IBN breaking news that Army network combat system named Shakti has major Chinese components. The system is made by PSU BEL. It forms the command, control and communication network of Indian Army. Checks are on right now to see if there is any malware or malicious programs embedded in the systems. Big question marks on the PSU about its supply chain.
Chinese hardware used in Indian Army’s combat system a security threat Published April 19, 2012 | By admin SOURCE: CNN-IBN Indian Army’s combat system could be seriously compromised as defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has used Chinese hardware in the systems. The Army’s Deputy Chief Lieutenant General VS Tonk has raised the issue of Chinese hardware being used in the combat systems with the Ministry of Defence. The Indian Army has told the Central Government that major components used by the force in Project Shakti have Chinese IT hardware, which makes the entire communication network extremely vulnerable. Project Shakti is the command, control and communication lifeline of the Indian Army and is fielded in about two thirds of the force. The letter written by the Deputy Chief clearly outlines how major components used in the system made by BEL re of Chinese origin. The Army fears that if a thorough systematic investigation of the Project Shakti hardware was carried out the extent of the vulnerability would further be identified. The presence of electronic Trojans, the Army says has very serious ramifications. It is important that the components used to develop combat networks be indigenous and under no circumstances can such systems have modules manufactured in countries inimical to national interests especially at a time when BEL is involved in several other projects. The China threat in combat hardware was raised at top levels of the government with the Vice Chief in a strongly worded letter dated March 23, 2011 told the Defence Secretariat that the use of Chinese hardware tantamount to a dilution of trust the armed forces depose in the PSU. The integrity and traceability of its supply chain has to be ensured especially since BEL Bangalore in May 2010 had issued a letter confirming that no components used in Project Shakti were of Chinese origin. BEL offered no comments to questions posed by CNN-IBN on whether remedial measures were carried out or not. After Bharat Earth Mover Limited (BEML) another controversy involving a defence PSU has only raised further questions on just show these organisations are carrying out their business and sometimes sourcing components compromising security issues.
BEL has a requirement. It floats a tender. These may be small electronic components right down to a diode or resistor or capacitor which vendors can source cheap from china and supply. What we need to know is if any critical component has been sourced from there.
BEL can source individual electronic components from India only if an ecosystem of electronic industry exists in our country. Component manufacturing industry in India as of now(especially ASIC related items) are indeed nascent. China is literally factory of the world as far as IC industry is concerned. What is important is however is that the control software is Indian. Because at the end of the day, that is what will set the difference.
I really doubt and I really doubt that the Chinis even know if their components have gone into an Indian defence system.
its no big deal even US equipment has chinese electronic in it. most electronics, pcb are made in china. as long is not a critical components.
I am sure our equipments are not bugged by China we have more security checks that would have found if our item are bugged we are not that stupid that too in high level of national security.
All countries try to infiltrate their rivals. There's nothing abnormally insidious about it. It's not so much a declaration of hostility so much as it is an attempt to avoid being caught flatfooted in some future conflict.
I won't be worried about PRC bugging these components. What I would worry about is them failing at a crucial moment.
Which is why any military has the responsibility of thoroughly testing their equipment before they commit to a large contract.
Use US hardware and India's security won't be compromised？ Or Japan's or the UK's for that matter? Start making something of your own， rather than shouting from the top of the roof like a boy in distress. The laughingstock of the world!
Seriously!! Coming this from autocratic 'Copycat' CCP controlled people is a Joke in itself actually an oxymoron!
