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.
HAL’s indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv and Chetak helicopters are being pressed into service to rescue people and extricate skimmed oil from the Japanese owned cargo ship MV Wakashio. The ship was on its way from China to Brazil but ran aground on the reef at Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius recently.<
Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (AHI) has delivered the first of 16 new H125 helicopters uniquely configured for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO). AMO collaborated with AHI as part of a long-term fleet upgrade initiative, and the resulting configuration has led to one of the most advanced, high-tech law enforcement helicopters ever developed.
Boeing has inducted its 20th F/A-18 Super Hornet into Service Life Modification (SLM) supporting U.S. Navy readiness needs for mission-capable aircraft. Two SLM jets have already been delivered back to the Navy.
Initially, SLM will extend the life of Super Hornets from 6,000 to 7,500 flight hours. Future modification plans in 2022 will enable the jets to fly 10,000 hours and incorporate Block III capabilities.
Naval Higher Command Course - 33 was inaugurated online by Shri Suhas Pednekar, Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai, on 17 Aug 20. He lauded the efforts of the Naval War College (NWC), Goa, in embracing online format and at improving academic and military education standards.
JSC Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) will expand its participation in the Army 2020 International Military and Technical Forum through new exhibit areas and virtual promotion of Russian defense products. The company will deliver online presentations and video broadcasts to foreign customers, show video reviews of new products and forum events.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed Naval Commanders on the inaugural day of the Naval Commanders’ Conference on 19 August 2020. He complimented the men and women of Indian Navy for their role in protecting the maritime interests of the nation and expressed confidence in the Indian Navy’s preparedness to meet any challenge through a proactive response in deploying its ships and aircraft.
On May 31, 2008 the ‘Bheem’ of Indian Air Force (IAF) bore witness to a key event at Daulet Beg Oldie (DBO). The name DBO is quite familiar now along with Depsang plains, due to the ongoing Sino-India standoff and a palpable sense of an impending conflict.
