SRI LANKA: NO MORE CHINESE SUBS IN PORTS
In a reversal from the policies of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka will no longer allow Chinese submarines to dock in its ports. During Rajapaksa’s administration, Chinese subs docked twice at the Colombo port over the past year, much to the chagrin of the Indian government. Sri Lanka's new president, Maithripala Sirisena, has been less open to the Chinese, pivoting back toward Sri Lanka's larger neighbor, India. Nonetheless, Sri Lankan foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera indicated that Sri Lanka was still open to a trilateral agreement between Sri Lanka, India, and China. Samaraweera emphasized that Sirisena’s government “had adopted a centrist foreign policy based on engagement of the entire world . . . for the benefit of the Sri Lankan people”. (The Hindu, March 1, 2015)
INDIA AND ISRAEL COOP ON THE NEW SAM SYSTEM
India and Israel will work together to develop a new medium-range surface-to-air missile system (MRSAM) in a deal brokered by Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar. The system will replace existing SAM equipment purchased from Russia in the 1970s. The Army is set to purchase 18 systems for $1.5 billion, with more than $6 billion in purchases expected down the road. The system will be jointly developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel’s Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries. As part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make-in-India” campaign, the MRSAM will be manufactured in India. The system has a range of up to 70 kilometers and will be used to protect armored divisions in the plains and desert areas of India. (Defense News, February 26, 2015)
AFGHANS LAUNCH LARGEST-EVER SOLO OFFENSIVE
Anticipating a harsh spring fighting season, the Afghan army has initiated military operations against the Taliban in southern Helmand province. The assault will test the ability of Afghan security forces to conduct an offensive without NATO ground troop support. As both sides look to gain advantage before peace talks are due to take place, one Western diplomat declared “for [Afghan President Ahraf] Ghani, failure (in Helmand) is simply not an option.” So far, the assault has been largely successful, with Afghan forces clearing major sections of the province. After taking control of the area, new schools, health clinics, and other buildings will be constructed as Afghan security forces try to cement their hold over the former Taliban stronghold. (Washington Post, March 2, 2015)
INDIA TO FAST-TRACK, UPGRADE NEW CARRIER
India is aiming to increase the pace of development for its newest carrier, the INS Vishal. The move comes as the Indian navy is due to retire one of its aircraft carriers, the 1950s-era Viraat, leaving it with only one operational carrier. The INS Vishal will be India’s largest, most advanced carrier. A U.S.-India aircraft carrier working group has been established which will enable the two countries to share and jointly develop carrier technology. The ship may incorporate the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), developed by U.S. company General Atomics, allowing the carrier to launch a higher volume of heavier aircraft. The carrier may take 10 to 12 years to build. By the time it and another earlier carrier, the INS Vikrant, are constructed, the INS Vishal would boost the number of carriers in the Indian Navy to three, two shy of the navy’s goal of a five-carrier fleet. (The Diplomat, February 24, 2015)
BATTLE RAGES NEAR CHINA-MYANMAR BORDER
Over 130 people have died in fierce fighting between Myanmar’s armed forces and Kokang rebels in the first major flare up of violence since 2009. Fighting erupted when the military launched a campaign against the rebels after repeated insurgent attacks on its forces. The fighting has killed 61 Myanmar security forces and 72 insurgents, while over 30,000 civilians have fled across the border to China. (Times of India February 21, 2015)