INTRODUCTION TO AIR DEFENCE ARTILLERY (ADA)

INTRODUCTION

1. In the modern battlefield, air power is considered as a significant component of warfare. In modern war the first phase of air battle starts with the massive air attack to gain air superiority and the subsequent phase of attack will commence against the manoeuvre forces and their supporting elements. The aim of the second phase of attack would be to shape the battle field by isolating and reducing the ability of manoeuvre forces for ground campaign with minimum casualties. Gulf War is a practical demonstration of this prophecy where defences were ruined, command posts knocked out, communications disrupted, and supplies destroyed by the air action. In the future battlefield, our army is also likely to operate against a foe that will remain superior in terms of technology and resources, mostly in the air power. Therefore, the survival of our army components on the face of adversary’s air superiority has been a serious concern for our ground force commander

2. To protect and preserve sovereignty and integrity of a small state like ours, particularly with limited resources, AD ranks one of the top most priorities. Even if the resources are managed, the inadequacy of country’s depth and the location of enemy air bases will certainly reduce the effectiveness of the Interceptor fighters, as these would get less response time. Therefore, more and more dependency on ADA forces is a viable option because these are comparatively less costly, easy to maintain and not much affected by country’s depth.

AIM

3. To give a brief idea about ADA.

SCOPE

4. The presentation will be unfolded in Three phases under following sequence: a. PHASE-I.

(1) History of ADA.
(2) Related Definitions of ADA. (3) Principles of ADA Employment. (4) Types of ADA Equipment. b. PHASE-II.

(1) Threat Perception.
(2) ADA of BD.
(3) Roles and Employment of ADA.
(4) Assets Merit ADA Protection. c. PH-III.

(1) Various Technique of ADA Deployment.
(2) ADA Battle.
(3) Challenges of ADA
(4) Future Plan ADA.

PHASE-I
History of ADA

5. The earliest known use of weapons specifically made for the Anti Aircraft (AA) role occurred during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Paris was besieged and French troops outside the city started an attempt at resupply via balloon. Gustav Krupp mounted a modified 1-pounder (37mm) gun, on top of a horse-drawn carriage for the purpose of shooting down these balloon. The French balloon gun appeared in 1910, it was an 11-pounder but mounted on a vehicle, with a total uncrewed weight of 2 tons. By 1913 France and Germany developed Field Guns suitable for engaging balloons and aircraft and addressed issues of military organization. Britain's Royal Navy introduced the QF 3-inch and QF 4-inch AA guns and also Vickers 1-pounder QF "Pom-Pom” on various mountings. The first US AA cannon was 1-pounder (3"/23 caliber gun) designed by Admiral Twining in 1911 was the US Navy's first Operational AA Canon.

6. During the WWI the quality and quantity of AA Artillery was in rudimentary stages. In April 1932, 3.7 inch AA Gun had been accepted and in April 1937 it went into production in UK. In April 1937, 2 pounder Pom Poms gun was approved both for Naval and Army use. By 1939, USA had 3 inch AA Gun, 105 mm M-3, 4.7 inch AA Gun, 37 mm M-1 and 90 mm M-2 AA Guns. By then WWII Started and significant improvement took place in the arena of AA Artillery. UK, USA and Germans started raising AA Regiment/Batteries. Germans used 88mm Flake AA Gun against allied bombers in massive scale. UK employed 3.7 Inch QF AA Gun in full Scale. Automation in AA Gun Firing took place and Radar was introduced to engage the low flying target. Rocket powered missile was used against aircraft.

7. After the WWII, Guided and Non Guided Missile was introduced in AA Arena. The US introduced Nike Ajax missile and Russia introduced SA-2 Guideline systems as new AA Weapon system. AD has drawn significant attraction to the superpowers and development on ADA continue.

Related Definitions

8. Air Defence. The term AD implies all measures designed to destroy, nullify or reduce the effectiveness of enemy air attack as well as hostile air borne surveillance. AD, otherwise known as defensive counter-air operations, involves both active and passive defence measures. The aim is to detect, identify, intercept and destroy hostile airborne vehicles, which threaten friendly forces and installations. Passive AD consists of measures, which enhance the survivability of friendly forces and installations and minimize the effects of damage from hostile air attack.

9. Critical Assets/Vulnerable Area/Vulnerable Points. Any location, echelon or installation to which air threat is related and which is considered to merit AD protection is termed as Critical Assets/VA/VP.

10. Pt Critical Assets. A Critical Assets, with its longest dimension extending up to 1000M is Point Critical Assets or Point Assets.
11. Area Critical Assets. A Critical Assets, with its longest dimension extending more than 1000M is Area Critical Assets or Area Assets.

12. Time Critical Assets. The Assets which are limited period of time, is termed as Time Critical asset.
13. ADOC. This is an operation center from where the overall AD battle is directed, coordinated and controlled. Limited Operational Control of the deployed AD elements of Army, Navy, Air force and Civil Defence are done from here. Representative from all the services/agencies sits in the ADOC to work as Liaison Officer. This is a BAF organization located at Dhaka. The Chief of Air Staff is the AD Commander.

14. Operational Control. The power of directing, restraining and coordinating the operational activities of deployed AD Forces, which may or may not be Under Command.
15. Tactical Control. The detailed, usually, local direction and control of movement or manoeuvre necessary to accomplish mission or tasks assigned
16. Early Warning Procedure of AD. AD operation starts from the instance when an aerial object is detected by the BAF radar in the air space. Once the target is picked up by radar and the same is plotted in the plotting board in ADOC. The immediate step is the identification of the target and simultaneous designation of the appropriate AD elements to engage the target at the furthest range within the suitable altitude. All AD agencies have their representative in ADOC. Sequence of warning and engagement procedure in AD is given below:

17. Fire Unit (FU). An AD Weapon or Group of AD weapons deployed in close proximity, primarily mean to engage one ac at a time is termed as FU. Pair of 37mm AD Gun and 14.5 mm AD MG of AD Regiment, Medium AD Battery, RCG Battery and single missile position would constitute FU.

18. Observation Posts (OP). OPs are normally deployed at a distance of 4000M from GLR covering all direction and manned by two individual with portable communication equipment. They normally provide warning of the approaching aircraft so that the AD Guns can be traversed to meet the attack without any loss of engagement time. Normally for independent Battery deployed six OPs are deployment and for Regiment ten OPs are deployed. OPs are lettered from Z to Q.
Principles of ADA Employment

19. Certain principles are adhered to for the employment of AD assets. These are also the laymen guidelines which have been acquired through the experiences of the previous wars. These are:

a. Mass. It implies the employment of sufficient number of similar type of assets required for a particular VA/ VP. In doing so, the principles of concentration of assets and economy of effort are kept in mind.

b. Mix. It implies employment of different types of weapons of various capabilities i.e. range, altitude, rate of fire and different types of munitions. It is generally adopted to create number of layers to engage the enemy at a further distance. It brings forth the idea of Composite and Hybrid AD system.

c. Mobility. It is important to commensurate and keep pace with the supported element in various types of war specially the offensive ones at operational and tactical level. It is also required for redeploying with the changing priority of strategic and operational assets due to the fluid battle scenario. It matches with the idea of SP AD system. This includes SP Gun, SP Missile and Hybrid AD System. SP system can be wheeled or tracked depending on the terrain condition and mobility of supported elements.

d. Integration. It is required to ensure maximum effective use of AD assets avoiding fratricide and duplication of effort. Identification and prioritization of assets, allocation of AD resources, C&R system and air space management are the major features in the execution of this employment principle. Automation of the system will enhance the overall effort. The necessary integration is required amongst the AD assets within and among the services.

Types of ADA Equipment

20. Manually Operated Gun. These are absolutely manually operated system. Normally, Local Warning Radar is part of the Manually Operated Gun regiment. The bulk of the AD units in the third world countries are equipped with towed Manually Operated Guns with calibers ranging from 12.7mm to 40mm. A thorough analysis of the past wars and the existing weapon system reveals that the Manually Operated Guns still enjoy considerable respect and credibility. Some of the major advantages of this system include immunity to jamming, minimum logistic requirement, low cost, suitable for rugged and sustained military operations. As against to this, some of the major disadvantages of the system are limited range, limited engagement time due to manual tracking, less accurate, no night capability etc. Manually Operated Guns can be suitably used for low level AD coverage at strategic, operational and tactical level.

21. Radar Control Gun. Radar Control Guns offset the limitations of Manually Operated Guns by replacing estimated data inputs with accurate data. Accuracy is also backed up by use of computers which is generally the part of Fire Control System. Modern Radar Control Guns are effective against cruise and standoff missiles also. Some of the major advantages of this system over Manually Operated Guns are better accuracy, better kill probability and night capability. Use of Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction (AHEAD) ammunition increase the lethality and kill probability. Although it is susceptible to Electronic Counter Measure and prone to Anti Radiation Missile, but this disadvantage could be overcome with Television and Laser Range Finder. The system has few disadvantages which include susceptible to Electronic Counter Measure, more costly and additional logistic requirements.

22. SAM. Missiles are more effective in terms of range, lethality and accuracy than those of guns. Hence, kill probability is increased to a great extent. It is effective for both approaching and receding target, thus minimizes the disadvantage of having lesser depth. It requires lesser number of crews. It could be man packed, vehicle mounted or SP. It would be suited for all types of VA/VPs.

a. MANPADS. It implies Man Portable AD System. It covers short range and low altitude. It is best for all types of terrain. Thus, MANPADS are the best option for Unconventional Warfare Force.

b. SHORAD. It implies Short Range AD. It covers upto 10 km range.

c. LOMAD. It implies Low to Medium Altitude AD. It covers a range from 10 km to 30 km. It is suited for strategic assets.

d. HIMAD. It implies High to Medium Altitude AD. It cover a range beyond 30 km. General purpose of it is to guard strategic assets.

* Slant Rng Cl * CIWS - Up to 6 km * MANPADS/VSHORADS - Up to 10 km * SHORADS - Up to 20 km * LOMADS - Up to 30 km * HIMADS - Above 30 km * Alt Cl * VSHORADS - 3.5 km * SHORADS - 06 km * LOMADS - 9.50 km to 10 km * HIMADS - Above 30 km

23. Classification Based on Altitude Coverage.

a. Very Low. Upto 150 m.
b. Low. 150 m to 3000 m.
c. Medium. 3000 m to 7500 m.
d. High. Above 7500 m.

24. Composite AD Regiment. It is a concept based on composing a regiment with gun and missile together in different platform. The options may be - two missile batteries and one gun battery in one regiment or, one missile battery and two gun batteries in one regiment. There could be another combination of having both gun and missile elements within the same battery. It serves weapon mass concept. This is ideal for field formations. The guns may be towed or SP (tracked or wheeled). The missiles may be MANPADS, vehicle mounted or SP (tracked or wheeled). It serves weapon mass concept and can be suitably used to support the field formations.

25. Hybrid AD Regiment. It is a concept based on composing a regiment with guns and missiles together in the same platform. The platform is SP (wheeled or tracked). This is effective for the manoeuvreing forces like armoured or mechanized forces having compatible mobility. However, it has major advantages that includes effective during day and night, can operate with maneuvering armoured and mechanized forces and capable of rapid re-deployment. It can be effectively used to engage targets at longer ranges, has a better fire control system with an integral target acquisition system and compatible mobility. This system is expensive, limited in variety and mostly modern armies of the world possess it in their inventory.
PH-II

Threat Perceptions

26. Threat Perception of BD. The study on the geo-political scenario in the region will definitely help us to understand the threat that we are likely to face. The relationship between Bangladesh and India is complex, sensitive and multidimensional. Whatever India proclaims in her foreign policy, she had been a hard liner and uncompromising in regards to her vital interest and in projecting her influence and power in this sub-continent. On the other hand, the relationship between Bangladesh and Myanmar was neither hostile nor very friendly over decades. A recent engagement between Bangladesh and Myanmar Armed Forces concerning maritime border demarcation in no way allows us to ignore Myanmar as a competent future adversary. Present geo-political scenario in the region does not advocate any imminent military threat, but any of the contentious bilateral issues can suddenly trigger the situation and escalate into hostilities. In that case, Bangladesh might expect substantial threat from India and considerable threat from Myanmar.

27. Air Threat from India. India maintains 4th largest air force of the world. Out of five operational commands, Eastern Air Command augmented by Central Air Command of Indian Air force is likely to pose immediate threat to us in case of any hostility. Few capabilities of Indian Air Force (IAF) are as follows:

a. Indian Air Force’s inventory of aircrafts presently stands at approximately 1022 combat aircrafts that includes MIG 21, 23, 27, 29s, and Mirage 2000s aircrafts that are capable to deliver wide variety of munitions including cluster bombs, Fuel Air Explosive and Laser Guided Bombs. In the recent years India has inducted surface-to-surface missiles of various types in all three branches of the armed forces. It also recently added number of new Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) with delivery range varying from 8-30km.

b. Indigenous and imported Remotely Piloted Vehicles like Nishant, Lakshaya and Searcher, Harpy etc are not only capable of reconnaissance at a distance of 120-220 kilo meter but also capable of destroying or suppressing Air Defence radars.

c. Indian Navy has two aircraft carriers from where she is capable of attacking both offshore as well as deep inshore targets of Chittagong, Khulna and Cox's Bazaar.

28. Location of IAF Bases Around Bangladesh. Out of five Indian Air Force operational commands the Eastern Air Command augmented by Central Air Command with its Headquarters at Shillong is likely to pose immediate threat to us. The aircraft carriers can launch fighter bombers like Harriers and helicopters for attacking ground targets and ships. Indian Air Force bases of eastern air command are shown in the slide.

29. Modernization Plan of IAF. Future plan of IAF that could be revealed are as following:

a. The older MIG-21 T-77 is already being phased out; the upgraded MIG-21 BIS will remain in service till 2022-2025.These upgraded MIG-21s are equipped with electronic navigational system.

b. Inclusion of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which will begin entering service in 2013. This is a fifth generation multirole fighter aircraft equipped with latest armaments.

c. The Indian Air Force currently ordered 3 of the related IL-76 “Candid” medium-heavy strategic transporters fitted with the Phalcon AWACS system from Israel. This can operate as airborne command post and control the air battle.

d. The Indian Air Force began an upgrade of its MIG-29 fleet into multi-role MIG-29 UPG standard warplanes which will include air-to-air missiles, increased fuel capacity, latest avionics and the new Zhuk-M radar.

e. They will receive 40 upgraded Su-30MKIs capable of carrying BrahMos cruise missile by 2012.

f. In March 2010, India and France finalized a deal for up-gradation of all India's Mirage 2000H to Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 variant with new radar, weapon suite, missiles, electronic warfare system etc.

g. India and Russia linked a deal for the supply of 80 X MI-17V-5 (also known as MI-171) medium lift helicopters. The delivery of which is expected to start form this year and scheduled to be completed by 2014.

h. The Indian air force has planned to purchase Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) with low radar cross-section, high service ceiling, with a range of 925 km and capable of carrying precision-guided weapons in an internal weapons bay.

j. India and Russia signed a pact to develop a 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft which is expected to be completed by 2017. Indian Air Force will get 250 Sukhoi FGA. These will replace the MIG-29 Fulcrum and Mikoyan MIG-27 in the Indian inventory.

k. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has also started design work on an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is a twin-engine 5th generation stealth multi-role fighter. This will enable Indian Air Force to have stealth capability.

l. India is developing a medium altitude long endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle called Rustom and the AURA (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft) which is an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. The AURA will be a tactical stealth aircraft capable of delivering laser-guided strike weapons.

30. Air Threat from Myanmar. The Myanmar Air Force (MAF) operates from four main and forward operation bases close to Bangladesh border. Myanmar Air Force possesses about 125 combat aircrafts which is numerically almost double than that of BAF. Myanmar Air Force have 94 fighter interceptors and 52 fighter ground attack aircrafts which includes A-5, J-6, J-7, JH-7, MIG-29, and PC-9 aircrafts. Myanmar Air Force also possesses 115 combat helicopters which include MI-2, MI-17, MI-24, and BEL-206. Myanmar Air Force is capable of taking any targets in Chittagong area and challenging Bangladesh Navy in the Bay of Bengal. When operationally deployed in the forward areas, these aircrafts can also reach Dhaka and threaten the southern parts of Bangladesh. Myanmar Air Force has ten radar stations, which do not have the capability to provide effective coverage all over Bangladesh since they are located in the North-East of Myanmar. An armed conflict with Myanmar is expected to be limited in the southern and south-eastern part of Bangladesh with only occasional spillover into the central parts. The Myanmar Air Force is likely to attack air assets in the southern Bangladesh to achieve a favourable air situation over the battle area. Simultaneously, she would carry out attacks on high value targets on land and in the sea.

31. The Evolving Threat. In any war, let it be a general or limited, enemy is expected to carry out pre-emptive air strikes on our strategic assets with or without any warning to paralyze the war potential of our nation. Considering the capabilities of our potential adversaries the nature of air threat that would evolve against us in future is discussed below:
a. Reconnaissance. With the deterioration of political relationship, enemy will use aircrafts and RPVs for collecting information of both tactical and strategic nature. The inclusion of new IL-76 “Candid” medium-heavy strategic transports fitted with the Phalcon AWACS system and unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) with low radar cross-section, high service ceiling will enhance the reconnaissance capability of the adversaries.
b. Pre-emptive Bombing Raids. With the commencement of hostility, enemy will launch massive attack from high altitude to destroy both offensive and defensive capabilities of the country. For this they are likely to use Su-30MKIs which is capable of carrying BrahMos cruise missile and MIG 29. Their likely targets would be Strategic Installations, Important bridges, Communication infrastructures and Military logistic Installations, Vital industrial areas etc.

c. Offensive Raids at the Rear Areas. Following the pre-emptive air raids, enemy will send fighter and interceptor sorties to conduct Counter Air Operations (CAO). Interceptor fighter aircraft and multi-role aircrafts such as SU-30, MIG-29 will be used to carry out such raids. Their likely targets would be BAF Installations, AD Operation Center and Military command and logistic echelons etc.

d. Close Air Support. Enemy air force will provide close air support to the maneuvering forces to dominate combat zone. Aircraft will use rockets, bombs and cannons against our ground forces. The fighter ground attackers like Mirage 2000s, MIG23s, and MIG 27s will be used to carry out offensive raids. Their likely targets would be Divisional Command Posts, Armored Concentration, Divisional Administrative area, Artillery Gun position, and Line of Communication etc.

e. Airborne Operation. At some stage of the battle enemy airborne troops will occupy or capture vital positions/areas by using helicopters or transport planes.

f. Enhanced Air Capability. Considering the deployment of air assets in the neighboring air bases vis-à-vis less geographical depth of Bangladesh it is very obvious that, an aircraft taking off from any of the forward air bases of IAF, on completion of its mission, can reach to any other forward air base without refueling.

ADA Of BD

32. The existing Army components of AD is organised under the 6 Independent ADA brigade. It comprises of four MOG AD regiments, One RCG Regiment , three Independent medium AD batteries and one Independent SAM battery. AD regiments and the SAM battery are designed to provide low level close AD coverage to VAs and VPs of national importance. The AD units are equipped with 37 mm Manually Operated Guns (MOG), 37 mm Radar Controlled Guns (MOG) and 14.5 mm AD Machine Gun. The medium units are equipped with 57 mm Medium AD Gun. On the Other hand for the purpose of providing AD coverage to the Jamuna Multi-purpose Bridge, a light AD regiment was raised near BJMB.

33. ADA Doctrine. The doctrine which provided guidance to ADA in Bangladesh in the past appears to be predominantly a “Doctrine of Deterrence”. Limited available resources (mostly old vintage) were mainly biased for ADA protections of rear area assets of national importance. It can be constructed that this was damage limiting doctrine, more or less with a passive out-look i,e “to reduce or nullify the effectiveness of air threat” aimed at protection of the defended asset. The concept of employment was also tailored to suit this doctrine. The recent induction of sophisticated ADWS with the greater accuracy and higher kill probability has led to reorientation in doctrinal approach of ADA and the balance has clearly tilted from “Deterrence” to “Attrition”. The enhanced operational capabilities of ADA due to its expansion and effects caused by the new weapons systems have created a profound influence on conceptual framework. The bulk of ADA resources will be tasked to participate as significant elements of combat power in the combat zone in addition to rear area protection.

34. Doctrine of Attrition. The “Doctrine of Attrition” as envisaged for ADA is:
“Commanders at all levels should integrate and employ all ADA resources so as to cause maximum attrition to hostile aircraft/helicopters in order to attain freedom of maneuver / action in the areas of operations as per army’s concept of operations”.

35. Mission of ADA. To provide low and med alt ad to VAs and VPs of national importance.

36. Capabilities of ADA

a. Each AD Regiment can at a time provide low altitude AD to one VA and one VP or three VPs
b. Can provide medium altitude AD to VAs and VPs of national importance
c. Can be used in ground role, against soft skin vehicles and in anti para drop operations.
d. Can provide limited AD protection in support of Field Formation.

37. Objectives of ADA. Within the framework of the mission and constraints of available weapon systems, ADA aims to fulfill certain objectives. These are discussed in the succeeding paragraphs.

a. To preserve air and naval bases and assets of strategic / national importance against air threat by concentrating maximum resources on operationally critical assets in harmony with our land operations.

b. To preserve combat power and thereby provide freedom of action to maneuver force by concentrating maximum resources on operationally critical assets in harmony with our land operations.

c. To cause maximum attrition to hostile aerial targets.

38. Various AD Weapon are displayed in the subsequent slides.

39. Zones/sectors of ADA. Considering the geographical layout of the country, for the ease of Command and Control, entire Bangladesh is divided into three Zones/Sectors in the National AD Plan.

a. Central Zone. Area east of the river Jamuna, north of the river Padma and west of the river Meghna falls under Central Zone.

b. Eastern Zone. Approximately all areas east of the river Meghna including Chittagong Division are part of Eastern Zone. Eastern Zone and northern part of Central Zone fall under the AOR of Eastern Army Command as proposed in Forces Goal 2030.

c. Western Zone. Approximately all areas west of the river Jamuna and south of the river Padma are within Western Zone. This zone commensurates with the AOR of Western Army Command as proposed in the Forces Goal 2030.

40. Special AD Zone (SADZ). Dhaka and Chittagong being the nerve centre of the country, merit AD protection at the onset of increased readiness. There are several VPs within these two cities the destruction of which will cause immediate paralysis and may cause a knockout blow for the whole nation. As such, for AD planning (employment of AD assets) both the cities are considered as Special AD Zone. Special AD Zone Dhaka and Chittagong basically covers 20 km radius area from those city centres.

41. Layers of AD. AD protections for any Vulnerable Areas (VA)/ Vulnerable Points (VP) are organised in various layers. Basing on the engagement capability, different Services/ Installations/ Organisations are employed to provide necessary protection to a particular layer. Various AD layers are discussed briefly in subsequent paragraphs:

a. Outer Layer. This is the layer commonly known as Fighter Engagement Zone (FEZ). BAF Fighters/ Interceptors will be employed to counter the enemy air offensive in this layer. HIMAD SAM may also be employed to complement the Fighters in the outer layer.

b. Second Layer. This is the layer generally known as Missile Engagement Zone (MEZ) where HIMAD and LOMAD are deployed for area defence to counter the enemy air offensive sneaked through the FEZ. Fighters will complement the HIMAD and LOMAD SAMs as and when necessary.

c. Inner Layer. This layer is otherwise known as Point Defence Zone (PDZ) where RCGs with high rate of fire, Light AD guns and SHORAD SAMs of the services will be employed to counter the enemy air offensive penetrating through the FEZ and MEZ. This layer could also be complemented by Fighters as and when necessary.

42. Specific AD Responsibility. Overall AD responsibility of BD airspace is vested on BAF. Specific AD responsibility on operational areas is discussed below:

a. Within the concept of Layered AD, the FEZ defence would be the prime responsibility of BAF. In the MEZ, BD Army, BAF and BN would complement each other while defending their specific assets with HIMAD/LOMAD as applicable. b. The primary responsibility of Army AD Brigade elements (existing ADA Brigade) would be to defend national strategic VAs/VPs of Central Zone/Sector and SADZ Dhaka. In addition, Command ADA Brigade elements (as proposed in Forces Goal 2030 for Eastern and Western Command) would also provide necessary AD protection to the strategic assets within their AOR and manoeuvre of the field formations. At tactical level, formations and units would be solely responsible for the protection of the Operational Critical Assets (OCA) and Time Critical Assets (TCA) as well as their self defence. However, Command ADA elements would also augment the AD of the field formations as and when required.

c. BN Ships with their integral AD weapons would have primary responsibility for their self AD. BN would defend her offshore installations with own LBAD weapon. However, within the range of nearby air field, BAF would provide AD to ships moving singly or when not formed as Task Force (TF).

d. Operational Command of specific AD assets of different services would lie with the respective services while limited Operational Control (in terms for control of fire of the AD weapons of all the services) lies with the ADOC.

Role and Employment of ADA

43. Role of ADA. To preserve specified Vas/VPs from critical damage/destruction from enemy air action.

44. Employment of ADA. Basically AD is a joint services responsibility. In Bangladesh AD is the primary function of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). For the purpose of point or limited area defence it is also the responsibility of Bangladesh Army. At present Army AD elements consist of ADA guns and Surface to Air Missiles (SAM). It provides medium and low altitude AD coverage to strategic and national assets as well as Operationally Critical Assets (OCA) of field formations.

Assets Merit ADA Protection

45. The National Committee for Security Affairs (NCSA), in consultation with AD committee, is principally responsible for determining the VAs/VPs at strategic level. Services Headquarters will be responsible for determining operational and tactical level VAs/VPs. It is learned that the list of VAs/VPs is not updated for long. Each sector should have dedicated Sector Operation Centre for effective dissemination of information and tactical/operational control. The estimation is done considering 3 fire units can effectively protect a VP where one regiment composed of 3 battery having two troops in each battery. Here each troop is composed of 3 fire units. The summary of other assets are given below:
a. Central Sector. In central sector we have as many as 17 strategic assets, 9 and 19 Infantry Division. For strategic assets we need total 9x Composite Regiment (18 X RCG batteries, 9 x HIMAD/LOMAD missile batteries) and for the field formations we need 1X HB regiment and 1x composite regiment and also 1X C&R Battery for this sector.
b. Eastern Sector. In eastern sector we have as many as 12 strategic assets, 24 and 33 Infantry Division. For strategic assets we need 12X composite regiment (24 X RCG batteries and 12 X HIMAD/LOMAD missile batteries) and for the field formations we need 2X composite regiment and also 1X C&R Battery for this sector.
c. Western Sector. In western sector we have as many as 08 strategic assets, 11, 55 and 66 Infantry Divisions. For strategic assets we need 8X composite regiment (16x RCG batteries and 12X HIMAD/LOMAD missile batteries) and for the field formations we need we need 2X HB regiment and 2 x composite regiment and also 1X C&R Battery for this sector.

Various technique of ADA deployment

46. There are numerous techniques of deployment. The depl pattern would be dictated by msn, resource available and design parameters. No standard techniques would hold for all types of circumstances. No standard the techniques given below, individual weapon sites may be single, in pairs or in cluster.

a. Point Defence. AD of point assets (400 m) is termed as point defence. Resources allocated for point defence are always dedicated to the defending asset.
b. Area Defence. AD of larger size assets/areas, not falling in the category of point defence is called area defence. Area defence can be further classified those are shown in slides.

c. Close Defence. Type of AD which is meant to provide all round AD to an asset or area.

d. Open Defence. Type of AD, not necessary all round, to engage hostile aircraft/helicopter at an unexpected place or/and time with a view to:

(1) Surprising the enemy.
(2) Harassing the enemy pilot.
(3) Diverting the pilot.
(4) Deceiving the enemy.
ADA ambushes and ADA roving are eg’s of open defence.
Deployment Pattern of ADA

47. Various deployment pattern of ADA is as following: a. Typical Deployment of AD Battery. b. AD of a Bridge with MOG. c. Medium AD Battery Deployment . d. AD of a Bridge with RCG. e. Deployment of Weapon Mix. f. AD of Air Field with Guns and SAM. g. AD Ambush. h. SAM Deployment with Field Formation.

48. Control and Reporting System. The Control and Reporting System of ADA is shown in the slide.
ADA Battle

49. AD operation starts from the instance when an aerial object is detected by the BAF radar in the air space. Once the target is picked up by radar and the same is plotted in the plotting board in ADOC. The immediate step is the identification of the target and simultaneous designation of the appropriate AD elements to engage the target at the furthest range within the suitable altitude. All AD agencies have their representative in ADOC. Sequence of warning and engagement procedure in AD is given below:
a. Generally, an AD battery comprising six pairs of guns is deployed around the VP in ring pattern. Observation Posts are also deployed around the VP at a distance of 4000 meters from gun line radius.
b. When an enemy aircraft is approaching, ADOC locates its position and passes the data to the Local Warning Radar and Command Posts.
c. Local Warning Radar starts searching the aircraft in that direction and confirms the data to Command Post.
d. When the enemy aircraft comes within 10-15 km distance, the Observation Posts are alerted by the Command Post.
e. Observation Post observes aircraft and sends OP warning to the Command Post and guns.
f. On receipt of OP Warning, guns are directed towards the approaching aircraft and engage the aircraft when it is within the effective range.
Challenges to ADA

50. General. We have to perform a Herculean task of fighting a sophisticated war with less sophistic means comparing to adversaries. Given the grim fact we have to identify our challenges in order to come up with a viable option for national defence and remain prepared for contingencies.
51. Fight Before Ground Battle for National Sustenance. GBAD is prepared for “First to Fire”- Yes in deed. Much before the ground forces engages themselves enemy air arm and own AD system will confront each other either to achieve air superiority and pre-emptive missions and to counter it. Enemy will try to shape the battlefield for unhindered exploitation by softening up and own sole focus will be to protect all those of value for national sustenance.

52. Support of Ground Forces. From the very outset own ground forces movement, mobilization would be interfered by opponent air arm. Therefore, the challenge of us underlies on giving enemy an impression of suicidal engagement. Own manoeuvre forces would be able to manoeuvre only when they will not be interfered by enemy air. The ground force commander can only plan their manoeuvre when they have sufficient air defence element to take care of enemy air.

53. Transforming to Unconventional Phase. Given that inferiority of man and material fighting unconventionally will probably be our most suitable course of our defence strategy. Today it is also a well-discussed topic with our military thinkers in present world order scenario. Conserving AD assets during the initial air battle to remain equally effective during the subsequent phases will be a challenge. While ground forces engage themselves simultaneously in conventional and unconventional battle GBAD should also find itself in a position to attrite enemy air. There will be conflicting requirements of integration and decentralisation.
54. Depth Problem. The country seems as an enclave, looking at a world map, India surrounds on its three sides. Max flight distance is about 7-12 minutes across the country for combat aircrafts. These pose challenges to our surveillance control and reporting system.

55. Electronic Warfare. Modern warfare is becoming increasingly dependent on electronic warfare both communication and non-communication. Especially Air Defence Artillery has to count this aspect with due importance which may play a decisive role in the future day war. Active offensive electronic devices may be out of rich, but defensive electronic gazettes to minimise hostile action can be introduced gradually. In more clear terms chosen fire control system or missile guidance system should have anti jamming features.

Future plan of ADA in terms of Weapon System

56. Gentleman as you GBAD plays significant role in countering the Air Threat, to address this issue, emphasis was was given on reorganization of ADA in “FORCES GOAL-2030”. According to the basic parameters of “FORCES GOAL-2030” two new dedicated commands AD brigades will be raised to enhance the AD capability of the field formations. Under these command AD brigades six new AD regiment will be raised in four phases. The responsibility of these AD regiment will be to provide low altitude AD cover to field formations as well as the rear area assets within the area of responsibility of respective army command. The future ADWS are shown in the subsequent slides.

CONCLUSION

57. Air power plays a predominant role in today's btlfd environment. All future conflicts would invariably start with massive air strikes and the warring parties would strive to attain air dominance at the earliest. AD implies obtaining a favourable air sit while ensuring a freedom of act for the land forces to op. As such, to offset the threat, comprehensive AD sys would req components like C&R netwk, interceptor ac, SAMs, ADA, deceptive measures and comd and comm arrangements. 58. AD is no doubt costly, but a defeat is thousand times more expensive. To cover the entire threat spectrum and safeguard the ntl assets, an eff AD sys is a must for Bangladesh. She must make a bal between the reqr and cap. To ease up the financial pressure, Bangladesh should prepare a master AD plan and implement that over a long-term procurement prog.