Major General Army Ordnance Corps (MGAOC), Major General S P Sinha, had approached the army headquarters as he had missed his selection board for promotion, not once but twice. Twice his complaint had been rejected after which the officer approached the armed forces tribunal, where he lost his case. Maj Gen Sinha is then said to have approached the Ministry of Defence with his complaint, who directed the Army to hold his board before he retires on August 31 this year.

A source said, "The officer missed his promotion earlier twice based on his performance and merit, by the same set of nine top officers of the Indian Army, and now the same officers have been directed by the MoD to take up his case and hold a special board just for him, out of turn, 10 days before his retirement."

The top nine officers who preside over promotion boards for senior ranks, twice a year, are General Officer Commanding in Chief of the seven Commands and the Army Chief and Vice Chief, all of whom meet during Army Commanders Conference to clear senior promotions.

Maj Gen Sinha refused to comment, when DNA contacted him.

The two top posts of the Ordnance Corps held by Lieutenant General ranking officers are that of DGOS (Director General Ordnance Services) and the Commandant of the Jabalpur-based College of Material Management (CMM).

The post of CMM Commandant has been vacant from January 1, 2008 till date, while the post of DGOS was vacant from October 31, 2008 till July this year, when Lt Gen Pradeep Bhalla was appointed in July 2010 as DGOS after his promotion as Lt Gen. He was MGAOC Kolkata, before this, and if Maj Gen Sinha becomes Lt Gen, he would be senior to Lt Gen Bhalla.

The top post of the Ordnance Corps of the army is a coveted post, and has an allocation of more than Rs 2000 crore every year. The Ordnance Corps is responsible for the provisioning and procurements of clothing, ammunition, spare parts, for the entire Indian Army.

Other officers who could not make it to the rank of a Lt Gen from the batch of those commissioned in 1972, are Maj Gen G.S.Narula and Maj Gen Anil Sarup. Maj Gen Sarup retired from CMM Jabalpur in July 2009, while Narula retired as ADG-OS in May 2010. Maj Gen A K Kapur, senior to all these officers, retired in November 2009, and despite being empannelled could not become a Lt Gen, due to the CBI inquiry for his assets disproportionate to his income, for which the officer approached the Delhi High Court. The High Court has cleared Maj Gen Kapur, but the Army has gone to the Supreme Court against the HC order.

Sources have indicated to DNA that in all probability the officer will be made Lt Gen, as a special board is being held for him, and being senior to Bhalla, he might even be appointed as DGOS, which is the seniormost post for Ordnance officers, while Bhalla might be sent to CMM Jabalpur.

Photos : India-Brazil Joint Defence Committee

Fauj-India's First And Only Defence Mag In Hindi, In Its Latest Issue, Covers Chindits On Women Combatants, Their PC !!

Copyright:Fauj Magazine-August-2010 Issue

LtCol Kapil Dev To Plant Trees In Territorial Army's Eco Battalion Tomorrow!

Honorary Lt Col Kapil Dev of the Territorial Army, will participate by being the Chief Guest here in Delhi tomorrow in the Indian Army--Territorial Army's plantation drive to create an awareness among the general public about environment. Around a 2500 trees/plants will be planted in the Delhi-based 132 Ecological TA--Rajput Regiment, also organised by the same battalion, and funded by the Delhi Government. Its a drive to plant trees throughout India. NGOs along with NCC cadets are expected to participate, and there are CRPF volunteers also.

A Retired Aviator Remembers Maj Nikhil, Who Died In Last Week's Cheetah Crash

"Dear Nikhil rest in peace dear one. I always liked you like another son and brother to Abhi. We enjoyed your company and your cheerful smile and demenour whenever you walked over to meet Abhi. I remember those wonderful times when I watched you climbing your roof and yelling out to me "Sukhi uncle is the Net working", and when we would try to network our computers. Hey buddy that was the geek in you. In aviation I watched your progress and with pride enjoyed seeing you pass out from the Aviation School. And was more than pleased to hear you were joining my old Flight in the North East. At the tea after the wing ceremony we chatted and I spoke to you about flying and how I expected you to keep up the good name of your family. I do not know where you are but remember that we all will miss you. God Bless you. Sukhi Uncle"

The officer posting his condolence is Lt Col(Retd) Sukhwant Singh, an Army Aviation pilot , who retired in June 2001. During his flying career LtCol Singh served in the northeast and was also part of the Avn unit which late Maj Nikhil was from.

Major Nikhil Prakash was LtCol Singh's neighbour in the colony located at Deolali Cantonment. Major Nikhil died in the Cheetah crash on August 18 in the northeast, along with two more officers.

NCW Acknowledges Chindits As A Champion Of Women's Empowerment In India, And Places Me In Their Advert On Rajiv Gandhi's B'day In All Leading Papers!!

And Now CAG Slams MoD For Sukhoi's Recce Pods, Not As Per DPP, Pods Failed Trials!

Recce pods procured by IAF were not selected or evaluated as per Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). The pods have not met performance parameters in trials in India. While the IAF's operational need is yet to be fulfilled even after almost a decade, large proportion of the contractual payment, amounting to Rs 611 crore has already been made to the vendor.

CAG in today's report tabled in Parliament.

Military's Own Games Tainted : CAG

Just when critics of the Commonwealth Games 2010 were touting MWG (Military World Games) 2007 as a model for the conduct of international sports events of such a scale, today Comptroller and auditor General (CAG) proved it in Parliament even the MWG-2007 were not all that clean. Many independent observers too saw some virtue in getting the Army in to clear the CG2010 mess, but now it turns out that the MWG had financial irregularities and other hiccups as well.

The CAG in its report tabled in Parliament today has pointed out violation of financial rules and regulations in the conduct of the games.”An approval for Rs 50 crore as against an estimate of Rs 138 crore was taken from the competent financial authority, and the financial arrangements have resulted in unspent balances and diversion to non-public funds,” it said...

The MWG event was hosted by the Indian armed forcesunder the aegis of International Military Sports Council (CISM), in Hyderabad and Mumbai from October 14-21 2007, with the participation of more than 100 countries in 17 disciplines. Of the 6000 participants 25 percent were medal winners in Olympics, and 50 percent were women. The Andhra pradesh state government, and the Army's Pune-based Southern Command and the Navy's Flag Officer Maharashtra Area (FOMA) which falls under the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command, were also in charge of the event.

The audit watchdog has pointed out that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had sanctioned Rs 50 crore by March 2007 to Services Sports Control Board (SSCB), who asked for an extra Rs 19 crore that was made available by the Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs), at the directions of Department of Defence Poduction. As per rules, projects exceeding an outlay of Rs 100 crore need the cabinet's approval but in this case sanctions amounting to Rs 138 crore was issued, at just the ministry level.

The Andhra Government was paid in advance with no formal agreement, resulting in the AP State government being unable to provide any bills or details of services provided .The CAG observes that an amount of Rs 4.76 crore received on account of charges realised from extra CISM contingents was diverted to non-public funds between September 2007 and June 2008.

The money received from the sponsors totalling Rs 0.84 crore was spent by SSCB without the sanction of the MoD. An additional amount of Rs 7.21 crore was not deposited into government account, and the amount is still held in private bank accounts without any authority.

Despite two years of intense planning and preparation, with numerous committees being formed and funds being allocated to each committee well on time, the gross mismanagement was a serious matter of concern at the MWG-2007. The Ecuador contingent were delayed in obtaining clearance for their sports rifles, brought for the shooting event. The two defence officers from Ecuador of which one was a three-star Army General were held up in the national capital as the contingent was carrying six Turner rifles. Besides Ecuador, Slovenia and North Korea personnel also faced similar problems. A lady officer from the Greece contingent is believed to have complained, in the question answer round after the opening day's conference that, the accommodation was in a shabby state and that there were mice in the rooms. She also complained that the mice had eaten up the clothes of many players, including their swimsuits which was causing problems for the players to participate in swimming events in proper attire.

Players were apparently stuck up in hotels due to lack of transportation, and also complained about food. Participating countries were required to put forth their request for the kind of food that they wanted for their players, and the organizers were supposed to have five kinds of meals, said a source, but the food was reported to be substandard. Another common problem that has come to light is the lack of interpreters, which players from non-English speaking countries apparently faced.

Navy Re-categorises Its Medical Categories To Include Maximum Personnel For Sea-time, Leading To Subsequent Promotions

The Indian Navy has gone in for re-categorisation of its medical categories to include as many officers and sailors to go in for sea-tenure on ships. Earlier only those who were fit to go on ships, falling under the category S-2 A-2, were allowed, but now the personnel falling in the third category S-3 A-2, would be kept on medication and treatment for a year and then upgraded on to the higher category which is S-2 A-2 and sent on ships. It may be noted that the category S-2 A-2 is also not an absolutely medically fit category but is fit enough to go on ships. The only absolutely medically fit category is S-1 A-1, which is fit on ship as well as ashore. 'S' stands for Sea and 'A' for Ashore.

The re-categorisation policy has been implemented since March this year and is expected to benefit a large number of naval personnel who were missing out on their sea tenures and subsequent promotions, and were earlier being given sheltered appointments earlier on account of ailments like life-style related diseases, diabetes, heart and kidney related diseases and severe injuries, all of which fall under S-3, but can now be controlled and changed to S-2 after medication and treatment for a year to two years.

A source said that this new policy would benefit atleast 50 percent middle-aged officers and sailors in the navy. S-3 category also has HIV included in it, in which there are about 40-50 cases in the Indian navy, which includes an officer also.

In the Indian Navy S-4 category is when a personnel is hospitalised and unable to move, and S-5 A-5, which is the last category is when someone is boarded out of service, an example of which is alcohol dependence syndrome.

A source said the aim behind this was to prevent people from going to sea so that their ailments which could further give them ship-related stress, would not aggravate till it was controlled, and now after medication and review for a year or two, they would be upgraded to a higher category so that they are able to avail their sea-time, and be considered for promotions.

Personnel in the armed forces undergo an annual medical examination each year, which determines their medical fitness leading to their postings and promotions. In the Army the fittest category is SHAPE-1 Alpha. A lot of high altitude related diseases prevent army officers from going to certain places for command, but recently a shift in policy came in the army too, wherein officers falling in SHAPE-1 Bravo category were being considered for promotions, unlike before where they had to be in the fittest category which was SHAPE-1 Alpha. SHAPE-1 Bravo is a personnel suffering from an ailment which can be controlled through medication.

SHAPE stands for Psychiatry, Hearing, Appendages, Physical and Eyes, all of which are tested once a year.

In the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel are checked for Air and Ground fitness, in which the most stringent medical examination is for fighter pilots.The fittest category in the IAF is A-1G-1 and lowest on fitness being A-5 G-5.

DNA

DRDO Chief Visits Leh

Sukhoi Upgrade To Cost Rs 10,920 Cr

Centre proposes upgrade of decade-old Sukhois

Defence minister says enhanced features will cost exchequer Rs10,920 crore

Suman Sharma NEW DELHI
After admitting an astronomical 155% rise in the price of Sukhoi-30 MKIs, defence minister AK Antony told parliament on Wednesday that there was a proposal to upgrade the Indian Air Force's (IAF's) mainstay heavyweight Russian fighters for Rs10,920 crore.

The upgrade will be carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russian Federation's Irkutsk, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), in a phased manner from 2012.

Sukhois entered service in 2000, after being approved in 1997, and have not undergone any upgrade since.

IAF operates approximately 200 Sukhois, all of which would have upgraded data systems and digital glass cockpits after a contract is signed to the effect.

Sukhoi CEO Mikhail Pogosyan had several meetings with vice-chief air marshal PK Barbora during the MAKS air show last year to sort out configuration of the upgraded radar as specified by IAF. By 2018, the number of Sukhois is set to reach 270, making India the largest operator of the twin-engine aircraft in the world.

Asked about the upgrade schedule, a source told DNA, "It's a continuous process beginning 2012. All aircraft will be upgraded eventually."
The upgrade price per piece is reportedly between Rs70 crore and Rs110 crore.

*Flash* : Indian Mission In Congo Attacked, 3 Jawans killed, 6 Critical, 2 Indian Army Weapons Taken By Congo Cadres !

Today early morning the COB (company operating base) at Kirumba in North Kivu province in eastern Congo was approached by five innocent looking civilians at approximately. Indian army jawans, Hav Omkar Singh and NK Narender Kumar moved towards them to ascertain details. As Hav Omkar approached the civilians, he was attacked by one of the civilians with a spear and simultaneously other cadres, approximately 55 to 60 persons hiding in the nearby jungles, barged in to the post from all directions and attacked with machetes, spears, and other rudimentary weapons.

Indian troops reacted and got in hand to hand fight with the cadres, who fled on sensing the reaction, in the cover of darkness. Six Indian jawans are critically injured and are being treated at Level-1 hospital, three have been killed and two Indian army weapons have been taken away by the cadres.

*Flash* : Indian Army Cheetah Crashes In Northeast, Three Killed

A Cheetah helicopter of the Army Aviation Corps, crashed today morning at the Manipur-Nagaland border, 40 kilometer down-south Dimapur, five km from Vishwema, owing to bad weather, killing three Army officers onboard. A court of inquiry has been ordered.

The deceased are Colonel P K Pal, Major Rakesh Sharma and Major Nikhil Prakash.

US Report On China Bothers India

DNA

MoD's 100-yr Old Mouthpiece--Sainik Samachar, Goofs Up, Calls Target Missile Interceptor, Issues Corrigendum !!

The 100-year old mouthpiece of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Sainik Samachar, goofed up in its last issue earlier this month in mis-reporting the DRDO's indigenous interceptor missile test conducted late last month, with an incorrect caption of the photo, and has carried a corrective corrigendum in its latest issue, after being pulled up by the Ministry!

The fortnightly magazine on defence matters brought out by the MoD, carried in its August 1-15 issue the incorrect caption to the photo of a Prithvi target missile and called it the interceptor missile.

The photo which was released by MoD, along with other photos with captions, has been given a full-page display, with the caption, “The interceptor missile successfully tested by DRDO at Chandipur, Orissa.”

The magazine's Editor, V K Joshi, has regretted the error in the August 16-31 issue of Sainik Samachar. The magazine has six members in its editorial board, and is published by the Ministry's Additional Director General (Media and Communication), Sitanshu Kar, who was out of town on an official engagement.

IAF's C-130J Takes Its Place On The Flightline In Marietta

US Embassy Photo Release

Sukhoi--Another Gorshkov In The Making!!

DNA

India To Send US Letter of Request For Javelin ATGMs

Parliament was informed by Defence Minister A K Antony that India would soon be sending a letter of request to the United States for the procurement of the American Javelin anti-tank guided missile, under the Government-to-Government route called FMS (Foreign Military sale).

The third generation anti-tank missile will be bought with transfer of technology, the Minister informed today.

The procurement procedure will follow the request letter for the deal of the missile, which was displayed in Babina last October, to the Indian Army, during a joint armoured exercise, between Indo-US armies.

Since the indigenous third generation anti-tank guided missile, Nag, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been delayed and is still undergoing user trials, the American Javelin is being brought in.

The probable date of completion (PDC) of the Nag has been extended to December 2010.

Nag is a third generation anti-tank missile which has a ‘top attack’ and ‘fire and forget’ capability with a range of four kilometers. Its validation trial based on user trial feedback has been completed successfully, and the missile system is ready to enter production and induction phase. Helina, is the helicopter version of the Nagto be mounted and fired from a helicopter and has a range of more than seven kilometers. Launchers for Helina have been cleared for captive carriage trials and handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for carriage trials.

The original cost of the Nag programme was Rs. 388.83 crore, which has been revised to Rs. 1771.43 crore.

Javelin has a lock-on capability before launch and an automatic self-guidance system and is a fire-and-forget missile. Javelin can also adopt a direct attack mode but has a top-attack flight profile against armoured vehicles, and canalso fire at helicopters in the direct-attack mode.

Tri-colour Unfolds 64th Time !!

MoD/DPR

India Celebrates Independance Day