Steadily improving military ties with Myanmar as part of the overall policy to counter China's
strategic inroads in the region, India is now going to export lightweight torpedoes
to the country.
The export documents for the $37.9 million deal with Myanmar for the indigenously developed
torpedo, were presented to finance-cum-defense minister Arun Jaitley at a function.
In March 2017, India had the signed deal to supply Shyena (TAL) to the Myanmar Navy.
Let us now go into the details.
The Advanced Light Torpedo Shyena (TAL) is the first indigenous advanced lightweight anti-submarine
torpedo of India, developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory of the DRDO for the Indian Navy.
Development of this missile was started by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory
(NSTL) in 1990s, under the Advanced Experimental Torpedo (TAE) program.
By 1998, Shyena was ready for trials, and it was tested 24 times by the NSTL from 1998 to 2000.
During trials, thrust was laid on monitoring of various factors through four computers
fitted on board Shyena.
User evaluation tests with designed, and engineered models of the torpedo took place in 2003-2005,
following which the Indian Navy was convinced of the system's capabilities.
Indian Navy placed an initial order of 25 units, and is likely to order more.
The torpedo is currently being manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, at its Visakhapatnam unit.
The torpedo has a Weight of 220 kg, being 2750 mm in length and 324 mm in diameter.
It uses a high explosive (HE) warhead of 50 kg.
The operational range of the torpedo is 7 km and maximum depth is 540 m.
Shyena has a speed of 33 knots or 61 kilo meters per hours.
Here are few important features of the torpedo:
1. Shyena is a processor-based torpedo which incorporates solid-state electronics, digital
technology and has been equipped with an integrated Active or Passive sensor package for homing.
Once launched, it can perform pre-programmed search patterns for available targets.
2. It is designed to be capable of launching from both a helicopter or from a triple-tube
launcher on surface vessels.
In recent years, India successfully entered the Myanmar naval recapitalization bid which
was dominated by China.
India has supplied HMS-X hull-mounted sonar, and radar for Myanmar's Kyan Sittha-class
frigates.
India also provides night-vision devices, bailey bridges, rocket launchers, mortars,
rifles, communication and Inmarsat sets to the armed forces of Myanmar.
Export of arms to Myanmar has 3 important aspects.
1. This acts as a counter against Chinese influence on the country and the region.
2. Brings in foreign revenue, which can be utilized for further R, & D of more advanced technology.
The long-term goal is to be an arms exporter from being importer.
3. Myanmar has border with India, and defense ties with the nation help in better cooperation
at strategic levels.
Indian Army, on its part, is stepping-up coordinated patrolling with Myanmarese forces along the
porous 1,643-km bilateral land border.
This coordinated effort has turned the heat on Indian insurgent groups operating in the
region like ULFA.