The sensor data generated from this network is fused with data from several other sources and correlated to create a common operating picture (COP). Besides AIS data, data is used from Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS) at the major ports, the Fishing Vessel Monitoring System, Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and National Command Communication Control and Intelligence Network (NC3I) of the Indian Navy.
The naval NC3I network ties in inputs from all 26 or so agencies responsible for coastal security in India in some fashion or another with data from the four Joint Operations Centers (JOCs) at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Port Blair, and Kochi, as well as naval and CGHQ.
India’s MDA will be further improved with Phase 2 of the CSN to provide near gapless coverage. This will include 38 additional Remote Radar sites and eight Mobile Surveillance Systems. In addition, 21 sites of the VTMS at Gulf of Kaachh and Gulf of Khambhat would also be fitted with optronic equipment in Phase 2.
MDA Improved, But Challenges Remain
The CSN automatically tracks and monitors only those vessels with AIS installed – typically vessels above 20 meters in length at distances of up to 1,500 nautical miles – using a satellite-based Vessel Monitoring System developed by India’s Space Research Organization (ISRO).
While this has significantly improved MDA and goes a long way toward preventing seaborne terrorism, challenges remain. Senior Indian Coast Guard officers say that monitoring and identification of very large numbers of small vessels – typically under 20 meters in length, like the hijacked fishing boat used by the seaborne terrorists in 2008 – is difficult as these vessels are not yet required to carry AIS.
H-187, the first of 12 modified 8000TD hovercraft being delivered by Griffon Hoverwork Ltd., UK. These join six older 8000TDs in service. The new hovercraft is really a new design although it retains the same designation as the older air cushion vehicles. Photo courtesy Indian Coast Guard
So other technology options such as radio-frequency identification are being explored. In addition, a registration system for fishing vessels has been implemented. In the meantime, the close-knit fishing communities act as “eyes and ears,” providing a first line of intelligence and warning. This goes to show that in spite of the best ELINT systems, HUMINT will continue to play a vital role to complement electronic surveillance systems in the war against terrorism.
Expanding Coast Guard
The ICG, which is set to triple in size within the next 15 years or so, has also been commissioning new coastal stations as well adding new platforms steadily.
This year, the service has commissioned one large 93-meter, 3,400-ton pollution control/patrol vessel, four large 50-meter inshore patrol vessels, and two Griffon Hoverworks-built 8000TD hovercraft. Several more are slated for induction this year.
The service is slated to induct several more platforms each year as it rapidly expands force levels from around 75 platforms today to 150 by 2018 and then to 280 platforms – 154 ships and 126 boats – by 2027 if the aims of the “Coast Guard Perspective Plan 2012-2027” are achieved.
As of August 2012, the ICG had around 150 vessels on order at an estimated value of around INRs 73 bn ($1.318 billion USD) from various state-owned as well as private shipyards in India, including a 90-meter offshore patrol vessel (OPV), one 93-meter pollution control vessel, six 105-meter OPVs, 37 50-meter patrol vessels (PV), 51 26-meter class interceptor boats, five other smaller patrol boats, 30 13-meter workboats cum patrol boats, eight or so 10-meter interceptor craft, three harbor boats, as well as 10 8000TD hovercraft under construction at Griffon Hoverworks, U.K.
Dornier Do-228 of the Indian Coast Guard drops a life raft during an exercise at the eastern region near Chennai. The service fleet of 28 or so aircraft will increase to 36. outflankers.com photo
In addition, around 150-160 ships and craft, including seven OPVs, 14 fast patrol vessels, a large training ship, 20 interceptor boats, and four barges, are in the pre-contract acquisition cycle.
The fleet of helicopters and aircraft is also being expanded, albeit on a smaller scale. Plans call for expanding the fleet from 28 Dornier 228 light maritime patrol aircraft and around 30 helicopters to 100 platforms in the near term and eventually to 137 aircraft by 2027.
Aircraft on order include 12 more Dorniers. In addition, programs to acquire two to six longer-range surveillance aircraft, as well as 30 or more new helicopters, are at various stages.