March 2019

Balakot airstrikes – India needs strategic communication

The Indian sub-continent has spent the last few weeks on the brink of war. Apart from all the analysis of what transpired between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the Balakot air strikes; and who packed more power in each punch, India’s lack of strategic communication has been one glaring expose. It seems the Indian Government and security establishment has not taken any lessons from its previous mistakes and media management continues to be an afterthought.

Successful test of man portable ATGM

In a major boost for Army, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fired indigenously developed, low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) for the second time today in the ranges of Rajasthan desert. MPATGM is incorporated with advanced features including state-of-the-art Imaging Infrared Radar (IIR) Seeker with integrated avionics. The first test was conducted on 13th March 2019. In both the missions, the missiles hit the designated targets precisely at different ranges. All the mission objectives have been met.

 

Indo-Bangladesh joint exercise Sampriti-2019 concludes

Exercise Sampriti-VIII, a joint Indo-Bangladesh military exercise which witnessed participation of a company group of 9th Battalion the Rajputana Rifles from the Indian Army and the Company of 36 East Bengal Battalion, Bangladesh Army concluded at Tangail, Bangladesh on 14 March 2019. The closing ceremony was graced by HE Mrs Riva Ganguly Das, Indian High Commissioner who highlighted the special bonds between the two nations. 

 

Post Balakot - IAF must go for Su-30 upgrade

As the dust and din of last week's Indo-Pak crisis settle down, it is now time for India to reflect on the events of the last few weeks and review the state of its military power, the air force in particular.  The horrendous suicide bomb attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama on February 14th breached the limits of India’s patience with Pakistan, expecting it put an end to cross-border terrorism.

Successful test of guided Pinaka

Defence Research and Defence Organisation (DRDO) today successfully test fired the Guided PINAKA from Pokhran ranges. The weapon system is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance kit comprising of an advanced navigation and control system. In both the missions, the weapon systems impacted the intended targets with high precision and achieved desired accuracies. Telemetry Systems tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path.

Exclusive Interview - Saurabh Kumar, DGOF and Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board

On February 19, Indian Army has placed an order for Ordnance Factory Board’s Dhanush 155/45 calibre towed gun. IDI met with its Saurabh Kumar, who recently took charge of the board as Chairman, to discuss OFB’s recent achievements.

Gung-ho on receiving the order for 114 Dhanush towed artillery guns, Saurabh Kumar, calling the order ‘very prestigious’ for his organisation, said: “it has been a culmination of efforts of our top most designers and manufacturers.”

India signs deal with Russia for lease of second Akula class SSN

Just four days after the inauguration of a joint facility for manufacturing of AK-203 rifles in Amethi, India, on Thursday, signed a three billion dollar deal with Russia for the lease of second Akula class nuclear submarine. This is the third nuclear submarine lease agreement between the two nations.

India, currently, operates INS Chakra, an Akula Class nuclear attack submarine (SSN), operational with the Eastern Naval Command. Russia leased the SSN to India for a period of ten years in 2012.

CNS Adm Sunil Lanba address to Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue - 2019

An Annual Review of India's opportunities and Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region

  1. Admiral RK Dhowan, Chairman National Maritime Foundation, Adm Arun Prakash, Former CNS,
    Adm J Colombage Former Commander Srilanka Navy,
    Adm S Jayantha Perera Former Commander Srilanka Navy, Flag Officer, esteemed veterans, luminaries of the academic and industrial sectors, friends from foreign countries, representatives of the media, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.