Context:
Two Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercrafts (ASW-SWC) of Indian Navy launched.
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Military strategy using aircraft, surface warships, and submarines to find, track, and destroy enemy submarines.
- ASW-SWC Vessels: Anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and mine-laying operations.
- Newly Launched ASW-SWC
- Contract: With Cochin Shipyard (CSL) for eight ASW-SWCs to replace Abhay-class ASW Corvettes.
- New Vessels: 4th & 5th ASW-SWC of Mahe-class, named INS MALPE and INS MULKI.
- Previous Vessels: Mahe, Malvan, and Mangrol were earlier Mahe-class vessels built by CSL.
India’s ASW Capabilities
- Kamorta Class Ships: Frontline warships with stealth capabilities and low underwater noise signature (e.g., INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt).
- Integrated ASW Defence Suites (IADS): For underwater detection and protection, in partnership with Mahindra Defence Systems Limited.
- Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft: Use of Boeing P-8I (Poseidon).
- ASW Helicopters: Use of MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters.
- SMART: Missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system developed by DRDO.
Significance of ASW
- Geopolitical Context: Crucial for India’s maritime security due to its vast coastline, strategic location, and presence of nuclear-armed submarines in the Indian Ocean region.
- Emerging Threats: Increasing presence of extra-regional powers and advancements in submarine technology pose growing threats to India’s security.
- Other Significances:
- Promoting Atma Nirbharta in shipbuilding.
- Participation in multilateral naval exercises.
- Strengthening strategic partnerships.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Ballistic missiles are powered by rocket engines throughout their entire trajectory. The engine operates for the first few minutes of flight, and then the missile follows a trajectory guided by gravity. On the other hand, cruise missiles are jet-propelled and they maintain powered flight for the entirety of their journey, not just the initial phase.
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia. It uses a two-stage propulsion system, with solid propellant in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second stage.
