MMRCA parallels: 1970 and 2000 - History Repeating itself for better or worse?

1970 and 2000 - History Repeating itself for better or worse?

A watershed moment in Indian Military Aviation history is set to befall us India is all set to join a race piggy bagging on Russia to challenge USA and Europeon domination of the international military aircraft building industry. In the process, New Delhi has struck a political understanding with Moscow as its premier security partner in Asia. In the domestic arena, India has completed design and development of its second supersonic fighter aircraft upto the most mordern standards. But the time of these two incidents meant that time has caught upto us and we are again in a limbo to import more on an ad hoc basis till FGFA with Russia is a reality or work further on Tejas to develop into a better platform. Due to long standing commitments, geopolitical realities and sheer necessity overwhelming we have made the decision to go for all the three solutions at once. While such an approach may seem practical, it seldom works. Though India now has a booming economy and Indians are wealthier than ever, our resources are finite and exahustic towards achieving the ends with the available means. Such occurences are not rare in the Indian context, I wish to bring to attention such a moment, leading to incidents resulting in the procurement of the Specat Jaguar.

The HF-24 marut had been a failure due to the inability to procure a suitable turbo jet engine. The nature of aircraft development had shifted from airframes being developed around next generation turbofan engines. There was need to procure a complementary ground attack fighter to the mig-27.

 By the mid 1970s, the IAF was clearly in need of urgent re-equipment decisions. First off the mark was selection of the Jaguar strike fighter, to meet the IAF's urgent Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA) requirement, to replace the Canberra and Hunter still soldiering on in this exacting role.

In 2001, Indian Air Force projects a shortfall of six and half squadrons that would result from retirement of venerable mig-21. LCA Tejas program facing emminent delays, IAF goes on quest for 126 Multi-role combat aircraft with Mirage 2000 as the baseline. Delays in issue of RFP and Tejas coping up with original ASQR, its touted as logical replacement for remainig mig-21 bison of 125 in number, compounded with a ill-advised declaration in parliament that nations around the world prefer light, medium and heavy combat aircraft. IAF pushes MRCA bar to MMRCA. Now, next in line for repacement are our premier ground attack fighters, India requires replacement for obsolete combat aircraft with still 7 and 15 years to retire mig-27 and jaguar respectively,hence most believe MMRCA would lay emphsis on strike capability to replace these aging jets.

 After many years of evaluation and negotiation, the Anglo-French fighter was contracted for, an interim batch of ex-RAF Jaguars being accepted to re-equip No. 14 Squadron. IAF pilots and technicians received conversion training with the RAF and British Aerospace in Lossiemouth, Coltishall and Warton before ferrying the first Jaguars to India in July 1979. These were followed by a batch of U.K. built Jaguars to re-equip No. 5 Squadron even as simultaneously, HAL prepared for production of the aircraft, its powerplants, avionics and accessories in India.

The evaluation starting in 2001 ended with an RFP relaese in 2007, decision expected in mid 2011 for downselect. The selection within 2 years after that. We have actually exceeded our capacity to drag evaluation and negotiatons by a considerable margin. our capabilities have improved so much!

The Indian Ministry of Defense approved in October 1978 acquisition of 150 Jaguars and concluded two agreements with the aircraft manufacturer in April 1979. While 40 Jaguars were imported in a fly away condition, the remaining 110 aircraft were to be licenced manufactured by the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) during 1982-89 in a phased manner. The direct supply aircraft were equipped with first generation Marconi inertial navigation and attack system named NAVWASS, which had low reliability and was grossly outdated. The Ministry, immediately after induction, had to sanction development of a second generation display attack ranging inertial navigation system named DARIN for its integration on HAL built Jaguars. The Ministry also sanctioned an ambitious retromodification program to upgrade the NAVWASS equipped direct supply Jaguar aircraft.

 A need of 126 aircrafts, 18 supplied by original equipment manufacturer with our legendary aerospace enterprise, HAL licence producing 108 with option for 64 more. No matter how much hue and cry no manufacturer other than the Americans have deployed AESA radar which are presumed as the latest technology for aerial warfare, the latest aircraft in terms of airframe and avionics like Eurofighter and Rafale are not completely optimised for combat deployment. There is no authentic information to suggest that Eurofighter has ever launched a cruise missile and only now has it started dropping LGB, so infers not even a good enough air to ground platform at all. Despite news of target designator "damocles" development being complete, there is still no news of it being operational Rafale. Hence even in 5 years time Rafale would not be the most reliable air to ground platform to take over tactical or deep strike let alone carry Indian nukes as part of strategic forces command. With very few orders from french forces and no bright export prospects like the mirage2000, the french plane doesn't have the advantage of economies of scale to keep its costs tied down. Every new upgrade like AESA radar would cost an arm and leg for the buyer. The present mirage2000 upgrade stands testament to that. The next two Gripen NG and Mig-35 are as much paper planes as F-16 xl. Though very good aerodynamic platforms they suffer from a hanicap which is most important for any combat planes to be fielded, "lack of orders". The sweedish government will not order the plane till 2017 and reportedly it was revealed in the Brazil evaluation to be a risky option. The sweedish military industrial complex too has been shrinking drastically, the consolidation of aircraft platforms to the JAS-39 grippen has left its industry without much choice than to prop up this programme in an effort to keep up its experience in aircraft design engineering field from fading away like that of its europen counterparts, following the end of cold war sweeden's effeort to fund its national military programmes has also been curtailed, the JAS-39 Gripen A/B, C/D had a pulse doppler radar developed by Sweedish firm Erickson whose development was funded by the sweedish tax payer, but the new AESA radar would rather be built by a british company SALEX galileo namely the Vixen AESA radar. In essence any new radar deveplopment has been foregone by the sweedish government and is at the disposal of the british company according to market requirement we need to make for them, in this case the development cost would be fed throuh increased unit upgrade, which would be unacceptable (see mirage upgrade). The Russian plane is held hostage by the financial books of mikoyan design bureau, the patron country itself not ordering the plane puts critical questions on its viability for mordernisation and upgrades, which may lead to its demise from the competition itself. I don't need to point out the exact nature of Indo-american dealings given the fact that our political understanding is not on level with NATO partners, Indian politicians would find it a hard pressing choice to conform ourselves within american interests to advance the election of an American platform.

The Ministry curtailed in 1982 the indigenous manufacture program from 110 to 76 aircraft on the grounds that the design philosophy of the Jaguar aircraft was of the sixties and the manufacturer of the aircraft had stopped production of the aircraft. However, the Ministry had to reverse its decision and it sanctioned procurement of 15 additional Jaguars from HAL in September 1988 after six years of curtailment of the indigenous manufacture program. 

The design philosophy too plays quite a major part in terms of relevance of aircraft to contemperory circumstances, which the Eurocanars themselves evolved as a counter to soviet flanker threat, the design of the platform to address the threat belongs to the 1980s, If not for the post cold war budgets, both the Rafale and Eurofighters would have made their debut even before the Grippen. Essentially we are evaluating an answer spelt out in 1990 to a question of the 1980s, considering these atleast the LCA whose ASQR spelt out in 1985 are mordern. The American Fighters F-16 , F-18 belong to an era as old as the Jaguars themselves and are only shown to be relevent because of American air doctrine realignment for the post cold war scenario. The only american fighter exclusively designed for mordern 21st century warfare is the F-35, on whose selection we have already made a foregone conclusion(read FGFA), atleast for the time being. The mig-35 would very much remain a still born, not that the Russians don't see the american threat any more to field 1000s of point defence fighters to provide local air-superiority, but hard pressed for resouces to keep teir niche in combat aircraft industry the Russians are putting their entire weight behind PAK FA to stay in the race against American JSF, leaving Mig-35 to fend for itself. The Gripen though projected as a cost effective option against the JSF for a threatless europeon sky, is willing to cast its lot against the big boys in the highly electrified atmosphere of Asia. No matter how much improvement on avionics and range, the gripen is unbalanced interms of airframe, stealth etc that characterise the features of next genration of aircraft to be fielded by both Americans,Europeons and Asians over the course of next decade.

The Indian Air Force had some 35 Jaguars equipped with outdated first generation navigation and attack system called NAVWASS for about two decades. Their retromodification with third generation DARIN INGPS was sanctioned belatedly in November 1996 at a cost of Rs.158 crore for completion by 2000-01 was yet to take off and was not expected to be completed before 2006. The contracts for five sub-systems with foreign vendors for this program were at a stand still due to non-finalisation of mission computer by HAL as the imported sub-systems were to be designed around this computer. In the meantime, 14 aircraft had to be grounded for periods ranging from 2 to 26 months due to prolonged unserviceability.

Air HQ in March 1995 unequivocally stated that if a retromod program was not undertaken, it would necessitate phasing out of NAVWASS Jaguars from the Air Force inventory earlier than desired due to their poor operational reliability in the present configuration. Audit scrutiny disclosed that while the Jaguar squadrons were hard pressed for NAVWASS specific items which had depleted considerably, Air HQ had decided not to procure additional NAVWASS kits stating that an upgradation program
was on the anvil. The action of the Air HQ, however, proved abortive as lack of cohesive planning and foresight on its part led to grounding of 14 aircraft at a Jaguar operating base for a period ranging from 2 to 26 months as of June 2000 primarily due to deficiency and prolonged unserviceability of the NAVWASS specific items.

The Ministry concluded contract for procurement of maritime radar for the Jaguar aircraft, in replacement of the existing outdated agave radars, after four years of projection of requirement by Air Force resulting in an extra expenditure of US$ 1.12 million, which was avoidable. The Jaguar maritime fleet had to operate with old agave radars whose maintenance was becoming more and more difficult. Three out of five maritime Jaguars were lying unserviceable since March-June 1999.

Apathy of Air HQ/ Ministry to speed up the acquisition of auto pilot system for Jaguar aircraft was operationally detrimental. The Air Force not only lost four Jaguar aircraft costing Rs.141.40 crore in serious flying accidents, three pilots also died in these accidents. The auto pilots are unlikely to be fitted on Jaguars at least till June 2002.

Integration and flight trials of the laser designator pods procured at a cost of Rs.95 crore has been delayed by 20 months. This would, apart from delaying the fleet modification of Jaguars, also impose operational limitations to the aircraft fleet. In the mean time, warranty of three pods valuing Rs.15.33 crore had expired. The Jaguars would not be able to undertake missions with laser designator pods in the absence of auto pilots, a mandatory requirement was not likely to be available before June 2002.

The CCS approved a proposal of the Air Force in May 1996 for procurement of 15 laser designator pods with thermal imagery for fitment on 10 Jaguars and 5 Mirage-2000 aircraft and modification of 30 Jaguar aircraft for carrying the pods at a total cost of Rs.125 crore. The Ministry concluded a contract with foreign firm ‘D’ in November 1996 for procurement of 15 laser designator pods with thermal imagery at a total cost of US $ 27.11 million, equivalent to Rs.95 ( 1 US $ = Rs.35) crore to be delivered between March 1998 and February 1999 in two phases. Flight trails and certification of laser designator pods on Jaguar aircraft was delayed by 20 months. However, there had been delay in delivery of pods due to delays in conclusion of flight tests and certification of pods on Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft. The flight test and certification on Jaguar aircraft, which was planned to be conducted by March 1998, was completed by the ASTE (Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment), only in December 1999, after a delay of 20 months.

The plan of the Air Force to equip the Jaguar fleet with self protection jammer, a critical electronic warfare equipment, has been jeopardised even after an expenditure of Rs 184 crore. An initial delay of 24 months in mock-up installation not only forced the Ministry to re-schedule the delivery of jammers from July 1999 to July 2001, a realistic time frame for fleet modification is yet to emerge affecting thereby, the operational capabilities of the Air Force.

With a Jaguar crashing in Ambala in May 2002, the Indian Air Force has lost an average of one of these deep penetration strike aircraft each year in accidents since they were inducted in service in 1979. A total of 20 Jaguars had been lost as of 2002, with the three previous crashes taking place in and around Ambala, which is the base for some of the operational Jaguar squadrons. 1999 was the worst year for the Jaguars when four of these aircraft were lost in Gorakhpur, Pune and Patiala. As of June 2005, a total of 28 Jaguars had been lost in accidents.

The Jaguars were the first type of aircraft that had flown overseas. The Indian Air Force deployed them in an overseas exercise, Cope Thunder in Alaska, USA last year. Speaking on the occasion of the induction, Defence Minister said, “The nation must equip itself for electronic warfare”. The Air Chief said that the upgradation of Jaguar was a noteworthy step towards self-reliance. HAL Chairman, Mr Ashok Baweja said Mig-27 and Sea Harrier would be upgraded next. Mr N Dharam Singh, Chief Minister of Karnataka also spoke on the occasion.

In 2004, the Indian Air Force signed a contract with Sextant to completely upgrade the Jaguar autopilot system. Sextant would supply a state-of-the-art modular, digital autopilot for the Jaguars, derived from autopilots already developed for the Mirage 2000-9 and the Nimrod 2000. Autopilot integration would be carried out in jointly with the Indian air force and HAL. The new autopilot would increase the aircraft's ground attack capabilities, as well as enhance flight safety.

Nine upgraded twin-seater Jaguar fighters were inducted into Indian Air Force (IAF) on 15 July 2005 at a ceremony held at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore. Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee handed over the aircraft to Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi. The aircraft were upgraded by HAL.

The Jaguars of the Indian Air Force have always been a trusted war horse since the first Jaguar came to Ambala on July 27, 1979 and put in 25 years of yeoman service to the Indian Air Force. At the time of induction, Jaguar was considered to be the fastest aircraft and added a new dimension to air operations in the Indian sub-continent. Under an agreement with the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been entrusted with the upgradation of Jaguars that would extend their life by another 15 years, through the year 2020.

In January 2009 Honeywell announced its F125IN engine, a 9850lbf (43.8kN) thrust engine that will deliver high performance, improved pilot safety, lower maintenance and outstanding reliability. "This thrust class engine is built around Honeywell's proven expertise in the design and production of aircraft systems, which is evident in the F125IN engine, an outstanding propulsion system for military aircraft," said Vicki Panhuise, Honeywell Vice President, Military Aircraft. "The engine will transform the Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft by improving mission performance, enhancing pilot safety, reducing pilot workload, and reducing maintenance events and costs." The F125IN powerplant, which is currently being considered for the Indian Air Force Jaguar re-engining program, is significantly lighter and much more powerful than the aircraft's current engine. It has an advanced dual full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, modular construction, integrated engine health monitoring system and best in class thrust-to-weight ratio. In 2007 the F125IN was successfully demonstrated for the Indian Air Force in Bangalore. The engine is projected to save the Indian Air Force more than Rupees 7000 Crores ($1.5 billion) in life-cycle costs compared to other upgrade options being considered. The F125IN permits the Jaguar to perform missions never before possible with the current engine.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/shamsher.htm

Considering history as a subject to be learnt from, the disaster of procurement the Jaguar was for the Ministry of Defence, and Indian air Force needs to be acknowledged.

The IAF may be awerse to risk taking, but to field platforms that are most suited for our services for a required period of time with upgrades throughout its life, it is imperative to be involved and integrated in the development right form the technology demonstrator stage to keep it relevent to the force's exacting requirements.

In the MMRCA context, we need to understand the context for introduction of the program was quick procurement, which has obviously been seriously compromised beyond repair and induction of these platforms starting 2015 will be fraught with serious difficuilties that would need to be fought off to avoid creeping obsolesence. Unfortunately every procurement can only be subjected to scruting by the premier auditing body CAG after every transaction is complete. It is time we looked at this procurement as a broader picture regarding the security situation surrounding Inida and not as an ad hoc purchase to pluss up squadrons which could be better served by leasing Rafales totalling 90 of 18 squadron each for 10 years to be replaced consequtively by Tejas mk-2 and FGFA respectively. After all the French are willing to fast track 40 Rafales, they would be amiable to a double the number leasing too considering that of the 294 projected program not even 100 have been inducted as of yet. In such arrangement the only loser would be Hindustan Aeronautics Limites(HAL) whose whims of establishing a new production facility with extensive technology from western industries have to be foregone. Since the Enterprise was created only in the sense of national interests, it wouldn't be unfair to ask them to be subservient to the greater interests of the Indian state.

From the above information and analysis, we may infer that Indian security interests would be best served by placing our weight behind FGFA programme with 100 more orders commitment and further more if AMCA falls behind, than to go aircraft of the previous century that by all standards are obsolete compared to our own programmes in the pipeline. Depending on 126 odd balls in a battlefield of 2030 filled with EW happening in an invisible spectrum is akin to sending pawns to the fight with arms tied behind their backs, which we would be wise not to do. We are schedulled to keep Jaguars till 2025, when the British have chosen Tornados over them and Oman had decided to scrap them. In future, we should not find ourselves holding the buck for these 126 combat planes, when their OEM's country had shifted to an entirely new platform. Its not uncommon for any country to leap a particular development to grasp the oppurtunity afforded by a better one in our case FGFA vs MMRCA.

Hope someone in the decision making apparatus is thinking broadly along such lines to steer Indian defence acquisitions form such pitfalls we regularly face but seldom try not to fall in.

yours truly

Christmas: History and traditions

 Christmas: History and traditions - Chonmipem Horam

Christmas is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, which happened over 2000 years ago. The most important celebration since the 12th Century for Christians, Christmas means ‘Mass of Christ’ or ‘Celebration of Christ’. For people throughout history, this is the time for celebration.

According to the scripture, Jesus’ birth was foretold in the book of Old Testament. ‘Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)’.

Christians mark this holy day as the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrate it across the world as Christmas Day.

Many important traditions such as gifts’ exchange, decorating trees, festive meals, singing carols, burning of Yule log were followed even before the birth of Jesus Christ and became a part of Christmas history.

The festival also derives much from the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the festivals of the ancient Greeks, the beliefs of the Druids and the local European customs.

Christmas in Ancient times-

As per legend, the history of Christmas traditions dates back to 4000 years. Many of these traditions began with Mesopotamians’ 12-day celebrations of New Year, called `Zagmuth`. The Mesopotamians, who believed in many Gods, held this festival to support their chief God ‘Marduk’ in a battle with the monsters of chaos at the beginning of winters. This tradition called for the king to lay his life at the end of the year and return with the chief God to battle at his side.

During this ancient time, people were mainly hunters. The seasons and weather played a significant part in their life and they thus worshiped nature’s forces like the Sun. In north Europe, the Norsemen worshipped the Sun, the wheel of whose chariot was called ‘houl’. Yule is supposed to have originated in this word as these men marked Winter Solstice with drinking and dancing around bonfires.

The Romans also held a festival called `Saturnalia` in the middle of December until the first of January to honor their God Saturn. As a tradition, the Romans used to exchange gifts, hold feasts and decorate their homes to bring good luck. Whereas in ancient Scandinavia, people would burn a Yule log in a special fire and gather around it to hold a great feast. This festival was called `Yuletide` when carols and songs were sung on the winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.

The Persians and the Babylonians celebrated a festival called `Sacea`, where exchange of station of a person in life took place and slaves could become masters.
Post-Christianity era-

But later, with Christianity on the rise, the Church decided to curb various celebrations and make only one particular way for the followers.

It is believed that the gospel did not mention the birth of Christ. It was the Bishop of Rome, `Julius I` in 350 AD who declared 25 December to be observed as the birth of Jesus Christ and since then it is commemorated worldwide as Christmas Day. For this reason, the puritans of UK had the celebrations banned in the 17th century.

The celebrations were revived in Victorian England when writers like Charles Dickens depicted how Christmas should be celebrated through stories like A Christmas Carol. It was taken up heartily by the rich Britons, who migrated to the new found Americas and the US led various new traditions in the 19th and 20th century like sending cards and singing carols in the Church.

When compared with the olden times, Christmas traditions changed drastically in the 19th century. St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, and Christmas tree became prominent symbols among people.

The ritual of hanging socks or stockings to collect gifts were practiced by the early Dutch settlers in New York on St Nicholas Day eve on Dec 5. St. Nicholas was considered a patron saint. It is from Nicholas that the true story of Santa begins. Known throughout the history for his generosity and love, especially among children, he led a life assisting the needy, the sick and the suffering.

The story of modern Santa came when Caricaturist and cartoonist Thomas Nast was assigned to draw Harper Magazine’s December cover in 1860s on Santa visiting the US Army Camp. Here, he portrays Santa as a plump, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, on a sleigh distributing Christmas gifts to the soldiers.

The custom of putting up Christmas trees came from Germany. It was not until in the beginning of 19th century that it spread to the other regions. It is believed to have been popularized by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, when their decorated Christmas tree at Windsor Castle appeared in an American magazine.

In 1880s, the first electric Christmas tree made an appearance, courtesy Thomas Edison. Later, during the time of Benjamin Harrison in 1889, the first Christmas tree was put up in the White House. Over the years, this has been a tradition practiced by almost all the Presidents of the US and is prevalent widely. The Christmas tree, especially coniferous (real or artificial), is kept at home on the eve of Christmas till the 6 th of January. It is adorned with lights, ornaments, garlands and a star is often placed at the top of the tree, depicting the star of Bethlehem.

One notable thing is that Christians across the world start preparing the coming of Jesus Christ with the celebration of Advent Christmas. The season begins with the 4th Sunday before Christmas.

Christmas celebration today has become truly very universal but also commercialized. People tend to spend more than they actually have!

In India especially, Christmas is celebrated as a universal festival. Almost all people of different religions and communities join their Christian friends to celebrate with splendor and gaiety. In Great Britain, they follow a tradition called `Boxing Day`` where alms are given to the needy the next day of Christmas.

But though the mode of celebrations varies in every country, the real meaning of Christmas remains the same. Besides decorating houses, putting up Christmas trees, singing carols, throwing parties, exchange of gifts; it is a time to embrace Him with an open heart, mind and soul because we are saved by His grace through the gift of God. ‘For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life` (John 3:16)


Carols & their history

Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh,
Over the fields we go, laughing all the way.
Bells on bob-tails ring, making spirits bright,
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.
Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun, it is to ride on a one-horse open sleigh…

Ho Ho Ho, Ho Ho Ho…
Merry Christmas!
The air is again abuzz with sounds of carols. The captivating smells of Christmas festivities have filled the hearts of people with joy and happiness.

Christmas carols have always been an integral part of the Day`s celebration. They were first introduced into church services by St Francis of Assisi in the 12th century. The word `carol` is a derivative of the French word caroller, which means dancing around in a circle. Carol eventually came to mean not only to dance, but included music and lyrics - hence Christmas Caroling. These festive songs express religious joy and are often associated with the Christmas season, though they can be enjoyed at anytime during the year.

It is not clear that when the first carol was written but it is believed that circa 1350 to 1550 was the golden age of English carols. Most of the carols followed the verse-refrain pattern. However, by the 16th century, the popularity of carols faded, and it was by the middle of the 18th century only that they revived their existence. Most of the carols that we sing these days are the ones that were written in during this period.

Carols

We wish you a Merry Christmas
(Watch Video)

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer
We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some;
We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here.

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

History

The author and composer of the Carol ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ cannot be traced. It is however believed to date back to England in the sixteenth century.

This song reflects the tradition of carollers being given Christmas treats for singing to wealthy members of the community. But we have witnessed that over the years the fashion for figgy puddings mentioned in ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ has faded.

O little town of Bethlehem
(Watch Video)
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel

History

Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal priest, Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia wrote the words of the carol ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ in 1868, following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills of Palestine especially at night time hence wrote the lyrics of the same.

His church organist Lewis Redner (1831-1908) wrote the melody to ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ for the Sunday school children’s choir.

While shepherds watched
(Watch Video)
While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around
And glory shone around

“Fear not,” he said,
For mighty dread
Had seized their troubled minds
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind,
To you and all mankind.”

“To you in David’s
Town this day
Is born of David’s line
The Savior who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be the sign
And this shall be the sign.”

“The heavenly Babe
You there shall find
To human view displayed
And meanly wrapped
In swathing bands
And in a manger laid
And in a manger laid.”

Thus spake the seraph,
And forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song
Addressed their joyful song

“All glory be to
God on high
And to the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth
From heaven to men
Begin and never cease
Begin and never cease!”

History

The words of the carol ‘While shepherds watched’ were written by Irish hymnist, lyricist Nahum Tate, who was also the Poet Laureate in the reign of Queen Anne, and Nicholas Brady. The carol describes the Annunciation to the Shepherds. The exact date of Tate’s composition is not known, but the words appeared in Tate and Nicholas Brady’s 1700 supplement to their New Version of the Psalms of David of 1696.

The familiar melody used for ‘While shepherds watched’ was taken from “Siroe,” an opera by George Frederick Handel.
Silent Night

(Watch Video) Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Saviour is born
Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

History

Silent Night is actually an Austrian hymn titled ‘Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht’. The lyrics were a poem composed by a young priest named Joseph Mohr in 1816.

Bill Egan, who is a Christmas historian writes:

About 180 years ago, the carol ‘Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht’ was heard for the first time in a village church in Oberndorf, Austria. The congregation at that Midnight Mass in St. Nicholas Church listened as the voices of the assistant pastor, Fr. Joseph Mohr, and the choir director, Franz Xaver Gruber, rang through the church to the accompaniment of Fr. Mohr’s guitar. On each of the six verses, the choir repeated the last two lines in four-part harmony. The lyrics actually talk about the birth of Jesus Christ in a poetic manner, imagining perhaps a lullaby his mother would have sung to him ("Sleep in heavenly peace").

O Come All ye Faithful

(Watch Video) O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God`s holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

History

The Carol ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ was originally written in Latin and was intended to be a hymn. The music of this carol was composed by Englishman John Reading in the early 1700s. The tune was first published in a collection known as ‘Cantus Diversi’ in 1751.

It was once commonly believed that ‘Oh Come, All Ye Faithful’ was written in Latin by St. Bonaventure. However, the legend was debunked by Dom John Stephan, a priest, who researched the hymn. He discovered that the original manuscript was written by John Francis Wade. He was a Roman Catholic from England. However, because of the Jacobite rebellion he fled England with other Catholics. To support himself, Wade taught music and worked as a copyist of musical scores.

In 1743, Wade introduced the world to a Latin Christmas carol that began ‘Adeste Fideles, Laeti triumphante.’ Until the 1900’s, historians believed that Wade had found an ancient hymn that had sunk into oblivion. As a result, the legend formed around the hymn. However, John Wade’s signature can be found on all seven original hand-copied manuscripts.

Eventually, Rev. Frederick Oakeley, an Anglican minister discovered the carol. The song inspired him and he attempted to translate it. His first translation read ‘Ye Faithful, Approach Ye.’ Oakeley attempted a second translation. His new translation was more direct and read ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant!’ Soon, Adestes Fideles became a popular carol in both Catholic and Protestant religious circles.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
(Watch Video)Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav’n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin’s womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

History

‘Hark the herald angels sing’ is a Christmas hymn or carol written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. It first appeared in hymns and sacred poems in 1739, under the topic of "Hymn for Christmas-Day". Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of ‘Hark the herald angels sing’ already written by Wesley.

Little Drummer Boy

(Watch Video)Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

History

The song ‘Little Drummer Boy’ was written by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone in 1958 based on an old Czech carol. It was originally titled ‘Carol of the Drums’ because of the repeating line ‘pa rum pum pum pum’. The version that made the song popular was the one sung and recorded by the Harry Simeone Chorale.

The lyrics of ‘Little Drummer Boy’ tell the legendary story of a poor young boy, who unable to afford a gift for the infant Jesus, plays his drum for the newborn with the Virgin Mother Mary’s approval.

 
yours truly

Christmas, as we know it today

Christmas, as we know it today - Akrita Reyar

From the ordained day somewhere in 5 BC, when a little baby boy was born from the womb of a virgin in a humble, secluded inn and was laid in a manger with only domesticated animals for company, Christmas has become one of the most loved and extensively celebrated festivals of the world.


Through his life, Jesus, the Christ was doubted and disowned by his own people. It was in his death through the crucifixion that he healed the world of scepticism. His resurrection planted, at least, in his own disciples a deep belief that the man they had been accompanying for years was indeed a messiah.

And so they went on foot, boat or donkey to travel around the world and proclaim to all the people the truth of the Christ and spread among them his teachings of love and sacrifice.

As followers of Christianity proliferated, so did festivities marking the ultimate gift from God to them – the coming on Earth of his own son. While in the initial years, there was much sacred solemnity in celebration, with the passing of time, it got infused with generous measures of merriment.

Let us look at the root and meaning of some traditions which have become synonymous with Xmas revelry:

Candy Sticks: These sweet-mints were created to decorate Xmas trees in the 17th century. During this period various sweets were tied to the branches of the tree. Shaped like a Shepherd’s stick, candy sticks were attractive and also easier to hang.

Carols: Though sung since Middle Ages, they gained popularity in mid 19th century. The Victorians were believed to have revived the tradition in 1880s when songs in praise of the Lord were sung in churches and at gates of houses. Carollers were rewarded with mince pies and warm drinks.

Christmas Tree: The Green Fir tree has its roots in the 16th century in Germany. This tree across most of Europe was used to symbolize the story of Adam and Eve which ended with the prophecy of the coming of Christ. It was later popularized by England’s Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, who was a German.

Colours: Red represents the blood of Christ, Green represents life and immortality, White the purity of Virgin Mary, Silver and Gold the blessings of God.

Drinking to Good Health: Wassail is derived from the Old English words ‘waes’ and ‘hael’ which mean “be hale” or alternatively “good health”.

Greeting Cards: Have their origin in England in the 19th Century when Sir Henry Cole commissioned an artist to create a card with seasons’ greetings written in it, as he had no time to write personal compliments. The first batch of the cards was sent out to his family and friends.

Gifts: Have been exchanged since the Roman period on New Year. But over the years, the tradition shifted a few days ahead to the Christmas day. Earlier, mostly only fruits, nuts and hand woven toys and garments were usually gifted.

Holly & Ivy: The use of these is considered a Druid tradition. Later it was believed that the Holly sprouted from the footprints of Christ, its pointed leaves and red berries represented the crown of thorns that he wore and his blood respectively. The Ivy was used to symbolize immortality.

Humble Pie: Contained the “humbles” or parts of deer left for the servants to consume after their main meat was served to the rich in Europe.

Manger: The modest manager is one of the foremost and most direct symbols of the celebrations to mark the advent Christ and the scene of Nativity.

Mince Pies: Mince meat in England was baked in elongated dishes meant to represent Jesus’ crib. The meat was prepared with a combination of cinnamons, cloves and nutmeg, the gifts presented to Jesus by the Three Kings.

Mistletoe: Was long considered a magical herb with healing powers, some 200 years before Christ was born. This was because the plant had no roots, yet managed to survive in extreme winter. While the Romans used it to make peace, the Scandinavians felt the Mistletoe was a representative of the Goddess of Love. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe was historically popular also in England.

Santa Claus: The concept of the cheery round faced plump Santa started in the 4th Century to represent St Nicholas - a generous man who loved children and giving them presents and treats. He is also the patron saint of many countries.

Star: The shining star in the firmament of the holy night that had given the divination of the birth of Jesus and revealed to the Three Kings the location of the celestial child has since been one of the most prominent symbols of Christmas.

Stockings: Legend has it that a man who had squandered his wealth had three daughters to marry but not sufficient money for their dowry. St Nicholas is believed to have shoved some gold coins down the chimney of their home which incidentally fell into one of the daughter’s stockings which were hung up to dry. Since then children place a stocking near the chimneys in the hope of receiving gifts from Father Christmas, especially gold paper wrapped chocolate coins.

Turkey: The bird was brought to Europe from America in the early 16th Century. It became popular as a Christmas food as it was relatively inexpensive and fleshy.

Xmas: This alphabet ‘X’ of the term Xmas represents Christ. "Xristos" is the Greek word for Christ, thus the abbreviation.

Yule Log and Yuletide: The Scandinavians used to have festivity in deep winter, awaiting the appearance of Sun and the sprouting of life. They would light a Yule log and called the carnival Yuletide. The lines in the Yule log also symbolized the wheel of time, and Vikings as well East Europeans would sing and dance around the bonfire. As Christmas fell in the same time of the year, slowly the yuletide tradition blended with Xmas. 

yours truly

Best part of Wikileaks

The naked emperor
By Pepe Escobar

President Bush: Frank, please consider filling a post I'm creating. It may mean long hours and dangerous nights, surrounded by some of the scummiest elements in our society.

Frank: You want me to be in your cabinet?
- The Naked Gun 2 ฝ, starring Leslie Nielsen

Whatever the spin, the fact is that 1.6 gigabytes of text files on a memory stick spanning 251,287 leaked United States State Department cables from more than 250 embassies and consulates are not exactly bound to provoke "a political meltdown" - as German magazine Der Spiegel has put it - concerning the foreign policy of the world's declining hyperpower.

Behind the multiple, hypocritical layers of spin served to the

 

frantic 24/7 news cycle, politics is mostly a tacky reality show. And that's what the latest WikiLeaks show graphically lays bare. A Muammar Gaddafi that applies botox and just can't get enough of his sexy Ukrainian nurse belongs to the realm of Big Brother.

Although it would all make for great TV, it's hardly a scoop that for US diplomats Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad is "Hitler", Afghan President Hamid Karzai is "paranoid", French President Nicolas Sarkozy is an "emperor with no clothes", "vain and feckless" Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is fond of "wild parties", German Chancellor Angela Merkel is "rarely creative", Russian President Dmitry Medvedev "plays Robin to [Prime Minister Vladimir] Putin's Batman" or North Korea's Dear Leader Kim Jong-il is a "flabby old chap" suffering from "physical and psychological trauma".

But to believe, as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton does, that these disclosures constitute "an attack not only on American foreign policy interests but on the international community"; or that WikiLeaks, as President Barack Obama has put it, committed a serious crime, is to display nothing but tacky imperial arrogance. As if the world didn't have the right to gorge itself on the kind of political junk food served to a few consumers inside the Washington palaces of power.

Clinton must have sensed that the overall sentiment after reading these cables is of a Washington suffering a nervous breakdown worthy of an Almodovar flick. For instance, a key US ally such as Berlusconi, defined as "vainglorious", "indifferent to the fate of Europe" and dangerously close to Putin, of which he seems to be "the spokesperson", can be regarded as a threat equal to Ahmadinejad. How paranoid can you get? The US Embassy in Moscow, by the way, describes Putin as an "alpha-dog" ruling over a Russia that is virtually "a Mafia state"; cynics would say this also applied to former vice president Dick Cheney during the George "Dubya" Bush era.

Anyone with an IQ superior to 75 might have suspected by now that US diplomats spy on their United Nations colleagues (under Clinton's orders); that Washington conducted a bazaar to force small countries to accept Guantanamo inmates; that the Pakistani military/intelligence establishment is intertwined with the Taliban; or that paragon of democracy and human rights Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz urged the US to attack Iran.

Fear of Shi'ite Iran after all is the rule among that gaggle of unpopular Sunni Arab autocrats/dictators constantly harping and begging for the US to sell them the weapons that keep them in power.

But things do get more serious when we have the US ambassador to Turkey saying Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is "a fundamentalist. He hates us religiously" and his hatred is spreading; that is a blatant lie.

Or when Pentagon supremo Robert Gates tells Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini that Iran was not supplying weapons for the Taliban - in fact nullifying a massive Pentagon-orchestrated suspension-of-disbelief campaign that lasted for months.

There's no evidence to prove that Beijing's collective leadership was the real power behind the cyber-attacks against Google. And when former South Korean vice foreign minister Chun Yung-woo told the US ambassador in Seoul that new generation of Chinese party leaders no longer regarded North Korea as a useful ally, how much of it is purely self-serving wishful thinking? After all, Chun is now the national security adviser to South Korea's president.

Context is key in all these disclosures - around 220 so far. The diplomats or low-level functionaries speaking through these cables are essentially telling the State Department what it wants to hear, or bluffing their way into what has been already set in policy stone in Washington; the amount of independent, critical analysis is virtually zero.

On with the show
A much juicier perspective is to consider that from now on, most concerned global citizens will believe virtually nothing hurled at them during those cosmically boring diplomatic/government/military press conferences and photo ops.

The leaked cables prove that Europe - never impervious to self-ridicule - was already being marginalized during the Bush era, and more so now with Obama concentrating on Asia-Pacific. As for the bulk of what has been leaked so far, especially on Iran and the movers and shakers in the Persian Gulf, it is barely disguised US/Israeli propaganda.

Not accidentally, many a global headline is beating the same drum along the lines of "Israel greets WikiLeaks cables as vindication of its Iran policy". An overall assessment of the leaked cables reveals that as much as Israel and the powerful US Israel lobby worked overtime to bring about the invasion and destruction of Iraq, it is doubling the bet to do exactly the same regarding Iran. Attention should be paid to a cable warning that "elegant and seductive" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "never keeps his promises". As in: no halt to settlements in the West Bank, and let's bomb, bomb Iran.

The Wiki reality show will go on for weeks as new gossip is dumped online. At least the show once again proves that the real information is on the Internet - not on global corporate media; and global citizens should make the best use of it to unmask, and ridicule, power.

It's salutary to learn that the emperor, in secret, bad-mouths his friends and sycophants as much as his enemies. And also to learn that the emperor is no friend of democratized information. But now that the emperor is indeed naked, we should all celebrate these cable-writers, friends, enemies and sycophants for bringing us this priceless reality show - a sort of extended The Naked Gun. Pity the late, great Leslie Nielsen won't be able to join us.

yours truly

An impotant open source just found accidentally - Moving closer to Israel RAHUL BEDI

Moving closer to Israel

RAHUL BEDI

After decades of secretive defence cooperation, India and Israel have come out in the open with Israel emerging as India's second largest arms supplier after Russia.

The Israeli Super-Dvora Mk II fast attack craft, bought for the Indian Navy.

INDIA recently concluded a $20 million agreement with Israel Military Industries (IMI) for Tavor 21 5.56 mm standard assault rifles (AR) and Galil 7.62 mm sniper rifles in addition to varied night vision and laser range finding and targeting equipment as part of the heightened defence cooperation between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Israel today is India's second largest weapons supplier after Russia.

Israel is also to train four new Special Forces battalions the Army is raising to fight the Kashmiri insurgency following a decision by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Officers and men from the proposed battalions, trained by Israeli specialists in "irregular warfare" and armed with Israeli weaponry, will be attached to the Northern Command in-charge of the Kashmir frontier and internal security operations in the war-torn region.

The contract for over 3,400 ARs and 175 to 200 sniper rifles was finalised late last year by a "specially empowered" Ministry of Defence (MoD) committee, which visited Tel Aviv to upgrade the capabilities of India's Special Forces. In fact, IMI is yet to conclude a contract to supply Tavor 21 ARs for the Israeli Defence Forces, replacing the M16 ARs they now use.

After tension with nuclear rival Pakistan spiralled, following the December 13, 2001 suicide attack on Parliament House, the Army has been working to equip and train its Special Forces to play a more "pro-active" role to deal with cross-border insurgency. Military sources said India was considering the acquisition of "several thousand" more Tavors to equip infantry units currently armed with AK 47 assault rifles, some 100,000 of which were bought from Romania in 1995. Some units use the locally designed and built Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56 mm assault rifle, but this is no longer being issued to frontline units due to unspecified "problems" with its overall performance in Kashmir's cold climates.

Armament industry sources said IMI won the contract after Germany's Heckler & Koch, then owned by BAE Systems and Royal Ordnance Defence of the U.K., was reportedly refused an export licence to sell several hundred MP5 9 mm submachine guns and around 150 PSG-1 7.62 mm sniper rifles. The German/U.K. bid was selected following an evaluation process that included Belgium's Fabrique Nationale and Switzerland's SIG.

After years of dealing with military issues in a scientific manner, a decade after New Delhi and Tel Aviv formally established diplomatic relations, the two countries set up a joint defence cooperation group around end-2001. Ostensibly, this was to help India plug key gaps in its military capability and to improve its internal security environment, but in reality it was intended to boost flagging Israeli military sales in an internationally depressed market.

Besides, the Hindu nationalist BJP, which leads a coalition government at the Centre, also considers Israel its "natural ally" and strategic partner, "wholly dependable" in times of conflict. "Russia delivers the hardware - tanks, aircraft and ships - and Israel provides the smaller weapon systems, the radar, the electronic control systems and other high-tech add-ons," an Indian military official said.

Bilateral defence relations had also been kept under wraps to prevent them from affecting New Delhi's ties with the Arab states, including Palestine, on whom it is largely dependent for its energy needs. But the 1999 Kargil conflict changed all that, for at that point Israel dug deep into its military equipment reserves to supply ordnance and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in order to give the ill-prepared and ill-equipped Indian Army the edge over Pakistan in the 11-week-long war.

In late 2001, the Director-General of Israeli Defence Ministry, Major-General (retd) Amos Yaron, made an unscheduled stopover in Delhi, while ostensibly on a trip to Bangkok, to meet Yogendra Narain, the then Defence Secretary, to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) for defence. Headed by the respective Defence Secretaries the JWG, which meets every year alternately in New Delhi and Tel Aviv, has prepared a road map to cement military ties, deal with defence purchases and joint ventures and to co-ordinate intelligence and related security matters. Besides, innumerable defence delegations visit either country frequently.

With Pakistan acquiring short-and medium-range ballistic missiles capable of striking deep inside the country, India has turned to Israel for advanced surveillance equipment and an anti-ballistic missile defence system. Consequently, it has acquired two Israeli Green Pine radars and supplemented its capability with aerostat balloons and UAVs to meet its immediate needs against a Pakistani missile assault.

As an additional boost to Indian capability, the United States has cleared the sale of three Israeli airborne early-warning and control (AEW&C) Phalcon systems to India for over $1 billion, almost two years after negotiations for them started. While this agreement is cloaked in half-denials and unclear statements, an Israeli military official recently claimed that in recent discussions with his Defence Ministry, Washington had not opposed Israel selling India the Phalcon. Yogendra Narain said the plan to buy the Phalcon, which can track up to 60 targets over an 800 km radius, was a matter of "operational detail" and could not be elaborated upon.

For nearly two years India has been awaiting U.S. approval for three AEW&C Phalcon systems mounted on Russian IL-76 transport aircraft. On its part, the U.S., which was anxious to avoid an arms race in the region between India and Pakistan, was keen to avoid an arms race between itself and China, as Israel had negotiated a deal with Beijing for the Phalcons. The U.S. feared that the Phalcon would give China the military edge over Taiwan and the U.S. in the event of a conflict.

Since U.S. technology had been used in the Phalcon and India was under U.S.-imposed sanctions following its 1998 nuclear tests, Israel had little choice but to stall negotiations with New Delhi. But sanctions against India - and Pakistan - were lifted in September 2001 - reportedly clearing all hurdles in the sale of the Phalcon.

T. A. HAFEEZ

Israel has equipped the IAF's Sukhoi-30k with avionics and weapon systems.

Military planners claim that India plans to supplement the Phalcon and Green Pine radar systems with around 150 Russian designed and developed Antey 2500 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) launchers costing around $2.5 billion.

One Antey battalion is an ABM module operating within an integrated, automated air defence system capable of simultaneously engaging up to eight intermediate range ballistic missiles or 16 tactical ballistic missiles fired from an optimum distance of 300 km or closer. The Antey, which can also be launched vertically, is likely to be deployed to defend key Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai besides strategic and nuclear installations. Its acquisition was reportedly discussed during Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's last visit to Moscow, alongside the purchase of other missile and naval systems to bolster India's nuclear deterrence.

But Indian defence officials expect problems with China over the Phalcon deal, as Israel backed out of the deal to sell Beijing the AEW&C system following U.S. opposition. China now insists that Israel stand by its contractual obligation or reach a "satisfactory solution" after cancelling the Phalcon deal in July 2000. China wants Israel to pay over $1.26 billion in compensation for reneging on the deal. This includes Beijing's advance payment, the interest on it and $1 billion as penalty for cancelling the sale.

An Israeli delegation has begun negotiations on a compensation package with Beijing. Reports indicate that it could be in the region of around $230 million. Resolving the Phalcon dispute and improving relations with China are important for Israel, which wants to avoid any legal complications. Israeli negotiators are likely to declare that the cancellation was an "act of state", not unprecedented in arms deals. The U.S. had reportedly threatened to cut $2.8 billion of its annual aid to Israel, if the Phalcon deal with China went ahead.

Meanwhile, Israeli defence companies, aided by officials of SIBAT, the Israeli Ministry of Defence Foreign Defence Assistance and Defence Export Organisation, have appointed scores of agents in India to sell their wares.

And, over the past two years India has awarded the Israeli firm Soltam a contract to upgrade 180 130 mm M-46 field guns to 155 mm/39 calibre and 155 mm/45 calibre at a cost of about $250,000 each. The Israeli firm will also provide India's Ordnance Factory Board kits to retrofit another 220-250 M-46 guns to equip some 25 artillery regiments. Under the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, the Army plans to standardise its wide range of artillery guns to 155 mm/45 calibre and 155 mm/52 calibre.

SIDDHARTH DARSHAN KUMAR/AP

Israel Aircraft Industries is closing negotiations on upgrading the IAF's MiG-27 aircraft.

Israel also supplied around 40,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition for around $1200 apiece and 30,000 rounds of 160 mm mortars for around $400 each during the Kargil war, while the Navy is arming its three locally designed "Delhi" class destroyers and INS Viraat, its lone aircraft carrier, with Israel Aircraft Industries' Barak-1 missiles. The Navy has also acquired three Super-Dvora Mk II fast attack craft for around $4.30 million. Israeli firms also revamped INS Viraat's electronic control systems four years ago for an undisclosed amount.

Israel has also provided avionics and weapon systems for 40 Russian Su-30 MkI multi-role fighters India bought in the mid-1990s in addition to being one of three vendors involved in upgrading 125 MiG 21 bis fighters which are now being retrofitted at Nashik with advanced avionics and weaponry.

Israel Aircraft Industries is also closing negotiations to upgrade MiG-27 Flogger attack aircraft, Jaguars and Sea Harriers. Imminent Israeli purchases include UAVs capable of operating at 11,000 to 15,000 feet and above, VHF radios and thermal imagers for the fire control system to upgrade around 600 Russian T-72 main battle tanks and hi-tech fencing for sensitive military bases in Kashmir. Israel is also likely to be involved in upgrading electronic systems for the Navy's planned purchase of the former Soviet aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, which is being offered for the price of its refit, estimated at around $600-700 million. Defence Minister George Fernandes, during his Moscow visit in January, indicated that the Gorshkov deal was imminent.

India and Israel have also formulated a joint ministerial commission for exchanging intelligence on terrorism. Israeli security officials are understood to visit Kashmir's border regions regularly. Media reports during Home Minister L. K. Advani's Israel visit in 1999 had hinted at closer nuclear relations between the two, but both sides downplayed the reports. Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who is acknowledged as the "father" of the country's nuclear weapons programme and is now the President, had visited Israel twice in the 18 months prior to the Shakti tests at Pokhran. This led defence analysts to speculate that Tel Aviv might have violated U.S. government embargos by exporting to India sensitive and dual-use nuclear technologies.

"Israel's established reasoning with Delhi is that like itself, India is surrounded by hostile neighbours and is a nation under siege that needs to strengthen its security apparatus," a military officer said, declining to be named. Former Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh on a visit to Israel two years ago tacitly confirmed this belief when he declared that dependence on "Muslim vote banks" by previous governments had "uselessly delayed" establishing closer links between Delhi and Tel Aviv. "Reciprocal visits by Indian and Israeli military, security and intelligence officials are aimed at just keeping this notion alive," an Indian security official said.

Besides, Israeli equipment is indigenously retrofitted, facilitating transfers that are not subject to arms control regimes. Such an alliance could prove "invaluable" in times of conflict, he added.

yours truly