02 Nov 2017
ISR has existed in one shape or other ever since the dawn of warfare. Over the centuries nature of ISR has not changed, but the character has. In the field of ISR India has also jumped from primitive to state of art technologies. Real time availability of battlefield intelligence will provide India the capability to read the current situation, broadly define the future course, assess the difference between the two and envision major actions that link them.
With better vision and integration, we need to prepare ourselves mentally and physically to adapt to the rapidly changing op environment. Thus taking an account of Indian ISR capabilities vis-Ã -vis its implications on our land ops, it is imperative to view the threat dimensions.
To carry out an analysis of Indian ISR capabilities and its effects on Pakistan with a view to recommend viable counter measures.
Thus the article will encompass following parameters:-
ISR-Conceptual Parameters.
Indian ISR concepts and assets.
Pakistan’s ISR concepts and assets.
Effects of Indian ISR capabilities on Pakistan.
Modus Operandi to counter effects of Indian ISR capabilities.
ISR. ISR is defined as "an activity that synchronizes and integrates the plan and op of sensors, assets, and processing, exploitation, and dissemination systems in direct support of current and future ops." [2] The term ISR is an all-encompassing term merging info from different surv means into a single product i.e. "Real-time Actionable Int" for timely and correct decision making by commanders.
Perimeter of Security [3] .For retention of liberty of action, the commander creates around him a perimeter of security to provide him sufficient freedom to counter enemy movements. The perimeter of security includesboth area of influence and area of interest. The perimeter of security at different levels is as under:-
(in kms)
(in kms)
(in kms)
7 - 10
25
32 - 35
25 – 30
50
75 - 80
70 – 80
120
190 - 200
150
300
450
Common Op Picture [4] . The COP is defined as "a single identical display of relevant Info" shared by more than one commander / user".
Obsn, Orientation, Decision, Action (OODA) Loop. The OODA Loop model was developed by Colonel. John Boyd, United States Air force (Retired) during the Korean War. According to Boyd, decision-making occurs in a recurring cycle of observe-orient-decide-act.
Confirm of indicators of various hypotheses.
Mobilization activities.
Movements and reinforcements.
Concentration of enemy strike formations and their likely zone/ points of application.
Confirmation of indicators of various hypotheses.
Enemydef layout.
Composition, location and displacement of reserves at various tiers.
Location of fire support assets.
Command and communication nodes.
Development of routes for reserves.
Movements and reinforcements.
Organization, leadership, internal dynamics and op of miscreant groups.
Trg system, infra-structure and recruitment centres.
Command, control and communication system including any propaganda means like FM radio stations etc.
Concentration camps / hideouts.
Routes/ pattern of movement, modus operandi of ops and likely targets.
Local support/ sympathizers.
Logs and weapon/equipment.
Assistance for route clearance to preclude chances of ambush/raid.
Communication Satellites. A satellite that orbits the earth and relays messages, radio, telephone and television signals.
Remote Sensing Satellites. Remote sensing can be regarded as "recce from a distance". It provides a number of benefits for studying the Earth's surface.
Recce Satellites. Recce satellites are used for pinpointing and verifying mil targets.
Navigational Satellites. These satellites are used to determine the position of any object on ground or sea.
Geodetic Satellites. It measures the earth’s gravitational field in different areas, which has vital mil applications especially for guidance systems.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). UAVs are currently used in a number of mil role.
Aircraft/ Helicopters. Aircraft are one of the most versatile and most used platforms for recce.
AEW& C Systems. These are specialist aerial platforms used for ISR and early warning. Long Range RecceMaritime Patrol (LRMP)aircraft are also included in this category.
Aerostat Systems. In modern times balloons are used to airlift and keep airborne different type of radars.
Ground SurvRadars. Ground Surv Radars are used to acquire real time picture of battlefield.
Unmanned Ground Vehicles. They are counterparts of UAVs but with limited area coverage.
Unattended Ground Sensor . These are mostly small systems which do not require human presence for functioning.
Misc Ground Sensors/ Observation Devices. These include Laser Range Finders, Night Vision Devices and Binoculars etc.
Sea Based Systems/ Platforms. In addition to traditional means following new means of surv are being adopted by modern armies of the world:-
Un-manned Surface Vehicle (USV). They can be used for conducting a variety of missions in littoral waters with mission specific payloads.
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles(UUV). They are being used for ISR purposes below the surface.
USA.USA is probably the most advanced country in terms of capabilities in field of modern ISR systems. It has an array of ISR assets covering effectively mediums of space, air, ground and water. Her UAV program is also most advanced in the world. (Details of USA’s UAVs and main C4I2SRsystems are attached as per Annexure A)..
United Kingdom. British armed forces do not possess network centric capabilities but have network enabled capabilities. British UAV capabilities currently consist almost solely of the Phoenixtact. Long endurance, op level UAV programme, Watch keeperis under development in collaboration with Israel. They possess unmanned under water ISR capabilities with deployment of Marlin Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV)in 2002.
Israeli Capabilities. The United States has given Israel real time access to their satellites for provision of intelligence. In addition to this, Israel has developed state-of-the-art radars and other equipment which enables her to get high degree surv capabilities. Israel has very advanced and sophisticated UAV and AEW& C programme which is second only to USA.
China has launched 40 locally produced satellites, 17 of which were recoverable surv satellites. It plans to launch 20 more satellites in 2015. It also intends launching her own GPS satellite system.
China has also developed an advanced UAV called Dark Sword [6] (Anjian) which can be configured with infrared seekers or television cameras.
The commanders prioritize surv requirements as per assessment of situation and enemy.
Staff coordinates deployment and tasking of all surv resources within respective areas of interest.
General Staff (Ops) Staff collates and analyses information in conjunction with General Staff (Intelligence) Staff in the Corps Intelligence &Surv Centre (CISC).
Relevant intelligence is passed to Corps Headquarters for decision making and targeting.
a. Concept of Force Multiplier Comd Post (FMCP). FMCP processes info acquired through various surv means at Corps HQ level and then disseminated to lower Formation HQs (Division HQs).
b. Def Image Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC).DIPAC has been estb down to corps HQs level. The satellite imageries can be directly downloaded to this Centre for plan purposes.
c. B Field Surv Sys (BSS). Multi sensor data fusion software is being dev to facilitate the integ of sensors with radio sets/taccptrs. This is likely to be estb at all Corps HQs.
d. Concept of Battalion Surv Centre. Output from various sensors can be monitored centrally from Battalion Surv Centre, which is planned to be further connected to B fdSurv Centre, estb at Corps HQs.
Communication Satellites. At present INSAT system have nine satellites in op.
Remote Sensing Satellite (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRSS).It includes twelve satellites with resolution of one metre ranging upto 500 metres.
Recce Satellite (Radar Imaging Satellite-RISAT). It hastwelve such satellites in op.
Lakshya.
Nishant.
Kapothaka.
Puma.
Indo - Israel Collaboration. UAVs provided by Israel to India incl:-
Searcher.
Harpy.
Heron.
(1)
Mig 25 R1U
AE-10 Mapping Camera, A-70 M Photo Cameras
Day and night recce
(2)
Canberra
Nose Mounted F-95 Camera
Day recce
(3)
Jaguar
Red Baron RS-
710CIRLS system
Day and Night surv, stereo images and operates at all heights
(4)
Mig 21 Mod M
Vinten- 751 panoramic
Day recce with 22.7 kilometres coverage
(5)
Mig 23 & 27
Vicon-91
Day and Night surv, stereo images and operates at all heights
(6)
Cheetah Helicopter
Israeli origin surv system
Can detect human targets and Aad B vehicles up to 9,17 and 30 kilometer respectively
Foreign Acquisitions . Indian Air Force has three op Israeli PhalconAWAC radar systems mounted on Russia IL-76 A-50 heavy air lifters. India is planning to buy two more AWACS .
Indigenous AWACS. India’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABs) has plans to build 5x small AWACs based on EMB-145, aircraft made by Embraer of Brazil.Brazil has already delivered India one aircraft. It has made some test flights.
Aerostat Systems [9] .In addition to 17 systems already op with air force India is planning to buy six more aerostat system form international market. In addition they are planning to build two indigenous ones. B fdSurv Radar fitted on Aerostat platform has a range of 150 – 250 kilometres.
Ground Surv Radars. These include from long range to tact short range man-portable radars.
UGV. DRDO has developed Daksh. Its primary role is to recover bombs. It can be configured with camera for surv tasks.
Unattended Ground Sensors/ Remote Ground Sensors. These devices consist of several types of sensing instruments.
Misc Ground Sensors/ Observation Devices. These range from simple binoculars, night vision devices and hand held thermal imagers.
One of the major thrust areas is improving C4I2SR systems of Indian Navy.
The network will be supported by EW systems, radars, sonars, LRMPs, and UAVs.
Few ofimportant developments are listed below:
UAVProgramme . Future projects between India and Israel include are in developmental stage:
Rustom.
Pawan.
Gagan.
India is acquiring 8xP3B Orion Maritime aircraft (upgraded to C Version) from USA [10] . It shall have latest ISR gadgetry and Harpoon Anti-ship missile.
Procurement of 2-4x IL-38 Maritime Surv aircrafts is also in process [11] .
Acoustic Range Finder (ARF) being procured from Thales of France or BAE of UK, to locate guns in J&K/mountainous terrain [12] .
Unmanned Under Water Vehicle (UUV) capable of sending signals to satellite is in developmental stage [13] .
Concept. Pakistan Army’s ISR concept is summarised as an "Expandable, modular and adaptive concept of integrating systems and subsystems into a cohesive network for efficient and tailored management of information and its dissemination in the form of actionable intelligence to the decision-makers in well packaged and timely manner consistent with the capabilities and requirements at each tier".
Net Centricity and ISR. Network enabling is progressively expanding throughout the Army in a tiered framework outlined in the ISR concept. The system provides optimal fusing of information from all available sensors and sources at Army, Command and Corps Headquarters with the lowest tier at Division Headquarters.
ISR Strat will be centrally formulated by the GS Branch.
Information gathering at all levels is the responsibility of respective commanders.
ISR data must flow in three directions: top down, bottom up and peer to peer.
Each tier is responsible for filtering information gathered at their respective level.
Downwards flow of intelligence will be tailored to the needs of the level concerned.
In collective trg, opposing ISR capabilities and the resultant implications onmil ops will be factored in.
Pakistan’s first communication satellite PAKSAT-1R was launched on 12 Aug 2011.
Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1) project is currently under the process of approval from the Government of Pakistan.
To meet the mil requirements, satellites imageries are being procured by SUPARCO from international satellites including IKONOS, COSMOS and SPOT-5 on required basis.
UAVs. The RPVs / UAVs available with Pakistan are :-
Ababeel.
Shabaz.
Hud-Hud.
Bravo.
Shahpar&Buraq.
Huma-1
Uqab.
Luna.
Phalco.
Mirage III hasLORAP (Long Range Aerial Panoramic Photographic System)that allows horizon-to-horizon photography at low altitude and high speed.
DB-110 system on F-16 is latest advancement in this field which covers an area of 40 x 40 kms.
C-130 and Bell 412 .FLIR systems have also been installed on these aerial platforms for carrying out ISR tasks.
PAF has inducted "The Ericsson PS-890 Erieye Radar" (AEW& C) mounted on Saab – 2000 aircraft from Sweden and two ZDK - 03 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) "Karakoram Eagle" aircraft from China.
Atlantic, P3C and Fokker LRMPs carryout bulk of surv tasks for PN.
GSRs.Presently, Pakistan is holding a limited variety of b fdsurv radars. These include RASIT radars, AN/TPQ-36 and 37 held with artillery.
Platoon Early Warning System(PEWS) . These are authorized at the scale of 1 x per pl ( as per modernization plan )but not held.
MiscellaneousSurvResources. Miscellaneous groundsensors and observation devices have limited ranges and utility only fortactlevel.
Celsius Tech System. System 5070, which was installed in 1976, has been replaced with Celsius Tech System which is advanced system compared to the old.
Surv Systems. Various sources of intelligence and surv available to Pakistan Navy are based on remote data stations, electronic warfare and mobile coastal radar.
Indian ISR capabilities are likely to have following implications on Pakistan: -
Immediate Dispersal Area / Strat Assembly Area. UAVs and satellites are likely to pick up movement to immediate dispersal area on announcement of emergency. Similarly any movement to and inside start assembly area will also be observed by en in almost real time (using UAVs) or with max delay of 5 to 6 hours (using satellites).
Assembly Area / Forward Assembly Area. Any forward move of troops ahead of immediate dispersal area / strat assembly areawill be detected through surv devices held at division / corps level.
Detection of Long Range Arty. With the use of satellites / UAVs, India will have the capability to locate the missile launching sites / Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS) sites with appreciable degree of accuracy.
Break-in. UAVs, aircrafts and GSRs will be used to monitor the movement of bridging equipment, armour and arty pieces.
Mine Field Clearance. India can accurately detect these ops at resources available at divisional level, thereby making these ops extremely difficult
Induction and Break-out Stage. Breakout and subsequent operations will be continuously monitored by en using host of surv devices
Detection of Headquarters. India will be able to Divisional and Corps headquarters with reasonable accuracy and engage them at critical stages. En may resort to jamming of VHF / HF communications at critical stage.
Move of Reserves. Move of reserves at all tiers will be continuously observed by India and will be effectively interdicted.
Logistics. Logistic installations in forward areas will be observed keenly by India especially with satellites. Their destruction by aircrafts and long range artillery at critical stages cannot be ruled out.
(1) Pre and Post Mov.Enemy will employ all possible surv resources to detect pre and post hostilities move of troops as it happened in recent escalations.
(2) Occupation of Def .Move forward of our troops, weapon and equipment to defended localities will be subjected to constant surv by enemy.
(3) Prep of Def .In some cases preparation and improvement of def will have to be undertaken under observation of satellites and other surv means.
(4) Loc of GSRs / Surv Devices. Enemy will try to locate our Ground Surv Radars (GSRs) and other surv means and will try to neutralize them before any op is undertaken.
(5) Res. Location of reserves at all tiers will be a special focus of enemy surv activity and all possible resources will be for their engagement.
(6) Artillery / AD Guns. Artillery and Air Def gun positions will be picked by the enemy through employing Weapon Locating Radars (WLRs), Sound Ranging Radars (SRG) and ANTPQ series radars in addition to satellites, air recce and UAVs.
(7) Identification of Gaps. With the present devices, enemy can easily identify gaps in def.
(8) Natural and Artificial Obstacles. Enemy would employ her surv means to pick up and analyse natural and man-made obstacles particularly to identify presence of water in ditches and inundations. Satellite imageries and regular flights by UAVs will indicate pattern and layout of mine field in front of our def.
(9) Logistic Installations. Effective neutralization of logistic installations supporting our defops will depend upon accurate and timely acquisition of these targets for engagement by the enemy.
(10) Battle Damage Assessment. UAVs will be employed for assessing damages after any attack.
General. After considering Indian and Pakistani ISR concepts, assets and effects of Indian ISR capabilities on Pakistan, following recommendations are proffered in succeeding paragraphs.
Satellite Programme. Pakistan has to invest heavily in developing her own capabilities to take advantage of expanding field. Area of emphasis should be "Radar Imaging Satellite" and "Recce Satellite". Along with that requisite infrastructure and manpower should also be arranged.
AEW & C. In order to offset Indian edge in the deep surv capability, It is recommended that Pakistan should procure 4 more advanced AEW & C. Chinese version of AWACS can be procured as it may be available, whereas, any Western version will be hard to procure due to reluctance of the Western countries.
High Performance Aircrafts. SU-30 acquired by India has an edge over aging F-16(less block 52 aircrafts). Along with the endeavours to procure such aircrafts from Western markets, we should further improve the technology and gadgetry on-boardJF-17, in collaboration with China.
Induction of Ground Surv Equipment. Short range GSRs, having a range of 8-10 kilometres, have been authorised but still not issued at battalion/brigade level. It is recommended that these radars be immediately issued. Medium and long range Rasit Radars should be procured for use by the def corps.
Induction of Tac/ Mini UAV.Tac / Mini UAV should be inducted to provide bde and div with assets which can meet their requirements for quick and real-time int.
Formation of a Joint Staff Int Agency (JSIA). In order to coordinate the activities of int agencies of three services, and derive maximum benefit out of the info gained, formation of a Joint Staff Int Agency (JSIA) at Joint Staff Headquarters is recommended.
Integration of Intelligence in C 4 I Network. In order to reduce the long time taken between analysis and dissemination of info, it is considered essential that intelligence collection should be integrated with C4I network. Computers and digital communication network should aim at: -
Collection of first hand info from the lowest to the highest levels.
Rapid and efficient processing of info.
Real time dissemination to the field commanders through an integrated computer network.
Employment Doctrine of Surv Means. Following employment doctrine is recommended:-
(1) Short range devices should form part of infantry battalions and brigades.
(2) Medium range devices are recommended to be held by infantry divisions, both in strike and def roles.
(3) Long range devices should form part of corps, army and national assets and should include satellites imageries, aerial surv, RPVs, UAVs and aerostat balloons.
c. Passage of Info. It is suggested that the passage of collected info from the agencies to MI Dte be ensured through data links / communication, established between MI Dte and corps headquarters.
d. Deceptive Measures. Following deceptive measures need to be ensured at different levels:-
(1) Camouflage and Concealment
(a) Use of Camouflage Paints. These paints shield mil hardware from high technology visual, infrared and radar sensors. Such paints need to be tried, and if found cost effective, are recommended for use.
(b) Improvement of Camouflage Nets. It is strongly recommended that camouflage nets being used by modern armies, which are also available in the international market, should be procured and subsequently be produced indigenously.
(2) Concentration and Movement of Forces
(a) Move and assembly of forces should be completed within shortest possible time during dark hours.
(b) Deceptive movements, away from actual assembly, can also be staged.
(3) Surprise and Deception. More emphasis should be given to its practical manifestation so as to mislead the enemy about the point of application of forces. Following are recommended in this regard:-
(a) Use of dummy positions.
(b) Depiction of fake activities.
(c) Fake wireless nets at different tiers.
(4) Employment of Army Deception Company. At present, Army Decoy Company can depict one armoured brigade or an infantry division minus. It is strongly recommended that additional decoy company with latest gadgetry be raised to depict a sizeable force, which can deceive the concentration and intentions of strike formations.
33. Corps / Divisional Level.
There are no sources in the current document.To support the int collection process, a rapid, reliable and dedicated communication net must be made available. The dedicated nets which can be of great help are: -
a. Corps Int Net. Established between int staff at corps, division, independent brigades and corps troops.
b. Division Int Net. Required for timely transmission of int among int staff at division HQ, divisional artillery, all brigades and divisional troops.
c. Division Artillery Int Network. This is required for the transmission of artillery int and info from gun locating sensors to divisional artillery HQ Counter Bombardment Command Posts and artillery units.
34. Unit / Post Level
a. Boosting Observation and Surveillance Capability. The troops deployed on forward posts act as the eyes and ears of commanders at all level. Other than the GSRs, as already recommended, various other measures merit consideration to boost the observation and surv ability of men on posts: -
(1) Night vision goggles with longer ranges.
(2) Ground sensors are recommended.
(3) Dissemination of RPV coverage of upto tact depth.
b. Awareness amongst Troops.
Officers and troops are to be educated about Indian surv capabilities / means to be employed.
All ranks must also be educated for awareness and observance of strict drills for adequate camouflage, concealment and dispersion.
Trg in bad weather conditions is generally avoided to minimize the safety hazards and maintaining our equipment. However, collective exercises at limited scale may be planned to train our troops in bad weather conditions to meet the actual op requirement.
Electronic Warfare awareness must also be incorporated in our trg focusing on following: -
(a) Troops must be trained in passive Electronic Warfare measures at the unit and formation levels.
(b) Hostile Electronic Warfare environment should invariably be created during formation field exercise with intense jamming and electronic deception ops at the crucial stages of the op.
(c) Electronic Warfare should become an essential support plan.
35. Miscellaneous
a. Satellite Imageries. In any future war, satellite imageries would be vitally required. Therefore, data/images from remote sensing satellites deployed by friendly countries, like China, will be of great value especially when hostilities are imminent. It is recommended that such facilities of friendly countries be made use of.
b. Technical Int Gathering Capability. To cope up with the ever-increasing int requirement of commanders, there is a need to beef up our technical int gathering capability. Following are recommended: -
(1) Combination of various ground sensors and radars.
(2) Development of suitable RPVs should be accelerated or limited acquisition be undertaken.
(3) Capability of aerial recce should be enhanced upto a minimum range of 200 km.
(4) Own spy satellite should be developed and launched with the assistance of friendly countries.
ISR has always been there in one form or the other. Without exception, advancement in the field of science and technology, electronic warfare and battlefield surv devices have assumed alarming importance in the warfare. Extensive use of this equipment has greatly facilitated exercise of effective command and control through reliable communication and int system. Against an enemy which holds a vast range of surv devices, effective counter measures will have to be taken at all levels to ensure success of future ops. Besides initiation of efforts for acquiring surv means at national and army level, there is a need to educate all ranks about the future battle under modern surv environment and devising of drills and procedures for ensuring counter measures at all tiers. By adopting these measures Pakistan Army will be able to offset Indian advantage in ISR and fight effectively.
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