India’s inflation problem: A novice’s perspective of understanding the shortcomings of the policies and measures implemented by RBI and Govt of India

India's headline annual rate of inflation, based on the monthly Wholesale Price Index (WPI), rose to 9.44 per cent for June 2011 as compared to 9.06 per cent for the previous month and 10.25 per cent in the corresponding month of last year. Provisional data released by the government showed that India's food inflation rate had risen to 8.31 per cent for the week ended July 2, 2011 from 7.61 per cent for the previous week. The inflation rate for fuel and power, however, eased further to 11.89 per cent from the previous week's level of 12.67 per cent. In the past one year RBI has enforced eleven successive rate hikes on the banks with the outlook that an increase in the bank’s lending rate would entail a tight grip on the flow of money and this would cause the inflation to come under control. Inflation has been above the eight per cent mark since January 2010, much above the government's comfort zone of around five per cent. However a cursory glance at recent trends in the major segments: consumer goods, energy and fuel which have a direct impact on inflation reveal a different picture.
The increase in price have mainly been supply constrained (cost push) whereas the countermeasures taken by RBI has been to control the demand (demand pull). The twin factors of cost push and demand pull have caused soaring inflation, but the government with the aid of RBI has focused only on the demand side by monetary policy. The supply side also needs to be focused upon. The tight monetary measure introduced by the RBI can at best only be able to, in the short run, curtail demand for consumer goods and energy and curtail the supply side. This measure will discourage investments and worsen the supply-demand gap in the long run. On the front of essential commodities such as food, the current monetary measure would have a negative impact because the increased food prices would eat into the family’s savings and investments, further the families cannot postpone their purchasing decisions on essential commodities owing to inflation. Hence it is a given that in the long run, inflation would resurface with a vengeance and tackling this source of inflation would be a challenge.
An exceptional rise in the middle class having a higher disposable income has added to the woes of inflation currently plaguing the country as this event in the economic history of the country has its own impact on inflation. Further the government policies and schemes such as the sixth pay commission, loan waivers to farmers have increased the amount of money in the hands of the consumer. This increase in disposable income which has percolated across the social fabric of the nation has resulted in a substantial increase in the consumption pattern for food and consumer goods. India needs to have a comprehensive plan for controlling inflation in the long run and this is possible if we can create adequate supply in all sectors. Economics teaches us that economies are at their most efficient when they grow at their production possibility frontier, which is a function of the basic resources - manpower, capital, and infrastructure - available in the economy. As economies expand at their natural pace, it accumulates these resources, and a positive virtuous spiral of growth is generated. However, when the economy experience a sudden growth spurt, wherein the trend rate of growth is suddenly lifted up, the available resources often get depleted quickly and its growth may fail to keep pace with the needs of economic expansion. The economy is said to be ‘over heating’. This is the situation that India is presently in.
Supply side problem leads to spiraling food prices. This is largely because of faulty policies in the regulation of the prices of food grains, an increasing dependence on the food corporation of India for storage of primary food grains ( In July 2011, the Allahabad high court has issued a notice to FCI and the state government asking for an explanation of food grain rotting in the open in the state) , the appalling connectivity and transportation conditions between villages and consumer areas, and the lack of modern specialized warehouses for storing perishable commodities such as vegetables and fruits . The development of infrastructure to curtail these misgivings needs huge investments and an open environment of competition. The government could open this sector to private firms as it would foster better management and would avoid the government from getting a tarnished image as regards to important issues such as rotting food grains (Our honorable minister Mr.Sharad Pawar & FCI are an epitome of burden to the government exchequer by the way they handled the food grain crisis in 2008 which was estimated to have caused the government an estimated loss of 10 lakh tones of food grains).
Its also a well known fact that although 50 to 70% of the population is employed in the agricultural sector, this sector is contributing the lowest the Indian GDP. This trend is a cause of concern as we as a nation have not been able to leverage the benefits of liberalization in this sector as compared to that accrued to the industries and services. The government has to educate the farmers on the modern practices in arable land. Till date the agricultural industry output has been fluctuating based on seasonal rainfall patterns in the country. For a country which is having an 8 to 9% economic growth per year, India must try to remove the barriers of supply constraints posed by agriculture (based on seasonal rains).
Secondly, we don’t have a structured monetary framework. The RBI’s prime focus is on exchange rate monitoring and control, and it is not held accountable for price stability. Adding to the woes is the fact that, the monetary policy transmission is weak. Various capital controls and regulatory prohibitions have prevented the bond market, the currency market and the banking system from properly passing through policy changes. The result is that, when the RBI changes short-term interest rates, this has a limited impact upon the economy. Even if interest rates were raised today, a substantial impact on inflation would take time to shape up .
In addition to the above, it is the need of the hour that we engage in proper supervision of the energy usage patterns to curtail price inflation on fuel. We should encourage the development and use of hybrid vehicles and fuel cells that can also operate on batteries. TATA and Mahindra have already started development procedures of vehicles which will have a reduced dependence on fuel as a prime mover for transportation. We still lag behind developed countries in the innovation and development of energy saving apparatus. The above is just an example of implementation of energy saving activity undertaken in one sector. The same has to be implemented across all sectors (Horizontally deployed). Such an activity will not only bring down energy cost will also create new job opportunities in the country.
In a nutshell, aggregate demand is on the up and the supply infrastructure and other basic resources are not keeping pace with the requirements, and hence inflationary pressures are inevitable. To tackle the situation, it is imperative that the government focuses on creating adequate supply in all sectors and controls demand through effective monetary policy. This is feasible if there is adequate political will.
As said in the macro economics class we need to view economics not in isolation but in combination with the political dynamics of the country. What India currently needs is an increased political will and focus on improving the supply side, if we have to manage the problem of inflation and this can only happen if the government invests the time and energy to chart out a long term strategy for sustained growth for which the political fraternity has to look beyond the current short term gains envisaged through vote bank politics.

My feelings

Truth be told, every time I watch the news, I try to convince myself the deaths of my countrymen don't matter, that my fellow Indians don't care. so why should I? I try to rationalize away the anger, to convince myself that apathy or inaction are in fact the most logical responses. When that doesn't work, I tell myself we are a weak, perhaps even despicable society, unwilling to fight back and thus unworthy of saving. I tell myself these things in a vain effort to insulate myself. But none of that works because it's impossible to just stop caring.

Chinese Media Revert to Pre-Deng Rhetoric on India

Chinese Media Revert to Pre-Deng Rhetoric on India
By B. Raman
Simultaneously with the publication of a strong anti-India editorial by the "Global Times" of China on October 14, 2009, the party-run "People's Daily", has come out with an equally-strong anti-India editorial the same day under the title "Indian hegemony continues to harm relations with neighbors." The text of the editorial is annexed.
2. The "Global Times" belongs to the "People's Daily" group of publications of the Communist Party of China. While the "Global Times" seeks to project itself as an independent newspaper not necessarily voicing the opinion of the party, the "People's Daily" continues to be the voice of the party. It is generally believed that the editorials and op-ed articles carried by it have been pre-approved by the party before publication.
3. Ever since the 'Global Times" started coming out with editorials and articles critical of India and making derogatory references to India after April this year, the "People's Daily" followed the policy of occasionally reproducing some of the comments of the "Global Times" without identifying itself with those comments. It did carry opinion pieces on Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, but they were largely free of any negative references to India.
4. Thus, till recently, one saw a three-pronged approach by Beijing in matters relating to relations with India. Governmental spokespersons continued to be conciliatory while referring to issues relating to India. the "Global Times" was increasingly critical of India---even virulently sometimes--- and the "People's Daily" sometimes reproduced the comments of the "Global Times" without any anti-India comments of its own editorial department.
5. This policy seems to have changed from October 13. The comments of the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry on the recent electoral visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Arunachal Pradesh are anything but conciliatory. Instead of following its past policy of seeking to lower down the rhetoric in the local media, the Foreign Ministry itself seems to have taken the initiative in stepping up the rhetoric. Taking the cue from the Foreign Ministry, the "Global Times" and the "People's Daily" have come out with no-holds-barred criticism of India.
6. Whereas the editorial of the "Global Times" was Arunachal Pradesh-centric in the context of our Prime Minister's visit to that Indian State, the "People's Daily's" criticism is focussed on the general directions of the Indian policy towards its neighbours. It tends to be critical as well as derogatory. It does not contain the kind of warnings to India that one noticed in the editorial of the "Global Times", but the bluntness of its depiction of India and its attitude to its neighbours recalls to one's mind the similar depiction of India by the Chinese media and party circles before Deng Xiao-ping introduced a more nuanced and a more conciliatory policy towards India starting from 1978.
7. The "People's Daily's" projection of India as a hegemonistic power, its underlining of the common experiences and common difficulties of China and Pakistan in dealing with India with which both have pending border disputes and its references to India's war with China and Pakistan disturbingly indicate a reversal to the pre-Deng projection of India in negative terms and to the pre-1978 rhetoric.
8. Its description of India's policy of "befriending the far and attacking the near" is unmistakably a reference to the developing strategic relations between India and the US the foundation for which was laid by the previous US President George Bush. Since President Barack Obama assumed office, he has been trying to exclude from this relationship aspects which could cause concern to China. Despite the positive attitude of the Obama Administration to China, Beijing continues to view the India-US strategic relations with suspicion and continues to suspect a common Indo-US objective of countering China.
9. The anti-India rhetoric in the party-controlled media and even from the Foreign Ministry has come at a time when there has been speculation of a weakening of the position of President Hu Jintao following the July outbreak of violence in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang province, which forced him to cancel his participation in the G-8 summit in Italy and return ahead of schedule to Beijing to handle the situation in Xinjiang.
10. Reports from Tibet and Xinjiang indicate that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been increasingly in the driving seat of decision-making in matters relating to these two provinces and China's relations with India. The more hawkish line adopted by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the party media indicate that the hawks in the PLA and the party have started influencing the policy towards India.
11. It is important for the leaders of the two countries to get in touch with each other to eliminate the possibility of trans-border incidents caused by a misreading and misinterpretation of each other's intentions and moves.
12. It is clear from the present campaign against India that Beijing has come to the conclusion that it has made whatever concessions it could to India and that it is India's turn to make concessions to China in the negotiations on the border dispute.
(The writer is Additional Secretary (retd), Cabinet Secretariat, Govt. of India, New Delhi, and, presently, Director, Institute For Topical Studies, Chennai. He is also associated with the Chennai Centre For China Studies. E-mail: seventyone2@gmail.com)
ANNEXURE
"People's Daily" editorial of October 14,2009
Indian hegemony continues to harm relations with neighbors.
Nobody can deny that today's India is a power. In recent years, Indians have become more narrow-minded and intolerable of outside criticism as nationalism sentiment rises, with some of them even turning to hegemony. It can be proved by India's recent provocation on border issues with China.
Given the country's history, hegemony is a hundred-percent result of British colonialism. Dating back to the era of British India, the country covered a vast territory including present-day India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh as well as Nepal. India took it for granted that it could continue to rule the large area when Britain ended its colonialism in South Asia. A previous victim of colonialism and hegemony started to dream about developing its own hegemony. Obsessed with such mentality, India turned a blind eye to the concessions China had repeatedly made over the disputed border issues, and refused to drop the pretentious airs when dealing with neighbors like Pakistan.
Many Indians didn't know that Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, had once said that India could not play an inferior role in the world, and it should either be a superpower or disappear.
Although the pursuit of being a superpower is justifiable, the dream of being a superpower held by Indians appears impetuous. The dream of superpower is mingled with the thought of hegemony, which places the South Asian giant in an awkward situation and results in repeated failure.
Throughout the history, India has constantly been under foreign rule. The essence for the rise of India lies in how to be an independent country, to learn to solve the complicated ethnic and religious issues, to protect the country from terrorist attacks, to boost economic development as well as to put more efforts on poverty alleviation.
Additionally, the hegemony can also be harmful in terms of geopolitical environment. The expansion of India is restricted by its geographic locations. It has Himalaya Mountain to its north, a natural barrier for northward expansion; it has Pakistan to the west, a neighbor it is always at odds over the disputed border issues.
To everyone's disappointment, India pursued a foreign policy of "befriend the far and attack the near". It engaged in the war separately with China and Pakistan and the resentment still simmers. If India really wants to be a superpower, such a policy is shortsighted and immature.
India, which vows to be a superpower, needs to have its eyes on relations with neighbors and abandon the recklessness and arrogance as the world is undergoing earthshaking changes. For India, the ease of tension with China and Pakistan is the only way to become a superpower. At present, China is proactively engaging in negotiations with India for the early settlement of border dispute and India should give a positive response.

Line of Control [Kashmir]

Chapter 1: The sophistication of uncomplicated thinking
Day & Date: 0700 hrs, 11 November, 2009.
Location: Kala Pathhar (COMMAND BUNKER)Poonch Sector, Jammu & Kashmir (Operation Rakshak)
Post: Kopra Ridge (Main), Line of Control, 9, 500 ft a.s.l.
It was a misty and cold morning, not that Kashmir had offered me anything else, and I snuggled deeper inside my sleeping bag. I had, just a few minutes back, given an all OK report to Major RK Anuj, the Adjutant of 17 Kumaon. I had told him that all was well. Well, not exactly. The adjutant and I had our little joke going. I would say, “All quiet on the western front” and he would grunt. This morning he insisted on talking and was rather chirpy. Brigade Headquarters was full of paper tigers. The Brigade Commander was biased. Being a Gurkha officer, the GR units never got ROP duty. DSSC should be shut down; it was producing Rommels and Guderians with great powers of hallucination etc etc. I had heard this all before and mumbled a reply in agreement. It never does well to put off your adjutant. The last time had seen me on a 7 day LRP over the Pir Panjal mountain ranges, and a re-play did not seem like a great idea. Suddenly, acute matters of national security demanded his attention; the BM wanted 7 boys for working duty and the Adjutant ran to comply.Sleep was like a drug and I was drifting back to la-la land. I was back to the ideal world......the canteen was a cafeteria, the hostel was "residence" and even the mere function of asking someone to pass the chapattis was an cool "zap the chaps" or if you were a seventies degenerate, "roll the discs". Aah.....the pleasant burdens of Stephania. Suddenly, a loud rap on the bunker door jolted me back to reality. “Ram, Ram sahib”, Subedar Bhim Singh’s voice rang out and I cursed my luck. This was the last thing I wanted early in the morning. To have such a psycho as a platoon commander was in itself a huge problem. I had to literally beg the commanding officer not to sign Bhim Singh’s AFMSF-10, not once but twice. Bhim was nature’s bad boy. He was an “unfit JCO”. He was in the infantry, thought like a Para Commando and executed like a nurse. Once an NCO “ran amok” in C Company. The NCO was drunk and he chased Bhim Singh all over the unit lines with a khukri, before he was caught, put in QG and charge sheeted. Good friend Bhim returned the favor 2 years later, emulating the act to the T. If there was something called JLQs’ (JCO like qualities), they had certainly given Bhim the go by. 17 Kumaon knew for a fact that in such a sensitive area, only Bhim stood between the CO and a Higher Command nomination. Bhim had the CO a very worried man.I asked him to sit on a camp stool, while Ramesh Chandra, my faithful sahayak of two years, tried to light up the bukhari. He soon got a good fire going and proceeded to pour a cup of tea for both of us.“Sahib, we have lost 3 jawans in the last 2 months and the morale of the troops is not good”, he said. For the uninitiated, a Kumaoni will never come straight to the point. Whatever it is, it has to sound like a good story.“Yes, Bhim Sahib. I know that. What are you trying to say?” I asked.“Sahib, there is a pattern to this whole thing”, he said.Jesus, I thought. There he goes again. He will be gone in minutes, leaving me to nurse a migraine for the whole day.He continued, “All three men were killed between 0300-0400 hrs. All three belonged to the last patrol of the night. All three were surprised by infiltrating militants.”I sat up uneasily. Bhim Singh was right. How had I missed this? But, couldn’t it just be co-incidence? What was the proof of a pattern? Not wanting to disturb his flow, I nodded gravely to him. Now he had my full attention.“Someone is helping them from inside”, he delivered his punch line.“What? Do you mean one of our men………. ” I said.“No, no Sahib. How can you even think that one of our boys could do something like this? We have given this great army two PVCs and three Chiefs………….” he started. I knew where this monologue was heading. Not wanting another dose of paltan ki izzat……..I waved for him to continue.“I have information that it is none other than Haji Abdullah, the maulvi. He has often requested our 0300 hrs patrol to help him get to the pir baba ki mazar to put a 200 watt bulb. That is the signal to the Pakistani post that all is clear and they should begin infiltration”, he finished.5 km into Indian territory from the Line of Control is a black out zone at night. No one is allowed to switch on lights inside their homes and if they do, they have to cover the windows with black cloth or paper so that nothing is visible from outside. This is just to make the enemy Arty OP work harder for his salary. What Bhim was trying to say was that the CO had given permission to the 78 year-old Maulvi on religious grounds, to light a bulb at the Pir baba site. This was the only bulb which was allowed to be lit in the whole area of 5 km. The maulvi, once a week, feigning illness or bad memory, would actually request our jawans to guide/ escort him to the Pir Baba. Then the maulvi would put the bulb in the socket. In the pitch dark valley, the bulb would shine like a torch. It was the signal to the Pak post that the last Indian patrol of the night had left. Since the patrols only patrolled the gaps between the ambush sites, it was a cakewalk for the militants.It was certainly a plausible theory. Yes, our boys had died only on the nights the maulvi had requested for our help in putting the bulb on the mazar. But much of this was conjecture. Who would buy such a fantastic argument? But then, this was Kashmir. The normal rules of engagement (and logic) certainly did not apply.“How did you come across all this? How could you figure out?” I asked Bhim.Bhim smiled at me, showing a single row of badly stained and rotting teeth and said, “Ranjan told me”.Ranjan was our company masalchi (cook’s helper). An avid reader of cheap Bengali pulp fiction, he knew about the vital statistics of film heroines as thoroughly as he knew which Lt. Gen. would become Army Commander. Ranjan was a man in the know of things.Bhim’s logic had me stumped. How could I go to the CO with this story? And the CO had only last snowfall given the maulvi Rs.10, 000/- from the unit intelligence fund, to repair the masjid wall which had fallen due to heavy snow. The CO had obviously planned it as a brilliant “hearts and minds” campaign.I dismissed Bhim and set thinking. What were the loopholes in Bhim’s logic? The facts certainly seemed to jell. But without the CO's sanction, what could I do? What should I do? I was itching to get the person who had killed my men. Was I over-reacting? A million thoughts passed through my head. My mind was in turmoil and I felt lost. Ranjan would talk. My men would know that I was given the information and failed to act; infantrymen always thought in black and white. You were either “Dost” or “Dushman”. You were to be either embraced or killed. And, my men would not judge the maulvi worthy of embracing.What stopped me from contemplating any action was the credibility Bhim had in the unit. He was a shifty eyed, 5’4 ft guy with kohl lined eyes. He was an alcoholic. He had a few black ink entries against his name. When he spoke in anger, he frothed at the mouth and his eyes spun in their sockets. He was right out of a comic book. And, he was a Services boxer. I guess even his own mother hated him.Lt. Thomas, my company 2-i-C was a youngster with 4 months of service. He literally lived with the men. I had seen him translating “Platoon Leader” for the men, though his regimental spirit took a nosedive when he was requested by the CHM to translate a Playboy story. Could I trust Thomas? No, I decided. He was much too young for paltan politics. One call from the Adjutant would have him on his knees.When I took my decision, my own calm surprised me. It was as if the fact was always at the back of my mind, unable to come forth. I could not cross check the facts with a third party. I could not go to my CO. I could not have another death in the company. My mind was made up. Mentally, I had already passed orders for the execution of Haji Abdullah.I started preparing for the kill.

Indian Military Scenarios

INDIAN AIR FORCE STATION –CAR NICOBAR (CAR NIC)-2009 Wing commander Dinesh came out of the waves drenched in salt water onto the white sands of the protected beach bordering the air force station ,as a pair of flankers took off with a thunderous roar in the distance right over his head Much enlarged since the devastation of Tsunami few years back. In those days he has made numerous sorties from the main land, ferrying in first the medical and food supplies and then construction equipment required for reconstruction of the base and extension of the runway and taxi ways. It was a matter of great pride for his squadron of An -32 s that the operation could be started within 6 months and the first of the maritime strike Jaguars landed soon after .This was followed quickly by half a squadron of Su 30 MKI s and now Car Nicobar airbase ,called lovingly Car Nic by IAF boasted of two full squadrons of Su 30 MKI s and one squadron (enhanced ) of Jaguars dispersed all along the island in hard protective shelters giving it an enviable punch potential right on the heart of, one of the busiest sea lanes of the world . The idyllic island of Car Nicobar is nothing but a tropical paradise or as close to that definition you can get in reality. Lying in the heart of Andaman and Nicobar islands archipelago in the Indian Ocean it is but very little known to the outside world and even to Indian public in general. Part of the reason is of course geographic inaccessibility and part due to strategic importance of the region. There is no direct air link between the Indian mainland and the island till recently. Tourists have to first reach Port Blair by ship or air from Kolkata or Chennai and then move on to Car Nic either by boats or helicopter. The ten degree channel is very rough most of the year round and ordinary tourists who could not afford the exorbitant air fare went back from Port Blair. But those who dared to take the challenge it was a sight worth all the trouble and expense. As the aircraft approaches the white sandy beach and the turquoise ring of the surrounding ocean ,the ring of dark green coconut trees and the lush forest beyond the shore line make an unforgettable first impression –too good to be true . The islands remoteness is further reinforced by self sufficeant culture of the Nicobarese Their language has no words for compensation, orphan., trafficking which formed part of post Tsunami discourse in the region . Outside the air force station life has changed little for the native people over last 1000 years. It is not unusual to find a lady as “first captain” of a small village like Lepathy one of the 15 tiny villages that make up the Car Nicobar island, with a total population of less than 21000.Out of these 21000 -17000 are native and rest settlers from mainland ,mainly from south India ,Bengal and Bihar .The Nicobarese live in their isolated villages and the settlers live in and around the district headquarters engaged in various economic activities of the “civilized” world .Unlike the mainland settlers the native Nicobarese are totally de monetized .They have an organic link with their habitat and live off it. They keep pigs for meat but there is no cattle rearing. They do limited back yard poultry farming so they can have eggs to eat but no selling of extra eggs ever take place. The “civilized” concept of bank balance, property and private ownership is non existent .Their living is community centric .For every aspect of Nicobarese life community comes first and everything belongs to community. Wing commander Dinesh came out of the warm sands and started off on a slow trot towards officers mess located other side of the runway .He had an evening sortie scheduled for Chennai to pick up a load of BrahMos extended range anti ship missiles for the flankers that have just arrived . It will be, he hoped, a routine flight

The first confirmed report on Joint intelligence gathering operation between china and Myanmar, in the Andaman region came in mid 2005 even as the concept of joint counter insurgency operation concept between Indian and Myanmar armed forces was being fine tuned. The myna mars navy commenced a survey of Andaman’s islands to set up a patrol base and a small port ,but naval intelligence believed the real intention was an operation to undertake mapping of Andaman’s seas at the behest f china and study the possibility of heavy tonnage ships in the area. Given the fact the maritime boundary between myna mar and India is still unmarked intrusions both unintentional and deliberate were frequent. According to the classified report “the present activity appeared inspired and encouraged by Chinese intelligence agencies to study the availability of navigation channels in the Andaman’s and its surrounding seas .The close interaction between myna mar military junta and china was of course no news even in those days and was in fact one of the basic reasons why government of India corrected its pro democracy tilt in Myanmar in mid 1990s and its foreign policy took on a marked pro general tilt. The key to strategic importance of Andaman’s is its location. Located 1200 kms from the Indian mainland’s the chain of islands is scattered over 750 kms north to south in Bay of Bengal. In fact this chain of islands geographically separates the bay of Bengal from Malacca straits .The southern most island in the chain is only 90 kms from Indonesia and northernmost just 50 kms from Mynamar,and coco island is just 45 kms from Andaman’s Myna mars military government leased coco island to Chinese in 1994 .China quickly set up an advanced reconnaissance and electronic intelligence gathering station in great cocos island and a small naval base in small Cocos Island. The military significance of these electronic eavesdropping station and pilot naval base is its proximity to the shipping routes from bay of Bengal to Malacca straits and also its ability to monitor activities of India’s missile test program on the other side of the bay at wheeler islands and Chandipur. As the first of the successful anti ballistic missiles tests were carried out in close proximity of Agni 3 inter continental ballistic missiles –for the peoples republic of China the Cocos island facility became of critical importance. The Cocos island are in fact ideal for monitoring the Indian naval facilities in Andaman and also to track the movement of Indian and other navies through out the eastern Indian ocean and B ay of Bengal .China also helped modernize myna mars naval bases like Hianggyi, Akyab, Zadetkyi Kyun,Mergui, khauphyu apart from the facilities at Cocos.

Chinas interest in in the region is an off shoot of its offshore defense strategy. This particular model of strategic dominance and expansion envisages setting up and operating out of a number of island chains .First stage of the plan involves use of Myna mars naval bases by PLAN ,giving it a direct access to the strategically important Malacca straits and all of B ay of Bengal .The primary objective of china however remains to ensure security to its sea lanes of communications in the Indian ocean region which are almost pivotal to her economic growth through maritime trade and of course the flow of energy from the Persian gulf. This is the key to their naval capability build in the region including basing facility in Gwadar –Pakistan along with possible leasing of naval facilities in Myanmar Ports like Mergui,Hianggyi,Coco,Akyab,Zadetkyi Kyun,Khaukphyu with Yangon which will ultimately help it open up the Irrawadi river to Chinese inland commerce thru Myanmar with its sea access to B ay of Bengal and Indian ocean. In a way this was an attempt to develop an alternate route complementing the sea access to the worlds oceans via Malacca straits. From Indian point of view security of the Andaman’s is vital as it is her back yard or falls squarely in her sphere of influence and critical for all intended power projection roles in the Indian ocean region that includes anti piracy, anti narcotics, gun running along with security of the worlds oil and trade which pass this region. All of her trade to south east Asia travel through Malacca straits apart from vital nuclear installations like Madras atomic power project units in Kalpakam ,the 2x1000 MW nuclear reactors in the vicinity built with Russian Know how ,the interim test range for missiles in Chandipur and Wheeler islands ,the naval base at Vizag ,the port f Paradeep,the city of Kolkata etc . China completed constructin of a 4 lane highway from Kunming the capital of its Yunan province to Shewli on china –Myanmar border as a first step of her proactive policy of creating an alternate sea acess thru Myanmar.In th next phase of the project the road link was extended to Sinkiang on Irrwady river allowing it a subsequent river link to Yangon and onwards to Andaman’s sea .Once completed in early 2009 ,china was able to ship its produce from mainland via the integrated road –river route t Yangon port and then by Chinese registered ships to rest of the world . But they were vulnerable –vulnerable to the presence of powerful Indian tri –service command base at Port Blair and air force station Car Nic which could throttle the booming Chinese trade originating out of Yangon and the vital virtual energy pipeline thru Malacca straits any time . To counter the growing Chinese presence in the region and increased Chinese maritime activity in the Andaman’s seas ,Indian navy and force moved in concert . The first of these moves involved enhancing the quick response capability by induction of two squadrons of su-30 mki air dominance aircraft along with an enhanced Jaguar maritime strike aircraft in Car Nicobar . The naval facility at Port Blair was also upgraded with incorporation of submarine basing facility and BrahMos equipped destroyers were located in late 2008 . The presence of Agni 3 ballistic missiles in the island chain has never been confirmed –nor have they ever been denied. However land launched version of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile was based in a number of islands in the archipelago. All in all by mid 2008 the Andaman’s and Nicobar Chain of islands was perhaps the most potent of all Indian military bases in the subcontinent . Peoples republic of China-knew it too.

Andaman and Nicobar group of islands also known bay islands are a group of islands comprising more than 300 islands most of which are uninhabited .The main reason for such is shortage of drinking water or too any for any kind of agricultural activity. Also known romantically as emerald islands their location in bay of Bengal divides the straits of Malacca and bay of Bengal. In fact their spread is some what similar to Lakswadeep chain of islands in the south eat Arabian Sea. Administratively an union territory of India these islands have been divided into two main groups – namely Andaman and Nicobar groups. The 10 degree channel divides these groups, about 154 kms wide and 400 fathoms deep and its nomenclature based on geographic latitude. The Andaman group consist of North Andaman ,the Middle Andaman, and South Andaman again a very un imaginative naming based on entirely geographic relative position, the capital of this union territory Port Blair and the little Andaman. Small shallow seas separate these islands .from each other .The three larger islands along with a number of satellite islands form the Greater Andaman ,the last one being little Andaman. The northern most point in this island chain is called Landfall point and is approximately 300 kms from Myanmar mainland and less than 100kms from Coco island .The Coco channel divides the land fall island from Coco island The Nicobar group of islands consist of Car Nicobar in the north and little Nicobar and greater Nicobar group of islands to the south .The last of these group of islands is also the southernmost tip of Indian territory called the Pygmalion point which is just 150 kms from Indonesian coast of Sumatra .The Great channel separates the Great Nicobar from Sumatra. The other islands in Nicobar group of islands are little Nicobar, Chowra,Tarasa Dweep,Nancowrie,Trinakt and Katchal islands . Geologically speaking the islands are [art of a land mass coming down from Patkai Bum Through Arakan Yoma of the north east India and Myanmar respectively as well as Malaysia and Indo –China . Climatically it is in the tropical rain forest belt but still the surrounding ocean and regular sea breeze makes the climate quite pleasant.The main reason the first white settlers, the Danish missionaries left the place was perhaps the mosquitoes . From a strategic point the chain of islands create a series of choke points dominating the western entry to Singapore but also any maritime movement between far eastern countries and Kolkata, Cox Bazaar and Yangon or between Triconmole in Sri Lanka and Yangon. This was in fact the driving force behind setting up of Tri service command in Port Blair .As the command became operational following strategic advantages were immediately seen 1) reduction and finally near elimination of piracy in the region 2) significant reduction in illegal gun running operations carried out by ISI to southern Bangladeshi ports which finally landed in the hands of terrorists and insurgents in India But the greatest strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar lies in its proximity to world’s oil tanker routes and to a lesser extent the oil rich state of Sumatra which may break away from Indonesia under active US encouragement just like East Timor did with Australian assistance. All part of US game of controlling worlds energy resources and their distribution And then of course we can not overlook the China factor .Her claim to all of south china sea which extends right up to the eastern entry point t strait of Malacca .(on the western entry the straits is the Nicobar islands and Andaman’s sea).As china started exerting more and more control on Myanmar’s coast from St Mathews island in Thailand through Mergui ,Coco,Hyungi Bassien right upto Ramree islands the threat to Andaman was very real . With this geo political developments – the picturesque Andaman group of islands was sitting on a powder keg .All it needed was a spark . It will not be long in coming.

PRIME MINISTERS OFFICE -BEIJING -PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA The prime minister of China was not happy .On his desk was a thick folder on Indian naval -air build up in the Andaman region starting from late 2007 and included news paper reports . Around him sat the other members of the politbureu and no one smiled .Outside the the city of Beijing was at its glamorous best very flashy and very polluted .Just outside the party headquarters on Wanfujing street young and smartly dressed Chinese young professionals were busy with evening shopping in the countless malls that dot the broad avenue . As on date China dependence on imported crude was almost catastrophic .While the economy has continued to grow at 10% plus in last 3 yrs the high cost of crude was hurting ,but the situation was manageable as long as the price remained stable and the supply uninterrupted. While nothing much could be done about US naval presence in the gulf ,the premier was of the opinion that the strong Indian military build up in the bay of bengal was major threat to Chinese economic growth and national security . Something needed to be done and done fast .But he needed an excuse . The precious excuse will soon be coming from an unexpected ally.

Posted online: Thursday , November 15, 2007 at 12:00:00 Updated: Thursday , November 15, 2007 at 09:26:00 Print Email To Editor Post Comments Kolkata, November 15: India will strengthen its naval fleet on the eastern front, the regional commander said on Wednesday, adding destroyers and frigates among other ships, in an apparent move to counter Chinese interest in the region. Over the next five years or so, India's plans include stationing an aircraft carrier in the Bay of Bengal along with at least half of the 32 new warships and six submarines, Vice Admiral Raman Suthan said in Kolkata. The announcement comes a few months after India's air force said it would strengthen its presence in the east, adding new fighter jets and moving two squadrons of 36 state-of-the-art Russian-built Sukhoi-30 aircraft to the area. They are also adding advanced helicopters, strengthening runways and upgrading other air force facilities - an apparent move to counter China's might. "China has fuel interests of its own as fuel lines from Africa and the Gulf run through these waters, and so they are also building up their navy," Suthan said on board INS Sukanya, a naval warship at the Kolkata dockyard. India has air and naval bases and listening posts across the eastern region. It considers the eastern sea routes vital to its security. Many Indian defence experts believe that China has military or intelligence facilities on Myanmar's Coco Islands, a few miles away from India's Diglipur, 185 km north of Port Blair, capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. "We keep hearing about China's interest in Coco Island and are wary of its growing interest in the region, and we are keeping a close watch," Suthan said. Although Suthan said he believed China had no facilities on Coco, he said the navy could not let its guard down. "The naval fleet in east India has long legs and, with the government's emphasis on the look east policy, we are strengthening east now," Suthan added

SOME WHERE IN IRAN-PAKISTAN BORDER The old man was thinking hard -about the continuing pressure of US and its allies and a number of set backs his followers have suffered around the globe ,as the war on terror went proactive . Most worrisome was the active participation of military powers like Russia ,China and India in the all out offensive and coming to shape of the 1000 ship navy led by US. He knew he had to do something quickly if his movement of Global Jihad is to survive .His priority at this point of time was to break the alliance -at any cost There was only one sure fire way of doing it RAS TANURA OIL EXPORT TERMINAL -SAUDI ARABIA The export terminals at Ras Tanura on the Persian Gulf are among the largest in the world. Designed to export crude oil and LPG, the facilities include two piers and one sea island with a total of eighteen berths, which can accommodate ships of up to 550,000 deadweight tons (dwt). The facilities also included a tank farm with total storage capacity of 33 million barrels.

The Saudi oil infrastructure is the largest in the world. The major Saudi export terminals are at Ras Tantra and Juaymah, while the Petroline pipeline carries oil from the Abqaiq and Ghawar fields to Yanbu port on the Red Sea. The ports are Saudi Arabia's oil export Achilles heel; furthermore, while the kingdom has around eighty oil and gas fields, more than half of the country's reserves are concentrated in only eight fields, while the huge processing complex at Abqaiq handles about two-thirds of the country's oil output. This gigantism produces an economy of scale, but the concentration makes it highly susceptible to terrorist attack. Ras Tanura (more accurately Ra's Tannūrah, Arabic: رأس تنورة meaning "top/head of the barbecue spit") is a city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia located on a peninsula extending into the Persian Gulf. The name Ras Tanura applies both to a gated Saudi Aramco employee compound (also referred to as "Najmah") and to an industrial area further out on the peninsula that serves as a major oil port and oil operations center for Saudi Aramco, the largest oil company in the world. Today, the compound has about 3,200 residents, with a few Americans and British expats.

SOMEWHERE IN IRAN-PAKISTAN BORDER The old man started scribbling furiously on an yellowed piece of paper .His bodyguards waited outside patiently .A muffled cough from inside the tent was the indication for them to go in and take the detailed instructions along with a neat sketch ,put them in a sealed envelope and then take it over to Peswar -from where it will wing its way out half way across the world ,to a most unlikely destination -the world headquarters of a major US oil producing multinational. The old man already tiring from the last hours effort looked at the news report and smiled -enigmatically Quote: New Threat on Gulf Oil Puts Security Forces on Alert By Chris Zambelis Based on what United States and regional security sources described as credible intelligence of a possible maritime terrorist attack against Saudi and Bahraini coastal and offshore oil installations, radical Islamists in the Persian Gulf appear to be heeding al-Qaeda second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri's call to target Persian Gulf oil infrastructure. U.S. and British sources believe that al-Qaeda militants have their sights set on Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura facility. With a total loading capacity of six million barrels per day, Ras Tanura is the world's largest offshore oil export terminal (Gulf Daily News, October 2Cool. Bahrain's Bapco oil refinery is also believed to be under threat of attack. Western and regional capitals are taking these warnings seriously. U.S., British and partner Western navies comprising the Italian-led Coalition Task Force 152 that patrols international waters near Ras Tanura have deployed forces in support of Saudi and Bahraini military and security forces (al-Jazeera, October 2Cool. Yemeni security officials recently foiled an attack by local militants against oil installations in Marib and Hadramawt in September (Terrorism Focus, September 26). Saudi militants led a bold but failed attack against the world's largest oil processing facility at Abqaiq in Saudi Arabia in February (Terrorism Focus, March 7). The generally poor and amateurish performance of the militant cells that perpetrated these failed strikes may provide clues as to the tactical and operational capabilities of would-be attackers in any future raids against the Ras Tanura and Bapco facilities. It also highlights the difficulty of executing an effective strike against such facilities, especially given the heightened sense of awareness and regional security cooperation. Still, even a failed attack provides al-Qaeda with an opportunity to demonstrate that it is still a relevant force to be reckoned with. It may also be enough to raise security risk premiums on oil prices. Al-Qaeda's emphasis on targeting the region's oil infrastructure represents an ambitious effort on their part to destabilize incumbent regimes closely allied with the United States. It is also meant to send shockwaves through international financial markets in order to harm the U.S. economy. Osama bin Laden has decried what he perceives as the complicity of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies in a U.S.-led scheme to maintain artificially low oil prices in exchange for U.S. guarantees of security against foreign invasion and domestic political opposition. Despite a string of recent failures, al-Qaeda is likely to remain focused on targeting vital oil

RAS TANURA OIL TERMINAL -SAUDI ARABIA David Rottier looked at the calmness of Arabian Gulf with a tight grin on his face. He liked the beauty but hated the pollution. As security chief of the sprawling oil complex ,it was his job to ensure the flow of oil to rest of the world stays uninterrupted at any cost and was in almost constant contact with his hand multi band radio to the Saudi as well as multinational forces in the gulf charged with security of the region . An ex USN SEAL he was used to pressure and also being born and brought up in Saudi Arabia was used to the dessert. Till 9/11 the job was great and then everything changed. His father was a refinery engineer with Aramco and David joined his father when only 9 year old. His memory of US was vague at best, about the snow covered streets of Minneapolis, the frozen Mississippi and the skyscrapers down town. First few months he missed the snow mobile rides on frozen lakes and the violent storm of colors during fall but hen slowly the dessert claimed him –lock stock and barrel. He still remembered the dark of dessert night when the small turboprop of of Egypt Air dropped him with his mother on the small airfield at Dhahran. Then the oppressive heat and humidity hit him like a sledge hammer .He realized –it is a different world .In the distance he could see the eternal fire of the flare stacks lighting up the night sky in an eerie glow .He mad friends with local boys and they introduced him to the fun of living in a dessert .The fine art of catching sneaky lizards by throat so that you not left with a just the tail ,how to catch the spiny tailed dabs and the meat eating warals or for that matter the suction toed geckos. A geologist friend of his father once took him out for a wilderness trip and there was his first encounter with hunchbacked stripped Hyena. He would explore the dessert alone and with his friends on holidays and discover the burnt out crater formed by a misplaced Italian bomb ,a relic of second world war.In the coming years he would make the road journey from Dhahran to Ras Tanura number of times ,past the first oil well –Dammara seven, past the pyramid shaped Jabal Shamal, past the fishing villages of Al-Khobar and Dammam.He never stopped being amazed at the crystal white salt flats and the towering sand dunes. On the way he would see the large flocks of long haired black goats, clusters of low slung Bedouin tents and the large stiff legged donkeys and the highways bearing the neatly pained sign board proclaiming “camels have the right of the way” And then things started changing at breakneck speed.Fisrt came the 8 lane expressway followed by high tension power lines and the multiple flare stacks of gas oil separator. Initially at RAS Tanura most facilities were located in wooden barracks, and that included a barbershop, a mail centre or post office, a recreation hall, a library, snack bar and a billiards room.For the construction workers the recreating hall was the center of their off duty life here they maintained the body’s water balance by intake of chilled beer so that next day they can keep on sweating and not die out of de hydration .Across the main street was the mess hall which served all single males and some single females to like a few secretaries and nurses who have joined the dessert oil community .Then the production started at the refinery and every production land mark like 100000 barrels or 1500 000 barrels a day was celebrated grandly with holidays and donkey races and picnic on the shores of Arabian gulf. Security in those days was primitive when David went back to US for completing his graduation and then a short tour of duty during Gulf war. Just as the war came to a close Aramco offered him the post of security chief –an offer he could not refuse . The first thing he did joining was to revamp the security of the entire installation and that included triple barbed wire fence. double row mine field,armored car patrol on the perimeter roads , at least 3 random patrol of the adjoining area by apache gunship, motion sensors and close circuit TV cameras covering almost 90% of the land surfaces ,need based access system etc .But still he was not relaxed .He knew he has missed some thing which the terrorists will exploit to the fullest some day but he did not know what. In the distance he could see the royal navy frigate on its endless patrol on the coast and the Lynx chopper coming in to land after a anti submarine sortie . David felt it in his guts something is not just right.

Myanmar 2006-2009 Chinas interest in Myanmar’s was pure and simple ,its insatiable quest for natural gas and oil ,so very vital to its ever growing economy .In parallel was the strategic unease at the presence of a strong Indian naval/air presence in the region.
With 1.3 billion people, the People's Republic of China is the world's most populous country and the second largest oil consumer, behind the U.S. In recent years, China has been undergoing a process of industrialization and is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. With real gross domestic product growing at a rate of 8-10% a year, China's need for energy is projected to increase by 150 percent by 2020. to sustain its growth China requires increasing amounts of oil. Its oil consumption grows by 7.5% per year, seven times faster than the U.S.'
Growth in Chinese oil consumption has accelerated mainly because of a large-scale transition away from bicycles and mass transit toward private automobiles, more affordable since China's admission to the World Trade Organization. Consequently, by year 2010 China is expected to have 90 times more cars than in 1990. With automobile numbers growing at 19% a year, projections show that China could surpass the total number of cars in the U.S. by 2030. Another contributor to the sharp increase in automobile sales is the very low price of gasoline in China. Chinese gasoline prices now rank among the lowest in the world for oil-importing countries, and are a third of retail prices in Europe and Japan, where steep taxes are imposed to discourage gasoline use.
Cheap energy and assured is the prime mover of Chinese economy mentioned time again in international press and their specific interest in countries like Myanmar
April 23, 2006 Dow Jones Energy Service

EIJING (Dow Jones)--China's oil companies are expected to double imports of crude oil they produce overseas by the year 2010, as they increasingly invest in foreign oil assets, an official from a petroleum industry association in China said recently. "It's more cost-efficient to import oil produced by the companies' overseas assets than purchasing from the international market. And the overseas assets will provide long-term oil supply no matter how high international oil prices grow or how tight global supply is," Zhao Zhiming, president of the China Petroleum & Petrochemical Equipment Industry Association, told Dow Jones Newswires. In 2005, China's oil companies imported about 50 million metric tons of crude oil from their overseas assets, including 35 million tons by China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC.YY), 10 million tons by China National Offshore Oil Corp., and the rest mainly by China Petroleum & Chemical Group, or Sinopec, Zhao said. China imported a total of 126.8 million tons of crude in 2005. Zhao said China's oil companies should increase acquisition of assets, in places, like Kazakhstan, Russia and Myanmar where pipelines have been built, or will be built, to link with China. As for the feasibility of a Myanmar-China oil pipeline, Zhao said, "China will certainly build the pipeline as it will reduce the country's heavy reliance on the Malacca Strait. But construction may be delayed for a few years, given the unsettled construction costs and no agreement yet signed between the two governments." China's expectation of growing future dependence on oil imports has brought it to acquire interests in exploration and production in places like Kazakhstan, Russia, Venezuela, Sudan, West Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Canada. But despite its efforts to diversify its sources, China has become increasingly dependent on Middle East oil. Today, 58% of China's oil imports come from the region. By 2009, the share of Middle East oil will stand on 65%. Though historically China has had no long-standing strategic interests in the Middle East, its relationship with the region from where most of its oil comes is becoming increasingly important.

Myanmar is the biggest producer of natural gas in Asia and has the potential to ascend higher globally because many gas projects remain to be implemented. Currently, the country ranks 10th at the world level with its gas sale, up from 11th previously, while it represents the first in Asia. Myanmar started production and export of gas to Thailand in the late 1990s through a pipeline from the Yadana field in the gulf of Mottama, and Yetagun field off the Tanintharyi coast. Energy authorities of Myanmar and Thailand have been negotiating the construction of a marine, joint-venture natural gas pipeline since September 2006 for more export of gas to Thailand from the M-9 block in Myanmar's Mottama offshore area, officials disclosed. The Thai PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) Public Co Ltd, which has been engaged in gas exploration at the block, has so far found large commercial gas deposits at seven test wells since 2005. With a total of estimated gas reserve of more than 226.5 billion cubic-meters (BCM) and a production rate of about 8.49 billion cubic-meters (MCM) per day, the M-9 field is expected to be able to produce gas and export to Thailand by late 2011.In recent years, the country also found huge gas deposits in the Shwe and Shwephyu fields at block A-1 in 2004 and the Mya field at block A-3 in 2005. Myanmar has an abundance of natural gas resources, especially in offshore areas. With three main large offshore oil and gas fields and 19 onshore ones, Myanmar has proven recoverable reserve of 18.012 trillion cubic ft (TCF) out of 89.722 TCF estimated reserve of offshore and onshore gas, experts said. The country is also estimated to have 3.2 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil reserve, official statistics indicate. Myanmar figures also showed that in fiscal 2006-07, the country produced 7.7 million barrels of crude oil and 13.039 billion cubic meters of gas (BCM). Gas exports during the period were 13.028 BCM, worth $2.03 billion. Statistics revealed foreign investment in Myanmar's oil and gas sector had reached $2.769 billion in 75 projects in 2006 since the country opened to such investment in 1988.AS OF EARLY 2008 13 foreign oil companies, mainly from Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Russia are operating 33 onshore and offshore projects in Myanmar Early 2009 Chinas interesting Myanmar’s oil and gas was still not critical enough to warrant the risk an open confrontation with Indian navy ,since most of it was oil supply was assured from the Persian Gulf though at relatively high price .At that point of time political leadership of peoples republic of China developed its relationship with Myanmar just as an insurance and to some what contain dramatic expansion of Indian naval presence in Andaman’s seas Directly encouraged by US and to some extent by Russian federation and Japan . No one foresaw how a stoppage of crude oil and LNG flow from Gulf can change that-not even the Chinese political leadership

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS OF CHINAS PRESENCE IN MAYANMAR-1990-2009 The strategic implication of Chinas military and civilian presence have need reported in international media for long but strangely the government of India did not wake up to this very credible potential threat till 2006 when steps were taken to bolster the defenses of Andaman region .Looking thorough international publications of that era make the glaring security lapse obvious For years, international defence experts have been reporting Chinese activity in Myanmar, particularly on the Great Coco Island, just 20 nautical miles from the northern tip of the Andamans. The rapidly growing Chinese presence in Myanmar, which started after the military regime assumed power in Rangoon in 1989, has lent credence to Indian fears that China plans to "encircle" India strategically. "China's aim is to have a strategic outpost in the Indian Ocean. Encircling India is its grand strategy," asserts Maj. Gen. Y.K. Gera, deputy director of the United Services Institution. Of immediate concern to India is the presence of four Chinese radar bases at Man-Aung island off the Arakan coast, Hainggyi Island near the mouth of Bassein (Pathein) river, Great Coco Island, and Zar Dat Gyi Island (also known as St. Matthew's Island). The St. Mattrew's Island base, the biggest of the four, also has the direct satellite link with China. In addition, there has been an increased Chinese naval presence off the Myanmar coast, according to Asian diplomats. There is also concern over the deep-sea port under construction at Kyauk Phyu, Ramree Island off the Arakan coast, ostensibly to provide an Indian Ocean port for Chinese exports. China, of course, categorically denies that it has anything to do with the Coco Islands. Only, the facts speak otherwise. There are obvious reasons why China would want an Indian Ocean port for trade - the most important being that this would halve its shipping costs to Europe. But since India's military is second in Asia only to China's, Beijing would also like to keep an eye on its only serious regional rival. Besides the sea route, China is also serious about building roads links with Myanmar. A road has been built from China's Yunnan province to Bhamo in Myanmar, from which the Irrawaddy river is navigable to all points south. At the south end of the Irrawaddy, a road is being upgraded from Minhla (north of Prome or Pyay) to the town of An on the Arakan (Rakhine) coast, and a auseway to be constructed to Kyauk Phyu harbour. Minhla's proximity to important military installations and arms and Ordinance factories in Myanmar raises concern that planned new weapon Plants surveyed by Chinese engineers in 1994 might be made operational. The port has naval potential and is seen as a long-term security threat to India. According to one Asian military analyst, the water in the area is deep and capable of hiding submarines. In a related development in March 1997, a 30 years fishing lease was signed, allowing 225 Chinese fishing boats to trawls in Myanmar's waters. China has traditionally used fishing boats as a cover for intelligence gathering in the past. Dr Swaran Singh of the Institute for defence studies and analyses (IDSA) points out that in November 1994, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a trawler equipped with sophisticated surveillance equipment. Heeding China's appeal not to make the issue an international one, India downplayed the incident. However, points out that the threat should not be seen solely in the naval perspective, since the proliferation in small arms, drug production and money laundering in the region has a direct long term impact on India's North eastern states. Chinese technical and training staff, around 400, have been present in Myanmar since the early 90's, and hundreds of Myanmar's military personnel are known to have trained in China over the last six years. Since 1988, The vast majority of Myanmar's military imports have come from China, largely because only China was willing to provide with soft loans. According to military analysts, China has assisted Myanmar in developing new infantry machine guns and automatic rifles to be manufactured in Myanmar. India apart, other neighbors are also concerned at these developments. Since 1995, Singapore has been operating twice-weekly surveillance flights over Myanmar's coast, using C-130s and Fokker F-50s equipped with signals intelligence gear. Jane's Defence Weekly said in January 1994 that "a signals intelligence station has been established on Great Coco Island, but it is unclear whether the facility is controlled by Rangoon or Beijing." The report revealed the construction of a 50-meter tower on the isolated Island. It quoted Chinese sources as saying that work on the island had begun two years before "with Chinese technicians installing Chinese supplied equipment". The signals station "is thought to cover the Andamans facilities together with shipping in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman sea and Malacca strait," the Weekly reported. The station will monitor communications in these areas and later may also monitor Indian Missile tests, it said. The International Defense Review reported later the same year that the 50-meter antenna for signals intelligence had been detected by US satellites. "The suspicion that this new equipment was likely to be operated at least in part by Chinese technicians led to fears that Beijing's intelligence agencies would monitor this sensitive region." The intelligence station could observe India's missile tests at Chandipur on-sea, the journal said, and that India made several diplomatic protests to Myanmar over this. But a 1995 article in Jane's Intelligence Review said there was no conclusive proof of an intelligence station on Coco Island. A monitoring station from mainland Myanmar would be more useful to China, it said. The article spoke of Indian reports that "China already conducts electronic and other surveillance in the Indian ocean from trawlers of the kind captured in the Bay of Bengal." Jane's Intelligence Review reported last year that "Chinese strategic literature continues to list India as one of China's most likely opponent in regional conflicts." It referred to the remark in 1993 by a senior officer of China's People Liberation Army and director of the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences that China cannot accept "India's naval expansion and that 'we are not prepared to let the Indian Ocean become Indian's Ocean." It said that "strategic alliances with Pakistan in the southwest and Myanmar in the southeast thus constitute the linchpin of Beijing's strategy." Myanmar's coast is 1,930 long and includes 852 islands. According to a paper of the Strategic and Defense Studies Center in Canberra, Myanmar claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, a contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles. That makes for a legitimate Myanmar’s presence in waters very close to the Andamans. But the paper also says that Myanmar government may not permit the Chinese the unlimited access they want. India's relations with Myanmar deteriorated simultaneously following strong criticism of the military junta, though there are reports of attempts to improve relations following a visit by former foreign secretary J. N. Dixit. But reports in defense journals speak of a closer relationship between Myanmar and Pakistan, with the exchange of several defense missions, and unconfirmed reports of supply of Pakistani arms and ammunition to Myanmar. Most US experts, however, scoffed at the notion that China was "encircling" India strategically. "There is almost nothing serious in These suspensions. As far as I know and the US government knows, the Facilities that the Chinese have helped to build in the Coco islands are relatively small-scale and not designed to serve major Chinese ships," said Paul Kreisberg of the Woodrow Wilson Institute. But a State Department expert on China felt that there were more chances of an Indo-China row over the border issue, since it would take years for China to have the capability to move into the Indian Ocean. If the Chinese couldnot make a serious treat to Taiwan, they would hardly be likely to do so in the Andamans, says a Congressional source. Sumit Ganguly of New York's City University has the last word. He agree with George Fernandes's assertion that China is a threat to India and is happy that "someone has shown some spine and spoken out against the Chinese and put them on notice."

CHINAS INSATIABLE THIRST FOR OIL AND GAS -2000-09 China's Oil & Gas Import Strategy (2001 to 2020) A unique report on China's role in the exploration, production and transportation of both domestic and foreign hydrocarbon resources Peter Enav (February 2001) This report considers China's oil and gas import needs during the period from 2000 to 2020. It analyses the economic, political and geo-political factors that will likely impact on the country's oil and gas development strategy, and describes the prospective foreign role in the exploration, production and transport of both domestic and foreign hydrocarbon resources. Always assuming that China's oil production and oil consumption levels conform to the median of three possible scenarios, its oil import needs in 2020 should amount to 6.2m bbl/d - more than 5m bbl/d over the 1999 level. The median 2020 production scenario is based on falling output in veteran East Coast oilfields, moderate gains in new offshore developments and small gains in Xinjiang province. The median consumption scenario is based on average annual GDP growth rates of about 5% and a rise in oil's share in the overall Chinese fuel pie from the 11% that prevailed in 1999 to 25% by 2020.
A second Chinese oil import scenario for 2020-high production and low consumption- would yield 3.1m bbl/d. Alternatively, a low production and high consumption scenario would raise the required import level to 9.15m bbl/d.
The leading source of China's oil imports in 2020 is almost certain to be conventional oil purchases - this as opposed to new purchases of foreign oil properties. Based on both the availability of oil supplies and the uncertainty of production prospects in non-Opec countries, most of the purchases are likely to come from the Persian Gulf. Under a low Persian Gulf import scenario, China's 2020 Persian Gulf oil imports would likely total 3.5m bbl/d, divided among Saudi Arabia (800,000 bbl/d), Kuwait (500,000 bbl/d), the UAE (500,000 bbl/d), Iraq (700,000 bbl/d), Iran (500,000 bbl/d), Oman (300,000 bbl/d) and Yemen (200,000 bbl/d). Some of the Iranian and Iraqi oil-perhaps as much as 20%-would be produced by the China National Petroleum Company (CNPC) either on a production sharing basis or a buy-back basis.
A moderate Persian Gulf oil import scenario would likely lead to a Chinese Persian Gulf oil offtake of 4.1m bbl/d in 2020. Under such a scenario, Saudi Arabia might supply 900,000m bbl/d of the total, Kuwait 600,000 bbl/d, the UAE 600,000 bbl/d, Iraq 800,000 bbl/d, Iran 600,000 bbl/d, Oman 350,000 bbl/d and Yemen 250,000 bbl/d. Once again about 20% of the Iranian and Iraqi oil would be produced by CNPC on either a production sharing or buy-back basis.
A high Persian Gulf oil import scenario would likely lead to a Chinese Persian Gulf oil offtake of 4.7 m bbl/d in 2020. Under such a scenario, Saudi Arabia might supply 1m bbl/d of the total, Kuwait 700,000 bbl/d, the UAE 700,000 bbl/d, Iraq 900,000 bbl/d, Iran 800,000 bbl/d, Oman 350,000 bbl/d and Yemen 250,000 bbl/d. As in the low and moderate scenarios, about 20% of the Iranian and Iraqi oil would probably be produced by CNPC on either a production sharing or buy-back basis.
In addition to the Persian Gulf, at least two other areas have the potential to contribute substantial amounts of oil to the Chinese import pie in 2020. Always assuming continuing growth in overall West African oil development, China's West African oil import total could well rise to 400,000 bbl/d by 2020 - mostly from Nigeria and Angola. Another 400,000 bbl/d could conceivably come from Russia, always assuming the construction of a 2,300km pipeline from Angarsk (north-west of Irkutsk) to a still to be designated Chinese port on the country's east coast. Mongolia and Alaska could also contribute to the Chinese oil import total, but only in relatively small amounts. Notwithstanding the large-scale purchases of foreign oil properties made by CNPC in 1997, the foreign oil purchase option is likely to play only an ancillary role in China's oil import strategy during the first two decades of the 21st Century. This reflects CNPC's considerable difficulties in adopting itself to foreign business environments (particularly in Central Asia) and its continuing concerns over the security of oil transport through the Persian Gulf.
The construction of a dedicated oil pipeline from western Kazakhstan to China's rapidly growing east coast industrial heartland could mitigate the security problem at least to a certain extent, but given the huge expense involved - and CNPC's doubts over oil throughput sufficiency - it should not be considered to be likely.
China's gas imports in 2020 are likely to total 35 bn cu metres/yr - all of them new. This would reflect the median among three possible gas import scenarios. Under this median scenario, moderate regulatory reform in the Chinese gas industry would combine with rising environmental consciousness to create a gas production level of 80 bn cu metres/yr and a gas consumption level of 115 bn cu metres/yr. Alternatively, a high production and low consumption scenario would yield China a 25 bn cu metre/yr gas import requirement in 2020. Conversely, a low production, high consumption scenario would increase that amount to 55 bn cu metres/yr.
Particularly in light of expected gas demand in China's southeast and eastern coastal areas, the country's 2020 gas import strategy is likely to focus on the construction of two large-scale LNG receiving stations - one in Guangdong province near the city of Guangzhou and the other in the region of Shanghai. These projects should contribute approximately 14 bn cu metres/yr to China's gas requirements. Largely on the basis of gas transport concerns and China's desire to deepen its relations with its South-east Asian neighbours, Malaysia appears to be a good candidate to furnish a large part of the required LNG feedstock.
In addition to the Guangdong and Shanghai LNG receiving stations, China is also likely to require the construction of at least one import oriented gas pipeline by 2020. In late 2000, the leading candidate for this was a 25 bn cu metre/yr line between the East Siberian city of Irkutsk and the Chinese capital of Beijing. Its main selling point is the ballast it would provide for the rapidly budding Sino-Russian relationship. At the same time, it would also obviate the need for the construction of a costly internal gas pipeline network between Shanghai and Xinjiang province in the far west. Such a network would be required were China to opt to build a gas pipeline between Turkmenistan and Xinjiang - something that in late 2000 seemed unlikely.

VIZAG 2007-A NEWS REPORT

VISAKHAPATNAM: It was a momentous day for the Eastern Naval Command and also for Visakhapatnam city when TU 142, one of Indian Navy’s largest maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, landed at the airport here on Monday.
The new 10,000-foot runway of the airport (Naval Air Station INS Dega), facilitated the landing of the “mighty bird” of Indian Navy, which is larger than an Airbus in size and weight and can fly non-stop over distances greater than that covered by a Boeing 747. It is also the largest and fastest flying turbo-prop aircraft in the world.
The aircraft was commanded by Gopal Natarajan and was received by L.V.S. Babu, Chief Staff Officer (operations) at ENC Headquarters. Commodore Babu presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ENC R.P. Suthan to Commander Natarajan and Commanding Officer of INS Dega G. Prakash. “The maiden landing marks a major achievement towards enhancement of operational capabilities of Eastern Naval Command and providing greater flexibility to naval air operations,” according to an ENC press release.
The TU 142s are part of the Indian Naval Air Squadron 312 of INS Rajali, the Naval Air Station of ENC at Arakkonam (Tamil Nadu). TU 142s have participated in action in various naval operations like Operation Cactus in Maldives and Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka.
Visakhapatnam: decks have been cleared for lengthening the runway of the existing indian navy air station ins dega at vizag to facilitate landing and take-off of bigger planes. the state government has decided to shift the naval armament depot (nad) which would fall in the path of planes taking off from the expanded runway to ins kalinga site. "a special survey team has already engaged in land acquisition process," a senior district official said. the government has directed the district authorities to solve problems, if any, during acquisition locally. sources said the government has already directed the district administration to acquire land near ins kalinga for shifting the naval armament depot. he said `peg mark survey' was over and expansion works would be commenced soon. "we need not wait till the naval armament depot is shifted completely. works for expansion as well as nad shifting would go simultaneously," the official said. it may be recalled here that cm chandrababu naidu had broached the plan with prime minister vajpayee in delhi during last may. the state government would spend rs 50 crore while ministries of civil aviation and defence have agreed to spend another rs 50 crore each. the ammunition depot will have to be shifted to a suitable location offered by the state government to the Indian navy before the expansion of the runway takes place. The new runway at Visakhapatnam airport (naval air station INS Dega) has been certified fit for operation of fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. A four MiG-27 aircraft detachment of 18 Squadron of Indian Air Force, commanded by Wing Commander Sameer Mehra successfully completed week-long operations on Friday from the runway. The ability to operate fighter aircraft day and night gives a big boost to the Indian Navy's operational capabilities on the Eastern seaboard.

-SEA BIRD FLIGHT-1 X TU-142INS DEGA –VISHAKHAPATANAM –EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND-JUNE 2009 It was a busy afternoon at Vizag airport more correctly INS Dega . The civil aviation sector in India was booming and the net result was a congestion in Indian skies from Mumbai to Delhi to Chennai and even in smaller regional airports like Vizag ,much to dislike of naval authorities who owned the place lock stock and barrel. But navy was also was thankful in way to the large revenue inflow from civilian flights using their main airbase on the eastern sea board making it easier for them to add an additional 10000 ft runway allowing the airbase to take in not only large civilian aircrafts like A-320 and B-737 800 but also the real big birds of Indian ocean –Tupolov 142 s and the IL-38 s. About 100 kms due south Lt commander Dipak Ahuja clickd on the transmit button as he approached the restricted air space of the naval air station . The sky was heavy with thunder clouds and the navy metrological department had issued a warning about the possibility of a thunder storm in Vizag area in the afternoon. At 23000 ft he was somewhat insured from the low level turbulence but in the distance the dark dense clouds was not a comforting sight. -Tower – sea bird flight –request priority landing clearance –sensitive cargo –over - sea bird flight-Vizag tower – turn left heading 250 – make your altitude 5000 meters –over Flying a Tupolov 142 is an art most of the times .The delicate balance between power and turn rate comes only with experience and Lt commander Dipak Ahuja was one of the most experienced pilots in the navy . That is why he was entrusted with carrying the most sensitive “ cargo” of a canister of Brahmos -2 hypersonic anti ship missile to Vizag and then onwards to Port Blair next day . As he watched the artificial horizon indicator carefully and slowly initiated the diving turn to reduce altitude and change heading at the same time hs first officer Lt commander Neeta Mehta eased back on the collective throttle slowly reducing power to the four massive turbo props .The turn rate indicator stayed steady at 5 degree and vertical speed at 100 meters per minute as the giant aircraft came into her new course and altitude. On his radar scope Dipak could see at least 4 other aircraft commercial aircraft doing endless figures of 8 in the sky at different altitude, he hoped the automatic naval priority Of his flight will allow him a straight in approach .He simply did not want a land with bellyful of missiles in zero visibility and cross winds more than 30 kms/hr even if the runway was 10000 ft long. As he leveled off at 5000 meters the first strong gust of wind hit the airframe almost head on. Neeta pushed up the collective throttle quickly to maintain the ground speed and the difficult process of landing the massive bomber started. -Sea bird –tower –your second in queue for landing –reduce altitude to 3000 meters –maintain present heading –contact tower at assigned altitude -Roger that tower –making altitude 3000 meters –maintain present heading Dipak eased back on his seat and tightened the 5 point harness .Along side his first officer was doing the same .It will be an interesting landing ,thought Lt Commander Dipa Ahuja as flew in to solid bank of dark thunder clouds .The visibility went zero almost immediately and the roller coaster descent to the strip of concrete 60 kms away started . What the crew of Tu -142 did not know then or for that matter anyone in the Indian navy knew at that point of time was how within next few weeks these naval aviators of Indian navy will become the most well known faces in the subcontinent.

RAS TANURA MARINE OIL TERMINAL NO 3 –SAUDI ARABIA Abdul Hafez parked into the sprawling car park adjacent to the marine terminal main security gate and waved at the security guards .As vice president in charge of shipping it was his job to see loading of mammoth tankers carrying crude and LPG went on smoothly 24x7. His position in the corporate Hierarchy allowed him to drive in his personal car with just a cursory security check while for everyone else it was mandatory to get out of the car ,show government issued photo ID and work permit ,body search and passing through x-ray body scanner under the very watch full eyes of US and Saudi troops. In fact Hafez was not a Saudi national but an Egyptian .After graduating from Cairo college of Engineering in Chemical engineering he joined Aramco as a trainee engineer and was assigned to supervision of pipeline construction in marine terminal no 3 ,which was responsible for loading of very large crude carriers and LPG tankers of displacement more than 200 000 tons . Hafez was born in a poor Egyptian family residing in the outskirts of port city of Alexandria. Though he was good in his studies there was no way his improvised parents could have sustained his expensive technical education in one of the best engineering colleges of Middle East. That was way back 80s when he was approached by a bearded gentle man in flowing robes and an offer was made .Thirty five years after that fateful incident his unlisted phone rang in the night and a persuasive request was made . A request Hafez could not refuse. In May of 1933, King Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud, who had founded the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the previous year, listened attentively as the text of a draft agreement was read to him. After a pause, he turned to his Finance Minister Abdullah Sulaiman and said: "Put your trust in God and sign." The agreement he was referring to authorized Standard Oil of California (Socal) to explore for oil in what is now the Eastern Province of the Kingdom - the starting point for a decades-long venture that would make Saudi Arabia the largest oil producer in the world. It would also set the stage for the close Saudi-U.S. relations that would grow rapidly in coming decades and extend into all areas of cooperation. At a time when oil was abundant and cheap, with crude selling at approximately ten cents a barrel in Texas, the Saudi-Socal venture seemed less than promising. Initial studies had failed to determine the existence of oil in commercial quantities and other oil companies had demonstrated little interest in searching the vast deserts of the Kingdom in what most thought was a hopeless endeavor. Yet the recent discovery of oil in nearby Bahrain and the existence of certain geological formations pointed to the possibility of oil reserves. Neither the Saudi nor the American sides wavered in their determination to find oil. Four months after the concession agreement was signed, two American geologists arrived at Jubail on the Arabian Gulf and immediately set out into the vast interior. From those humble beginnings arose the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco), later named the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco). Today, Saudi Aramco is the world's largest oil company, with operations spanning the globe. As was demonstrated during the Gulf Crisis of 1990-91 when it stepped in to make up for the loss of oil exports from Iraq and Kuwait, thus averting a catastrophic global energy shortage, Saudi Aramco is, as Petroleum Intelligence Weekly noted, a guarantor of the "stability and security to world oil markets that is now the hallmark of Saudi policy." t took five years of hard work under harsh conditions in the desert before the well known as Dammam Number 7 hit oil in commercial quantities. On May 1, 1939, King Abdul Aziz boarded the tanker D.G. Scofield in Ras Tanura to turn the valve that let the first barrel of Saudi oil enter a tanker for export. Hafez joined Aramco just as the massive expansion began to take care of oil shortages arising out of first gulf war From those humble beginnings arose the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco), later named the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco). Today, Saudi Aramco is the world's largest oil company, with operations spanning the globe. As was demonstrated during the Gulf Crisis of 1990-91 when it stepped in to make up for the loss of oil exports from Iraq and Kuwait, thus averting a catastrophic global energy shortage, Saudi Aramco is, as Petroleum Intelligence Weekly noted, a guarantor of the "stability and security to world oil markets that is now the hallmark of Saudi policy." t took five years of hard work under harsh conditions in the desert before the well known as Dammam Number 7 hit oil in commercial quantities. On May 1, 1939, King Abdul Aziz boarded the tanker D.G. Scofield in Ras Tanura to turn the valve that let the first barrel of Saudi oil enter a tanker for export. Though Saudi crude oil was of great strategic value to the Allied war effort during World War II, and could have been produced in relatively larger quantities, the problems associated with shipping oil during the hostilities severely limited Aramco's operations. As a result the development of Saudi oil fields progressed slowly during the war years, with production averaging 58,000 barrels per day (bpd) at the end of the war. During those years, however, Aramco dedicated its efforts to exploration and development of an infrastructure to handle future expansion. It built a refinery and a tank farm, and enlarged the marine terminal at Ras Tanura. The history of the company is one of close Saudi-U.S. cooperation and spectacular accomplishments in the face of long odds. It took five years of hard work under harsh conditions in the desert before the well known as Dammam Number 7 hit oil in commercial quantities. On May 1, 1939, King Abdul Aziz boarded the tanker D.G. Scofield in Ras Tanura to turn the valve that let the first barrel of Saudi oil enter a tanker for export. The period immediately following the end of World War II was one of intense activity. New deposits were being discovered with increasing regularity, pumping, pipeline and treatment facilities were expanded and new offices, warehouses and housing were built. By 1949, the company's production capacity had reached 500,000 bpd. To circumvent the cost and time of shipping oil to Mediterranean ports via the circuitous route around the Arabian Peninsula and through the Suez Canal, the company built Tapline, a 31-inch pipeline that initially carried 320,000 bpd of crude from the production facilities in the Eastern Province through northern Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon to the Mediterranean. Although the pipeline was expanded in later years, the civil war in Lebanon, coupled with the construction of other pipelines across Saudi Arabia and the development of more cost-effective ultra-large oil tankers led to cessation of its use to deliver oil to the Mediterranean. As the company and its production capacity continued to grow, so did its requirements for highly-skilled and well-trained manpower. Whereas the original geologists, engineers and technicians who helped start operations in the 1930s were primarily American, by the 1950s, the majority of company employees were Saudi Arabians. In the 1960s and 1970s, tens of thousands of Saudis were sent to training centers established in the Kingdom and thousands completed their education at universities. By the end of the latter decade, Saudis were in most of the management and technical positions in the company. The training of large numbers of Saudis to take on leadership posts in the company enabled it to expand operations across the board to meet growing demand for Saudi oil during the 1960s and 1970s. Production reached two million barrels per day by 1965 and grew to more than eight million barrels per day when the oil shortages of the mid-1970s sent demand for Saudi oil soaring. To achieve such production rates required a mammoth undertaking that touched all areas of the Saudi oil industry. Exploration was the core of the effort. The initial search for oil in the 1930s began in the Dammam Dome. New deposits were discovered not only at Abqaiq and Qatif, but also at 'Ain Dar and Haradh, which were later determined to be part of the Ghawar field, the world's largest oil deposit, almost 160 miles long and 20 miles across at its widest point. Other fields followed, including the Arabian Gulf's Safaniya, the world's largest offshore oil field. The discovery of these and other fields required extensive field operations backed by photogeology and exploration laboratories using the latest technologies. A network of pipelines carried crude from producing wells to the marine terminal at Ras Tanura. Originally a single pier capable of handling two small tankers, the terminal was enlarged over the years. Today, four sea islands, a series of steel-loading platforms welded together and standing in deep water, can accommodate eight super tankers. A second terminal was later built at Ju'aymah, about 15 miles north of Ras Tanura. Among the facilities built at the new terminal is a tank farm for storing oil before transfer to tankers, with 19 tanks that are the largest in the world, some capable of accommodating a 30-story building on its side. Loading lines transfer the oil to platforms mounted on piles some seven miles offshore. Between them, the Ju'aymah and Ras Tanura facilities can transfer as much as ten million barrels of oil per day onto the largest tankers afloat. In 1975, Aramco initiated work to design, build and operate a master gas system to gather and process the natural gas produced in association with crude oil for use in the Kingdom's industrialization program. By the early 1980s, the system was producing and piping natural gas to petro- chemical plants and other industrial plants in the twin industrial cities at Jubail on the Gulf and Yanbu on the Red Sea. Using the natural gas as feed stock, the plants manufactured products that both fed other industrial operations and were exported. The natural gas collected by the master gas system was also used to generate electricity for urban and industrial use, to run desalination plants and to provide natural gas liquids for export abroad.

RAS TANURA –SAUDI ARABIA -2009 Hafez entered the ultra high security marine dispatch control centre after mandatory check for arms and explosives even if he was the vice president directly in charge of all shipping of crude from the terminals . He did not carry and AK-47 or RDX or even a laptop which is anyway prohibited inside the dispatch center, not even a CD or a DVD. Only prohibited item he was carrying was micro flash drive inside his expensive diamond Tie pin which had a 500 mega byte flash drive built in carrying an yet to be discovered worm type virus which will slowly destroy the remote operation control main frame software over the next 7 days .making all modes of dispatch and production control impossible except resorting to a time consuming replacement and reboot of the entire computerized process control system . It will not shut down the production entirely but make the process much less efficient from all points –including security With the absence of real time monitoring of the numerous pumping stations, for a period of 7-10 days most of the large crude oil pump control centers will have to be manually operated getting information and instruction from central dispatch control over tele- type and not phone to avoid confusion. The crude oil of eastern Saudi Arabia emerges from about 300 producing wells in 10 different fields and flows under wellhead pressure directly to the nearest gas-oil separator plant. In its natural state crude oil is a liquid containing varying amounts of hydrogen sulfide (the substance which gives rotten eggs their characteristic aroma), natural gas and other impurities. At the highly automated gas-oil separator plants (in the trade, called GOSPs as one word) high-pressure gas is removed and piped out to gas injection facilities, which return it to the underground oil reservoirs to maintain wellhead pressures, thus postponing the day when it will be necessary to pump the wells. Low-pressure gases are separated simultaneously and converted to propane or butane at a liquefied petroleum gas plant, for enriching crude or for direct sale to exporters. Pumped to the stabilizers, a collection of cylindrical towers and a maze of steel piping, part of the crude's remaining gas is boiled off in reducing the hydrogen sulfide content by about 95 per cent. The stabilized sweetened crude, now safer to handle because its poisonous and corrosive H2 S has been removed, is shunted to tank farms consisting of huge steel storage tanks of 180,000 to 325,000 barrels capacity each, to await final transfer to one of four destinations: the 255,000 barrel-per-day Ras Tanura Refinery; the Ras Tanura Marine Terminal for loading aboard tankers; the pump station in Dhahran which pushes crude oil through twin underwater pipelines to a refinery on the island of Bahrarain .The dispatcher's role in this fairly straightforward process is to keep the oil moving steadily from well to gas oil separator to pump station to stabilizer to tank farm. In theory all he has to do is to order the valves turned on at the wells until the tank farms are filled, then shut the wells down until the tank farms are empty, before the time comes to repeat the cycle. He could actually do this, except that a sudden descent of empty tankers at Ras Tanura could not be supplied from a near-empty tank farm (nor wait until storage tanks were filled), and, more important, the off-again, on-again operation of such huge facilities is prohibitively expensive. The dispatcher's ideal, indeed, is to keep all his units operating with the minimum possible change. By introducing the virus into Ras tanuras main frame –Hafez wanted to gain a window of opportunity , a window in which he planned to break into the near impregnable security cordon of Ras Tanura and bring the world to its knees as per the wish of the old man –to whom he owed his existence. When the main frame is off line –Hafez knew the automated fire alarm and control system will also be not functioning and that means a small fire can be a big trouble

INDIAN NAVAL BUILD UP –2000-2009 It will be naive to assume Indian strategic planners were not aware of the ominous developments in the Indian Ocean region particularly increasing presence of PLAN in the Myanmar coast which included frequent visits to ports as well as joint “exercises” with Myanmar navy very close to the Andaman chain of islands and the strait of Malacca in an indirect challenge to the presence of Indian naval ships in the region. The modernization of Indian navy as response to this threat was perhaps the most effective of all three services and most of which came to conclusion by the end of 2009 and that included 1) Induction of two Akula-2 nuclear powered attack submarine from Russia on a “lease”. Since the so called “lease” document signed did not mention any restriction on combat usage, for all practical purposes they were Indian navy assets to be used when and where required particularly for training purposes including firing of live missiles . The first submarine joined the Indian navy in late 2008 and the second in middle of 2009 . The first of the akulas was assigned to eastern naval command and presumably located at Vizag naval base. This was however not true ,as events unfolding in near future will show 2) The first Indian nuclear powered multipurpose submarine also went for sea trial in late 2008 and by end of 2009 was ready for testing its conventional and non conventional weapon systems . .It was officially based at Vizag but once again that was not true .It was actually using Karwar in Karnataka as its primary base but patrolling the Indian ocean in tandem with one of the Akulas based in?? 3) The supply of heavy aircraft cruiser Admiral Goroshkov was delayed ,a commercial fiasco and finally solved after an additional payment of 675 million US dollars to the Russian shipyard in charge of its refurbishment. Re christened INS Vikramaditya it joined the navy in late 2009 and again based in Karwar 4) The six Tu 22M3 back fire bomber joined the naval aviation somewhere in the middle of 2009 and was based in naval air station at Arkonam ,close to Chennai 5) Incorporation of Barak anti missile/anti aircraft systems continued at an accelerated pace and by 2009 end most of navy’s front line destroyers and frigates were equipped with this proven system 6) Under intense Indian Government pressure the delivery of 3 more Talwar class stealth type frigates were delivered two by 2009 and the last was expected mid 2010. 7) Two additional squadrons of Mig 29K s were ordered as an extension of the old order and delivered by 2009 .So by end of 2009 Indian navy’s strike arm assumed menacing proportion. Vizag naval air station expansion including construction of an additional 10000 ft runway allowed navy to base one its fulcrums there. The modernization of Kilo fleets was more or less complete and gyro related launch problems solved in an expeditious manner. Some expenditure was of course involved but except some freaky media reporters ,no one else really paid much attention to the price escalation 9) The indigenous air craft carrier was under construction at Cochin ship yard but would no way affect any possible conflict with PLAN in the straits of Malacca 10) Three of the earlier Talwar class frigates were equipped with Club N missiles and the later Three were straight way equipped with Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles .Plans were afoot to replace the earlier Talwars too with Barhmos ,but navy just could not spare the ships for a re-fit in view of pressing engagements that included escorting the two carriers ,patrolling the entire stretch of ocean from gulf to Straits of Malcca and B ay of Bengal . 11) Induction of USS Trenton in the same period added considerable punch to Indian amphibian warfare capability which would prove critical in days to come All in all at the end of 2009 – Indian navy has met morphed into a powerful offensive force in the Indian Ocean region – capable of dictating not only a conflict in the seas but also influence the war on land to a great extent. But the capability had still to be proved But the trigger for the most intense conflict Indian navy will ever fight was being pulled 5000 kms away in the desserts of Ras Tanura

BEIJING –WINTER OF 2009 It was bitterly cold in Beijing as the strong north westerly wind swept through the gate of supreme harmony carrying the chill from the high plateaus of Inner Mongolia. It also carried in its wake the first flakes of snow of the season, covering the Forbidden City and its Dragon Throne in a blanket of pure white. The extra wide moat just outside the huge gate was nearly frozen, exuding a grayish white gleam on the top. The not so famous Tian Men Square wore a deserted look as the spot less white carpet of snow started covering up the relics of brutality in not so distant past. Not very far from the Forbidden City, in the basement of a massive government building, built with profoundly Stalinist architectural bias the politburo pf peoples republic of China was in session. The paramount leader of China spoke in a raspy voice and rest of the room was in absolute quite. Apart from committee members the service chiefs of peoples liberation army were also present and it was apparent that a significant military decision was about to be taken.
Comrades, the supreme leader spoke in a low monotone, “our intelligence sources in Middle East have indicated the possibility of a multiple terror strikes in Saudi Arabia in near future which is likely to affect our crude and LNG imports substantially for the next six months to one year. Our economy demands uninterrupted supply of energy at any cost if we are to maintain the present rate of growth and sustain the aspirations of our people.”
The supreme leader continued, after a sip of cold water, “as of now the only source of crude and gas which we can avail of to tide over the expected difficulties is Myanmar with whom we have very cordial relationship and we intend to cement the relationship further by signing a treaty of co operation and friendship with military government of Myanmar next week. This will allow us access to all their naval and air bases to ensure security of our merchant vessels in the Bay of Bengal and the straits of Malacca.
“However to achieve this strategic objective, it is imperative that Indian naval and air presence in the Andaman’s must be neutralized and neutralized swiftly .This will have two distinct advantages .Firstly this will force the American navy to redeploy its assets from seventh fleet to Indian ocean region thereby making it near impossible for them to shore up the defenses of Taiwan in case we decide to bring the renegade province back into the folds of peoples republic with judicious use of limited force “.Secondly it will Put the armed force of India on notice who have been somewhat aggressive in Arunachal. Also it will make India loose face with south East Asian nations who now look upon her as their role model “
“Comrades in short this limited but decisive engagement will be similar to 1962 .Only this time we shall establish our dominance over the oceans which Indian consider as her private lake “. I hope on successful completion of the mission credibility of Indian military capability will be tarnished forever even to her allies particularly to the Americans and Russians.” “Americans will be forced to soften their stand on Taiwan’s independence and may even give it up altogether and if that happens, this military operation would have met its objective many times over.”
“As you are all well aware strategic assets are not to be used in this mission under any circumstances .My scientists tell me the accuracy and reliability of Indian nuclear weapons are high. The whole objective of this military strike is achieve tactical dominance and not destruction of our cities .Please keep this in mind at all times”
“Admiral Zhang Yushu will be in overall charge of the operation code named DRAGON JUMP” “Thank you “and now Admiral Zhang will make a presentation on the strike plan of PLAN/PLAAF. The paramount leader quietly sat down in the overstuffed sofa as a in the corner of the large conference room a concealed screen came alive and Zhang started his power point presentation NAVAL HEADQUARTERS –NEW DELHI - – 20009 Admiral Vijay Kumar was a worried man .As chief of Indian navy it was his primary responsibility to ensure maritime security of Indian State .He missed his flying and he missed his oceans .As navy chief most of his time was spent in reading intelligence reports, briefing politicians and smoothening out ruffled feathers of his senior commanders. Today he had a briefing for the defense minister on PLAN its growth and modernization and wanted to brush up on the current facts as could be safely told to the minister. PLAN command and control are highly centralized through its headquarters in Beijing. The headquarters staff, led by Vice Adm. Shi Yunsheng, provides oversight and direction through its logistics, equipment, repair, and political departments. The PLAN consists of three major fleets, a naval aviation arm, and marine units. Fleets are strategically located to the north in Qingdao, to the east in Ningbo, and to the south in Zhanjiang--providing the Chinese Navy with direct access to the Yellow Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea respectively. Each fleet consists of a number of major and minor bases, a naval air arm, and coastal-defense regions. South Sea Fleet units also include the Navy's Marine Force and its associated amphibious lift. Major surface combatant shipyards are located in Dalian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hudong. The Wuhan shipyard is responsible for conventional submarine construction, and nuclear-powered attack and ballistic-missile submarines are built at the Huladao shipyard.
The PLAN is manned by approximately 268,000 officers and men, in-cluding 28,000 coastal-defense forces, 25,000 naval air forces, and some 7,000 marines. Conscripts serve for two years. Although there are recent provisions for sailors to remain in service for up to 30 years, a cadre of senior enlisted personnel is not yet well developed. PLAN academic training remains fairly basic by Western standards; however, there is an increasing emphasis on improving the quality of training through the use of automatic data-processing resources. Large-scale fleet exercises are conducted several times each year, but there is little integration between naval air and surface units, and even less integration of naval operations with units of either the PLA Air Force or Army. The PLAN's 7,000-man Marine Force is relatively well trained and equipped. The Marine Force's primary mission is to safeguard China's island holdings in the South China Sea during times of peace and to seize and defend islands in the South China Sea during times of war. The Marine Force also may be used for amphibious raids or for establishing beachheads in scenarios entailing a military confrontation with Taiwan. Chinese marines are supported by amphibious tanks and armored personnel carriers, howitzers, and multiple rocket launchers. Although the PLAN has approximately 60 tank landing ships and medium landing ships--including relatively capable Yuting, Yukan, and Yuliang classes--its aggregate lift capability is only about 5,000 to 10,000 troops.
This limited lift capability is inadequate to support any major amphibious operation. Recent improvements in the Navy's amphibious capabilities have included the acquisition of Jingsah-class air cushion vehicles. The PLAN also has shown an interest in developing a wing-in-ground-effect craft. These hybrid aircraft have the capability to cruise one meter above the water at speeds of 120 knots or more, and in the future such craft may prove capable of supporting amphibious operations. In the past, PLAN amphibious exercises demonstrated an attempt to coordinate aerial bombardment and naval gunfire support with assault waves, but this capability has not been well developed. Although it deploys a force of more than 60 submarines, PLAN units lag behind Western standards, and most weapons and sensor systems are based on older Russian technology. Lack of crew proficiency and hull quieting remain significant problems, and acoustic systems are two to three generations behind the world's first-line navies. All units can carry either torpedoes or mines, and the acquisition of Russian wake-homing torpedo technology has significantly improved the PLAN's submarine anti surface capabilities. As the PLAN modernizes, it is phasing out its fleet of more than 30 older Romeo-class conventional diesel submarines, replacing them with indigenously produced Ming- (19 units) and Song- (3 units) class, or Russian-built Kilo-class (type 877 and 636) submarines.
The PLAN's four Kilo units remain the submarine force's most capable boats, although the capability of their crews to operate them effectively in a tactical environment is suspect. The PLAN's continuing reliance on Russian-built hulls reflects the lack of success of indigenous Ming and Song designs, and this situation is likely to continue as the Navy pursues acquisition of advanced air-independent pro-pulsion systems. The PLAN is currently building a new Type 094 class of SSBN (nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarine) to replace its single Xia-class unit. Analysts have assessed that the Type 094 SSBN is likely to be operational in the early part of the 21st century. It will be fitted with 16 launch tubes for the expanded range JL-2 sea-launched ballistic missile.
Progress in replacing aging Han-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) with the new generation Type 093 SSN has been slow. The Type 093 SSNs have been compared in capability to the Russian Victor III SSN class. Given its slow progress with indigenously produced submarine units, as well as the prohibitively high construction costs, the PLAN is likely to emphasize acquisition of cheaper, more efficient, and less complex conventional submarines. Although it has more than 400 fast-attack missile, patrol, and torpedo boats, the PLAN only has about 50 units that are considered major combatants by Western standards. Many of these obsolete small combatants are being re-placed by more capable C-801/802 missile-configured Houjian-, Houxin-, and Huangfen-class craft. During the 1980s, in a departure from its traditional practice of relying on Russian Navy designs, the PLAN aggressively sought to incorporate more advanced Western technology in its indigenous shipbuilding program. The acquisition of these technologies resulted in China's production of more advanced surface combatants during the past decade-- including a single 6,000-ton Luhai-class guided-missile destroyer (DDG), two Luhu-class DDGs (4,200 tons), and nine Jiangwei-class frigates (2,250 tons). These units are equipped with the HQ-7 or HQ-61 short-range air defense systems that is being replaced by a longer-range vertical-launch system within the next three to five years. These ships also have integrated tactical data systems, an improved antisubmarine warfare suite that includes embarked helicopters, and gas turbine propulsion.
Notwithstanding these improvements, the backbone of the PLA surface fleet remains its 16 aging Luda-class destroyers (3,250 tons) and 30 Jianghu-class frigates (1,425 tons) that are largely inadequate to meet the requirements of modern warfare. The acquisition of two 7,940-ton Russian-built Sovremenny-class DDGs in the 2000 to 2001 period improved the PLAN's surface-combatant capabilities. These units are likely to be equipped with an advanced SAN-7 air-defense system, the KA-28 Helix Helicopter, and SSN-22 cruise-missile technology. The PLAN's HQ-61 and HQ-7 systems are based on the French Crotale land-based surface-to-air missile system, and they do not provide surface units with an effective area-defense capability. This deficiency makes PLAN surface units extremely vulnerable to air attack.
The Chinese Navy also is limited by other operational constraints. Although it has some capability to conduct shallow water antisubmarine warfare along its littoral and in the Yellow and South China Seas, the PLAN's antisubmarine warfare capability remains modest at best. Towed-array sonar and sono-bouy systems use technology that is more than 20 years old. The PLAN's damage-control capability remains limited, and few units have automatic fire-fighting or watertight door systems. Anti contamination systems also are considered to be quite basic by Western standards. The PLAN does field a broad spectrum of fairly sophisticated sea-skimming cruise missiles--based either on Russian Styx or on French Exocet technology--including the Hai Ying ("Sea Eagle") and the "Ying Ji" ("Eagle Strike") series. These missiles give the PLAN the capability to conduct extended-range anti shipping strikes from air and surface units, as well as from coastal-defense sites. Despite this capability, the lack of effective over-the-horizon targeting sensors and coordinated targeting tactics limits the likely effectiveness of these systems. The PLAN has more than 300 miscellaneous support ships, a total that includes approximately 120 mine warfare vessels, 49 replenishment ships, and a number of other survey, research, and support units. Although virtually all surface ships are configured for mine laying, the PLAN has a limited mine-laying capability, and mine-hunting and sweeping capabilities are even more basic. Nonetheless, the inventory of PLAN mines is impressive, and it includes advanced systems using sophisticated technology. If used in sufficient numbers, this inventory poses a significant threat to surface and submarine units operating along China's littoral, the Yellow Sea, Sea of Japan, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea. The Navy's underway replenishment capability remains largely undeveloped, and the sustainability of PLAN units is likely to be severely limited by this shortcoming.
Admiral Vijay kumar closed the folder, picked up his cap and headed for the ministry of defense with a deliberate gait. His mind was however pre occupied with a specific issue .About the piece of information RAW chief has shared with him on details of high level military briefing carried out recently by the paramount leader of China. He needed the minister’s authorization to keep the Chinese naval bases and task forces in the Indian Ocean region under close satellite surveillance 24x7.

LPG PROCESSING AND PRESSURE BOOSTER STATION –RAS TANURA SAUDI ARABIA Hafiz has waited patiently over the last 72 hrs as the unknown virus he has injected into the marine terminals computerized load dispatch and control system take hold . As each specific command was issued by the central computer and translated into action of the hundreds of valves spread all across the sprawling terminal the virus multiplied ,eating into the delicate algorithms built up over decades of knowledge and field experience paralyzing them one at a time. It was designed to attack the back up command codes first and then the back up instructions which constituted the fail safe system , As the system operators tried to desperately restore the automatic functioning of the process control system bringing into line the back up programmable logic controllers and control units ,the virus spread its electronic wings further and deeper .And then the inevitable happened .There was no option but to shut the elaborate automated system control features and switch over to direct time consuming and some what risky manual operation. This is exactly what Hafiz had been waiting for. As the news of loading chaos reached his desk he drove down for an on the spot" inspection" and "advise" on the course of action to be taken to restore the flow of crude and gas as quickly as possible .His first order was to de activate all "un necessary safety interlocks " to minimize load on whatever computing capability still available and then he made his final move . As he got down from his BMW inside the secured perimeter of the LPG processing plant ,it was a scene of organized chaos. After a cursory round of the installation he made a bee line for the liquefied petroleum compressor manifold. A quick look around to confirm no was actually paying any attention to him; he quickly took out the small pencil of magnesium powder with a mini mercury fulminate detonator strapped to it on a magnetic base. Several sections of the discharge manifold had pre weakened sections to assure the safety of system. As he clicked on the improvised igniter to the LPG pipeline he also removed the smoke and fire sensors in the vicinity just to be double sure. Hafiz quickly left the scene as the device will ignite the volatile propane butane mixture anytime between 45-60 minutes . The three 22 inch large diameter gas pipelines will carry the hot products of combustion to the three extra large LPG tankers presently being filled up in the terminal in a matter of minutes . The resulting explosion should blow the worlds largest crude oil/gas terminal off the face of earth with absolute certainty, may be more effectively than a small nuclear bomb. The resultant explosion and fire ball exceeded even Hafiz's wildest expectation. Only it happened a bit too soon ,even before he managed to clear the safety zone around the LPG compressing station . Hafez got a death which he did not wished for. Within hours the crude price touched US$ 150 on the spot market and its availability plummeted. Countries like India and China were worst hit .For the peoples republic the importance of Myanmar oil and gas field reached critical status . The stage was set for a decisive conflict of the oceans .

SOUTH SEA FLEET HEADQUARTERS - ,ZHANJIANG -CHINA Admiral Zhang Yushu politely ignored the invitation of the base commander for an elaborate lunch went straight to work and that included conceiving a strategy for a decisive surprise strike on the islands of Andaman and Nicobar ,neutralize the Indian naval and air force contingents based in the island chain and quickly occupy the islands by Chinese marine forces before reinforcements from Indian mainland can even get mobilized . Once the PLAN forces are in physical possession of the islands at least the big ones ,Myanmar will lay claim to the newly liberated islands based on historic ties and also agree to have them used PLAN for a period of 99 years at a mutually agreed price . The admiral based his strike plan on formation of 3 separate strike forces duly supported by PLAAF assets from Myanmar and Bangladesh .If required it can be operated from mainland with air to air refueling but that option may prove to expensive in the long run thought the admiral The two strike forces yet to be named will each have a destroyer flotilla and a frigate flotilla each .The third strike force will be essentially carrying the marines protected by the first two flotillas all along the ocean cruise and will detach only after they cross into Andaman’s sea after passing thru the Malacca straits .Then they will split up into two groups ,one heading for Port Blair and the other smaller one for Car Nicobar.
The naval assets allotted to him for the operation were as follows .His first job was to confirm availability and get maximum number of ships combat capable within a week at most .He will have also have to co ordinate with PLAAF commanders about air support both over Indian Ocean and Andamans . Destroyers: • Changsha (161) • Nanning (162) • Nanchang (163) • Guilin (164) • Zhanjiang (165) • Zhuhai (166) • Shenzhen (167) • Guangzhou (168) • Wuhan (169) • Lanzhou (170) Frigates: • Changde (509) • Maoming (551) • Yibin (552) • Shaoguan (553) • Anshun (554) • Zhaotong (555) • Jishou (557) • Beihai (558) • Kangding (559) • Dongguan (560) • Shantou (561) • Jiangmen (562) • Foshan (563) • Yichang (564) • Yulin (565) • Yuxi (566) • Xiangfan (567) Conventional submarines: • Type 035 (Ming class) Landing ships: • 10 Type 072II (Yuting class) LST • 7 Type 072 (Yukan class) LST • 4 Qiongsha class troop transport ships • 1 hospital ship • 4 Yudao class LSMs The Admiral was also expecting some of the newly commissioned nuclear powered attack submarines to join his fleets which he thought should be more than adequate for the Indian submarines patrolling the straits . The most nagging worry was of course availability of adequate air cover for his invasion fleet. The PLAAF chief has committed full support in front of the paramount leader ,but how much of that translated to real action in the combat zone .was yet to be seen.

YANGON – MYANMAR -2010 JANUARY With much fanfare a twenty year treaty of friendship and co operation was signed between Myanmar and Peoples Republic of China. Salient point of the treaty were as follows - China will extend an interest free credit of US$ 3.4 billion for development of off shore oil and gas fields in Myanmar’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone - In return all production from the newly developed oil and gas fields shall be shipped to China for a period of 10 years against the credit extended at a fixed price of US$ 85 per barrel of crude and for gas the price will conform to international market price - The ownership of the to be developed off shore oil and gas wells shall be a new joint stock company in which Myanmar will hold 51% stake and China 49% - The management and security of the new to be developed oil field shall be a joint responsibility of Government of Myanmar and Peoples Republic of China About the same time the news paper also reported about the coming Myanmar-China fleet level naval exercise to be held in the Andaman’s Seas starting March 2010. The news report did mention this will be one of the largest peacetime deployments of Chinese navy and likely to include almost entire south sea fleet of the people’s liberation army navy. EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND HEADQUARTERS -VIZAG Vice admiral Prakash Rao looked at the orange hue of setting sun playing over the Dolphins neck – a rocky projection which projects into the Bay of Bengal and forms the gateway to the submarine base in the bay. The ominous reports about a Chinese fleet build up and proposed joint exercise between China and Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal was not exactly welcome news. He really did not expect a full blown conflict any time soon but his job was not to guess, but to be prepared for any eventuality .To counter /shadow the Chinas south sea fleet he first of all needed a fair amount aerial recon assets including satellite time over the ocean region and air bases/airports in Myanmar. He also needed some real anti ship capability in and around Andaman Islands and need them quick. He instructed his secretary to book him on the next days evening jet air ways flight to Delhi via Hyderabad. He knew he needed the direct support of the navy chief to get the capability he wanted and that included stripping some of the prized assets from western naval command and south western air command. It was already dark outside and a strong sea breeze started blowing by the time Prakash Rao ,flag officer commanding eastern naval command stepped out and started walking towards his official accommodation just under a km from his office. In the days to come he will be conducting perhaps the most complex and most intense naval –air operations ever carried out by India involving land and carrier based aircrafts, ships and submarines of all kinds and vintage, a nightmarish logistics scenario and more. But then all that was still in future .For the moment for Prakash, it was complex situation which needed to be tackled firmly and with tact. The dinner at home was as usual good ,piping hot sambhar and rice with lot of home made curd and green chilies on the side. A cup of filter coffee to end the day with was all the veteran naval aviator wanted out of life and strangely a naval conflict was not what he looked, for for he knew about the gory side of war too -the blood slicked decks and the charred bodies in the cockpit, the ruptured ear drums and shell shocked glazed eyes . But then destiny had other plans for him -to be the grand master of death and destruction, about to be unleashed on a deceptive invader by Indian navy .

INDIAN NAVAL HEADQUARTERS –NEW DELHI Admiral Vijay Kumar ,chief of naval staff was stunned by the open brilliance of attack plan presented by Prakash Rao ,flag officer commanding eastern naval command . Being an avid student of maritime conflicts of the last century he immediately realized the sure fire method suggested by Prakash was perhaps the most effective way of countering naval might in the Indian ocean more particularly Andaman’s region .The plan presented by his fleet commander was essentially based on the concept of wolf pack attack practiced by German navy during second world war with great success . The Wolf Pack or “Rudeltaktik” as the Germans called it was made famous by Karl Donitz and was to have a devastating impact on allied shipping. Despite being implemented only after the fall of France, the origins of this idea first dated back to the First World War. During the First World War, the British had defeated the U-boats by introducing the convoy system. This called for the formation of a group of ships to sail together as a group and under the protection of escort warships. Under the convoy system, U-boats could no longer find isolated easy targets scattered all over. The few U-boats who managed to find a convoy had difficulty attacking as it was escorted by antisubmarine vessels. The wolf pack tactic was devised to defeat the convoy system. As the British had organized merchant shipping and a defense perimeter around the ships, but the U-boats were still operating singly and in an un-coordinated manner. The idea was to form a pack of U-boats, and to delay an attack until all boats were in position to conduct a massed organized attack. This would overwhelm the escorts as the sheer number and surprise of the attacking boats would throw the defense into disarray. The first boat to make contact was designated as the “shadower” – whose job was to maintain contact and to report the convoy’s position back to BdU. The shadower would remain out of the visible range of the convoy, often submerging by day and traveling on the surface by night. When enough boats have converged with the convoy, BdU would give the signal to attack, usually after dusk where the U-boats’ small silhouette made detection difficult. Now that the signal to attack was given, each individual commander was free to use any tactics he chose. Some fired at long range, outside the perimeter of the escorts, usually with a spread of several torpedoes. Some, particularly Otto Krteschmer headed straight into the center of the convoy, and fired at point blank range, picking off ship by ship as they sailed passed. Whichever tactics employed, the general strategy was to attack by night, and withdraw by day, with continuous attacks lasting several days, as more boats arrived on the scene. This had devastating effects and attacking in groups easily overwhelmed the escorts. When an escort pursued one U-boat, another would attack at a different location, creating total confusion and chaos. Kretschmer later wrote in his war diary describing the attack on a convoy, “The destroyers are at their wit’s end. Shooting off star shells the whole time to comfort themselves and each other.” One of the most famous Wolf Pack attacks took place between the nights of October 16th to the 19th, 1940. Convoy SC7 was repeatedly attacked by a pack of seven boats, sinking 20 ships out of 34 in the convoy. The very next night, convoy HX79 was attacked with further losses of 14 ships, making a total of 34 ships in 48 hours. These attacks mounted against the two convoys became to be known as “The Night of the Long Knives”. According to Prakash’s plan while the concept the basic concept of collective attack by small highly mobile groups would remain same but the germans used only u-boats in the attacks ,Indian navy will use submarines ,Brahmos equipped aircraft and ships with land based aircraft to target small groups of the PLAN flotilla at the outer periphery of the convoy and obliterate them taking maximum care to not engage the bulk of the force . This plan had the obvious advantage of negating the quantitative edge of PLAN with qualitative edge of Indian navy and air force .Each battle theatre will be chosen with care and quick sharp attacks launched without warning . The net centric capability of Indian armed forces will be used to maximum towards a possible minimum loss conflict scenario- a fact learned by Indians from USN in gulf wars. Each battle will be a neatly choreographed dance of death .PLAN will be drawn into the chosen killing fields one group at a time and then annihilated. If everything goes well PLAN s south sea fleet will cease to exist in a matter of months. The humiliation of 1962 was about to avenged in a spectacular way . Surprise after all is the key to all battles . Indian naval tactics was gearing up to inject that vital element of surprise into the coming battles .PLAN was about to learn the hard way that numbers of flankers and destroyers do not mean much if do not understand the tactics that your enemy will employ. And that tactics will be dynamic one changing in the hour every hour so the element of surprise is never gone.

SOUTH SEA FLEET HEADQUARTERS - ,ZHANJIANG -CHINA –FEBRUARY 2010 Admiral Zhang Yushu was not happy at all. The preparation for the invasion of Andaman’s was way behind schedule .The docks were full of new boilers ,turbines propeller shaft still to be installed and loading of ammo and missiles have not yet started. He expected another 3 weeks minimum before the fleet could set sail. His PLAAF comrades have assured him full support. 2 full squadrons of Su 27 was promised to be relocated at Myanmar in next two weeks to counter the presence of Indian flankers at Car Nicobar along with host of other strike and interceptors . The newer SU-s30MKM was however reserved for Taiwan sector and could not be released at the moment. His basic plan was to overwhelm the Indian defenses by a massive frontal assault .He knew his losses will be significant but in the end victory will be waiting for him .The sheer numerical superiority will give him the winning edge . He expected Indian navy to confront the armada at Malacca straits the much vaunted choke point and the entry to sea of Andaman’s. The lead element of his flotilla would be the long range anti ship missile equipped destroyers followed by the troops ship convoys and rear guard of older frigates and destroyers in an elongated box like sailing formation. He was sure the massive naval might supported by aircraft from Myanmar will be able to overcome any defense that the Indian might throw up PLAN marines should be able to take control of the island chain after that without much opposition. It was a good plan –on paper But Admiral Zhang Yushu did not consider the fact that Indian navy may not be playing the game as per his rules and expectations. The most proactive amongst all Indian armed forces, the navy had its own idea about how the war is to be fought. And also he did not plan for the weather. NEW DELHI -2010 –PRIME MINISTERS OFFICE The mood was somber as the newly elected prime minister of India took the chair and the navy chief started his presentation .It took almost half a day and detailed the present deployments of both PLAN and IN forces and what he wanted from the political establishment and his colleagues in army and air force. The meeting was adjourned for a simple working lunch of chicken curry ,panner butter massala ,dal fry ,curd and rice with chapatti. During the lunch the ministers interacted with the navy chief in an informal way to better understand the threat facing the country’s distant shores .Once the lunch was over the defense minister made his presentation and made his recommendation to the committee. It was accepted unanimously. In the evening the defense minister and external affairs minister joined the prime minister in the situations room which was equipped with state of the art communication facility and soon friendly leaders all over the world were being contacted and briefed and in some cases requests were being made . Most of the requests were acceded almost immediately ,some were promised to be looked into and responded to in a matter of days .The political and economic clout of Indian state was put to use in fullest and the outcome was more than satisfactory .No one wanted a maritime domination of Indian ocean by China INS VIKRAMADITYA -SUBIC BAY NAVAL BASE –PHILLIPINES Rear Admiral Hyder Ali looked at the rising sun from the bridge as the captain of the ship gently eased the 46000 ton carrier into anchorage .It has made the long voyage from Karwar in just under a week along with its escort group for an extended exercise with Philippines navy in the south china sea . The visit was on express invitation from the Philippines and expected to last two to three weeks. IV CORPS HEADQUARTERS –TEZPUR-ASSAM Lt general Dipinder Singh, commanding officer IV corps was a busy man particularly this morning. The second of the newly raised mountain divisions have just reported in with their commanding officer, newly promoted major general Dipak Rawat was waiting for his deployment orders to Tawang .As he was explaining the deployment objective and plan to the major general the red phone on his desk blipped. It was a call directly from Director of Military operations and needed immediate attention. He listened attentively for almost 30 minutes and made notes. By the time the conversation was over the deployment plans and objectives discussed so far became meaningless. He was now to get ready for a possible outbreak of hostilities all along the line of actual control in a matter of weeks.

INS AKRAMAN- AKULA 2 –TYPE SSN – VIZAG Captain Raina, commanding officer of the navy’s two newly acquired nuclear attack submarines finished his inspection of the submarines exterior before going in. Trained in Russia for 3 years and an experienced commander of Kilo class, submarines was his first passion ,undersea warfare second and his wife of 20 years a distant third . A few hours back he was called into an urgently summoned video conference with naval head quarters where senior commanders from western naval command were also” present” No operational details were discussed even if the lines were routed thru dedicated naval transponders aboard and undisclosed INSAT communication satellite. He was simply ordered to get ready for immediate departure for yet undisclosed destination and in full combat mode. Detailed operation orders will be delivered to him by a courier from the command headquarters just before departure and to be opened only when the ship clears the Indian territorial waters. He was also told to maximize anti ship weapon mix and that is the only hint he got about the nature of the upcoming mission. His command along with her sister ship INS VIJAY was definitely the most potent of all killing machines in the eastern sea front and possibly the Indian ocean since USN Virginia and LA class were usually deployed in the Atlantic and pacific and rarely ventured into Indian ocean region. The Russian Navy has 14 Bars class Project 971 submarines known in the West as the Akula class nuclear powered submarines (SSN). A number of Russian Akula class submarines are deployed in the Pacific region. The submarines were built by the Amur Shipbuilding Plant Joint Stock Company at Komsomolsk-on-Amur and at the Severodvinsk shipbuilding yard. Seven Akula I submarines were commissioned between 1986 and 1992, and three Improved Akula between 1992 and 1995. Three Akula II submarines, with hull length extended by 4m and advanced machinery quietening technology, have been built. The first, Viper, was commissioned in 1995, the second, Nerpa, in December 2000 and the third, Gepard, in August 2001. The Akula II are 110m long and displace up to 12,770t. They have a maximum speed of 35 knots submerged and a maximum diving depth of 600m. The submarine has a double-hulled configuration with a distinctive high aft fin. The hull has seven compartments and the stand-off distance between the outer and inner hulls is considerable, reducing the possible inner hull damage. The very low acoustic signature has been achieved by incremental design improvements to minimize noise generation and transmission – for example, the installation of active noise cancellation techniques. The retractable masts viewed from bow to stern are the periscopes, radar antennae, radio and satellite communications and navigation masts. INS VIJAY –AKULA 2 – KARWAR NAVAL BASE Captain Iyer checked his watch at impatience . One of the reactor coolant pumps needed a change of bearings and it was taking much more time than he had seen being done in Russia. The navy technicians were doing their best but their unfamiliarity with triple seal system was causing the delay .The ships chief engineer was directly getting involved to speed up the process with ample use of acceptable level of military endearments not normally used in civilian life. He has received the same orders and about the same time as Raina. But no so secret .He was told to rejoin the Vikramaditya carrier group at Subic bay naval base as early as possible . His sailing route will take him past the Srilankan coast into the the gulf of Thailand and then thru the straits of Malacca into Philippines sea. His only hint of some kind of covert mission was advise to carry some of the newly developed UAV of the navy yet to be named and capable of all weather day night flight.

A LOOK BACK TO NOT SO DISTANT PAST -PLAN POLICY 1995-2010

BEIJING'S SURGE FOR THE STRAIT OF MALACCA by Yossef Bodansky(1) The Strait of Malacca is one of the world's hottest and most crucial strategic choke points. It is considered by experts to be one of the ten most vulnerable objectives which neutralization by hostile forces not only will cause tremendous harm to the well being, perhaps very existence, of the economy of the West, but is also very easy to accomplish. Controlling the Strait of Malacca is presently a key strategic objective of the PRC to the point of risking armed conflict with the regional states and even the US. INTRODUCTION The Strait of Malacca is a narrow waterway between Malaysia and Sumatera island of Indonesia. Virtually the entire commercial sea traffic between the Far East and Europe, the Middle East, and India and passes through the Strait of Malacca. The entire fuel and gas shipments purchased from the Persian Gulf for the Far East passes there. Further more, the region's largest oil fields are virtually in the eastern mouth of the Strait. Moreover, Singapore -- the region's largest commercial and communications center and key port -- lies at the eastern mouth of the Strait of Malacca. The Strait of Malacca dominates more than the commercial and economic life lines into and out of the rapidly expanding economies of East Asia. The global strategic growth and expansion of aspiring powers can be contained and regulated through the mere control over the movement of their naval forces through the Strait of Malacca. For Beijing, this reality is increasingly a vital interest. Any Chinese naval and military surge into the Indian Ocean -- a major strategic priority of Beijing -- must pass through the Strait of Malacca. Beijing considers its surge into the Indian Ocean as part of a strategic surge of global proportions aimed at consolidating military posture in a hostile environment (from a both global and regional strategic point of view), and in a strategic grand design that anticipates the possibility of a major military clash with the US in the foreseeable future. This grim assessment and the resolute commitment to resolve it were not reached hastily. Back in 1992, the CMC had already resolved, at least in principle, to establish a high performance blue water fleet, including the acquisition of an aircraft carrier. However, at the time, the strategic principles and priorities had not been determined. Nevertheless, several promising PLA officers were already sent to study the principles of modern high-technology naval and aerial warfare. Back in 1992, the CMC envisaged the completion of the first phase of this build-up to be between 1997 and 2000. In early 1993, the naval build-up and modernization plan decided upon by the CMC was getting shape. The PLA was instructed to operate on the principle that China was committed to building "the world's most powerful navy." The PLA navy already had clear strategic priorities and tasks in mind. "In the short-term, the central strategic task of naval construction must be to transform the navy from a coastal defense force into an offshore fleet capable of defending territorial interests." China's ship designers and builders were told that the PLA navy had already resolved that the only way these national interests could be defended was through an assertive military surge. This concept should determine the character of the PRC's future navy. "This fleet's main tasks will be to control nearby waters, notably by exercising air and sea control in the East China and South China Seas to protect territorial waters and to defend shipping lanes." However, these instructions and policy guidelines covered only the first stage of a far larger and more ambitious strategic surge already decided upon. The PLA's commitment to a regional assertive strategy based on a naval breakout southward was also stated explicitly by the PLA High Command in early 1993. Zhao Nanqi, director of the General Staff Logistics Department of the Chinese Navy, issued a top-secret memorandum that explained in great detail the PLA's strategic plans to consolidate control over the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean under the new doctrine of "high-sea defense." Zhao stated that "We can no longer accept the Indian Ocean as only an ocean of the Indians." In order to enable the PRC to consolidate the strategic posture Beijing spires to, Zhao envisages a massive naval build-up and assertive use of sea power. Only activist use of sea power can be considered the primary means to enable the PRC to finally secure its control over the oil-rich South China Sea. Beijing has no doubt that its strategic surge would be opposed by its neighbors. "We are taking armed conflicts in the region into account," Zhao stated in his top secret memorandum. By 1993, the PLA High Command was already considering the surge toward the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca the greatest and most urgent strategic challenge facing the PRC. This threat assessment was stated in the July 1993 milestone book Can the Chinese Army Win the Next War? which outlined authoritatively Beijing's perception of future wars. The book stressed the inevitability of a strategic clash with the US over the future of East Asia, to be waged primarily through numerous local wars involving the PLA in clashes with US allies and proxies, as well as the US itself. The book stressed that "the Chinese Army is making active preparations for coming local or regional wars." Despite the existence of numerous treaties between the US and local powers that might compel the US to intervene militarily on their behalf, the PLA High Command singles out the situation in the Spratly Islands as the primary catalyst for a US military intervention in the region against the PRC. "Once China uses force to protect its national sovereignty in that area, a quite large scale local war will be unavoidable, at which time the South China Sea will become a second Persian Gulf!" Thus, Beijing had committed itself already in 1992-93 to this massive naval build-up. Examining the prevailing strategic posture in the region, the allotted time frame envisaged at least five years for the completion of the first phase of build-up. The ensuing build-up has been more than just acquiring weapon systems and training their crews. The PRC has simultaneously embarked on an all-out surge throughout the region to create the regional circumstances so that the impact of the Chinese new military power will be maximal. This surge includes a host of covert operations including sponsorship of terrorism by China's close allies. This campaign was accelerating as of mid 1994. However, in early 1995, a sense of urgency was suddenly introduced into Beijing's assertive strategic grand design. In early 1995, Beijing concluded that its apprehensions about a hostile US policy were fully justified. US East Asian strategy is based on evoking the "China Threat" in order to remove potential competition. Moreover, Washington now intended to use India in order "to help contain China." This was only a component of an effort to form ties with China's neighbors in order to encircle China. The PRC's naval threat analysis in the summer of 1995 specifically pointed to the growing naval cooperation between the US and India as well as to India's own naval build-up programs and other naval activities of India's Eastern Naval Command. These were identified as reasons for strategic apprehension that the PRC must take into consideration. After all, the emerging strategic posture in the Indian Ocean, if permitted to evolve, would significantly challenge Beijing's ability to carry out its strategic naval surge planned for the end of the decade. Therefore, in the spring of 1995, as these strategic calculations were being made, Beijing resolved to markedly expedite its surge, at the least parts of it, so that it would be impossible for its enemies to forestall its rise to global power. The most urgent task identified by the PLA strategic analysts is to consolidate control over the Strait of Malacca so that no other power is capable of blocking the surge of the Chinese Navy the moment it is capable of surging into the Indian Ocean and Beijing gives the order to do so.

This was the official chinese naval policy with respect to Indian ocean on record. So when the fisrt reports on PLAN build up was recieved ,indian navy was to some extent prepared for it. The dispersal and repositioning of its potent assets started almost immediatelyand that included temporay basing facility provided by some of chinas old enemy like vietnam and Philippines who could on their own never take on the naval might of peoples republic but were brave enough to extend whatever help it could to Indian navy Taiwan was also more than willing but was not included in the scope of things intentionally as it had the possibility of turning chinas anger on the island nation and dragging US into the conflict with possible nuclear dimension An unexpected ally was Thailand .After gentle pursuation from the Americans she opened up quite few of her air and naval bases for temporary deployment of Indian forces . It was important to keep most of the conflict away from Malacca strait for world trade and also it was important to keep the PLAN ships away from indian teritory and mainland . There was only one place in PLANs projected sailing path where it could happen Gulf of Thailand

INDIAN NAVAL HEADQUARTERS –DELHI Admiral Vijay Kumar liked his coffee strong and liked it hot . Being a naval aviator who first flew the last of the sea kings off the deck of Vikrant during strikes on Cox Bazar and Khulan and later switched to sea harriers from the deck of Virat ,he was very much aware of the flexibility and effectiveness of carrier based air strike to both land and maritime targets and at the same time he knew only too well their vulnerability to powerful counter air operations based on heavy land based long range air domination aircraft like Su-27 Flanker . The Gulf of Thailand (or Gulf of Siam) is a gulf that borders, but is not part of the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean). The gulf is bordered by Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. The northern tip of the gulf is the Bay of Bangkok at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, near Bangkok. The gulf covers roughly 320,000 km². The boundary of the gulf is defined by the line from Cape Bai Bung in southern Vietnam (just south of the mouth of the Mekong river) to the city Kota Baru on the Malaysian coast. At the height of the last ice age the Gulf of Thailand did not exist, due to the lower sea level, the location being part of the Chao Phraya river valley. The gulf is relatively shallow: the mean depth is 45 m, and the maximum depth only 80 m. This makes water exchange slow, and the strong water inflow from the rivers make the Gulf low in salinity (3.05-3.25%) and rich in sediments. Only at the greater depths does water with a higher salinity (3.4%) flow into the gulf from the South China sea and fills the central depression below a depth of 50 m. The main rivers which empty into the gulf are the Chao Phraya (including its distributaries Tha Chin River), Mae Klong and Bang Pa Kong Rivers at the Bay of Bangkok, and to a lesser degree the Tapi River into Bandon Bay in the southwest of the gulf. Due to the tropical warmth of the water, the Gulf of Thailand harbors many coral reefs, and thus several diving resorts. Most popular for tourism, is the island Ko Samui in the Surat Thani province, while Ko Tao is the center of the diving tourism. Admiral Vijay knew to inflict unacceptable level damage to the PLAN invasion fleet expected t set sail within the week ,he will have to use the carrier air power at the same time the PLANPLAAF flankers must be kept away better still neutralized before and during the strike missions to keep the Indian naval aircraft attrition at an acceptable level. He was still not sure about the sailing order of PALN fleet and how the various groups will be arranged and protected during the voyage across the strait and Gulf of Thailand .This information will be available only when the ships actually cross the Malacca straits and spread out into the preplanned attack formation. The Red scrambled phone on his desk rang twice –it was the call from the defense minister and it was time to explain once again why intercepting the PLAN in Gulf of Thailand is a far better option from the strategic point of view than the course suggested by political leaders . Even now when the PLAN plan of action have been confirmed many times over by a variety of intelligence sources both Indian and other friendly countries majority of the newly elected so called nationalist leaders were hesitant about a pre emptive surgical strike to stop the invasion on its track far from Indian shores . INDIAN AIRFORCE HEADQUARTERS –DELHI Air marshal Raut looked at the cryptic memo from the defense minister with obvious distaste. Even though it was no explicitly specified the object of this urgent meeting could be guessed without much difficulty. The massing of PLAN/PLAAF assets in Myanmar was well known and the intention of the Indian navy not allow the PLAN invasion fleet now forming up, to come anywhere within the vulnerable Andaman Nicobar group of islands was also not exactly a state secret. What was but a state secret was how the Indian armed forces are going to meet the specified national objective with minimum loss of men and in shortest possible time .He once again checked up the current assets availability memos from the regional air commands and was not very happy with what he saw. Fortunately all the long range aircrafts likely to be used in the conflict had a 90% plus rating and relocating them to eastern sea board bases and civilian airports have already started .Airports like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar were likely to be switched over to Military air traffic control in a matter of days. While they will continue civilian services, but to a much reduced scale. Vizag airport was closed already to all civilian air traffic ostensibly to facilitate re-carpeting of the main 10000 ft runway and now used almost exclusively by the Tu-142 and a pair of Phalcons with their own escort of Mig 29k s. In short it was an attack plan he did not support exactly but also could not offer a better option -so he just decided to go along for the time being He would have preferred an engagement closer to home shores but as far as this operation was concerned the navy was calling the shots PRIME MINISTERS RESIDENCE –DELHI The cups of tea and plates of chocolate biscuits never stopped coming, and the arguments for and against pre emptive strike kept on .The most referred example was that of Israel in the 6 day war and also USAF in gulf war when a massive preemptive air strike did change the outcome of the war. It was at this point the chief of navy staff entered the room ,followed shortly by the air chief .The final strategy of the coming war was about to be decided

NAMPONG AIR BASE –MYANMAR -2010 Myitkyina - West Nampong (ICAO Code: VYNP) Officially designated No. xxx Air Base, Nampong AFB. Formerly known as Myikyina West. West Nampong Airport is located several miles further to the west of Myitkyina than Pamti. Date of construction not known. It is in current military use and home to a fighter squadron and an attack squadron. Runway data: Rwy 18/36, Size: 11025 x 190 ft (3360 x 58 m), Elev: 459 ft (140 m), Location: 097° 17' 42.54" E , 25° 21' 15.75" N The first PLAN Su-27 touched down exactly at 1200 hrs and the next after 10 minutes. By 1400 Hrs the full squadron of 18 flankers were dispersed thru out the sprawling airfields ,in some what run down need to repair type hard shelters and in the parking apron as the mechanics got to work on them right away. IRS 2B made its scheduled pass next morning 0630 hrs her robotic brain compared the images with those in her electronic reference memory ,assigned a down load priority and down loaded to the central earth station some where in south central India . It was on the desk of air chief by next morning with comments of from air intelligence for necessary “action”
The Burmese military regime has largely survived due to ongoing and robust military and economic aid provided by China. The quid pro quo in this symbiotic relationship is that China gains geographical access to the Indian Ocean via an uncontested land route across the shared frontier. The Burmese Air Force's predominant combat aircraft are more than 50 PRC supplied Chengdu F-7M Fishbeds (J-7/MiG-21) and more than 40 NAMC A-5M Fantans, with the residue of 12 Soviet supplied MiG-29 Fulcrums no longer believed to be operational. When Bodansky produced his late 1990s research paper entitled 'BEIJING'S SURGE FOR THE STRAIT OF MALACCA' it was greeted with some skepticism in Australia or plainly ignored. APA is able to confirm via use of satellite imagery, that Bodansky's assessment of a large scale effort by the PRC to upgrade Burma's airfield infrastructure well beyond the Burmese regime's immediate needs was indeed correct. Of particular interest is the construction effort under way at Ming logon, Nampong, Namsang, in addition to the upgrades at Mandalay and Tavoy. When completed this effort will see Burma own no less than four runways longer than 11,000 feet, suitable for heavy aircraft like tankers or bombers, for an air force equipped only with lightweight MiG derivatives.But for a change Myanmar s military junta wisely decided not to take part "actively" in the conflict of the Asian giants except providing logistical and basing rights to PLAN/PLAAF . Not very far from the air base of Nampong indian military planners considered its as an act og grave provocation and neutralizing Nampong became one of the wars first priority, because of its proximity to Car Nicobar

INS AKRAMAN – AKULA 2 TYPE SSN –OFF THE COAST OF YULIN NAVAL FACILITY-CHINA - captain has the con - helmsman-con - make periscope depth –climb angle 5 degree - climbing to periscope depth – climb angle 5 degree - engine room –con – maintain speed 5 knots and stand by for max power at short notice Captain Raina like all submarine commanders world over hated to surface .Depth of the oceans is where he felt comfortable but once a day surfacing to at least periscope depth was unavoidable to collect the high speed burst transmitted orders from naval headquarters and also a very quick surface search of his patrol area off the PLAN submarine base at Yulin.In less than a minute he would carry out a 360 degree visual and electronic search of the surface al information will be automatically recorded in the high definition digital disc for later analysis The deck under his feet canted upwards as his commands were translated into physical movement of the submersible ship. It took about 2.4 minutes to come up to periscope depth from his classified patrol depth in this part of the ocean and the shark leveled out smoothly just like its biological cousin -up ESM –report and contact - ESM up – no hostile contact sir -up periscope The periscope hissed up silently on hydraulic pressure on its well lubricated mount. Few seconds for the water to drain off the lens cover and then the outside picture came in sharp and clear if some what misty as Raina quickly made a 360 degree scan ,taking in all details about surface traffic and his surroundings. He could see the lights of Yulin port in the distance at 10 o clock and the darkened shapes of submarine pens cut into the mountain side at 1 o clock . Luck was with him today ,no PLAN maritime air patrol was on air this time of the night and subs were all tied to their maintenance piers where hectic work appeared to be going on most of the ships . The suspected fortified underground pen for the sole boomer appeared to be deserted. According to sources in Taiwan, Japan, India and China, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is building a new focus for its strategic nuclear forces: Hainan Island in the South China Sea. The new hub would reflect China's expanding naval power projection capabilities and greatly increase the possibility of confrontation with other navies. The strategic shift most likely involves basing some of the PLAN's new Type 094 Jin-class nuclear strategic missile submarines (SSBNs) at a new facility either within or near the existing South Sea Fleet base at Yulin on Hainan Island. Since 2002, Jane's has interviewed several Asian government officials on China's efforts to build a new nuclear submarine base on Hainan. At first this was described as an underground submarine base, similar to the PLAN's underground pen to support its single North Sea Fleet nuclear submarine base at Huludao on the Bohai Gulf. In late 2004, however, a serving People's Liberation Army officer who confirmed the existence of a new base also noted that it was not to be an underground facility. Further evidence of a base in some form came in early 2005 when internet source photos documented the visit of a single Type 091 Han-class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) to Yulin. In late 2005, an Asian military source noted that the Hainan facility would be able to host up to eight submarines and might even be scheduled to begin operations in 2006 Captain Raina knew his first priority was neutralizing the Yulin naval base the moment the hostilities break out or even before but only after getting the green signal from Delhi . Todays signal did not carry the order he was expecting and so for the next 24 hours he and his crew will patrol the dark depths of south china sea ghosts from yesteryear . -helmsman-con - make depth 260 meters-dive angle 15 degree - con -making depth 260 meters -dive angle 15 degree - engine room -con- make speed 12 knost - set set course 180 -course set 180 - depth 150 meters approaching 200 meter mark The hulls gave out that scary creaking noise as the outside water perssure exceeded 20 times atmospheric and the reinforced hulls took on the quickly developing stress and met it with its own strength as the akula dived deeper and deeper away from the prying eyes on the surface . The day of the Akula has still not come
NAVAL HEADQUARTERS –DELHI

Admiral Vijay kumar finished reading the latest report on PLAN electronic warfare capability in the south china seas and possibly in the Andamans sea . There was nothing new in the report which came in from Russian intelligence agencies not already known to Indian naval planners but it did fill up certain important details regarding equipment specifics and location.He decided to forward it task force commander Vikramaditya carrier group now "located" in Subic bay naval base ,Philippines. Vijay kumar did not believe in micro managing missions and would leave it to the task force commander to assign strike priority and scheduling once hostilities braek out in the south china seas /gulf of thailand INS VIKRAMADITYA -SUBIC BAY NAVAL BASE -PHILLIPINES The tripple encrypted message from naval headquarters was received directly from the indian geo synchronous satellite INSAT 4C vide the dedicated navy transponder. Once the task force commander entered his personal authorization code in the small portable de -coder the flash message with your eyes only security classification flashed on the screen of his laptop. The strike priority of Vikramaditya group will now be destruction of communication nodes land based surface search radars . The Rear Admiral would have preferred a more direct "combat" role but then it was not for him to question the orders. After having one more look at the order and the classified report ,he picked up the phone to ships captain and requested a meeting of all the senior officers in the flag ship mess same evening . The form of the coming war was slowly taking shape

502 -MINGALADON AIRBASE – MYANMAR – 2 XKJ-2000(A-50 MAINSTAY) Mingaladon (ICAO code: VBRR/VYRR and VYYY, IATA code: RGN) Mingaladon International Airport, the airport for the capital city of Yangon (Rangoon) is located 12 miles (19 km) to the north of the capital. The military portion is officially designated No. 502 Air Base, Mingaladon AFB. It is currently home to the Transport Squadron, a Liaison Squadron and a detachment from a Fighter Squadron. It is an ex-RAF base. It is in current dual military-civilian use. Runway data: Rwy 03/21, Size: 8104 x 200 ft (2470 x 61 m), Elev: 109 ft (33 m), Location: 096° 07' 59.60" E, 16° 54' 26.30" N - Mingaladon tower – PLAAF flight 02 – to land - PLAAF flight –Mingaldon tower –you are cleared to land on runway 03 right –make right base –cleared to descend to 5000 ft - PLAAF flight 02 –Mingaladon tower – cleared to land on runway 03 – descending to 5000 ft The night was dark and moonless. As the two PLAAF AWACS landed on Yangon international airport also referred as Mingaladon 502 airbase one more critical component Of Chinas grand encirclement strategy of Andaman’s was finally in place. Both the aircrafts were quickly guided to a pair of unmarked shelters at the end of the airfield. The next days commercial traffic at the reasonably busy international airport will have no idea that some of Chinas most precious aerial assets is now stored in ramshackle sheds at the end of the runway By 1992, China had begun talks with Russia about purchasing the Beriev A-50 (NATO codename: Mainstay) plane, the AWACS variant of the Ilyushin IL-76 military transport aircraft. Later, talks involved acquisition of an Israeli radar system. Three-way negotiations that began in 1994 considered four AEW aircraft for $1 billion. In 1996 China, Russia, and Israel reached initial agreement on a $250 million deal to supply one AEW aircraft to the PLAAF by installing an Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) Phalcon phased-array radar with 360 degree coverage on a A-50 plane. In May 1997, Israel and Russia reached agreement on modifying one IL-76, as a Beriev A-50I, for $250 million, with the option of three more AWACS for a total cost of $1 billion. Russia secured about 20 percent of the deal. After some delay, in October 1999, Russia transferred an A-50 airframe to Israel for the installation of the Phalcon AEW radar system by IAI. By May 2000, Israel had nearly completed work on the aircraft. The Phalcon deal became an increasingly controversial issue between the United States and Israel. In 2000, the Clinton Administration voiced stronger objections to the sale and urged Israel to cancel the sale of the Phalcon, saying it is a system comparable to the U.S. AWACS and could collect intelligence and guide aircraft from 250 miles away. Finally, in July 2000 the Israeli government cancelled the deal with China. Following the humiliation of the cancelled A-50I/Phalcon deal, China turned to indigenous solutions. The Phalcon radar and other electronic systems were taken off from the unfinished A-50I, and the airframe was handed to China via Russia in 2002. Modifications on the A-50I airframe began in late 2002 to install the Chinese-made airborne radar system at Xi’an Aircraft Industry Co. (XAC). The aircraft made its first flight in November 2003, and was reportedly rename as Kongjing-2000 (KJ-2000). The detailed information regarding the new Chinese AWACS is unknown. However, it is estimated that the aircraft is comparable to the Russian A-50 in general flight performance. The Chinese AWACS is based on the airframe of the Russian A-50 AWACS aircraft, which was developed and manufactured by the Beriev Aircraft Research and Engineering Complex Joint Stock Company based at Taganrog in the Rostov Region of Russia. The A-50’s airframe was developed from the llyushin IL-76MD military transport aircraft manufactured by the Ilyushin Aviation Complex Joint Stock Company based in Moscow. The most distinctive difference on the A-50 airframe is the removal of the 'glass-in' nose of the IL-76MD. The A-50 carries out patrol missions at an altitude of 5,000m to 10,000m. The patrol service ceiling is 10,000m. The maximum flight range of the aircraft is 5,000km and the flight endurance is 7 hours 40 minutes. At a range of 2,000m, the A-50 can remain on patrol for up to 1 hour 25 minutes. The Chinese A-50 airframe also has a fixed in-flight refuelling probe, which could be refuelled by the IL-78 Midas tanker. This will significantly increase the range and flight endurance of the aircraft. The Chinese AWACS has a unique phased array radar (PAR) carried in a round radome. Unlike the U.S. AWACS aircraft, which rotate their rotodomes to give a 360 degree coverage, the radar antenna of the Chinese AWACS does not rotate. Instead, three PAR antenna modules are placed in a triangular configuration inside the round radome to provide a 360 degree coverage. The Chinese-made airborne earning warning radar system is similar in capability to the IAI Phalcon, but may not be as capable as the latter. The Phalcon system could track up to 60~100 targets at the same time and guide a dozen fighters in all-weather, day and night operations. Under normal circumstances the short radio conversation between the PLAAF and Yangon tower would have gone unnoticed but then this was not a normal time .An unnamed Indian navy signal intelligence gathering ship patrolling just outside the territorial waters of Myanmar off the Yangon port picked up the brief radio chatter Recorded it and forwarded it to eastern command naval intelligence unit located some where in the eastern sea board. Human intelligence units in the airport area were activated and within 48 hours the confirmation came in loud and clear. PLAAF have indeed positioned two of its AWACS in Yangon international airport (shed no 34 and 37) .The target data was forwarded to jaguar squadron based in Car Nicobar for necessary action at appropriate time. Myanmar’s military junta was about to find out the hard way –it does not pay to side with the dragon ,in the long run.

INS VIRAT –OFF SANDIEGO NAVAL BASE- USA Lt Commander Vina Peter looked at her mother ship and matched the speed of her aircraft with a deft touch on the throttle lever and a slight nudge on the rudder brought her along on a parallel course and matching speed . As she adjusted for the slight 3 knots cross wind over the flight deck ,the landing clearance came in from the carriers tower -falcon lead –mother one –clear to land -mother one –falcon lead – understand clear to land –landing in 2 minutes Landing on any carrier deck is always a tricky business ,landing on a small carrier like Virat is even trickier and landing in vertical mode on a packed flight deck is trickiest of all thought Vina as she adjusted the thrust vector control levers slightly allowing the slow descent to marked spot on the carriers deck .Vertical velocity steady at 250 ft/min, ground speed at 25 knots and she came down in less than 2 minutes of the stipulated landing time maximum. Virat was in Sandiego officially to take part in a joint air-land –sea exercise with USMC off the coast of California . What was not reported in the press was about the same time her entire air group was being refurbished with everything needed for a short intense combat and that included replacement of all common critical components and provision of spares and weapons including missiles not just for the sea harriers but also for the sea kings on deck . The air group was beefed up and on date Virat carried the maximum complement of 30 sea harriers some of which have joined her from UK via Sandiego . USN was in its own way helping their Indian friend in the Indian ocean with spares and weapon systems which only they had, a kind of payback for the years Indian navy have helped them patrol the Indian ocean trade route. During the 1982 Falklands Conflict a total of 28 Sea Harriers and 14 RAF Harrier GR3s were eventually deployed to the South Atlantic. Over 1,100 combat air patrol missions and 90 offensive support operations were flown by Sea Harriers and 125 ground attack and tactical reconnaissance sorties by Harrier GR3s. These aircraft were a major success, showing themselves to be flexible, robust, reliable and effective. Sea Harriers, which are intended largely for air defence, were also employed in the ground attack and reconnaissance roles: the Harrier GR3s, primarily ground attack aircraft, were converted within a week to use Sidewinder AIM 9L air-to-air missiles in the air defence role. There was 95% availability at the beginning of each day and 99% of all planned missions were flown. Sea Harrier demonstrated itself to be more than a match for Argentine conventional fixed wing aircraft with 20 confirmed and 3 probable kills, of which 16 and 1 respectively are attributable to Sidewinder AIM 9L missiles. Six Sea Harriers were destroyed, of which two were lost to enemy fire—one to small-arms fire and one to a Roland surface-to-air missile. Three GR3s were also lost to enemy fire, all to ground gunfire. Most aircraft engaged in offensive support survived damage, which usually resulted from intense Argentine anti-aircraft gunfire. Operation Desert Storm in 1991 was highlighted by expeditionary air operations performed by the AV-8B. The Harrier II was the first Marine Corps tactical strike platform to arrive in theater, and subsequently operated from various basing postures. Three squadrons, totaling 60 aircraft, and one six-aircraft detachment operated ashore from an expeditionary airfield, while one squadron of 20 aircraft operated from a sea platform. During the ground war, AV-8Bs were based as close as 35 nautical miles (40.22 miles) from the Kuwait border, making them the most forward deployed tactical strike aircraft in theater. The AV-8B flew 3,380 sorties for a total of 4,083 flight hours while maintaining a mission capable rate in excess of 90%. Average turnaround time during the ground war surge rate flight operations was 23 minutes. During April and May 1999 the 26th MEU participated in Operations Noble Anvil and Shining Hope. While supporting Noble Anvil, the unit participated in the NATO bombing Campaign in Kosovo with AV-8B Harrier Attack Aircraft. Marines aboard USS Kearsarge acted as the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) Force as AV-8B Harriers showed their strength overhead by participating in the NATO bombing campaign over the former Republic of Yugosalvia (Operation Allied Force). The Marine Corps provided an outsized contribution to the air campaign as well. In addition to the expeditionary Prowlers, VMFA(AW)-332 and -533 F/A-18Ds deployed to Taszar, Hungary. Complemented by 12 AV-8B Harrier IIs from Nassau and Kearsarge, together they flew nearly 500 sorties, destroying significant high-value targets. Marine Corps aircrews, along with supporting ground forces, maintained a continuous Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel alert throughout the conflict. During the 1999 campaign in Kosovo, RAF Harrier GR7s were deployed. At the beginning of 1999, eight Harriers deployed to a base in Italy, together with two Tristar tankers, to support the Kosovo Verification Mission. This force was increased to 12 Harriers in late March. In the main, these aircraft dropped either cluster bombs, gravity bombs or precision guided weapons. RAF Harriers conducted cluster bomb attack on munitions storage site in Kosovo on 18 April 1999. No aircraft were lost during the campaign. Lt Commander Vina came out of the undersized cockpit and scrambled down the aluminum step ladder propped up by the crew chief. As she jogged out of the landing area her wing man came down hard on the deck which made the the Lt commander frown with disgust and she made a mental note to give the guy (Lt Commander Shekhar Gupta ) a piece of her mind over dinner. With 30 harriers plus the half a dozen kamov and sea kings each ,the flight deck and hanger area of Virat ressembled a fish market in down town Mumbai .But still everything moved some how –by the grace of God and plenty of luck Tomorrow will be the last day of the exercise and then Virat was scheduled to return home via pacific and south china sea as per “original plan” .

SOUTH SEA FLEET HEADQUARTERS - ,ZHANJIANG -CHINA Admiral Zhang Yushu sipped into his 23rd cup of rose flavored green tea poured by his secretary as he finished the invasion fleet sailing check list. His main strength were the formation of four Russian destroyers with capability to engage any air strike that will undoubtedly be mounted on his fleet once in the open ocean by Indian navy . Naval intelligence have confirmed presence of Goroshkov in Subic bay the old carrier Virat in US navy base at San Diego . Admiral wanted to deploy the Russian destroyers covering the landing ships and troop carriers which were the most vulnerable to pre emptive air strike . The lead elements of the fleet will be troops carriers and the landing ship tanks protected by the four Russian destroyers protection against iar and ship launched attack .The rear of the armada will be protected by the flotilla of frigates and some less capable destroyers against possible submarine strike On Jan. 3, 2002, Rosoboronexport signed a contract with the Chinese for $1.4 billion for the construction of two Sovremenny-class destroyers for PLA needs. Let's look again at the Rosvoouruzheniye catalog (text is excerpted): "Sovremenny Class is a Russian class of destroyers designed to engage hostile ships by means of missile attack, and to provide warships and transport ships with protection against ship and air attack. Intended primarily for anti-ship operations, it was designed to complement anti-submarine warfare (ASW) Udaloy destroyers (of a previous generation). The ships have anti-ship, anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and coastal bombardment capability. The ships, with a maximum displacement of 8,480 tons, are similar in size to the U.S. Navy's Aegis-equipped missile cruisers, and are armed with an anti-submarine helicopter, 48 air defense missiles, 8 anti-ship missile launchers, torpedoes, mines, long-range guns and a comprehensive electronic warfare system According to Russia's Interfax agency (June 2 , the Severnaya Verf (Northern Wharf) shipyard in Petersburg began building the first of two Sovremenny 956EM Project destroyers for China in June 2002. E and M in the project designation stand for "export" and "modernized." Construction of the second destroyer should start at the end of July. The two destroyers are to be completed and delivered to the customer in early 2006. The ships were developed by the St. Petersburg-based Severnoye (Northern) Design Bureau. Several Russian shipyards competed for the contract, Baltiysky Zavod (St. Petersburg-based Baltic Shipbuilding Plant) and Severnaya Verf shipyards being the principal competitors. Eventually, the order was placed with Severnaya Verf, which was engaged in building two 956E destroyers for PLAN from 1997 to 2000. The project 956EM destroyers will boast cutting-edge armament assets. This vessel has been designed for countering hostile surface ships and landing craft (its major duty), countering anti-aircraft and anti-missile defenses of combat and transportation ships, providing fire support to landing units, and patrolling and carrying out various missions as part of a formation or separately. The 956EM destroyer is fitted with advanced missile and artillery assets and torpedo, radar and anti-submarine systems, as well as the Moskit supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. Length of the destroyer is 150m, and beam is 17m; it is capable of traveling at a speed of 34 knots (60 km per hour). (end of brief description) Severnaya Verf, indeed, constructed for China two Sovremenny 956E destroyers in 1997-2000. Both destroyers – by 1997 – were about 40 percent ready. The Russian navy – the initial customer – terminated the order due to lack of funds. Severnaya Verf got the new order for the additional two destroyers, to be constructed from scratch, in terribly heavy competition with Baltiysky Zavod (no room here to describe this New Russian-style thriller). Remarkably, (a) this time, construction should take place much more rapidly (by early 2006 the two destroyers should start service in Qingdao or Zhanjiang naval seaports) and (b) the 956EM destroyers will be much more advanced than the 956E ones; the 'M' means a lot here. According to Western experts, these destroyers – according to their design, at least – are the naval vessels of the 21st century. And they are incomparably more advanced than two Luhai-class destroyers, the best and largest Chinese-made naval vessels, whose construction was finished in Dalian in 1997 and 2000, respectively (there is some uncertainty regarding the second destroyer). According to an article in Moscow-based Novyye Izvestiya newspaper (June 27), China is preparing for the American occupation of the naval base at Cam Ranh, Vietnam, recently abandoned by the Russian navy. That's why, according to the Chinese-Russian contract signed on Jan. 3, 2002, Severnaya Verf must produce two Project 956EM ships for PLAN as early as 2005. The Chinese were primarily attracted by the Moskit anti-ship strike system with its supersonic missiles, which NATO calls the "aircraft-carrier destroyer." Two 956 E destroyers, received in 1999-2000, increased greatly PLAN's capability regarding conflict with U.S. Navy aircraft carrier groups. And there is information that the two new 956EM destroyers, which Severnaya Verf has begun to build, are to be equipped with more improved weapons, namely, Yakhont systems, whose effective range reaches 280 km (as opposed to 100 km for the Moskit missiles). The leading U.S. papers published, in May-June 2002, dozens of reports on a Chinese-Russian contract for PLAN to purchase eight Kilo 636 diesel-electric submarines for $1.6 billion. We'll describe the most remarkable features of this bargain. These submarines are much more advanced than the four Kilo submarines received by PLAN in 1995-98. They are equipped with two new-generation weapon systems: Klub anti-ship cruise missiles with a range up to 200 km; the Klub or 3M54E1 is developed by the Yekaterinburg OKB (Experimental Design Bureau) Novator; no counterpart has been invented in the world. They have three stages: The first two define movement at subsonic speeds, the third goes into operation 20 km from the target at supersonic speed, which guarantees invulnerability from enemy air-defense weapons and destroys the enemy's ship. The Kilo-636 submarine with the Klub system is capable of salvo firing of missiles simultaneously from six torpedo tubes – and not only at surface targets, but also at submarines. The Shkval torpedo, whose speed reaches 100 meters per second. After launch under water, it flies through the air and descends by parachute into the region where the hostile ship was detected and then again travels under water. Under such conditions the commander of the targeted submarine simply cannot perform an anti-torpedo maneuver. Incidentally, the Russian navy has no ships yet with such a weapon. In 2001, China acquired at least 40 Shkval torpedoes from Russia and/or Kazakhstan. It is supposed to use them on "093 project" nuclear submarines also. Just like the Sovremenny 956EM contract, the contract for Kilo submarines caused intense competition among Russian enterprises. This resulted, by early July 2002, in the following: Five submarines will be produced by the Komsomolsk-na-Amure shipbuilding plant (the Khabarovsk region of the Russian Far East), two by the St. Petersburg-based Admiralteisky Verf plant, and one by the Sormovo shipbuilding plant on the Volga river, in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The contract for constructing two submarines will be transferred from the Komsomolsk-na-Amure plant to Northern Machine Building Enterprise (NME) in Severodvinsk city, on the White Sea. That's despite NME having no experience in Kilo submarine construction (in contrast with the other three shipyards), and getting the Kilo submarines from Severodvinsk to China will be very difficult. 3) The authors conclude that, simultaneously with the eight submarines constructed in Russia, at least four submarines of the same kind will be built at China Shipbuilding Industry Group Corp.(SIGC) shipyards in Shanghai, Wuhan or Guangzhou cities. As early as 1997, the Chinese and Russians negotiated for China's purchase of about 10 Kilo submarines in exchange for their manufacturing technology. In 1999, China finished the construction of a "super-Kilo submarine" – the improved version of China's Song diesel-electric submarine. China already has part of the Kilo construction technology; now SIGC will get the entire technology. 4) The order for eight submarines is distributed between three Russian enterprises, in order to accelerate the project's realization. The Chinese will spare no efforts to get all the submarines by 2006 (despite the contract prescribing project completion by 2007). Finally, by 2006, PLAN could get an entire fleet of comparatively advanced diesel-electric submarines: three to four Song, four old-generation Kilos, eight new-generation Kilos, and at least four Chinese-made Kilos of the new version. Such a fleet, united with the aforementioned advanced destroyers, could greatly affect the naval balance not only around Taiwan, but in the South China Sea and East China Sea as well. Before the mid-1970s, the PLA Navy showed little interest in developing a large amphibious warfare fleet due to its coastal defence doctrine. The 1974 conflict with the South Vietnamese Navy in the South China Sea made the PLA realise the importance of a credible maritime power projection capability. This has resulted in the introduction of the Type 072 (Yukan class) large landing ship programme in the mid-1970s, with the first-of-class Zijinshan (pennant number 927) launched in Zhonghua Shipyard in 1978. The Type 072 has a load capacity of 450t and a maximum speed of 18kt. The ship could carry 250 troops and two tanks over a long distance to the remote islands in the South China Sea. All seven Type 072 landing ships were deployed by the PLA Navy South Sea Fleet based at Zhanjiang Naval Base in Guangdong Province. Two ships of the class were sent the Nansha (Spratly) Islands in the South China Sea during the conflict with the Vietnamese Navy in 1988. Construction of the Type 072 stopped in the early 1990s when the more capable Type 072-II (Yuting class) was introduced.7 ships, all in the East Sea Fleet: 927 (Zijinshan), 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933. The Type 072 is the first Chinese landing ship to have utilized the destroyer-style bow with two side-hinged doors and a ramp instead of the old WWII-style flat-bow with a single large bottom-hinged door/ramp design. This enables the ship to maintain a high cruising speed of 18 knots. The ship has the capacity for the military lift of 250 troops, or 5 tanks, or 10 vehicles, or 450 tones of cargo. The tank deck provides large floor area for the transportation of material and is accessed via both the bow and stern ramp. Driven by hydrodynamic power, the 17m foldable bow ramp has a max load of 50 tones and can be launched within 3 minutes. Vehicles can also be loaded/unloaded via the stern ramp, which can support a maximum weight of 20t. The ship does not have the facility to land helicopters. The weapon configuration may vary on different hull. The basic configuration includes 4 manually operated Type 66 dual-57mm/70-calibre AAA gun (rate 120 rds/min; range 12km) and 2 manually operated Type 61 dual-25mm/60-calibre anti-aircraft guns (rate 800~900 rds/min, range 2.7km). The ship is fitted with a surface search radar and a navigation radar.The ship's propulsion is provided by two 12E390 diesels rated at 9,600hp. There are two shafts driving two fixed-pitch propellers, giving a max speed of 18 knots. The admiral knew he has a formidable fleet at his command –impressive by any standard .He also expected substantial air cover by PLAN/PLAAF Su -27s/Su 30 S once into Andaman’s sea from their land bases in Myanmar including limited AWACs cover .He knew his fleet will be some what vulnerable in the gulf of Thailand because of distance from shore based air support and known presence of at least one Indian carrier in the region and another possibly sailing towards the possible conflict zone right at this moment. He had no information about the two Akulas or the about the Brahmos equipped fleet of Indian navy ships due to sail into Vietnam naval base of Cam Ranh in 2 days time. Presence of Moskit in PLAN ships was well known to Indian navy and also about the dozen or so Yakhont missiles supplied by Russia for its flankers. So neutralizing the Moskit equipped ships were priority one for the Indian surface combatants deployed in the gulf of Thailand. The Admiral still did not have any answer for ship and more worrisome air launched Brahmos missiles which may play havoc with his well co ordinated plan of invasion. He knew according to Murphy's law -anything that can go wrong will usally go wrong in combat . In the distance the lead destroyer of the flotilla cleared the pier and eased out slowly through the protected entry channel of the harbor .It will take almost 24 hrs for the entire fleet to get going

INS VIRAT – OFF THE COAST OF MIDWAY ISLANDS –WESTERN PACIFIC Lt Commander Vina Peter woke up with the soft buzz of alarm clock by her bed side. Today she was scheduled to check out one of the new harriers transferred from royal navy recently and she intended to put the refurbished aircraft through the paces. Though not officially a test pilot the rules were being bent by the navy a little to ensure Virat will meet up to the challenges of the coming conflict . A quick shower and a light breakfast of lightly buttered toast with two soft boiled eggs later she was ready for the Cat 2 pre sortie medical test specifically to ensure the fancy pilot do not die of a heart attack with the expensive jet strapped to her back. To do so, one undergoes measurements to ensure height and weight are within the requisite parameters for the ejector seat; urine is analyzed, along with blood pressure and pulse and assessed against a full medical history; an ECG tells the doctor that one’s heart is fit enough to withstand the loads likely to be placed on it and finally, a face to face interview with the medical officer who then signed her off for the sortie. A short while later, she changed into her flying kit and walked out to the aircraft waiting for her on the remote corner of the flight deck and climbed into the cramped cockpit, an epitome of function over form. As she strapped on the 5 point harness which anchored her to the jump jet and also anchors her legs with the ejection seat . Then she started closing in the multitude of miniature circuit breakers and the canopy closed around her silently enclosing her in a virtual safety cocoon. She checked the oxygen flow to mask controlled vide a chest mounted regulator adjustable up to cabin air mix upto 100% oxygen but she did not need it now and left it in the down position. Jacked on the radio and quickly adjusted the head up display settings which would be her life line in any critical flight situation ,projecting from the flight computer data on air speed, altitude, attitude, g force instaneous, vertical speed along with the most vital information of all target data and weapon availability and status .She finished arming the canopy with its miniature detonator cord and then the martin baker ejection seat before calling the island tower for take off clearance - tower – sea eagle one –request permission for motor start - sea eagle one –tower –stand by – - rescue one you are cleared for immediate take off In the distance the sea king rescue helicopter .reserved for picking up downed pilots increased power and angled off and awy the flight deck ,taking up station few hundred meters off the port -sea eagle one –tower –cleared for engine start The ground crew stood at attention with portable fire extinguishers as the sea harriers engine cam to life with a shrill whine. They moved out and away as Vina increased power, standing on the brake (Using the throttle, the pilot needs to ensure that engine thrust provides sufficient jet-lift to keep the aircraft aloft before ‘down’ nozzle is selected. However, this interaction between the amount of thrust and its direction is the only major piloting difference between the Harrier and other aircraft, albeit one that needs careful training to master. In addition to the vectoring engine nozzles, the Harrier also requires a method of controlling its attitude during jet-borne flight, when the normal aerodynamic surfaces are ineffective. To this end, a system of reaction control nozzles in the nose (blowing down), wingtips (blowing up and down) and tail (down and lateral blowing) are fitted to the aircraft. These nozzles are supplied with high pressure air bled from the engine and are operated by the normal flying controls. Pilot command operates valves in each nozzle that allow powerful jets of compressed air to provide the desired movement in pitch roll or yaw.) However today Vina did not intend a vertical take off since she was carrying far too much fuel and also the full complement of air to air as well as a sea eagle live missile for practice firing -sea eagle one –tower –cleared for take – good practice - tower –sea eagle on – cleared for take off – rolling now Lt commander Vina Peter at the console ,flaps in take off configuration, engine exhaust temperature normal, lube oil pressure in the green ,hydraulics pressure ok ,the flight deck looked as usual straight and clean as she tightened the harness one last time before pushing the throttle all the way forward ,waited for a few seconds and then with a flick of her toe released the brakes . The small aircraft lurched forward and then accelerated like no one business flashing past the island structure and was over the ocean in less than 4 seconds .Her hands moved with practiced ease as she kept the aircraft on level flight for a few mores seconds to gain air speed and at the same time pulled up the undercarriage lever ,all the lights turned red and the undercarriage well door close d with a re assuring thump as Vina checked the air speed and gently pulled up on the stick rotating the nose for a slow full load climb out to the blue skies .

INS VIJAY –AKULA 2 – SOMEWHERE IN PHILLIPINES SEA Captain Iyer was restless .Today’s sat transmission have been received garbled ,no doubt some goof up with uplink or power bus of the aging Insat satellite. The net result was he will have to surface again after stipulated 4 hours minimum and at least 30 knots away from last surfacing .Which meant either he increase reactor power and generate more of whatever little noise the shark makes underwater or continue at present steady speed of 6 knots for few more minutes and speed up just before surfacing as far away from shipping traffic as possible

Silent deep-sea hunter marks its 20-year-long service
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This Russian submarine made Americans to come down with money to aid Russia. This sub has been given various names like ‘aircraft carrier killer’, or ‘deep-sea gangster’, or ‘silent hunter’, to name a few. The multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine K-284 of Project 971 was commissioned June 16, 1984 crowning the efforts of the Design Bureau Malakhit and the Amurskiy Zavod shipyard in Komsomolsk-na-Amure. In total, 15 boats of that class have been built. In 1996, those involved in the creation of the submarine were awarded the State Prize of the Russian Federation For the first time, the shipbuilding yard at Komsomolsk-na-Amure rather than at Severodvinsk or Leningrad had been chosen as the place to lay down a multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine coded Project 971 Shuka-B. That was an indication of a considerable development of shipbuilding in the Russian Far East. NATO’s classification ‘Akula’ (Shark) given to the newest submarines of the Russian Navy caused confusion since the name of another Soviet sub, Alfa of Project 705, also began with the letter ‘A’. The acoustic signature of K-284 was 12-15 dB lower (i.e. 4-4.5 times) than that of 671RTM, the most noiseless Russian submarine of the previous generation. Improvement in this key parameter of underwater technology placed Russia among the world’s top submarine shipbuilders. The Akula’s design and acoustic signature had been honed throughout the mass production stage. The boats of the project were given personal names, so K-317 was dubbed ‘Pantera’. The first submarine built in Severodvinsk, K-480, received the name ‘Bars’, which soon became the class name of all nuclear-powered ships of Project 971. Commander S. V. Efremenko became the first captain of Bars. In December 1997, at the request of the Republic of Tatarstan, Bars was renamed ‘Ak-Bars’. Some years ago, the attack submarine Gepard was commissioned at Severodvinsk. In 1996, the submarine cruiser Vepr was commissioned at Severodvinsk. She had a new design of the pressure hull and different ‘stuffing’ at the same time retaining the shape of its class. Besides, with her another major advance was made in noise reduction. In the West this sub and the subsequent SSNs of Project 971 were designated Akula-II. Integrated automation cut the crew to 73 (31 officers), that was almost twice as less than that of the American Los Angeles class sub (141 men). According to some US experts, the degree of stealth of the improved sub of Project 971 has caught up with that of the US Navy multi-purpose fourth generation submarine Seawolf (SSN-21). Speed, diving depth and ordnance make these ships approximately peer. Between December 1995 and February 1996, K-461 Volk (manned by the complement from K-317 Pantera under the orders of captain S. Spravtsev and captain V. Korolyov, assistant division commander acting as senior officer on board), had been operating in the Mediterranean Sea to provide long-distance anti-submarine support for the Admiral Kuznetsov heavy aircraft carrying cruiser. The mission included long-term tracking of several NATO submarines, including an American SSN of the Los Angeles class. According to US Navy sources, at tactical speeds 5-7 knots the acoustic quietness of Improved Akula class boats searched by sonars was lower than that of the most advanced US Navy SSNs such as the Improved Los Angeles class. The then chief of US naval operations Admiral Jeremy Boorda said that the American ships were not able to track the Improved Akula at a speed less than 6 to 9 knots (the new Russian boat was eventually contacted in the spring 1995 off the eastern coast of the USA). According to the Adm. J. M. Boorda, the low noise acoustic profile of the improved Akula-II met the requirements of forth generation subs. After the end of the Cold War, new stealth nuclear-powered submarines in the Russian Fleet aroused serious concern in the USA. In 1991, this matter was even discussed in Congress. American legislators were offered some solutions to turn the situation around to the advantage of the USA. Proposals comprised demands that Russia disclose long-term underwater shipbuilding programs, or establishment of coordinated limits on the number of attack SSNs for both Russia and USA, or calls to assist Russia to convert shipyards building nuke subs to produce non-defense items. The international environmental NGO ‘Green Peace’ also joined the efforts against the Russian underwater shipbuilding disguised as a drive to ban nuclear-powered submarines (Russian ones, of course, presented, according to ‘Greens’, the greatest environmental hazard). In order to eliminate ‘nuclear disasters’, ‘Green Peace’ recommended Western governments to tie financial aid to Russia with the moves the latter would make to solve this problem. However, as the delivery of new attack submarines to the Russian Navy dramatically slowed down by mid-90s, the issue for USA ceased to be burning, though ‘environmentalists’ (many of whom are known for their tight links to NATO special services), have been pursuing the same policy against the Russian Fleet up to date. Norman Polmar, а well-known US naval analyst, once said that the arrival of submarines of the Akula class and other Russian SSNs of the third generation demonstrated that the Soviet shipbuilders had bridged the gap in the acoustic quieting level unexpectedly fast. Some years later, in 1994, this gap was closed altogether.

This particular shark of Phillipines sea have already detached from the Vikramaditya groups and though its principal task was to sanitize the oceans for the carrier ,her rules of engagement allowed her to engage both ships and subs PLAN if the captain of the ship thought it presented a clear and present danger to the task force . She needed to authorization to kill once the hostilities are in the open and may be even before that.

SOUTH SEA FLEET HEADQUARTERS - ,ZHANJIANG -CHINA Admiral Zhang Yushu looked intently at the latest high resolution satellite photos taken barely 6 hrs back of the Indian carrier group Virat crossing the Midway atoll. He knew if his plan to invade the Andaman Islands were to succeed both the carrier groups one in the pacific and another in the Philippines sea must be removed effectively. While the Vikramaditya group was more heavily defended and apparently sailing away from the proposed route of the invasion fleet ,the Virat was approaching the possible conflict zone fast .It was also not so heavily defended particularly its air complement of sea harriers were some what dated. Zhang Yushu thought over the tactical situation and realized it may be just possible to eliminate the Virat led task force with a massive surprise strike in the central pacific using his spanking new Russian destroyers duly supported by anti submarine frigates and some limited support from the land based aircraft of PLAAF if available on time. After few more cups of green tea and some round of discussions with his staff officers, he issued the necessary operations orders .Within hours four Sovremenny 956EM type destroyers split off from the invasion fleet and turned west wards along with a small flotilla of six anti submarine frigates and a pair of tanker ships on an intercept course towards Midway . Admiral Zhang Yushu knew surprise is the key to victory in any battle particularly those fought in the open ocean far from any land based supports .His strike plan hinged on surprise and long range supersonic anti ship missiles carried by his destroyers which salvo fired is quite capable of sinking a carrier group in minutes. WARHEAD - 750 LB.CONVENTIONAL OR 200 KILOTON NUCLEAR RANGE - 90 MILES WING SPAN - 6.2 FEET BODY DIA. - 2.5 FEET LENGTH - 31.9 FEET WEIGHT - 9,920 POUNDS ENGINE - INTEGRATED ROCKET BOOSTER RAMJET SUSTAINER GUIDANCE - ACTIVE RADAR HOMING SEA SKIMMER SPEED - MACH 2.5 AT SEA LEVEL In August 1999, the first of two 8,480-ton Russian Navy Project 956A destroyers built for China conducted trials in the eastern Baltic. Each 956A warship is armed with eight supersonic 3M82 Moskit sea-skimming missiles (NATO code-name SS-N-22 "Sunburn"). The 3M82 MOSKIT anti-ship missile is produced by the Raduga Machine Building Design Bureau located in Dubna. Raduga developed the widely exported SS-N-2 Styx missile which sank an Israeli destroyer during the six day war. The Raduga Moskit anti-ship missile is perhaps the most lethal anti-ship missile in the world. The MOSKIT is designed to fly as low as 9 feet at over 1,500 miles per hour, faster than a rifle bullet. The missile uses a violent pop-up maneuver for its terminal approach to throw off Phalanx and other anti-missile defense. Reports of nuclear warheads on the new Chinese anti-ship missiles first appeared inside a new book called "Red Dragon Rising." According to the book's co-author, William Triplett, each Chinese warship is equipped with eight nuclear-tipped, Russian-made Moskit anti-ship missiles--each armed with a warhead equal to over 120,000 tons of TNT. "The Sovremenny is strictly an offensive platform," stated Triplett during a WorldNetDaily interview. "Ed (Timperlake) and I are the only two Americans that have ever been on a Sovremenny," said Triplett. "It has virtually no stealth. It can't hide. It is intended to attack. The vessel is designed to fire its nuclear tipped missiles and die." Triplett also openly charged the missiles arming the new warships are nuclear-tipped. "Each warhead is six times more powerful than the atomic bomb used on Hiroshima," said Triplett. "The new missiles are designed specifically to destroy American carriers and Aegis cruisers with a single nuclear blast." According to the U.S. Naval Institute, in August 1999, the first of two 8,480-ton Russian Navy Project 956A destroyers built for China conducted trials in the eastern Baltic. Each 956A warship is armed with eight supersonic 3M82 Moskit sea-skimming missiles (NATO code-named SS-N-22 "Sunburn"). The first Chinese warship was built originally for the Soviet navy, as the Vazhnyy in 1988. The ship was launched in May 1994 and renamed the Yekaterinburg before work was halted. In 1996, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy negotiated to buy the Yekaterinburg and another 956A class destroyer named the Alexandr Nevskiy. The Yekaterinburg is due for delivery by the end of 1999 and the second destroyer by the end of 2000. In July 1999, Richard D. Fisher, a defense analyst for Rep. Christopher Cox, R-Calif., wrote an evaluation of the Russian-built Moskit missile being sold to China. According to Fisher, the U.S. Navy cannot stop the Moskit. "The Raduga Moskit anti-ship missile is perhaps the most lethal anti-ship missile in the world," wrote Fisher in a review of the Chinese navy. "The Moskit combines a Mach 2.5 speed with a very low-level flight pattern that uses violent end maneuvers to throw off defenses. After detecting the Moskit, the U.S. Navy Phalanx point-defense system may have only 2.5 seconds to calculate a fire solution--not enough time before the devastating impact of a 750-lb. warhead." OCEANSAT 2 –OVER SOUTH CHINA SEA She flew on regardless ,1000 km up in the space ,taking high resolution digital photos of the oceans of the world .particularly those oceans that was of interest to Indian State and stored th digitized information in ultra high density storage devices on board and then when flying over motherland ,dutifully down loaded to an earth station somewhere in central India in less than a minutes . Her today’s best shots showed the PLAN 4 moskit equipped destroyers having split from the main invasion force and taking on a new intercept course towards central pacific ,possibly the island of Midway.



he Battle of Midway, fought in June 1942, must be considered one of the most decisive battles of World War Two. The Battle of Midway effectively destroyed Japan’s naval strength when the Americans destroyed four of its aircraft carriers. Japan’s navy never recovered from its mauling at Midway and it was on the d The Commander-in-Chief Pacific, Admiral Chester Nimitz, had received intelligence that the Japanese, after what could be deemed the failure at Coral Sea, was out for a decisive battle against the American Navy. Nimitz knew that they wanted to capture Midway Island, on the western extremity of the Hawaiian Islands, to further extend their control of the Pacific. Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, believed that Japan would only gain control of the Pacific after an all-out naval battle with the Americans in which, according to Yamamoto's plan, America would suffer a defeat, leaving Japan free to conquer at will and consolidate her conquests. Yamamoto also believed, correctly as it turned out, that Nimitz would not avoid a major naval battle with the Japanese. Yamamoto's plan for the attack on Midway was complex and relied on perfect timing and diversionary tactics to lure parts of the American force away from Yamamoto's main battle fleet. It also required that four out of Japan's eight aircraft carriers were in the vicinity. The Japanese fleet also included the biggest battleship in the world, the 'Yamato' the smaller battleships 'Nagato' and 'Mutsu', and numerous cruisers and destroyers. Yamamoto's plan was ingenious but too intricate. It also contained two defects: 1) Yamamoto believed in the supremacy of the battleship. He failed to realise that an aircraft carrier could deliver a massive blow to the enemy but at a much greater distance than a battleship could. Yamamoto saw the aircraft carrier as supporting the battleship rather than the other way round. His huge battleships were also slower than any other warship he had and the rest of his fleet had to sail at a pace that suited the battleships. 2) Far more fatal to Yamamoto was the fact that the Americans knew his course of action. Admirals Spruance and Fletcher had their ships waiting for an attack and Yamamoto's plan to lure American ships away from their main body clearly would not work if the Americans knew that this was his intent. The first US attacks took place after a Catalina flying boat, on patrol, spotted the Japanese main fleet. Land based B-17 bombers attacked the fleet and claimed to have sunk two battleships. In fact, the ships that were spotted were transport ships and tankers and no hits were scored by the B-17's. This occurred 800 miles from Fletcher's task force and he realised from the intelligence reports he had that, that such incidents were peripheral to the main task he had. Fletcher knew that the Japanese carriers were just 400 miles from his force. During the night of June 3rd, Fletcher moved the two task forces 200 miles north of Midway - something the Japanese would not know about - thus setting up his scouting force for "one of the great decisive battles in history". (Captain D Macintyre) Early on June 4th, both fleets launched some of their planes primarily for scouting missions. The Japanese also prepared a number of dive-bombers and escort Zero fighters for an actual attack on Midway. At 05.34, the Americans received a report from their scout planes that the Japanese main fleet, including the carriers, was 200 miles west-south-west of the 'Yorktown'. Fletcher ordered Spruance to sail in a south-westerly direction with Task Force 16. The American carriers 'Enterprise' and 'Hornet' steamed away with their escorts. Midway was attacked by Japanese planes at 06.16 with power plants and oil installations being the main target. Ten torpedo-bombers had taken off from Midway to attack the Japanese carriers. However, the defence of these ships was such that none scored a hit and only three planes returned to Midway. Another attack by B-17's from 20,000 feet and Vindicator scout-bombers also failed to find their target - though this attack had achieved one result as many Zero fighters were put into the air to protect the fleet. Now they needed to be re-fuelled and re-armed which left the Japanese fleet commanded by Nagumo very vulnerable as it had neither fighter cover nor were his carriers in a position to do a great deal other than re-equip the planes. It was at this moment, when his carriers were all-but defenceless against an air attack, that Nagumo received news of an incoming aerial attack from planes from both the 'Hornet' and 'Enterprise'. All that Spruance had left behind were sufficient planes to give his ships aerial cover - the rest were sent to attack the Japanese fleet. Spruance's planes first left the fleet at 07.52 led by Lieutenant-Commander McClusky. In all, 67 Dauntless dive- bombers, 29 Devastator torpedo-bombers and 20 Wildcat fighters were involved. However, they were spread out over a large area and communication between the flight leaders was difficult. In essence, four separate squadrons advanced on the Japanese. Unknown to them, Nagumo had changed course and when the planes arrived at the point that they believed the Japanese would be at - they found nothing. Some planes searched in vain; a lot of the fighters had to ditch as they simply ran out of fuel. However, the torpedo squadrons, flying low over the water, did find the Japanese carriers - but they had no fighter cover for the attack. Regardless of this, the attack went ahead despite the extreme danger of it. Lieutenant-Commander Waldron, in his final message to his squadron, had written: "My greatest hope is that we encounter a favourable tactical situation, but if we don't, I want each of us to do our utmost to destroy the enemies. If there is only one plane to make a final run in, I want that man to go in and get a hit. May God be with us." The attack was met with fearsome fire from the carriers escort ships and over 50 Zeros attacked. Very few torpedoes were fired and none hit their target. Only one pilot survived the onslaught. Another attack also failed but it served a purpose of concentrating the focus of the Japanese on these torpedo squadrons. The Japanese defenders failed to notice dive-bombers flying at a much higher altitude. With their decks crammed with planes about to take off, the Japanese carriers were tempting targets. The first attack took out the flight deck of the flagship 'Akagi' detonating a store of torpedoes. The flames soon reached fuel supplies and within minutes the 'Akagi' was doomed, though it was another seven hours before the ship was abandoned. Other dive bombers attacked the 'Kaga'. Here again, fuel was soon ignited and the ship suffered severe damage, even if it took two hours to sink. More dive-bombers attacked the 'Soryu' with the same deadly impact. Only three bombs actually hit the 'Soryu' but they did enough damage for the captain, Yanaginoto, to order that the ship be abandoned. Like the 'Kaga' it continued afloat for some hours but was doomed. The 'Soryu' went down at 19.13 along with her captain, Yanaginoto and 718 of her crew. In the space of five minutes, the Japanese Navy had lost half of its carrier force, ships that were deemed to be crewed by the Navy's elite.

Indian navy had just one sure shot defensive system against Moskit and "fortunately" two of Virats escorting destroyers were equipped with it The anti missile shield around Indian navy carrier force was much more potent than understood by the navies of the world. It was designed not just to eliminate the anti ship missiles but the ships firing them too if required . PLAN has just taken the bait carefully prepared by Indian navy -hook line and sinker

INS RAJPUT -INS VIRAT TASK FORCE -OFF MIDWAY ATOLL Commander Saikia,chief engineer , listened to the captains brief quietly. The unfolding battle plan depended on its success maximum power output from the engines and also immediate confirmation of 100% ready status of the PJ-10 missile launch control system since the window of opportunity will be very very small . He also was told to ensure the fleet of Ka 31 are to be ready in all respects including and particularly the broad band data link to ships combat information center.

The PJ-10 missile is very similar to the SS-NX-26 (see separate entry SS-NX-26) with the nose having a circular air inlet for the ramjet motor, with a terminal seeker inside the intake bullet. However, the PJ-10 version differs from the SS-NX-26 in that it has an additional nose mounted turnover assembly, located in the ramjet air inlet. This is used to turn the missile onto the required azimuth trajectory following a vertical launch. Externally the missile consists of a slim cylinder that tapers at the front to a circular air inlet for the ramjet motor. The missile body is fitted with four fixed clipped-tip delta wings aft of the mid-body, and four moving delta control fins at the rear for flight control, all in cruciform arrangement. The wings and fins are folded when the missile is in its launcher container. The missile canister is installed in a slant (15°) TPK (transportno-puskoviy konteiner), or vertical-launcher for submarine launch, as it is clearly too large for installation in a torpedo tube. This pressurised canister is 9.0 m long, has a diameter of 0.71 m and weighs 900 kg when empty. The missile is cold launched from the canister using a gas cartridge, which is ignited to eject the missile up to around 25 m altitude. The turnover assembly has small rocket thrusters, and is jettisoned after use. An integral solid propellant boost motor ignites after turnover and after accelerating the missile the main liquid ramjet motor takes over. It is possible that submarine-launched, and perhaps surface-launched, versions will have a protective nose cap. Although internal design can only be conjectured, it probably conforms to the normal arrangement of a terminal phase Granit dual-channel active-passive radar seeker (range 40 n miles in the passive mode and 13 n miles in the active mode) and its planar antenna in the radome within the air intake. Behind this is the warhead, which in the PJ-10 is the smaller 200 kg HE warhead developed for the air-launched missile version. There have been unconfirmed reports from India that PJ-10 will be modified to carry a nuclear warhead. The Siberian Devices and Systems Production Association ShYu 80-066B Inertial Navigation System (INS) fitted for the cruise or mid-course guidance phase, a digital computer, radar altimeter and batteries are sited in the middle of the missile together with the actuation system, which is probably electric. At the rear is the propulsion section consisting of a kerosene fuel tank and a 200 kg Plamya ramjet, with an integral solid-propellant boost motor located in the ramjet nozzle section for launching. The ramjet motor has a maximum thrust at sea level of 4,000 kg. The onboard command subsystem is probably configured to receive target data from off-board as well as on-board sensors. It is expected that India will use Kamov Ka-31 helicopters for target location, passing back target data to the launch ship to pre-program the missile's on-board command system. The missile's electronics have been developed by Bharat Electronics of India. From a cold start, it will take four minutes to be activated, accept data, select missile or missiles and to program the INS. The missile has two operating modes: a long range hi-lo; or shorter-range lo-lo. On vertical ejection from the TPK the missile rises to an altitude of around 25 to 30 m above sea level where the turnover system is activated. The turnover system comprises a series of small rocket thrusters and a computer-based command unit located in a barrel shaped unit covering the air intake. The thrusters are fired to turn the missile to the correct azimuth and bring it to the optimal angle for the main propulsion system to be activated. At this point the turnover system is jettisoned to uncover the air intake. The integral solid-propellant rocket booster is then ignited to increase speed to the point at which the main ramjet engine can be started up. The seeker requires two minutes to warm up and reportedly initially enters passive mode to make a stealthy approach to the target, although Russian reports indicate the seeker acquires the target at long range, locks on, passes the details to the inertial guidance system and switches off. The antenna covers ±45° and can detect targets at a range of at least 27 n miles, with cruiser-sized ships detectable at ranges of up to 40.5 n miles in conditions up to Sea State 7. For the terminal phase, which might be up to 21 n miles range, the missile descends to an altitude of 5 to 15 m to avoid detection and carries out pre-programmed evasive manoeuvres near to the target to overcome any ship's defences. According to Russian sources, at around 10 n miles from the target the radar is switched on to confirm the target's location. The missile can select an individual ship target from a group, even in a jamming environment. A land attack version with INS/GPS guidance may possibly be developed later. Specifications Length: 8.9 m Body diameter: 0.67 m Launch weight: 3,900 kg Warhead: 200 kg HE SAP Speed: M 2.8 Range: 160 n miles

Up on the flight deck the first pair of sea harriers took off on an extended combat air patrol - this was no more a drill.

06 October 2007 NEW DELHI 2007 The Indian Navy has already deployed the Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile on the INS Rajput, P Venugopal, director, Defence Research and Development Laboratories (DRDL) and head of the BrahMos mission told a packed audience at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Powai, Mumbai, which is holding the aerospace meet Zephyr 2007. INS Ranjit is next in line among the eight warships that the Indian Navy has planned to equip with this missile. Each ship will be fitted with four missile launchers, two on each side of the vessel. The Indian Army has already inducted its first group of truck-launched missiles. He said BrahMos was just one of the 10 missiles that DRDL''s missile group has produced or is working on. The cruise missile has high accuracy and low observability, he said, and showed several exciting film clips on the tests the missile has been subjected to during induction trials. The missile has already gone through 14 trials, all of which have been successful. BrahMos has two variants for specific targets, and four platform variants, he disclosed. There is an anti-ship version and an anti-land-based targets version. As far as launching is concerned, the missile can be launched from a mobile land-based vehicle (truck or train), from a ship, from a submarine or from an aircraft. While the first two launch platforms have already been deployed, the submarine-launched system is yet to be tested, while the air-launched version is still under development. The four-tonne rocket has a diameter of 70 cm and is 8 metres long. It has a maximum range of 300km and a payload of 500kg. Both the latter are the maximum limits mandated by the international missile control regime, he said, hinting that they could have achieved higher parameters in these two areas had it not been for the limits. The missile can fly from a sea-skimming height of just 10 metres above the waves to an altitude of 15km. While it can achieve a maximum velocity of Mach 2 in the denser air at sea level, this goes up to Mach 2.7 in the rarefied upper atmosphere above 7 km, he said. The missile has three propulsion systems. First, a gas generator blows it out of its canister, then a solid fuel booster speeds it up to Mach 2, after which an air-breathing liquid fuel ramjet takes over to propel it to its target. Thanks to an onboard inertial navigation system with three gyroscopes and three accelerometers, it is a "fire and forget" weapon, requiring no further guidance from the control centre once the target has been assigned and it is launched. Once assembled, it has a 10-year shelf life, requiring a routine preventive maintenance check once every three years. The missile can be launched at any angle, from horizontal to vertical, and is extremely destructive. Two types of warheads can be deployed - while one explodes on contact, the other penetrates the target by impact and then explodes a few milliseconds later. Anti-jamming systems onboard protect it from electronic countermeasures as well as enable it to distinguish between the target and decoys like chaff screens. The missiles can be fired in waves. Each truck carries three missile canisters, a generator and a control centre. The three missiles can be fired just 5 seconds after one another, and each can be independently targeted. For sea-based targets like ships, an airborne surveillance system like an aircraft, a helicopter or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is required to relay the coordinates of the target to the control centre. The missile has been developed with active private sector cooperation. While Godrej Aerospace produces the airframe, wings, as well as the pneumatic and hydraulic systems, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) makes the composites and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) makes the inertial navigation system and missile checkout system. The air-launched version, still under development, will be deployed on the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter-bomber. When launched from an aircraft, the missile does not need a canister, Venugopal said. The aircraft releases the missile, and the solid booster ignites as soon as it is about 100 metres away from the plane. An accompanying film showed how the Navy fired the missile from the INS Rajput at its intended target, a decommissioned ship, which broke into two on explosion, and then sank within four minutes. The test of the land-based target showed that the missile hit within one to two metres from the target''s epicentre, at a range of 55 km. The test was conducted in cyclonic wind conditions, confirming the weapon''s robustness, he said. But as if that is not enough, Venugopal said further refinements are in the pipeline. This includes a GPS receiver that will enable the control centre to make minute adjustments during flight, to achieve pinpoint accuracy. A new seeker system, called SCAN, will help achieve this by giving the control centre a visual image of the target, enabling the control team to home it in on a particular part of the target.

PRIME MINISTERS OFFICE –MEETING OF CABINET COMMITTEE ON SECURITY -2010 The chief of naval staff finished his power point presentation which included a short hi definition video on the devastating accuracy of BrahMos anti ship missile fired from a Kashin type destroyer , It also included a comparative range data highlighting the range advantage of Brahmos over Moskit anti ship missiles most likely being carried by the PLAN Sovermany class destroyers ,4 of which were at the moment closing in on Virat carrier group in central pacific. To summarize, the object of his presentation was to seek authorization for a pre emptive strike on the PLAN task force which if not taken out at maximum engagement range will be a cause of clear and present danger to the carrier battle group through out the likely conflict and can alter the balance of force projection in the decisive battle planned in and around gulf of Thailand in near future .The chief of naval staff was very clear about the strategic situation and his immediate tactical objective - The 12 odd PLAN combat ships is without any land based air cover in central pacific where as Virat had her full complement of sea harriers with near 100% serviceability - - Virat also had with her two Rajput class destroyers equipped with supersonic anti ship missiles having a far greater range than Moskits on PLAN ships - - Vikramditya carrier group will be diverted from Philippines sea to central pacific and act as blocking /secondary strike force - - The first strike preferably pre emptive must be swift and brutal enough to stun PLAN into having a second thought about the whole invasion plan. For that to happen , the damage to their anti carrier task force must be total and absolute. - - It is true the Vikramaditya group will be some what vulnerable to PLAAF strikes as it transits the East China Sea to its designated blocking position in centra pacific. To negate this disadvantage Su-30 MKIs will augment if necessary the air group of Vikramaditya while on transit through east china sea . Mission objective for the time being was complete annihilation of the PLAN anti carrier task force ,far away from land based air cover and busy shipping lanes . Apart from a crushing moral blow and loss of face to PLAN this objective if met will substantially reduce the air defense cover over the main invasion fleet as it transits the gulf of Thailand, making it wholly dependant on land based air cover from mainland china and consequently easy picking for the Indian maritime strike aircraft. The discussions and arguments went on for hours .Two specific examples of decisive pre emptive strike was much touted –the Israeli air force preemptive strike in six day war changing the course of the war and Japanese strike at Pearl Harbor which because of factor of luck( the carriers were out at sea ) ultimately made them loose the war in pacific. The newly elected prime minister took the decision at last – based on the simple logic of CNS that IN not taking the first strike advantage does not mean PLAN will act the same way and loosing a carrier before the war has even started will surely not be a welcome news to Indian public and navy . The order authorizing CNS to take appropriate actions including but not limited to pre -emptive (conventional )strike was signed as the first lights of dawn started filtering through the drawn window shades. For the first time in decades Indian armed forces had the freedom to act in the nations best interest.

WHITE HOUSE SITUATIONS ROOM –WASHINGTON D.C - Mr President we have a problem ,the secretary of defense started the morning brief to the most powerful executive on the planet ,the recently elected first African American president of the United States of America The president did not speak up ,only his bushy brows arched a little to show he was paying maximum attention as the briefing on a possible conflict between two nuclear armed neighbors in the back yard of his nation ,in fact quite close to the US base Midway in pacific . - Sir we have Chinese navy task force comprising of 4 Sovermany class guided missile destroyers and same number of guided missile frigates with fleet auxiliary ships on an intercept course to Indian navy carrier Virat, presently located 1020 kms south west of Midway . - Are the Indians aware of the development - Yes Sir, we think they are fully aware and already taking steps to counter the offensive move of PLAN on their own .Combat air patrol frequency off Virat have significantly gone up in last 24 hrs and all the sea harriers are armed with sea eagle anti ship missiles. Keyhole photos coming in last 6 hrs show the Brahmos supersonic missile launchers on board her escorts are being tested and missiles checked for electronic functionality and sensor reliability - Also satellite photos show the Vikramaditya carrier group is moving into a blocking position and now transiting the east china sea. - Mr. Secretary –do you think Indians will do a pre emptive strike - Mr. President we are not sure ,but that appears to be the only option left to them unless they want to loosed one of their carriers - What are our assets in the region - Sir we have Ronald Reagan group leaving Sandiego now and should be around Midway in a few days on their way to Indian Ocean. Carl Vincent group is expected to pass Malacca straits in next 36 hrs on its way back from gulf deployment and can be pushed if required - You mean to say Mr. secretary right at this moment we cannot put a blocking force in the region quickly - That is right Mr. President unless we deploy the submarines on central pacific patrol but that may not be a very effective way of stopping the conflict and may in fact worsen the situation if we get involved in the cross fire - Your opinions Jack ,the president turned to the aged secretary of state - Mr. President, in my opinion we should stay out of the conflict for the time being. If the Indians manage to hurt the Chinese bad may be it will make them think more than twice about invading Taiwan ,in fact whatever be the outcome of the possible battle in pacific it will do us no harm to stay out of it The Situation Room is a 5,000 square foot complex of rooms in the ground floor of the West Wing, some of which have windows looking out the west side of the building. It is sometimes called "the woodshed." Contrary to popular belief, the White House Situation Room is not a bunker that is located deep underground. In 2006, the Situation Room underwent a renovation to bring it up to date with new technology. The main conference room now has six flat-screen televisions for secure video conferences, and the technology linking them to generals and prime ministers around the globe makes it less likely that the encrypted voices and images will go black (which happened regularly in connections to Baghdad). Officials found the old room’s wood-paneled walls too noisy, making it hard to hear for those listening in via video or telephone. The new room has less mahogany and more of what officials describe as "21st century whisper wall." The NSC watch officers, who were previously seated so they stared at walls rather than each other, are now seated on two tiers of curved computer terminals that can be fed both classified and unclassified data from around the country and the world. And, where the old Situation Room suite had only two secure video rooms, the new one has five and a direct, secure feed to Air Force One, a better fit for President Bush personally. The area also features privacy booths for phone calls, windows with privacy glass (frosted at the flip of a switch), and procedures and technology to prevent unauthorized cell phone calls and text messaging. During the renovation, workers unearthed several relics of the chamber’s past: from coaxial cables to columns and a frame window left over from the old sunken courtyard that was built by Franklin Delano Roosevelt and later covered by new construction. The Situation Room was born out of frustration on the part of President Kennedy after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. He felt that he could no longer trust the information coming to him from the various sectors of the nation's defense departments. McGeorge Bundy, President Kennedy's national security advisor created the Situation Room in May 1961. Bundy secured the funds and secured the space: the Truman-era bowling alley was removed. Under the president's orders, every department of the defense sector had to feed the Situation Room staff their information, day and night. Early on, a lone CIA intelligence analyst worked a 20-hour shift in the Situation Room, sleeping on a cot there during the night. Not all presidents use the room in the same way. John Kennedy spent most of his time during the Cuban missile crisis in the Oval Office or the Cabinet Room and would go down to the Situation Room only to read the teletype. Lyndon Johnson used the room so often during the Vietnam War that he left his Oval Office chair down there. Presidents Nixon and Ford almost never used the room. George HW Bush and Bill Clinton used it often. In most cases, a visit from the president is a formal undertaking. But George HW Bush would often call and ask if he could come in and say hello and see what was happening in the world. Among the most important changes in the 2006 renovation was the expansion of its use beyond the National Security Council to also include the Homeland Security Council and the White House chief of staff’s office. A door in the Situation Room gives access to a staircase that leads up to the Swimming Pool cabana, a feature requested by Gerald Ford to allow the first family to enter the pool area without crossing the south lawn.
Everyone sat quietly as the President of United States made up his mind .The Chief executive was brief and to the point as he made known to the world and more particularly to US military establishment what he wants to be done - I want the pacific fleet and bases to go to DEFCON 3 with immediate effect - Set up meetings with Indian and Chinese ambassadors in the afternoon - Instruct our permanent member in UN to raise the issue in security council immediately calling for an immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from pacific within 48 hrs . The cogs of international community started moving at last ,but it was too little and too late. The dogs of war were thirsty for blood

A FLASH BACK TO PAST The seeds of the current conflict in the making was however sown quite some time back when PLAN took delivery of the fourth Sovermenny class destroyer way back in 2006 ,giving it the capability to undertake anti shipping operation far from its home bases.Even then the pacific and indian ocean states were not comfortable will be an euphemestic statement and that included US and India . This was maybe one reason why US did not actively get involved in defusing the crisis at an early stage although they had enough intelligence both electronic and human type to know precisely what was happening . It will not be wrong to say ASEAN countries wanted Indian navy to succeed in taming the growing naval might of the dragon.This geo- political situation allowed Indian forces to have unfettered access to air and naval bases in the region particularly in Philippines and Vietnam which will prove to be a decisive factor in days to come.The USN feigned neutrality also happened to be a refelction of the same scenario

China takes delivery of the 4th Sovremenny destroyer from Russia Aug 23, 2006, 17:32 GMT Taipei - China has taken delivery of a fourth Sovremenny- class destroyer acquired from Russia, and it will pass through the Taiwan Strait in a few days, a Taiwan report said Wednesday. ETToday.com newspaper, quoting an unidentified military source, said China had taken delivery and China's East Sea Fleet would escort the destroyer through the Taiwan Strait to its home base. The Taiwanese and US navies were keeping a close eye on the vessel. 'The US Seventh Fleet has come to the Taiwan Strait to monitor the Sovremenny destroyer's passing through the Taiwan Strait,' the source added. The Sovremenny destroyers are the latest boost to the Chinese Navy's fleet, after China's introduction of eight Russian-made Kilo- class diesel-electric submarines. Under a 1996 agreement, China bought two Sovremenny destroyers and in 2002 signed a 1.4-billion-US-dollar contract for two more. China took delivery of the third Sovremenny destroyer at the end of 2005. Each is equipped with eight supersonic 3M-80E Moskit SS-N-22 Sunburn (sea-skimming) and two SA-N-7 launchers. The Sovremenny class was constructed primarily for surface operations. The displacement of this class exceeds that of any other Chinese surface warship by at least 50 per cent, indicative of the overall improvement in combat potential, naval sources said. The steam turbine used in the main engine suits extended high-speed voyages
INS VIKRAMADITYA – SOME WHERE IN NORTH PHILLLIPINES SEA Rear Admiral Hyder Ali look at the frothy ocean his ship was cutting across .The weather was real bad for the last 36 hours forcing stoppage of all flight operations .This morning however the sea was calm or at least as calm as you can expect this time of year in Philippines sea and the first CAP flight was ready to take off .He could see the Ka 31 already in air ,scanning the ocean for any possible threat . The latest satellite communication indicated ,for the time being he is not to take part in active combat as the PLAN strike force approaches the Virat group some where between Midway islands and his present location . His assigned task was to close the PLAN force escape route far from mainland air support and if required take care of any long range support mission if launched by PLAN/PLAAF . He did not exactly know the total IN strike plan but could surely guess when the support of his force will be required .The Vikramaditya task force had to be positioned for blocking the PLAN escaping ships after the first long range missile strike and also provide a long range defensive air screen against land based aircraft from mainland China Should they materialize. He also knew in such a situation he will have to field his Mig 29s against Su-27 S /Su 30 s and that will be no doubt a tough battle and success will depend on how quickly sorties can be generated and recovered. His thought got blocked momentarily as the PA system clicked -clear deck for aircraft launch Lt Commander Vikas Deshmukh checked his multi functional displays one last time, checked the wheel restraints to flight deck were in position, checked the deck traffic signal was green and switched on the oxygen supply to his face mask Tower- sea cobra flight lead –request take off clearance - sea cobra flight lead –you are cleared for immediate take off –turn to 045 immediately on reaching 500 meters – over - roger that tower – turn to 045 at 500 meters –rolling now Vikas checked the engine r.p.m and exhaust temperature and then the hydraulic receiver pressure ,everything was sweet and cool ,tightened the harness ,checked ejection handle is armed ,scanned the 14.2 degree ski jump deck for obstruction and then moved the collective all the way to stops as within 3 seconds the rd-33 spooled up to 1005 military power and the aircraft shuddered at the enormous thrust pushing it forward ,the engine rpm was at 98% maximum and exhaust temperature 87% and going up ,on the deck the ground crew have moved back as he pushed the throttle collective past the plastic notch or the reheat gate ,raw jet fuel showered on the hot exhaust alreadt at 620 deg c and burnt with explosive violence adding another 30% more thrust as Vikash triggerd the release and the fulcrum rocketed over the short flight deck and over the ocean without hesitation .Stick pulled up for a 15 degree climb ,undercarriage up and locked ,rolling turn to 045 clearing the take off path for his wing man , increase climb angle to 25 degree as air speed indicator flashed 650 km/hr and altitude 5000 ft ,rate of climb stabilized at 5000 ft/min ,retract flap to cruise configuration as he crossed 7500 ft and reduce climb rate to more sedate 1000mtr/min as he approached the cruise altitude of 5000 meters for the first part of his CAP.

MiG Corp. started series production of MiG-29K/KUB for Indian Navy Moscow, February 3, 2005 – MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation has finalized, in general, organisation of cooperation and started series production of MiG-29K ship-borne multirole fighter aircraft for Indian Navy. Within the frames of the organized manufacturing cooperation contracts have been signed with the main Russian and foreign sub-contractors, including suppliers of engines, radar, avionics, gear etc. among Russian enterprises are: - “Ramenskoye Instrument-building Design Bureau” – system integrator for onboard equipment and developer of a number of avionics components; - “Fazotron-NIIR Corporation” – developer and manufacturer of “Zhuk-ME” radar; - Moscow-based Chernyshev machine-building plant – manufacturer of RD-33MK engine; - Klimov plant – developer of RD-33MK engine. The contract for delivery of MiG-29K ship-borne multirole fighter aircraft for Indian Navy was signed on January 20, 2004, and provides delivery of 12 single-seater MiG-29K and 4 twin-seater MiG-29KUB, as well as training of pilots and technical personnel, delivery of simulators, spare parts, organization of aircraft maintenance on customer’s facilities. Aircraft delivery will start in 2007 to be finished in 2009. the contract also provides an option for another 30 aircraft with delivery till 2015. Work on the contract is being conducted in full compliance with the schedule. Series production of the aircraft has been started, their configuration fully meets customer requirements. 8 MiG-29 of various modifications are involved in MiG-29K test program. In 2002 to 2005 they have performed around 600 flights. MiG-29K is a ship-borne multirole fighter aircraft, intended to provide air defence for aircraft carrier groups, gain air superiority, destroy sea and land surface targets with precision guided weapons at day and night in any weather conditions. Till 1992 MiG-29K had been developed ad tested for Russian Navy. After 450 flights (including 80 landings on board the carrier) Russian Ministry of Defence issued an aprovement for aircraft series production. But in difficult 1990-s state financing of MiG-29K program was frozen. In 1999 MiG Corp. restarted the program and significantly improved MiG-29K with its adaptation to modern requirements providing its concurrence ability on world markets. As a multirole fighter MiG-29K is capable to destroy different aerial, ground and naval targets using wide range of precision weapons. MiG-29K combat payload makes 5500 kg, number of hardpoints – 13 (including the ones on multi-lock bomb carriers). Range of weapons includes "air-to-air" missiles - R-73E and RVV-AE, "air-to-ground" missiles - Kh-31P, Kh-31A, Kh-35E, rockets, bombs (including guided KAB-500Kr and KAB-500-OD) and built-in 30-mm autocannon. MiG-29K airframe exterior is slightly different from MiG-29. Additional fuel tanks are situated in dorsal spine fairing and wing LERXs, increasing total fuel capacity by 50% comparing to first variant of MiG-29. Considerable increase of flight range is also gained due to increased capacity of drop fuel tanks and in-flight refueling capability (with the possibility to refuel from the aircraft of the same type). Due to special coatings Mig-29K radar reflecting surface is 4-5 times smaller than of basic MiG-29. The aircraft has modern 4-channel digital “fly-by-wire” flight control system. MiG-29K/KUB flight and navigation system is built on an open architecture principle around MIL-STD-1553B standard Databus. “Ramenskoye Instrument-building Design Bureau” (RPKB) is the system integrator for onboard equipment. According to the customer’s demand MiG-29K/KUB on-board equipment is international. The main part of it is of Russian origin, including on-board computer, radar, IRST sensor and laser ranger, passive anti-radar missiles homing system. RPKB also manufactures cockpit indication systems, including wide HUD and 3 (7 on MiG-29KUB) colour LCD MFDs. France provides inertial navigation system with Sigma-95 satellite GPS module and Topsight helmet-mounted targeting system. Indian companies supply some radio communication equipment for MiG-29K. Israel provides ECM system. Almost all avionics components of both Russian and foreign origin have already been tested and are serially manufactured. This is fully true for the main on-board equipment component – “Zhuk-ME” multirole radar. It has passed all ground and flight tests, which proved all stated technical characteristics. “Zhuk-ME” is serially manufactured by “Fazotron-NIIR” Corporation and exported abroad. It differs from N-019E radar of basic MiG-29 by 1.5 times increased range of aerial targets detection, ability to fire missiles at 4 targets simultaneously and by presence of several new modes, including “air-to-ground”. MiG-29K/KUB is equipped with new RD-33MK engines. Its afterburner thrust is increased to 9000 kgs comparing to 8300 kgs on RD-33. RD-33MK has total service life 4000 hours, comparing to 2000 hours of RD-33.

INS VIJAY –AKULA 2 – SOMEWHERE IN PHILLIPINES SEA Captain Iyer was restless like always .Today his problems were many .One of the reactor control rod movement servo motors have burnt out and needed replacement. The towed array sonar gear needed seal replacement and a mandatory radio activity level check all throughout the sub manually was overdue even though automated system with redundant sensors were in place . Added to that the torpedo room have reported problem with the loader arm all needed to be attended and done with before taking care of the PLAN submarine threat in the region –which no doubt was considerable. In the former Soviet Union/Russia, 247 nuclear submarines and five nuclear-powered surface ships were built in the period from 1955 to 1996. In addition, a nuclear reactor which can be installed in diesel powered submarines was also built. Nuclear powered naval vessels are in service with the Northern Fleet (2/3) and with the Pacific Fleet (1/3), but have never been assigned to either of the other two Russian Fleets (the Black Sea Fleet and the Baltic Fleet.) Until the end of the 1980s, the Soviet Navy had more nuclear submarines than all other countries put together. As a result both of the START II disarmament treaty and the high age of some of the earlier generations of Soviet submarines, 138 Russian submarines are now no longer operative. This number is expected to increase over the years to come as more of the aging classes of submarines are decommissioned and dismantled. At the present time, there are 67 nuclear submarines and two nuclear-powered battle cruisers in service with the Northern Fleet, while in the Pacific Fleet, there are 42 operative nuclear submarines, one nuclear powered battle cruiser, and one nuclear powered communications ship. Soviet nuclear submarines are designed by three main design bureau's, each of which has several subdivisions. The first Soviet nuclear submarine was designed by Special Design Bureau No. 143 (SKB-143). This bureau later merged with SKB-193 and SKB-16 and formed Malakit Design Bureau in St. Petersburg. SKB-143 designed the Project 627 A-November class, Project 645 ZhMT, Project 671 - Victor class, Project 705 - Alfa class, Project 971 - Akula class and Project 661 - Papa class attack submarines. Rubin Central Marine Designs Bureau (SKB-1 in St. Petersburg designed the Project 658 - Hotel class, Project 659/675 - Echo I-II class, Project 667 - Yankee and Delta I-IV classes, Project 941 - Typhoon class, Project 685 - Mike class and the forthcoming Project 885 - Severodvinsk class submarines. The construction bureau Lazurit (STB-112) in Nizhny Novgorod developed the Project 670 - Charlie class and Project 945 - Sierra class nuclear sub In the former Soviet Union, nuclear submarines were built at four different shipyards. One of these, Sevmash (formerly shipyard No. 402) in Severodvinsk, has been operative since 1955. The Amursky Yard (formerly shipyard No. 199) at Komosomolsk-na-Amur was operative from 1957, and has a subdivision in Bolshaya Kamen near Vladivostok. Nuclear submarines have also been built at Krasnoye Soromovo (formerly shipyard No. 112) in Nizhny Novgorod and at the Admiralty Yard (formerly shipyards No. 194 and 196) in St. Petersburg since 1960. At each of these four shipyards, approximately five to ten nuclear submarines were built a year until 1992. Today, only the Severodvinsk yard is in operation with a maximum production of one or two submarines a year. Of the four yards, Severodvinsk turned out the largest number of nuclear submarines with a total of 127 vessels. Komosomolsk-na-Amur produced a total of 56 submarines, 39 were produced in St. Petersburg and 25 in Nizhny Novgorod. Some of the submarines built in Nizhny Novgorod and St. Petersburg were transported by the Volga and Karel canals to Severodvinsk for completion, ostensibly weapons fitting and reactor equipment The first generation Soviet naval submarines included: Project 627 A - November class, 658 - Hotel class, 659 - Echo-I class and 675 - Echo-II class. In total, from 1955 to 1964, a total of 55 first generation nuclear submarines were built. There were 13 November class, 8 Hotel class, 5 Echo-I class and 29 Echo-II class vessels. With its three ballistic nuclear missiles, the Project 658 - Hotel class submarine, K-19, was the first strategic submarine of the Soviet Union. K-145, a submarine of the same class, was refitted a few years later to carry six ballistic nuclear missiles. The Echo-I/Echo-II class submarines each carried eight cruise missiles. Some of the Echo-II submarines were rebuilt to be able to carry mini submarines. By 1992, all first generation nuclear submarines had been dec From 1964 to 1974, the Soviet Union built 34 Project 667 A - Yankee class nuclear submarines. These submarines each carried 16 ballistic nuclear missiles with a range of 3000 kilometres. Having been constructed under the same fundamental principles as the American submarine class George Washington, they consequently received the NATO classification "Yankee". Of these 34 submarines, 10 were assigned to the Pacific Fleet and 24 to the Northern Fleet. The Yankee-class submarines are no longer operative and are presently being dismantled. The Project 667 B - Delta-I class submarines are a modified version of the Yankee class submarines. These submarines have been modified to carry 12 intercontinental ballistic nuclear missiles with a range of 9000 kilometres. Considerable improvements were made to the navigation systems. With the possession of intercontinental missiles, it was no longer necessary to patrol the American coasts. Missiles directed at the American continent could be launched from submarines stationed just off the Kola coast or from patrolling areas beneath the polar ice cap. The successors to the Delta-I class submarines, Project 667 BD - Delta-II, Project 667 BDR - Delta-III and Project 667 BDRM Delta-IV were fitted with 16 intercontinental missiles with a range which enabled them to be launched directly from the submarine's base. These later models of the Delta class were also developed to be considerably quieter than their Yankee and Delta-I class predecessors. This was in direct response to the American construction of the SOSUS listening network, which is a network of submerged cables for the purpose of detecting Russian submarines. The network was laid along the east and west coasts of the United States as well as along the coasts of northern Norway, Greenland, Iceland, the Faeroe Islands and Great Britain. A total of 43 submarines of Delta I-IV classes were constructed from 1971 to 1992. Other second generation nuclear submarines include the Project 670 - Charlie class and Project 671 - Victor class. These submarines were developed simultaneously with the Yankee class. There were 17 submarines in the Charlie-I-II classes, while a total of 48 Victor I-III class submarines were built. A number of these are still in service. The Charlie class submarines are fitted with cruise missiles, and their main purpose is to counter hostile aircraft carriers and surface ships. Submarines of the Victor classes are attack submarines whose objective is to counter enemy submarines. These vessels are also the first Soviet submarines to be equipped with only one pressurized water reactor.[ Today, almost all of the Yankee class submarines have been decommissioned. The other second generation nuclear submarines are gradually being replaced by third and fourth generation submarines. Commissioned. Construction of the first class of third generation nuclear submarines, the Project 941 - Typhoon class, began in 1977, and the first of these vessels was taken into service in 1981. By 1989, six Typhoon class submarines had been built, and the vessels in this class are definitively the world's largest submarines, carrying 200 nuclear warheads each. The Typhoon class submarine was developed to ensure the Soviet capability of massive retaliation in the event of a nuclear attack. A seventh Typhoon class submarine was under construction at the Severodvinsk shipyard, but the work was halted, ostensibly due to the political changes in the Soviet Union towards the end of the 1980s. The third generation of submarines is substantially improved, both in reactor technology, additional and improved electronic equipment, and quieter machinery compared to previous generations of submarines. In 1980, the Northern Fleet's first submarine in the new Project 949 - Oscar I class, went into service. The Oscar class of submarines carry cruise missiles and were designed to hunt down and sink hostile aircraft carriers. The first Project 949 A - Oscar-II class submarine came on stream a few years later. Four attack submarines of the Project 945 - Sierra class, were taken into use between 1984 to 1993. These vessels have a titanium hull. In 1990, an improved version of the Sierra class, the Project 971 - Akula class came into operation. This is the quietest and most modern submarine in the Russian Navy. Some of the earliest of the Akula class submarines have been modernised to further reduce the noise level, and the most recently built vessels have been improved to such an extent that they are even quieter than those that were commissioned in 1990. These submarines are classified Akula II and are 4 metres longer than the earlier vessels of the Akula I class. Of the third generation nuclear submarines, only the Project 949 A - Oscar-II class and Project 971 - Akula-II class joined the fleet much later Fuel assemblies for Russian submarines with pressurised water reactors are produced at the machine building factory in Elektrostal outside Moscow. Fuel assemblies for the liquid metal cooled reactors on submarines of the Project 705-Alfa class and Project 645 ZhTS were produced at the Ulbinsky Metallurgical Works in Ust-Kamenogorsk in Kazakhstan. The reactor core in Russian nuclear-powered submarines consists of between 248 and 252 fuel assemblies, depending on the type of the reactor. Most Russian nuclear-powered submarines have two reactors. Each fuel assembly contains tens of fuel rods, and these vary from the traditional round rods to more advanced flat rods. The flat fuel rods are used particularly in the more recent generations of reactors. The point of the flat fuel rod is to enlarge the surface of each fuel rod so as to improve the thermal efficiency. Most of the uranium fuel assemblies are clad in steel or zirconium. The enrichment of fuel in pressurized water reactors varies from 21% 235U in first generation reactors to 43-44 % 235U in third generation reactors. The enrichment of the fuel assemblies stolen from a storage facility in Andreeva Bay in 1993 was said to be 36%, and were suitable for insertion into third generation nuclear reactors. The fuel assemblies stolen from a storage facility in Rosta the same year were enriched to 28%, and were suited for submarines of the Project 671 RTM-Victor-III class. The fuel of some pressurised- water reactors have even higher enrichment than this. The Project 1941 - Kapusta class nuclear powered communication ships of the Pacific Fleet have reactor cores with an enrichment of 55-90%. The enrichment of fuel in liquid metal cooled reactors can be as high as 90 percent U235. Some submarines have probably utilised fuel of a different enrichment than is standard for the reactor on an experimental basis. The reactor cores of third generation nuclear powered submarines contain fuel assemblies of varying degrees of enrichment. The fuel assemblies in the middle of the reactor core are enriched to 21% 235U, while the outermost fuel assemblies are enriched as much as 45% 235U. The reactors of third generation nuclear submarines contain approximately 115 kilograms of 235U. The reactors on second generation submarines contain a total of approximately 350 kilograms of uranium, of which 70 kilograms are 235U. A standard reactor core of a first generation nuclear submarine has a total of approximately 250 kilograms of uranium, of which 50 kilograms are 235U. These are also the quantities stated for each reactor dumped in the Kara Sea while still containing its nuclear fuel. For each reactor type, there is an almost identical list outlining the risk of nuclear accidents or dangers in radiation exposed work. These lists are derived in various radiation protection documents, and outline procedures with the highest risk of exposure to ionising radiation. Nuclear accidents may be characterised in their entirety under the following criteria: • Start and progress of an uncontrolled chain reaction • Problems in cooling the reactor core As a result of such an event, the crew could be exposed to higher than permitted doses of radiation or the fuel assemblies in the reactor could be damaged such that it can no longer be used. Methods for preventing these kinds of situations are developed by the designers of the reactors, and the Navy is responsible for seeing that these rules are followed. Included in the list of high risk operations are start up and shut down of the reactor, and routine procedures carried out while the reactor is running, such as taking hydraulic samples and water samples from the primary circuits. In addition, there is the risk of accidents during the monitoring of gases and the monitoring of functional and complex systems of control and safety. Past experience indicates that the most high risk work is in refuelling the reactor, for the following reasons: • The work is done by many different people with varying levels of qualification for the work at hand;. • Approximately 50 different technical operations are carried out during the process, 25 percent of which may potentially expose the operators to radiation. The most dangerous situations during the removal of spent nuclear fuel are as follows: • Disassembly and mounting of mechanisms for control and safety systems; • Disassembly and mounting of the reactor lid; • Removal and replacement of fuel assemblies; • Refilling of primary circuits in the thermal system and testing of hydraulics; • Connecting, adjusting and checking of safety devices; • Manual checking for movement of the compensation register; • Reactor start up, measurement of neutrons and thermal measurements and checking. n the 1990s, a safer method was developed for removing spent nuclear fuel from pressurised water reactors on submarines. First, the reactor tank is emptied of the water before the work begins. This water slows the neutrons inside the reactor. By removing the water from the tank, the risk of an uncontrolled chain reaction in the reactor core is reduced. The drawback with this method is that the level of radiation in the reactor compartment increases dramatically because there is no longer any water present to moderate the neutrons. Subsequently, extra measures must be taken to prevent the exposure of the workers to radiation. Hence this method of defuelling can only be carried out on submarines that have been laid up for a number of years whereby the level of radiation has decreased naturally. The construction and start up of new nuclear-powered submarines also entails operations involving risks of radiation exposure, as is also the case when restarting a reactor which has been in for repair or modernisation. The operations entailing a risk of exposure to radiation are primarily: • Installing the uranium fuel into the reactor; • Mounting and adjusting the control and safety systems of the reactor; • Removing samples from the primary cooling circuit and the reactor core; • Starting up the reactor, and the first trial of equipment. Other related high-risk operations: • Collection of radioactive waste during operation; • Compression, sorting and burning of solid radioactive waste; • Temporary storage and transport of radioactive waste; • Deactivation of contaminated equipment and purification of radioactive gases. Today, the start up of new naval reactors takes place at the shipyards in Severodvinsk. Newly refueled reactors are started up at the shipyards on the Kola Peninsula or in Severodvinsk - captain sir , we have a situation ,the voice of his first officer came over the intercom and Iyer reverted to his intended role ,that being the commander of a ship of war from being a technocrat manager - a group of three unidentified submarines have been detected by sonar ,slowly approaching the Vikramaditya group from south west and his executive decision was awaited at the combat control station

INS VIJAY –AKULA 2 – SOMEWHERE IN PHILLIPINES SEA captain sir , we have a situation ,the voice of his first officer came over the intercom and Iyer reverted to his intended role ,that being the commander of a ship of war from being a technocrat manager - a group of three unidentified submarines have been detected by sonar ,slowly approaching the Vikramaditya group from south west and his executive decision was awaited at the combat control station In the combat information centre deep in the bowels of the nuclear attack submarine the tension was almost a physical entity. There was no time second thinking as CAPTAIN Iyer took on the active command of the ship about to get into its first battle far far away from the shores of warm homeland -con –sonar –have multiple unidentified subs –course 285 –range 14000 meters-engine noise suggest possible kilo class- speed 7 knots Iyer had to think fast and think correct .The three kilos are undoubtedly PLAN since all Indian kilos have been restricted east of Malacca straits. Their present position will allow them to launch missile strike on Vikramaditya in a matter of hours .He knew getting to attack mode without permission from eastern naval command may not go down well with his superiors but again he was not paid to watch the old carrier blown to oblivion just because there was no clear cut operational directive - xo do we have a clear firing solution on all the three kilos - negative captain - change course 270 –make speed 15 knots - changing course 270-speed coming up to 15 knots repeat 15 knots Captain Iyer wanted to spook the 3 PLAN kilos so that they spread out giving him a clear fire solution on all three at the same time. It was important he gets all of them at the same time if not tracking a single kilo in pacific would not be a good idea and the danger to carrier group will persist Behind him, inside the triple sealed reactor core the boron control rods moved up by few mm and the coolant pumps speeded up ,prodded by the electronic signal from the engine console . The shark responded immediately .As th seven bladed propeller revved up creating a smooth wake the metal beast surged forward in a new direction and at higher speed spooking its prey into panicked movement

INS VIJAY –AKULA 2 – SOMEWHERE IN PHILLIPINES SEA Some would have called the strike plan of Captain Iyer suicidal ,his intention to take on the three kilos simultaneously but then they did not know the capabilities of akula-2 ,its weapon load ,its sensor performance and the power generated by its VM35 reactor .which can propel it to speed far in excess of 33 knots official figures ( in a classified trial the akula 2 reportedly crossed 40 knots at 250 meters depth ).The akula 2 can operate in depths where no kilo will ever think of going and go there at speeds which will remain beyond any kilo commanders operating dream scenario. Captain Iyer knew his ship and knew its potential .This he planned to use to fullest in the coming battle which he knew will be decisive and in which he had no intention to loose. After more than six hours of deft maneuvering he was at last in a position where he wanted to be, on the stern quarter of the three kilos and at 10000 meters plus from the nearest kilos . After the initial burst of speed, to spook the kilos into dispersal he has reduced to 5 knots and now almost invisible rather in audible to the kilos now desperately trying to locate him Captain Iyer to over command once again for the final phase of the battle -captain has the con - Sonar –con do you have clear fire solution on all three targets -aye captain at last we have track separation –track 1101 designated sierra one –course 015- speed 9 knots – kilo class confirmed Track 2202 designated sierra two – course 022 turning –speed 6 knots –kilo class confirmed Track 3303 –designate sierra three – course 025 –steady – speed 8 knots -weapon centre –con – load tubes 1 2 3 4 - take 1101 with number one weapon - 2202 with number 2 weapon – 3303 with number three weapon - do not flood tubes now – do not open outer door –confirm loading completion and feeding of fire solution - aye captain - xo I want to move up to point blank range before firing of the torpedoes and fire off track at less than 2000 yards - engine –con- make speed 12 knots -maintain present course –stand by for maximum power evasive moves if required after weapon release –check and confirm noise makers ready for immediate deployment - xo we need to get comfortable off track before turning back in and firing The Akulas MGK 540 sonar system operator was now earning his pay .The state of the art sonar system which operates in both broad and narrow band allows target detection and ranging by active mode as well as can be used in passive listening mode .The sonar signal processor can detect and automatically classify targets ,in this case the three PLAN kilos and reject spurious acoustic noise sources and also automatically compensate for variation in acoustic conditions of the oceans - sonar –con –range to targets - con –sonar – sierra one – 2400 meters – course 016 steady –sierra two – 2150 meters – 024 steady –sierra three –course 025 – steady - very well –torpedo room –con –stand by to fire tubes one two and three in sequence - xo stand by to deploy two noisemakers immediately after weapon release - con –sonar looks like sierra two have detected us and getting ready to fire - PING the first blast of active sonar from sierra two hit the akula - sonar –con –go active – firm up the fire solutions and feed to ready torpedoes - aye captain - PING –PING high powered low frequency acoustic pulse from the Akula blasted through the quite of the ocean catching its multiple prey naked and open - Con-sonar firing solution obtained on all three targets and fed - Very well –torpedo room –con – flood tube one and open outer door ]The high pressure water from the flood tanks splashed into the tube through the flooding valves and the air escaped thru the tube vent into air tank - con –torpedo room –tube one ready to launch – tube flooded and outer door open - very well –weapon – match bearing and shoot - con –weapon –tube one fired –running true and straight - Torpedo room –flood tubes two and three and open outer doors - Engine stand by for max speed evasion - Con- torpedo room –tube 2 and 3 ready in all respects –firing solution fed and outer door open and tube flooded - Con-weapon – match bearing and shoot tube 2 - Con-weapon –tube 2 fired –running true and straight - Weapon –con –match bearing and shoot tube 3 - Con weapon –tube 3 fired –running true - Con-sonar – weapon 1 has gone active –impact in less than 10 seconds – - Con sonar weapon 2 and 3 both have gone active –outer door opening on sierra two –possible weapon launch - Con -sonar all three torpedoes have gone active - Engine –con – max combat power now - Helmsman make your depth 450 meters –course 230 –speed 35 knost - Weapon- deploy noise makers immediately -Captain –sonar we have multiple explosion in target area One by one the three distinct explosion shook the ocean as Captain Iyer was busy steering his precious ship away from the danger zone to the safety of depth and distance . The 533 mm torpedo hit the first kilo just behind the tower ripping open the pressure hull and thousands of liters of sea water started pouring in immediately. The second kilo was caught with its outer torpedo tube door open and the heavy 533 mm torpedo hit smack into the weld joint between the hull and tubes one of the weakest parts in any submarine blowing it open inwards .Everyone on board died instantly. The last kilo was some what lucky with the torpedo earmarked for it going for the propeller, blowing it off the mount .The PLAN commander wisely decided to surface. But the water inflow was too large to manage with onboard battery operated pumps. Once the water level reached the battery room, the pumps stopped and the fate of all the crew and the submarine was sealed in a watery grave. Echoes lonely terrible echoes from the depths of ocean flooded the sonar room of Indian nuclear powered attack submarine for almost a minute .Death came to 200 odd PLAN sailors quietly and quickly. The kilos were deemed invisible when alive and they would remain so in death several kilometers down the depths of Philippines sea. It will be at least 48 hours before the South fleet command will get alerted to the fate of these kilos and by then the Indian shark of the deep will be long gone –maybe setting up its next strike.

INS VIJAY -AKULA 2 -SOME WHERE IN PHILLIPINES SEA Captain Iyer was satisfied with the days work as he sailed full speed awy from the recent kill zone where the three PLAN subs rested quietly in the deep water grave in a mass of twisted burnt metal , It was a risky operation but not an incredible one ,but for that he knew people have to undersatnd the true highly classified capability of of an Akula 2 Designed to take on the US carrier force with its formidable ASW platforms on surface on air and under water -Akula had to be very fast as reflected in its top speed close to 40 knots rather than 35 knots as mentioned in its specification sheet ,its super responsive power plant giving it an unmatched acceleration compared to any submarine in he world,its lethal arsnel of standard 533 as well as super heavy 625 mm torpedoes with as much as 900 kg high explosive warhead ,]ts double hull and its inherent reserve buoyancy,its multiple layer of acoustic dampeners which included but not limited to tiles ,its array of non acoustic sensor suite and the advanced fire control computer which fused the information from both the acoustic and non acoustic sensor and then plotted a fire solution for the torpedoes or the missiles depending on the situation . In short Akula 2 leased by India and presently under his command was capable of taking on a USN carrier force and had the capability to sink a Nimitz class carrier a fact acknowledged by senior defense planners in Pentagon behind closed doors giving rise to the development of Virginia and sea wolf class

Captain Iyer of course knew all these and much more and so did the eastern naval command when they decided to deploy the shark so far from home base . When a kilo meets an akula -there can be only one outcome -swift and sure death of the kilos unless the Akula commander was both drunk and stupid . And Indian navy does not give command of its most potent nuclear attack submarine to stupid commanders ,chuckled Captain Iyre as looked intently at the latest oceansat photos dowloaded few hours back . He looked closely at the PLAN surface fleet approaching Virat Carrier group still outside missile strike range but getting close - helmsman make course 085 -speed 20 knots -aye captain sir -course 085 -speed coming up to 20 knots - make depth 350 meters - diving angle 15 degree - diving angle 15 degree - making depth 350 meters -captain sir The deck canted sharply below as the Russian shark of depth nosed down to the dar of the ocean where no one can reach and breach its veil of secrecy -its ability to kill at will.

INS VIRAT – SOME WHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC Lt commander Vina Peter Finished her 3rd cup of black coffee served in plastic cup inside the pilot ready room .Outside a gale 4 wind was still lashing the flight deck and all flight operations were invariably canceled .The Met officer has promised better weather by tomorrow morning or late afternoon today depending on how the storm front moves after striking the distant midway atoll . Intel reports have indicated a possible Su-27 strike as soon as the weather improves ,possibly taking off from the mainland china bases tomorrow morning . It was expected to be medium sized strike package about 4-6 aircraft with possibly an aerial refueller . Her task was to take on the invaders at BVR range along with 7 of her mates as far as possible from the carrier. Some assistance from Vikramaditya group was expected but not assured since they have just reported entering pacific fringes . She knew very well her chances of taking on the mighty flankers on air to air combat .She knew only too well the possible outcome loaded heavily in favor of the PLAN aircrafts but then hers was not to question why .Her only chance lay in the Mig 29k s sailing in from the east

INS VIRAT-SOMEWHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC Lt commander Vina Peter never stopped being amazed at her aircraft ,rather its tiny size particularly when compared to the Su-30 s of IAF even the Mig 29 s. She has practiced air defense missions with Indian flankers over the Arabian sea many times ,fighting a mock air defense battles and initially she was “blown” out even before she could jokey her aircraft into a missile launch position .Things changed some what with induction of Derby missiles giving her team a respectable stand off missile launch capability but even then the sukhois all ways scored many more “kills” with apparent ease. Slowly she and her team developed the tactics of merging into the waves and using the thrust vectoring capability of the engine to evade missiles at the last moment .A risky game no doubt but gave the team a modicum of success even against the formidable flankers for a short engagements and that too at low level low speed flight .At high altitude without sea clutter to mask the small aircraft even if very agile the flankers ruled the roost .The mig 29k were required to give her top cover if they were to survive the battle and still save the ageing carrier . One big advantage Vina had ,that she did not had in Goa and Cochin the limit on flight endurance of the flanker nearly 3000 kms away from their mainland bases which will limit their active combat duration to minutes unless they have some kind of tanker supprt on the way back .It was one of the assigned jobs of the Mig 29 k to take care of the aerial tankers which is expected to be closer to the mainland and hence in Vick area of operation . Additional support was also expected from the Sukhoi 30 mki now based in Clarks airbase, Philippines but the local government has still not given the formal clearance to launch “offensive “ operations from their land against peoples republic .The Indian ambassador was on the job and the diplomatic bickering was expected to end in a few hours . If those IAF flankers join the battle –well Vina Peter smiled to herself –not a single PLAN/PLAF flanker will see the end of the day The weather over flight deck have started clearing and the first of the sea kings took off ,taking position for its mandatory anti submarine patrol .The second sea king took off minutes later taking up its search and rescue position off the starboard deck 500 meters off to take care of any sea harrier pilot taking a dink (not expected but still).The first flight of 4 sea harriers took off smoothly equipped with 4 Derby air to air missiles each on standard combat air patrol on standard air patrol duty ,flying a 200 kilometer race track patter on the main threat axis . The Ka 31 was last and angled sharply to 10000 ft and deployed her rotating antenna and then the tedious process of establishing the some what time consuming process of establishing the broad band two way data link to the Virat's combat information center ,to the other carrier Vikramaditya through its dedicated transponder on INSAT 4CR and also to eastern naval command and also to Clark's airbase IAF squadron control ,creating the tactical air net over the battle area .

CLARKS AIRBASE- PHILLIPINES- AKULA FLIGHT -2 X Su 30 MKI

The two Su-30 MKI s were getting ready for a “covert mission”. With the local Government still dithering over permission to allow offensive operations to IAF –indian air force authorities have some how managed to launch “an extended air defense sortie” .The flight plan was duly approved and weapon load out commenced . The weapons were however somewhat different .If the Philippines airforce officials present in the airbase noticed in the airbase ,they at least did not make a big hue and cry about it at the oversized air to air missiles being loaded on the two wing inner pylons along with standard mix of R77/27 ER and R-73 on the twin wing tip pylons . The KS-172 have been based on the airframe of the 9K37M1 Buk-M surface-to-air missile. It used a two-stage rocket engine with a flight speed of about Mach 4 and a claimed maximum range of 400 km (250 mi). The AAM-L flies to the vicinity of the target by inertial navigation, and then activates its own active radar for terminal homing. The AAM-L missile is intended for use against Airborne Early Warning, tanker, and maritime patrol aircraft, giving an air force the ability to attack these vital assets without having to engage their fighter escorts. Enhanced-range versions have also been suggested as possible anti-satellite weapons. Specifications : - It is an ultra Long Range AAM with a Development Range of 400KMs To Target AEW/AWAC Type High Value Aircrafts. - Sole Carrier in the Indian AF will be the Su-30MKI Features ( Dimensions) : - 1.4 Meter long Rocket Booster - Weight 748Kgs - Core Diameter 0.40 Meter , Total Lenght 6.01 Meters , Span .61 Meters - Launched by a Solid-propellant Tandem Rocket Booster - The KS 172 will attack its Targets with an adaptive high explosive ( HE) fragmentation warhead. Guidance - Secure Data-Linked Based inertial Navigation System for Midcourse Guidance ( This would probably be done by AWACS or the 2-3 MKIs Working in Tandem with their Mini AWACS Capability) - Active Radar Homing for its Terminal Phase. -The missile will be used against air targets flying at altitudes from 3m to 30km with speeds up to 4,000km/h and maneuvering at up to 12g.
About 1200 kms to the north east a pair of PLAAF IL-78 tankers have just moved into position .Their life however was not expected to be long.

Shanghai Dachang Airbase 31°19'N 121°25'E – Nanjing Military Region It was a busy morning at the base. Two IL-78 tankers and also a pair of A-50 mainstays have been taken out of their heavily protected shelters and getting ready for extended combat mission .In the distance their escort of six Su-30 MKK stood ready all armed and fuelled . This would be first support mission PLAAF for its navy brethren . The strike plan laid out at the south sea fleet headquarters indicated a massive anti shipping strike against the Indian navy carrier force centered around INS Virat in pacific approximately 2300 kms from shores of China ,clearly in international waters . The strike package was scheduled to take off shortly from another air base and likely 8-12 Su 27/30 with both anti ship and anti –air weapon systems Mid-air refueling was a critical requirement and so the availability of AWAC support because of the large number of aircraft that will be operating in the area and also possible counter air operations likely to be launched by Indian navy fulcrums operating out of carrier Vikramaditya(EX-Goroshkov) and possible support from the IAF Su 30 MKI s operating out of Clarks air base in Philippines. The two tankers took off first followed by the two mainstays of PLAAF and finally the six Su-30 MKK s and took on a northern tack close to but not on the direct flight path of the strike package Taihe Airbase –NANJING MILITARY REGION 26°48'N 114°42'E- RED DRAGON FLIGHT The parking bay was full and the neat row of 12 fully armed Su -27 s was indeed an awe inspiring sight. Six of them were armed with Kh 31 anti ship missiles and the rest with standard mix of R-27/77/73 s. Their mission objective- overwhelm the defenses around Virat and sink her with some of her escorts preferably operating in conjunction with the PLAN surface fleet already in the region. For the PLAAF commander on ground it was an easy task. The flight was supposed to fuel once outbound and once inbound .Two IL-78 tankers were already flying into position. The air and surface battle will be controlled by a pair of A-50 mainstays located close to the aerial tankers and half a dozen flankers will provide escort services to this precious command and control aircraft along with the tankers . The Mig 29ks from Vikramaditya was expected to be problem and in such a situation the air battle commander on board the mainstay was expected to divert some of the flankers from the escort/ strike mission to counter air operation around Vikramaditya . It was a good strike plan of PLAN but it hinged too much on two factors –high level of AWAC control aerial refueling in an orderly and timely fashion. Also the strike plan assumed Indian Su-30MKI s will not take part in the battle because of local government objection. Even if the Indian Su-30 MKI s do join in the battle the PLAAF commander was confidant that he could rustle up another dozen Su 27s from Nanjing military district air bases which were already on combat ready status Once again for such a quick response he depended on the AWAC support

EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND –VIZAG Vice admiral Prakash Rao knew about the threat of a possible massed PLAN medium range ballistic missile strike against the Indian carrier groups in the pacific but agin deduced quite correctly such an attack though possible but not likely mainly due to following reasons 1) launching a salvo of ballistic missiles in pacific can have horrendous nuclear back lash from USA –who may not wait to verify the range of incoming missiles before launching an overwhelming nuclear strike at mainland china .The presence of large USN bases at Midway –Hawaii and of course Sandi ego California will in fact make such a panicked retaliatory strike inevitable 2) The accuracy of the DF 21C missiles have never been proven against a constantly moving target like a carrier group and their CEP under such a dynamic situation was around 500 meters which meant it can still miss the Indian carrier group and end up vaporizing lot of salt water and getting nuked by US in the bargain. IN navy enjoyed an unmatched location advantage ,and the Chinese system was not proven beyond doubt –it was chance worth taking and Rear Admiral Prakash Rao took it .Only time will tell if has taken the right command decision. Dragon's teeth - Chinese missiles raise their game By Robert Hewson China now builds and supplies missiles that can be used in combat from the beach, across the coastal/littoral environment, and out to extended-range engagements far over the horizon. This has largely been achieved through an evolutionary process of staged improvement. At the same time, China has shown that it can embrace entirely new concepts to serve the essential operational requirements of the People's Liberation Army, the navy and naval air force, and the air force. The potential use of tactical ballistic missiles against targets at sea is the best example of this and the intent that drives the process is clear: China has spent a great deal of time analysing how best to neutralise US naval forces in the Pacific - in particular the carrier strike groups. C-602 The C-602 stands apart from the rest of China's anti-ship missiles because it is such a radical departure in terms of range and accuracy. It is effectively a cruise missile, repackaged for the maritime attack role. Its basic design is clearly scalable and the C-602's performance today is probably at the lower end of this configuration's theoretical capabilities. It has been offered on the export market since 2005. At first sight the C-602 export designation would suggest a linkage to the much older C-601 missile (YJ-6/YJ-61 family), a 1960s-era Chinese design based on the Soviet SS-N-2 'Styx'. However, the turbojet-powered C-602 is a completely new, very modern design with a maximum range of 280 km. Going ballistic Most of what China has accomplished in the development of its anti-ship missile -capabilities parallels that of Europe, the US and elsewhere. But one element of China's ship-killing strategy stands out as a remarkable application of technology, and an unprecedented threat. In Chinese terms, this is a Shashaojian - the assassin's mace - a 'silver bullet' weapon that would, literally, drop from the clear blue sky. A 2004 report by the US Office of Naval Intelligence made it plain that China was developing the capability to use its DF-21 tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs) against tar¬gets at sea. The DF-21 carries a single warhead of about 500/600 kg over a distance of 1,500 km to 2,000 km, or more. Designed as a nuclear delivery system, the DF-21 can also be fitted with a conventional payload. If made to work, such a weapon would be a 'carrier killer' without equal. China develops anti-ship missile By Ted Parsons JDW Correspondent Virginia, US The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is in the advanced stages of developing a revolutionary anti-ship ballistic missile to supplement its well known Ying-Ji family of anti-ship cruise missiles. The development programme has been confirmed by both US government and Asian military sources, with the latter estimating that the PLA may be able to deploy the space targeting systems needed to make its anti-ship ballistic missile operational by 2009. PLA efforts to provide terminal guidance capabilities to both its 600 km-range DF-15 (CSS-6) short-range ballistic missile and DF-21 (CSS-5) medium-range ballistic missile with a range of 2,150 km, or 2,500 km for the DF-21A (CSS-5 Mod 2), have been known since the mid-1990s. The existence of a terminally guided DF-21C has long been reported. Asian military sources said that the PLA will be using a version of the DF-21 for its ballistic anti-ship missions. However, the PLA would need to make substantial advances in missile guidance and countermeasures in order to achieve the very high precision required to attack a moving target. To do so, the US Office of Naval Intelligence noted: "The current TBM force would be modified by changing some to the current missiles' re-entry vehicles to manoeuvring re-entry vehicles with radar or infra-red seekers to provide the accuracy needed to attack ships at sea." 393 of 3,606 words © 2006 Jane's Information Group [End of non-subscriber extract Planned and programmed a decade ago, the PLA is now believed to have at least 700 conventional surface-to-surface missiles allocated throughout at least seven brigades deployed in southeast China under a unified regional missile command. Each brigade is said to have between four and six battalions, each with three-four launch companies, each equipped with at least two launchers. With between 75 and 100 new missiles being deployed each year, these missiles are expected to have ranges extending from 300 to 1700 kilometers. The newest generation of conventional ballistic missile may include the DF-21C, a missile that has been under development since 1995. It may be equipped with a terminal guidance system that could preclude engagement by terminal missile defenses. It also could also range U.S. bases in the region, and, armed with a maneuvering payload, could complicate the U.S. carrier operations in the western Pacific. Reporting from Taiwan indicates that the PLA may be deploying about 200 land attack cruise missiles this year, with more coming on line in the years to come.

INS VIKRAMADITYA – SOME WHERE IN SOUTH PACIFIC Rear Admiral Hyder Ali his watch and smiled for the first time in last 3 days .At last his task force was near the designated blocking position. The updated tactical plot showed the PLAN fleet was approaching Virat group and presently 1200 kms south east of Virat and 2000 kms north west of his flag ship. The PLAN will be in a position to launch a long range missile attack on Virat in another 48 hrs or if they maintain the present course and speed . He will make another course change after the Chinese satellite pass due in 3 hours time so that he is in a position to block the escape of the PLAN group eastwards and also launch his aircraft to protect the Virat in case of a land based air strike is launched by PLAAN/PLAAF . The latest intelligence report suggested it may be already over due. It was time for evening Namaz and Hyder liked to communicate with the almighty in western corner of the flight deck in the niche where the ground crew take “shelter” during fulcrum take off . At times like this he wished Vikramaditya still retained the long range anti ship missiles which were taken off at the time of conversion from Admiral Goroshkov to INS Vikramaditya . As he walked down the narrow catwalk to the flight deck on the far end a pair of Mig 29K s were being moved into a launching position ,first pulled up by tractors and then rotated into the take off slot by sheer manpower some of the time . The fours Mig 29k on combat air patrol was due for recovery any time. So far the Vikramaditya group has not seen any combat but then in a war things change pretty fast, knew Rear Admiral Hyder Ali. Full scale development of Mig 29 K started in 1984 for the AV-MF The design objective of Mig 29k was to provide air defense of the carrier group day and night and in any weather condition and at altitude up to 30000 meters .Apart from air defense it was also expected to act as hunters destroying enemy ASW assets transport and AWACs aircraft. Also carry out anti shipping strikes, support marine landing, provide escort service to land based aircraft, achieve multiple kill as a matter of routine and carry out recon missions whenever required .The Mig 29k was based on its land based counter part the Mig 29M .Special anti corrosive protection was taken in paints as well as choice of materials as suitable for salt water conditions. The specifications of all structural materials seals and gaskets were many times more stringent. The fuselage was strengthened particularly the main fuel tank to take care of deck landing shock.From the aer dynamic point of view to reduce minimum approach speed the wing span was increased to 12 meter and wing area to 43m2 .The wing featured a modified TsAGI air foil instead of basic P-177 double slotted flaps inboard and flaperons outboard. The dorsal fin housing the chaff/flare dispensers were removed and the same dispensers were incorporated in the aft fuselage. The outer wings were equipped with hydraulic folding mechanism for hanger stowage ,reducing the span to 7.8 meter .For better fatigue resistance wings were all welded construction. The radome could also be folded upwards to decrease the over all length to 15.1 meter from 17.27 meters. The landing gear struts were lengthened featuring heavy duty longer stroke shock absorbers and tie down shackles. Specially designed links shortened the struts during post take off retraction so that they may be fitted into standard wheel wells. The nose gear unit incorporated a highly modified steering mechanism allowing the wheels to be turned through plus minus 90 degree. It also had approach lights fitted resembling a traffic light to inform the landing system officer the position and speed during final approach .All wheels were also fitted up with higher pressure 285 psi tyres .The brake parachute was eliminated .A quick release FDR and arrestor hook attachment with rebound dampner incorporated in its place.

Removal of dorsal auxiliary intakes made room for additional fuel in the leading edge root extension increasing fuel capacity to 5720 liters 0r 4460 kgs of nett usable fuel.The total fuel load with three drop tanks consequently increased to 6500 kg .A fuel dumping system was also incorporated to lighten the aircraft to maximum landing weight of 15300 kgs in the event of an emergency landing .The air to air refueling probe is installed to port ahead of the wind screen and is fully retractable l shaped device allowing it to be refueled by any aircraft equipped with UPAZ 1 A podded hose drum unit . To facilitate nigh refueling the probe was illuminated by a special retractable light so was the arrestor hook for night landing on the carrier deck As rear admiral Hyder Ali kneeled down for the evening prayer the first of the Mig 29k made a fly by the deck at barely 1000 ft ,climbed up to 3000 ft in the distance and turned in for the final approach .With the landing lights on along with the wheel base signal lamps and tail hook fully stretched into the slipstream ,nose angle high up and flaps fully deployed in landing configuration the first of the fulcrums thumped down on the deck with a resounding crash .Even before the arrestor wires have been detached and the aircraft pushed out of the landing zone the second fulcrum have finished lining up and started its descent at more than 200 mtrs/min and 140 knots indicated air speed on its display panel . -clear deck for aircraft recovery and confirm -deck ready for aircraft - russel two –you are cleared to land –descent rate good – slightly higher on the glide scope –air speed also high -roger that mother one – taking care of glide path and air speed –confirm ok The second fulcrum came in slow and steady .With full complement of air to air missiles under its wing and belly it was a tricky landing particularly with the setting sun as background –a bit of last minute course correction based on LSO s signal and it was down snagging the second of the four arrestor wires. The third Mig 29K was in the meantime slipped into final approach All in all a normal day in the life aboard Vikramaditya

INS AKRAMAN – AKULA 2 TYPE SSN –OFF THE COAST OF YULIN NAVAL FACILITY- SOUTH CHINA SEAS Captain Raina studied the just downloaded message from naval headquarters which did mention briefly about the Kilo sinking in pacific by Vijay few days back .According to naval intelligence a massive submarine hunting exercise is likely any time and for the first time he was “authorized to fire in self defense “ which he interpreted as a permission to fire at will as long as he did not get sunk. He was now patrolling on “silent mode “off the shore of Yulin naval base between Yulin harbor entrance and Sanya bay with an average ocean depth more than 800 meters allowing him to practice his deep diving skills and totally beyond reach of any PLAN submarines. But Captain Raina was not at the moment interested in the antique submarines of PLAN .His ship was designed for a much higher kill level and his target was one of the large guided missile destroyers getting ready to leave the protected harbor with an escort of 2 frigates ,possibly to join the main invasion fleet or just sanitize the harbor entry channel . - captain has the con - down scope- ESM - engine –con- prepare for dive - helmsman-make your depth 200 meters-dive angle 10 degree - aye con –making depth 200 meters – diving angle 10 degree - con –ESM - radar search alert –possible sovermanny class - Engine –con – emergency dive now - Helmsman make dive angle 20 degree – make your depth 350 meters -Torpedo room load tubes 1 2 and 3 heavies(635 mm) –confirm when loaded PLAN SOVERMANNY CLASS DESTROYER – 091 –EXITING YULIN NAVAL BASE Captain Li was always serious and never smiled .He was a dedicated navy man but not very enthusiastic about party politics .The net result –the last promotion that came his way was 10 yrs back and now just a year away from retirement he was assigned a routine anti submarine patrol and report to the rear admiral 5 yrs his junior. He hated his job and hated himself as he watched impassively at the receding shore lines of sprawling naval base -Captain –ESM –we have a disappearing radar contact -30 nautical miles – 215 –two sweeps of radar only -Sonar –captain – have you identified nature of contact -Negative captain – radar return was for a small vessel possibly a fishing trawler -Very well sonar keep a close watch –inform bridge any development Li was alert but not unduly worried .The news of multiple kilo going down have been blocked by PLAN senior admirals to avoid unnecessary panic . This decision would cost them dear. INS AKRAMAN – AKULA 2 TYPE SSN –OFF THE COAST OF YULIN NAVAL FACILITY- SOUTH CHINA SEAS Captain Raina sipped the hot coffee as he looked at the combat plot projected on the main screen .The PLAN anti submarine flotilla was spreading out immediately exiting the harbor channel with the Sovermanny class guided missile destroyer in the lead .He can outrun them if required but then that will expose his position to whole world .The other option was to lie low and real quite hoping the brief radar contact as they were submerging would not trigger and all out hunt ,allow the force to pass over and then take them out one at a time in the deep sea where he had the advantage -Engine make speed 3 knots – all ship on quite mode -Aye captain –ship rigged for quite ops –making speed 3 knots –depth 350 meters -Con –torpedo –heavies loaded in tubes 1 2 and 3 – tubes not flooded –firing solution not available - Con -sonar –we don’t have a clear firing solution on all three - Sonar –con –track and identify only - con sonar we have now three surface contacts – classify one as sovermanny class – course 180 –speed 12 knots increasing -34 kms The shark waited for her chance to kill –waited for her prey to pass overhead –poised for a blinding quick strike and escape –for the time being she was not interested in small prey only the large 9000 ton guided missile destroyer will do.

SOUTH SEA FLEET HEADQUARTERS - ,ZHANJIANG -CHINA Admiral Zhang Yushu was mildly worried as he sipped the luke warm green tea his executive officer provided . The Indian navy old carrier group was not as easy to take out as he originally thought off .At the moment the PLAN strike fleet consisting of 4 Sovermanny class destroyers with equal number of supporting frigates and fleet oilers was approximate 630 kms south east of Virat carrier group . They were under instructions to launch a salvo of Moskit anti ship missiles at maximum range saturating its air defense system .But for that it has to get within the effective strike range of around 160 kms preferably within 100 kms . A difficult situation since surely the old sea harriers Virat carried still could launch a devastating anti ship strike with sea eagle missiles even before the PLAN strike force comes anywhere within strike range So the obvious solution was to saturate the air defense capability of Virat with a simultaneous air strike using the Sukhoi 27 s from shore based strike points with mid air refueling and aerial command and control support .The strike force should carry for anti ship and anti air weapons thus forcing to use Virat group to use up its anti missile weapon inventory as well as block its ability to launch an air attack on the PLAN strike force. The aerial tankers (2 nos) IL78 and 2 AWAC s ,a -50 mainstays were about to be launched and the Sukhois will follow ,topping up their tanks over international waters before going for a quick strike at Virat ,giving the PLAN surface strike force to close into anti ship missile strike range . Admiral Zhang Yushu knew it is a good plan and he was sure the experienced air and surface battle commanders on board the A-50 s will be able to co ordinate the air and surface strike efficiently. The group of A-50/IL 78 s will be protected by 4 Su-30 MKK s with full load of air to air missiles and even if Indian Su-30 s try anything launching from their Philippines base- Admiral Zhang Kyushu knew it will not be very effective. There were however quite a few unknown factors .To start with he had no clear idea about the capability of the much vaunted Brahmos missiles and more particularly their accuracy at maximum range. He also did not know the exact combat capability of the Mig 29ks in an air domination fight over ocean without any effective ground control. He was totally unaware of the KS-172 s being loaded on four Su-30s and ready to take off. He could just not predict the effect of so many unknowns and so while sipping tea in the air conditioned south sea fleet command centre he just could not predict the outcome of the coming battle. He did not know right at the moment Vikramaditya was changing course slowly and coming into a blocking position behind the PLAN surface strike fleet He knew of the three kilos sent to attack Virat have been sunk unceremoniously but thought it “wise” not to report the matter for the time being And he did not know that one of the Indian SSN have been spotted off Yulin naval base and not pursued, and right at this moment tracking another of his precious destroyers .getting ready to execute a killing blow moment she reaches the open ocean. There is a popular saying in all navies of the world – know your enemy well and avoid surprises .Surprises are the worst enemies in any combat. Admiral Zhang Yushu in his haste to glory have missed out on this time tested advise. INS VIKRAMADITYA – SOME WHERE IN SOUTH PACIFIC Rear Admiral Hyder Ali stared at the flashing message from eastern naval command FM VADM ENC TO RADM HYDER ALI PLAAF /PLAN AIR STRIKE IMMINENT EXPECTED STRENGTH 12-18 SU-27 FLANKER WITH ANTI SHIP CAPABILITY TARGET INS VIRAT GROUP STOP AERIAL FUEL LING AND AWACS SUPPORT MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR THEM STOP EXTEND ALL SUPPORT TO VIRAT AIR GROUP STOP DO NOT LAUNCH ANY COUNTER AIR MISSIONS ON PLAAF AWAC AND TANKERS STOP MATTER BEING ATTENDED SEPARATELY . CONCENTRATE ON AREA AIR DEFENSE ROLE FOR NOW STOP GOOD HUNTING Outside the ship to ship fuel replenishment exercise was almost over .As the heavy duty hoses were reeled in the armorers started uploading the long sleek R-77 s and Blunt nosed R-73 into the aircrafts weapon pylons .each aircraft was given its maximum permissible fuel load and one by one positioned near the take off slot. There were just two MIG 29Ks on CAP today, rest waited fueled and armed for combat.

SIBERIAN FOX FLIGHT -2 X MIG 29K COMBAT AIR PATROL OFF INS VIKRAMADITYA Commander Sudhir Naik nudged the control stick forward and side ways putting his aircraft on shallow turning dive just to get rid of the boredom of extended combat air patrols over an endless ocean. He has already scanned the display consoles 345 times and checked the weapon console 289 times and now nearing the end of his sortie and looked forward to the evening movie “iron eagle 2” .He never tired of seeing the absurd Hollywood war movies particularly those that depicted aircrafts like Mig 29 s and F-16 s and the way they never got tir ed of portraying current flock of Russian aircraft as some thing not much different from Korean war models. The reality was of course quite different –the upgraded Mig 29k s were a class by themselves .Made exclusively for Indian Navy .Equipped with SN-K “Oozel (knot)” navigation suite for over water flight and carrier approach it has much higher data feed rate and more accurate than any previous system. Total of 8 under wing pylons and a centre line pylon allowed it carry up 8 air to air /air to surface weapons or drop tanks for extended range combat. The maximum ordinance load was 4500 kgs and included 8 combination of air to air weapons and 25 combination of air-to surface weapons. Typical stores for counter air operation was 4 x R-77 plus 4X R-73 .The specified unclassified combat radius was 850 kms on internal fuel only increasing to 1050 kms with one drop tank and 1300 kms with three drop tanks. On station time as now,was 2.5 hrs . The crew escape system was far advanced incorporating an ejection trajectory inclined 30 degree sideways so that in case of a deck ejection the crew will go overboard than fall on the deck . The structural changes necessary for carrier operation increased its empty weight .In normal combat air patrol take off configuration and internal fuel only a Mig 29k weighed 15570 kg, maximum take off weight with four missiles and three drop tanks was 18210 kgs The aircraft is powered by RD 33K engines up rated to 5500 kgf at full military power ,8800 kgf at full after burner along with a contingency rating of 9400 kgf for high gross weight carrier take off purpose only. The full authority digital engine control system featuring NR 59A fuel pumps, RSF -59A Fuel flow control regulator along with ESU-21 digital control unit .After burner specific fuel consumption was improved to 1.97 kg/kgf.hr and weight to thrust ration to 0.119. The engines are inclined 4 degree upwards and set at 1.5 degree toe in spaced nacelles. The supersonic air intakes are adjustable and rectangular at inlet changing to circular near the compressor faces. To prevent boundary layer ingestion the intakes are set at a distance from the wing under surface so that upper intake lips act as boundary alter splitter plate . All in all the modifications like these in power plants, in avionics and fire control radar made Mig 29K s only aircraft other than Su-33 s capable of taking on any air defense mission over water .Except for range and maximum weapon load out The Mig 29k S on Vikramaditya were quite capable of taking on the Flanker challenge about to be thrown by PLAN. In some cases their smaller size will prove to be definitive advantage since the PLAAF aircrafts were not equipped with thrust vector control and in a slow sped turning engagement the fulcrums may come out as winner. - Sierra Foxtrot – report status over - mother one –sierra foxtrot one – 20 minutes fuel – request clearance to land in 10 minutes - Roger that sierra foxtrot one – stand by In the distance Sudhir could see the exhaust plume of the relieving flight climbing to altitude .Only after they take over will he get the chance to have a crack at the evenings movie. -Sierra foxtrot lead –mother one you are cleared to land –priority one for landing - Mother one –sierra foxtrot lead –coming in to land Sudhir made a regulatory low altitude pass by the tower,judging the wake turbulence .climbed out and then made a flawless approach to the deck ,a small correction to course on LSO s hand signal and he was down on the deck with a thump catching the first wire ,and grimaced as the harness bit into his shoulder as the sleek aircraft came to a sudden halt .

BLACK COBRA FLT 4XSU-30 MKI -CLARKS AIR FORCE BASE- PHILLIPINES -0600 HRS Group captain Nilesh Khanna did the final go around before setting into the cockpit of his Su 30 MKI MK3 .Both the inner wing pylons were loaded with KS 172 long range air to air missiles and the rest of the pylons with assorted mix of air to air missiles like R-77/R-73 s and ECM pods . All pylons to weapon connections looked good and he could not spot any hydraulic leakage. The other three sukhoi 30mkis were also ready and armed and waiting for the launch command their pilots and WSO s already strapped in. The signal has just come in from the Japanese air defense command .Four PLAAF aircraft have taken up station 250 kms north east of Okinawa Jima and that included two each of A-50 s and IL-78s . So far no aerial refueling have started but they expected to detect the incoming Chinese strike package anytime soon and start to refuel but nothing was certain at this point of time . Up in the air traffic control tower Air Commodore Shinde took the decision to launch the first offensive air mission of the battle . His plan was to catch the PLAAF Su-27/30 s in the act of refueling, a time when they were most vulnerable . If the Sukhois can do a good job, hopefully those poor buggers in sea harriers can still live to fight another day. The four Su 30 mkis moved out of the parking ramp slowly ,loaded to brim with heavy air to air missiles some of which have not been tested much and never in combat .There was no radio chit chat .It was a strict emcon mission .Only flight leader group captain Nilesh had the authority to break radio silence and that too just before weapon launch till then they will all have to just trust their eyes and training . The flankers took off in formation of two. After the initial climb out to 2000 mters dropped down 500 ft as they crossed the Philippines shoreline .At 85% military power and 930 kms/hr they will be in expected missile launch zone -400 km from the PLAAF fleet of tankers and AWAC s in 3 hrs . 100 kms from shore they closed up further into a tight diamond and flew on PLAAF FLIGHT RED EYE -250 KMS NORTH EAST OF OKINAWA JIMA 2X IL 78 2X A-50 4X SU 30 MKK- 0700 HRS The four Chinese flankers settled down to a standard combat air patrol guarding the precious aerial refueling assets and command aircrafts so very vital to the strike mission . Cued in by the A-50 in charge of air battle they flew on square box flight profile 100 kms radius, divided into two distinct flight groups. Alpha group was responsible for top cover and Charlie group went down the deck covering the threat axis form Vikramaditya air group . Four more Su-30 MKKs were on standby at mainland bases and expected to come in when the actual refueling operation was in progress giving the red eye flight an iron clad aerial security . As far as the PLAAF air battle commander was concerned nothing could get in within 300 kms of his pair of command aircraft in the present configuration . He was right –almost BLACK COBRA FLT 4XSU-30 MKI -CLARKS AIR FORCE BASE- PHILLIPINES -073000 HRS The fours Indian flankers flew on in total silence. The ingress path dictated by pre programmed flight path fed to the flight computer. The data transmission between the aircrafts were done at minimum power and that too on intermittent basis whenever a synchronized course and or altitude was required .Avoiding the busy shipping lanes and air corridors they approached the target flight at moderate speed and without any fancy acrobatics . The distance to missile launch was 1500 kms and time to target 96.77 minutes, commencement of climb out to missile launch altitude 94 minutes Group captain Nilesh nodded at the instrument display, behind him WSO F/L Deepika has already finished health check of the weapon systems and found them to be satisfactory . The degree of automation in Su-30 s cockpit was a welcome change compared to earlier models of Mig 29s Nilesh flew off Jamnagar way back in 2005 as an young squadron leader before being kicked upstairs to the Maritime strike squadron of Su 30 s and relocated to Lohegaon. At this low altitude he could clearly see the plethora of fishing boats and small cargo ships carrying on the day to day business of trade and commerce .He only hoped none of them carried friendly neighborhood Chinese man with a satellite phone.

AIHE AIRBASE –NANJING MILITARY REGION 26°48'N 114°42'E- RED DRAGON FLIGHT -Red dragon flight –tower – you are cleared for take immediate take off –climb runway heading and turn right at 2000 meters – contact Red Eye for flight vector and refueling schedule –good luck over - Tower –Red dragon lead – cleared for take off – fly runway heading –runway 00 – contact red eye turning right at 6000 ft – rolling now The lead Su 27 rolled into take off position and went for full military power ,as the heavily loaded aircraft started rolling slowly the pilot increased the throttle past the reheat gate ,injecting raw air turbine fuel into the exhaust flow increasing thrust available by almost 28% . The graceful bird accelerated quickly and was in air in less than 1200 meters .Climbing slowly she retracted the wheels at 300 ft and flaps to cruise configuration at 5000 ft when the air speed indicator showed an indicated air speed of 550 km/hr as the lead in pilot of Red dragon flight put her to a gentle roll to the right ,changed frequency to A-50 mainstay and got the new course and altitude to the refueling zone . -Red Dragon –Red eye –I have control -Roger that Red eye –you have control replied the flight lead - Red dragon –turn right 070 – altitude 5000 meters -Red eye- R ed dragon – turning right to new course 070 –climbing to 5000 meters –over - Red dragon flight –Red lead – make course -070-altitude- 5000 meters One by one rest of the PLAAF flankers eased into three flights of 4 aircraft each ,into a multiple widely spaced diamond formation which from ground looked like three diamonds flying off in an inverted V form .Their first refueling was scheduled in less than 90 minutes off the shores of Okinawa Jima . This lack of exposure of PLAAF flanker pilots to flying over ocean will be one of the key factors in deciding the outcome of the coming naval air battle along with their excessive dependence on aerial command and tight control of aircraft even when the situation clearly dictates a more relaxed command structure . But then history can never be fore seen .

INS VIKRAMADITYA - SOME WHERE IN SOUTHERN PACIFIC-0800 HRS Rear Admiral Hyder ali believed in God ,believed in his country and in his Knowledge not necessarily in that order. Today on the eve of the most momentous battle of life and carrier he was calm and composed .He looked at the rising sun and knew it hid the incoming PLAAF/PLAN strike group with devastating fire power . All that stood between them and total destruction of Virat air group was his carrier and the aircraft it carried. Six decades back into history US navy aircraft rewrote the doctrine of naval warfare in high seas and replaced the mighty battle ships that rules the waves till then. China at the moment had the overwhelming numerical advantage and was on the point of proving a point that carriers are nothing but expensive white elephants . Rear Admiral Hyder Ali respectfully begged to differ.

BLACK COBRA FLT 4XSU-30 MKI -CLARKS AIR FORCE BASE- PHILLIPINES -0900 HRS Group captain Nilesh scanned the consoles waiting for the flashing blinker to come on the main display console to indicate the climb out to missile launch altitude as he neared the waypoint 4 in the flight profile. The flight was rough as the warming air from the ocean kept on pushing even the heavily loaded aircraft up and the flight computer kept on adjusting to the preprogrammed altitude . The left display showed the engine parameters all within limits but port engine exhaust was some what higher around 725 deg C compared to ideal 680 C most likely due to obstruction of air flow around the moving exhaust duct in close proximity to the two extra large KS 172 novatar missiles he was carrying for todays mission .The fuel consumption rate was also high by about 12% for the additional induced drag .Otherwise everything was fine and he hoped once the missiles are launched the familiar super agile stable flying characteristics of his flanker will return Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the blue flasher start to blink as his formation reached the pre programmed way point .Nilesh looked back at his WSO who was already bent over the console ,all concentration and oxygen mask on as the young officer commenced the autonomous launch procedure .Nilesh smiled to himself and with a click on the inter phone initiated the vertical climb . The roar of the twin Al 31 was disturbing even inside the highly sound proofed cockpit. The indicated air speed started flashing and was quickly past 1000 kms/hr as he pulled the stick all the way forward for a mind numbing climb out at max power. It was a punishing routine and the edges of his eyes were starting to grow rings of black when he reached the launch altitude of 7000 meters slightly over the expected cruise altitude of the mainstays as he put the radar on search mode . A few seconds delay and the in on the screen he could see the four target aircraft .The A-50 could be clearly made out as they flew on in tight circles compared to the flight profile of extended eights of the IL-78 s . The escorting PLAAF Su 27/30 were he knew far closer since the blip size appeared almost same flying in elongated box formation at 9000 meters Behind him other three aircrafts of Black Cobra flight also leveled out each already lining up for their pre designated target as the wing lights of the flight lead started blinking. It was the signal to get the data link going on full power for a last minute target selection and launch sequence co-ordination so that none of the Chinese aircrafts are killed more than once .After all each KS-172 costs almost 2 million dollars plus. PLAAF FLIGHT RED EYE -250 KMS NORTH EAST OF OKINAWA JIMA 2X IL 78 2X A-50 4X SU 30 MKK- 0905 HRS The Indian flankers were detected immediately they came out of the ocean floor and started their rapid climb out and PLAAF air battle commander did not hesitate Red eye lead –red eye 4 and 5 –bandits inbound –course 190 –speed 1000 kms/hour and increasing- intercept immediately –you are weapons free –over Red eye 4 – read you clear red eye lead – on intercept course –understand weapons free -over But the Indian sukhois were still way beyond the R-77 they carried and they needed to close in the gap of 250 odd kms before any effective intercept can be made .As the PLAAF flankers lit their after burner and dived towards the aggressors –a sequential preprogrammed well practiced long range air to air missile launch program was already under way. BLACK COBRA FLT 4XSU-30 MKI -CLARKS AIR FORCE BASE- PHILLIPINES -0910 HRS - Black cobra flight –cobra lead – synchronize weapon release now and launch –you are weapons free
KS-172 designed to fit air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles. Collaboration supposes initiation of ordered or joint R-effort on the basis of upgraded prototype of the seeker 9B-1103M with follow-on as R&D efforts. Provides: - Search, lock-on and tracking of the moving targets using the preliminary target designation from the airborne or ground-based radars; - Measurement of angle coordinates and angular rates of targets and missile-to-target closing speeds; - Generation and transfer of the signals for missile control systems via digital communication links; - Receiving and decoding of update signals. Operation modes: - Fully autonomous active mode using only initial prelaunch target designation without any external radar support enabling “fire-and-forget” capability. - Inertial mode with radiocorrection. - Reprogamming mode of flight when a user may install new version of software into an on-board computer to gain in changes of engagement situation. Specifications 1. Сomposition: - Antenna coordinator; - Transmitter; - Receiving channel; - Digital computing system comprising control computer and signal processor.The computers talked to each other and so did the missiles exchanging target data and selection criteria. The first four missiles to be launched were automatically targeted to the large radomes of the two A-50 s and the rest four ,two each to the cruising IL-78 s who were just getting into position to fuel first of the four red dragon flight aircraft in the horizon. One after another the massive KS 172s dropped free of the weapon pylon vertically into slip stream of the launch aircraft ,after exactly 120 ft of vertical separation have been achieved the solid boosters ignited pushing the missiles past the sonic barrier even before they left sight of the pilots on the launch aircrafts. They climbed up to the distant horizon to precisely 8000 meters and then dipped their nose to the respective targets with slight movement of their thrust vectoring motors and twitching cruciform tail fins. The distance from launch aircraft was already 70 kms and the first of the series of mid course guidance instructions went over the radio beam, they corrected their nose positioning and attitude and rushed forward, accelerating all the way .The updated target data was received from the launch aircraft, decoded and passed on to the onboard micro controller which kept on its robotic task till the active radar seekers switched on and the launch aircraft was free to move out of the danger zone. Of course the missiles could have launched on full autonomous mode without command guidance from the launch aircraft but Group captain Nilesh did not want to use that tactics in this crucial missions .The destruction of the AWACS was a must do in air force parlance even if that exposed his team to a close combat with the Chinese escorts . PLAAF FLIGHT RED EYE -250 KMS NORTH EAST OF OKINAWA JIMA 2X IL 78 2X A-50 4X SU 30 MKK- 0915 HRS. The PLAAF air battle commander could not believe his eyes .The eight fast moving small dots were converging on his command at nearly mach 4 and had the characteristics of a typical radar guided air to air missiles ,doing several mid course corrections on the way. Two of the escorting flankers tried to stop the incoming missiles by launching their own missiles but he could see they were totally use less at such range and flight profile. As he ordered all the aircraft to dive for the deck and deploy chaff just with the faint hope of confusing the robotic brain –the first of the KS 172 hit his port wing to airframe junction and blew it off into the blue sky with the explosive force of 50 kg of directional high explosive. The first A-50 flew on for a few seconds powered by the starboard engines then went in to a roll to starboard, cart wheeling into the waves in a plume of black smoke. The second reserve mainstay met the same fate after 10 seconds as two KS 172 s smacked into its airframe and turned it into an ugly fire ball and mass of molten aluminum which was just seconds before an expensive piece of flying machine.Finally the two IL-78 s went off like a pair of massive air detonated mini nuclear bomb including tell tale signs of small mushroom cloud The strike flight was suddenly without any support over ocean as they cruised on regardless towards the Virat Carrier group –with revenge in their heart

BLACK COBRA FLIGHT -4XSU-30 MKI -350 KMS NORTH EAST OF OKINAWA JIMA Group captain allowed himself a small smile at the receding fire balls in the distant horizon .But his relaxed composure was very short lasting indeed as the radar warning receiver screamed its shrill warning .The PLAAF Su 27s have managed to sneak in to missile launch range while his flight focused on getting the tankers and AWACS. The four escort Su-27 were rapidly closing into missile firing range at more than 1800 kms/hr and he needed to first escape the kill envelope and then plan a counter strike all in a matter of seconds -cobra flight –cobra lead – execute zeta on my count -5 4 3 2 1 –now The four Su 30 mkis disintegrated into a predetermined pattern resembling an exploding bomb, all in different angle and speed and then turned into the attacking PLAAF fighters . It was a good move and smartly executed but a bit too late .The PLAAF flankers had only one thing in their mind and that was destruction of the IAF sukhois at any cost. They did not think of their own safety or their aircraft or the cost of weapons as they launched the first salvo of R-77 s at extreme range kept on closing and fired the second salvo and then closed in to within visual range . For a minute or so there were 8 R-77 streaking at 4 Su 20 mkis in a classic head on engagement profile. The Indian flankers evaded the first salvo with not mush difficulty,in a cloud of chaff and activating the ECM pods .As the Indian sukhois turned in to a missile launch position the second salvo of 4 R-77 s came in –blowing two of the Indian flankers out of sky .The game suddenly changed in favor of the PLAAF with a 2: 1 numerical advantage Suddenly the sky was full of sukhois jockeying for a good firing vantage. Nilesh had four R-73 still available as he watched the PLAAF flanker pair close up in a near vertical dive and his radar warning receiver started bleeping again as he put his aircraft in a gut wrenching 9G turn to starboard ,getting out of way of the diving pair of flankers with his thumb flicking open the fire control trigger cover and selecting the R-73 s ,the attack computer have already loaded the target data as the PLAAF flankers flashed past not more than 100 ft away towards the ocean trying to level out of their dive and turn back onto him. It was too good a chance to miss and Nilesh squeezed the knobbed fire button twice ,the attack computer assigning one R-73 at each of the target .The sleek heat seekers leaped of the twin launch rails on the wing tip and angled sharply downwards towards the two PLAFF flankers already nose up and getting ready to launch their own R-73 s . The R-73s did not make any mistake at this range and locked on to the PLAAF aircraft despite the stream of flares coming out of them .A few seconds more and two bright fire balls appeared over the wave tops . Nilesh pulled the stick sharply inwards and was mad to see remaining Indian flanker entangled in a deadly low level fight with two Su 27 s without much altitude or speed to carry on the fight for long . As he pushed the throttle switch all the way forward the sukhoi responded with an eager surge of power .He selected GUN and dived in . The first PLAAF flanker disintegrated at the first burst of his Gsh 30 6 cannon and the second PLAAF flanker leapt out and away of the fire zone . Nilesh calmly selected the R-73 once again and launch both the missiles at the hot exhaust pipe pf the escaping flanker. The flight time was less than 5 seconds as both the archers slammed in disintegrating the PLAAF flanker even before it started to rain down on the ocean floor in a fiery shower . It was time to go home

INS VIKRAMADITYA –SOME WHERE IN SOUTHERN PACIFIC –BLUE RAY FLIGHT 12 XMIG 29K –0930 HRS Rear Admiral Hyder Ali checked his watch and also the encrypted transmission from the Sukhois that have just taken out the refueling and command support of the incoming PLAAF flanker flight some where off the coast of Okinawa Jima. The PLAAF flankers were expected to be strike zone in less than 3 hrs if they maintain the present speed and course and obviously the sea harriers were no match for the 12 odd flankers on their way to a decisive result. Down below the deck and hangers were a bee hive of frantic activity. With 12 Mig 29k s already armed and fueled and the second batch of 8 more reserve aircraft getting fueled up. Hyder Ali however could never understand the excessive attention the navy pilots gave to the gun always even when they carried a deadly load of air to air and air to surface weapons .As he could watch now two young pilots both lt commanders checking the gun mount and the belt feed mechanism even after the crew chief have finished the loading of the belt. The TKB 687 internal gun installation is housed in the port lead edge root extension and consists of Gryazev Shipoonov Gsh 301 single barrel 30 mm 1.18 calibre automatic gun and associated ammunition box for 150 AO 18 rounds. but for today’s engagements they were carrying only 100 rounds. The standard rate of fire is 1500-1800 rounds per minute with an average muzzle velocity of 860 meters per second and a recoil force of 6000-7500 kgs.A trigger on stick electronically controls firing .The gun can fire continuously expending the entire ammo in less than six seconds or in very short bursts. Alternative firing modes available are automatic fire (75%) of ammo supply or automatic fire with cut off – firing 25 rounds in each burst of one seconds each or the training mode when each trigger squeeze would release 7 rounds .The Gsh 301 is water cooled with additional air cooling thru the vents in the gun bay for additional service life .The gun can tolerate or has a life of 2000 rounds,weighs 45 kgs and just under 2 meters long. Apart from the gun all the aircraft in today’s interception package were also carrying 4 r-77 and 4 Vympel R-73 each .But still they were some what out gunned by the much larger weapon carrying capability of the PLAN/PLAAF flankers . The six reserve fulcrums getting ready now, most likely will be required even if some assistance will be available from the sea harriers off Virat. Rear Admiral Hyder Ali turned to the air group commander, who was busy issuing last minute instructions to the pilots, and quietly told him to increase the intercept package size by 6 more fulcrums , even if it means a slight delay in launch. With the additional aircraft in air at least weapon parity will be achieved. Inside the armored hanger of Vikramaditya ,the tedious process of loading of the heavy R-77 s and fixing the forward fins manually began . The launch was about to be delayed by 15 minutes
PLAN SOVERMANNY CLASS DESTROYER – 091 – OFF THE COAST OF SANYA –SOUTH CHINA SEAS Captain Li had a vague feeling o of some thing very wrong but could not put his finger on. Apart from the unconfirmed report of a possible contact while exiting Yulin naval base he has not received any contact report .The news of the fierce Indian strike on PLAAF tankers and aerial command and control aircraft was bad news indeed and he assumed a similar air attack against his fleet may be launched by the Indians possible from their temporary base in Philippines .According to latest intelligence reports both the Indian carrier groups are now in the Philippines sea and pacific so not in a position to launch anything against his ships at the moment . Captain Li was confidant about his defensive capability against any air assault after all he commanded a type of ship with most modern air defense system similar to much publicized aegis type of system installed in USN cruisers and he was also sure Indians will not launch a suicidal frontal attack even with their Sukhoi -30 mkis unless armed with air launched Brahmos missiles –the capability of which was yet to be proved in combat .
The Sovremenny Class is a Russian class of destroyers designed to engage hostile ships by means of missile attack, and to provide warships and transport ships with protection against ship and air attack. Intended primarily for anti-ship operations, it was designed to compliment anti-submarine warfare (ASW) Udaloy destroyers. The ships have anti-ship, anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and coastal bombardment capability. The ships, with a maximum displacement of 8,480 tons are similar in size to the US Navy's Aegis-equipped missile cruisers, and are armed with an anti-submarine helicopter, 48 air defense missiles, 8 anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, mines, long range guns and a comprehensive electronic warfare system. The first Sovremenny Class destroyer was commissioned in 1985. The hull design is derived from the predecessor Kresta II cruisers. The ship's propulsion system is based on two steam turbine engines, unlike the gas-turbines used on the Udaloy, each producing 50,000 horsepower together with four high pressure boilers. There are two fixed pitch propellers. The ship's maximum speed is just under 33 knots. At a fuel-economic speed of 18 knots the range is 3,920 miles. The endurance is 30 days. The ship is equipped with the Moskit anti-ship missile system with two quadruple launchers installed port and starboard of the forward island and set at an angle about 15 degrees to the horizontal. The ship carries a total of eight Moskit 3M80E missiles. The air defense system is the Shtil surface to air missile. Two Shtil missile systems are installed, each on the raised deck behind the two-barreled 130 mm guns fore and aft of the two islands. The ships are further equipped with AK-130-MR-184 130 mm guns and four six-barrel AK-630 artillery systems for defense. Anti-submarine defense is provided by two double 533 mm torpedo tubes installed port and starboard, and two six-barrel anti-submarine rocket launchers, RBU-1000, with 48 rockets, and a Ka-27 helicopter. The late units of the class, designated Project 956A, are modified with the improved SA-N-17 (Grizzly) surface-to-air missile and the 3M-82 Moskit anti-ship missiles.
Li turned to his first officer and ordered the launch of the anti submarine helicopter. The helo will initiate a grid search with dipping sonar, active mode if required starting 50 kms away from the mother ship. Despite the formidable air defense capability of the Sovermenny class its anti submarine capability was some what limited and in Russian navy always complemented by the Udaloy class ships. PLAN just could not afford to copy the operational doctrine of Soviet navy. The contra rotating rotors of Kamov 27 already turning as the intercom light blinked on the bridge .It was the sonar operator who wanted the captain to check on an yet unidentified contact , a possible submarine but the signal was very faint similar to a slowly surfacing noise generated in the ballast tanks .Li decided to have a look at the display himself and started moving towards the sonar console slowly ,his mind still troubled by an unknown fear . INS AKRAMAN – AKULA 2 TYPE SSN –- OFF THE COAST OF SANYA -SOUTH CHINA SEAS Captain RainA looked at the printed message sheet from eastern naval command as his first officer rigged the ship for dive. The message was brief and to the point FM ENC TO CAPT RAINA U R CLEARED TO INITIATE ANTI SHIP MISSION AGAINST PLAN SHIPS AND SUBMARINES .NO PRIOR CLEARENCE IS REQUIRED AS OF NOW. HOSTILITIES HAVE BROKEN OUT IN PACIFIC WITH MASSIVE AIR RAIDS ON OUR CARRIER GROUPS UNDER WAY NOW STOP GOOD HUNTING AND GOOD LUCK STOP RADM SENDS He had been tracking the PLAN ships for almost 3 days now and fortunately not detected .Always lurking between the convergence zones and never exceeding 8 -10 knots in quite mode sailing in the sonar shadows . Now was the decision time Only he has to take the final decisions - whether to carry out a missile strike or close in and launch torpedoes - whether just the heavy destroyer or the frigates as well - whether the super heavy 650 mm torpedo use is justified –he had just one more reload of the heavy torpedoes - escape route to open ocean and how much time he will realistically have before an all out hunt is organized and set in motion from the near by Yulin naval based . The decision was thankfully made for him by the Chinese -con –esm –helo in air – have commenced dipping sonar search –passive Raina knew it is only a matter of time before they will go active and then his options will quickly close - helmsman –captain has the con –all stations rig ship for combat and report - make depth 100 meters – diving angle 10 degree –reduce speed 5 knost - aye captain – making depth 100 meters – diving angle 10 degree-speed 5 knots - engine – stand by for emergency combat power on my command

INS VIRAT SOMEWHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC Lt Commander Vina Peter liked her coffee and liked it strong particularly before going into a combat (not that she has been in any but had a good knowledge of what to expect from her RN buddies during various exercises). But unfortunately now she could indulge in that favorite activity of coffee drinking as she was strapped in with a full fuel load and a full load of Derby air to air missiles waiting for take off clearance from the air bridge . Behind her the first interception flight of six sea harriers were also waiting.They will be the first line of defense against the incoming PLAAF flankers still about half an hour away and not yet detected on the Virats radar screen getting its feed also via high speed data link from the Ka 31 already on position and about 100 kms to the east of the carrier groups . Vina knew her only and only chance against the flankers is get avoided by their powerful air search radars as much as possible by flying ultra low ,at an altitude never permissible according to sea harriers operating manual and allow the flanker flight to approach the sea harriers well within her derby sure kill range that is less than 40 kms and then launch a simultaneous strike at all the flankers and use the instaneous confusion to get away form the kill zone at 90 degree to the incoming flankers flight path which she expected will make their radars some what in effective for few precious seconds . Lt commander Vina liked her sea harrier,liked its super quick acceleration ,liked its capability to hover over oceans surface and liked its thrust vector assist quick turn and roll capability .What she did not like about her harrier was its limitation on maximum speed .She knew the flankers after the initial shock will tear her flight group apart even just with their deadly guns unless the damn Vikramadityas Mig 29Ks come on schedule . The second flight of another six sea harriers were also ready and will be launched after 5 minutes to fill in the” gaps” of her first skirmish lines . The best part of flying a sea harrier was not its speed or even the vertical take off capability but the sensitivity of the machine to pilots command,not just the acceleration but also the ability to brake in air and turn around on a dime as the fast moving pursuer overshoots and a skilled harrier pilot can turn the tables on a far faster and much heavily armed aircraft in close air combat in less than a few seconds . But to do that Vina knew she has to get within that close combat range of the PLAAF flankers and that is more easily said than done. More easily planned in the briefing room than executed over the pacific ocean floor.Vina liked the natural ability of the harrier to turn at the slightest pressure of her fingers making it a very difficult target and a very unwelcome adversary in all forms of within visual range contest. Also she would need all her concentration and more while flying over the waves at less than 50 ft cued in by the data link from the Ka 31 and all avionics including the radar altimeter on stand by mode. The planned intercept point was 200 kms from the carrier due east. She only knew too well the 25 million dollar worth of flying machine strapped to her back was not for any pilot but only the best navy has to offer. Apart from flying she liked driving her 4 wheel drive gypsy on winding mountain roads of Goa . She could almost visualize the golden beaches and the green carpeted mountains of her home base as the radio crackled to life - vixen flight –tower stand by for take off - clear deck for helo launch The sea king lifted up slowly from the deck and pitched its nose down heading for its customary search and rescue position to the star board . - vixen flight – tower –you are cleared for immediate take off at 2 minutes stagger- contact ocean eye for intercept vector and update –data link frequency for this mission is -- ---- - confirm and good luck - tower –vixen lead –message understood – data link frequency ---- contact ocean eye after take off –over and out Once more Vina tightened the straps of her harness – a last pre take of scan of the instruments – the deck was clear and everyone on deck was looking at her lead aircraft as she spooled up her Olympus engine smoothly to 104% military power –waited till the engine oil pressure and exhaust temperature stabilized just under the red line and then let go . Her neck jarred even after hundreds of full power take offs she has done before and the deck stared moving under her, slowly at first and then it just whisked by and she was over the deep blue ocean and climbing out and away from the carrier as she quickly upped the undercarriage,checked indicated air speed and retracted flaps to cruise configuration and then dropped to ocean floor –leveling out at not more than 35 ft over the gentle swell of the pacific. Adjusted the thrust vector lever once more as her wing man formed up on her and she activated the data link to Ka 31 all the while accelerating to the incoming Chinese flankers .Her head up display came alive with a red arrow pointing at the intercept zone and also indicating the number speed and course of the flankers right at the moment .Behind her the other four harriers formed up in a loose triangle formation and synchronized their ground speed at 430 knots ,rushing over the waves –to destiny

INS AKRAMAN – AKULA 2 TYPE SSN –- OFF THE COAST OF SANYA -SOUTH CHINA SEA Captain Raina’s choice was getting severely limited by the minute and his strike window shrinking every second. If he decides to launch missiles at both the destroyer and the frigates his exposure time will be too long .may be over a minute close to two minutes for the Chinese ships to get a fix and make an aerial torpedo drop followed up with ship launched torpedoes .His chances of escaping unhurt less than 25% .If he makes a torpedo strike at all three his exposure time will be more than 4 minutes at just under one minute for each launch but this option had the advantage that PLAN ships will be busy evading the incoming torpedoes for the first 7 minutes or so giving him that much extra escape window .Chance of escape well just over 50%. And finally strike just the sovermanny destroyer now and escape right under the sinking ship ,the commotion covering his high speed escape .Chance of getting out without hit well may be 80%+ . Complications can occur if one of the frigates anticipate his move and takes up blocking position ahead of the sovermanny -then he will have no option but to take it out with a snap shot while on the move and hope there will be enough damage to the frigate to stop it pursuing him for a few minutes the time required for the VM5 reactor to come up to full power and consequently full speed much over 33 knots published in the specification sheet and then he will be safe . Decision made Raina was all action and no procrastination about the possible consequences .His chances were acceptable and that’s all that mattered for the moment -soanar-con –captain has the con – position now - con –sonar – we have three surface contacts – tango one – twin screw destroyer –positively identified as sovermanny class –distance to target -14000 meters – 210 is closest –speed 15 knots - tango 2 frigate twin screw –type not clear suspect modified krivak class –distance 18000 yards –course 195 –speed 18 knots – tango 3 – krivak class confirmed – distance 16500 meters – course 240 – speed 16 knots - sonar –con- do you have a firm firing solution on all three targets - - con-sonar – confirm we have firing solution on all three targets - Torpedo room- con – confirm designated tubes loaded and ready in all aspects - Con – torpedo – weapons loaded and ready in all respect - Torpedo –con- feed firing solution to all three heavies for tango one repeat tango one only - Con –torpedo room firing solution fed and torpedoes ready in all respect – request permission to flood tubes - Torpedo room flood tubes –do not open outer doors - Sonar-con – lets give them just one ping to firm up our firing solution - Stand by con P I N G - con –sonar –range to tango one 13250 meters-course 205 –speed 22 knots and accelerating – firing solution updated for a 3.5 degree spread of three torpedoes -Torpedo room-con – open outer door –tube 1 –match bearings and shoot tube 1 - Con –torpedo –tube one launched and running true – - Torpedo room – open outer door tube 2 –match bearings and shoot - con-torpedo room – tube 2 launched –running true - Torpedo room –con – open outer door tube 3 –match bearing and shoot - Con –sonar we have a torpedo in water –designate bingo one - con-torpedo room – tube 3 launched –running straight and fair - con-sonar – torpedo one has gone active - con –we have a second torpedo in water –designate bingo 2 - Weapon deploy a pair of nixie decoys –now - Con –weapons-noisemakers deployed - Con sonar torpedo two have gone active - Torpedo –con – release all torps now - con-torpedo –all torps gone active –time to impact first torp 25 seconds – second 85 seconds –third 120 seconds - Con-sonar noise makers in water near the target - con – sonar Bingo one has gone active - Weapon –con –activate sonar jammer –deploy 2 more noise makers - Engine –con maximum rev now - Helmsman – make course 045 – depth 350 meters - con-engine –reactor on emergency power –speed 20 knots and increasing - Con-helmsman – depth 150 meters –dive angle 25 degree -170 meters - con - sonar – we have one confirmed impact on tango one - con –weapons –sonar jammer activated at full power –bingo one has gone wild –bingo two still following - con –sonar – bingo two has gone active - helmsman-con - make course 135 - con sonar –second confirmed impact on tango one –she is going down On the surface the mortally hit PLAN Sovermanny class destroyer was fighting a loosing battle of survival. Struck by two 650 mm extra heavy torpedoes each carrying 950 kg of high explosive directional warhead her back was broken. The first 650 mm torpedo has struck her amidships just under the water line tearing through the protective armor plating and exploded near the one of two main reduction gear boxes filling the engine room with heavy metal splinters,fire and death . The second torpedo have hit the twin propeller shaft seal box ,ripped open both the heavy seven bladed props of its housing and opened the flood gate of sea water which was now slowly making her list uncontrollably to starboard and she would capsize in a matter of minutes that was certain as the captain ordered” abandon ship” . It took all off 4 minutes before the fire started in the engine room reached the fuel bunker, filling the ships guts with fire flood which melted even steel and the main magazine exploded in a blinding flash . 30 seconds from that the ship sank to the depths of south china seas ,broken into two longitudinally . Below the surface captain Raina was busy making escape when the confirmation came in form sonar -con-sonar –tango one gone under - good work every body is all Raina manged to say when sonar cut him off - bingo two is still active – time to impact 10 seconds - helmsman – make course 015 - weapon deploy two more noise makers –now This time the ploy worked as the Chinese torpedo went after the noise makers the shark made good its escape

EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND –VIZAG Vice admiral Prakash Rao allowed himself a rare smile as he looked at the action taken report received from Captain Raina about his first kill and that too a Sovermanny class destroyer right next to south sea fleet headquarters of PLAN . He has surely justified the huge lease expenditure and years of hard training in both Russia and India .As a senior naval combat planner, of course he felt the use of force more precisely multiple use of super heavy torpedoes was more than over kill but also was experienced enough to know the decision making process under combat stress is never precise . All in all the sinking of one of the most potent surface platforms right next to their fleet headquarters will give far more dividend in the long term, not the least of which is demoralizing of PLAN as a whole making them ultra cautious in deploying their major surface combatants which indirectly will assure better level of safety to the carrier groups. Each 650 mm super heavy torpedo costs roughly 3 million dollars to Indian navy and total inventory as on date was less than 50 less three used up in today’s strike . He made a mental note to order a dozen more later in the day when his executive assistant came in and handed over the latest cartosat 2 images showing the PLAN surface fleet approaching the Virat group and at the time of the photo ops was just beyond the 300 kms outer defense zone. On the speaker he was listening to the conversation inside Virat as well as Vikramadityas combat information center and on the large screen display the radar images fed from the kamovs were displayed real time. But the situation was heating up fast in the pacific .The PLAN surface group was fast approaching the 300 kms outer defense zone around Virat and the 12 flanker formation of PLAAF at less than 500 kms from the carrier and have just entered the radar horizon of the first of the two Ka 31 s who will be controlling the first intercept wave by the sea harriers precisely at 300 kms from the carrier. Prakash was not very hopeful of the ability of the harriers to stop the attack –they were not intended to do that ,just draw the PLAAF flankers move away from the carrier group ,burn up their reserve fuel and locate their precise position for the Mig 29ks Vikramaditya to make the kill strike . Prakash intended to drain the PLAAF flankers dry and then kill them .In the process he knew some attrition is unavoidable but then you cannot fight a war if you are not ready to loose some .Command decisions are never easy

SOME WHERE IN SOUTHERN PACIFIC –BLUE RAY FLIGHT 12 XMIG 29K Commander Dilip Sen eased back on the collective throttle as he wearily approached the 300 km air defense zone around Virat from south west. Doubly made sure his IFF transponder is on and squawking the right code. He flight was still about 700 km from the carrier itself and at a moderately low altitude of 5000 ft over the pacific .His formation of 12 Mig 29 Ks were till now flying a tight extended hexagon formation but will start to spread out in a wide bow formation as they begin their interception climb out .Still outside the direct data link range of Ka-31 radar picket he was depending on the periodic updates from Virats combat information centre via Insat 4CR dedicated transponder and his own very small aperture terminal with mission specific decoder . The central display was configured for navigation data where a color image of last known position of the PLLAF formation of 12 flankers were marked in red along with a blue circle around them indicating estimated effective detection range of the flankers at their flying altitude with respect to his own altitude . His main job was now to keep his formation out of the blue circle till the sea harriers launch their missiles and bug out like hell if they can some how manage to penetrate the flankers radar screen hope fully undetected by some fancy flying .If not well Dilip would not bet on most of them surviving the day .His fuel tank was already down to 65% just over 3000 liters and hoped the sea harriers are quick with their mission and clear up the sky for his flight to do the needful .One re assuring fact was the PLAAF flankers too will be low on fuel and with their tankers already taken out ,even with their much higher endurance will not be able to stay in combat zone for more than 10 minutes The right multi functional display showed the essential engine parameters, everything from engine speed to intake air temperature and exhaust temperature to percentage maximum thrust which showed 74% at the moment. The combustion chamber pressure was a wee bit below normal, hydraulics pressure on green –so far so good The weapon display showed apart from 4 R-77 AND 4 R-73 a full store of chaff packets (36) and smart flare bundles ( 24) . The gun status was green with 100 rounds of 30 mm shells in the belt and will have to power up before going for the actual combat. Commander Dilip hoped the sea harriers at least break up the tight formation of PLAAF flankers and force them to chase the harriers away from the carrier –that will give him and his team to strike from up and above and maybe the fields will be some what leveled up after the first strike .But to do that he has to gain some altitude quickly but to do that he has to get his flight right behind the flanker formation in a sweeping curve when they are busy tracking the sea harriers and then do a classic explosive climb out to strike altitude.

RED DRAGON FLIGHT-12 X SU-27 APPROACHING VIRAT CARRIER GROUPD –CENTRAL PACIFIC – 1220 HRS – SOME WHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC Lt Commander Anatoly knew he and his flight is some where near the outer defense zone of Indian carrier but in absence of AWACs support not very sure how close he is to the carrier or his precise position with respect to the Indian fleet. There was only one way to find out –using a quick high power radar search of oceans surface. That course of action implied no doubt all the Indian ships and aircrafts around will get an instant fix on his position
Lt Commander Anatoly leaned forward against his straps and clicked upwards the miniature circuit breaker which activated the hundreds of radio emitters densely packed into a hexagonal array just under his feet. The radar screen came alive after a dealy of 5 seconds . On the outer periphery he could see the grainy outline of Indian carrier group (400 kms plus )due east almost and the central some what larger blip he assumes would be the carrier itself .On the ocean floor again he could make out the tiny fast moving blips about 8-10 nos disappearing on and off the screen into sea clutter .His radar warning receiver was still silent and that was atleast one good thing .At present speed his flight has about 20 minutes of flight time left before turning back and actual combat time on full after burner may be closer to 8-9 minutes max he estimated . He decided to break radio silence and go for the harriers - red dragon delta –red dragon lead – bandits 3o clock -10 nos sea harriers – engage now 4 flankers peeled off neatly and initiated a turning dive towards the sea floor -Red dragon beta – red dragon lead -commence attack on surface fleet –now Four Su 27 s started a climbing turn to the flank of the carrier group on full afterburner quickly closing on the carrier group for a snap missile launch expecting breach the gap created by delta flight as soon as it appears . The rest 4 flankers stayed on station –ready to aid any of the groups and also providing the top cover duty for the time being . The decisive battle of pacific just got started without much fanfare .Both side wanted to give a bloody nose to the enemy -the world at large was keenly watching Far up in the sky a KH11 recon satellite passed unnoticed taking hundreds of photographs of the carrier groups and its protective formation ,the attacking fleet of PLAN and also the air battle shaping up around them .It will be with the NSA in a matter of hours and then invariably to white house . It will be then upto the most powerful leader in the world to decide to intervene or not in a conflict that can spin out of control any moment.

VIXEN FLIGHT –CENTRAL PACIFIC -10 X SEA HARRIER -1221-1225 HRS Lt commander Vina Peter was trying hard to concentrate on the keeping her bird away from the waves and scan the instruments all at the same time when her radar warning receiver went of in high pitched intermittent bleeps indicating she is being tracked and not yet locked by hostile aircraft. Her reaction was swift and sure as she flicked on her own search radar from standby to active mode at full power and then armed up a pair of Derby missiles all in one smooth motion. As the radar picture of the attacking Chinese flankers appeared on the screen and the head up display she selected the lead flanker and waited for the shoot command to come up on the screen as she activated the tactical net to her team mates and also to Virat combat information centre and the Mig 29k inbound -Tower-vixen lead – we have flankers inbound –course 025 –altitude 15000 ft –splitting up into attack formation-request weapons free -Vixen lead –tower –copy and confirm that – you are weapons free –repeat you are weapons free – assistance on way in one zero minutes –over Vixen flight –vixen lead – you are weapons free –launch at maximum range – lead group of four flankers – 025 -13500 ft – on sequence – break right immediately on launch –recommend simultaneous launch of two per target –break right immediately on launch –launch on my command – 5 4 3 2 1 –now Four of the harrier launched their derby missiles at near maximum range . One by one eight of the long missiles with their elongated radome dropped free of the pylons and ignited, streaking fast towards the incoming flankers on pillars of fire. Vina yanked the stick hard right and pushed the power lever to its limit as her threat warning receiver started its continuous bleep indicating she is now locked by a R-77 and death was just seconds away unless she acts fast .That’s exactly she intended to as she sharply went out of the projected course of the missile at right angles and then waited for the missile to turn back on her if still it had the lock on .The chaff dispenser activated automatically as 4 bundles of aluminized mylar sprayed onto the slipstream . The R-77 turned back in a lazy arc high over her and then dived as Vina once again used her thrust vectoring lever to slip out of harms was and another round of chaffs went out of her wing root .This time the R-77 went for the chaff exploding harmlessly about 1000 ft to her starboard .Ad she turned into combat the lead flanker was just going down hit by her pair of derby .Apparently the flanker have managed to evade the first and fallen prey to second. -Tower –vixen lead –splash one flanker -copy that vixen lead – get out of there now ,the urgent voice of air battle commander came on the net as the second flanker closed in from the behind and launched a single R-73. Vina reacted purely on reflex as the automated counter measure system deployed half a dozen smart flare bundles, she yanked the stick hard left and eased back the throttle to its minimum and then thrust vectoring lever to vertical flight mode .The harrier dropped like a stone to the ocean floor as the incoming archer tried to keep a lock on but could not passed overhead and exploded at one of the flares . But then everyone was not so lucky Vina's wingman was the first causality as he was a tardy slow to get out of the flight path of the first volley of R-77 s fired from the PLAAF flankers .Two more harriers went down as the flankers closed in for heat seeking kill at full power using their speed and power advantage. Within minutes 3 harries were down and just one flanker to show for their efforts. Now the sky was a confused maze of aircrafts all trying to score a WVR shot and if possible a lucky gun score. As Vina some what shaken got back into the picture one of the flankers shot forward on full after burner Across her canopy to busy on one her team mates trying to get lost in the waves .She flicked open the gun button protective cover and let go a long burst and had the satisfaction of seeing a number of rounds hitting the starboard wing root and hydraulic fluid started leaking out of the wounded flankers entrails as she tried to regain control without any success as the wind force sheared off the whole wing and the flanker cart wheeled into the pacific ocean .The target harrier escaped but only for a few second as the third flanker closed in and let loose a R-73 at close range blowing the fourth harrier out of sky . The cost of the battle was going up every second thought Vina as she found the second group of 4 flankers sneaking in from the distance for a missile strike on the carrier which obviously was their main objective - Tower-vixen lead 4 harrier down – splash second flanker of the day – 4 flankers inbound course 085 – speed 800 knots – engaging now - Copy that vixen lead – you are free to engage outside notified air defense zone –confirm IFF ON –over Lt commander Vina once again turned into attack .taking her tiny interceptor on a direct blocking course to the second flight of flankers threatening her carrier .Up above her one of the flankers still on patrol touched off a single RVV AE round which swished in from up and hit her tail in a blinding flash.Vina pulled the ejector handle and then everything went black –very black

SOME WHERE IN SOUTHERN PACIFIC –BLUE RAY FLIGHT 12 XMIG 29K -1227 HRS - blue ray lead –tower – vixen flight need immediate assistance –over - copy that tower – initiating intercept now –over - blue ray flight –blue lead- start climb out on my command -5 4 3 2 1 now Dilip scanned the two main multifunctional displays .The port side was configured to moving map display which he changed to air search mode .The starboard side panel was showing the weapon status and availability which he changed to engine parameters and fuel status all within 3 seconds and then pressed the mini throttle advance switch till engine revolutions touched maximum and thrust level was 185% full military power. The digital indicated air speed indicator quickly started changing and was soon crossing 1400 km/hr mark as he slowly pulled on the stick all the way inwards ,pitching the nose up in a vertical 90 degree power climb .The vertical speed display moved in a blur and then stabilized at 17000 meters per minute as the fulcrum rocketed upwards .the sky changed color from light blue to deep indigo as he reached 42000 ft and started leveling off .As he pushed the stick forward to its normal centre position and eased back on power to 90% military power level and took a long breadth as the circulation started returning to normal . Even with 100% pure oxygen in the mask he still had difficulty in breathing for a few seconds after that explosive climb out but at least he had the required altitude and more or less in the position where he wanted his flight to be to commence the attack on PLAAF flankers .The other fulcrums started leveling out and formed up on him –waiting for the command to start killing and –be killed Down below and approximately 127 kms to north east was the PLAAF flanker group split into three groups totaling 10 in number as of now . Two of the flankers between sea level and 5000 ft was engaging the harriers but not very successful after the initial onslaught because the harriers were using their thrust vectoring ability to stay alive and keep the flankers busy but for how long that was the question. Almost due east and about the same distance away were the large PLAN surface fleet making full speed approach to Virat carrier group as Dilip could make out from their wake and arrow straight approach .Obviously they were trying to get into a missile launch position on Virat under the confusion of air battle progressing overhead . He was not carrying any anti ship missile this mission and Dilip wished he was. But these are not his decisions as he keyed in to the tactical surface net -tower –blue ray lead – we confirm PLAN surface fleet fast approaching your position –speed 30 plus knots- distance from my position 126.5 km- 4 destroyers in regular box formation in lead – confirm sovermany class – 6 frigates Luhu class in outer screen – transmitting exact radar co ordinates over link -Thanks blue ray lead – data received good – stay away from PLAN ships –repeat stay away from PLAN ships –engage flankers now - Copy that tower – engaging now –over -Blue ray flight –blue ray lead – activate data link for target priority and allotment –confirm when ready for transmission The confirmations came in almost instantly and the mission computer on board lead fulcrum passed on the target data to individual aircraft of the flight so that there is no duplication of effort in the heat of the battle. One by one the MIg 29K s peeled off the tight formation in pairs and headed for the PLAAF flankers on full after burners ,taking care to stay away from the PLAN surface fleet and that was not just for the surface to air missile load they carried . INS VIRAT – SOME WHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC-1230 HRS Deep in the bowels of the ageing carrier the mood was somber and revenge was upper most in every mind. The five lost harriers were almost 1/3 of the entire beefed up air complement of the ship and practically irreplaceable. If the Mig 29K s have arrived 15 minutes earlier on scene this might have been avoided but then know one knew the reason for the delay of launch of the fulcrums and for the moment all that mattered was the 10 PLAAF flankers still in air closing in fast for a air launched anti ship strike and the PLAN surface fleet approaching from west at full speed .It was time to act tough and act tough fast. Captain Singhania confirmed the latest position data on the PLAN fleet transmitted by the Mig 29k s were fed correctly into the attack computer and ready to be down loaded into missile guidance system, and picked up the encrypted inter ship phone to two of the Rajput class escorts about 5 kms to the east and west of the carrier - tower 2 and tower 3 –tower one – I have a mission class A for you two - tower 2 – tower 2 ready to receive - tower 3 –tower 1 ready to receive Captain Singhania nodded to his first officer and he punched the ENTER button on the missile data transfer console .It took less than 5 seconds for the high bandwidth data transfer link to transfer the target data ,priority and recommended strike profile of individual missiles to be transferred to the launch platforms weapons console . INS RANVIJAY – SOME WHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC -1232 HRS The vertical launch modules of Brahomos missiles are unimpressive to look at . An array of rectangular boxes with spring loaded top covers and a continuous dry nitrogen gas purge to keep it free from sea water .At the base the data cables and ignition cables are plugged in with standard MIL grade connectors. The target data received from Virat and originally sourced by the Blue ray flight lead was verified for anomaly and found acceptable before being fed to the 25 mm x 45 mm guidance chip located at the base of nose cone of the missile .A small green neon indicator light came alive outside the launch canister confirming the missiles are now ready for launch and the sailors removed the nitrogen purge connections and once again checked the area for loose items which can be fatal during launch -clear deck for missile launch and report One by one all stations confirmed clear of launch area Lt Commander Manjit checked the flat screen display which showed the pre launch health of all the 8 missiles to be used in the first launch. Each ship had a specific missile assigned. In the adjacent console his colleague once again checked the air space around the missiles projected flight path –with more than 16 friendly air craft in the vicinity one cannot be too careful . - captain – weapons -ready to launch BRAHMOS - launch sequence 2 at a time with 3 minutes separation – request permission to launch - copy that weapons – confirm area clear of blue air traffic - confirm that captain –are clear of blues - weapons initiate launch procedure –you are weapons free –launch code is PEACE DRAGON MUMBAI 911 –OVER Manjit pressed the launch button on the key pad as the self diagnostic system of the brahmos missiles quickly scanned itself and the “enter authentication code” came on screen. A corner of the screen showed a digital countdown clock which would abort the launch if the authentication code is not entered in within 9 seconds. As he entered the launch activation code the screen blanked off and now there was no stopping the launch except by using the self destruct button The deck was covered in a sheet of blackish orange flame as the first of the two Brahmos missiles leaped of the vertical launch tubes and angled straight up with a tremendous roar . As the solid booster burnt out the missile was already moving faster than sound as it tipped over and the ramjet engine kicked in propelling it to speeds in excess of 2.8 mach. The missiles did not fly a straight intercept path but a some what elongated ballistic path with the angle of intercept changing every second making any kind of anti missile block impossible and accelerating all the through its short flight duration . Even before the first two missiles went active on terminal guidance the second pair of missiles took off with the same fury and deadly accuracy that is the hall mark of Brahmos. And then they struck with naked ferocity of a demon unleashed. The first sovermany exploded from impact and kinetic energy release even before the high explosive warhead have detonated between the engine room and twin propeller shafts coming out of the massive gear boxes .The shafts were ripped out of their mountings killing everyone inside in less than a second . The second destroyer was hit at the missile storage area and the secondary explosion ensured there were absolutely no survivors at least on this ship . The third and fourth sovermanny class fared some what better .Both were stuck just under the water line and gave its crew few minutes of precious time before going down to ocean bottom . The Luhu class frigate strangely fared better .All four were damaged but they did not sink as the comparatively thin armor did not redirect enough of the blast force inwards and most of massive energy released went outwards . The four crippled frigates kept on floating and their crews went busy collecting the survivors and many many floating bodies and body parts from the ocean.

RED DRAGON FLIGHT-12 X SU-27 APPROACHING VIRAT CARRIER GROUPD –CENTRAL PACIFIC – 1220 HRS – SOME WHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC -1230 HRS. Lt Commander Anatoly was not happy the way the air battle was progressing .He has already lost two of his prized and almost irreplaceable flankers in a senseless dog fight but then no one could anticipate the accuracy of the derby missile or for that matter the bravery of sea harrier pilot who even knowing the absolute superiority of flankers in all aspects of air combat,still challenged them and fought on doggedly ,taking horrendous losses .But now things were getting nasty . All control over the battle was lost and each aircraft was trying to get its own score but not succeeding as the sea harriers deftly flew circles around the heavier flankers in match or turning tighter and tighter circles at slow speed with very clever use of their thrust vectoring Olympus engine. But then he saw the anti ship missiles being launched in salvos from the kashin class destroyers acting as escort to the small carrier. And before his unbelieving eyes he saw the awesome destructive power of brahmos missiles and what it did to the PLAN strike fleet in a matter of minutes .What was a force to reckon with was now nothing more than hunks of burning metal settling to ocean floor . And then his radar warning receiver screeched to life . The Phazotron Zhuk-ME capable of tracking ten targets to a maximum range of 245km is currently being developed for Indian Navy MiG-29Ks. As compared to its Fulcrum-D namesake, the MiG-29K (izdeliye 9.41) has an avionics fit which is at least 80% new and has considerable commonality with the production-standard MiG-29SMT (izdeliye 9.1 developed both for the home market and for export. In accordance with the Indian Navy's wishes the MiG-29K/KUB will feature some avionics items of Indian and French origin. The PrNK-29K and PrNK-29KUB navigation/ attack suites developed for the MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB respectively permit navigation and engagement of aerial and ground/surface targets throughout the aircraft's designated combat envelope, singly or as part of a group, regardless of whether the fighter operates from the carrier or from a shore base. Both versions of the suite have been developed by the RPKB Federal Research & Production Centre which is conjunction with the IDK-42 built-in test equipment system (informatsionno-diagnos-tlcheskiy kompleks). Radar-absorbing material (RAM) coatings will reduce the fighter's RCS by a factor of 4 to 5 as compared to the standard MiG-29. The RD-33MKwhich is due to enter production at the Moscow Machinery Enterprise named after V. V. Chernyshov, is a derivative of the production RD-33 Srs 3 which has been powering the MIG-29SE and the MiG-29SMT since 1995. It incorporates changes based on the experience gained with the RD-33K engine that powered the original MiG-29K and the MiG-29M; apart from the addition of full authority digital engine control (FADEC), the RD-33MK features revisions to the low-pressure and high-pressure compressors, the combustion chamber and the HP and LP turbines. This increased the mass flow by 6.5% and the turbine temperature by 40°K. The overall effect of these changes was to increase the thrust in full afterburner by 8% to 9,000 kgp (19,840 Ibst) and at full military power by 1% to 5,400 kgp (11,905 Ibst). The use ol a so-called smokeless combustion chamber has helped to address a perennial problem - the RD-33's high smoke signature which can be seen for miles, ruining stealth. The fully retractable IFR probe is tipped with a versatile adapter which is compatible with both Russian and Western refueling drogues. Fitting four under wing drop tanks and a PAZ-1MK hose drum unit turns the MiG-29K/KUB into a 'buddy' refueling tanker able to refuel other shipboard fighters. The mode as compared, to single-seat competitors. Both versions retain the basic Fulcrum's excellent air combat capabilities. If a 'buddy' refueling pod is fitted, the MiG-29K and MIG-29KUB can refuel probe-equipped sister aircraft, extending their range and endurance.

The information flashed through his mind even as he clicked on the radio switch to transmit and dived for the ocean floor - dragon flight –dragon lead –bandits inbound – Indian fulcrums – 10 o clock –engage The four flankers on top cover duty engaged full after burner and turned in for combat at the unseen mig 29k coming down from the sun. Their wings winking as the first salvo of R-77 ER s came in for the kill forcing the flankers dive for cover into ocean floor, all the while loosing energy and more importantly loosing valuable fuel. .

SOME WHERE IN SOUTHERN PACIFIC –BLUE RAY FLIGHT 12 XMIG 29K -1231 HRS The Indian navy fulcrums had an advantage which their Chinese flanker counterparts did not have –hundreds of hours of exercise against IAF Su-30s over land and more importantly over ocean over the entire range of combat envelopes .They knew the out of the world potential of Su -30s in not just BVR region but also in WVR and slow speed close combat where the turn rate matters and so does the size of the aircraft. They also knew the fuel consumption rate of the flankers in this kind of fuel guzzling fight at low altitude where situational awareness can come only from avionics calibrated and designed specifically for that purpose. . Dilip knew the way to kill the formidable flankers now facing him is time in combat and fighting them close where without the thrust vectoring ability of the MKI s the PLAAF flankers while not outgunned will be flying on fumes in a matter of minutes and then it will a battle he looked for . -blue ray flight –blue lead – execute attack plan orange vector –repeat orange vector The acknowledgements came in quickly .What it meant in practical terms is the fulcrums will from now on try to engage at lowest possible altitude .at lowest possible speed and with guns and heat seeking missiles rather than try for comparatively safer BVR shots with R-77/27 s RED DRAGON FLIGHT-10X SU-27 APPROACHING VIRAT CARRIER GROUPD –CENTRAL PACIFIC – 1232RS – SOME WHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC Lt Commander Anatoly leveled out at 200 ft over sea level and put his aircraft in a sharp turning climb leaving behind a cloud of chaff. He was not unduly worried about the Indian Mig 29 s but he was seriously worried about the effect of this engagement on his fuel status .As of now he had about 6 minutes of fuel left and there was no refueling tanker in position . Around him all the other Su 27s were forming up for the counter attack but the Indian salvo has taken its toll. 2 flankers have gone down cleanly and third was belching black smoke and then the pilot ejected as that too went on short downward spiral to the waves breaking up on contact. And that turned the situation in favor of Indians. Now there was 5 sea harriers and 12 Mig 29k S against 7 Su 27s all at low altitude of less than 5000 ft from ocean top.Antoly turned towards the nearest Mig 29k and armed up one of the R-77 for a close head in shot . Lt Commander Anatoly SOME WHERE IN SOUTHERN PACIFIC –BLUE RAY FLIGHT 12 XMIG 29K -1232HRS Dilip saw the flanker turning and pitching up for a missile launch even as he screamed in towards the fast turning flanker. He had know idea it was the Chinese commanders flight ,in fact he did not care a damn at that point of time, as he closed in nearly 2000 km/hour ,all he knew the turning flanker represented mortal danger and he acted in pure reflex from memories drilled into his brain from hours of similar dog fights over Arabian sea .The distance to target was less than 2 kms and there was simply no time for even a R-73 shot ,the missile may not arm itself in the remaining distance to target.As his left arm flashed upwards to pull in the lever activating the air brake ,his thumb flicked open the rough plastic cover over the firing button ,the gun ready status came on immediately and he pressed the trigger twice each less than a second as the cross hairs settled on the large twin tailed shape of the PLAAF Su 27 . The line of tracers sailed across the distance lazily almost before hitting flankers cockpit, killing the pilot immediately even before they reached the aft fuel tank which was mostly empty by now .The ATF vapor fist absorbed the heat of the incoming shells for a fraction of a second and then ignited in the closed confines of the tank ripping open the thin aluminum shell and the aircraft that carried it, into a shower of red hot metal and burning gas. One gone six more two go, though commander Dilip as he pulled the stick in and increases power to 100% military power .One of the mig 29khas gone down already most likely slow to recover from the power dive and taken in by a heat seeker from the target su-27 as he flashed past and trying to recover . The combat radar plot was chaotic at best and the two Ka-31 s were trying to sort out the mess as the sea harriers to joined the battle eager for revenge. -blue ray lead –blue ray 4- flanker 5 o clock – 175 –on intercept vector came the voice over radio -copy that blue ray 4 – engaging now One of the flankers has obviously managed to get rid of his mig 29k tail and climbing for him .That was bad news thought Dilip as pitched the nose down and at the same time engaged full after burner, clicking on a few flares and chaff bundles just for insurance .The flanker flashed past him guns blazing and exposing the sweet hot twin tail pipes to his R-73.The head phone growled and Dilip the fire button not even bothering to wait for a positive lock confirmation on the head up display. The R-73 leaped off the twin launching rail on starboard wing tip and flew in true and straight into the port engine exhaust all in one smooth move .The climbing flanker disintegrated in mid air and the residual fuel escaped in a white mist before igniting to make a perfect fireball against the backdrop of a blue sky . - blue ray lead- blue ray 6 – I am hit –ejecting ,came in the voice of the distressed pilot .a young lt commander just qualified on Mig 29k and the stress of first engagement must have made him make a mistake thought as below him the 36k ejection seat rocketed up and the parachute opened nice and clear . - tower –blue ray 3 –splash one flanker –confirm please ,came in the excited voice of his wingman as he made his first ever combat kill - Blue ray 3 –tower –confirm your kill –good work. And then the good news started coming in torrents as the Chinese pilots out numbered ,out fuelled and most importantly out maneuvered dropped of the sky one at time mostly by close in r-73 shots and only one more went to the sea harriers. The first naval air battle of the pacific in more than 60 years came to a close with total annihilation of the PLAAF force but the victory cam at a heavy price .6 harriers and two Mig 29Ks were lost in the intense battle lasting less than 15 minutes . And then there was still some work to be done .As the Mig 29 pilots broke off engagement and headed back to their carrier the second wave of sea harriers took off this time loaded with sea eagle anti ship missiles. Their target the remaining ships of the PLAN strike fleet now busy picking up the dead from the ocean. The sea harriers flew in low and fast, the threat of SAM being considerably reduced and launched their missiles exactly 75 kms from the damaged frigates .As the first flight moved out of launch zone the second flight came in and targeted the fleet oilers ,who at that point was not having any defense worth naming . But then Indian navy was in no mood to forgive and forget

PARADISE BLEEDING –SRI LANKA TODAY –AN EXCLUSSIVE BR REPORT It was a quickly planned visit without much planning but gave me the chance to have a closer look at the ground realities in the Sri Lankan capital –Colombo .The A-320 of Sri Lankan LEFT Mumbai at the unearthly hour of 0330 hrs for the short two hour flight to Colombo on a more or less direct route over Belgaom-Coambatore- croos the Indian territorial waters some where west of Thiruvanthapuram and a short over the ocean stretch just outside Sri Lankan territorial waters and then a sharp descent turning descent to Colombo airport . The approach reminded me of the IL-76 approaches over Kabul during soviet invasion with flares streaming, only this time thankfully there were no flares. The new terminal building is small but neat and well laid out .Immigration was quick and polite even though just the day before one of their ministers were killed by a terrorist bomb in down town Colombo. But then things changed. Security is overwhelming .Have never seen so many Ak 47 s and its variants anywhere even in Kashmir. The airport is quite far from the downtown area where all the hotels and government buildings are located. My hotel was next to the air force head quarters and that meant one security check post every 20 meters or so and particularly at night you are facing multiple AK s and at least one LMG when your pass port is being checked . It scared me for the first few times and then you kind of get used to just like the locals. My place of work was next to the port and if I am not mistaken did see one frigate with a single helo patrolling the approach to port .The paint looked too familiar but did not see the number from that far , What I liked most in Colombo –well the driving courtesy and their friendliness towards Indians and their intense hatred for the organization called LTTE. The day starts early and ends by 1700 and then it is time to go to the local imperial type club with the Sinhalese friends and exchange stories of the civil war –about the super natural motivation of LTTE suicide bombers most of whom are females ,about the illogical retaliation strikes by Sri Lankan forces whenever one of their own gets taken out by a land mine or IED, about separate number plates used in Tamil dominated areas , indiscriminate killing of other Tamil factions by LTTE to have total supremacy in the region and of course the never ending battle up north . The people of Colombo is taking everything in their stride ,the unending security checks ,the dwindling tourist trade ,lack of industrial growth and devaluation of their currency ( 110 SLR to a US$ ) . They still welcome visitors with a smile and rarely if ever discuss the privation and hardship of a civil war . The most striking feature f Sri Lankan capital is the Indian Ocean –emerald blue and unending. But the barbed wire fences and the machine guns posts spoil the effect. The old building are very British and that part of the city looked so much like Kolkata . Heard about IPKF and their battles with LTTE and how politics ruined the chances of their restoring peace in the island by their presence .About Elephant pass about Palely air base where the Mi 24 operated so effectively, how many ordinary Tamils liked Indian army presence and how LTTE took care of that spontaneous appreciation. Bought some books of that IPKF period written by Sri Lankan authors, some of whom were involved directly in the conflict ,and later killed. Hope to share with you those details in future. The Casino scene is good as long as you are ready to face the LMG s and AK 47 s while on your way back to hotel. But most visitors to casino were Chinese and Thais and Indians. Most locals just cannot afford such an extravaganza. But of course how can I write about the paradise and not mention the dark skinned beauties that inhabit the island. They are gorgeous in their own way but one who stole the show in the looks department was from a far away land – where the Volga flows. She was with a very tough looking military type and that coupled to An 32 s and Mi 17 s I saw in the airport made connection obvious . On the flight back the weather was clear and the ocean was sparkling like a million diamonds .From 34000 ft the savagery of War is hard to see and the emerald island looks just that. Hope some day the people of this beautiful place get their peace back.

SOMEWHERE IN CENTRAL PACIFIC -1800 HRS Lt commander Vina Peter came awake with a splitting headache .The water was cold and her back felt like it has been crushed in a ball mill many times over . He floatation jacket has inflated automatically when she hit the water. There was a metallic taste in her mouth ans as she spit out the stale blood a broken tooth came out with it. Her flight suit was torn at the shoulder and near her right fore arm but the bleeding has stopped . Her first task was to get the emergency locator beacon going at present strapped to her thigh. It was difficult to reach the locator and switch it on with the terrible back pain. Several futile efforts later she managed to switch it on and the small frequency agile transmitter started transmitting a pre arranged code. A small battery operated flashing lamp also came on and the battery health check indicator showed green and that meant good for 8 hrs at least . Vina suddenly felt very hungry and very alone in the vast expanse of central pacific. As she managed to tear open the aluminum foil wrap of a kit-kat high energy chocolate bar she hoped sincerely none of the natives of this ocean decide to pay her a courtesy visit right at this moment .Her only self defense weapon was the 0.38 Colt service revolver and a spare magazine –not exactly ideal for a under sea duel with a shark and in night. Vina Peter knew only too well about the white sharks of pacific and what they can do to a human if antagonized .She had no intention of becoming one more adition to the statistics .
The deep throbbing sound of a slow moving sea king was a welcome noise .As she flashed the red light and waved the heavy chopper made a circle and then hovered just over her as the winch with a basket was lowered .It was then Vina blacked out once again.
EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND –VIZAG Vice admiral Prakash Rao finished reading the short intelligence brief on extent and nature of political control over Chinese armed forces prepared for him by naval intelligence. As expected it was not very helpful or conclusive. He wanted to know how the new political leadership will act after the serious reversal of their forces in the pacific .So far they have not shown any overt counterstrike attitude and the main invasion fleet has entered the gulf of Thailand on schedule. His responsibility was to contain the PLAN surge as well as ensure the war does not spread to the land borders and of course cross the proverbial nuclear threshold. This was a directive more easily issued than implemented. For the time being he decided to keep the carriers in pacific –some what out of harms way and to be pull them into combat only at a later stage. Secondly he thought time is right for using the long range maritime strike assets of the navy both the Tu -22M3 and the Tu 142 s in a massive concerted strike at the core of the invasion fleets before the Chinese has time to recover. He made a mental note to contact the air chief for the sukhoi escorts over ocean route and in battle area .He would be needing a substantial number all of 3 squadrons at least . He also decided to decided to activate the Rajput class destroyers now pre positioned In Vietnam to move out into the gulf with air cover to be provided by the flankers from Philippines when needed All in all he planned on breaking the back of Chinese strike plan quickly and resolutely before they have time to recover from the recent losses and as far away from the shipping lanes as possible. UN moving with a ceasefire resolution was a real possibility and so was commencement of a land war. Time was of essence
His executive assistant came in with an arm load of satelitte photos and e-mails from Delhi .The filter coffees came in next and the strike plan for the next phase of the war began in earnest

VOLGA NIGHT FLIGHT-INS RAJALI -ARKONAM -0000 HRS - DAY 3 Commander Mohit Patel was visibly nervous as the ground crew laboriously loaded the long and heavy air launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles on to specially strengthened and designed under wing pylons. The five other bears of his flight were similarly armed up each with a load of 4 of the deadly cruise missiles each. They were all” upgraded missiles “meaning range in excess of 300 kms .The sky was over cast and a strong wind from the nearby bay of Bengal was coming in .The detailed operational order has come in from the eastern naval command less than an hour back and from then no personnel were allowed outside base or into base once the detailed operation order have been received for security reasons . Any information leakage could be catastrophic for the coming mission and the mobile jammer of the base was activated almost immediately much to the dismay of the resident population. The take off time was still classified and would be intimated less than one hour before departure. It took almost an hour to load up the missiles and do the electronic health check of the missiles which involved amongst other things the continuity between the pylon and missile data and power interfaces, ignition circuit, weapon separation simulation at the pylon and data transfer protocol check. That consumed another hour and then the fuelling of the mammoth internal fuel tanks started. Mohit Patel turned towards his rest area for a quick nap before the pre mission brief scheduled at 0400 hrs .He was asleep even before hitting the sack. He will lead the first ever naval air strike of Indian navy with supersonic miles in a matter of hours

NAVAL AIR STATION-INS KADAMBA –KARWAR –KARNATAKA-0030 HRS The six Tupolov 22 M3 crouched menacingly in their underground hanger cut in to the rock face surrounding the sprawling naval base. They have never been seen in public from the day of induction ,and not likely to be seen in next 5 years .They never took part in the star studded republic day fly pasts and never flew in day time . The practiced only in night against the Su 30 mkis of IAF, out in the Arabian seas at dead of night away from the commercial air ways. For most of Indian public they simply did not exist. Purchased at the same time as Goroshkov and the Akulas ,like the Akulas theye were also not meant for public display –they were the hidden cards of navy .Capable of nuclear as well as devastating long range maritime strike ,to day they were being armed up for a combat mission for the first time . Commander Malikaarjun Rao will lead the flight of six back fires each carrying upto four Brahmos anti ship cruise missiles - a more or less sure death to at least 12-16 of the PLAN invasion fleet once the Tu 22 s get into missile launch range .Time was running out for many out in the gulf of Thailand.

EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND –VIZAG -0100 HRS Vice admiral Prakash Rao at the latest infra red satellite photos and the synthetic radar images taken by a Russian satellite and forwarded to him from naval head quarters .Side by side he placed the daylight images received through Tech Sar and it was obvious the PLAN invasion fleet have made significant increase in their approach speed across the gulf of Thailand ,so as to enter quickly the Singapore strait /Malacca strait where the heavy commercial traffic will make any kind of concerted attack impossible. Once in the Andamans sea they will get adequate cover from land based Sukhois in Myanmar . The Chinese invasion fleet appears to have changed sailing tactics. No longer where they sailing in box formation with troop ships in the centre and destroyers surrounding it with frigates forming the outer most screen . According to latest imagery the PLAN fleet has stretched out in a long line with the lead elements being the 4 sovermanny class destroyers followed by the large fleet of troops ships and landing ship tanks and the rear coverage provided by the frigates.Four other destroyers along with six numbers frigates were acting as the outer screen of the convoy Helos from the destroyers were operating round the clock with active sonar as per reports received from one of the akulas operating in Destroyers: • Changsha (161) • Nanning (162) • Nanchang (163) • Guilin (164) • Zhanjiang (165) • Zhuhai (166) • Shenzhen (167) • Guangzhou (168) • Wuhan (169) Frigates: • Changde (509) • Maoming (551) • Yibin (552) • Shaoguan (553) • Anshun (554) • Zhaotong (555) • Jishou (557) • Beihai (558) • Kangding (559) • Dongguan (560) • Shantou (561) • Jiangmen (562) • Foshan (563) • Yichang (564) • Yulin (565) • Yuxi (566) • Xiangfan (567) Landing ships: • 10 Type 072II (Yuting class) LST • 7 Type 072 (Yukan class) LST • 4 Qiongsha class troop transport ships • 1 hospital ship 4 Yudao class Ops ready status have come in from Karwar ,Vizag, Arkonam, Car Nicobar as well as navy ships and submarines operating in the strike zone . The giant LCD display over head was displaying the current status of all Indian navy ships and submarines in the gulf of Thailand area except the submarines .Tele text data from IAF stations now under operational control of the navy were also streaming below the screen . The aircraft availability status was for the first time very good CAR NIC - 24 SU 30 MKI R-73/R-77/R-27ER UNDER FUELLING PORT BLAIR - 1 PHALCON PLUS 2 IL-78 MKI READY KARWAR - 4 TU-22 M3 UNDER FUELLING ARKONAM - 6 X TU 142 UNDER FUELLING IN PACIFIC INS VIKRAMADITYA - AIR CRAFT AVAILABILITY 80% INS VIRAT - AIRCRAFT AVAILABILITY 55% The smell of freshly brewed filter coffee filled the as the tray of cheering brew came in. Vice Admiral Rao decided to have one last word before giving the green signal to the devastating strike force now being assembled along east and western coast and strike if successful can change the complexion of not just this conflict but relation between the two neighboring giants for ever. As the flag officer commanding eastern naval command finished his second cup of freshly brewed filter coffee, the confirmation clearing the strike mission came in from naval headquarters . Unknown to but suspected by vice admiral Rao ,Indian strategic command elements were put on high alert –just in case. All along the eastern coast PAD/AAD units switched on their radars at maximum power and anti missile missiles were once again checked up by their computers –ready for immediate launch .Modified green pine radars all along the coast watched their respective sectors intently .Up in the space several Indian geo synchronous satellites turned on their infrared sensors directed on mainland china’s known missile launch centers. Down under the oceans both the Indian Akulas tok out the torpedoes from the tubes and replaced them with some thing far more sinster. And finally Agni 3 launchers in central and eastern India powered up as they went to highest possible alert level on receipt of special code from defense ministry coming to them via dedicated underground fiber optic cable. Prakash Rao though one last time before passing on the mission activation code to his executive assistants all senior navy commanders .A pre decided complete set of directives started being issued through navy’s own fibre optic data link for on shore units and via satellite to all offshore units . OPERATION DRAGON DEATH was under way atlast

VOLGA NIGHT FLIGHT-INS RAJALI -ARKONAM -0300 HRS - DAY 3 Commander Mohit Patel climbed into the instrument cluttered flight deck of his bear gingerly. Other crews were already strapped in and his first officer was busy with preflight checks now almost over. The smell of jet fuel was everywhere and ground crew have already started removing the wheel chokes from the six wheeled undercarriage appearing some what deflated under the full fuel ,load and the heavy air to surface missiles .Mohit leaned forward and adjusted his newly installed flat screen mult functional display to nose wheel mounted close circuit TV which will enable him to have a look at the runway as he would very carefully rotate the fully laden turbo prop powered aircraft off the runway. The radio came to life almost immediately -volga night lead –tower – confirm status –over - tower –volga night lead – finishing preflight-shall be ready to roll in zero five minutes - copy that volga lead –confirm when ready Behind him five other bears of Indian navy were going through the same lengthy preflight routine for over the water combat mission and one by one the aircrafts radioed in their ready status and waited for permission to motor start - tower – volga night lead – request permission to start motor - roger that volga night lead – your flight is cleared to start motor in sequence and roll up to hammer head via taxi way alpha –Charlie –delta 7 –over - tower – starting up –volga lead Mohit patel looked back at the flight engineer and nodded .The ignition circuit was closed on the port inner engine first followed by starboard inner then the port outer and finally the starboard outer . The eight bladed contra rotating propellers made a muffled roar as one by one they came up to full power and then were throttle back before the Mohit released the brake allowing the heavy bomber with its load of missiles to slid up the parking ramp into the designated taxiway one.The other five Tu 142 s followed quietly without any radio chatter and within minutes they were at the hammerhead .The head wind from the seas was strong at 15 knots and knew this will help shorten the take off roll considerably ,always a matter of concern for fully loaded bears. - tower –volga lead – request permission for take off The confirmation from tower came in immediately - volga lead –tower –your flight is cleared for immediate take off –in sequence please Commander Mohit changed the frequency to inter flight and issue the necessary instructions for a staggered take at 3 minute interval, initial climb out altitude and course till they cross the Indian waters .The IAF phalocn already on station will take control from there . The peace of the night in the sleepy town of Arkonam was shattered as the giants of the sky revved up their powerful engines and took to skies one by one .Climbing lazily into the distant horizon .The stench of burnt fuel was everywhere and would stay for several hours afterwards as the Tu 142 s banked to starboard ever so gently and flew on towards Gulf of Thailand .

OCEAN EYE FLIGHT – 1 X PHALCON AWAC –IAF –ANDAMANS SEA -0300 HRS It was quite and cool in the darkened interior of giant aircraft ,crammed to gills with high end electronics and countermeasures .Flying precisely at 40 000 ft over mean sea level in a standard race track patter for the time being it was responsible for directing and coordinating the coming strike packages . Commodore Manjit scanned the monitor bank all of which had a dedicated controller seated in front in a cushioned revolving seat .There were two rows of six monitors one on each side of the aircraft,just under the static radome housing the phased array radar arrays arranged as arms of an equilateral triangle –giving a full 360 degree coverage of the battle area all the time and in any weather condition . The port side of the monitor bank for this mission was assigned to command and control the navy bombers and their airforce escorts flying in from the main land . The starboard side of the monitor bank was assigned to control the navy ships in the gulf of Thailand And that included Mig 29ks that will be operating from Vikramaditya and flankers from land base s in Philippines . Up in the front was the commanders console featuring a large LCD display partitioned into sections each displaying a repetition of individual monitors in picture in picture mode and a duplicated satellite data link which can be used by the battle commander by passing the 12 sector controllers anytime
The night today was darker than dark and the red dim lighting did not help the tension building up slowly as the first of the Tu 142 s time to show up on the screen came close. Though officially the L and conformal radars were stated to have a range of 400 kms ,at 40000 ft altitude it was in practice nearly double that figure for a large bomber sized target like the Bear. Each individual console was manned by a Lt commander or a wing commander supervised by two group captains and a navy commander ,all reporting to the Commodore in charge or the battle commander .
So far the screen showed only the thinned out commercial traffic on the far east route .But then things were expected to change quickly –thought commodore Manjit as he scanned the air waves for signs of some thing amiss

NAVAL AIR STATION – INS KADAMBA –KARWAR- 0300 HRS –SERPENT EAGLE FLIGHT -6 X TUPOLOV 22 M3 Commodore Patel completed his pre flight walk around and started the some what tedious climb into the flight deck. Qualified on all the aircraft flown by the navy he was perhaps the most versatile naval aviator still in active flying duty . But then time has caught up with him and the slight increase in mid section diameter made the climb into the backfires flight deck wee bit difficult .The rest of the crew were already strapped in and a strong sea breeze was blowing in from the Arabian sea in almost moon less night . For today’s mission he was carrying apart from the 4 Brahmos mk 2 anti ship missiles also a pair of archers on wing tip mounted twin missile rails .The designated flight path would take him over the Indian peninsula –Belgaum-Hyderabad –Khammam where he would get his feet wet –over the short stretch of bay of Bengal – Car Nicobar –Andamans Sea and into the combat zone over gulf of Thailand . Most of the route he will go subsonic except the stretches over ocean to catch up with the bears as the phalcon commander will take over the direct mission control. Compared to the cockpit of IAF flankers or for that matter the Mig 29ks the flight deck of backfire was a bit outdated .A Single large flat screen display was partitioned off to indicate the scrolling map display getting its feed back from the Russian GPS system,the navigation details and weapons availability .Alongside a dedicated monitor showed the air and surface search radar display .Rest of the instruments were analogue primarily with a digital signal converter added on to feed the main display screen .The wing position selector lever was slightly behind and to right and at the moment in its take off/landing configuration. The fuel gauge showed he has about 22000 kg of fuel and the refueling plan included a single top up just inside Indian territorial waters off Khammam ,Andhra Pradesh. - tower –serpent eagle flight – ready to copy take off clearance –over - serpent eagle flight-tower – stand by Alone lone sea harrier took off in the distance, its task was amazingly enough was to drive off a private Cessna which have some how managed to veer into the climb out path of the backfires and was not responding to ATC instructions. Behind him the other 5 backfires started their engines and lined up on the hammerhead .The take off will be over the ocean and then a slow banking climb towards the mainland till reaching cruising altitude of 34000 ft for the first phase of the mission. They will be using the same high altitude airways used by the commercial airlines to minimize chance of detection till car nic air base . -Serpent eagle –tower – standby for immediate take off - Copy that tower – standing by -Serpent eagle lead –you are cleared for take off-runway 28 – fly runway heading-flight level 340 –course 105 –good hunting –over - tower –serpent eagle lead – cleared for take off – runway 280flight level 340-course 105 – taking off at 3 minutes interval –over - serpent flight –serpent lead – start rolling –over One by one the backfire took off in a mass of smoke fire and terrible noise ,lifting off the tarmac more like a interceptor rather the heavy strategic bombers they were and then slowly turning inlands climbing all the way .

SERPENT EAGLE FLIGHT -6 X TUPOLOV 22 M3-0430 HRS- KHAMMAM ,A.P So far so good thought commodore Patel as he washed down the last of the dhoklas with a cup of luke warm black coffee. The night outside was still dark but the scrolling map display showed he has reached the last mainland waypoint and now about to get his feet wet. Behind him the other five backfires were all in one line keeping the regulatory civil aviation separation of 1000 ft vertical and 10 km horizontal from the each other so as to give the impression of normal international civilian traffic .The mach indicator showed 0.85 exactly same as would be expected in a 747 or A320/340 at the present flying altitude band and navigation lights were still on . But there ended all the similarities ,The back fire looked like an aerial predator out and out which in fact it was .The refueling probes were officially not upgraded as per last SALT treaty but things on ground were different .All the 6 Tu 22M3 in today’s flight were equipped with a screwed in type aerial refuelers allowing them to take in fuel from the IAF IL 78 MKI s one at a time giving them true intercontinental range .The refueling point was still some distance away and prescribed refueling speed was 600 km/hr at 25000 ft . As he pulled back on the collective throttle slowly the air speed started bleeding off and at the same time his first officer started the lengthy procedure of radio chit chat the communication protocol was established and the slow approach to the flying gas station started - indian oil one –serpent eagle flight –request permission to approach for tanking –over - serpent eagle flight –we see you –authentication code please over the voice of wing commander in charge of the refueling flight was cool and calm ,almost bored felt commodore Mohit patel - Indian oil one –refueling mission authentication is delta zebra Charlie 2 4 0ver - Stand by serpent eagle –validating authentication - Serpent eagle flight –your authorization is valid –approach procedure orange noon –repeat orange noon –over Mohit Patel checked up the code book though he knew what orange noon meant. It specified the exact refuel altitude and indicated air speed and fuel transfer rate for a particular transfer operation . This varied for each aircraft depending on fuel level in the tankers storage and transfer pump speed which depended on the fuel level in the tanks . In the distance he could now see the navigation lights of the tanker as he deftly manipulated the throttle and deployed the air brake for a few seconds for the correct approach speed .As the distance decreased Patel kept on reducing the engine power till at barely 20 meters from the tanker and less than 5 meters below it the the large aircraft had no relative speed and commodore patel needed all his flying skill to ease into the fuel receptacle dangling in air left of his wind screen . Green lights came on moment the contact was made and high speed centrifugal pumps on board the IL78 started pushing in turbine fuel into the backfires central tank .Behind Patel the flight engineer opened the cross feed valves periodically to maintain the centre of gravity of the aircraft at present position and also fill up all the wing tanks simultaneously . The operation took almost 8 minutes as the sensors in the refueling pipe sensed FULL level in the backfires tank and stopped the pumps . Mohit eased back on the collective, gently disengaging from the tanker and veering down and out of the refueling zone as the next backfire came on slow and silent –hungry for a drink .

OCEAN EYE FLIGHT – 1 X PHALCON AWAC –IAF –ANDAMANS SEA -0500 HRS Commodore Manjit was earning his pay this early morning. All the twelve interactive consoles were now active and he as air –sea battle commander was deluged with rush of real time information and decide on the response in a matter of seconds. The PLAAF intercepting flights have not yet been detected but expected any time.To any outsider the scene inside the half a billion dollar flying air traffic control centre would have looked like a busy fish market of Chennai but it was not that . In fact it was worse than a fish market with abnormally high stakes and it was the responsibility of the air sea battle commander to bring some order into the chaos first and then execute the neatly pre choreographed dance of death

-volga night flight entering active control zone sir –putting them on holding pattern over grid sector bravo zeta - serpent eagles are over due –delayed by 10 minutes due to bad weather over car nic –just entering positive identification zone Commodore responded reflexively - roger that let the bears slow down and go into race track holding pattern till further advise - tell those backfire buggers to speed up a bit and enter assigned grid asp - volga night lead – ocean eye – hold position –reduce speed to 300 knost and flight level 150 till further advise - serpent eagle lead-ocean eye – you are cleared supersonic to grid sector bravo alpha –report when in position –maintain flight level 340 –over - sir there is delay in flanker escort from car nic –report animal intrusion in the runway – estimated delay -15 minutes - contact car nic –get me the officer commanding – want those damn flanker in air as of yesterday - roger that sir – getting base commander on line - sir a message from air headquarters – intel indicates a full squadron of flankers taking off from Myanmar –on possible intercept course to our bears - alert bears – contact port blair if they can divert some flanker son CAP
Wing commander Jalan could not believe his eyes . A full grown 26 ft salt water crocodile was relaxing on the runway just as he was about to get into take of position and behind him 14 other Su-30 MKI s waiting their turn. The dark and massive reptile could have seriously damaged his sensitive undercarriage if not noticed by the powerful landing lights .As called in the towers attention to this rather unexpected problem a team of airbase security personnel rushed in a Gypsy to take care of the problem

SERPENT EAGLE FLIGHT -6 X TUPOLOV 22 M3-0505 HRS –ANDAMANS SEAS Commander Roy listened to the terse instructions from the air battle commander on board the Phalcon and waited for the confirmation from his team leader.As per established norm there was no radio communication only the navigation lights of the lead aircraft blinked on and off in a primitive code (Morse) .This was followed by bright flash of orange flame as the lead aircraft engaged afterburner and accelerated forward increasing the minimum horizontal separation from the rest of the formation. Roy knew it meant he could at least use the superlative capability of his aircraft and more particularly the NK 25 engines for a few minutes. But before that he needed to change the wing configuration for subsonic flight .As he moved the wing position lever to full swept back position ,twin dedicated hydraulic motors silently moved the wings back on slotted rails and the bomber took on the appearance of an oversized interceptor . The air speed increased almost immediately with simultaneous pitching motion caused by marginal reduction of lift on the wing surface .He looked the other aircraft in the formation ,blinked his navigation lights in pre arranged sequenced and pushed the twin throttle past the reheat gate to 125% full military power . The expected ejection seat pressing into his back sensation and before even he got used to the new sensation his mach meter displayed 1.10 and he was flying faster the sound .

INDIAN AIRFORCE STATION –CAR NICOBAR-RHINO CHARGE FLIGHT-0510 HRS Wing commander Jalan did not know to laugh or cry .The crocodile on runway was turning out to be more than a handful for the security guards who were slowly pushing it out of the runway in bush with long poles and the big croc was not at all amused at the rough treatment as it kept on snapping at the guards every now and then .It took almost 12 minutes for the runway to be cleared and Jalan immediately switched to tower frequency for take off clearance - tower –rhino charge lead-request immediate take off clearance for my flight - stand by rhino charge - rhino charge lead –tower – ocean eye indicates possible bandit flight crossing Myanmar coast in grid sector orange bravo at flight level 200 – suggest neutralize incoming bandits first before joining the escort force –contact ocean eye immediately on take off –ocean eye will have full operational control –over - copy that tower – cleared for take off- report to ocean eye once in air –over - rhino charge flight – we have possible large bandit formation inbound- contact ocean eye on frequency 131.5 once on air – we may have to split guys –best of luck The twin AL 31 s changed its tone from low growl to a thunderous roar as wing commander Jalan pushed the throttle levers all the way forward to 185% military power and the flanker trembled within the restraint of the breaks which Jalan released in one go and the flanker leapt forward and was in air in less than 400 meters ,the canards moving in unison to the thrust vectoring nozzles making possible a take off really short compared to other aircrafts of its size .

RED FURY FLIGHT – APPROACHING IAF PHALCON- ANDAMANS SEA-0515 HRS- 12 X Shenyang J-11-0515 HRS Zhenning Mao ,leaned forward and switched the radar to standby mode .He had the Indian phalcon and its escorts approximately fixed and intended to switch it on again as he is closer to target . His flight of 12 J11 s , a naked copy of famed Su 27 s were flying a tight diamond formation 3 flights of four aircraft each . He knew of the four Su 30 MKI s operating escort for the flankers , and was sure he could overwhelm the defenses of Phalcon even if it cost a number of brave PLAAF pilots for a greater cause. His logic was good but somewhat outdated .To start with switching off the air search radar did not made him invisible to the Phalcon or for that matter the Indian flankers protecting it . In fact it made it detection by the Phalcon easier and the real time position of his flight was relayed by high speed data link to the escorting flankers and also via satellite to the tri services command at Port Blair as well as air headquarters new Delhi. The nett result confrontation shaped up even before the J-11 flight was anywhere near the strike range. The force multiplication effect of a Phalcon was about to be tested in combat for the first time and unfortunately the PLAAF top brass was in no mood to expose another of its valuable mainstay clones to KS 172 equipped Indian flankers .In an indirect was the killing of the pair of of PLAAF A-50 s early in the conflict achieved the objective of asymmetric warfare ,by grounding of the remain PLAAF awacs for the time being .For Indian air force and navy a small window of pure air dominance opened up when the all the theoretical exercises and war gamming based on awac support will be put to test.It remained to be seen –what will be the outcome
OCEAN EYE FLIGHT – 1 X PHALCON AWAC –IAF –ANDAMANS SEA -0500 HRS-0520 HRS Commodore cursed loudly in his native Punjabi as the aircraft hit a clear air turbulanec pocket and lurched downwards without warning .The paper coffee cup was not designed for containing the upward movement of hot caffeinated fluid and it splashed on his white dress uniform . But the time was not there to do anything about it as the individual sector commander’s started calling in with detailed status reports - sir – we have a situation developing in grid sector tango Charlie – 12 J-11 aon intercept course – time to missile launch r-77/27 one five minutes at present course and speed - contact the bloody rhino chargers and tell them to divert at least half their assets to intercept the incoming bandits pronto – do not divert our dedicated escorts for the time being - rhino charger –ocean eye – bandits inbound – engage immediately – possibly J 11 type- donot activate air search radar now – make your heading 285-altitude 8000 meters – no friend lies in the area –you are free on all weapons –over - ocean eye –rhino lead – diverting rhino 1 through 6 for intercept mission – rest stays with pre assigned escort mission – new flight call sign is Bengal deep – heading 285 –making altitude 8 kilo meter –understand free on all weapons –over - sector commander get me car nic base immediately - one moment sir please - car nic base – please connect to base commander now –ocean eye commander on line - ocean eye –car nic base – go ahead - car nic – we need immediate re enforcement – can you launch six more flankers as of yesterday –we have bandits inbound – 12 plus j-11 -15 minutes out - shall do sir – flight of six flankers beings scrambled right now - sir the bears have reached their waypoint three and awaiting clearance to enter weapon free zone - hold up the bears for a few more minutes –status on the backfires - sir the six back fires are expected to enter grid sector bravo zulu in 3.05 minutes - ok then clear the bears into weapons free zone but they are to launch only on my command - volga night –ocean eye –you are cleared to enter grid sector alpha zulu – make your heading 075 –altitude 7000 meters – you are not yet free to launch – launch on specific command from here - ocean eye –serpent eagle –entering grid sector bravo zulu –request weapon free - stand by serpent eagle- maintain present course and heading – throttle back to 0.65 mach for next few minutes – volga night entering launch window anytime - copy that ocean eye –standing by The war in gulf of thailand and andamans was about to start with unmatched intensity and destructive power -in a few minutes . Commodore Manjit sipped the seventh cup of black coffee and remembered the last piece of advise of his Russian instructor when he just joined the naval aviation and was being trained to fly the Tu 142 in russia The outcome of any conflict does not depend on the weapons or the numbers, but on the commander who knows how best to use them in the most effective way and without remorse. He intended doing just that
PLAN INVASION FLEET –GULF OF THAILAND It was a massive fleet by any standard and by definition a massive target opportunity for any concerted air strike. Admiral Shen yang looked at the combat plot developing up,deep in the bowels of his sovermanny class destroyer leading the flotilla . Two squadrons of Su 27 s were on standby in nearest land bases and he also had a sizable combat air patrol of 8 flankers overhead. Air search data from the flankers were downloaded and integrated into the main combat plot and so far it showed nothing but a large number of slow moving dots on the outer periphery of the screen appearing to be an unusually high density of commercial airliners from the size as well as cruising altitude. He as expecting a anti ship strike form Indian flankers only as he neared the Andaman island chain but then it never hurt to be too careful .He keyed in his command in the personal console and it was immediately data linked to the su 27s patrolling overhead .Two of the flankers broke of the standard race track pattern gas conserving flight profile and moved off in easterly direction to check the incoming ,yet to be positively identified “commercial flights” Their brief was to intercept all incoming aircraft at 200 km air exclusion envelope and do a visual identification and report . SERPENT EAGLE FLIGHT -6 X TUPOLOV 22 M3-0505 HRS –ANDAMANS SEAS Commander Roy ,was fuming as he was made to wait and the bears were being positioned for the first wave of missile strike and he was assigned the job of providing electronic counter measure support ,simply put use his powerful onboard jammers as the bears make the approach . - serpent eagle lead –ocean eye –stand by to activate electronic counter measures – frequency band of bad guys is 2.3 -2.65 Ghz .(no one really knew how the phalcon commander came to know the exact operating frequency of the PLAAN Sovermanny class air search radars and its back up frequency band ,much later the PLAN will blame the Russians for intended leakage and the Americans will blame the Israelis for supplying state of the art scanners but the truth will never be known ) Roy signaled the electronic counter measure system operator, a young electronic engineer from IIT Kanpur who preferred to join the air force on an exciting carrier rather than sell credit card for an American bank, even if the pay was less than 1/5th. Squadron leader Dubey –liked playing with his super expensive console and electromagnetic radiation was his specialty. Today his job was comparatively simple –seek and blank out the air search frequencies used by the sovermanny class destroyers and the flankers for a few minutes as the bears launch their anti ship missiles and fly out of danger zone. At his disposal was an ultra powerful 55 KW DRDO designed wide band radio frequency emitter which once activated would seek out and jam all search and track frequencies in the selected spectrum automatically. The massive power demand of the jammer was a problem ,even for the IL76’s rugged avionics power bus and before switching it on Dubey had to turn down the power to the main search radars on top as well as turn down the air conditioning and air recirculation to its minimum setting . That done he checked the available power and spoke the flight deck on intercom and the commander on flight deck increased the throttle lever to 90% military power and leveled out as the nose of the aircraft pointed straight at the PLAN invasion fleet . Squadron leader Dubey scanned his console once again and then pushed up the micro circuit breaker powering up the jammer and then slowly turned on the console dial to its maximum setting . And then the stage was set for all hell breaking loose.

RED FURY FLIGHT – APPROACHING IAF PHALCON- ANDAMANS SEA-0515 HRS- 12 X Shenyang J-11-0515 HRS Zhenning Mao Liked to fly and liked to fight but he hated the penny pinching mind set of his countries political leadership . From the outside the J-11 looked like an original flanker and flew at the more or less the same speed too but there all the similarities ended.While the earlier kit built models were supplied to units near Taiwan the later versions with Chinese aviation electronics were earmarked for this mission .

As in all copied items the performance left a lot to be desired. The multi target engagement capability was only good for brochures and the as a result the aircraft he flew was good only for secondary attack missions. The technology transfer did not include transfer of know how on engines and avionic and as a result he could only use imported Russian missiles and bombs .The radar had a tendency to become overheated when on full 9kw output power even at medium cruise altitude and only satisfactory at high altitude flight mode. The screen resolution was not good. Still it was a good aircraft but then good is a relative term ,particularly when you are going up in combat against a flight of six Su30 mki arguably worlds best air dominance fighter equipped with the best avionics suite money could buy . His mission today was a simple one –to shoot down the Indian Phalcon and for that objective he was assigned a dozen J11 s. He had no awacs support, and needed to switch on the radar at least for a few seconds to get a position fix . As he clicked on toggle switch activating the emitters, the screen came alive with many fast moving blips coming his way which was not here even few minutes before -red fury flight –lead – bandits inbound –six Su 30 mksi – altitude – 6500 meters- 215 heading – 170 kms – you are cleared to go active and engage –acknowledge –over As the confirmations started coming in ,Zhennig leaned forward and quickly reconfigured the multi functional display to attack mode . He had 4 R 77 with an equal number of archers. He decided to execute a classic attack profile starting with salvo of R-77 followed by close in killing shots with R-73 s . His right hand moved with practiced ease as he pulled back on the stick inching the nose up and pushed the throttle lever all the way forward . The engine rpm meter quickly jumped to 104% and the afterburners kicked in increasing the thrust to close combat level or 185%maximum military power as the Chinese flankers climbed for altitude advantage in the combat. OCEAN EYE FLIGHT – IAF PHALCON-OVER ANDAMANS SEA -Sir –the Chinese flankers are on fast climb out and have activated their radar –looks like they are getting ready to launch 77 at our sukhois Commodore Manjit was cool as usual as he started issuing stat co orders, taking charge of the new situation immediately - alert rhino chargers –tell them not to split for the time being –I want those flanker copies splashed - rhino charger –ocean eye - do not split now – 12 J11 s on direct intercept course to your flight – climbing for altitude – engage now - copy that ocean eye – going active now –ok we see them at 10000 mtrs and climbing –still out of weapon range –intend to take a close in shot first at their red hot a—es Commodore Manjit had to smile at the somewhat unmilitary description of the J 11 a afterburning exhaust. He nodded to the sector commander handling the communication link - ocean eye okays the engagement mode – careful and good hunting - Sir the all the six bears are in missile launch position – shall I clear launch - Ok lets do it assign targets to individual aircrafts from our rooster now - Volga night lead-ocean eye –here is your target co ordinates – you are weapons free repeat weapons free –confirm missile away and move out of designated grid immediately - Ocean eye –volga night –copy instruction –weapons free – first target co ordinate is ----- launching in 30 seconds - Ocean eye –serpent eagle – have gone active on jammers - Copy that serpent eagle –stand by for orders in 0 5 minutes – volga night in launch mode - Copy that ocean eye
PLAN INVASION FLEET –GULF OF THAILAND-0516RS GULF OF THAILAND Admiral Shen yang always like to take his command decision at his own pace .He was not worried much about a concerted air strike by the Indian flankers since the superlative air defense capability of his destroyers and almost 4 dozen high speed interceptors at his command in nearby mainland bases he could if required rustle up a formidable air defense capability in a matter of minutes . As he watched the radar scope he saw an unusually large number of large aircraft in the main east west air corridor over Thailand but they were all flying the standard international air speed for commercial traffic that is mach 0.85 and at standard altitude of 34000 ft . And then things changed quickly .One by one the first of the six aircraft started loosing altitude quickly and turned on a course that will put them on a flank attack position on his convoy in a matter of minutes . The other six aircraft has slowed down to mach 0.65 a pretty un usual speed change for a group of civilian airliner unless they were all planning to land in a near by Thai airport simultaneously . Shen would have thought this to be a classic missile attack posture if the distance to the attacking aircraft were less say 100 kms or so. But at the moment they were almost 450 km way and as far as he was concerned why would they start getting into a missile launch position so far from the target. And then the SAM console operator almost screamed in his ear -Sir all our search and tracking radars have been jammed by a powerful broadband jammer About the same time the screen in front Admiral shen yang turned into white hash This time Shen yang did not hesitate as he issued orders –right left and centre –knowing full well it was too little too late - put all close in guns on full auto - get all sam systems activated and ready to launch whenever they get a lock at any incoming aircraft /missile - tell the flankers to close in on the unidentified aircraft at max speed and engage VOLGA NIGHT FLIGHT – 6 X TUPOLEV 142 –GULF OF THAILAND -0517 HRS Commander Mohit Patel put the massive bomber on a turning dive ,approaching the PLAN invasion fleet from flank ,this he believed would give his flight that best target profile .All the brahmos his flight was carrying were programmed to carry out a S type terminal maneuver that would make them approach the respective targets in a steep dive through the predicted SAM envelope and then just within the field of view of the close in weapon system but still outside its engagement range that is precisely at 4 km from the target to go into a sea skimming 90 degree turn to hit the target ship from behind just below the water line . The destruction of any ship by this strike profile was almost certain and no defensive system the Chinese ships carried was expected to be effective against such an attack. His target bunch was the lead 8 sovermanny class destroyers and for that his flight carried 24 Brahmos mark 2 anti ship missiles with an effective range of 500 kms plus but rated at just under 300 kms to keep the MTCR lobby happy . Volga night lead –volga night flight – confirm target data loaded and ready for launch - Volga 2 –ready to launch - Volga 3 ready for launch The rest of the launch ready confirmation came on quickly - ocean eye – commencing missile launch salvo mode –now - copy that volga night –ocean eye concurs –god shooting Commander Mohit leveled out the bomber and pushed the collective all the way forward and the four massive turbo props growled in unison .The weapon ready status came on as a cluster of green . Mohit pulled the nose of the aircraft up in a very gentle climb as he squeezed the weapon release switch gently ,waited as the first missile dropped free and ignited its solid motor ,only then he squeezed the trigger second time and agin waited as before and then squeezed the rigger one last time as the third brahmos cleared the slip stream and lit its fiery tail -volga lead –ocean eye –we see clean weapon separation – good launch – exit to grid sector bravo delta –now –confirm over - volga night two –you are cleared to launch – good shoot –ocean eye watching -copy that ocean eye –volga lead –turning back –thanks for assist - ocean eye – volga night two – dropping big sticks now –over Within ten minutes all the 18 missiles were releases and on their way to the lead elements of the PLAN invasion fleet equipped with best anti aircraft defense and anti missile defense system that peoples republic of china could lay its hands on –but against the incoming salvo of mach 3 extended range brahmos missiles they were quite useless .As the 18 missiles entered the active air defense envelope of the PLAN destroyers the powerful anti missile /aircraft system of sovermanny class came alive but did not even lock on a single incoming before the high speed missile went on pre programmed terminal avoidance maneuvers in the form of an extended s hitting the ships on the stern just below the water line . As each missile hit the armor plated behind they punched a hole almost 2 meter diameter inwards and then exploded in a horrendous detonation,generating a shock wave powerful enough to kill any one in the bowels of the ships instantly. The secondary shock waves followed in regular interval as the fires reached the aviation fuel tanks and the primary and secondary magazines .One by one the mighty sovermannys of PLAN started taking on water and then sinking into gulf of Thailand unceremoniously. -volga night –ocean eye –good work –we see 12 ships sunk and rest appear to be badly damaged – clear off the are guys –over - thanks ocean eye for the confo – bugging out Mohit patel atlast relaxed a little ,completing the first long range maritime strike with supersonic missiles in the history of naval combat ,he knew he will be never forgotten and then the training took over as he eased back on the throttle and set course home –still a long way off SERPENT EAGLE FLIGHT – 6 TUPOLEV 22 M3 -0520hrs - serpent eagle lead –ocean eye – stand by for missile launch - copy that ocean eye – moving into launch grid bravo zulu - serpent lead confirm you have updated target co ordinates - ocean eye –serpent lead –we have downloaded the latest target data –request weapons free - stand by serpent eagle Commander Roy looked at his first officer who already was hunched down over the knee height console ,confirming one last time all missiles were healthy and ready to go and the data transfer was complete .Unlike the bears attack this time the brahmos missiles were programmed to do a classic top attack .Approach the ship at wave top and then suddenly just outside the close in weapon range climb vertically up, execute a sharp u turn in the sky and then dive straight into the target ship -Serpent eagle-ocean eye – you are weapons free –over - Serpent eagle lead to serpent flight – we launch together on my command -5 4 3 2 1 -FIRE 24 heavy anti ship missiles dropped free of the launch platform 8 at a time at precisely 15 second interval and then moved away in a thunderous roar .They covered the distance to targets in a few minutes and then skidded to the wave tops as they entered the air defense zone covered by surface to air missiles .Once agin just outside the close in weapon system range they went vertical accelerating all the way and then turned back and made a screaming dive on their doomed targets mostly troop ships and lightly armed frigates .Most of the targets simply disintegrated under the enormous impact and then the heavy high explosive warheads exploded tearing the troops ships and escorting frigates into masses of red hot scrap metal . Fortunately the Chinese admiral was not alive to see the near annihilation prized invasion fleet.He died a few minutes after the first salvo

RHINO CHARGE FLIGHT-12XSU-30MKI-0525 HRS –ANDAMANS SEA Wing commander Jalan looked at his radar display ,the data link feed from Phalocn and his moving map display helped him make up his mind on the final tactical strike plan against the incoming dozen odd J-11 . Flying the state of the art Su-30mki ,perhaps the best air dominance fighter in the world in full operational service did not, make him complacent .On the contrary the available flying and navigational aid made him feel more like a combat manager and at the moment he was fine tuning his zero loss defensive strike plan using all the resources at his command –the dozen best combat aircraft with thrust vectoring ability along with very powerful electronic countermeasure capability, the available awac support –the pre knowledge of the flying limits of J-11 type aircraft and confidence in the skill level of his team mates Rhino lead –rhino team –stand by to copy strike plan -Standing by –rhino lead – rhino 2 Standing by –rhino lead –rhino 3 and the alert status came in quickly - rhino team –rhino lead – execute strike plan orange glow –repeat orange glow - copy that rhino lead –ready to execute plan orange glow on your command - ocean eye – rhino charge lead – ready to execute orange glow –concur over Commodore Manjit had to admire the guts of the young pilots .Instead of firing the long range R-77 s and then following up with R-73 shots up close in copy book style-Jalan was in effect asking permission to close in within r-73 range with radars off ,depending solely on the track guidance from the phalcon and then hit from right below the incoming J-11 s with R-73 in caged mode using the far superior turning climb ability of the mkis and then use R-77 s as secondary weapon to finish off the escaping J-11s Thinking for just a few seconds commodore Manjit gave his sanction to the plan -rhino lead –ocean eye –you have all signal green- we are turning over four consoles to your mission –happy hunting - thanks ocean eye –executing now - rhino team-rhino lead – execute orange glow -5 4 3 2 1 now . The 12 Su 30 mkis broke up at right angles into four distinct flight . The first three stayed on course and reduced speed to 800 km./hr .The second groups turned starboard at angles and dived for the waves .The third group similarly turned port and once again went for the waves .The fourth group went vertical on full afterburner and climbed for maximum altitude and were soon crossing the 15 km band . The PLAAF J-11 which was almost getting ready to launch their load of BVR missiles (Chinese copy of R-77) suddenly were with too many widely set target co ordinates and the threat priority assigned by their attack computer were no longer valid and the individual computers went on reset mode and restarted to assign new missile launch priority based on distance ,speed and altitude of the incoming Indian mkis ,aborting the already programmed in firing solution fed to the missiles guidance chips . - rhino lead –ocean eye –distance to target 75 km –execute cross now All the 12 mkis lit their afterburner and executed a simultaneous horizontal and vertical scissor maneuver. What happened is in a matter of second s the aircrafts that were flying top cover went for the waves as the 3 flankers flying on wave tops and barely detected on J-11 radar went vertical and took up the top cover position .At the same time the two flight s of three flankers from port and starboard changed side using their full thrust vectoring capability with hardly any altitude change. The PLAAF flight could no longer maintain formation and still defend itself ass the Indian flankers were starting to envelope the Chinese flight in a deadly game of cat and mouse. As they split up to meet the Indian challenge –the IAF Phalocn noted the dispersion and fed exact position of individual PLAAF aircraft to the Indian sukhois. - rhino lead- ocean eye –you have two J 11 on your tails 50 km and closing at high speed - copy that ocean eye –tell me when to break - standby rhino lead - rhino 4 – bandit launched radar seeker on you deploy chaff and break away now - thanks –ocean eye – bugging out now –chaff deployed - rhino lead –ocean eye -time to play tango - copy –ocean eye –rhino lead thanks Jalan pulled the stick towards him self and to the starboard limits . As he pushed the throttle collective to full afterburner the jet skidded on its tail and was facing the incoming r-77 clones fired by the PLAAF J-11 .He squeezed off half a dozen chaff packet ,checked ECM pod was on and then pulled into a steep vertical climb ,allowing the pair of radar seekers to pass under and explode harmlessly far away. As his pushed the stick forward the flanker nosed down seeking out its prey ,which in this case was flight of three J-11 s hopelessly exposed and trying to get away from the Indian flanker looming up and forward but at maximum speed not having much success . So they executed only option still available put their collective nose down and dived for the ocean. Jalan did not hesitate as he selected r-73 for all the three J-11 s and punched the firing trigger three times . The state of the art onboard attack computer took in the fire command ,checked the radar data and the aircraft information stored in its hard drive and decided on the target priority ,targeting the closest one first and then in sequence There was no question of missing as Jalan looked at each of his doomed enemy ,the helmet mounted sight noted the Doppler shift of their radar echo and guided in the three missiles already launched . Two of the J-11 exploded one after another in the sky barely 100 meters over the ocean and third one crashed into the waves as its brave pilot tried to out run the archer. - ocean eye –rhino lead –splash three –confirm please - ocean eye copies –rhino lead splash three bandits –type J-11

RHINO CHARGE FLIGHT-12XSU-30MKI-0532 HRS –ANDAMANS SEA Wing commander Jalan shook his head vigorously to clear the eyes which have started watering after the vigorous thrust vectoring maneuvers and then as he caught the bright flash of exploding fire balls .It took him a few seconds to focus on the plot and his weapon system officer was already plotting the path to next bandit which was trying to get out of the killing field. The tactical net came alive as the Phalcon kept a constant watch on the developing battle and kept up a stream of real time information flowing in - Rhino 5 – J-11 – 3 o clock- 28 kms –moving into your tail –break left mow - Rhino 6 – radar seeker on your tail –deploy counter measure now –break left - Rhino lead – we have a juicy target pair – 0ne o clock -40 kms closing in - Ocean eye –rhino lead – engaging Jalan was feeling the exhaustion of intense air combat in his bones as he made a sharp turn to starboard lining up for a classic head on R-77 launch .As he selected the weapon on attack console the shoot prompt came up on the head up display almost immediately and the radar warning receiver went into over drive as both the incoming J-11 s launched their missiles . Jalan did not bat an eye lid as he squeezed of a pair of adders and dived for the ocean floor in a flurry of chaff packets which were pumped out automatically triggered by the radar warning receiver feedback . As he leveled out barely 20 meters from sea level one of the missiles was still on his tail ,matching his every move but obviously not much gas left to do any long chase .Jalan pushed stick all the way to port and lit afterburner for a maximum rate climb ,the missile followed ,Jalan eased back on the throttle ,the air speed bled off quickly ,few more packets of chaff punched out into slip stream and then suddenly the flanker was standing still on its tail and then started sliding back ,stick forward and the su-30 mki pointed its nose down ,increase power to maximum ,maintain the turn and out of the radar lock of the incoming missile –safe at last ,pull up on the stick slowly and get out of the screaming power dive – and back to level flight once again Rhino lead –that was a smart move – we confirm one more kill to your account –ocean eye - Rhino 8 break –break off now – 2 j-11 closing in from 5 and 7 oclock - Rhino 3 help rhino 8 – maybe you will have to use the guns Squadron leader jamwal was on his way even before advised the air battle commander as he increase throttle to 125% military power and dived on one of the J-11 now in threatening position to rhino 8 .The distance to target rapidly decreased to 4 km and he decided for a close in gun shot as any heat seeker he might launch may hit the friends . As he closed to 3 kms the floating cross hair appeared on his his head up display .Up on the port leading edge root extension the Gsh 301 powered up automatically and belt feed lock opened up. The j-11 by now was trying hard to shake him jinking right and left at random but agin it was no match for the thrust vectoring super agility of the mki Jamwal kept his floating cross hair firmly on the wing root as the distance to target decreased to 2 km and reduced power to 1005 military power .The shoot command came up on the head up display ,obe last aim correction and Jamwal gently squeezed the red fire button for a standard 3 second burst . The tracers hit the J-11 in a diagonal line from port wing root to vertical stabilized cutting it open like a sardine can which then disintegrated by high speed inrushing air even before the fuel tanks have a chance to explode . -ocean eye –rhino 3 –splash one thunder –confirm please - god work rhino 3 –confirm one thunder splashed –good work –join rhino 8 -2 j-11 trying to escape -4 o clock -1500 meters -6 klicks -copy that ocean eye – regrouping with rhino 8 now Rhino 8-rhino 3 –execute strike cats eye now - copy that rhino 3 –launching -3 2 1 now Both the Indian flankers launched a pair of r-27 each at an interval of precisely 5 seconds ,lit their afterburner once again and closed in launching again a pair of r-73 from point blank range as the Chinese J-11 Their best to avoid the radar seekers . Death was but certain for the PLAAF crew .They were hopelessly outmatched and without awac support or the powerful avionic on board the IAF flankers and then the super agility generated out of twin thrust vectoring engines made all the difference . It took just over 10 minutes for the Indian flankers to clear the skies and remove the threat to the sole Phalcon in the region. The ocean took care of the misplaced technical aspiration of the PLAAF. They learnt the difference between a copy and original the hard way. - rhino team –ocean eye thanks for a job well done – escort the bombers back to mainland and resume CAP –over - copy that ocean eye ,said Jalan as looked out over the deep blue bay of Bengal and in the distance he could see the emerald isle of Car Nicobar –a land worth fighting for.

OCEAN EYE FLIGHT – IAF PHALCON-OVER ANDAMANS SEA-0600 HRS It was breakfast time on board the Bariev A-50 Phalcon as the first battle over Andaman’s came to a swift conclusion .As the steaming hot idlis and cups of filter coffee were being sounded ,the sector controller in charge of Myanmar sector sounded the first alarm of something sinister about to happen -Commodore sir – we see six aircraft taking off from Yangon – heading 215 –speed 800 km /hr –possible Su-30 MKK /Su 27/J-11 –altitude 200 meters –expected to get feet wet in ten minutes at present speed and course- request authorization to divert returning flanker to intercept Commodore Manjit’s hope of a peaceful breakfast was gone as he pushed out the breakfast tray and quickly keyed in the new radar data onto to the large combat plot . - possible target please - sir me think they are heading for either Car Nic or Kalpakam –one moment sir –they have split up -3 aircraft formation now on heading 195 possible target Chennai/Kalpakam .Rajali –other three changed heading to 260 for car nic base sir. - Standby sector commander –alert rhino charge flight for immediate intercept mission - Rhino lead –ocean eye –we see six repeat six bandits on possible strike mission to car nic and Chennai region –intercept vectors in a few moments – state fuel status –over - Ocean eye –rhino lead – copy mission requirement –fuel status ok- weapon load 50% - may need gas after engagement - Copy that rhino charge lead –fuel being arranged – bandits have split up into two groups –rhino 3 4 5 engage group alpha –present heading 195 to Chennai region –possible target kalpakam reactors – rhino 1 5 6 7 8 engage group tango –present heading 195 –possible target car nic – both groups flying in 150-200 meters –over - Ocean eye –rhino lead –copy that - Ocean eye –rhino three –breaking off now and engaging – replied Jamwal calmly as he put his flanker on a steep turning dive ,bringing it up on a direct intercept course to the three PLAAF flankers/Thunders on their way to Kalpakam

RHINO CHARGE 3-4 5 – ANDAMANS SEA – 250 KM SOUTH WEST OF CAR NICOBAR Wing commander Jamwal tried to stretch in his some what cramped 36K inclined ejection seat .The multi functional display all systems are combat capable and that included his infra red search and track system ,hydraulics pressure in master cylinder satisfactory,still had 4 R-73 and 4 R-77 available for the next combat ,engine oil pressure was wee bit below normal as expected after a high intensity combat and exhaust temperature on both engines much higher than normal but coming down quickly as he continued throttling down power as he went into a turning dive ,planning to intercept the boggies face to face with radar seekers at no escape zone . The air search radar was once again in stand by mode as he allowed the Phalcon to guide him to the intercept zone.The incoming J-11 s did not bother him, what made him uneasy was their target selection . Not known to many The city of Chennai is surrounded by high value targets from the madras atomic power projects multiple reactors ,nearby multiple 1000 MW Russian supplied reactors ,naval air station at Arkonam barely 10 minutes flying time from Chennai ,the metro city of Chennai itself and of course the countries first operational fast breeder reactor ,tank factory at Avadi and scores of other important installations . So far the Phalcon have detected only 3 incoming bandits but Jamwal knew that figure can change any moment .And he will be proven right in a matter of minutes .

OCEAN EYE -1X IAF PHALCON – ANDAMANS SEA -0610 HRS - Sir we see 6 more flanker s crossing the Myanmar coast line – same heading and altitude- possible target Chennai region – shall I call on the reserve Commodore Manjit never took a combat decision in a hurry ,it was always a deliberate action even if taken in a matter of seconds - what we have on ground and on cap ? - Sir we can get half a dozen Mig 29s from Port Blair in 5 minutes - Launch them now –next - We also have 4 Mirage 2000s on cap over Car Nic but low on fuel –need to recover in 20 minutes - Keep the in air – see if they can divert one of the tankers to car nic before gasing up our flankers - We have the first training squadron of LCA in Rajali but possibly not fully armed - Get then armed and in air asap-get the base commander on the horn –now - By the way also contact Chennai ATC and tell them to hold all take offs from domestic and international terminals and divert all incoming flights to Vizag and Coimbatore - Chennai air traffic-this is air force control – we have a possible combat situation in the area –stop all take off till further advise –divert all incoming to Vizag NAD Coimbatore –confirm message understood over - Air force control –Chenai centre –message understood –all take off in Chennai centre suspended as of now-diverting the following incoming to Vizag -------- and following to Coimbatore ---- over - Thanks Chennai centre –issue immediate NOTAM –till further advise all Chennai center air traffic control region is restricted airspace – prior permission from air force controller is required to enter restricted air space- any violators are likely to be fired upon without visual identification –over

PORT BLAIR AIRPORTS – BLACK EAGLE FLIGHT 6 X MIG 29 -0612 HRS Wing commander Suman Chatterjee simply hated waiting kitted up next to the aircraft and inside the humid and hot hard shelter. The hard shelters were dispersed through out the airfield with discrete taxi way connections to the hammerhead on main runway 27 .At the moment the airport was on full combat alert which in simple terms meant full complement of air defense missiles were deployed and that for the first time included Akash area defense missile system structured around 3DCAR Rajendra phased array radar system and 6 launchers ,3 on each side of the main runway . All pilots were advised to keep the IFF on while approaching to avoid an undesirable blue on blue event .Each launcher had 3 Akash missiles loaded and 2 reloads in nearby parked re-loaders. The Rajandra radar itself was located some way off on top of a hillock and linked to the control van and launchers through underground fiber optical cables running along the storm water drains The public address system blared –scramble –scramble –scramble and the screechy sound of its speakers made sure all the six pilots were out of their resting cots and climbing up the step ladders in a matter of minutes .By the time Suman strapped in and closed the canopy – his crew chief have already removed the safety streamers from the pitot tube and missile tips and the chokes were being pulled up. He went though the shortened preflight check list automatically and keyed in to rest of his flight - black eagle lead to black eagle flight –confirm status –over - Black eagle one – ready to motor start - Black eagle two strapped in –ready Rest of the ready confirmations came in and Suman was ready to start engine - tower –black eagle lead –request engine start - black eagle – tower –cleared to engine start –cleared for paired take off –report to ocean eye once clear of airport airspace –over - black eagle flight –black eagle lead – you heard the tower guys –form up on me after lift off –we do paired take off at 2 minutes interval –bank to port and starboard alternatively immediately on gear retraction – form up at 1000 meters –confirm message under stood As the confirmation came in from five other fulcrum pilots ,Wing commander Suman Chatterjee clicked off the brake switch and pushed the throttle just a notch and then pulled back as the agile bird of prey hunched down and then started rolling with surprising agility As the reached the hammer head suman and his wingman formed up on the runway for a parallel take off to save time and waited for the final clearance. -tower black eagle lead – request immediate take off on runway 27 - black eagle lead –cleared for immediate take off –runway 27 –climb runway heading – report to ocean eye immediately after take – good hunting –over -copy that tower – rolling now – see you for breakfast ,said Suman with a tight smile as he checked the flap setting at 15 degree, stabilizer movement and runway centre line just under him ,as he clicked on the brake and pushed the old style collective throttle all the way forward to full military power ,clicked off the break ,waited for the white centre line to become a blur ,eased the throttles past the reheat gate notch to 185% military power ,the runway slipped out of the wheels as the powerful jet climbed into sky and then fell into a graceful banking turn to port ,clearing the airspace for the next paired take off without risk –slapped the undercarriage up –all three lights turned green –as he cliked on the R/T and selected the frequency to Phalcon AWAC.

OCEAN EYE -1X IAF PHALCON ANDAMANS SEA -0611 HRS Commodore Manjit looked out of his window , a rare pleasure on board a Phalcon and could imagine the beautiful sight of Indian eastern coast line being bathed in the the first lights of the day . The Bariev A 50 Phalcon has now moved closer to shore ,somewhere between Chennai and CAR Nicobar and drifting slowly backwards as the incoming hostile aircraft progressed eastwards ,keeping watch at the same time making sure of no nasty surprise .Inside it was dark with all shades drawn . The two rows of six flat panel multifunctional displays each were all manned and the last one in each row was configured for electronic and conventional defense of the aircraft and that include wide band protective jammers ,chaff and smart flares ,a pair of R-73 added on the inner wing pylons for just in case situation though hw hoped never to use them.Pre packed chutes were available for all crew members but at the moment no one was wearing them .With four Su-30 mki flying top cover all the time ,the phalcon was not exactly an easy target to kill . - sir the Migs have taken off from blair –call sign black eagle - good hold them at grid sector zulu orange –status on LCA - still no take off confirmation sir - get the confirmation now - black eagle lead –ocean eye –I have control - copy that ocean eye –black eagle lead –you have control - black eagle –ocean eye – turn right hading 190 – 20000 ft –await further order –at grid sector zulu orange -over - copy ocean eye – turning right 190 –making altitude 20000 ft –destination grid zulu orange over . The A-50 banked again to starboard this time with a bank angle never exceeding 5 degree as it completed one circuit and began the next . RHINO CHARGE 3-4 5 – ANDAMANS SEA – 210 KM SOUTH WEST OF CAR NICOBAR
Squadron leader Jamwal wearly watched the fuel tank content display and mentally calculated how much time he will have to land after this battle. The presence of car nic close by was comforting but he also knew there would be to many aircraft vying for landing spot on that tiny island airbase immediately after the engagement and understandable the Mig 29 s and the LCA s will get the landing priority .His best chance was the pair of IL-78 s getting ready to take off from Rajali now and shall be taking up position some where between the mainland and car nic as to be decided by the air battle commander. As he eased back the throttle even further the twin AL31 s became really quite and thrust level indicated 73% maximum without re heat.A slight nudge on the stick and the big aircraft tipped on her wings effortlessly entering the “wait zone”
-ocean eye –rhino 3 –entering grid sector zulu delta –over The reply came back immediately ,obviously they were watching him all the way -rhino 3 – ocean eye copies your position – we now confirm 12 bandits – wave skipper type –heading your way –stand by for engaging in few minutes

INS RAJALI –ARKONAM- WHITE DEATH FLIGHT -10X LCA-0610 HRS - Wing commander Sekhawat was fuming and rightly so. The crew chiefs have informed him of further delay in loading up the Astra missiles along with a pair of venerable R-73s for close combat. Lined up on the parking ramp of INS Rajali were the 10 Tejas multi role light combat aircraft of Indian manufacture about to be tested in combat for the first time .Most of the pilots in the squadron while officially trainee were actually deputed from existing Mirage 2000 and Mig 29 squadrons most of whom acted as test pilots in IOC/FOC of the aircraft and now would be responsible for training the new recruits fresh out of the air warfare school Hyderabad.

The radio crackled to life as the irritated voice of the air battle commander came in - white death –ocean eye –what is the god damned delay - ocean eye –white death lead – delay for weapon load out sir – requesting permission for take of in a few minutes sir a long dealy of 5 more minutes and then atlast the crew chief signaled all clear as last of the sleek Astra BVR missiles were locked into position and the status indicator of the left multi functional panel showed full complement of missiles and ammo for twin barrel Gsh 302 gun loaded and ready for use - tower –white death lead – request clearance for straight out departure –immediate take off –over - white death lead –tower –your flight is cleared for immediate take off –runway 09 –fly runway heading – contact ocean eye at 5000 ft for battle control –over - copy that tower –white death flight rolling now – fly runway heading-contact ocean eye at 5000 ft –over . one by one the 10 Tejas took of in a sharp climb out and turned to port as came up to the contact altitude in a wide bow formation .

IAF PHALCON -ANDAMAN SEAS-0615 HRS Commodore Manjit now had all the pieces in the position he wanted .Like a conductor of a multi piece orchestra ,it will be now his responsibility to synchronize the disjointed fast moving pieces spread all over the ocean into a neatly choreographed act - an act of swift death for those who dared threaten the air space of the nation.

The salient operating characteristics of LCA is its low observability about 35% of that of mirage 2000 because of wide spread use if radar transparent composites in its air frame and agility because of airframe design and advanced level of computer control making it a very difficult to hit target at any stage of combat both BVR and WVR When operating with Su 30 MKI it would make an unbeatable combination in area defense and if some Mig 29s are thrown in the pot , well it is pure disaster for any enemy aircraft formation ,

IAF PHALCON -ANDAMAN SEAS-0625 HRS Commodore Manjit watched the communication scanner display with interest .It was obvious the first group of J-11 s were trying to establish a data link with the intelligence gathering station on Great Coccos Island ,which will enable them to have a poor mans awac capability of the IAF aircrafts in the region by getting a direct data feed from the powerful ground based radars operating in the island and make Car Nic vulnerable to a surprise attack if the PLAAF strike fighters on a track to Chennai ,divert to Car Nic as an alternate target. So far the radio communication indicated they were having trouble because of range or poor quality electronics or both but things can change if they come in closer to the island and then relay the signal to rest of the flight giving them a so far un available operational flexibility . Well well said Commodore Manjit to himself –this is an irritant he can surely do without .Problem was none of the aircraft entering the region had any serious air to mud capability all essentially configured for air defense /dominance role . 3 of the Mig 29 s were carrying a pair of anti radiation missiles each apart from the guns –not a satisfactory answer . Only answer was the Jaguar squadron at Car Nic a few minutes flying time from Cocos but they will have no dedicated top cover for the mission. The strike window will be measured in minutes before the PLAAF flankers turn on the heat .It will be a tricky operation to carry out but possible . He clicked on the intercom to sector controller responsible for coordinating strike missions out of car nicobar - squadron leader how many jags we have at car nic on ready status now - 4 are ready sir and rest on 5 minute alert - I need 12 loaded with 2000 pounders –laser guided type – target cocos – get them to take off position and confirm -copy that sir – issuing instructions -car nic base –ocean eye –we have an urgent strike mission for you – target slant eye-report when ready to launch –over - copy that ocean eye –car nic –we can get max 8 birds in 5 minutes –over - car nic –ocean eye –will do – report when ready The air battle over andamans became more complex as 8 HAL built speecat jaguars started getting ready for a strike mission at short notice ,to take out the eye of the dragon

IAF PHALCON -ANDAMAN SEAS-0625 HRS Commodore Manjit finished giving the final touches to battle plan on his personal Dell laptop mounted along the multifunctional display console the map and operational data was fed to the all the sector controllers through a dedicated optical fiber based data link by passing the main signal processor computer output . It was time to put some of the true capability of A 50 Phalcon to good use. His plan as being displayed now on the sector controllers screen reflected a simple much proven tactics used for air defense of most Russian and Indian airbases by trapping the intruding aircraft between the patrolling aircraft, surface to air missiles and the multi barrel Shilka(ZSU 23 4 ) guns . In case of a low altitude successful penetration the guns push the intruders out into SAM envelope and the SAM forces them to disperse into waiting arms of the aircraft in combat air patrol .In case of high speed altitude penetration the aircrafts on combat air patrol forces them to into the SAM envelope which in its turn guides them into the gun kill zone by selective firing. Manjit wanted to do the same now. He planned on using the Su-30 s for high altitude area defense,pushing and successful intruder into the mid altitude blocking flight of the Mig 29 now taking up position in the bay of Bengal between Chennai and Car Nicobar .The LCA S will be responsible for the low altitude intruders killing and pushing rest in the Mig envelope and the fulcrums on their part will do the same . It was not a simple plan and to have success the Phalocn will have to do its role too –starting now. To start with it has to help all aircraft become semi stealthy at long range by going radar standby mode, active radar only during weapon launch .Secondly he will have to make the intruders go ‘blind” by jamming all radio transmission. And finally in the confusion so created ‘unleash ‘the birds of prey in a well synchronized move

IAF PHALCON -ANDAMAN SEAS-0626 HRS Rhino charge –white death-black eagle flight – –ocean eye –be advised we have multiple boogies inbound on Chennai –type J-11 Su 27 – 12 plus – heading 240 –speed 1150 kms per hour-altitude – 500 meters – confirm message received –over - Ocean eye –black eagle –message received 5/5 ,the mig 29 lead pilot was quickest to respond - Ocean eye –rhino 3 – copy message –over ,came in the acknowledgment from the Su 30 group lead in pilot - Ocean eye –white death – understood bogies at 500 meters -12 plus –over - All flights –ocean eye command -change frequency to 134.6 now –activate data link to receive priority instructions - Frequency changed to new –high speed data link activated came in the confirmations with a lapse of less than 15 seconds - White death –ocean eye – make altitude 500 meters –heading 045 –speed 950km/hr – radar on stand by mode –prior clearance required to go active –you are not weapons free for time being – confirm over - Ocean eye –white death lead – descending to 500 meters –new heading 045-speed 950 km/hr – radar on standby –understand not weapons free - Black eagle lead –ocean eye – maintain present altitude –new heading 310- speed 1100 km/hr –strict emcon -weapns not free – confirm –over - Ocean eye –black eagle lead – setting course 310-maintaining present altitude –speed 1000 km going to 1100 km/hr –over - Rhino 3 –ocean eye – bandits at 350 –grid sector zeta bravo- altitude 500 meters – close in and engage –you are weapons free and a cleared to go active – over - Thanks ocean eye ,came in the voice of squadron leader Jamwal – engaging bandits now – understand weapons free – engaging now –over RHINO CHARGE 3-4 5 – ANDAMANS SEA – 190 KM SOUTH WEST OF CAR NICOBAR-0627 HRS Squadron leader Jamwal was happy at last .The need less wasting of fuel was getting to his nerves as the rest of the assets were put in position .But now as he listened to the precise instructions of air battle commanders on the net the whole game plan of the seasoned naval aviator now in charge of the battle over car Nicobar started making sense, in fact lot of sense. But analysis can come later ,Jamwal first action was to make sure he and his weapon system officer was trapped tight and oxygen masks on , then he pointed his index finger down and followed up with a sharp push on the stick forward making the flanker dive almost vertically ,a slight nudge to port and he was on the intercept course 350 ,pull up on the stick slowly ,ease back on the throttle ans the su-30 leveled. Out precisely at 5000 meters . The iar search radar toggle up and the coloured display came alive as the powerful radar scanned the horizon and pained the small blips just beginning to appear on the outer fringes of his scope. Move the collective throttle forward to full military power and speed display flickered on to 1000-1050 -1100 kmph – ease back on the throttle –power up the weapons console – the display showed 2 R-27 and 4 R-73 still remaining .Time for a final weapon launch clearance - ocean eye – rhino 3 – we are approaching launch zone –request weapons free –over - stand by rhino flight – all flights – rhino about to launch –make sure IFF on Rhino charge –you are weapons free with Rodio 27 only R-27 onl –over -Copy that ocean eye – free n R-27 only –over -Rhino –ocean eye – the bandits are turning into you – make heading 010 –speed 1400 km/hr –range – 170 km –over - Turning to 010 – max speed engagement profile – over Jamwal pushed the throttle all the way forward past the reheat marker and clicked on the r-22 animation .The displayed missile changed its color from green to red and the real time target data ,its location, speed ,altitude ,aircraft type and other details started getting uploaded into the missiles smart brain from the phalcon via the sukhois mission computer and high speed data link even when the enemy flight was out of its effective tracking range . The 12 odd PLAAF fighters were now on head up display and the attack computer selected the closest as the biggest threat and assigned the remaining two R-27 ,one to each ,checked the range to target,checked all target dat have indeed been downloaded into the missiles robotic brain and also checked all the ignition and separation circuits are healthy and only then it projected the shoot command on the head up display as well as on the multifunctional display . Squadron leader Jamwal did the need full as he pulled back on the throttle slightly, checked the attitude on artificial orange black horizon display and squeezed the knobby red fire button twice. The two R-27 s dropped free into the sukhois slipstream tumbled out of it and ignited its solid motor with a nose down attitude. Both the missiles stayed together on a parallel course for a few seconds then diverged for their preys who were now trying to escape the incoming missiles by diving further into the ocean . Not still knowing how they were acquired in the first place A total of 8 R-27 s were launched. That took care of 4 J-11 s .two of the J-11 s were slow to react –surprised out of their mind at first all the communication being jammed and then salvo of missiles coming from top without any radar ever painting them ,except at the last moment . One of the J-11 tried to escape into the ocean and paid the price as the pilot tried to level out over the waves and the waves plucked both its wings . The last ill fated Chinese aircraft tried to out climb a R-27 and became a small sun itself as the missile caught up. Ocean eye –rhino 3 –splash 2 flankers –confirm –over - Rhino 3 –ocean eye confirm two kills – good hunting – we also confirm one kill each to rhino 4 and 5 –good hunting guys – break off engagement now –new heading 210 –altitude 10000 meters –speed 800 klick-over - Copy that ocean eye –breaking off for time being – heading 210-climbing to 10k meters – over

WHITE DEATH FLIGHT -10X LCA-0630 HRS – 200 KM DUE EAST OF CAR NICOBAR - Wing commander Sekhawat put the aircraft on a gentle turn to starboard anticipating the next order from Phalcon will be for his flight . This is a scenario he has practiced many times over Bay of Bengal with USN and RN .Only difference is this time it will for real .Also for the first time Astra will be used in combat in true beyond visual mode. The whole military world will be watching this battle . White death flight –ocean eye – we have bogies in your area – 8 J-11 – altitude 1000 meters -distance 270 km – make altitude 100 meters till further advise –heading 030 till further advise –over - ocean eye –white death lead – making altitude 1000 meters- speed 1100 km/hr –request weapon free - standby white death - white death flight-flight lead – spread out – confirm data link and IFF working –intend launching Astra salvo on clearance from ocean eye – 8 bogies –white death 1 3 5 7 will launch first – 2 4 6 will follow on –over - white death lead –ocean eye – bogies now 180 kms – speed 1400 km/hr – course no change –altitude now 4500 meters –you are weapons free on BVR only – over - copy that ocean eye –maintaining emcon –radar on stand by –making altitude 5000 meters – speed same – confirm weapons free –over - stand by white death flight –clearing the friend lies
-white death lead-ocean eye –you are weapons free –repeat weapons free –cleared to go active now – keep this frequency open for real time update –over and good hunting . Wing commander Sekhawat watched the target data being down loaded from the satellite hook from the Phalcon . It took almost 90 seconds as the transfer speed was not upto the mark .Moment the console indicated data transfer is complete he clicked on the air search radar and could see the 8 J-11 s in twin diamond formation bearing down on his flight . They were still outside his Astras range but with a closure speed of nearly 3000km/hr time was running out fast
-white death flight –lead –you are weapons free – cleared to go active –over The radar warning receiver started in intermittent blip confirming he was being painted and quite a few slammers will be on their way in a matter of seconds .The powerful radar of J-11 had a distinct advantage thought he as he armed a pair of astra missiles and waited . While the J-11 s were painting him .LCA s small size and low observablity features made it difficult to develop a missile launch solution for the waiting R-77s . At precisely 100 kms from the incoming Chinese aircraft the shoot prompt came up on the head up display .Sekhawat nudged the stick to port and the aiming circle overlaid on the target icon , two klick s and two J-11 S were marked for death ,the radar warning receiver screamed as the J-11 s launched their weapons .sekhawat waited a second more and then launched both the missiles together ,as the missiles dropped clear ,he punched out a half a dozen chaff packets and turned into the incoming missiles ,punched out another 4 chaff packets and turned at right angles .The first of the incoming R-77 flashed past the second stayed locked on .sekhawat dived for the ocean with gut wrenching negative g dive pulling out at the extreme last moment –the R-77 followed –into the ocean . He did not even have time to see the second of his Astra have scored a kill . As he pulled up his radar warning receiver screamed again and this time it was a pair of r-73 S launched by the lead J-11 . Sekhaat turned into the missiles ,punched out couple of flares and climbed for the sun , -white death lead – bandit 4 o clock – angels 4000 meters – engage - copy ocean eye –turning to engage Sekhawat turned into the new threat ,cued in by the all seeing Phalcon .He could see the sunlight glinting off its wings and then something more as the starboard wingtip of the J-11 flashed and a single R-77 headed for him in a rush of speed .Sekhawat did not hesitate as he triggered of a pair of R-73 s and then punched out a couple of bundles of chaff and tried to turn out of the engagement zone of the incoming R-77 . He was a wee bit late as the R-77 hit the tiny aircraft right under the starboard wing ripping it open from its mounts .As the tiny aircraft tumbled out of the sky into the deep blue of the ocean the last of the r-73 S fired by Sekhawat found its mark –blowing the J-11 hell and beyond In a matter of less than 5 minutes 3 more LCA s were down and with them went down an equal number of J-11 s .Those that survived were now low on fuel and weapons and it was time for delivering the killing stroke -white death flight – ocean eye –break out –repeat break out – heading 120 –altitude 500 meters –over -ocean eye –white death 3 –breaking out –heading 120 –descending to 500 meters –out BLACK EAGLE FLIGHT 6 X MIG 29 -0612 HRS Wing commander Suman Chatterjee listened to the transmission with mounting anger ,it was obvious the LCA s were not doing too well against the heavily armed J-11s even with their superior avionics and low observability features . The tactical air net came alive with his call sign - black eagle – ocean eye – target 5 J-11 – heading 320 –altitude – 5000 meters – engage now –you are all weapons free –repeat all weapons free –over - ocean eye –black eagle lead –engaging now –copy weapons free Suman liked going to combat with full power –fuel economy be damned .As he pushed the twin RD 33 engines to their full capability and the air speed indiactor jumped to 1400 km/he ,he also keyed in his team mates - black eagle flight –black eagle lead – engage –now The six Indian fulcrums corkscrewed into missile launch position on full afterburner. At precisely 60 km from the PLAAF flight they switched on their radar and at 50 km they launched their r-27 ER s –a pair for each of the J-11 s even before the Chinese pilots could get a lock on .The Indians fulcrums closed in as the radar warning receiver screamed warning and at launched a pair of R-73 as a follow on shot making sure nothing survives . Still a lone J-11 survived ,trying to escape with a smokey engine . Wing commander Suman closed in ,eased back on the throttle, allowed the floating cross hair settle on the flight deck of the crippled J-11 and pressed the trigger without remorse .The last of the J-11 a simply disintegrated as the 30 mm shells fired at more than 1800 rounds per minutes ripped out the aluminum structure into bits of waste metal with a seven second burst

OCEAN EYE FLIGHT – IAF PHALCON-OVER ANDAMANS SEA-0630 HRS Commodore Manjit knew the loss of the LCA s could have been avoided if the PLAAF listening station were taken out a few minutes earlier but then it was not his nature to cry over milk split milk .Only he wanted revenge and that too as quickly as possible As he made a few clicks the map of car nicobar -cocos island chain got projected into the main display and small blue aircraft icons on car nic base indicated 16 jaguars were now in ready status equipped for a low level strike mission. He nodded to the sector controller in charge of car nic area and nodded and the brief instructions started getting issued without delay -car nic atc – ocean eye – we have control The simple sentence passed on the control of the air base flight activities to the Phalcon seamlessly. - mud slinger flight –ocean eye –report status –over - mud slinger lead –ocean eye – ready for motor start - copy that mud slinger – cleared for engine start Wing commander Shinde leaned forward in his martin baker ejection seat and looked back at the long line jaguars along side in the parking ramp ,looked down at the ground starter unit and signaled .A puff of black smoke and then the port engine came to life followed a few seconds later by the starboard engine . It took about 3 minutes for both the engine rpms to stabilize and the exhaust temperature reached the acceptable level .This would be a complete radio silent mission and so all communication by navigation lights and visual sighting strictly .Only radio communication will be between him and air battle commander till flight is on air and then no communication in or out till out of enemy airspace As he pushed the collective a few notches, the heavy aircraft shuddered forward and then started rolling smoothly along the tarmac, it was time to take final mission clearance from air battle commander and then go for it -Ocean eye –mud slinger lead – flight rolling – request take off clearance - Stand by mud slinger –ocean eye On board the phalcon sector controllers checked the planned ingress route and all suspect emissions in the region .There were also no out of the ordinary communications. Two Su-30MKM was in combat air patrol and now lining up for recovery. The replacement cap was not expected in another half an hour as per the pattern observed so far. - mud slinger lead –ocean eye – we see clear all the way –keep as low as you can – sam sites in grid sector orange delta and alpha Charlie – triple A around runway 6 -12 -3 o clock –take them out first – over and good hunting - copy that ocean eye rolling Shinde pushed the throttle and smoothly turned the fully loaded jaguar strike aircraft into the main runway ,a quick scan of the aircraft display and gauges ,up and down the run way for nasty animal type surprises and he pushed the collective all the way forward and into full reheat . The jaguar took time to accelerate but once it started it went all the way ,getting into air with more than 100ft of runway to spare .Undercarriage up –all three red – shinde kept the flaps in take off position as he leveled out the aircraft at exactly 80ft over the oceans surface ,his wing man formed up on him quickly . The strike plan called for an ultra low level strike from multiple axis at more or less the same time to saturate the islands considerable defenses. The CAP threat was not his worry for the time being as the air battle commander would allocate necessary resources for that objective The 16 jaguars formed 8 different strike groups and spread out in a semi circle with the cocos island at the centre and then started converging on the runways from all angles in the compass ,skimming the wave tops at supersonic speed .

MUD SLINGER FLIGHT – 16 X IAF SPEECAT JAGUAR-22000 FT –OFF PORT BLAIR -0647 HRS - Mud slinger lead –ocean eye –your gas station is 50 klicks due east of port blair – altitude 24000 ft – refueling speed 375 knots –over - Shinde did not reply just clicked on the transmit button twice and and put the aircraft on a skidding rudder turn to port .In minutes he could see the grey painted IL 78 mki and its quadruple contrails against the azure blue morning sky .As he steered the bomb loaded aircraft towards the flying gas station ,shinde could not but looks at the heavy fuel expenditure of this low level strike mission .The fuel level was dropping at more than 56 liters a minute and he needed to take on at least 3 tons of fuel if to avoid another refueling over ocean on way back to port Blair . The altimeter showed 23900 ft as he leveled out the aircraft just behind the zebra stripped hose and basket reeled out from the tanker .His left hand moved a few millimeters and the air speed increased by a few knots as he triggered the refueling probe to come out of the airframe and stay locked in the raised position till refueling is over. The plan was to take on 3 tons in the main tank and then cross feed to other tanks before diving to the waves once again The probe clicked in firmly and the high capacity discharge pumps onboard IL-78 started up, transferring more than 1500 ltrs a minute. The refueling operation was over in less than 4 minutes .Shinde broke off by marginal reduction of speed and fell off the refueling slot two more jaguars took up the position .Still it took almost half an hour for the whole flight to be tanked up and then they split up into 8 distinct strike groups code named whisky delta alpha ( Durandall runway denial bombs) whisky delta beta (anti radiation missiles and cluster bombs) whisky delta Charlie( 2000 pound laser guided bombs) whisky delta tango ( 4000 pound fuel air explosive bombs) and the rest carried plenty of dumb iron bombs which some USAF general jokingly said to be cheaper than hamburgers. White death lead – your mission is now a go – keep below 75 ft at all times – execute –execute One by one the jaguars are paired out and dove for the deck and spread out in a semi circle –a few more minutes to attack

OCEAN EYE FLIGHT -1X IAF PHALCON -0735 HRS Commodore Manjit Sekhawat had his hands full. Co-coordinating a sixteen aircraft strike mission even with the best of avionics and fire power was a tricky business. The main display showed the map of Great Cocos Island, which looked beautiful even in the computer generated image superimposed on the latest satellite imagery. The island was shaped like an elongated S, with the runway at the northern tip and most of the communication and air defense systems place .The hard shelters were located along the sole runway parallel to the taxiway connected by short approach cum parking ramps .He could count six shelters on each side of the runway making a total of twelve aircraft maximum that may be based on the tiny island. Intel sources have confirmed, at the moment the base is used only as emergency landing strip and air supplies to maintain the communication facility. The main communication facilities were located some distance away from the base, approximately 1.5 km north west of the primitive terminal building in a low mountain dugout, easily located by the approach road network and the mass of antennas . The air defense of the base was robust with multiple surface to air missile launchers located around the runway as well as the communication complex. Triple A batteries were located all along the complex and isolated units could be spotted along the coast line, particularly on the north west and south east regions. Mud slinger one – ocean eye – target – communication centre –grid sector Charlie 27 alpha 15 –use 500 kg laser bombs –secondary target communication antenna network grid sector Charlie 28 alpha 15.5 – exit straight out – turn to retrace ingress path over ocean sector Charlie 30 alpha 21 –over – strike window 0741-743 HRS –over Mud slinger two –ocean eye – target runway 27 –grid sector Charlie 25 alpha 12-use delta rodeo 1000 type –secondary target mid spike at grid sector Charlie 25 alpha 11.5 -strike window 0742-0744hrs exit over ocean –form up with mudslinger one over ocean and retrace path-over Mud slinger 3 and 4 –ocean eye – target – triple A sites at north and south of runway –strike window 0738-0739 hrs –grid sector Charlie 25 –alpha zero – secondary target sam sites along perimeter wall due east and west of runway centre line-use 250 kg clusters – exit with one and two –over The first deep penetration strike mission of the IAF jaguars was about to begin

MUD SLINGER FLIGHT – 16 X IAF SPEECAT JAGUAR-60 FT OVER SEA LEVEL- 500 KNOTS- OFF COCOS COASTLINE –MYANMAR -0730 HRS Wing commander Shinde cursed loudly as the first of many clear air turbulence pockets hit the aircraft as he crossed into the golden shores of great cocos island and into bandit country. The deep green of the forest canopy was hypnotic and keeping the jaguar at designated strike altitude was becoming more and more difficult .As the air heated up and rose vertically hundred of high power thermals were being generated out of the forest floor, pushing the fully loaded aircraft up and up every time he managed to hit them,which was quite a few times The scrolling map display confirmed he was in right track ,take or give a few hundred meters .Altitude average125 ft ,going up to as high as 100 ft when the wings sliced through the hot upward column s of air coming out of forest floor and going down to 60 ft when he exited the column . Hydraulic pressure steady at 3000 psi in the receiver and 900 psi in the system well over minimum. His wingman squadron leader Patel was keeping the mandatory 500 ft lateral separation and zero vertical separation almost mimicking his flight profile . Both the engine rpm corresponded to 85% max dry heat and sir speed indicator moving around 530 knots .A tail wind was building up steadily as the air over land heated up and moved out and cooler ocean air started rushing forward to equalize the pressure . He checked his harness and tightened the nomex gloves one more time .The tree lines thinned out and then he was flying over a concrete road,which meant close to target .As he pulled on the stick a wee bit ,the trusty jag climbed up obediently another 50 ft and in the distance he could see the main runway and terminal building of the cocos airport. The tracers started almost immediately .looking like small puffs of black cotton wool in the distance .Shinde closed his minds to the threat as he switched on the powerful nose mounted laser designator, located just under his right foot and at the same time armed up the twin laser guided bombs as he smartly swerved the aircraft on a direct heading to the squat communication building in the distance. The bomb aiming cross hair floated up on the head up display and turned himself and the aircraft strapped to his back in that general direction,changed display color to red to have a better contrast against the whitish black of the runway concrete and the target –the drop command came on and he did just that by simply flicking open the hard plastic trigger guard and squeezing the trigger twice . The aircraft lurched up like a wild donkey at the sudden release of the two heavy bombs .Shinde re acquired the target on aiming cross hair and eased back on the collective ,waiting till both the bombs hit the squat and ugly concrete building ,blowing it up in a plume of dark smoke and deep orange flash .One target gone and now to the secondary .The forest of antennas were just beyond the now destroyed communication build .Selection to 250 kg cluster bombs .The aiming device now boxed around central tower ,a small course correction which will take him away from the debris and then two more squeezes on the weapon release button .Another lurch as the parachute retarded cluster bombs slew away into the slipstream of the jaguar and then out of it towards their respective targets .As Shinde turned out of the blast zone the bombs explode releasing hundreds of small explosive warheads and thousands of tungsten and steel pellets at hypersonic velocity ,cutting through the light metal supporting structure of the transmit receive antennas into strips of half molten junk metal . Along with it also went the brave Chinese air defense crew who were manning the sam and triple A sites around the complex It was time to break the radio silence -ocean eye –mud slinger one –primary and secondary target neutralized – exiting bandit country –over -mud slinger one –ocean eye –good work- stand by to form up with slinger two –exit to grid ---- It was now to take out the runway for good

MUD SLINGER FLIGHT – 16 X IAF SPEECAT JAGUAR-60 FT OVER SEA LEVEL- 500 KNOTS- OFF COCOS COASTLINE –MYANMAR -0740 HRS Wing commander Jagtap was a busy man just like all the other jaguar pilots on the strike mission over cocos on that day. A final check before bomb run as he neared the target runway aligned perfectly rolling in towards his nose .The jag as usual was rock steady even when doing 600 knots at less than 300 ft over ground level. The display showed he has 8 x 204kg Durandal anti runway bombs armed and ready to pickle .He leaned forward and switched on the toggle switch to air to ground mode – a few more clicks and the desired impact points got locked in –next impact spacing set at 900 ft and release pulse to 8 so that all the runway denial bombs will be released in one go ,surely he was in no mood to fly through that crappy Chinese flak and SAM barrage now shaping up very good ,once again. The head wind was strong and it was difficult to keep the nose aligned and level as he turned into the profile for bomb release all along the runway. The triple A barrage was murderous and as he pushed up the throttle to full military power .the throaty roar of the twin engines filled the flight deck .

A sharp jolt and he knew he was hit .The hydraulic pressure started dropping slowly .Jagtap knew he was hit and most likely in the tail where all the hydraulic lines are bunched up into a manifold. The runway came up nice and fast and the pickle prompt came up on the head up display .As his right thumb flicked open the trigger guard and squeezed the bomb release button one by one the Durandals started being released by the mission computer at precise interval as selected by the pilot . As each bomb came out of the slipstream a amll parachute deployed automatically triggered by the built in accelerometer. As the bombs reoriented to nose down attitude and the altimeter sensed the runway down below a small rocket motor ignited pushing the retarded bomb into the runway surface and through it into the foundation when the delayed fuse ignited the explosive charge .The resultant explosion was strangely muted for a 150 kg high explosive warhead,but the damage was not. As the high explosive ignited it generated a shock wave which got reflected in the bedrock of the runway and got deflected outwards taking out a big section of the runway with it .Each crater was almost 50 ft in diameter and 25 ft deep making the runway not usable for a long long time -Ocean eye –mud slinger two – target destroyed – flak damage –low hydraulic pressure –request straight course home The radar warning receiver screamed for attention and Jagtap moved quickly to starboard and dived for ground flashing over the low runway structures as the automated counter measure dispenser started punching out flare bundles and chaff packets in the wake -Mud slinger two –ocean eye – good work – two heat seeker launched –make heading 135 –maintain altitude – mud slinger lead will escort you back –over Jagtap pushed the stick to starboard as hard as he could and then barely cleared the high tension power line feeding the airbase . One of the missiles that were following him made into the transformer building and exploded with a resounding bang and flash .He did not feel sorry for those technicians who must have been manning the substation at that time . One more gut wrenching turn to port and throttle to max military power and the second heat seeker lost its lock and smacked hard into ground just behind a ZSU 23-4 battery at the end of the runway .Clear of the runway ,throttle all the way forward past the plastic v indicating reheat power and the cool comfort of strong acceleration on his back as he eased the nose up a few degrees gaining some altitude .The shore line flashed below as he went supersonic and the deep blue of the ocean was a welcome relief . - Mudslinger two –lead –you are trailing black smoke from horizontal stabilizer –hydraulic pressure now - mudslinger lead –two –pressure acceptable -1850 psi in receiver -800 psi in control and landing gear circuits –should be able to make it to car nic – not much air to air though-,said Jagtap with a smile as he put his Jag in course for home and smiled for the first time in last ten minutes

AIR TRAFIC CONTROL CENTRE -NETAJI SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT –KOLKATA-0600 HRS Amol Roy, senior supervisor air traffic control centre Kolkata airport scanned the master console. It was busy time for the Kolkata centre this time of the day ,particularly outbound traffic towards north eastern states were heavy .There were only two incomings .One was an Singapore Airlines flight from Honk Kong and the second an Air India flight about 9 0 minutes out still in the control area of Dhaka centre expected to enter Kolkata air defense identification zone anytime . SINGAPORE AIRLINES FLIGHT 9123 -JESSORE -INDO BANGLADESH BORDER -0605 HRSCaptain Zhenning checked his radar plot .So far he has done very well exactly as per the specific directives of regional PLAAF authorities. Bunched tightly around his tail were 4 Su-30 MKM air superiority aircraft so far not detected on Indian long range search radars masked in the shadow of his giant A 380 and maintaining exactly the same speed. The military aircraft formation was maintaining total radio silence and he already rehearsed in his mind the cover story he would tell the Indian authorities about being forces to follow the trailing military aircrafts order for the safety of his passengers and aircraft. The truth was quite different. A secret meeting and a secret money transfer to his swiss bank account have made him transfer his loyalty from the airlines to People’s republic of China - Kolkata centre – 9123 heavy – 80 miles east Kolkata – flight level 340 – request transition to bravo airspace - 9123 heavy –Kolkata centre – you are entering Kolkata air defense identification zone – please confirm your intention and any military aircraft in the vicinity - Negative Kolkata centre –we are a civilian aircraft from a neutral country –to land - Copy that 9123 heavy – you are cleared to bravo airspace – contact approach when ready to land - Roger Kolkata Center – shall contact Kolkata approach once in landing circuit –over Captain Zhenning looked at his young fist officer and nodded as he reduced power to the four mighty engines .His first officer leaned forward and dialed in the new approach altitude to 15000 ft ,rate of descent a comfortable 2000 ft/min and indiacted airspeed slowly started bleeding off to 300 knots Behind him the four PLAAF sukhois did exactly the same without a word being exchanged over the R/T . At that moment no Indian AWAC was in the area ,all being rushed to duty over the Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Thailand . Kolkata air defense area was vulnerable and that included Kolkata international airport

NSCB INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT –KOLKATA -0605 HRS Amol Roy looked at the radar plot of Singapore Airlines 9123 heavy with concern .The radar return appeared to be fragmenting and joining up as the A380 started loosing altitude and banking into runway approach. Even the pilots voice was somewhat strained. The aircraft have just entered Indian airspace over Bongaon and flight level 300 .He decided to check once again just to be sure but still he could not make up his mind about what was bothering him .So he decided to alert the air force liaison officer in the adjoining cubicle and hoped he can make meaning out of the radar clutter . Never in his wildest dream, Amol could even conceive of the devious PLAAF strike plan .So the disaster about to follow was in fact unavoidable.Wing commander Joshi joined him in 3 minutes .On deputation from Lohegaon air base ATC,he also had no experience in tracking super wide bodied double decker aircraft like A 380 . He went by the book and told Amol to issue a series of course change instructions to the A 380 and put it on a holding patter outside the approach path . As the instructions were relayed to the A 380 precious minutes were getting lost . The yet to be identified flight of PLAAF was less than 7 minutes flight time from Kolkata /kalaikunda airbase .

NSCB INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT –KOLKATA -0607 HRSEarly morning shift is usually the busiest time at Kolkata airport .It is the time when the first of the days many north east bound flights take off usally around 0545 to 0630 hrs .Today was no different . Air India 645 TO Port Blair have gates and entering taxiway so was the Jet airways 926 to Chennai and 924 to Port Blair . On the gates were a total of 8 flights bound for the north eastern states and having a diverse destination like Imphal, Guahati,Bagdogra,Dibrugarh,Agartala Jorhat . There were atleast four large fuel tankers serving the aircraft .In the distant “technical area” half a dozen Mig 21 Bisons were parked neatly having arrived the day before and on a ferry flight to Tezpur airbase as war reserve .None of them were armed except the ammo for the guns .ATC have put them on hold till the morning civilian rush is over and they were expecting clearance in one hours time .Up in the tower Amol scanned the tarmac and his junior colleagues. The tension was building up as one after another the B 737 s and A C320 s completed loading and started moving out into the taxi ways or waited impatiently for the permission to enter taxi way -tower - air india 645 to Port Blair – request permission to take off – in position on runway 27 left –over - air india 645 – you are cleared for immediate take off –runway 27 left – fly runway heading –climb to flight level 50 –contact departure control –over - jet airways 926 to Chennai – flight plan approved to Chennai- flight level 310-you are cleared to runway 27 left vide taxiway alpha zule delta Charlie –watch out for AI 645 on runway -Kolkata ground –indigo 456 to Guahati- request permission to start motor - Kolkata ground - decan 344 to Agartala –gate closed –request permission to start motor - indigo 456- kolkata ground – you are cleared to start motor - decan 456 –kolkata ground – stand by – indigo 456 is getting into taxiway alpha zulu –do not initiate push back -Kolkata departure –air india 645 to port blair – altitude 5000 ft – request clearance to enter bravo airspace All in all it was A normal day in the life of Kolkata airport except that fragmenting large blip on the radar screen which was now less than 5 minutes away from main runway Around the perimeter of the runway the ZSU 23-4 shilka crews checked their ammo and checked their radar scope so far they have not detected anything other than the slow moving commercial airliners moving out and two “civilian “airliners about to make landing approach .They have not received ant alerts and the the ammo belts were still not loaded into the radar controlled gun system .The Igla crews on morning shifts have just started moving into position amidst the long grass fields. The airport did not yet receive the Akash batteries promised and was assured of full protection from nearby Kalaikunda airbase barely 100 km away and Barackpore .In short no one expected an air strike and no one expected an air strike from east via Bangladesh.It appeared Eastern air command never learnt from Pearl Harbor.


IAF STATION KALAIKUNDA -0610 HRS Group captain Banarjee did not like what he saw . 20 odd Hawks were parke in the open since the hard shelters have been taken over by the Mig 29s being deployed for Bay of Bengal opearations. The first CAP of the day was scheduled to go up by 0630 hrs and now getting fuelled up. The hawks were supposed to be redeployed to Bidar but the operation order for their release still not come in from command at Kolkata . He he hoped it will come by this afternoon when his pager blipped -it was Kolkata ATC .

NSCB INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT –KOLKATA -0611 HRSAmol Roy took over direct controller role as the giant A380 of Singapore airlines entered the landing circuit. He wanted to give it a sharp glide scope which will make any smaller aircraft hiding in its shadow obviously visible - Singapore 9123 heavy turn right 080 –make your altitude 5000 ft –confirm over - Kolkata tower -9123 heavy –turning right 080 –descending to 5000 ft –over As the A 380 started its final approach it was impossible for the PLAAF sukhois to keep close as the wake of the four giant engines of 380 washed all over them pushing them out into serious turbulence and as the A380 reduced power the Chinese flankers found it no longer possible to maintain control at rapidly decreasing altitude .The time for stealth was over.The PLAAF formation split up .The first group made a slight course change and engaged afterburner and headed straight for near by Kalaikunda air force station barely 90 km away and armed up their long range air to surface missiles .They had no intention of engaging the combat air patrol of Mig 29 s over the base at the moment .As their indicated airspeed crossed 1400 kms mark they switched on the surface search radar and distance to target was less than 50 km . The powerful surface search radar clearly showed the mass of parked aircraft, the air traffic control tower and hazy outlines of some what outdated SA3 missile batteries scattered around the air field . Between them they launched 8 air to surface missiles
The KH-31s were all optimized for long range surface attack role the proximity fuse being replaced by impact and fixed altitude air burst type fuses as normally used in nuclear weapons triggered by a small and cheap radar altimeter . The warhead contained approximately 100 kg s of high explosive with hundreds of steel balls giving it a deadly punch against mass of parked aircraft and soft skinned vehicles and any human stupid enough to get in way Once the missiles were launched the two PLAAF went off reheat and went back east of Kolkata airport giving a semblance of top cover to the remaining two Su 30 mkk now diving in for a ruthless high value target strike The Shilka at the runway ends opened up half heartedly as the fast moving flankers spiraled in and released their load of 24 FAB 100 bombs from multiple racks ,laying down a furrow of high explosive signature along the fully loaded and fuelled civilian jets ,fuel tankers and the terminal building itself . The powerful ECM pods onboard the PLAAF flankers made the age old SA 3 almost useless . The small army teams carrying the SA7 Iglas tried hard but as expected could not even get a lock on the fast moving flankers who escaped in a blaze of smoke and flame . The mig 29s Diverted from Kalaikunda reached the scene too late by that time all the PLAAF flankers have escaped into Bangladesh airspace and in any case 2 Mig 29 s would have been very effective against the Su 30mkk S .In a way they were lucky the confrontation did not take place .About the same time the 8 Kh 31 s landed with remarkable precision all along the Kalaikundas runway, open parking ramp and the tower. Six of the hawks were a total loss and another 8 damaged beyond hope .The tower was badly damaged and it will take at least a month before it becomes fully operational. Peoples republic of China have just upped the ante in the ongoing conflict .
NSCB INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT –KOLKATA -0614 HRSAmol came out of dazed and shocked state and what he saw was anything but pleasant. Apart from him there were no survivors in the air traffic control tower. Two of the FAB 100s have made a direct hit .One passing thru the high strength glass windows and exploding within the confines of the control room. The mass of high explosive fused for impact ignition killed almost everyone instantly and the glass and metal shrapnel’s did the rest very effectively. The scene outside in the civilian terminal was even worse. He could see at least six wide aircraft burning furiously on the parking apron and on the taxiway. The airport fire service was trying to do an impossible job and as expected not having much success .The stench of burnt flesh was everywhere .It felt more like a crematorium than a busy international airport. A apart of the terminal building have caved in, trapping maybe a thousand passengers in its ambit. All the phone lines were down and so were the approach control radars .Surprising his mobile phone was working and he made the first call to director general of civil aviation followed by Kolkata Fire service and then Police control room . He touched his stomach and was surprised to feel the slippery movement of his own intestine. A glass piece have cut open the abdomen and part of his small intestine was trying to wiggle out of the hole ,which he pushed back in and wrapped his shirt tightly around the wound . As tried to move out of the tower, he found no more strength to do so. The loss of consciousness and death when it came was a welcome relief.The first of the relief helicopters came in from nearby coastguard station followed by more from eastern command headquarters at Fort William. As troops secured the perimeter and went on rescue mode the magnitude of the PLAAF strike started getting known. Truck after truck of dead bodies were carted out to cities morgues and then cremated en mass as in most cases identification was impossible particularly those that were inside the aircraft getting ready for take off or caught in the open apron by the exploding bombs . It was a deadly strike carried out with great precision. As the news of the strike spread like wild bushfire the Government came under severe public pressure to take “appropriate action “ and simultaneous pressure from so called international community to exercise restraint in face of great provocation .The world waited with batted bait to see how India will come out in this moment of crisis .

IAF STATION KALAIKUNDA -0625 HRSGroup Captain Banarjee came out of the shallow irrigation ditch into which he has dived reflexively as the first missile exploded right by the side of the neat rows of Hawks about to be transported. Most of the hawks were now a clear right off along with two Mig 29s which were getting ready for next round of combat air patrol . One of the ATF tanks was burning furiously and the one next to it may go any instant. The runways were a mass of debris but have escaped serious damage and should be available for operation by the end of the day .Surprisingly casualties were light . Only 3 deaths that he could make out mainly the ground crew who were doing the preflight check on the hawks in the open.As he briskly made his way to the control room most of the senior staff was already there ,a look of in comprehension written largely on their face . He knew it was for him to take effective command right then and there as the red phone started blipping .The air chief was on line . In the distance he could already see the earth movers of air force moving in to clear the debris and firemen busy dousing the still burning airframes .And the day has just begun

PRIME MINISTERS OFFICE –NEW DELHI -0900 HRS The soft spoken prime minister looked at the first set of photographs of now devastated Kolkata airport and the seriousness of the conflict started sinking in . It could have been easily four nuclear weapons instead of conventional weapons used by the PLAAF. The consequences were to horrendous to even contemplate At the same time he belonged to a warrior race that has never stood down in the face of an enemy and he was not likely to do so now. It was clearly the Chinese who have first struck at high value civilian target and a measured response was perhaps the best way out of the situation. If the Chinese get away then surely there will be many more repetitions all over eastern India and north east in particular.He finished looking at the brief report from eastern command and then looked at the chief of air staff directly Chief I want you to send a message .The Chinese should know this is not 1962. They also should know if they hit civilian targets we reserve the same in our own way .I want a decisive blow to their infrastructure in Tibet within 24 hours .You may select your own targets. Please report to me personally once the objective is attained. Till then you have full authority to use any means at your disposal with the exception of strategic weapons of course.

EASTERN AIR COMMAND –KOLKATA -1000 hrsVice air marshal looked at the map of Tibet and the newly worlds highest railway line was clearly marked, snaking its way through the valleys and permafrost and numerous tunnels and bridges . He knew this rail road will be vital importance if the land conflict breaks out along the line of actual control. He bent down and marked certain areas and told his executive assistant ,an young wing commander to get the latest satellite images of the region and also get the encrypted conference call going with air headquarters and other air officers commanding. He needed to borrow lot of resources from other commands if the mission on hand had to be completed effectively . He only had 24 hours and time was running out –fast .

IAF STATION TEZPUR – ASSAM -1100 HRS Group captain Bargohai received the flash message from air headquarters .As usal there was no explanation of how a jon has to be done –just a precise instruction on what need to be done and by when The airbase was packed at the moment with nearly 40 Su 30 MKIS being refueled and armed for the conflict which will surely hit the eastern airspace of the country anytime .The new flash message created further complications . He Was told to transfer half the sukhois to Jorhat and Mohanbari and take in 24 Mirage 2000s from Gwalior by 1700 hrs .He was also expected to receive 4 IL-76s coming in with the air to ground weapons for the Mirage 2000 s ETA 1900 hrs just after sunset .He was also instructed to co ordinate with Mohanbari air force station and get them ready to receive 24 Mig 27 s from Jodhpur . There was no further information but form the nature of the instruction it was obvious something big was taking shape

YANGBAJAIN RAILTOAD TUNNEL -80 LN EAST OF LHAS -TIBET - 1100 HRSCaptain Han finished checking the deployment of surface to air missile launchers (SA3 type) and also some what aged ZSu 23-2 anti aircraft guns located along the axis of the tunnel and just alongside the track . Any attack he guessed will have involve the attacking flying directly along the track before releasing the air to ground weapons so that it can enter the tunnel and explode.The day was sunny for a change and he did not expect any night attack at this high altitude and difficult terrain .

IAF STATION TEZPUR -2000 HRS – 24 x mirage 2000 Tezpur tower – chambal lead – feet dry – request clearance to approach – flight authentication code – mad gharial running dry- over -chambal flight –tower – standby –authentication code under verification-copy that tower – standing by-chmbal flight – activate your transponder now and confirm over- tower- chambal lead –identification transponder already active –over - chambal lead your flight is cleared to approach two at a time –reduce speed to 300 knots –change heading to 340 –over-tower changing course to 340 – speed 350 knots going down to 300 knots -chambal lead lower your undercarriage as you pass over tower for visual confirmation before turning right base to land on runway 09 –over - copy that tower –speed down to 300 knots –lowering undercarriage –over -chambal lead –please switch on your navigation and landing lights now –over -tower switching on the lights – request permission to turn right base for approach- roger that chambal lead –you are cleared for direct approach –runway 09 –your identification is clear – wind at 110-10 knots –over The first of the two Mirage 2000s landed in pitch darkness the runway lights came on just before touch down and went off immediately thereafter. The second pair landed after a gap of 5 minutes .Wing commander Deepika wiped the sweat of her brow as she took off the oxygen mask and cursed the unseen air traffic controller who have according to rules made her land a fully armed Mirage 2000 in a darkened runway just because she was few hours behind schedule because of delay in uploading the specially designed DRDO smart bombs supposed to burn through 2 meters of reinforced concrete and still not named .

IAF STATION –TEZPUR -1100 HRS

Even before the recent Sino Indian conflict broke out in the oceans far from Indian shores DRDO was busy giving final touches to its yet to be named bunker busters code named CP-2000 ,2000 signifying depth of penetration as well as the approximate weight of the bomb .The specific kill objective of this new weapon was to neutralize the command and control network of the enemy in west and in east in case a nuclear showdown becomes imminent .The 3 meter long cigar shaped bomb had an impact based solid state delayed time fuse in the nose and two sets of spring loaded guiding vanes across its length in a cruciform fashion. This was followed by the multi stage warhead section .The primary being traditional high explosive and secondary being a surrounded by an annulus of specially formulated high temperature incendiary formulation with the specific objective of raising the temperature of heat zone to over 4000 degree centigrade for a few seconds after the primary charge have caused the physical penetration by sheer kinetic energy and brute explosive power . The nose was hardened with a tungsten nose cone. 4 small solid state rocket motors completed the package .Once deployed from launch aircraft and stabilized by the twin retarding parachute the solid motors would ignite on command from radio altimeter pushing the projectile as near supersonic speed into the concrete allowing the protected twin explosive charge to penetrate through the newly formed cracks and explose after a delay of precisely 0.65 seconds. In all tests carried out at Pokhran the results were more than striking. The biggest damage was caused by the high temperature formulation igniting inside the enclosed space . The air in the cave was sucked dry in less than a second and then the hot combustion products exploded outwards with the effect of a tactical nuclear weapon totally disintegrating the structure and killing anyone within a radius of 500 meters in minutes. Strangely no mushroom cloud was observed in any of the tests .Instead a haze of cement and sand dust was formed immediately after the explosion which too almost a day to settle downThe ground crew of Tezpur did not like to load the bombs without a name –so they named it Fried rice and Chow mien and pained that on the hard mar aging steel casing before checking them and reloading them on to the first two Mirage 2000 .The basic objective of using this high temperature high explosive bombs on the tunnel was not just to destroy the tunnel itself (which could have been done by much cheaper 2000 kh laser guided bombs ) but to make the permafrost below the tunnel unstable by melting out the permanent ice layer in the earth –making it impossible to build another tunnel or any kind of heavy structure on it impossible in future.
EASTERN AIR COMMAND –SHILONG –MEGHALAY-1110 HRS Group captain Neogi finished his 5 minute brisk walk in the cold mountain air just outside his entrenched command post just next to the sprawling helipad.AOC in c EACWas in Kolkata and he was directly responsible for the first strike mission over China occupied Tibet. Inside the operations control room the room was stale and sweaty despite the powerful air conditioning . About 100 kms to south east Tezpur air force station indiacator showed all green, which meant all aircraft is available for the mission. Mohanbari showed 4 yellows meaning the four sukhois on escort duty are available but not yet ready for launch most likely being refueled.Neogi went back into the room and as expected started calling up the air force stations needed in today’s strike mission followed by alerting all others in his command to up their alert status to possible imminent hostile action .Which means any aircraft approaching without approach code or IFF ON will be shot down first and questioned later.One by one all the eastern air command air bases came to ready status and their confirmations started coming in . The refueling of the sukhois was complete and now the tedious process of arming them started . Considering each sukhoi will be carrying full complement of half a dozen R-73 and an equal number of R-27 ER the uploading was expected to take some more time

IAF STATION TEZPUR – 0000 HRS The shrill bleep of electronic alarm managed to wake up Deepika quickly . As she quickly got ready to join the pre mission brief, she could not help herself thinking about a long cherished dream coming true at last.She will be the strike lead of the 24 aircraft formation ,that will be responsible to cut off the life line of PLA troops in Tibet and hopefully dissuade them from starting a land campaign.The whole idea was to demonstrate the precision strike capability of Indian air force at short notice and she intended doing just that .When she joined the air force –the short but brutal Kargil conflict have just ended. The mess was rife with war stories told by those who actually took part in the campaign.This time she hoped she will be the one to tell the stories to the next generation of Indian pilots out of air force academy.

This time she would be using a different tactics of delivery but the result hopefully should be much better.

IAF STATION TEZPUR- ASSAM – 0200 HRS The cold wind from Brahmaputra added a nip in the air as wing commander deepika walked on the rain soaked tarmac towards the flight line of 24 mirage 2000 s neatly parked, armed and fuelled. The drizzle stared up again as she finished her pre flight go around. As expected she could not find any fault with the crew chiefs work and the sleek aircraft was as sexy and as deadly as ever. All tarmac lights were off except the blue taxi way lights and the main runway lights. The cloud cover was low and she knew the flight path decided upon through the un marked passes across the line of actual control will make life some what miserable because of expected air turbulence in close confines of a high altitude mountain pass.Deepika climbed the aluminum ladder into the cockpit and her crew chief helped her strap in quickly. The canopy came down silently on hydraulic arms. It was more comfortable now; out of the chilly and wet river wind now almost 15 knots across the main runway. In the distance she could see the moon light glinting of the majestic Brahmaputra on and off as the clouds shifted their position, generating a mesmeric light and shadow show against the background of dark forest foliage.Deepika loved flying and she loved her Mirage. Once strapped in the aircraft became a part of her anatomy. As she leaned forward slightly to switch on the master circuit breaker and then the avionics circuit breaker the muted displays came on quickly, flushing the inside with a multi colored disco like effect. The artificial horizon came on first followed by the radar console and then the head up display .The engine monitors came on and finally the hydraulics panel including the landing gear position indicators.All along the flight line the same process was being repeated. As the pilots settled down inside their cocoons the ground crew moved in, quickly connecting the starter carts and the removing carefully the orange flagged safety pins from the bombs and taking out the engine air intake covers, counting them again and again to make sure there is no mistake now.The mission plan called for refueling over Brahmaputra immediately after take off, jettisoning the drop tanks just before crossing the line of actual control and maybe refuel once again on return before recovery at Tezpur in case extended low altitude flight in bad weather over hostile territory cut off the minimum fuel margin.They will be flying low – as low as practically possible over the rugged mountains that dot the line of actual control and hope fully not discovered in the initial phase, covered by the radar shadow of the craggy mountain peaks. She also hoped the sticky paste on the wings and engine intake applied by the DRDO engineers really do work
Deepika leaned forward once again and started the tedious process of configuring the Mirage 2000 for combat. The left MFD showed the engine parameters and also the weapon status .The soft blue lit key pads allowed her to program in the projected flight path with several exit option as may be required during the mission .At the moment the “taxi-take off mode “was selected .The “arm” master circuit breaker was in OFF .She would push it ON only before weapon release. Both the drop tank and weapon jettison switch was active which she deactivated and would activate once again after refueling is over. The head up display panel color she changed to red, clearly seen against a dark background for the time being .Before weapon release she will change it to green so as to make it more visible against orange fire background. Next she clicked on the frequency selector of the HF communication console and keyed into air traffic control. And finally loaded the mini DVD into the mission computer located just below the left MFD and waited for the loading process to be complete .It took more time than she would have liked, about twice as much as it takes in a Su 30 ,but still she would not change her mirage for flanker ,thought Wing commander Deepika as the IL-78 took off with a ear splitting roar climbed slowly to the designated refueling position over the moon lit river .

EASTERN AIR COMMAND –SHILONG –MEGHALAY-0200 HRSGroup captain Neogi was tense ,as any self respecting air force officer will be when standing next to air officer commanding in chief eastern air command standing next to him was getting directly briefed on the mission status .It was as if he was directly responsible for all the men and machine in eastern command area at this point of time .Air vice marshal Chopra a Mi 35 pilot was super particular about logistics and timing and now his rapid fire questions were difficult to respond to ,to say the least.
The verbal confirmations started coming in from all over command area simultaneously. Everyone knew when AOC in C asks questions the answers would better be quick in coming - sir the mirages are fuelled and armed –ready to roll on command –tezpur reporting- the phalcon have just finished refueling and crew change expected to be completed in 15 minutes –jorhat - The sukhois are rolling right now –shall meet up with the Mirages in 20 minutes over grid sector zulu zulu- Akash missile system activated in Mohanbari ,Tezpur,Jorhat and Bagdogra - Chabua ready for emergency recovery of any aircraft –medical team on standby- Search and rescue helos ready in all bases - Mig 27s being fuelled now –shall be ready in 30 minutes - Sir we have active data link going with all the primary bases and shall do so with the phalcon and lead sukhois once in air Neogi turned and very carefully made the final commitment-sir we should be able to launch the first strike and escort package in 30 minutes The air vice marshal was still not impressed as he looked at the large tactical display .What if the PLAAF puts up a more than expected resistance .The mirage pilots may need more ready escorts in air till they release their heavy payloads .-Neogi –what we have in reserve at Mohanbari -sir a squadron of yet to be upgraded Mig 29s oil field protection - get them ready and in air over Digboi area .Once our strike package is discovered they may hit hard at the refinery and oil fields in Digboi and Duliajaan .Also activate full air defense around Noonmati refinery including the Igla teams -Right sir –doing that right now -once you get the confirmation –you may pass on the mission authentication codes to individual air bases and flight leads .

INDIAN AIRFORCE STATION –MOHANBARI – LEOPARD REVENGE FLIGHT -6X SU 30 MKI- 0220 hrsSquadron leader Jamwal did not like waiting and that too in the dark of night inside the uncomfortable confines of a flanker. He was also tired after a long flight and an intense air battle he fought few days back. But the AOC wanted some one experienced to lead the escort flight into Tibet with a dense air defense environment around Lhasa so Jamwal was back on a combat mission .He was loaded up with half a dozen anti radiation missiles and equal number of R-77ER s .The wing tip pylons carried 4 R-73 s in double rail launchers making a total of sixteen missiles for the mission .Weight wise it was still ok but he was not sure how it will affect his high speed agility even with computer and thrust vectoring support . Reports indicated 4 JF 17 in CAP along line of actual control ,which will have to be taken out quickly and then he would expect at least that many su-30 MKM around the Tibetian capital but that confirmation will come only when the A 50 Beriev Phalcon starts transmitting .In the distance he could see the Mi 17 s and An 32 S being loaded up for morning air drop missions. Though the land conflict still has not broken up along the craggy border, it can any time.Behind him his WSO finished loading the navigation and target data on known radar and missile launch sites .The radio crackled to life- lima romeo lead –tower –motor start in one zero minutes – over - copy that tower – lima romeo lead – already hooked up – loaded and ready to roll
INDIAN AIRFORCE STATION –MOHANBARI – LEOPARD REVENGE FLIGHT -6X SU 30 MKI- 0230 Squadron leader Jamwal waited for the engine start order from tower .While he did so ,could not but help comparing this bird with his old favorite the Mig 29 .The aviation electronics were of light years ahead .But the biggest advantage what he found in flanker was the additional pair of eyes in the rear seat ,that made combat missions particularly long and complex ones .like to days some what less strenuous .The fly by wire or computerized flight control features he liked in general but not always just like many drivers don’t like auto transmission in a sports car . The radar was still on standby mode which he will activate only after taxi clearance .The left MFD showed all the gauges like oil pressure, fuel content, hydraulics condition in blue against a black background. The left MFD was for the moment configured for scrolling map display showing the area around the small airbase and the low mountains in the distance .As he clicked on the display changed to planned ingress route in red over the zoomed out moving map display – a more or less convoluted north westerly track Which will allow his flight to cover the Mirage 2000 strike flight 360 degree as they make a low level high speed dash towards Lhasa and beyond along the railroad, taking out the critical tunnels and nodes in one go .Surprise and speed will be the key to success in this mission. Some attrition Jamwal knew is but inevitable .But once the railroad is in operative it will be extremely different for the PLA to support the army on offensive. Phase 2 of the strike plan will be even more extensive and will involve the road network built up by the Chinese in the Tibetan plateau for that once again he will have to fly shot gun and maybe do some mud slinging himself - lima romeo flight -tower – standby for engine start - tower – copy that – flight ready for engine start - Lima romeo lead – start motor and confirm –overJamwal leaned forward and signaled ground crew who already had the starter cable attached. The port engine started first with a small burst of black smoke, clearing the exhaust manifold of un- burnt fuel and then quickly picked up revolutions and then the starboard engine. The airframe mild vibration smoothened out with second engine coming to idle power . In the back seat squadron leader Ojha powered up the avionics suite and strarted his post engine start checklist - tower –lima romeo lead – ready to taxi –over - lima romeo lead –tower –cleared to taxi –use taxi way alpha –tango –delta –zulu - copy tower – lima romeo lead –flight moving into taxiway in sequence - lima romeo flight – lead moving –follow in sequence-over Jamwal inched the power lever a notch ,retracted the parking break lever and finally clicked the main break off .The flanker moved forward quickly ,nose down and the regained attitude as it gracefully slid off the parking ramp into nearby taxiway .Jamwal drove her carefully along the white centre line ,careful of the heavy wing load at low speed .He adjusted the throttle setting once again and the Rmbha was now moving smoothly forward at 30 km/hour and will take almost 5 minutes to reach the hammerhead .Behind him other five Su-30 MKI s moved out of their respective slots and fell in line .Each one of them checking the control surface movement and the brakes along the way to main runway

- Lima romeo lead – tower –report to report to eagle eye –who has control –contact frequency ---- Mhz - Copy that tower –contacting eagle eye –over - Eagle eye – lima romeo lead-reporting –over- Lima romeo lead- eagle eye –read you loud and clear –confirm if in take position - Eagle eye –lima romeo flight ready for immediate take off- Lima romeo flight –eagle eye – you are cleared for immediate take – formation take off allowed in pairs –fly runway heading to 5000 mters which is your cruisec altitude for now – turn left to 310 till grid sector alpha lima –over - Copy that eagle eye – climb to 5000 meters –turn right 310 to alpha lima –over The six Su-30 s slowly entered the main runway with Jamwal in the lead. As he scanned the length of the runway after switching on the powerful landing lights located in the undercarriage well, the runway looked clear. A final alignment with runway centre line and then time to power up all the way. The flanker moved forward with a sharp jerk like a wild untamed stallion nosing down in protest and then opened up like a race horse on the home stretch. First the runways unevenness could be felt ,even through the highly cushioned 36K ejection seats but very quickly one bump blended into another as the ground speed picked up along with indicated air speed . The air speed indicated on the left MFD quickly went up and before long the deadly aircraft was in its element,moving effortlessly into the black sky at the expense of about 800kgs of jet fuel .The thrust vectoring nozzles moved down for an instant ,right when the wheels left the tarmac and so did the horizontal stabilizers pitching the nose up and then went back to normal configuration as the flight computer sensed adequate nose up attitude have been achieved . The remained in their take of configuration of 15 degree till the altitude of 1000 meters was achieved and computer decided the extra lift generated by them is no longer required .The flaps went back to normal cruise configuration and the exhaust nozzles started moving independently to come up to the programmed course and altitude .The canards responded smoothly ,providing the opposing moment to those generated by the thrust vectoring nozzles .The flanker executed a perfect turning climb in the air like no other aircraft in the world –not even the F-22 raptor is capable of.

IAF STATION TEZPUR- ASSAM – 0245 HRS- CHAMBAL FIRE FLIGHT 24X MIRAGE 2000Wing commander Deepika finished checking the targeting pod and data link response from built in health check systems in the mission computer . She also checked one more the oxygen flow in the mask and increased it slightly . The 24 Mirage 2000 S were arranged in 8 seperate flight groups of 3 aircraft each . The total flight will be controlled from the A 50 Bariev PHALCON radar aircraft already on station some where over river Brahmaputra and will move forward across the line of control during actual strike events to accurately coordinate time over target and ingress/egress and also the top cover operation by the flankers . - charlie foxtrot flight -tower - stand by for immediate taxi -taxi way delta zulu foxtrot beta -over - tower foxtrot lead - ready to taxi - delta zulu foxtrot beta to runway 09 -over - charlie foxtrot flight - you are cleared to taxi to runway 09 -contact eagle eye on assigned frequency once in position for take off - blast those ----- good hunting -over Deepika had to smile at the chicest explitives from the base commander but that is exactly the way she felt too after hearing about the cowardly strike at Kolkata airport .Now it was time for a payback with interest. The most expensive railroad in the world and an icon of peoples republic of chinas yechnical capability was about to be wiped off the face of the earth

EAGLE EYE FLIGHT – 1 X BARIEV A -50 PHALCON AWAC – 150 KM EAST OF JORJAT-ASSAM -0247 HRS Air commodore Bhasin looked at the master tactical plot projected on the large LCD display in colour.The six sukhois have taken off and now topping up their tanks form an IL-78 MKI over the river Brahmaputra just south of air force station Tezpur . The Mirages are rolling into take off position at Tezpur and should all be in air in a matter minutes . The twelve on board monitoring stations were all assigned a specific task and the priority at the moment was to locate all the live and dormant radar emitters along the ingress path of the strike flight before they actually cross the line of actual control . The need to be located and neutralized quickly before the actual ingress take place and the flankers were waiting for the air defense ground environment picture before launching their long range air to surface anti radiation missiles .The whole plan hinged on punching a hole in the Chinese air defense network quickly, diverting away their combat air patrol and pushing the strike fleet of mirages through the gap which will be then created. All a matter of co ordination and synchronization To do that he needed a decoy fleet .Which was ready somewhere in the north eastern air space but did have no idea about the objective of their mission or how risky it may turn out to be . Bhasin decided to launch the decoys IAF STATION CHABUA – DIRTY DONKY FLIGHT – 12 X MIG 27 -0249 hrs- Dirty donkey lead –eagle eye – you are cleared for immediate take off –fly runway heading and execute mission Peking duck –now over Wing commander Nitesh checked his watch and checked his flight all in single line formation along the taxi way. All of them were loaded with 57 mm rockets and full load of ammo for the devastating Gsh 30-6 multi barrel cannon capable ripping open a main battle tank with just a couple of rounds and all equipped with synthetic aperture radar . Their mission today was to take out a PLA armor cum air base just across the line of actual control 350 km east of Tezpur . It was planned to be a quick in ,quick out type mission with medium altitude subsonic ingress and high altitude egress at maximum speed . He did not know his flight will also act as a potent decoy for the PLAAF combat air patrol ( supersonic bait) and also force the Chinese to light up all their dormant air search radars along the line of actual control as he and his flight makes a convoluted approach to the target zone - eagle eye –delta delta flight – rolling now Nitesh checked his flap setting one last time ,engine rpm and exhaust temperature ,tightened the straps of his ejection seat needlessly and advanced the power lever all the way forward to full reheat . The Mig 27 obeyed dutifully as she accelerated like a high velocity bullet covering the 2500 meter runway in seconds and rotated her nose sky wards slowly in a thunderous roar . Nitesh slapped the undercarriage lever up and the heavy duty wheels came up smoothly into the well and the speed picked up quickly for him to allow flap setting to be changed to 45degree for normal cruise to the first waypoint.The 12 Mig 27s flew over the silvery Brahmaputra at pre assigned altitude of 3500 meters till the area defense coverage area of IAF station Tezpur ,turned right and without a check flew into the controlled air space along line of actual control and into china occupied Tibet - delta delta –eagle eye –we see SA3 site with possible four launchers – 035 – 20 kms –shall appreciate doing the needful ,Bhasin was at his polite best - roger that sir –replied Nitesh as checked out the synthetic aperture image display now on area mode which he quickly changed to spot light mode and the ghostly green black image of the surface to air missile battery filled the screenWing commander Nitesh loved nothing more than using his rockets on an un suspecting enemy . As he banked the Mig to right ,his thumb flicked open the fire switch protective cover and the weapon display showed he has a full load of 57 mm rockets . As he aligned the cross hair onto the radar vehicle the distance to target was less than 6 km s , a small flash on the screen indicated he has been acquired too a the fisrt missile the sioze of a telephone pole was on its way . The target cirsor changed color to red and shoot prompt came up on the screen .Nitesh pressed the fire button and a salvo of four 57 mm rockets hissed out of the port side pod obliterating the control van and its antenna in a bright orange flash ,another squeeze on the fire button and the distant launcher with three live missiles on it went up in smoke . His wing man managed to hit another launcher and then they were past the target . -eagle eye –delta delta lead- target neutralized – do u want us to run back-negative delta delta –eagle eye – continue with your mission – turn left 076 – arty base 75 km between peak zulu 30 and sierra 45 – destroy target and report –over -copy that eagle eye – delta delta flight on way –over EAGLE EYE FLIGHT – 1 X BARIEV A -50 PHALCON AWAC – 150 KM EAST OF JORJAT-ASSAM -0310 HRS Air commodore Bhasin was a happy man ,a very tense happy man would be more correct definition of his present state of mind . The short strike along the line of control had the desired effect . All the four Su 30 MKM were now changed course and trying to intercept the intruding Mig 27 s and with the taking out of the known SAM station the secondary radars both static and mobile along the line of actual control have started coming up ,lighting up the master tactical display like a Christmas tree . There were six radar stations along the ingress route to Lhasa and he nodded to the young squadron leader responsible for networking with the flanker fleet . The target data acquired by the phased array L band conformal radars and other associated sensors were quickly transmitted to the flanker lead flight via a high speed high bandwidth data link .Within 3 minutes the flanker flight had all that it needed to launch the air to surface missiles One by one the they started launching their long range anti radiation missiles ,and one by one the red lights on the master tactical display started blinking out . Within 5 minutes a black safe passage was marked out on the master plot . For atleast one hour the Tibet airspace up to Lhasa was vulnerable . It was time to give the mirages the green signal
CHINA OCCUPIED TIBET – LEOPARD REVENGE FLIGHT -6X SU 30 MKI- 0315 HRSSquadron leader Jamwal ttried to strech in the limited confines of his ejection seat .So far so good the known sam sites have been taken off but unknown mobile ones were more dangerous . The radio crackled to life - lima romeo lead –eagle eye – we see four bandits –su-30 likely on intercept course to delta delta flight – heading 085 –distance 150 kms- angels 8000 meters –take them out –over - eagle eye- lima romeo lead –copy tasking order – four bandits – 085-8k meters-150k range –over - lima romeo 2 follow me –lima romeo 3 4 5 6 stay with the mirages –join back in 15 minutes –over - copy that lima romeo lead- lima romeo 2 – turning to new course - message understood lima romeo lead – lima romeo 3/4/5/6 –staying with strike flight.Jamwal blinked his navigation light twice ,signaling his wing man the intention to go full reheat and also stay radio silent from now on and most importantly no active radar till within heat seeking missile range . With total trust in the air battle commander on board the Phalcon and the active data link which periodically updated his tactical picture ,he went for the kill remorselessly As the after burners on twin AL 31 engines kicked effortlessly propelling the Indian flanker past supersonic regime Jamwal approached the Chinese flankers from their blind angle up and behind .With no radar emission whatsoever the PLAAF pilots got no warning of the impending death .They were intent on taking out the fast moving Indian Mig 27 s streaking low over the mountain tops taking out the ground defense and arty bases with unchecked regular rhythm. They did not even know when the games have turned upside down. -lima romeo lead-eagle eye – turn turn right 110 –make altitude 9500 meters –four bandits in diamond formation –heading 130 – 40 km –over Jamwal did not respond just clicked his microphone twice and acknowledged the new tactical update His right hand flashed forward and selected the R-73 stations on the outer most pylons ,he selected and armed up all four of them ,right hand back on stick and fire button protective cover flicked open ,it was time to activate the powerful radar ,a press on the radar console and the indicator LCD changed from green to red ,confirming the Bars was now on full power transmission mode ,the radar console came alive and the four PLAAF sukhois were clearly marked with individual tag numbers .They immediately became aware of hostile radar ,being warned by their own tail mounted radar warning receivers And started their turn inwards .But it was too little effort and too late .The range to target was less than 25 km and Jamwal did not even think of hesitating as he squeezed off the first salvo of air to air missiles . The fire computer checked the distance and angle of approach and assigned missile priority . The upgraded R-73 covered the distance in a flash and the first PLAAF Su-30 lost its starboard engine and the wing carrying it even before he could line up for a shot .As the first PLAAF Su 30 went down cart wheeling ,the second Chinese Sukhoi launched its own missile and then the second of Jamwals missile hit him right on the canopy ,blowing it up in a bright orange flush . Jamwal pulled up and away and then put the flanker on a spiraling downward roll and the automated flare dispenser did the rest .The third PLAAF pilot made an avoidable mistake he tried to engage the Jamwals flanker in a turning dog fight by going to full afterburner and arrowing down after him in a matching spiral . Jamwal broke radio silence and called for help- lima romeo 2 –lead –take the damn slit eye off my tail - with pleasure lead break right on my count -3 2 1 now - Jamwal deployed the airbrake for a moment and turned to starboard almost in right angles to his projected track and the Chinese pilot overshot and had to level out to avoid hitting the mountains not far below. Jamwal’s wing man was waiting for this and launched a single R-73 almost up the tail of the Chinese flanker which exploded like a 250 kg high explosive bomb ,showering the barren mountain tops with burning metal The last Chinese flanker had enough and broke homewards lighting up his afterburner and Jamwal waited .As the young Chinese pilot crossed his nose he let go with a short burst from his Gsh 30 1 .The young pilot of PLAAF died young over a land and mountain he never liked and never knew . -eagle eye – lima romeo lead – sky clear –claim three flanker splash –confirm over - eagle eye –lima romeo 2 –claim one flanker kill-confirm over - god work lima romeo team –confirm your kills and now is on tape –join back chambal fire – heading 285 – distance 400 km –make altitude 8000 meters –over -copy that eagle eye – turning to new course and altitude –over


YANGBAJAIN RAILTOAD TUNNEL -80 LN EAST OF LHAS -TIBET - 0400 HRSCaptain Han blinked hard at the flash message on the secured console. He was advised to prepare for a possible imminent Indian air strike at the tunnel complex and also told in no uncertain terms what will be the consequence if he failed to protect the most treasured railroad in the world.As he picked up the field telephone to his surface to missile and gun commanders the radar screen was clean and black and then suddenly turned all white and grainy.He knew then the promised raid have just been delivered, the powerful jammers have just managed to make useless all his long range search and track radars and the cold war era soviet copies were no good for the state of the art electronic counter measure equipment the Indians were using now . What he did not know is it was not one but several latest Russian and Israeli and French electronic countermeasure systems were used simultaneously by the incoming Mirage 2000s and the Su 30 MKI s making any kind of radar based target lock and track almost impossible. The broad band frequency agile jammers first listened passively to the inbound search and track emission and decided on what frequency is best to jam and confuse and what power level and only then the powerful emitters were energized making the search radars loose track and keep on trying to re acquire the target again.The Mirage flight have come in from the north making a long circle around the heavily defended Tibetan capital region to strike far from the assumed threat axis. While the Sukhois have parked themselves to the south of Lhasa at high altitude drawing any challenger Deepika and her teammates have circled around at very low altitude, flying the valley in a true nape of the earth flying and now activated their own protective jammers .Captain Han knew his chances against such a well choreographed attack was not much and also he knew his last days in peoples republic will not be full of pleasure as he rushed out of the command bunker and shouted at the gunners to fire over open sight and at will as the the first of the Indian Mirage 2000 dived out of the dawn skies straight at him ,guns blazing ,ripping a twin furrow on the frosted ground .CHAMBAL FIRE FLIGHT -24 X MIRAGE 2000 – OVER YANGBAJAIN RAILTOAD TUNNEL- 0402 HRS Wing commander Deepika looked at the frantically running figure through her night vision goggles as she came in to pre weapon release position as per pre decided weapon release profile . Her thumb moved by reflex as she selected GUN and pressed the fire button in a short 2 second burst .She saw the target disintegrate and then it was turn to get into drop profile. As she lit the after burner and activated the digital clock on main MFD ,the Mirage streaked forward and then as she pulled the stick full forward ,it nosed up and bored into the night sky ,17 seconds and she started loosing airspeed ,stick full forward and thumb flicking open the plastic cover of release trigger , the tunnel junction where the inward and outward tunnel is joined by a service tunnel was her aiming point and the cross hair rested on it as the Mirage nosed down at almost zero vertical air speed and started falling out of the sky ,press the release ,push the throttle all the way forward and recover from the near stall . The Heavy bomb dropped true and straight, the twin retarding parachutes deployed at 500 ft over ground level and the four small rocket motors ignited in unison. The 2000 kg torpedo shaped bomb accelerated down wards while the aiming parachutes burnt off in the hot exhaust of the penetration assist motors. The impact was like a small earthquake with a 2000 kg re inforced mass at a speed more than 600 km/hr contacted the reinforced tunnel dome, cracking it into several pieces by sheer kinetic energy of impact, penetrating through the dome and then exploding. The mass of hydroxyl terminated poly butadiene and petroleum jelly within an aluminum powder matrix created a core temperature of nearly 3000 degree centigrade which simply melted the concrete and the explosive power of resulting shock wave tore it apart like a kid’s toy house all in a span of 12 seconds.Depika managed to tear off her night vision goggles before the bright flash hit her eyes ,put them back on for the secondary target but that was not required . The whole tunnel complex was now burning brightly as the stored diesel within the tunnel for the locos caught fire and much smaller secondary explosions started all over, lighting up the entire tunnel area . The solar power station which powered the complex as well as the surface to air defense units all over the Lhasa division of the Tibetian railway could be easily seen with naked eye ,lit up by the eerie light of the now burning tunnel . She leveled out and in a classic bomb drop profile allowed the target cursor on HUD float over the power station mirror area and dropped the second bomb . This time there was no spectacular secondary explosion but the whole area plunged into darkness, confirming she has found the mark.-eagle eye –chambal fire –the fire is burning –alpha and delta target destroyed –request further instruction –over-good work Charlie foxtrot lead – we see six juliets foxtrots on intercept course – turn right heading 170 – make altitude 20k ft – join lima romeo flight quicky –repeat join lima romeo flight –clear area for long range strike – radar on standby please -copy that eagle eye –bugging out for time being towards lima romeo flight –over