NISDA Security Conference 2005 (18th - 20th November 2005)

• Concept Note

  In the 21st century, conceptualizing “security” and the academic approaches to Security Studies is undergoing a major transformation. One can observe that there has been a paradigm shift in this vital area of investigation. Thus conceptualizing security, achieving passive/active human centric security and involving university-based institutions to undertake security studies due to the impact of a change in the world system will be a major challenge facing us. The end of cold war brought about the loss of a quantified bipolarity, ushered the polarization of intent, capability and power (military and non-military). With the breaking up of the former Soviet Union and the evolution of information technology, multi polar nodes of power have emerged having nuclear capabilities with potential to deploy and threaten the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) even when the history of the post-1945 period till date has not precipitated an all out nuclear war. It has therefore become necessary to examine the very nature of “Security” and “Security Studies” in a holistic fashion.
  
  Considering the above, it has become imperative that the concepts of security and the process of conceptualizing the same will have to be congruent to security studies and security analysis/policy making at normative levels. In a sense, conceptualizing security will have three definite aspects - the abstraction, theoritization and the implementation. Since nation-state despite being asymmetrical to each other on more than one count, will continue to remain as prime actors in the foreseeable future as a unit of analysis in international relations and international system, the role of military will continue to remain an important factor. However, it will be superimposed by the non-strategic dimensions of security to ensure a human-centric rationale of security needed by every nation-sate to acquire and protect, to bring about stability and peace in an interdependent atmospherics influenced by transnationalism.
  
  Therefore, conceptualizing security and giving a sense of direction for implementation of security policies will have to bridge the gap between the realm of ideas and the domain of public policy making, the latter being an off-shoot of the organizations at the government and non-government levels being empowered to examine holistically the totality of security considerations.
  
  Considering that a market driven new world order is emerging because of globalization and changing self perceptions of nation state which will impinge in the manner in which they articulate their security concerns and coping strategies, we have to consider that both financial and technological aspects will have to operate and play a significant role based on resources and opportunities. This will entail that the nation-state as an actor will become part of a complex intra nation-state relationship in an interdependent mosaic to converge to conceptualize the notions of security at the normative levels. It is in this emerging scenario that the institutions of higher education like the universities will bridge the gap between the realm of ideas and the domain of public policy and provide the nation-states with the capacity to evolve policy relevant options for national security policy making.
  
  It is hence natural that conceptualizing security and the role of security in the 21st century have to be examined from the perspectives of social sciences, military, bureaucratic, political and human security through the implementation of non-strategic dimensions. NISDA aims to approach the basic theme of “Conceptualizing Security in the 21st Century” through a thorough deliberation covering seven sessions indicated in the appendix to this note. We hope that the end product will provide both a conceptual and an operational model in our understanding of security in the 21st century.
  
   

• List of Participants

  18 NOVEMBER 2005
  
  11.00 AM-1.00 PM
  
  Inaugural Address
  
  Air Chief Marshal S. P. Tyagi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Air Staff
  
  2.00 PM-3.30 PM
  
  Session I: Civil Society and Security
  
  Chairman & Discussant: Prof. D.N. Dhanagre, Former Vice-Chancellor Shivaji University, Kolhapur
  
  Speakers:
  
  1) Prof. Mrinal Miri, Vice Chancellor, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong
  
  (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  DIMENSIONS OF SECURITY: A PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE
  
  2) Prof. Ashis Nandy, Senior Fellow, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), New Delhi (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  NATIONALISM AND NATIONAL SECURITY
  
  3) Prof. Ram Bapat, Former Head, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Pune (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  SHAPING THE CIVIL SOCIETY AND CONCERNS FOR SECURITY)
  
  4) Prof. Gopalaji Malviya, Head, DDSS, University of Madras
  
  GOVERNANCE & COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY IN INDIA
  
  5) Shri UP Thakur, Scientist ‘G’, DRDO, Defence Machinery Design Establishment, Secunderabad & Prof. C Narsimha Rao (Paper prepared by both but being presented by Shri. Thakur who is attending the Conference)
  
  CONCEPTUALISING SECURITY IN THE 21st CENTURY - A ROAD MAP FOR INDIA
  
  6) Mr. Harsh Kumar Sinha, Lecturer, Department of Defence Studies, D.D.U Gorakhpur University
  
  STRATEGIC CULTURE IN CIVIL SOCIETY: SOME OBSERVATIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM
  
  3.45 pm- 5.15 pm
  Session II: Perspectives on Human Security
  
  Chairman: Dr. Sameer Brahmachari, Director, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi
  
  Discussant: Prof. Shantishree Pandit, Executive Director, International Centre,
  
  University of Pune
  
  Speakers:
  
  1) Dr. Sameer Brahmachari, Director, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi (Paper yet to be received)
  
  SECURITY DIMENSION AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
  
  2) Prof. Sohan Modak, G. R. Ramachandran Fellow, IGIB, New Delhi
  
  SECURITY & ENVIRONMENT: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN
  
  3) Prof. Shantishree Pandit BEYOND BANANAS, BEACHES & BASES: A FEMINIST INTERPRETATION OF SECURITY
  
  4) Prof. Madhu Bhalla, Centre for East Asian Studies, Delhi University, New Delhi
  
  NATIONAL SECURITY, HUMAN SECURITY AND WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES
  
  5) Air Marshal A. K. Trikha, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Chair Professor Air Power & National Security Studies, NISDA, University of Pune
  
  CONTEMPORARY GEOPOLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
  
  6.00pm- 7.30 pm
  Presentation by Symbiosis Institute of Telecom Management
  
  “Social Impact of Technology”
  
  Chairman: In the absence of Padmashree Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Prof. Gautam Sen Chaired the session
  
  19TH NOVEMBER 2005,
  
  9.00 AM - 11.00 AM
  
  Session III: The Bureaucratic Perspectives
  
  Chairman: Padmabhushan Ram Pradhan, Former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
  
  Discussant: Air Marshal S. Kulkarni, Director, Centre for Advance Strategic Studies (CASS)
  
  Speakers:
  
  1) Shri. N.N. Vohra, Special Representative of Govt. of India for the J & K Dialogue (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  PUBLIC POLICY IN MAKING AND GOVERNMENT
  
  2) Shri. Madhav Godbole, Former Union Home Secretary, (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  DECISION MAKING: THE BUREAUCRATIC PERSPECTIVE
  
  3) Prof. Shrikant Paranjpe, DDSS, University of Pune
  
  UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS OF INDIAN'S FOREIGN POLICY MAKING: WITH SPECIAL ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE
  
  4) Prof. Suhas Palshikar, Head Department of Political science and Public Administration, University of Pune
  
  SECURITY, ECONOMIC POLICY AND PUBLIC OPINION
  
  5) Prof. A.K. Taj, DDSS, University of Pune
  
  CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND HUMAN SECURITY
  
  6) Mr. Sanjay Jain, Lecturer, Department of Law, University of Pune
  
  CRITICAL EVALUATION OF NEW ANTI-HIJACKING POLICY OF INDIA
  
  7) Dr. Vijay Khare, DDSS, University of Pune
  
  THIRD PARTY MEDIATION: THE CASE OF INDIA- PAKISTAN CONFLICT
  
  11.15 am - 12.45 pm
  
  Session IV: Role of Industry and Corporate Sector
  
  Chairman: Prof. Pramod Kale, Director, VLSI Design and Research Centre, University of Pune and Former Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Launch Station, Sriharikota
  
  Discussant: Dr. Shankar Gowarikar
  
  Speakers:
  
  1) Prof. Pramod Kale, Director, VLSI Design and Research Centre, University of Pune and Former Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Launch Station, Sriharikota
  
  SECURE ACCESS TO SPACE
  
  2) Shri. M.R. Joshi, Former Director, R & D Engineers, Dighy, Pune
  
  CAN INDIA MOVE TO THE DEFENCE/MILITARY INDUSTRIAL BASE?
  
  3) Lt. Gen. Shekatkar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Chhatrapati Shivaji Chair Professor in Policy Studies, DDSS, University Of Pune
  
  REVOLUTION IN MILITARY AND CHANGING PATTERNS OF WAR
  
  4) Dr. Vishal Katariya, Chair IPR Studies, University of Pune
  
  INTERNATIONAL PATENTS LAW AND SECURITY ISSUES
  
  1.45 pm - 4.00 pm
  
  Session V: Military Perspectives of Security
  
  Chairman: Admiral J. G. Nadkarni, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, NM (Retd.)
  
  Discussant: Lt. Gen Amitava Mukherjee, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.)
  
  Speakers:
  
  1) Gen Shankar Roy Chowdhury, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.), Former Chief of Army Staff and Former Member of Parliament
  
  NUCLEAR DOCTRINE FOR INDIA
  
  2) Gen. V.P Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.), Former Chief of the Army Staff
  
  THE MILITARY PERSPECTIVES ON SECURITY
  
  1) Gen. N.C. Vij, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM (Retd.), Former Chief of the Army Staff and Co- Chairman Disaster Management Commission (Govt. of India) (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND NATIONAL SECURITY
  4) Lt.Gen. H M Khanna, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.)
  
  MILITARY PERSPECTIVE ON SECURITY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SOUTH ASIA
  
  5) Mr. Prasad Rane, Associate Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)
  
  SECURITY BEYOND SOUTH ASIA:THE EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE
  
  4.15 pm - 5.45 pm
  
  Session VI: Role of Universities in National Security Studies
  
  Chairman & Discussant: Prof. A. S Kolaskar, Vice Chancellor, University of Pune
  
  Speakers:
  
  1) Prof. Hari Gautam, Former UGC Chairman (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  UNIVERSITIES AND NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
  
  2) Prof. K.B. Powar, Former Vice Chancellor, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Former Director General, Association of Indian Universities and presently Advisor to V.C., D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
  
  HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMMES RELATED TO HUMAN RIGHTS STUDIES IN INDIAN UNIVERSITIES
  
  3) Dr. Leena Parmar, Head, Department of Sociology, Rajasthan University
  
  NEED FOR MILITARY SOCIOLOGY IN ASIAN UNIVERSITIES
  
  4) Prof. Rajendra Prasad, Head DDSS, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur
  
  POSITION AND POLEMICS IN NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES IN INDIAN UNIVERSITIES
  
  6.30 pm - 8.00 pm
  
  NISDA Special Lecture,
  
  “Secessionist Threat to Indian Nationhood”
  
  Speaker: His Excellency Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S. K. Sinha, PVSM,
  
  Governor of Jammu & Kashmir
  
  20TH NOVEMBER 2005
  
  10.00 AM - 12.00 PM
  
  Session VII: Technology and Security
  
  Chairman: Prof. V.G. Bhide, School of Energy Studies, University of Pune
  
  Discussant: Prof. Sujata Patel, Department of Sociology, University of Pune
  
  Speakers:
  
  1) Prof. Bhoraskar, Prof. Of Physics, Department of Physics, University of Pune, Formerly Director Microtron Radiation Lab, Indore (An Autonomous Institution of the UGC) (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  LANDMINES: ISSUES & PERSPECTIVES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON HUMAN SECURITY
  
  2) Dr. Rajendra Jagdale, Director, Science & Technology Park, University of Pune
  
  INNOVATIONS IN STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND NATIONAL SECURITY
  
  3) Lt. Gen Amitava Mukherjee, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.) (Revised paper yet to be received)
  
  RMA AND THE CHANGING DIMENSIONS OF WARFARE
  
  4) Dr. Hari Saran, Reader, Department of Defence Studies, D.D.U Gorakhpur University
  
  AERO-SPACE REMOTE SENSING: INDIA’S CAPABILITY
  
  5) Mr. Aniruddha Joshi, Chief Investigator, CINS, University of Pune
  
  BITING BYTES AND NATIONAL SECURITY
  
  12.15 pm – 1.15 pm
  
  Valedictory Address by Lt. Gen. B. S. Takhar, PVSM, VSM
  
  GOC-in-C, Southern Command
   

• Inaugural Address

  NISDA Security Conference 2005 Inaugural Address and Gen. B. C. Joshi Memorial Lecture
  
  on "ROLE OF THE IAF IN THE CHANGING REGIONAL SECURITY ENVIRONMENT" by
  
  Air Chief Marshal S. P. Tyagi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Air Staff
  
  
  
  Ladies and Gentlemen,
  
  It is an honour and privilege for me to address this august gathering this morning. Today, I am happy to be with you to share my views on the role of the IAF in the changing regional security environment.
  
  GEOPOLITICAL AND SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
  
  International World Order
  
  1. The last decade and a half has been characterized by many changes. The end of the cold war and the 9/11 terrorist attack have brought about a greater international convergence on global security issues and challenges. While significant differences of perception remain, there has been a change in diplomatic and power equations around the world. Old confrontations have given way to new equations and alignments. Globalization aided by technology in linking economies and is seriously challenging the traditional ‘nation-state’ concept. Economic and national interests, rather than ideology, are shaping international interests. Increased disparity in economic and military power amongst the big and small states has resulted in a large number of dissatisfied states. It has brought about changes in the realistic understanding of inter state relations.
  
  2. While the world is presently uni-polar, this I think, is a transient stage. In a decade or two, the world order will stabilize into a multi-polar environment. Major players will be the US, EU, Brazil, china, Russia, Japan and India. The war on Iraq has altered many equations in the Middle East influencing our own foreign policy. Similarly, proliferation and standoff over Iran and North Korea have affected several diplomatic alignments. What is of direct concern to us is the Asian region. The last few decades have witnessed the rise of Asia as a major power centre in the new world order, an order that is characterized by ‘geo-economics’ overshadowing ‘geo-politics’. This area is also characterized by being the sole region with a nuclear flash point, a region in which three nuclear capable nations have been active adversaries for decades.
  
  South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region
  
  3. India has a geographical advantage by its prominent position in South Asia. We are a rapidly growing economic power that enjoys strategic relationships with several countries. Besides, we are a recognized hub of expertise in IT software, and have a substantial English speaking populace. This gives us a unique opportunity to play an important role in the emerging global order with special reference to the South Asian region. We stand in this region as a beacon of democracy amongst a multitude of human diversity and economic disparity. In terms of size, population, levels of development, technology and military power, we are far ahead of our neighbours. This has in the past, resulted in apprehensions of hegemonic tendencies in the minds of some of our neighbours. We need to dispel these fears through confidence building measures.
  
  
  
  4.Over the last two decades, India has recorded an average annual growth rate of 6%,. It is now the fourth largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity. The size (GDP) of the economy has doubled since 1991, and is expected to redouble by 2010. this has made our country more and more energy hungry. Beyond our immediate region, we have vital interests in the Gulf and South-east Asia. Being an important source of energy, the Gulf forms part of our strategic neighbourhood. Besides this, it is a home to over 3.5 million Indians, and a major trading partner.
  
  
  
  5.The requirement of strategic space to influence this region has long been the policy of major powers. As a result, South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) have seen an increase in global activity in the recent years. The IOR has been a recognized vortex of activity for decades. It holds a bulk of the world’s oil, gas, minerals and fishery resources, and is thus an attractive venue for many players. It is in this backdrop that India’s strategic location in South Asia and the Indian Ocean is of paramount importance. The need to guarantee security of energy sources and sea-lanes in the IOR would therefore be prerequisite to ensure unhampered growth of our economy. One can therefore surmise that our areas of security concern have expanded far beyond the geographical borders of our nation state. An area that encompasses Sumatra to the African Coast on the east-west axis, and from Central Asia including the CAR countries to the Antarctica on the north-south axis.
  
  Threat Assessment
  
  6. Whilst there have been several positive developments in our relations with Pakistan over the last year-and-a-half, we cannot assume that the peace process is firmly entrenched. Terrorist threats and attacks continue to be regular a phenomena indicating that the infrastructure for terrorism in Pakistan and POK is still very active. Pakistan continues to make repeated and unacceptable demands besides raising the Kashmir issue whenever it can. Fortunately, our own standing in the international forum as a responsible nuclear power with an impeccable record in proliferation continues to grow. We are demonstrating a growing capability to shoulder regional and global responsibilities.
  
  7. China, while not an immediate threat, has a booming economy and is rapidly modernizing her armed forces. She is more likely to view us as a regional economic threat, and perhaps will be forced to attempt to stem our growth and influence in this region. China’s strategic encirclement of out country is already well under way and this would only lead to more problems for us in future. Another aspect to consider is that China would not like to see its Asian peers, Japan and India, joining the UN Security Council’s permanent membership. Thus in opposing Tokyo’s bid, China would automatically ensure that India’s candidacy is denied.
  
  8. In an environment of uncertainties as regards our neighbours, India has to cater for the full spectrum of thereat, from Low Intensity Conflicts (LIC) and proxy wars to all-out wars and even nuclear wars. There has been no linear concept of escalation in this region. There is a need to strike a balance between credibility of deterrence through threats, and risk management through implementation of safeguards. Prolonged hostility has generated a greater potential for misunderstanding. We need to maintain a high level of vigilance and defence preparedness. Our preparedness would need to take into account all sorts for contingencies, including out of area operations, for containment of foreign influence in the South Asia and IOR region.
  
  9. Another area of concern that is fast influencing military strategy is ‘non-traditional’ threats to national security. Threats to human ecology are fast expanding. Issues like water scarcity; rising population and its migration; global dependency on energy resources, will all give rise to new areas of conflict. Our forces would also have to deal with degradation of strategic security infrastructure caused by unforeseen natural calamities. We are witness to the recent earthquake in the border areas of J&K. Similarly, the floods that ravaged many of our states, the snow blockade in J&K and the Tsunami, have all seen the armed forces being drawn into play a very active and dominant role in providing relied operations. Our involvement also extends to reaching out to other countries in times of crisis as was done during the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. In catering for these contingencies, the armed forces need a comprehensive joint approach to be able to defend not only national interests, but also exercise their influence on traditional and non-traditional threats. In consonance with the perceived requirement, the need to equip our forces with tools of strategic reach is essential.
  
  India’s Response
  10. Our country’s response to external threats and challenges has always been restrained, measured and moderate, consistent with out peaceful outlook and reputation as a peace-loving country. Pursuit of economic goals must be our top priority. We are living in a era of globalization, and would perforce need to forge strategic partnerships with major players. Whilst diplomacy must remain our foremost means of dealing with challenges related to security, there could be no worthwhile development without security. In other words we need to retain a strong military power. Therefore, it is essential that we identify our national security strategy, from which would flow our military strategy to safeguard our national interests. There is thus, a pressing need for a clearly annunciated National Strategic Vision for the armed forces spanning the next 15-20 years.
  
  IAF’S INVOLVEMENT IN WARS SINCE INDEPENDENCE
  
  11. Having covered the geopolitical and security environment, I will now dwell on IAF’s role in this security matrix. I will begin by tracing the role played by the IAF in the wars and campaigns since independence.
  
  12. War in 1947-48. In 1947, the Pakistani invading guerrilla forces had reached the outskirts of the capital Srinagar by the time the ruler acceded to India on 26 Oct 1947. On the same day, air force and civilian Dakotas flew troops from Delhi to Srinagar. Timely use of non-combat air power played a crucial role in relocating ground forces, which were subsequently able to push back the invading guerrilla forces. Similarly, the attempt to capture Leh by the Pakistan Army war thwarted by timely, and what has become a legendary airlift, by Air Commodore “Baba” Meher Singh.
  
  13. 1962 War with China. The debacle in 1962 is well known. This is the only war that we lost after Independence. Significantly, this also happens to be the only war in which combat air power was never utilized. Perhaps, if combat air power were used, the outcome of the war could have been different.
  
  14. 1965 War. In the 1965 War, the air force came into play only on the 01st of Sept when Pakistan launched a major land offensive with air support in the Jammu sector. India was caught unprepared as the Pakistani armour thrust towards the key town of Akhnoor. The Indian Army asked for air support. Our Mystere aircraft were able to stop the armour well short of Akhnoor. From then on, the guerrilla war was completely overtaken by regular war between the two militaries that finally ended in a ceasefire. Once again air power has played an important role in warding off Pak’s offensive.
  
  15. 1971 Operations. In the 1971 operations, the IAF was able to achieve air superiority in the Eastern Sector within a matter of few days. The Tangail battalion drop followed this. Air power was thus put to good use.
  
  16. Kargil Operations. During the Kargil operations, supply camps and a number of point targets were very effectively put out of actions by use of air power. Besides this, the force and performance ratios of the PAF and IAF actually deterred Pakistan from bringing its air force to support its army under attack by the IAF.
  
  17. From the experiences gathered in our wars, as well as from wars fought in the last couple of decades, it is very apparent that air power has a crucial role to play. Before proceeding further, it would be prudent to understand the characteristics of future conflicts, and from this, define the role that the IAF as a future aerospace power, has to play.
  
  CHARACTERISTICS OF FUTURE CONFLICTS
  
  18. Future conflicts will require a high level of pre-emptive diplomacy, joint planning, surgical and precise operations, and active support by the media as well as local populace. Large-scale wars are very unlikely, and we can expect short duration, limited conflicts; limited in terms of time, forces used, objectives and geographical extent. We can rest assured that international pressure and threat of sanctions will terminate conflicts in a reasonably short time frame. Since time is limited in such clashes, it is essential that we need to act fast, well before the international community steps in to stop the war. Besides this, the ever-increasing media awareness and access to remote areas in the shortest possible time due to modern technology, has put added pressure on the military for transparency in their operations. Globalization also, has made nations more interdependent. It has ensured that conflicts, especially those with a military dimension, will impact even those countries that are not directly involved. In addition, economic compulsions have now exposed industries, civilian establishments and other targets of strategic value to the mercy of destruction by a determined enemy. Collateral damage can change the sentiment of the world, thus affecting popular support of the masses.
  
  19. Given the changing environment, the IAF of today will have to adapt itself to the needs of a different tomorrow. While the focus of out Nation is still Pak centric and centered to our borders, this will need to change to encompass our newly defined and extended strategic borders. A degree of status quo exists on the borders, which are mainly brought about by terrain imperatives. This is unlikely to undergo much change, and we are already well prepared to meet any tactical contingencies that may arise in these areas. We should therefore, re-orientate our strategies to cater for future conflicts based on our perceived threats to our strategic interests. Aerospace power can provide us with all the necessary tools to deter/ conduct operations in the future.
  
  ROLE OF AEROSPACE POWER
  20. Today, with the availability of very accurate air-launched weapons and improved intelligence, it can be expected that there will be precise targeting with minimal collateral damage. The requirement of speed, accuracy and lethality are the hallmarks of aerospace power. Apart from the ability to act quickly, aerospace power is ubiquitous and has the reach to strike deep and over a wide range of targets in a large geographical area. Aerospace power permits pre-emption and coercion and is a prime instrument for undertaking these tasks. Coercion requires political will, for example, enforcing no-fly zones. As regards the pre-emptive option, it will pay rich dividends, and should be exercised to exploit the existing conventional asymmetry available with us.
  
  21. There is no pre-requisite to concentrate mass as in the earlier days, which allowed the opposition, time to plan a defence that in turn resulted in a linear and sequential battle. Technology now permits parallel warfare, which allows simultaneously hitting of a number of targets in a well-orchestrated manner, across the length and breadth of the country. The aim would be to disrupt / dislocate the enemy’s centers, civilian or military targets, etc. The Gulf War of 1990 presented a model script on the application of such a concept. In this backdrop it can be seen that aerospace power has truly come of age since the 1990s and has played a very dominant role in contributing to victory in the wars fought ever since. Therefore, the deterrence value, lethality, cost-effectiveness, time sensitivity, and inherent flexibility are the characteristics of aerospace power. As such, these characteristics are best suited for playing a dominant and decisive role in future conflicts. What therefore are the implications for the IAF in the changing security environment of today?
  
  PHILOSOPHY OF AIR OPERATIONS
  
  22. Our strategy for air operations will necessarily flow from our military strategy. We strongly subscribe to the requirement for joint operations. This would translate to joint planning and execution at every possible level. This would automatically result in synergised joint operations. As far as the Air Force is concerned; we are fully geared for meeting the requirements of a ‘cold start’. We have already drawn up our plans for this type of operations and have successfully put them to test in recent exercises. We have earmarked certain fighter Sqns as ‘Core Sqns’. These Sqns are maintained at a readiness state that permits them to go into operation with only a few hours notice. Our war-orders and war-plans have been amended to cater for rapid induction and employment of these forces. Of course, we are aware that a lot depends upon whether we have the political will to take the decision to launch operations first. Nevertheless, we are training for such a requirement.
  
  FUTURE PATH FOR THE IAF
  
  Visions and Net Centric Warfare (NCW)
  
  23. Aerospace power is synonymous with air force. Getting down to specifics, first and foremost is that the IAF has a vision that is linked with the vision of the country as a whole. As India grows as an economic power, it is inevitable that the Air Force will grow along with it. We believe that warfare is gradually moving into another dimension and that is Space. So our Air Force’s vision is to get into space. We are already using Space for communications, reconnaissance and many other things. Everyone is talking about network-centric warfare. The future war is going to be lethal and fast paced. This requires faster decision making and faster implementation of decisions. Network Centric Warfare (NCW) envisages the integration in information from all sensors and making it available as required and whenever required. This will provide a very high level of situational awareness, which is an essential ingredient while prosecuting the war. NCW functions at the operational level, but impacts at the strategic level as well.
  
  Exploitation of Space
  24. Space based capabilities have perhaps had the most profound effect on air-power. It has enabled unprecedented compression of the ‘sensor-to-shooter’ time. This allows ‘time sensitive targeting’ almost anywhere on the globe. Exploitation of space, besides enhancing safety in air operations, exponentially adds to the speed, reach and flexibility of air power. Integration of space dimension into air operations is essential for the IAF to attain strategic capability.
  
  25. If space power needs to be exploited we must have a dedicated organization at the earliest to plan, steer and execute tasks to promote military applications. Whilst this organization must have representation from the three services and scientists, we believe that this Command must logically lie with the Air Force. Air Power and Space Power need to be meshed into one as Aero Space Power. The IAF therefore, strongly subscribes to the formation of a Space Command to exploit military usage of space.
  
  26. Presently, out (IAF) usage of space-based assets is restricted to gathering of strategic intelligence, communications, weather, and for navigational assistance (GPS). With the introduction of cruise missiles (BrahMos), the entire operations would be fairly dependent on space-based assets. The operations would involve gathering intelligence information, ascertaining target location, command and control of the weapon system, weather assessments, launch, enroute navigation, precision attack and damage assessment.
  
  27. The IAF is in the process of looking at a data-link project to network all the airborne platforms and sensors with the ground sensors. The air defence network is being strengthened with modern sensors and weapon systems that include the AWACS, Aerostats and Air Defence missiles. All these force multipliers would substantially increase the potency, capability and reach of the Indian Air Force in the coming years.
  
  FORCE STRUCTURING OF THE AIR FORCE
  Need to Maintain Numbers
  28. The IAF’s force requirement is structured to meet two possible contingencies. The first contingency caters for a full conflict with Pakistan and a dissuasive posture against China. The second contingency is of simultaneous conflict with Pakistan and China, with a capability to hold Pakistan and defend against China. Whilst there is a general talk of downsizing and modernization, the Air Force still needs the numbers. The number of fighter Sqns has been gradually declining due to obsolescence and accidents over the past few years. To address this impending shortfall in the force level, the IAF has proposed to acquire an additional 126 medium multi-role combat as (MMRCA). The ac that fit the bill for our requirement are of the Mirage 2000 Mk II, F-16, Gripen and MiG 29 M2 class. We are looking at a transfer of technology (ToT) clause and sharing of software source code.
  
  29. As a long-term strategy, we are planning to reduce the type of fighter ac on our inventory to three to four types. These would be long range/heavy weight fighters, medium range/medium weight multi-role fighters and lightweight low cost fighter ac. In the first category, the IAF has already procured the SU-30, and in the third category the indigenous LCA would be acquired. Thus, the 126 fighter ac we are planning to procure need to be in the medium range/medium weight and multi-role category.
  
  Upgrades
  
  30. To obviate the need for purchasing expensive hardware, we have also gone in for the low cost option of upgrading our existing aircraft. Up gradation of the MiG 21, MiG 27 and Jaguar ac is underway while the MiG 29 upgrade is in the pipeline.
  
  Transport Aircraft
  
  31.Our present fleet consists mainly of AN-32 and HS-748 ac in the below 5 Ton payload class, and the IL-76 in the 40 Ton class. Thus there is clearly a gap in the aircraft capability between 5 Tons and 40 Tons payload. Our requirement is 45 ac in this class. HAL is exploring the possibility of joint production of a transport ac of the 15-20 Ton payload capacities. We need to increase our strategic lift capability to cater for out of area contingencies (OOAC) as well as relief during natural calamities.
  
  Flight Refueller Aircraft
  32. In our drive to enhance the reach of our aircraft, the IAF has acquired six aerial refuellers. We have since utilized these aerial refuellers to stage our fighter aircraft to Alaska, South Africa and France. These aircraft can also double up as cargo planes thereby enhancing our strategic lift capability. Our plans envisage that out future acquisitions of fighter, helicopter and transport aircraft will all be capable of being aerially refueling. We have immediate plans of acquiring six additional flight refueling aircraft. These aerial refuellers have given us global reach and a choice of options.
  
  Helicopters
  
  33. The IAF is processing a case for procurement of 80 Med Lift Heptrs. With induction of these helicopters, the IAF will be able to meet all the tasks as well as support UN Peace Keeping Operations. Acquisition of these additional MLH is in keeping with the overall plan for enhancement of ‘strategic reach’ of the IAF.
  
  Indigenous Development
  
  34. We are conscious of the undisputed need to be self-sufficient and therefore the requirement of promoting indigenous development. Despite slippages in the LCA programme, it is hoped that we would be able to operationalise two Sqns by the end of the 11th Plan. On the indigenous front, the IAF fully supports the involvement of the Public and Private sectors in these endeavors. However, there is a pressing need to adhere to time frames especially for aviation related technology, least we face obsolescence right at the time of induction. In this regard, we would like to see time-bound and quality systems being produced, which will interest buyers even in the international market.
  
  RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
  35. Before concluding, I would like to briefly highlight some of the IAF’s achievements in the past one-year.
  
  36. Relief Operations. During the number of occasions in aid to civil authorities, the IAF, since the Tsunami disaster, has airlifted over 2,300 tone and 55,000 passengers. This has been unprecedented.
  
  37. International Exercises. The IAF has of late successfully trained with the air forces of USA, France, Singapore and South Africa. From these exercises in which our air warriors displayed great professionalism, we were able to gain valuable operational lessons and experiences.
  
  38. UN Peace Keeping Operations. The IAF is currently manning three UN Peace Keeping Operations, two at Congo, and one in Sudan. The performance of the contingents has earned the nation accolades in the international arena.
  
  CONCLUSION
  
  39.The strength and credibility With induction and operationalisation of all the stated procurements, the IAF would be even in a far better position to deal the entire spectrum of threats, as also look after our extended strategic boundaries. Presently, we have the capability to deal with limited out-of-area contingencies. With exploitation of space-based resources, we would enhance our operational capability whilst simultaneously increasing our deterrent value.
  
  40. We are currently focusing on training and development of human resources, as we are fully aware that it is the man behind the machine that will ultimately dictate our performance in any operation. Our endeavor is to improve the teeth to tail ratio, and in this regard we are looking at measures to increase productivity and cost consciousness.
  
  41. Finally, I can say with a great sense of satisfaction and due humility that each time the Indian Air Force was entrust with a responsibility – it delivered – whatever the odds. These tasks have been achieved due to professionalism of the highest order, dedication to duty, and ‘esprit-de-corps’ amongst the Air Warriors.
  
  Jai Hind!
   

  Conference Photographs