During the last year’s Galwan standoff with China in the northern Ladakh, Indian army realised the need for light tanks which can operate at those heights and provide mobile destructive fire power. Indian authorities expressed interest in Russian light tank Sprut and it appeared that India will purchase them.
Fast-paced developments to bring some semblance in India-Pakistan relations and a new quest for a way forward in Afghanistan have rekindled hopes for peace in South Asia, a region that has been in a state of throes brought about by violence unleashed and perpetuated by terrorism across borders.
On last ten years of DRDO
Joint User Trials for Helina (Army Version) and Dhruvastra (Air Force Version) Missile Systems have been carried out from Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform in desert ranges. The missile systems have been designed and developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The Union Cabinet today approved enhanced delegation of Financial Powers under Capital Procurement to levels below Vice-Chief of Armed Forces.
In the upcoming Middles East’s premier arms expo IDEX 2021, Russian small arms leader, Kalashnikov group is introducing its new tactical vest Modular Carry System (MCS) currently in use with Russia’s anti terror force ‘Alfa’.
The world is witnessing the efficiency and lethality of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for the last two decades in various theatres of war. For the first time, in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, the manned and unmanned aircraft teamed together to bring a quick end to the long-standing dispute. This was the first time when a decisive victory is credited to a UAV system, in this case, Turkish made TB-2 of Turkish and Azeri air forces.
The sudden announcement of the disengagement process at the line of actual control (LAC) on February 11 was received with surprise and trepidation. Surprise for the Indian population in general and expected trepidation in strategic and security circles. The cautious and very restrained information released by the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh in the parliament indicated a process of phased withdrawal with heavy equipment and guns being pulled back from the Pangong-Tso sector.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said a few countries in South East Asia and West Asia have expressed interest in the 4.5 generation fighter aircraft, fitted with modern equipment – the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, R.Madhavan, addressing the media, however did not reveal the names of the countries which had shown interest in the LCA.
On a warm bright day, leaving behind the grim reality of Covid-19, Aero India -21 gets a flying start at Yelahanka Air port, Bengaluru amidst the presence of delegates from 55 countries.
The presence of 540 exhibitor from across the globe in these difficult circumstances was a testimony to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for self-reliance in defence under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The standoff between Indian and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), in northern Ladakh, now entering its sixth month, has precipitated an extended deployment of forces on both sides as the long haul of winter sets in. As troops and associated equipment and installations firm in their maintenance and sustenance become extremely important in the frigid and hostile conditions of the terrain that obtai
Amidst the ongoing crisis in the Caucasus region, Turkey, during a military drill, first time fired the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile systems. The drill was held near Sinop in the Northern Turkey, reports Russian news agency TASS.
"Three missiles of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system were launched. All of them successfully hit the designated targets," Tass reports.
The test was conducted on October 16.
As India is making significant policy changes in its defence procurement policy and focusing towards increasing Indian content in imported system, Russian manufacturer of Alexandrite-E, mine counter measure vessel (MCMV), is ready to incorporate Indian content in its ship.
“We are ready to use both materials and products of Indian origin in the project,” said Alexander Shlyakhtenko.
Heralding in a new era in the connectivity of roads and bridges in sensitive areas close to Western, Northern and North Eastern Borders, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today dedicated 44 major permanent bridges to the Nation. He also laid the Foundation Stone for Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. These bridges are of strategic importance and provide connectivity to remote areas.
The Indian Army’s recent internal report figured in the print media highlighting the poor quality of ammunition manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in the past six years which resulted in over 400 accidents from 2014 to 2019. The Indian Army said in its report to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that Rs 960 crores was spent on poor quality ammunition and mines produced by the state owned OFB during this period.
Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), today surprised the nation when it carried out a successfully flight test of Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) at 1145 hrs from Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha.
All the mission objectives including missile flight upto the range and altitude, separation of the nose cone, release of Torpedo and deployment of Velocity Reduction Mechanism (VRM) have been met perfectly.
The 10th Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Group Meeting was held virtually on September 15, 2020. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Raj Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, from the Indian Ministry of Defence and Ms. Ellen M. Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, from the U.S. Department of Defense.
A Customized My Stamp on India’s First Anti Satellite Missile (A-SAT) launch was released by Department of Posts on the occasion of Engineers Day today in the august presence of Shri AjitDoval, National Security Advisor (NSA).
Vice Admiral S R Sarma – COM & CWP&A of the Indian Navy and Shri V L Kantha Rao Additional Secretary (Defence Production) laid the keel of the third ship (Yard- 12653) of the prestigious P17A class stealth frigates on 10 Sep 2020. The keel laying ceremony was conducted through an e-platform in the presence of Vice Admiral R B Pandit, Chief of Staff, HQWNC and Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad (IN Retd.) – CMD MDL.
The 13th edition of Aero India-21 will be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka from 3rd to 07th February 2021. Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh launched the Aero India 2021 website https://aeroindia.gov.in at New Delhi today giving the go ahead for space-booking.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated the hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) at 1103 hours from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island, off the coast of Odisha today.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting on 5th September 2020 with Iran's Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics, Brigadier General Amir Hatami, at the latter’s request. Raksha Mantri was on a transit halt in Tehran enroute from Moscow to New Delhi.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met General Wei Fenghe, State Councillor and Defence Minister of China on 4th September in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. The two Ministers had frank and in-depth discussions about the developments in the India-China border areas as well as on India-China relations.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has emphasised that, “Peaceful, stable and secure region of SCO member states – which is home to over 40 per cent of global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other’s interest and peaceful resolution of differences." He was addressing the Combined Meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Member States in Moscow today.
The 11th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY, a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy is scheduled in the Bay of Bengal from 04 to 05 September 2020.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the seminar on Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence Manufacturing via Video Conferencing today. Stressing on the need to become Atmanirbhar in Defence Manufacturing, the Prime Minister said our aim is to boost defence production, develop new technology and give significant roles to private players in the defence sector.
With the ongoing China-India standoff on the northern border, India and Russia is expected to sign the much talked contract for purchase of MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI before the end of this year. Russian media informed quoting officials that work on the AK-203 and Igla-S is also moving at fast pace.
Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej group announced that its business unit Godrej Tooling had partnered with the Ordnance Factory Chandrapur, Maharashtra to conceptualise and develop an indigenous Automated Assembly line for production of Pinaka Rockets, that was inaugurated by the Hon’ble defence Minister Rajnath Singh and dedicated to the nation on August 10, 2020.
On July 10, 2020, Boeing announced the completion of the delivery of 22 AH64E Apache and 15 CH-47(I) Chinook military helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF). These deliveries were made as per a contract signed on September 28, 2015. Of the total contract value of Rupees 21,999.42 crores, the Chinook contract was worth Rs 8047.85 crores.
Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, AVSM, NM has assumed charge as Director General Naval Operations today, on 13 Aug 20. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy Khadakwasla and was commissioned in the Navy on 01 Jul 85.
Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, inaugurated the HAL-IISc Skill Development Centre (SDC) established at IISc’s Challakere campus in Chitradurga district (Karnataka), 225 km from Bengaluru through a video conference today. Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister said knowledge is power and skilled workforce is basic necessity for innovation and creativity.
In light of the prevailing situation on the border, HAL produced two Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) have been deployed for operations at high altitude (Leh sector) at short notice to support IAF missions. “It is the lightest attack helicopter in the world designed and developed by HAL to meet the specific and unique requirements of Indian Armed Forces reflecting the crucial role of HAL in Atma Nirbhar Bharat”, <
Consequent to release of the negative list of items for import by Ministry of Defence (MoD) on August 09, 2020, certain queries have been received with respect to inclusion of some of the items like the light combat aircraft LCA Mark 1A, Pinaka rocket system and Akash missile system, which are manufactured in India.
In another bold initiative to reduce import dependence, India, on Sunday, announced its first import imbargo list of hundred and one items for period starting from December 2020 to December 2025.
“MoD will introduce import embargo on 101 items beyond given timeline to boost indigenisation of defence production,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while announcing on twitter.
On July 14, 2020 a report published on the front page of ChinaAviation news, announced the successful test of a new generation of air-to-air missile. The title, roughly transliterated (using an online translator) meant “Helan Mountain Vibrated with the Sounds”. The accompanying photograph indicated the moment the missile leaves the port outer hard point on the pylon of a WZ-10 helicopter.
In order to provide impetus to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, multiple announcements were made under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Package’. In implementing such framework and to position India amongst the leading countries of the world in defence and aerospace sectors, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has formulated a draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020). The DPEPP 2020 is envisaged as overarching guiding document of MoD to provide a focused, structured and significant thrust to defence production capabilities of the country for self-reliance and exports.
Air Marshal VR Chaudhari AVSM VM took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command, Indian Air Force (IAF) on 01 Aug 2020. The Air Marshal took over command from Air Marshal B Suresh PVSM AVSM VM ADC.
In the ongoing India-China standoff in Eastern Ladakh, China and India are reported to have deployed a large complement of advanced air defence weapons consisting of anti-aircraft guns, short and medium range missiles and long range area defence surface to air missiles (SAMs).How will the dense deployment of these air defence weapons, in the tactical battle area (TBA), affect air operations? This article discusses the deployment of air defence (AD) weapons by China.
As the first batch of five Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Rafale jets landed in Ambala air base today, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in a series of tweets welcomed these by saying, “The Birds have entered the Indian airspace… Happy Landing in Ambala!”
Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated Indian Air Force (IAF) on professionally executed ferry and said, “I am sure that 17 Squadron, the Golden Arrows, will continue to live up to their motto of ‘Udayam Ajasram’. I am extremely happy that IAF’s combat capability has got a timely boost.”
Today, five Indian Air Force Rafale operated by Indian Air Force pilots took off from Dassault Aviation Mérignac facility to ferry to Ambala Air Force Station for entering service in N°17 Squadron “Golden Arrows”.
After a complete training of Indian pilots and technicians by Dassault Aviation, with the French Air Force participation, the Indian Air Force will fully perform this first ferry, including an air-to-air refueling, with the dedicated support of the French Air Force.
The strategically located Chabahar port along the Makran coast in the Persian Gulf region is immensely important for Iran from strategic as well as an economic perspective. The fact that it has made only incremental progress in last so many years is due to its linkages to the geopolitics of the region including external influences as also due to inability of Iranians to chalk out a cohesive plan for its development.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh along with Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik, Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary Department of Military Affairs General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria paid homage to the fallen heroes at National War Memorial on the 21st anniversary of India’s victory in ‘Operation Vijay’ also known as Kargil conflict, here today.
Amidst the ongoing standoff in the Ladakh, India has sent out a Request for Information (RFI) to Russia for its Sprut light tanks. India has not yet disclosed the exact numbers of tanks to be purchased, sources informed.
In the plateau plains of Ladakh, India has deployed T-90 main battle tanks and BMP troop carriers as part of 14 corp facing China.
During the ongoing standoff, which started in May, China has deployed its ZTQ-15 light tanks.
On 18 January 1977, L. Brezhnev, the Soviet Union President, addressed a conference in Tula where the unsustainability and ineffectiveness of nuclear war as an instrument of policy was established as consensual truth amongst the soviet military, academics and political leaders. It will bring a substantial change in Soviet Military doctrine. It was also perhaps the acknowledgement of the rise of precision convention strike capabilities of new NATO doctrine of striking deep and also the concepts of Follow-on-Forces-attack (FOFA).
IDI- Could you please summarise (for the record) the events of the last two months on LAC?
Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh is in Russia to strengthen and discuss various aspects of the unique strategic partnership with Russia. He held a high level meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov yesterday. The meeting is significant as India is urgently in need of various kinds of ammunitions as situation on Indo-Tibet border in Ladakh region between India and China is very tense.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, expressed satisfaction on the progress of defence contracts with Russia. He said this after a review meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov.
“I have been assured that ongoing contracts will be maintained and not just maintained, in a number of cases will be taken forward in a shorter time. All our proposals have received positive response from the Russian side,” he said in a press statement.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will pay a visit to Moscow to attend the Victory Parade on June 24, 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War.
While Covid-19 cases spike up exponentially in India with political capital New Delhi and financial capital Mumbai battling with the collapsing medical system, the country is struggling hard to manage its aggressive adversaries. On Monday night, India lost 20 soldiers along with the Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion stationed at the Galwan valley in north Ladakh during a violent brawl with Chinese soldiers who are occupying the Indian territory there.
Condemning the Indo-China encounter that killed 20 Indian Army personnel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sent out a stern message to China that though India historically has always been a flag-bearer of peace, if instigated it is capable of giving an apt reply.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh this morning reviewed the Ladakh Border situation in a meeting at South Block today that was attended by Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary Department of Military Affairs General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria.
A late-night encounter on Monday ensued between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual control (LAC) in the Galwan valley in northern Ladakh, which resulted in the killing of twenty Indian Army soldiers including Col Santosh Babu of 16 Bihar, said the Indian Army. This re-ignited the already-brewing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
16th June 2020, will remain etched in the history of India as a major clash took place during a de-escalation process which has led to casualties on either side. Reportedly, both the armies are on their side of Line-of-Actual Control (LAC).
The political statements which were made on re-claiming the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir aimed at the Indian vote bank did not take into consideration the likely ramifications.
India since its independence have been rattled with the question that can its strategic culture be defined as pacifist? India thus continues to grapple with the evolving geo-political development that have rattled it from time to time.
Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, AVSM, YSM, VSM assumed the charge as Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Visakhapatnam on Friday, 12 Jun 20. Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, the outgoing Chief of Staff, has proceeded on transfer as Controller Personnel Services at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy), New Delhi.
VAdm Biswajit Dasgupta is an alumnus of National Defence Academy. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1985 and is a specialist in Navigation and Direction.
Technological Display is one of the power projection strategy deployed by nation-states in geopolitics. The Display of military technological advancements at military parades, military exercises, and exhibitions transmit messages for friends, competitors, and prospective buyers in the global military-industrial complex. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) / Drones have emerged as a major trading item in both civilian and military domains with its multi-purpose uses across various fields.
In next three years, Russian military will induct three regiments of its redoubtable S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system. In the same time period, Almaz-Antey will also deliver four sets of S-350 ‘Vityaz’ anti-aircraft missile system, informed Russian media.
Russian news agency TASS, quoting Almaz press statement, in a report said, “All the hardware will be handed over to the Russian Armed Forces no later than 2023.”
At a time when Indo-Russia joint venture to manufacture AK-203 is far from start, Armenia will begin production of AK-103, improved version of AK-47, from coming July. An agreement for production of 50,000 rifles was signed between Russia and Armenia on May 15, reported Interfax.
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
As an aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, India has decided to achieve self-sufficiency in Defence through local manufacturing and by restricting the import of items. It is a fact that India, like other nations, is facing an economic slowdown, which will impact the availability of funds for defence purchases.
Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board(OFB) and ‘not privatization’ repeat ‘not privatization’ was announced with emphasis by the Finance Minister as one of the big bang reforms being undertaken in the Defence Sector as part of the Atma Nirbharta campaign. I welcome it wholeheartedly.
Foundation Stone for a Missile Park "AGNEEPRASTHA" was laid at INS Kalinga by Cmde Rajesh Debnath, Commanding Officer, in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, FOC-in-C (East) on 28 May 20.
The Missile Park ‘AGNEEPRASTHA’ once completed will be dedicated to all the Officers, Sailors and Support Staff of INS Kalinga, who have served in this premier op-support Base of the ENC since its establishment in 1981. The Park also commemorates the award of the prestigious Unit Citation to INS Kalinga for the year 2018-19.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday inducted Tejas Mk-1 FOC aircraft into the recently resurrected No 18 Sqn, the “Flying Bullets” at Air Force Station Sulur, marking yet another important step towards enhancing the operational capability of the Air Force. The Squadron is the first in the IAF to induct this platform. This is also an important milestone in the country’s indigenous fighter aircraft program and a significant boost to the ‘Make In India’ initiative.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has appreciated the role played by Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and other Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nation’s fight against global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A sudden increase in terrorist activities in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir during the preceding few weeks forced everyone to take note of the situation. Loss of five soldiers of elite Special Forces in early April followed by loss of a Commanding Officer along with another officer, two soldiers and a police officer in another terrorism-related incident did sound alarm bells.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on May 12, in his address to the nation called for a self-sufficient India (Atma Nirbhar Bharat). He also announced an economic relief package equivalent to 10 per cent of Indian Gross Domestic Product.
Talking about the pre and post COVID worlds, Prime Minister observed that in order to fulfil the dream of making the 21st century India’s, the way forward is through ensuring that the country becomes self-reliant.
The Pandemic Effect
The Pandemic is a watershed event of 21st Century. The eventual normal is more than 4-5 years away. In between there will be many false normals. Major upheavals in geopolitics, economies and lifestyles on the cards. While the Indian economy is under the pump, this period also represents a period of economic opportunity for India as we seek ‘Atma Nirbhartha’.
Lieutenant General PS Rajeshwar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Commander-in-Chief A&N Command, commissioned INLCU L57 into the Indian Navy on 15 May 2020 at Port Blair. INLCU L5
United States, on Thursday, awarded ‘firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee’ contract for 21 MH-60 Romeo to Lockheed Martin for India Navy’s multi-role helicopters programme. Lockheed will get $791,700,000 from US government for the Indian programme.
On April 2, 2019, US approved “Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to India of twenty-four (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopters for an estimated cost of $2.6 billion.
One of the most persuasive and best documented accounts for the origins of the first world war highlights the role of Cecil Rhodes's Round Table society, a semi-secret conclave of influential British imperialists whose avowed goal was to unite the world under Anglo-Saxon hegemony by bringing the United States back under the Crown's control and extending the City of London's sway over the other great powers, primarily France and her colonies,Turkey, Russia, Japan and China.
Lt Gen Raj ShIukla, assumed command of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on 01 May 2020.
A deadly encounter to foil an infiltration bid in the Keran Sector of Kupwara, Kashmir, resulted in the ignominious death of all five terrorists infiltrated from Pakistan. Sadly, it also led to the falling of five brave Indian soldiers tasked to hunt them down. The courageous and noble soldiers sacrificed their lives, and by so doing, also rid Kashmir of the lowest form of Vermin whom Pakistan nurtures to spread imbecility wherever they go.
Dispelling all possibility of delays in S-400 delivery, Indian Ambassador to Russia, on Saturday, said that India will receive all five regiments as per the schedule.
D. Bala Venkatesh Varma was speaking to Russian News Agency TASS.
“There was a slight shift in the supply schedule by two weeks, but all key contracts will be implemented in accordance with it, I do not expect any problems,” he said to TASS.
Rajnath Singh today reviewed through video conference the assistance being extended by various organisations of Ministry of Defence to fight COVID-19.
Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) posted a turnover in excess of Rs.12,500 Crores (Provisional & Unaudited) during the Financial Year 2019-20. The company had a growth of 6% over the previous year's turnover of Rs.11,789 Crores.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited recorded a turnover of over Rs. 21,100 crores (provisional and unaudited) for the financial year ended on March 31, 2020 (corresponding figure for the previous year was Rs. 19,705 crores). The Company has posted a revenue growth of around 7% during 2019-20 for the second year consecutively, post listing as compared to 3.8% during 2017-18.
In February, Russian Aircraft Corporation announced the development of two systems that are going to make its aircraft family of MiG-29 and MiG-35 more capable. In a press statement, on February 21, RAC (Earlier MiG) said that it has received “the patent for the landing approach aircraft automatic control system” and again on March 4, it announced receiving “patent for an intelligent system for highly manoeuvrable combat aircraft protection against going beyond critical g-loads.”
These systems is being developed for MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 aircraft.
Covid-19 is causing a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions and is roiling people worldwide. As per reports the peak of this pandemic seems to be still ahead. Its outcomes might be even more disastrous than what we have seen so far. The world is on the cusp of change notwithstanding the human misery trail the virus leaves behind.
There is good news on the S-400 front for India. A top Russian official in an interview has said that Russia will complete the delivery S-400 by 2024.
“The delivery of the first regiment set is scheduled before the end of 2021. We plan to deliver all systems before the end of 2024,” said Dmitry Shugayev, of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), in an interview with Russian news agency Interfax.
One of the contenders in the Indian Navy’s requirement for 12 Mine Counter Measure Vehicle (MCMV) Russia believes that it will emerge winner, said a top Russian official.
In an interview with Russian news agency Interfax, the head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Dmitry Shugayev, on Monday, said that Russia is waiting for the tender and will pitch its most modern anti-mine vessel Alexandrit-E.
When I wrote in this very forum [i]in September 2019 that,“Quantum Technologies based on quantum computing will be one of the key transformational catalyst. We propose that India should …. Take a mission mode approach like what we took in creating the BARC and ISRO.
India is all set to purchase two dozen MH-60 Romeo multi-role helicopters (MRH) for Indian Navy and six AH-64E Apache attack choppers for Indian Army from the United States of America. Indian exchequers will pay USD 2.6 billion for the MH-60 Romeo and USD 930 million for Apache. This will be the follow on order for the AH-64E which is operational with Indian Air Force (IAF). In 2015, India signed a contract for 22 Apaches for around USD 2 billion of which 17 have been inducted in IAF in 2019.
Over 200 partnerships involving Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), Transfer of Technology (ToTs) , Product launches were concluded on the third day of DefExpo 2020, at ceremony tilted “Bandhan”, making it the most successful such events to be held in India. The pacts, aimed at forging and renewing partnerships for innovative collaboration, and transformation of the Defence manufacturing in the country were inked by representa
Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sigtech Wireless Technologies Pvt Ltd for the manufacture of Digital Mobile Radio (Tier II) for Paramilitary and Defence. The design and development of Digital Mobile Radio, as per ETSI standards, has been carried out by Sigtech Wireless Technologies Pvt Ltd in India.
Bharat Electronics and Tech Mahindra
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Israel Aerospace Industries Limited (IAI) and Dynamatic Technologies Limited (DTL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for marketing, manufacturing and selling of IAI’s Unmanned Ariel Vehicles (UAVs) to Indian potential customers such as Indian Defence Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Central Armed Police Forces at DefExpo 2020 here today.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today said the government is coming up with a roadmap for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the defence sector. In the next five years, it is intended to launch over 25 products in AI as India is already in the forefront of AI technologies compared to any other country in the world. Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics and digital technologies are future and the government understands this and is investing heavily in Research and Development.
On L&T’s journey in the defence sector
Rosoboronexport JSC (part of the Rostec State Corporation) will discuss joint projects with Indian partners and showcase around 1,000 pieces of military hardware at Defexpo India 2020, an International Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems Exhibition, to be held from February 5 to 9, 2020 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Amitabh Bhatt has taken over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HAL’s Bangalore Complex. Earlier, he was heading the LUH project in HAL as Executive Director.
India will be organising one of the biggest DefExpo at Lucknow from February 5 to 9. It is expected that more than 1000 companies are likely to showcase their defence products. The theme for this year’s DefExpo is “Digital Transformation of Defence".
The DefExpo is a platform for global and domestic defence industries to showcase their products in the field of aerospace, defence, digital, cyber, weapons and equipment. Apart from Indian defence industries, global industries from the US, UK, Russia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Germany and France are participating.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Defence, on January 21, selected the government-owned Mazagon Dock (MDL) and Indian engineering giant Larsen and Toubro (L&T) as the two contenders for the construction of the second line (Project 75I) of six conventional submarines for Indian Navy.
At DEFEXPO 2020 to be held in Lucknow, Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will showcase state-of-the-art products and systems spanning every domain of its business – Military Communication, Radar Systems, Missile Systems, Naval Systems, C4I Systems, Electronic Warfare Systems, Avionics, Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems, Tank Electronics, Electro Optics, Gun/Weapon System Upgrades, Shelters, Unmanned Systems, Homeland Security, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence based systems and professional electronic components.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is taking lead role in organizing the 11th biennial edition of DefExpo-2020 in coordination with MoD to be held at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from February 5-9, 2020. Besides providing huge logistic support, HAL will showcase its prowess in defence and aerospace centered on the theme ‘Digital Transfor
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh gave away awards and prizes related to the Republic Day 2020 at Rashtriya Rangshala Camp, Delhi Cantt. today. Assam was adjudged the best tableau among the 16 states/union territories tableaux that participated in the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath on January 26, 2020.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has said India is fully capable of giving a firm response to cross-border terrorism, and strikes against terrorist attacks in 2016 and 2019 have demonstrated the nation's firm resolve to defeat terrorism.
Two BAE Systems M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer (ULH) gun systems will take centre stage at the 11th edition of DefExpo next month in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The two M777 ULH systems signify the 145-gun agreement between the U.S. and Indian governments to strengthen India’s artillery capabilities. Under the agreement, 120 ULH systems are being assembled, integrated and tested in India by Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd. (MDSL), as part of the Make in India programme. To date, BAE Systems has produced and delivered 25 guns to the Indian Army, with another 70-plus planned for 2020.
Jindal Defence, part of O P Jindal Group, today announced its advent into small arms manufacturing in India.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] will showcase a range of advanced defense capabilities at DefExpo 2020, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, KC-46 tanker, AH-64E Apache and the P-8I.
Lt Gen Satinder Kumar Saini on assuming the charge of Vice Chief of the Army Staff paid tributes at the National War Memorial on 28 Jan 2020. Before assuming the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff, the General Officer was heading the Southern Command of the Indian Army.
The number of companies registered for participating in the 11th edition of the biennial mega defence exhibition, DefExpo 2020, to be held at Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow between February 5-9, 2020; has reached 1,000. In the DefExpo 2018, held in Chennai, 702 companies had participated.
MKU, a leading defence and security solutions provider will be participating in DefExpo 2020, scheduled to be held from February 5th to 8th at Vrindavan Yojna, Sector 15, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MKU is committed to ‘Make in India’ and has been transforming the defence industry landscape in India by deploying newer and advanced technologies in electro optics and armour solutions.
The Lohia Group, a recent entrant into the Aerospace and Defence (A&D) sector with focus on cutting edge composites technology, will be participating in DefExpo 2020, scheduled to be held from February 5th to 8th at Vrindavan Yojna, Sector 15, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
On K9 Vajra-T
This procurement was done under BUY GLOBAL category, where Hanwha has partnered with Indian Partner L&T. Today, 50 K9 Vajra-T (guns), an indigenized version of K9 Thunder, are in service with Indian Army. In Jan 2020, the 51st K9 has been delivered. Our partner L&T will deliver remaining guns before November 2020.
IIT Madras entered the field of defence on its own steam on April 18. It established a stall in the Defexpo 2018 in Chennai. Many of its students and faculty got their first exposure to the exciting world of aerospace and defence. It even held a seminar at the event. However, the seminar was poorly attended since it was a last-minute inclusion, and many did not even know that IIT Madras was going to hold a seminar. Since then things have changed and IIT Madras has traversed some distance.
On February 5th, as DefExpo India 2020 is inaugurated in Lucknow, Thales will be welcoming visitors to its stand R17 in Hall 3. With a presence spanning more than six decades in the country, Thales has a rich experience of supporting India’s defence modernisation needs. In line with DefExpo 2020’s focus – ‘Digital Transformation of Defence’, Thales, a world leader in digital identity & security, will be showcasing defence technologies that are digitally driven and future focused.
A wide range of strategic and tactical weapon systems, defence equipment and technologies developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be on display at the DefExpo 2020 to be held in Lucknow from February 05-09, 2020.
Airbus will showcase its best-in-class military products and cutting-edge defence technologies at the DefExpo airshow between February 5 and 8, 2020, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Airbus’ exhibits at the show will demonstrate its capabilities and commitment to kick-start a defence industrial base in the country.
DEFEXPO 2020 sees exciting developments from MBDA as it continues to expand and deliver on its vision to Make in India.
One of the Key Result Area for Indian Navy has been fuel quality standards revision to keep pace with induction of new technology equipment and meet contemporary emission standards. With the advent of technology and refining techniques in the petroleum industry better quality of fuel abiding to more stringent specifications has become a necessity. Hence, continuous improvement in technical specification for diesels is the primary focus area.
One year after the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia, to co-manufacture AK-203 in India, the joint venture is yet to submit a response to the tender. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is expiring in February, sources informed.
“The two sides are working to finalise the final price before submitting the response, after which the joint venture will negotiate the price with MoD,” sources informed.
The tableau of the Indian Navy, to be showcased at the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2020 at Rajpath, was unveiled here today. The tableau is in pursuance of the Navy Week theme ‘Indian Navy - Silent, Strong, and Swift’.
After successfully hosting the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Feb 2016, the City of Destiny Visakhapatnam is gearing up to host another International Naval event ‘MILAN’ in March 2020. With about two months to the mega event, the preparations were reviewed at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) by Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Chief of Staff ENC on 07 January 2020. The review meeting saw an overwhelming and positive response from the civil administrators and stakeholder organisations, with participation by Dr G.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC undertook a two day visit to Air Force Stations in Eastern Air Command (EAC). The CAS visited vital air bases and combat units operating at these locations on 08 & 09 Jan 2020.
Escalation of conflict between the US and Iran post assassination of Maj Gen Qassim Suleimani is inevitable. Retaliation from Iran is near certainty, but the question is will Iran confront the US militarily or will Iran employ its irregular assets that are spread across Asia and even Europe? Gen Suleimani was heading the Quds Force that has footprints across Asia and North Africa and had a tactical alliance with Popular Mobilization Force (PMF) of Iraq and Hezbollah of Lebanon.
Despite Pakistan’s economic tatters and a Chinese economic slowdown their militaries are expanding and modernizing, unabated. While our relationship with both our nuclear neighbours is increasingly adversarial, there is an increasing collusivity between them. The latest being that China is going to give 236 of the latest 155mm Howitzers to Pakistan. On the domestic front, societal events and upheavals are forcing our so-called ‘Strategic’ friends and neighbours into a rethink mode to recalibrate their relationships with us.
In a new development, after years of discussion, the Indian defence sector will finally witness the execution of Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) model of Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Indian Army, on December 19, released a Request for Information (RFI) to shortlist Warehousing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management service providers to run Central Ordnance Depot (COD), Kanpur.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, dedicated five Young Scientists Laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to the nation. The ceremony was held in Bengaluru.
DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) are located in five cities viz, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Each lab will work on a key advanced technology of importance to the development of futuristic defence systems viz, Artificial intelligence, Quantum technologies, Cognitive technologies, Asymmetric technologies and Smart materials.
In a first HAL, India's aerospace, and defence company and Wipro 3D, the metal additive manufacturing (AM) business of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN), have signed an MOU recently to design, develop, prove out, manufacture and repair of Aerospace Components using Metal Additive Technology.
General Bipin Rawat assumed office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) here today. As the CDS, General Rawat will be the Principal Military Advisor to the Raksha Mantri on all Tri-Services matters. He will also head Department of Military Affairs (DMA). The CDS will have a key role in ensuring optimum utilisation of allocated budget, usher in more synergy in procurement, training & operations of the Services through joint planning and integration.
As expected General Bipin Rawat, India’s outgoing Chief of Army Staff has been appointed the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He was retiring tomorrow.
Given the charter of the CDS, Gen Rawat will lead the tri-service organisations and restructure and integrate the three services in the areas of logistics, training, procurement which would lead to the establishment of theatre commands.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the mobile app of the forthcoming DefExpo 2020 here today. The app is available on Apple App Store and Android Play Store. The main features of the app are ‘inform, engage and feedback’.
In a landmark decision with tremendous reform in higher defence management in the country, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief. The Chief of Defence Staff will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary.
The following areas will be dealt by the Department of Military Affairs headed by CDS:
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has termed Integrated Finance as the backbone of any ministry/department, saying that desired objectives can only be achieved when a ministry/department is able to manage within its budgetary resources without compromising on operational needs.
Indian Army in its quest for modernisation through use of emerging technologies, conducted Army Technology Seminar on the theme 'Technologies for Non Contact Warfare' at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment on 23 December 2019.
Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was successfully flight-tested from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the Odisha coast at 1145 hrs today. The missile was flight-tested with full configuration in deployment mode intercepting the target mid-air, meeting the mission objectives.
As part of the series of flight trials of Pinaka missile system, two test firings have been conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The first trial was conducted on December 19, 2019, wherein one missile was fired at 75 kilometre range.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defense Dr Mark T Esper and Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo in Washington DC on December 18, 2019 for the second annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) organised the 18th National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB) meeting here today to discuss policy issues, formulate guidelines & procedures and assess the efficacy of National Search and Rescue Plan. The apex-level meeting was chaired by Director General Indian Coast Guard and Chairman NMSARB Shri K Natarajan and attended by 48 Board members from various ministries, agencies, all Coastal States & Union Territories.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana and Naval Station Norfolk on December 17, 2019 during his visit to the United States of America. The visit highlighted the depth of the US-India defence partnership and the close ties between the Navies of the two countries.
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Air Force (IAF) and BrahMos, on Tuesday jointly successfully conducted two BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles tests today, one each from land and air platforms.
Government has decided to appoint Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, as the next Chief of the Army Staff after the retirement of General Bipin Rawat, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC on December 31, 2019.
Leading Defence PSUs Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) today at Delhi organised a Roadshow in the run-up to the 11th biennial edition of DefExpo India-2020, scheduled to be held in Lucknow from February 5-8, 2020.
The road-show was organised to urge vendors from the private sector, MSMEs and start-ups based in Delhi-NCR area to actively participate in the upcoming Defence exhibition and take advantage of the potential business opportunities in the offing.
Mr G Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Govt of India, today called for integrating new technology and infrastructure to ensure a safe and smart border management system.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting of Consultative Committee of Parliament for the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi today. The subject of the meeting was Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The fourth edition of International Seminar cum Exhibition on Naval Weapon Systems ‘NAVARMS - 2019’ with the theme ‘Make in India - Fight Category: Opportunities and Imperatives’ was inaugurated by Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff on 12 Dec 19 at Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses
Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme has been promulgated to promote the development of defence and dual-use systems, subsystems, components, or technologies, for a product that is Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM). The idea is mainly to promote Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSME) including Start-ups to develop innovative products for our forces. This article aims to provide an objective view of the scheme and encourage companies to apply for the projects.
Various articles have appeared in various newspapers mentioning the CAG report that was tabled in parliament on Friday. The reports over emphasize the supply of defective ammunition by Ordnance Factories to services. It also mentions that OFs are not able to meet the demand of Army leading to compromise in operational military readiness.
2019 IISS Military Balance published its theme article titled Quantum Computing and Defence[i] with an interesting statement, “The integration of quantum technologies currently represents one of the most anticipated advances for armed forces, yet their precise impact remains difficult to predict.” Its definitely in the news especially this decade (2011-2019) which has advanced physics
The Ministry of Defence has signed more than 180 contracts valued at over Rs 1,96,000 crore with the Indian Industry since 2014 while a few are in the pipeline to be signed in near future.
Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is indeed a pleasure for me to welcome all of you to this year’s Navy Week Media interaction.
At the outset I would like to acknowledge your contribution towards shaping the maritime discourse in the country. We are also happy to note that the media has presented news, opinions and enlightened debates on naval and maritime matters quite regularly.
A batch of three trainee officers of the 7th Dornier Conversion Course (DOCC) including a lady officer qualified as Dornier pilots and were awarded the coveted golden “Wings” at a simple and solemn ceremony held at INS Garuda on 02 Dec 19.
Mrs Shikha Gupta took charge as the new Director (Other Units) of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on December 1, 2019. She had served as the General Manager of BEL’s Strategic Planning Division, Satcom and Cellular Communication Systems SBU at BEL-Ghaziabad and Export Manufacturing SBU at BEL-Bangalore, before her elevation as Director.
Hari Mohan has taken over the charge as Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) w.e.f. December 01, 2019 from Shri Saurabh Kumar who superannuated from the services. A 1982-batch Indian Ordnance Factories’ Service (I.O.F.S.) officer with Post Graduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Shri Hari Mohan had been a topper of University of Allahabad & University of Pune while obtaining his Bachelor & Masters in Mechanical Engineering. He holds an M.
Mi-171A2 helicopter was certified in India and Colombia. It allows Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) to start exporting the latest modification of the multirole civilian helicopter.
Pakistan and China all-weather friendship have sprung a surprise for India. In what could be a serious dent to India’s offensive air capability, Pakistan, reportedly, has installed Chinese made anti-stealth radar at one of its airbases.
Israel, the foremost military and technology power of West Asia, is just one year younger to the Republic of India. Both India and Israel were created in 1947 and 1948 respectively. The two friendly nations share very similar hostile neighbourhood and security challenges and are fighting religiously motivated militant neighbours since their birth.
In spite of sharing strategic relationship and multiple multi-billion dollar defence purchase deals, India and the United States have failed to come up with any co-production or co-development programme in the defence sector. Considered as one of the major failures of Indian defence diplomacy, the two governments, till date, have failed to explain this.
But, finally, the answer is out. And the culprit is the Indo-Russian defence cooperation.
About a year ago, there were press reports of China building “underground bomb-proof shelters” to park fighter aircraft at Lhasa’s Gonggar/ Kongka Dzong airfield. While this small news item did not receive the attention it deserved in the Indian media, it is a signal to India that China is preparing for a conflict. There are also reports that China is building new airfields in Tibet. Since the 1990s China has been rapidly modernising its military with advanced weaponry.
Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Hon’ble President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, awarded the President’s Colour to Indian Naval Academy (INA) on 20 November 2019. The President’s Colour - the highest honour that is bestowed upon a military unit - was received by Academy Cadet Captain Sushil Singh on behalf of the INA in an impressive parade comprising 730 cadets of INA and a 150 - men Guard of Honour.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister of Singapore Dr NG Eng Hen co-chaired the 4th Singapore-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue in Singapore today.
Military Generals have often been accused of fighting tomorrow’s war with yesteryear experiences which will never occur in the future. Hitherto fore, they could get away with it since warfare was evolutionary. One could relate to the past and project it into the future without missing the woods for the trees. The much-touted Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) revolutionized the weapon systems through technology but the battlefield remained confined to Land, Sea and air. That was the past.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised a workshop titled ‘DRDO-Academia Interaction for Achieving Leadership in Future Technologies’ here today.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has emphasised on the importance of ‘Ideation, Innovation and Incubation’ in cutting edge-technologies to achieve the goal of indigenisation and self-reliance in the defence sector.
Indian Navy’s quest for the modern minesweepers, at last, appears to be over. Russia, India’s all-weather strategic and defence partner, during the recently concluded military-technical cooperation meeting, offered its latest Project 12701 Alexandrit-E class minesweepers Transfer of Technology (ToT).
India and Russia, on Wednesday, agreed to form working groups for after-sales support to India on key defence systems. The two strategic partners also discussed the Logistic Support Agreement (LSA), north ocean joint passage of ships, sources informed.
India is looking to equip its three services with modern state-of-the-art software-defined radios (SDR). After the failure to procure them in the previous attempt, the Indian Army has initiated a process to map industrial capacity in for this programme, sources informed. The combined requirement for the three services-Army, Navy, and Air Force is over 55,000 wherein army share is around 50,000 of these radios.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved issuance of two Open General Export Licences (OGELs) for export of certain parts & components and intra-company transfer of technology to select countries. It will give a boost to defence exports and enhance ease of doing business.
Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has paid a total dividend of 340% on its paid up capital to the Government of India for Financial Year 2018-19.
The second edition of bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference 2019 which commenced on 22 October 2019, concluded on 24 October 2019 after three days of fruitful deliberations.
The Indian Air Force today conducted a successful test firing of BRAHMOS surface-to-surface cruise missile in combat mode at 0930 hrs at the Trek Islands in Car Nicobar Islands region off India’s Eastern coast. The successful launch comes a day after another successful test of the weapon in practice configuration by the IAF carried out in the same location.
The twin successful launches were conducted by the IAF’s user unit in operational configuration to assess mission readiness and swift deployment of the tactical missile over long distance.
IDI - You are one of the major partners of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), tell us about your role in Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan – 1&2
Navaratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics (BEL) has signed an MoU with Tamil Nadu Industrial Explosives Limited (TEL), a state-government undertaking of the Government of Tamil Nadu, for co-operation in the explosives segment where BEL is eyeing business growth, keeping in view its ongoing and upcoming ammunition programmes.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh after flying a sortie in the newly inducted Rafale aircraft in France on October 8, 2019
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh briefing the media after flying the sortie.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today emphasised on the focus to equip Indian Air Force and enhance its capabilities, saying that the new Rafale Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) will make India stronger and will give a boost to its air dominance exponentially to ensure peace and security in the region.
Today, on the auspicious day of Dusserah, Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, hosted the handover ceremony of the first Indian Air Force Rafale in Mérignac, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale final assembly facility. The event was placed under the high patronage of the Honourable Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence of India and the Honourable Mrs. Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces of France.
The modern world is changing rapidly with the development of new technologies constantly emerging and revolutionising approaches to various tasks[i]and modern wars. Drones are being used to drop explosive payloads, deliver harmful substances and conduct reconnaissance[ii]. Drones are set to change the contours of national security.
BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply and other major indigenous components, was successfully test fired at 10.20 AM today from ITR, Chandipur in Odisha. The missile was successfully test-fired for its full range of 290-km during the launch jointly conducted by DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the website of 11th edition of DefEXpo, to be held in Lucknow from 05 - 08 February, 2020, here today. The website, www.defexpo.gov.in, provides online services to exhibitors, besides hosting informative content about the product profile of DPSUs and Ordnance Factories.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today said, the Government is making concerted efforts to modernise the Navy and equip it with the best platforms, weapons and sensors to deal with any conventional and unconventional threats to India’s maritime interests. Shri Rajnath Singh was speaking at the launch of INS ‘Nilgiri’, the first of the Navy's seven new stealth frigates, at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai.
Government is deeply conscious of the requirements of the Armed Forces and remains committed in providing requisite focus and financial support for its modernisation, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said today at the Commissioning Ceremony of indigenously built submarine INS Khanderi in Mumbai.
Government has decided to appoint Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, presently Vice Chief of Air Staff as the next Chief of the Air Staff after the retirement of Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC on 30th September 2019.
Shri Rajnath Singh has scripted history by becoming the first Raksha Mantri to fly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’.
During his day-long visit to Bengaluru, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited Centre for Airborne Systems, DRDO, where he was shown several indigenous products of various DRDO labs.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has said the Government is committed to work towards achieving a USD 26 billion Defence industry by 2025. Addressing the second annual session of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers here today, he said the Defence sector has been identified as one of the most prominent sectors under “Make in India” Initiative to realize USD 5 Trillion Economy by 2024.
Air-to-Air missile, ASTRA, has been successfully flight tested on 16 September 2019 off the coast of Odisha. The missile was launched from Su-30 MKI as a part of User trials.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has joined hands with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for development of human centric systems for the Human Space Mission to demonstrate its human space flight capabilities.
The much-celebrated $ 5.4 billion S-400 purchase deal could see setting up of production line of the missile system in India. The Russian media informed quoting Sergey Chemezov, CEO, Rostec, the Russian technology and defence conglomerate.
“Yes, we are discussing the localization [of S-400 production] with India as well,” he said to RBK broadcaster.
Institute for Systems Studies and Analysis (ISSA) Delhi, a premier DRDO laboratory, has designed and developed a new generation Wargaming Software in collaboration with Maritime Warfare Centre, Visakhapatnam to meet the contemporary operational and tactical level wargaming requirement for the Indian Navy.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh here today and accorded approval for Capital Procurement for the Services amounting to approximately Rs 2,000 crores.
Today is a golden letter day in the history of Indian Naval Aviation.
In a major boost for Indian Army, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today successfully flight tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) in the ranges of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The missile was launched from a man portable Tripod launcher and the target was mimicking a functional tank.
As part of its joint exposition with the Buryat Republic, Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) will present its latest civilian helicopter Mi-171A2 and Ka-226T light-weight multi-purpose helicopter, which are planned to be supplied to India, at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
Bringing an end to the speculation on the S-400 payment issue, Russia has confirmed that the two sides have worked out the mechanism for payment and the first system is expected to arrive in 2023, according to Russian media reports.
The delivery will follow the delivery schedule of the contract signed between the two sides in 2018. India is purchasing five regiments of the long-range-surface-to-air-missile systems for over $5.4 billion.
IAF flies two sorties on Mig-35
The visiting Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent had look at the Russian fifth-generation-fighter Su-57, the latest aircraft to come out of Sukhoi Design Bureau. The IAF test pilots also flew the Mig-35, one of the main contenders of IAF’s 110 aircraft tender.
“The Indian delegation was shown MiG-35 and Su-57 aircraft,” IAF said in a tweet.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission, headed by Shri N.K. Singh, held a meeting with the Ministry of Defence led by the Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh here today. During the meeting, MoD gave its Fund Projections for the period 2020-2025 which is also the award period of the 15th Finance Commission.
Astra Rafael Communication System (ARC), a Joint Venture between Astra Microwave Pvt Ltd. and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. of Israel, inaugurated their state-of-the-art facility at Hardware Technology Park, Hyderabad on 27 August 2019. The occasion was graced by Shri G Kishan Reddy, Hon'ble Minister of State, Home Affairs, in the presence of H.E. Mr.
A contract for installation and commissioning of nine Precision Approach Radars (PARs) was concluded today between Ministry of Defence and M/s Data Pattern (India) Pvt Ltd at a cost of Rs 380 crores under ‘Buy Indian’ category.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, announced that India will soon get its first Chief of Defence Staff. Within a week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggested a change in India’s nuclear doctrine and approved restructuring of Army headquarter. In the meantime, the defence circle began discussing the impending approval of the draft National Security Strategy (NSS).
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved certain decisions regarding re-organisation of Army Headquarters. The approval has been given based on a detailed internal study conducted by the Army Headquarters. The decisions are as follows:
Inaugurating the Seminar on “Modernisation and Indigenisation Plans of the Indian Air Force”, organized by the Indian Air Force, CII and SIDM today in Delhi, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said that “the government has just approved the proposal for providing test facilities of the Government entities to the private sector after incorporating the comments of stakeholders, particularly indigenous defence manufactures”. A formal Government order would be issued soon which will remove various bottlenecks which used to come in the way of using these test facilities by private ent
Six months after the inauguration of the much anticipated Indo-Russian joint venture (JV) to manufacture AK-203, the Indian soldiers will have to wait a bit more for a modern assault rifle. The JV failed to honour the Request for Proposal (RFP) sent out by Indian Army as it could not finalise the price of the gun, sources informed.
Two weeks after the historic bill to change the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, Union government is all set to give India its first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). This is going to be the most important reform in the defence sector. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech.
Ships are considered vital for economic progress and military power from historical times. Maritime capabilities have facilitated for drastic changes in domestic political discourse and regional power dynamics. Large ships have facilitated the growth of global trade and the modern military to the next level. Asian Economies like China has hugely benefitted with colossal growth in ship-building capacities, which contributed immensely in China's emergence as the second-largest economy with the world’s second-largest defence budget.
Mr Shripad Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush & Minister of State for Defence, today inaugurated the new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Composite Materials, Environmental Testing & Finishing, established at the Navi Mumbai Unit of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Mr Gowtama M V, CMD, Mr Nataraj Krishnappa, Director (Other Units), Mr Koshy Alexander, Director (Finance),
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has voiced government’s desire to encourage private industry investment in defence sector while also strengthening defence PSUs and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
To give a boost to indigenisation, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, accorded approval for procurement of indigenous Software Defined Radio (SDR Tactical) and Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long Range) for the Indian Navy here today.
China has released its new defence white paper titled, “China’s National Defense in the New Era”. It proclaims that we are now an “information society” in an increasingly multi-polar world with economic globalization and developing cultural diversity. In contrast, the previous white paper released in 2015indicated “rapid emergence of information society”. Chinese goal of“mechanization of the military” will be complete by 2020 coupled with substantial “informationization” of the military.
Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) today successfully flight-tested its state-of-the-art Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM) against live aerial targets from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said modernisation of the Armed forces is the top priority of the government to enhance the defence capability and preparedness of the country. He visited Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad today on the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Defence PSU.
Mr Rakesh Asthaana, Director General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Government of Indiatoday said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is working on finding solutions to counter rogue drones in the country.
In its response to Indian tender for six submarine, Russia is offering a proposal to co-design and development programme a new submarine based on its latest Amur 1650 submarine. These vessels are one generation ahead of the Russian Kilo-class which are operational with Indian Navy. According to Russian Media, the first vessel of this class is operational since 2010 and four more are under various stages of construction.
China has released its new defence white paper titled “China’s National Defense in the New Era”. This is the 8th white paper on defence since 1998 when the first one was published. An analysis of 8 white papers indicates how Chinese thought on world situation and the security and military capability that they need to develop has evolved and is evolving. The analysis also indicates a long-term goal setting as well as the evolution of the goals and objectives by China when it comes to their evolving role in the world scenario.
Sixth ship of Class of Eight Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mark-IV vessels - IN LCU L-56 - was commissioned by Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam today. It is 100th warship of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata, a Mini Ratna Category 1 & leading shipyard of the country.
Post Balakot, India is on a purchasing spree to enhance the combat capability of its armed forces. In a recent decision, a high powered committee of the Ministry of Defence(MoD), has cleared an Indian Army’s proposal to equip its Special Forces with weapons and equipment used by the US Special Forces.
Since the surgical strike on the terror launch pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), India Army has been mulling over the idea to equip its Special Force (Para) with best weapons and equipment available in the market. What better than what is in service with the US SF?
Boeing today announced the arrival of the first four AH-64E Apaches for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Hindan Air Force Station. An additional four Apaches will arrive in the coming week, and the eight will then move to the Patankhot Air Force Station for their formal induction by the IAF, in September.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh paid homage to the martyrs at the National War Memorial (NWM) on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas here today.
Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff, addressed the delegates from the industry and SENIOR ECHELONS OF Indian Navy during the FICCI international Seminar on ‘Nation Building Through Shipbuilding’, today, at New Delhi.
Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy today said that there is enough headroom in mercantile marine sector for India to attain the critical mass and become a hub for defence shipbuilding.
Speaking at the ‘International Seminar on Nation Building through Shipbuilding’, organised by FICCI, Admiral Singh said that shipbuilding can contribute immensely to the vision of making India a $5 trillion economy by 2024.
Godrej Aerospace, a business of Godrej & Boyce, today announced that they played a critical role in ISRO’s most complex mission so far – the launch of Chandrayaan-2.
Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 313, the fifth Dornier aircraft squadron was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM AVSM ADC Chief of the Naval Staff at an impressive ceremony held at Naval Air Enclave, Meenambakkam, today, on 22 Jul 19. Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Rear Admiral KJ Kumar VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Na
The 11th biennial edition of DefExpo India- 2020 is scheduled to be held for the first time in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow. It offers an excellent opportunity for the Indian defence industry to showcase its capabilities and promote its export potential. Main theme of the DefExpo India- 2020 will be ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’ and focus will be on ‘Digital Transformation of Defence’.
Indian Army has successfully carried out summer user trials of third Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile NAG at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges. The trials of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed Missile were conducted between July 7-18, 2019.
Reaffirming their commitment to strengthening India’s aerospace sector and India-US ties, Lockheed Martin Corp. [NYSE: LMT] and Tata Advanced Systems are hosting a third annual industry supplier conference this week in India.
Considering the huge potential of industrial growth in defence and aerospace (both civil and military) and challenges of meeting the financial needs for mega aviation projects in India, it is important to think of establishing an organisation like Indian Defence Finance Corporation (IDFC) on the lines of Indian Railway Finance Corporation, IRFC, said Dr. R. K.
At a time when the world is hotly debating the geopolitical repercussions of the S-400 long-range-air-defence-system, Russia is ready with a new medium-range surface-to-air-missile system capable of intercepting aerial targets up to 120km. Based on the S-300PS, the S-350 Vityaz, armed with 9M96E/E2 missiles, can intercept aerial targets in all direction, said a Russian expert in an interview to Red Star, the Russian defence ministry’s mouthpiece.
At a ceremony earlier today, RAFAEL Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Air & Missile Defense Systems Division, Brigadier General (ret.) Pini Yungman, presented to Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Ltd, India (KRAS) a $100 Million contract for manufacturing 1,000 BARAK-8 MRSAM missiles' kits which in turn would be supplied to BDL for further integration. KRAS is a 49:51 ratio Joint Venture between RAFAEL Advanced Systems and Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd, with the Indian partner holding 51%.
Military Commerce and its prospects increase with the escalation of military tensions and conflicts with the rapid increase in demand for advanced weapons. Tensions between India-Pakistan relations with unresolved border dispute and regional geopolitics in the 21st century created business opportunities for global military industrial powers.
To overcome the US imposed sanctions on the Russian defence exports, India and Russia have created a payment system which will not be vulnerable to any international sanction, said a Russian official.
The Chief Guest VAdm AK Saxena, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), addressed the media, delegates from the industry and Indian Navy during the Curtain Raiser on FICCI international Seminar on ‘Nation Building Through Shipbuilding’ today at FICCI Conference room, New Delhi.
The newly elected Union Government at New Delhi, in its first budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on July 5, allocated over 15 per cent of the funds to defence. She also announced exemption from the basic customs duty to defence equipment not manufactured in India.
In a significant development in the indigenous shipbuilding, Ministry of Defence has issued four shipbuilding Requests for Proposal (RFP) amounting to Rs 15,000 crore for the acquisition of various ships and craft for the Navy and the Coast Guard. While the RFP for 06 nos Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) has been issued to seven shipyards, RFPs for 08 nos Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and 12
India’s quest to successfully design and develop an indigenous gas turbine engine that can meaningfully power military and civilian aircraft has been on for well over half a century. And indications are that this quest is still a bridge that isn’t going to be crossed too soon. A day-long seminar held in Bengaluru - India’s aerospace capital - highlighted the many failures, the inadequacies and the various steps that have been taken to cobble together an engine programme.
Boeing has announced the appointment of Surendra Ahuja as managing director of Boeing Defence India (BDI), based in New Delhi.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is arriving in New Delhi on June 25 for a two-day visit. This is the first visit of a senior minister from the USA after the formation of the new government in India. The significance of this visit has increased due to heightened hostility in the Middle East, the trade dispute between the two countries and US’ opposition to Indo-Russian S-400 missile deal.
There were some rumours that India would take its light combat aircraft (LCA) to the Paris International Airshow, but that remained rumours. Meanwhile, India’s belligerent neighbour Pakistan showcased two aircraft – JF-17 Thunder and the ATR Reconnaissance aircraft, the former had some impressive aerial displays too.
Mr Sanjay Jaju, JS (DIP), Department of Defence Production Ministry of Defence, Government of India today said that government will, within a month, launch new ‘Open General Export License’ scheme to boost Indian defence exports.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today reviewed the progress of research and development activities in the area of defence technologies at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Headquarters.
Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu, Vice Chief of the Army Staff and all the GOC-in-Cs today.
In October 2018, the Cabinet Committee on Security gave approval to the formation of three agencies for the armed forces namely, Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Space Agency (DSA) and Special Operations Division. These agencies would directly serve under the command of the Chairman, Chief of Staff Committee. All three agencies would be headed by a two-star officer (Major General equivalent). Service personnel from the Army, Air Force and Navy would be posted in these agencies based on the requirement and qualifications.
In May 2017, Ministry of Defence (MoD) introduced a new chapter in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) – 2016 titled as ‘Revitalising Defence Industrial Ecosystem through Strategic Partnerships’. It is better known as SP Model. Through this groundbreaking policy initiative, MoD aims to develop “the defence industrial eco-system in the country through the involvement of both the major Indian corporate as well as the MSME sector.”
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh pays homage to Lance Naik Mohammad Jawed, who fell to enemy action during ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Poonch Sector in J&K at Technical Area, Air Force Station Palam, New Delhi on 11 Jun 2019.
As a celebratory prelude to the Passing out Parade on 08 June 2019, a Multi Activity Display showcasing extraordinary military skills and breathtakingly gripping performances was held at Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh took a meeting of senior officers of Ministry of Defence to review operational matters and procurement issues of the Armed Forces. He discussed important revenue procurement cases regarding maintenance of platforms and assets with the Armed Forces. He was briefed by the officers regarding ongoing infrastructure projects and plans for future upgradation.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed activities of the Ministry of Defence. The RM was briefed regarding Defence Cooperation activities with Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). He was also briefed about planning activities of the Armed Forces including Tri-Services agencies viz. HQ IDS and Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Space Agency and Armed Forces Special Forces Division which were approved by the CCS in 2019.
In an epic event in the glorious history of Siachen Glacier, Honourable Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh made his maiden visit to the world’s highest battle field today. The RM accompanied by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff arrived at the Thoise air field and was received by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, GOC-in-C, Northern Command.
National security is no more restricted to securing the physical boundaries and pursuing strategic interests but encompasses all aspects that have a bearing on the nation’s well-being. The capability development in land, sea and air will not suffice in future wars. The future threats are from air, land, sea, space and cyberspace. Winning a war requires integration across all five domains of warfighting.
Shri Rajnath Singh took over the responsibility as the Defence Minister, today. On his arrival at the Ministry of Defence in South Block, Shri Rajnath Singh was received by the Minister of State for Defence Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, three Services’ Chiefs, Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra, Chairman DRDO Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, Secretary (Defence Production) Dr. Ajay Kumar and Mrs S Kutty, Secretary ESW.
Recently, a news piece on NDTV's website suggests that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to procure a longer range non-Russia air-to-air missile for its Su-30 fleet. The report claims that post-Balakot strike India is planning to procure Israel made I-Derby ER, an air-to-air missile with 100 km range. This is 20 km more than the range of R-77, a Russian medium-range air-to-air missile which is part of Indian Su-30 MKI arsenal.
Shri Shripad Yesso Naik took over charge as Minister of State for Defence, here today. On his arrival at the Ministry of Defence in South Block, Shri Yesso Naik was received by Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra and other senior officials of the Ministry. Apart from Ministry of Defence, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik will also serve as Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of AYUSH.
Admiral Karambir Singh assumed command of the Indian Navy today (31 May 19) as the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee from outgoing Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, here today.
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff, led a four aircraft, MiG-21 'Missing Man' formation flypast today, at Air Force Station Bhisiana, to honour the valour and supreme sacrifice of men killed in action during Operation Safed Sagar at Kargil. Air Marshal R Nambiar PVSM AVSM VM & Bar ADC, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command a Kargil veteran,was also a part of the formation.
HAL (standalone) achieved an all-time high turnover of Rs. 19,705 crores, registering a growth of 7.8% for FY 2018-19 over the turnover of Rs 18,284 crores in the corresponding previous year.
Today, IAF successfully fired the BrahMos air version missile from its frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The launch from the aircraft was smooth and the missile followed the desired trajectory before directly hitting the land target.
The Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone in enhancing its Anti Air Warfare Capability with the maiden cooperative engagement firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM). The firing was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by Indian Naval Ships Kochi and Chennai wherein the missiles of both ships were controlled by one ship to intercept different aerial targets at extended ranges.
Nineteen years after the first flight of the aircraft, Russia has decided to induct the first batch of its Su-57 fifth-generation-fighter aircraft. This will make Russia the third country to induct indigenously designed stealth fighter.
Quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian news agency TASS, in a report said, “The 2028 arms program stipulated the purchase of 16 such jets.”
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted successful flight test of ABHYAS - High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) from Interim Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha today.
Since 2014, ‘Make in India’ is the buzz word in defence. The Narendra Modi led NDA government, in its tenure, has made some very significant policy changes in the defence sector to give more avenues to private players, provide level playing field between the public and private sector. Some of these changes have created some new challenges for the government of one of them is a reduction in the capital budget due to the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
India and Pakistan have not been on talking terms since the turn of events that marked this year beginning with Pulwama attack and the following Balkot strikes by India; and then the ensuing stand-off between the two countries. However, there has been one platform where the defence ministers of the two countries have shared dais in April and very soon the Foreign Affairs Ministers will come face-to-face by the end of May – the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The Defence Acquisition Council, the apex procurement body of the Ministry of Defence, on Friday, approved a proposal to buy 10 airborne early warning (AEW) helicopters for Rs 3600 crore ($500million) from Russia. The Ka-31s are expected to be deployed on the aircraft carrier and the Grigorovich-class frigates.
The Ka-31 is an upgraded version of the Ka-28, operational with the Navy. Since 2003, India has purchased 14 Ka-31 helicopters.
Mission Shakti, the historic event held on March 27 that made India the fourth nation in the world after US, Russia and China to successfully demonstrate an indigenous A-SAT weapon employing a "Hit to kill" technology. A matter of great Pride for every citizen, in addition to boosting the public moral and enhancing India's status in the world, it has rattled anti-India forces.
Directorate of Indian Defence University (IDU) is organizing a two day workshop on “Space Warfare and Technology” for senior and middle level officers from the three Services on 02-03 May 19 at the Purple Bay, India Gate Circle, New Delhi.
Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC took over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) today.
Ministry of Defence (MoD), on Monday, awarded a contract to build eight anti-submarine vessels to public sector shipyard Garden Reach Shipyard and Engineers. The Kolkata based shipyard will deliver the boats within 84 months.
According to an MoD statement, “The 1st ship is to be delivered within 42 months from contract signing date and subsequent balance ships delivery schedule will be two ships per year.”
The First of the Class of 05 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), named “ICGS- Priyadarshini” built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was commissioned at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh today by Additional Director-General Kripa Ram Nautiyal, PTM, TM, CGC (ES), in the gracious presence of Inspector General Sivamani Paramesh, PTM, TM, COMCG (East), Commandant (JG) Mahavir Singh, Commanding Officer, ICGS Priyadarshini.
Leading an Indian delegation, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, on Friday, visited the Russian shipyard to overview the manufacturing of the Project 11356 Frigates. The Kaliningrad based shipyard is currently manufacturing the hull and the body of the ship. The Shipyard is also involved in the capability enhancement of the Ministry of Defence owned Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) in building the other ships of the project.
Post Pulwama suicide attack, India and Pakistan are maintaining a very delicate peace which may not survive another similar attack. Since the Uri terror attack, India has given up the policy of restrained and is now believes in punishing retaliation.
In case such situation arises, India wants to be ready for it.
Indian Navy Ships Kolkata and Shakti are scheduled to arrive Qingdao, China on 21 Apr 19 to participate in the International Fleet Review as part of 70TH Anniversary celebrations of PLA (Navy). International Fleet Review (IFR) is a parade of naval ships, aircraft and submarines, and is organised by nations to promote goodwill, strengthen cooperation and showcase their organisational capabilities. IFR also serves as an ideal platform for world’s navies to showcase their prowess and indigenous ship designing and ship building capabilities in a global/ international arena.
HAL recommenced flight testing of modified Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) yesterday from its Bengaluru facilities. The flight was flawless and its success is an important step towards the IJT programme.
Indian Navy’s submarine arm celebrated 50 years of Golden service to the nation on December 8, 2017, commemorating the date in 1967 when India’s first Foxtrot class submarine INS Kalvari, was commissioned at Vladivostok. And a week later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi with fanfare commissioned Navy’s first Scorpene submarine of the Project 75 also named INS Kalvari on December 14 at the Mazagon Dock, Mumbai.
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) today successfully test fired indigenously designed & developed Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile “Nirbhay” from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur Odisha.
Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC the Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated the maiden ‘state-of-the-art’ Virtual Reality Centre (VRC) at the Directorate of Naval Design (Surface Ship Group), today.
Continuing with the trend of showing confidence in Russian weapons, India, reportedly, on Monday agreed to procure 464 T-90MS tanks. The new batch is expected to be manufactured in India through the extension of the production license, Russian news agency TASS reported.
Supreme Court has passed an order dated 10 April 2019 on 36 Rafale Procurement Case.
Ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS) INS Tarangini, INS Sujata, INS Shardul and ICGS Sarathi entered Port Victoria, Seychelles on 06 Apr 19. While Tarangini had sailed from Kochi, the other three ships had arrived from Port Beira, Mozambique after undertaking a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission Op Sahayata in the wake of the devastating Cyclone Idai which hit that country. The visiting ships were accorded a warm reception and were received alongside by Cdr Varun Panicker, Naval Attaché (NA) along with his staff.
The Naval Investiture Ceremony for 2019 was held at the naval helicopter base INS Shikra of Western Naval Command (WNC), Mumbai on April 10.
BAE Systems demonstrated its continued support for the Indian economy and commitment to building its supply chain with Indian vendors as the company hosted its second annual Supplier Summit in New Delhi today. Nearly 100 vendors from Indian firms of all sizes attended the event in Aerocity.
The Sixth edition of the joint military training exercise between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, Exercise Mitra Shakti concluded today at Diyatalawa in Badulla district of Sri Lanka. The two week long training that had commenced on 26th March, came to an end with a grand Closing Ceremony that witnessed a smart and scintillating joint parade by the two contingents. It was reviewed by the Indian Army Contingent Commander that also had the trooping in of the national flags of the two friendly nations and a rousing display by the Sri Lankan Army band.
Kalyani Group and Thales have formalized a new collaboration for the design, development and manufacture of next generation weapons systems for the Defence and Law Enforcement sectors in India and abroad.
A special interaction session was organized by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), here today to present first-hand account of the mission details, development milestones including technological aspects of Mission Shakti.
The Indian Navy and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) today inked a MoU to undertake joint research and development of advanced technologies for the Indian Navy. This will be a collaborative arrangement between labs of CSIR, the Indian Navy and Indian industry.
A 12 member Indian Army patrol along with a police representative recovered wreckage of a World War II vintage US Air Force aircraft in Roing district of Arunachal Pradesh on 30 Mar 2019. The patrol located the aircraft debris covered by thick undergrowth and buried under five feet of snow. Based on the information received from local trekkers of Lower Dibang district through the police, a special patrol of Army was sent to locate the wreckage in a remote location, 30 kms from Roing.
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of twenty-four (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopters for an estimated cost of $2.6 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff is scheduled to visit United States of America from 02 April to 05 April 2019 on an official visit. During the visit, General Bipin Rawat led delegation will interact with senior military hierarchy of the US Armed Forces with an aim to take forward the military to military cooperation.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited recorded a turnover of over Rs. 19,400 crores (provisional and unaudited) for the financial year ended on March 31, 2019 (corresponding figure for the previous year was Rs.
Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has achieved a turnover of Rs.11,700 Crores (Provisional & Unaudited) during the Financial Year 2018-19, sustaining double digit growth (an increase of 16%) over the previous year's turnover of Rs.10,085 Crores.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile test ‘Mission Shakti’ from the Dr AP J Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. A DRDO-developed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a ‘Hit to Kill’ mode. The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives.
Larsen & Toubro has announced a new strategic initiative, L&T-Nxt, to define the future of the organization from a fresh perspective. It has been identified as a select initiative in L&T’s five-year strategic plan.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has produced 16th LCA as per the target till March 31, 2019. The customer flights are expected to be completed by the end of this month. HAL has order for 40 LCAs (16 fighters each in IOC and FOC and 8 trainers) from IAF. The aircraft was inducted into IAF squadron ‘Flying Daggers’ on July 1, 2016.
The Government have appointed Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, presently Flag Officer Commander-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) Eastern Naval Command as next Chief of the Naval Staff with effect from afternoon of May 31, 2019. The present Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba retires on the same day.
On 25 March 2019, the IAF formally inducted the CH 47 F(I)- Chinook heavy lift helicopters into its inventory at Air Force Station Chandigarh. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff was the Chief guest and the event was attended by various dignitaries.
As part of the inaugural Africa-India Field Training Exercise, AFINDEX-19 which commenced on 18 March 2019 at Pune, a number of activities in planning and conduct of Humanitarian Mine Assistance has been undertaken by all 18 participating nations.
In another inspring example of indigenisation of defence equipment, 5 Metre Short Span Bridge was formally handed over to the Indian Army on 20 March 2019 in a ceremony at the Talegaon facility of Larsen & Toubro Limited. The Bridge is indigenously designed & developed and is the result of close coordination between the Corps of Engineers and the DRDO laboratory at Pune R&DE (Engineers).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Ministry of Defence has taken steps to ensure implementation of announcement by the Prime Minister on 15th August, 2018 regarding grant of Permanent Commission to Women officers in the Armed Forces.
At Aero India 2019, Bengaluru, Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Elbit Systems Limited, Israel, have entered into a Technical Collaboration Agreement (TCA) for Licensed Manufacturing of Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) / Helmet Pointing System (HPS) Version 02.
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented Colours to Air Force Station, Hakimpet, and 5 Base Repair Depot at the Air Force Station, Sulur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, today (March 4, 2019).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, inaugurated Indo-Russian joint venture to manufacture AK-203 assault rifle. The Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd, a partnership between Indian Ordnance Factory Board and Russian Kalashnikov Concern, will manufacture around 7.5 lakh rifles which will go on to replace the INSAS rifle, the current standard issue to Indian soldiers. These guns are also expected to equip other Indian forces.
Rafale controversy, though not new to high profile defence procurements, has generated unprecedented and avoidable acrimony and bitterness among various stakeholders, be it political parties or different wings of the same Government! later is far more damaging for the nation; while politicians are what they are and will be politicians, any persistent disharmony within various wings of the government can have far-reaching and damaging consequences for the nation! Before attempting to find a solution, it is pertinent to analyse and understand the problem.
Certain events are capable of refuting years of prevalent narrative. One such incidence took place on February 27, when an Indian Air Force’s MiG-21 Bison shot down the Pakistan Air Force’s F-16D (Block 50). With the unfortunate aircraft, the narrative of the supremacy of western aircraft over Russian aircraft came crashing down.
Leaving no window for uncertainty, IAF displayed the wreckage of the AIM-120 missile, only available with F-16 in the PAF.
Russian Helicopters Holding Company (a part of Rostec State Corporation) organized the conference of potential suppliers of components for Ka-226T helicopter made in India. The event took place within the scope of Aero India Show 2019 with more than 30 Indian industrial enterprises as participants. Identifying the chain of local suppliers is a part of the project of setting up the production of Ka-226T helicopter in India.
The Director General of JSC Russian Aircraft Corporation ‘MiG’, Ilya Tarsenko said the MiG-35 which is used by the Russian Air Force is the latest offering to India with features that will outbeat the competition. The Russians have responded to the Indian Air Force’s requirement of 110 medium multi role combat aircraft RFP (request for proposal).
With elections round the corner, the Minister of Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman used the platform of the 12th edition of Aero India, which got underway in Bengaluru, to make a point on how in these past four years, the government had made enormous strides in aerospace and defence sectors. In line with tagline of Aero India, ‘The Runway to a billion opportunities’, she indicated how thousands of crores of contracts in defence had been signed between 2014-15 till 2018.
MC-21-300
The MС-21 is a new generation family of narrow-body aircraft seating from 150 to 211 passengers.
The aircraft family is developed by Irkut Corporation - a United Aircraft Corporation subsidiary in wide international cooperation. The new liner is noted for its aerodynamic quality that is mainly achieved through the use of a high-aspect-ratio wing made from polymer composite materials.
During the Zhuhai, China’s aviation shows a new wide-body aircraft developed jointly by Russia and China was unveiled.
1. In what areas cooperation is most active between Russia and India?
In the background of the Pulwama terrorist strike, the former Scientific Adviser to Minister of Defence and presently a member of NITI Aayog, Dr V.K.Saraswat, urgently called for a major push to manufacture and equip the armed forces with ‘low-intensity conflict equipment’. In non-contact warfare, we need to deploy directed energy weapons for which there has to be a substantial contribution from industry, national laboratories and academia.
India is not a manufacturing hub for aerospace and defence, two vital economic segments. Both till recently have been in the realm of public sector and we all know the limitations of PSUs, hence manufacturing has never reached commanding heights. Will it? It remains to be seen.
At a time when Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a rapid decrease in its fighter strength, the trusted old friend of India, Russia has once again came up to its rescue with the offer of 21 MiG-29, enough to populate one fighter squadron. The offer was made when last month when an IAF delegation was on a visit to Russia.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the second indigenously developed ‘Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)’ propulsion based missile system from ITR, Chandipur, Odisha today. Ground booster, separation of ground booster and Nozzle-less-booster performance were found satisfactory. Missile was guided to high altitude to simulate aircraft release conditions and subsequently nozzle-less-booster was ignited. SFDR based missile accelerated to achieve ramjet Mach number successfully. The trajectory was tracked by telemetry and radar stations till touchdown.
The intent of the government at the Centre has been very clear – to aggressively indigenise the Indian defence industrial sector. But from ‘intent’ to ‘delivery’ there is a huge mismatch, primarily because the bureaucracy has been playing spoilsport.
The military is undoubtedly a powerful instrument of state policy for securing vital national interests. Military diplomacy is symbolic of strategic signaling and ability of a nation to use the military as a tool of national power. Joint military training, multinational exercises, port calls by naval ships, military to military dialogues, imparting training and cross-attachment of military personals is part of military diplomacy and military to military engagement.
Union Government, on February 1, in its budget for the current financial year 2019-20, has allocated over Rs 3, 18, 000 crore for the defence needs excluding the defence pension. This is for the first time that the allocation for the defence has exceeded three lakh crore mark.
Four days after the crash of Jaguar aircraft, Indian Air Force (IAF) lost an upgraded Mirage 2000 multi-role fighter during an acceptance sortie in Bengaluru killing its two pilot crew. "HAL regrets to inform that one upgraded Mirage 2000 aircraft crashed during the customer acceptance flight at HAL airport here today around 10.30 am resulting in loss of lives of two pilots Sqn Ldr Sameer Abrol and Sqn Ldr Siddartha Negi," Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said in a statement.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in a landmark decision today, also approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs. 40,000 crores. This is the second project under the MoD’s ambitious Strategic Partnership (SP) model that aims at providing a significant fillip to the Government’s ‘Make in India’ programme. SP model envisages indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian Strategic Partner, who will collaborate with foreign OEM to set up production facilities in the country.
The Land Warfare Doctrine -2018 of the Indian Army is a comprehensive document that covers national threat perception in its entirety and offers a detailed outline of the vision to address the same. It speaks of safeguarding the “sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of India against external threats and internal subversion by deterrence or by waging war.” By and large, it covers all challenges that would be posed in meeting the stated objective.
India-Russia defence ties, a critical pillar of Indo-Russian strategic partnership, have come under scrutiny and some stress in recent times. Despite some irritants, the Indo-Russian partnership is time tested and rests on very strong strategic foundations. It is a relationship that is based on mutual trust, and a long history of strategic interdependency that has been strengthened by people to people interactions in social, cultural, scientific, economic, and technological domains.
Why not go for MiG-35?
By Rohit Srivastava
Indian Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat, spoke at length on various issues at the annual press conference before the Army Day (15 January). Here are some important excerpts
On helicopters
It was an eventful year for Ministry of Defence. Government of India took policy decision to set up two Defence Production Corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Tamil Nadu. These would go a long way in making India self-reliant in defence production through ‘Make in India’ initiatives. It was also a year of another milestone for women empowerment in the country when the first-ever all-women crew circumnavigated the globe in an indigenously built 56-foot Indian Navy Sailing Vessel, ‘INSV Tarini’.
Government is pursuing initiatives to achieve higher levels of indigenization and self-reliance in the defence sector by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sector industries in the countries. These measures include according priority and preference to procurement from Indian vendors and liberalization of the licensing regime. Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) accords the highest priority to Buy Indian (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) (IDDM). The ‘Make’ procedure has been simplified with provisions for earmarking projects not exceeding development c
Fighter programme - India needs consistent strategy
By M Matheswaran
The recently concluded 18th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), chaired by the defence ministers of the two countries, discussed various ongoing projects including the joint manufacturing of the Kamov-226 helicopters.
Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched GSAT-7A, a communication satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota by the three-stage fourth-generation launch vehicle Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F11).
In an effort to evaluate its own ‘Rapid Airlift Capability’ and to enhance crew currency in the role, Western Air Command of the IAF, airlifted a record 463 tonnes of load from its airbase at Chandigarh to airfields and drop zones in the Ladakh region, in a single wave.
The 18th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) was held here today. The meeting was co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General Sergei Shoigu.
For the next two days, the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission is going to sit together to discuss various bilateral issues including strategic, military and payment related challenges. Post-CAATSA India is facing tremendous challenges in making payment to Russia for the import of weapon systems. To solve this problem, the two sides, reportedly, are exploring various options including Rupee-Ruble route.
“Battle Scene in the Year 2020” was perhaps the first national workshop of its kind held in February 1998 at Delhi that invited experts from armed forces, paramilitary and defence R&D to discuss geopolitical scenarios and technological change and impact on military evolution. A book was published on the proceedings. The author of this article participated as a Scientist from DRDO and also contributed a few papers.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman met today and accorded approval for acquisition of defence equipment for about Rs 3,000 crore.
As a follow up of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision in October 2018 for procurement of four P1135.6 Follow-on Ships, the DAC granted approval for procurement of indigenous BrahMos Missile for two Indian Navy ships to be built in Russia. The indigenously designed BrahMos Missile is a tested and proven supersonic cruise missile and will form the primary weapon on-board these Ships.
Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman has formally launched ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’, here today. The event showcased salient inventions and innovations achieved by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factories (OFs) which have resulted in successful filing of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) applications. Smt Sitharaman also felicitated some of the scientists, who invented and innovated useful products for the nation.
The Russian man-portable air defence system (MANPAD) Igla S has won the Indian Army’s competitive bid for very short range air defence (VSHORAD) system defeating French MBDA Mistral and Swedish Saab’s RGS 70NG. Indian Army is looking for around 5100 VSHORAD missiles to replace its existing arsenal of Russian Igla missiles inducted some four decades back.
The advent and proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAV) enabled commanders to “Look Over the Hill” and kindled “Precision” in firepower delivery. UAVs with their ability to carry out surveillance, acquire targets and direct/deliver firepower accurately heralded a new trend of “One Warhead One Target”. From this trend, the“Hunter Killer” UAV concept came into being.
Matthew Symonds argues that “War is still a contest of wills, but technology and geopolitical competition are changing its character”. In the 19th century, it was considered that the army that can mobilize fast and fire artillery guns would win decisive wars. Mobility changed the way wars were fought because military commanders could manoeuvre their forces to an advantageous position to surprise the enemy. In the 20th century, the focus was on attrition through superior firepower to achieve a decisive victory.
The 25th edition of SIMBEX, an acronym for “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise” is scheduled from 10th to 21st November 2018 off Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. Bilateral cooperation between Singapore and India was first formalised when RSN ships began training with the Indian Navy in 1994. What began as a modest endeavour to exchange best practices in the field of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), has in the recent years evolved into a complex high stakes exercise with both nations attaching premium in terms of time, complex advanced exercises and type of platforms involved.
Marking a major milestone towards capacity building and capability enhancement of the Indian Army, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Honorable Defence Minister, today dedicated the globally combat proven M777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzers, K-9 Vajra-Tracked Self Propelled Guns and 6x6 Filed Artillery Tractors to the service of the Nation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a significant technological tool to achieve superiority in global military competition. China’s military has focused on the development of AI-based military technologies to address its security challenges in the 21st century. AI-based defence technologies are expected to provide an advantage to China to overtake the United States in producing advanced weapon system for future military conflicts. China’s Top leadership has highlighted AI and its various applications multiple times in their speeches.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received today the crew of Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant. The submarine recently returned from its first deterrence patrol, completing the establishment of the country’s survivable nuclear triad.
Stressing the significance of the successful deployment of INS Arihant for the completion of India’s nuclear triad, the Prime Minister congratulated the crew and all involved in the achievement which puts India among a handful of countries having the capability to design, construct and operate SSBNs.
New Delhi, Nov 02, 2018: Continuing with its remarkably reliable performance, L&T launched the fourth Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) today ahead of schedule for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The vessel was launched at the hands of Mrs. Chitra Chafekar at L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard, near Chennai in the august presence of the Chief Guest, IG Vijay D Chafekar, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region (West) of Indian Coast Guard.
On November 4, 2018, Rosoboronexport, which is part of the Rostec State Corporation, celebrates the 18th anniversary of its founding. The Company was established in 2000 by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.
After the much talked S-400 missile deal, last week India signed an agreement with Russia to procure two advanced guided missile frigates. India was expected to sign a deal for four 11356 Frigates during the visit of Russian President to India in the first week of October.
According to sources, the two countries signed the contract last Thursday in New Delhi. The 11356 frigates are advanced Talwar class frigates armed with Indo-Russian Brahmos anti-ship supersonic cruise missiles.
Barak 8 sales to date total over $6 billion
An Engineers’ Conclave was held for three days, October 5 – 7, at Lonavala. It was heartening that one of the themes adopted by the Industry was “Defense Manufacturing”. I addressed the participants on the shifts required in defence research and development (R&D) from the users’ perspective. I interacted with defence scientists and industrialists. A major issue which struck me was that many tend to see research or manufacturing as an end to itself.
The Indian Navy successfully concluded maiden trials of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) on 15 October 2018. The DSRV carried out under water mating with a bottomed submarine, at a depth of over 300 feet. On successful mating the DSRV opened its hatches and the submarine hatches and carried out transfer of personnel from the submarine to the DSRV. These sea trials have proven the newly inducted DSRV’s ability to undertake rescue operations from disabled submarines at sea and have provided the Indian Navy with a critical capability.
India is hosting the 12th edition of “Aero India 2019” at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, (Karnataka) from 20 to 24 February, 2019
"The S-400 supply agreement with India is a new landmark in the history of military-technical cooperation between our countries. The deal demonstrates the highest level of trust and understanding between India and Russia. I am sure that this agreement will also be a new impulse for strengthening and deepening our cooperation in civil industry." said the Head of Rostec State Corporation Sergey Chemezov.
As expected, India and Russia, during the ongoing Russian President’s visit to India for the Annual Bilateral Summit October 4-5, signed the S-400 long-range-surface-to-air-missile deal for $5.43 billion. India is purchasing 5 squadrons of the missiles system which will begin arriving in 24 months.
The deal which saw last moment to and fro was clinched by the personal decision of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indian forces including its local armed police, central police forces, paramilitary and armed forces, all require modern assault rifle and carbines as India is facing various security challenges including urban and low-intensity insurgencies. India which is currently purchasing small arms, of all kinds in large numbers, has yet to achieve self-sufficiency in guns manufacturing. India is currently pursuing various tenders for different types of guns.
“Situational Awareness” is the most important aspect in the ISR Cycle (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) for winning any war. A military that has good situational awareness will win the day, even if it has lesser No of tanks and aircraft. In modern times the best asset available for acquiring that “situational awareness” is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
Commercial and cultural relations between Russia and India have a long history and are grounded in civilisational affinities going back thousands of years. In the 19th century, Russian rulers and elites took a keen interest in India and sometimes caressed the idea of pushing the British colonial power out of the subcontinent as part of the Great Game.
Astra, the indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), was successfully test fired by the Indian Air Force from Su-30 aircraft, today from Air Force Station, Kalaikunda. The missile successfully engaged a manoeuvring target with high precision meeting the mission objectives. In the series of trials held to date, Astra has been launched in the complete Su-30 flight envelope. The flight test assumes significance as it was part of the series of final pre-induction trials.
S-400 is all over in the media space. High decibel, high frequency breaking news (es) are at work to make their audience believe the many combat virtues of this "one solution for all ills" weapon system. Many sweeping statements are doing the rounds; it will provide an "impregnable missile shield" over our skies; it will care of "all aerial attacks" from our western or northern borders; no aircraft/ missile dare attack us now - we have S-400!
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the indigenously developed surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Prahar’, from Launch Complex-III, ITR, Balasore, today. Range stations and electro optical systems tracked the missile throughout its flight. ‘Prahar’ is a contemporary weapon system capable of carrying multiple types of warheads and neutralizing a wide variety of targets.
At a time, when India is awaiting nod for the signing of one of the most significant weapons deal of the recent time – the S-400 missile systems – with Russia, the two countries are at verge of finalizing the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the local manufacturing of the AK-103 Assault Rifle, a modern upgraded version of the AK-47.
Indigenously developed Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), was successfully flight tested for the second time from the Ahmednagar range today. All the mission objectives have been met. The two missions on 15 and 16 September 2018 have been successfully flight tested for different ranges including the maximum range capability.
Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the team DRDO, Indian Army and associated Industries for the twin success of MPATGM weapon system.
Pic - PIB
We have just concluded a most productive, positive and purposeful meeting.
I wish to thank Secretaries Mattis and Pompeo for their vision and commitment. We deeply value their support for stronger ties between India and the United States.
Our discussions today were marked by the deep friendship that characterises relations between the greatest democracies of the world.
The commitment of India and the United States to defend our shared democratic values and expand on our common interests is clear and unwavering.
After much discussion and debate and ignoring all the sceptics, India, on September 6, signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) with The United States (US) during the inaugural India-US Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue held in New Delhi. Though postponed for various reasons, the signing of the COMCASA now begins a new era of Indo-US defence co-operation.
Four systems are covered under the ‘Strategic Partnership’ model - submarines, single-engine fighter aircraft, helicopters and armoured carriers/main battle tanks. Logically, Artillery Guns, which are a major firepower component of any Armed Force should have been part of this model. However, they are not. Why? The reason is that the Indian Artillery is undergoing dramatic changes.
On August 25, Ministry of Defence (MoD) gave its consent to the proposal for procurement of “111 Utility Helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs. 21,000 crore.” The decision was taken during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the topmost procurement body of the ministry, chaired by the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
On August 30, L&T, India’s leading engineering conglomerate, delivered the second of the seven Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), ahead of the schedule, to the Indian Coast Guard, Company said in a statement.
India is planning to acquire National Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) from the United States. Reportedly, the system will provide protection to Indian capital against a range of threats from aircraft to drones to cruise missiles. Indian capital will be the world’s third capital, after the US’ Washington DC protected by NASAMS II and Moscow by Buk missile system, to have such an air defence shield.
For production of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has got orders from Indian Air Force (IAF) for 40 aircrafts {20 Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) standard and 20 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) standard}. 20 IOC contract was signed on 31st March 2006 to be completed by December 2011 and 20 FOC contract was signed on 23rd December 2010 to be completed by 2016. IOC for LCA Tejas was received in December, 2013.
Indian Air Force (IAF) has restarted its two decades old quest for replacement of decades-old Russian fighter jets through a competitive tender. IAF is still relying on the Russian single engine MiG-21s and twin-engine MiG-27s. These aircraft are still part of the IAF’s inventory even when most of the air forces have retired them. This is only because IAF has not been able to replace them.
The financial results of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. approved at its Board Meeting held yesterday in Delhi for the nine month period ended December 31, 2018 has shown growth as compared to corresponding period ending 31st Dec 2017.
Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air Force is embarking on a four day official visit to Bangladesh from 11 to 14 February 2019. This is a bilateral goodwill visit to a SAARC nation wherein the CAS is scheduled to visit operational and training units of Bangladesh Air Force.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced it has entered this week agreements worth $93 million for provision of Naval MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) systems. The contracts were entered with the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). Under the contracts, IAI will provide complementary systems for the air defense system (ADS).
Vice Admiral MS Pawar, AVSM, VSM has assumed charge as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff today, 30 Jan 19. An alumnus of Sainik School Korukonda and the 60th course of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune, he was commissioned on 01 Jul 1982. During the ab initio training he was adjudged ‘Best all round Cadet’ and also stood first overall in the year long Sub Lieutenant Technical Courses. He later specialised in Navigation and Direction topping the coveted and highly competitive course.
Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, AVSM, VSM has assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff today, on 30 Jan 2019. An alumnus of Sainik School, Amaravathi Nagar and National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune, he was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1982.
The indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) has successfully engaged an aerial target with an air to air missile at the integrated test range at Chandipur, Odisha, said Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) in a statement. Reportedly, the French Mistral-2 Air-To-Air-Missile (ATAM) was fired during the test.
The Tenth Edition of Indo-Russian joint military exercise EX INDRA 2018 culminated on 28 November 2018 after a joint tactical exercise and an impressive closing ceremony held at Babina Military Station. The eleven day long joint training that commenced on 18 November 2018 included developing common understanding of transnational terrorism, interoperability and conduct of joint tactical operations controlled by a Joint Command Post working under the aegis of United Nations.
General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff is scheduled to visit Vietnam from 22 to 25 November 2018 on an official bilateral visit. During the visit, the Chief of the Army Staff led delegation will meet and interact with senior military hierarchy of Vietnam. The Chief of the Army Staff shall also visit key military formations and establishments. The Army Chief is scheduled to meet and interact with General Ngo Xuan Lich, Defence Minister and Senior Lieutenant General Pham Hong Huong, Deputy Chief of the General Staff during the visit.
Dr Ng Eng Hen, Defence Minister of the Republic of Singapore closely observed the two navies in action at sea during the ongoing 25th Edition of Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX 18) in the Bay of Bengal toady, 20 November 18. Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff of Indian Navy hosted Rear Admiral Lew Chuen Hong, Chief of Navy of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and officials from Defence Ministries of both the nations who accompanied the Hon. Defence Minister.
India and Russia, on November 20, signed a contract for two built-in-India Grigorovich class (Project 11356P/M) advanced guided missile frigates. The frigates will be constructed at the government owned Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). This is a follow on contract to the last month’s deal for import of the two Russian built vessels of the same class. The Grigorovich class is an advanced Talwar class frigate.
Indian Navy operates six Talwar class ships.
