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By:

Commodore S.L. Deshmukh

31 October 2024 at 8:30:19 am

Killing the Hidden Killer

INS Mangrol strengthens India’s underwater defences as Chinese anti-submarine capabilities and Pakistan’s submarine fleet underscore the need for indigenous technology and coastal preparedness. The most dangerous threat to a warship is not always visible on the horizon. Lurking beneath the waves, a hostile submarine can threaten naval assets, disrupt maritime traffic and place critical infrastructure at risk without revealing its presence. For India, whose maritime interests stretch across...

Killing the Hidden Killer

INS Mangrol strengthens India’s underwater defences as Chinese anti-submarine capabilities and Pakistan’s submarine fleet underscore the need for indigenous technology and coastal preparedness. The most dangerous threat to a warship is not always visible on the horizon. Lurking beneath the waves, a hostile submarine can threaten naval assets, disrupt maritime traffic and place critical infrastructure at risk without revealing its presence. For India, whose maritime interests stretch across the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indian Ocean, countering this hidden threat is an operational necessity. The commissioning of INS Mangrol, the Indian Navy’s third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, represents another important step in strengthening this capability. At a time when China is expanding its naval reach and Pakistan continues to operate Chinese-origin submarines, India’s ability to detect, track and neutralise underwater threats assumes growing strategic significance. Complex Challenges Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) presents particular challenges in shallow coastal waters. Unlike the relatively predictable acoustic environment of the deep sea, littoral waters generate complex sound patterns through seabed reflections, shipping activity and varying water conditions. These factors can complicate the detection and classification of hostile submarines. Yet these are precisely the waters where threats can approach naval bases, strategic ports, commercial shipping lanes and offshore installations. Conventional frigates and destroyers, despite their formidable capabilities, cannot always operate with the same agility in confined, shallow-water environments. This is where the ASW-SWC programme assumes significance. Conceived as a replacement for the ageing Abhay-class corvettes, these vessels are designed to provide specialised anti-submarine protection in India’s coastal waters. Their induction strengthens a crucial layer of maritime defence between the open sea and the country’s vulnerable coastal approaches. INS Mangrol carries forward a distinguished naval tradition. Named after the historic port town of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, it also recalls the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol (M85), an Agray-class minesweeper decommissioned in 2004. Designed for anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance and coastal patrol, its significance, however, extends beyond its relatively compact dimensions. The vessel combines specialised sensors, indigenous weapons and manoeuvrability suited to the demanding conditions of shallow waters. Its sensor suite includes the DRDO-developed Abhay hull-mounted sonar and advanced low-frequency active towed-array sonar capabilities tailored to the challenging acoustics of littoral environments. Together, these systems are intended to improve the detection and tracking of underwater contacts. The vessel’s armament includes indigenous anti-submarine rocket launchers and lightweight torpedoes, supported by remote-controlled gun mounts for other operational requirements. Its indigenous Maareech Advanced Torpedo Defence System adds another layer of protection, helping detect, classify and counter incoming torpedo threats through acoustic countermeasures and decoys. These characteristics are particularly valuable when operating close to shore, where time and space for tactical decisions can be severely limited. Its utility is not restricted to hunting submarines. The platform can also undertake low-intensity maritime operations, surveillance of coastal choke points, mine-related missions and search-and-rescue duties. Such versatility makes it a valuable asset in peacetime as well as during periods of heightened tension. Equally important is the programme’s contribution to self-reliance. With more than 80 per cent indigenous content understood to be incorporated in INS Mangrol, the vessel reflects the growing capabilities of Indian shipyards, defence laboratories and domestic manufacturers, including micro, small and medium enterprises. The programme also demonstrates how complex naval platforms can strengthen the wider domestic defence ecosystem. The broader ASW-SWC programme has already gained momentum with the induction of vessels including INS Arnala, INS Androth and INS Mahe. The remaining ships are scheduled for completion by June 2028. Once the programme matures, the Navy will possess a more comprehensive and modernised force for addressing underwater threats close to India’s shores. The China Threat India’s requirement for stronger anti-submarine capabilities must be viewed against the wider transformation of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Beijing has invested heavily in modern surface combatants, submarines, maritime surveillance systems and aviation platforms, with ASW forming an important component of its expanding naval capabilities. The Type 055 Renhai-class guided-missile destroyer illustrates this evolution. Equipped with a 112-cell vertical launch system, advanced multifunction radar and electronic warfare capabilities, the class is designed for complex, multi-domain naval operations. Its ability to operate with shipborne helicopters, including the Z-20F in the PLAN’s anti-submarine role, adds an important aerial dimension to maritime surveillance and submarine hunting. China has also pursued greater operational coordination with Russia. Joint naval exercises, including anti-submarine activities conducted by the two countries in October 2024, have highlighted their interest in improving interoperability and coordinated maritime operations. For India, the implications are clear. The challenge is not simply the number of submarines a potential adversary possesses, but the integration of sensors, aircraft, surface ships, weapons and information networks into a coordinated operational system. Pakistan’s acquisition and operation of Chinese-origin submarine platforms adds another dimension to India’s maritime security calculations. The possibility of hostile submarines operating near strategic ports, naval installations and offshore energy infrastructure demands sustained vigilance. The protection of assets such as the Bombay High oil and gas fields is especially important given their significance to national energy security. INS Mangrol is an important addition to India’s coastal anti-submarine shield, but a single platform cannot neutralise every underwater threat. Effective ASW depends on the integration of ships, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, surveillance networks, trained crews and reliable intelligence. Equally critical are continuous upgrades, realistic exercises and the ability to operate seamlessly across different maritime environments. Aatmanirbhar Bharat in naval defence must mean not merely assembling ships at home, but developing the technologies, industrial depth and operational expertise needed to maintain a decisive advantage. INS Mangrol represents progress in this demanding contest. Its real value will lie in the larger indigenous maritime-defence ecosystem it helps strengthen. (The writer is a retired naval aviation officer and defence and geopolitical analyst. Views personal.)

Gun Violence in America

Writer: Vishwas Pethe
Vishwas Pethe
Dec 27, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jan 2, 2025

Gun Violence in America

On December 16, 2024, tragedy struck Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where a 15-year-old student, Natalie Rupnow, fatally shot a fellow student and a teacher before taking her own life. Six others were injured, with two in critical condition. This devastating event is a grim reminder of the United States' ongoing struggle with gun violence, particularly in schools.


A Long History of Gun Ownership in America

The issue of gun violence in the United States cannot be discussed without acknowledging its deep-rooted history of gun ownership. The right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1791, which states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”


Initially, this amendment was intended to empower citizens to form militias for self-defense during a time when standing armies were distrusted. Over the centuries, however, the interpretation of the Second Amendment has evolved. Today, it is often cited as a justification for individual gun ownership, a concept reinforced by landmark court cases such as District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), which affirmed an individual's right to own firearms for self-defense.


Gun culture is deeply ingrained in American society, with nearly 400 million firearms in civilian hands—more guns than people. This level of accessibility, coupled with a powerful gun lobby led by organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA), has made significant legislative reform difficult.


Gun Violence in Numbers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms cause approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the United States—equivalent to 109 deaths per day. This figure includes homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. Among children and teenagers, firearms are now the leading cause of death, surpassing motor vehicle accidents.


School shootings are a particularly horrifying aspect of gun violence in America. Since 1990, there have been over 800 incidents in K-12 schools, resulting in more than 500 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. High-profile tragedies such as the Columbine High School massacre (1999), the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting (2012), and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School attack (2018) have shocked the nation and the world, yet meaningful reforms remain elusive.


A Global Comparison

The United States stands out among developed nations for its high rate of gun violence. In countries like Australia, Canada, and much of Europe, strict gun control measures have significantly reduced firearm-related deaths. For example: By contrast, the firearm-related death rate in the United States is 12.2 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than other developed nations. The prevalence of guns and the lack of uniform gun control laws contribute to this disparity.


Challenges in Addressing Gun Violence

Efforts to reduce gun violence in the U.S. have faced significant obstacles. One of the most notable is the prohibition of federal funding for gun violence research. In 1996, Congress passed the Dickey Amendment, effectively barring the CDC from studying gun violence as a public health issue. Although the funding ban was partially lifted in 2019, its legacy has left the country with a limited understanding of the causes and solutions to gun violence.


Advocates have long called for measures such as:

• Universal Background Checks: Closing loopholes in gun sales to ensure that all firearm purchases are subject to background checks.

• Safe Storage Laws: Requiring gun owners to store firearms securely to prevent unauthorized access.

• Bans on Certain Firearms: Prohibiting the sale of assault-style weapons, which are often used in mass shootings.


The Debate Over Gun Rights and Reform

The debate over gun control in the United States often pits the rights of gun owners against the need for public safety. Opponents of stricter gun laws argue that restrictions infringe on constitutional rights and fail to address the root causes of violence, such as mental health issues. Proponents, however, point to the success of gun control measures in other countries and the overwhelming public support for policies like background checks.


A Way Forward

Despite the challenges, there is growing momentum for change. Grassroots organizations, survivors of gun violence, and some lawmakers are advocating for comprehensive reforms. The Madison school shooting serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of these efforts. As the nation grapples with its gun violence epidemic, it must look to both its history and the experiences of other countries to find a path toward a safer future.


(The author is a resident of US. Views personal.)

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