India signs defence deals with Israel

NEW DELHI, AUG. 15. India has signed contracts worth $2 billion with Israel for defence equipment which will enable it to strike strategic enemy targets with pin-pointed accuracy.

These deals, which were concluded after lengthy negotiations, will result in transferring to India sophisticated long-range surveillance equipment, night-fighting hardware and ``smart ammunition''. These will make it easier for the armed forces to strike high-value industrial and military targets, well behind enemy lines, with great accuracy.

The deals were concluded during the recent visit to Israel by the Secretary, Defence Production and Supplies, Mr. Subir Dutta. The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sushil Kumar, the former Vice-Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Vinod Patney, and the Vice-Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Vijay Oberoi, had visited Israel to clarify the requirements of the three services.

Discussions, however, were not confined to hardware needs alone. While recognising the differences in terrain and political environment, the two armies exchanged notes on counter- insurgency operations, highly-placed Government sources said.

Sources clarified that while negotiations had moved on a fast track, hiccups in the acquisition of the high-profile Phalcon early warning aircraft remained. Earlier, the Indian Air Force had placed a requirement for the state-of-the-art Popeye missile, which can be launched from air to a distance of 150 km. on ground. Since, the weapons have significant American components, their clearance may have to await a further movement on the lifting of the post-Pokhran U.S. sanctions.

India has sought unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the highly-capable Heron. Eight pieces of Searcher-2 UAV, which can scan the ground and relay pictures even when flying in mountainous areas, have already been acquired. The Mirage-2000 planes are being equipped with Litening pods for spotting targets at night.

Besides, India is buying large quantities of hi-tech ammunition, which can be used for long-range strikes. Acquisition of low- level radars, which can spot low-flying fighter planes, is yet another thrust area.

These acquisitions have been guided by the doctrinal approach of the armed forces for undertaking offensive strikes to undermine the enemy's capacity to wage war. This can be achieved by attacking high-value targets, such as ballistic missile sites, so that the launch of these weapons can be prevented. Other significant targets include military headquarters, key communication centres and major airfields. Besides, the armed forces are emphasising air operations against ``centres of gravity'' which propel the enemy's industry, such as oil installations, so that the latter's war-waging potential is undermined.

Not surprisingly, India is emphasising the acquisition of surveillance equipment, including early warning planes and UAVs.

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