MALFUNCTIONS FURTHER DELAY RUSSIAN TURNOVER OF INDIAN CARRIER
The Indian Navy has encountered another set back in the delivery of the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, renamed INS Vikramaditya. Problems with the ship’s boilers were detected during ongoing sea trials The delivery of the carrier to India, which was scheduled for December 4 of this year, will likely be delayed until the end of 2013. Aviation trials aboard the carrier have continued as scheduled; about 40 sorties with MIG-29K fighters have been conducted. In 2004 the two countries signed a deal for the repair and overhaul of Admiral Gorshkov, one of the last Soviet-built carriers. (The Times of India, September 18 2012)
[Editor’s Note: The Gorshkov, which was originally to be delivered in August 2008, has suffered repeated delays and price hikes. Initially sold for $947 million, Russia hiked the price to $2.3 billion in 2009. Similar technical troubles plagued India’s bid for a Russian nuclear submarine. Also purchased in 2004, with an expected delivery date of 2008, the nuclear-powered Nerpa (now INS Chakra) was only delivered this year – five years behind schedule – after a 2008 accident in which the sub’s fire suppression system was triggered, releasing a deadly gas that killed 20 Russian sailors.]
PAK TESTS NUCLEAR CAPABLE MISSILE, INDIA FOLLOWS SUIT
Pakistan has successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Babur missile from an unspecified location, according to a statement released by Pakistani military officials. The missile, which has a 700-km range, is capable of hitting sites within India. Indigenously developed, the multi-tube cruise missile is low-flying and can be used against land and sea targets. Just two days after Pakistan’s announcement, India test-fired the 4000km-range Agni-IV IRBM, second only to the 5,000-km range Agni-V, which is also currently in testing and capable of hitting any target in China. The Agni-IV was launched from the eastern state of Orissa in its third trial test; previous tests were conducted in 2010 and 2011. Indian officials maintain that their missiles are not “country-specific”. (Agence France Presse, September 19 2012; The Times of India, September 17 2012)
INDIA STEPS UP DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH THE MALDIVES
Wary of China’s growing influence in the area, India has stepped up its defense cooperation with the strategically-located island chain off its southwestern coast. Talks between Indian Defense Minister AK Antony and his counterpart, Col. (Retired) Mohamed Nazim, stressed that both sides will work to ensure that “the stability in the region is maintained”. The Indian government has decided to station a Defense Attaché in the capital of Male. Additionally, India has expressed readiness to extend the term of an Advanced Light Helicopter it has operated in the Maldives for another two years. Earlier this year China opened its first embassy in Male and the democratically-elected president, a close ally of New Delhi, was removed in a soft coup. (The Diplomat, September 17 2012; Firstpost, September 16 2012)
CHINA, INDIA AMONG PARTICIPANTS IN SRI LANKAN MILITARY EXERCISES
Forty military personnel representing India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives will participate in the 16-day “Cormorant Strike III” joint exercise. The drills are aimed at fortifying regional cooperation, focusing on counter-terrorism operations. Exercises include amphibious landing, land operations, and simulated combat. Japan has also sent one of its destroyers and other training ships to Sri Lanka to participate in the joint naval exercises. (Business Standard, September 16 2012)
US CUTS BACK ON JOINT MILITARY OPERATIONS WITH AFGHANS
Following several deadly incidents in which Afghan soldiers and police attacked U.S. personnel (“green-on-blue”) and mounting tensions over an anti-Muslim video, the US military is cutting back on cooperation with Afghan forces. Joint operations, including joint patrols, have been suspended until further notice according to US military officials. According to coalition reports, Taliban fighters launched about 110 attacks a day in June of this year. Green-on-blue attacks have accounted for an unprecedented 51 deaths this year, leading to a dramatic drop in trust between coalition and Afghan troops. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has instead that the restrictions will not change the US’s 2014 withdrawal plan. (The Guardian, September 17, 2012; The Wall Street Journal, September 18 2012)