The Hindu : Electronic warfare systems for J&K

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 03, 2003

Front Page

Front Page

Electronic warfare systems for J&K

By Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI JULY 2. The Ministry of Defence is planning to put in place an elaborate network of electronic warfare (EW) systems in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast to help the security forces counter the terrorist threat. The idea is to equip the security forces with improved and upgraded communications infrastructure to counter the advanced communications systems being used by terrorist groups.

Some systems have already been set up in Jammu and Kashmir and satisfied with their performance, much bigger projects — Rikki-II and Rikki-III are underway.

The Army is essentially following a two-pronged approach in equipping its men combating low intensity warfare with the latest electronic devices. The first is to spot intruders through hand-held thermal imagers and the second is to detect, jam and record communications between insurgents and their command headquarters. Officials expect the systems to be deployed in most parts of the State in two years provided the reluctance of officials to finalise major equipment purchase decisions does not come in the way.

While binocular and monocular variants of the thermal imagers capable of detecting body heat at night are man-specific, the setting up of low-intensity conflict electronic warfare (LIC-EW) systems is a complex process. In technical terms, they comprise two parts — electronic support measures and electronic countermeasures — that have to be integrated. The equipment then has to be painstakingly customised to specific requirements. Its installation will help detect the source of radio transmissions. Jamming of transmissions is being carried out in a limited manner through the "Rikki-I" projectand the two subsequent projects are expected to lend further teeth to these operations.

Of the companies that had responded to the Defence Ministry's request for proposals, two were shortlisted. With the technical evaluations having been nearly completed, the commercial bids of Thales of France and Elta of Israel will be opened soon. The lowest bidder is expected to be invited for negotiations, as per Central Vigilance Commission norms.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

18 killed as Golconda Express falls off bridge in Warangal

Govt. not averse to sending troops to Iraq?

Electronic warfare systems for J&K

PMO officials meet cable operators

Ruling on ASI plea reserved

Ready to run bus: Pak.

Fake scribe held near Parliament

Fresh NBW issued against JKLF chief

Jawan dies of gunshot

Nod for mobiles in J&K