India's Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Achieves Milestone with Record Firing in A Minute

Over the last 18 months, the Indian Army has inducted American M-777 and South Korean K9 Vajra artillery units as well as its domestically-made Dhanush howitzer. The army has plans to modernise its entire artillery system in the next seven years.

India’s domestically produced advanced towed artillery gun system (ATAGS) has achieved yet another breakthrough, successfully firing five rounds in 62 seconds.

The 155 mm x 52 calibre ATAGS achieved the milestone during evaluation trials at a firing range in the Pokharan region of India’s Rajasthan state. It offered the key parameters for the howitzer to pass the evaluation trials.The howitzer is being developed by the private firm Tata SED with support from the state-funded Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the country's premier military R&D organisation.

In manned firing, the system surpassed 20 rounds in 12 minutes without reporting any stoppage. The system has a range of over 40 km with advanced features in terms of high mobility, and quick deployability.
The ATAGS towed artillery gun system project is fully made in India, and was presented by the DRDO as part of the Indian Army's artillery modernisation programme.

The Armament system of the ATAGS includes its barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake and recoil mechanism, allowing it to fire 155 mm calibre at a longer range, and with accuracy and precision; additionally, it provides greater firepower.

The army had procured Swedish Bofors in the 1990s — a deal which later triggered enormous controversy involving political big-wigs accused of receiving kickbacks from the supplier. The purchase of howitzers was put on hold until earlier this year, when the Indian Army received its first tranche of the American ultralight Howitzer M-777s.

The delay of almost 30 years has been a major stumbling block for the Indian Army’s field artillery rationalisation plan (FARP). According to the plan, the army needs over 1,500 155 mm 52 calibre towed Howitzers and an 814 mounted gun system of the same calibre.

SPUTNIK News

Uzbekistan keen to connect India via Afghanistan & Iran

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is keen that India joins a railway project in Afghanistan that will help in stabilising the landlocked country and connect it to Eurasia and Iran.

The railway, almost 650 km in length, which will connect Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat cities and will later be extended to Kabul, is a major project agreed to by President Ashraf Ghani and President Mirziyoyev.

The preliminary surveys for the project have already been completed. “Uzbekistan support a greater presence of India in Central Asia that will also help Afghanistan,” sources said.

“India’s proven record and experience of projects in Afghanistan,” sources said.

Uzbekistan has an interest in opening trade and connectivity routes all the way to the Indian Ocean.

The project, for which Uzbekistan has already pledged $500 million, could become another major regional connectivity project for India, after its construction of the Zaranj-Delaram Highway in Afghanistan and the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar, Iran. India last week decided to open more ports for Chabahar and the issue of connectivity to Chabahar will be among talking points when Foreign Minister visits Tehran Sunday & Monday.
 India is committed to building rail route, from Chabahar to Zahedan on the Iran-Afghan border, and President Mirziyoyev is keen to join the transit trade agreement signed by India, Afghanistan and Iran. India also wants to connect Central Asia via INSTC and through Ashgabat agreement that includes Oman.

The rail route to Herat, if extended to Kabul, would also link to India’s “air corridor”, allowing trade, especially dry fruits and agricultural produce to travel along the routes from India to Central Asia and back in much shorter time.

Uzbekistan has held talks with Iran and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Uzbekistan’s role in regional security is likely to grow as it will take over the Secretary Generalship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in January 2019.

 economictimes

Military gets Rs 1L cr less from Modi govt in 2019-20

A cash-strapped Narendra Modi government couldn't provide more than Rs one lakh crore to the Army, Air Force and Navy in 2019-20, forcing the three services to “reprioritise” their requirements.

The shortfall was maximum for the Indian Air Force (Rs 53,035 crore) followed by the Army (Rs 30,687 crore) and Navy (Rs 23,048 crore), according to a report by a panel of lawmakers who scrutinised the defence budget of the current fiscal.

The impact is being felt in almost area ranging from the modernisation of the forces and its daily needs to training and sprucing up of the infrastructure such as strategic roads near the Sino-Indian border and the long-delayed Rohtang tunnel.

Though the Army sources were hopeful of receiving additional support in the supplementary budget, the data shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence revealed that in the last two fiscals, the defence ministry did not receive any additional allocation at the supplementary stage.

At the beginning of the year, the Indian Army projected a requirement of Rs 1,98,964 crore but received only Rs 1,68,277 crore in the budget – a shortfall of Rs 30,687 crore. Similarly the IAF asked for Rs 1,22,984 crore and got Rs 69,949 crore – a deficit of Rs 53,035 crore, which is the maximum among the three services.

Only a small part of the money is spent on buying weapons and improve the infrastructure whereas the lion's share is used in paying the salary bill.

In a similar line, Indian Navy projected demand of Rs 64,307 crore but got only Rs 41,259 crore – a deficiency of Rs 23,048 crore.

With 120 extra-regional warships operating in the Indian Ocean, such budgetary shortfall led to “critical capability void” that needed to be addressed, Navy officials told the MPs.

In his annual press conference earlier this month, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh aired his concerns on a declining budget. “Navy's share in defence budget has declined in the last few years. From 18%, it has come down to 13% in the recent years,” he stated.

While the naval fleet is critically short of multi-role helicopters, the blue water force is also handicapped by the shortage of mine countermeasure vessels, landing platform dock, survey ships while its submarines are 17-31 years and need replacement.

The IAF faces a double whammy. Not only it received substantially less from the government, it spent far more to maintain an ageing fleet in the absence of any new induction. This year, the force projected a requirement of Rs 81,302 crore in the capital segment, but the allocation was a mere Rs 39,347 crore – a deficit of Rs 41,955 crore.

“The Committee are baffled to find out that the IAF modernisation budget in the last year of 11th plan in 2011-12 (Rs 26,640 crore) grew negligibly to Rs 26,895 crore in 2016-17, which was the last year of the 12th plan period,” the Standing Committee wrote in its report submitted to the Speaker this week.

 deccanherald

Russia indicates strategic partnership with China not to come in way of BrahMos missile export

Russia on Monday indicated that its strategic partnership with China would not come in the way of the export of BrahMos missiles to other countries, and also informed that New Delhi and Moscow are in touch with a dozen countries across the world for the export of the missile.

Responding to a question as to whether China could create a hindrance in the export of Brahmos -- jointly developed by India and Russia - to countries like the Philippines, Russia's deputy Ambassador to India Roman Babushkin said, "Russia's relation with China and India are strategic by nature, and are independent of one another. This is the basic principle of Russia's foreign policy."

"We don't have any military alliance with China and we don't intend to have any," he added.

The statement comes days after the Philippines said it will sign a contract with India in the first or second quarter of next year for two batteries of supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles.

BrahMos is the world's fastest medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile and is capable of carrying warheads weighing 200 to 300 kilograms. It has been developed as a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia.

BrahMos is in service with all the three services -- the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy.

 aninews

India has Paid for Project 11356 Missile Frigates Being Built in Russian Shipyard

India has completed payment for two project 11356 naval frigates with Russia, President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov said Tuesday.
"All the money under the contract with India has been transferred. Now we are waiting for the Yantar Shipyard to start this work in an active manner. We actually hope that the ships’ hulls will be mounted on a solid foundation in the coming month and substantive work will begin," Rakhmanov said, replying to a question about the pace of work to build frigates meant for the Indian Navy.
Russia and India signed agreements in November 2018 on the delivery of four Project 11356 frigates. Under the deal, two frigates will be built at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast and the other two will be constructed at India’s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
 Project 11356 stealth frigates are designed to deliver strikes against enemy surface ships and submarines in the coastal and oceanic zones and fight air targets both independently and as part of a naval group. The warships of this type are armed with A-190 100mm artillery guns, striking missile and air defence systems, including Kalibr and Shtil complexes and torpedo tubes. The frigates displace 3,620 tonnes, are 124.8 meters long, develop a speed of 30 knots and have an operating range of 4,850 miles. The frigates can carry a Ka-27 helicopter and its modification.

 defenseworld

India May Sign Deal for 20% Cheaper LCA Jets At DefExpo-2020

India is likely to finalise the INR 40,000 crore contract for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas jets, 20% cheaper from previously quoted price, next February at DefExpo-2020 event in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh state.

In November 2016, Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), India's highest decision-making body on procurement, approved purchase of Tejas Mark-1A fighters by the IAF at a cost of Rs 50,025 crore.

Subsequent negotiations between defense ministry, Indian Air Force (IAF) and manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has helped bring down the price of the jets from INR 50,025 crore to INR 40,000 crore, Indian media reported late last week.

"The draft contract of the deal has been readied by the HAL and the cost of the deal has now come down to around Rs 40,000 crore. This is Rs 10,000 crore less than the Acceptance of Necessity given by the Defense Ministry in 2016," defense sources said.

In December 2017, the IAF had issued a single-vendor tender to the HAL for procuring 83 LCA, but the negotiations and other related issues have been going on since then mainly due to issues over the price.

The aircraft will have improved serviceability, faster weapon-loading time, enhanced survivability, a better electronic warfare suite and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that will significantly enhance its capability.

The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) had provided the Final Operational Clearance to the Tejas LCA earlier this year during Aero India in Bengaluru approving its capabilities including beyond visual range air-to-air and air-to-ground attack capabilities as well as longer endurance through mid-air refueling.

In a previous order, the IAF had signed a deal with the HAL for 40 Tejas LCAs. So far, around 18 LCAs have been delivered to the IAF from the previous order.

 defenseworld

Russia up in arms over Chinese theft of military technology

In a rare public display of frustration between Moscow and Beijing, Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec accused China of illegally copying a broad range of Russian weaponry and other military hardware.

"Unauthorized copying of our equipment abroad is a huge problem. There have been 500 such cases over the past 17 years," said Yevgeny Livadny, Rostec's chief of intellectual property projects on Dec. 14. "China alone has copied aircraft engines, Sukhoi planes, deck jets, air defense systems, portable air defense missiles, and analogs of the Pantsir medium-range surface-to-air systems."

Rostec's complaint about Chinese reverse engineering comes at a time when the arms trade between the two countries is thriving. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia was by far China's largest weapons supplier between 2014 and 2018, accounting for 70% of Beijing's arms imports during that period.

Even Russia's most advanced weaponry is not off-limits. Russia sold six of its S-400 anti-aircraft systems and 24 of its Su-35 fighter jets to China in 2015 for $5 billion.

Despite Moscow's ire over Beijing's theft of technology, it is unlikely to cut back arms exports to China anytime soon. Geopolitical and economic interests provide Russia with a strong incentive to downplay Chinese reverse engineering, experts say.

"It's always bad when someone copies your weapons without permission," said Andrei Frolov, editor-in-chief of Arms Exports journal. "But I think it's fair to say that since Russia continues to cooperate militarily with China, this is not very critical [for Russia]."
 China has long copied Russian weaponry. During the 1990s, China purchased Russia's elite Su-27 fighter jets and S-300 missile systems. Beijing later used these as templates for developing its own J-11 fighter jet and HQ-9 surface-to-air missiles.

Such blatant reverse engineering alarmed many in the Russian arms industry, prompting Moscow to push back against the theft, explained Vadim Kozyulin, director of the Asian Security Project at the PIR Center.

Russia adopted several measures to stop the practice. For example, it insisted that China purchase arms in bulk instead of buying just a few samples -- a sign that the arms were likely to be reverse engineered. Russia also pressed for assurances against theft in its contracts, and even tried to obtain royalties from Chinese copies of Russian arms.

But Kozyulin admitted that the measures were far from effective. "We tried combating this problem in a variety of ways, but without much success," he said.

Russian concern over China's reverse engineering contributed to a rapid decline in arms sales between the two countries in the mid-2000s. Whereas China accounted for 60% of Russian arms exports in 2005, the figure fell to 8.7% by 2012.

It was only after the Ukraine crisis in 2014 -- when Russia began courting China following its estrangement from the West -- that the arms trade and military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing picked up again.

Today Russia has come to accept China's technology theft as the inevitable price of doing business with its southern neighbor, explained Vasily Kashin, a senior fellow at the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
 "[Technology theft] is a shared problem for all companies who do business in China, but there haven't been any cases of reverse engineering causing anyone turning away from the Chinese market -- the most valuable market in the world," he said.

Kashin added that Russia now feels Chinese reverse engineering is not all that threatening. He argued that even if Beijing successfully copies the arms, Russia will still retain its technological edge.

"It's impossible to copy some technologies in a reasonable amount of time," Kashin said. "Copying old technology takes the same amount of time as developing new technology. It's much easier to take China's money, invest it in our own development, and let the Chinese do whatever they want."

The burgeoning Moscow-Beijing geopolitical partnership has also helped ease Russian fears about the risks of arming China.

"If we look at how the Chinese are building up their military, we see that they are constantly cutting ground forces while strengthening their navy. That tells us something about their intentions; that their growing military power is aimed at America and its allies," Kashin said.

But there are other concerns. China's emergence as a major arms exporter in its own right, fueled by decades of high military spending and reverse engineering of foreign technologies, represents both "a crisis and an opportunity" for Russia, contends Arms Exports' Frolov.
 "On one hand, Russia is concerned that China will gradually squeeze Russia out of its traditional arms markets," he said. "But on the other hand, China has money and a desire to cooperate, so this might be an opportunity for Russia to advance with the help of Chinese money and technology."

Another challenge for Moscow will be keeping China interested as an arms partner, Kozyulin said. He noted that China's military industrial complex has already surpassed Russia's in a number of areas.

"It's becoming increasingly difficult to offer China anything new, so Russian policy is to move away from arms sales to joint development," he said. "I don't know to what extent this new model will interest China, since it prefers to make everything on its own and only imports technologies from abroad. But Russia will try to find mutual interests and understanding."

 asia.nikkei

India set to sign $930-mn deal for 6 Apache attack helicopters

India is all set to hammer out a deal with the United States for six Apache attack helicopters for the army, two government officials said on Friday. The army will deploy attack helicopters for the first time.
The Boeing-manufactured helicopters and associated equipment cleared by the council are expected to cost around $930 million. “The Apache purchase is before the cabinet committee on security for final clearance. The deal will be inked in early 2020,” said one of the officials cited above, asking not to be named.
The AH-64E Apache multi-role combat helicopters are being bought under the US foreign military sales programme, Washington’s government-to-government method for selling US-built platforms. The deliveries of the helicopters will begin in 2022, the second official said.
Armed with fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles, an Apache can track up to 128 targets a minute and prioritise threats. The missiles equip the gunships with heavy anti-armour capabilities.

“Being the first deal after the government decision to give attack helicopters to the army, it is of significance. However, just six helicopters constitute a flight and would have limited operational value. The maintenance facilities of these six choppers should hopefully be dovetailed with the 22 Apaches that the IAF is acquiring - that’s two full helicopter squadrons,” said Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd), additional director general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

India placed orders worth $3.1 billion for 22 Apache helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers in 2015 for its air force. The Indian Air Force has begun inducting these helicopters. The six army Apaches are being bought as a follow-on option to the 2015 contract.
Attack helicopters have been on the army’s wish list for several years, but IAF objected to the plan. The army says it requires more attack helicopters as it had moved a case to buy 39 Apaches a few years ago.
Since 2008, India has bought or ordered military equipment worth $15 billion from the US, including C-130J special operations planes, C-17 transport aircraft, P-8I submarine hunter planes, Harpoon missiles, helicopters, and M777 howitzers

 hindustantimes

American F-21 or Russian MiG-35 to be Hot Favorites for $15 Bln Indian Fighter Jet Tender: Analysts

With the signing of the Industry Security Annex agreement between Indian and the US government on Thursday, the contest for the Indian Air Force’s $15 billion fighter jet tender has become more intriguing.

The signing of one of the most critical "foundational agreements" clears the way for Boeing and Lockheed Martin to compete in the forthcoming tender with the F/A-18E/F and F-21 respectively, says former squadron leader of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and prominent Defence Analyst Vijainder K. Thakur.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also expressed hope that the signing of the ISA will enable the smooth transfer of classified technology and information between private entities in the two countries.

The Industry Security Annex (ISA) is considered an essential agreement for any country seeking to receive high-end defence technology from the US.

Darwinian Law in Selection ::

Since the IAF is looking for a replacement for its Soviet-era MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 light-medium fighter jets, the government is expected to fill in the void created by these jets.

"The replacement would logically be a reasonably priced medium fighter such as the F-21, MiG-35 or SAAB Gripen. Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter and the F/A-18 would be too expensive and heavy for IAF requirements, considering the limited budget and large purchase quantity," Thakur explained.

Some of the analysts put their weight behind the Rafale. They consider that French jet manufacturer Dassault may lower their quote price in the 114 jet tender since it has already amortised many of its costs after winning the tender for 36 Rafales.

Nevertheless, this October, Indian Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria had toned down this argument, saying that to supply more Rafales, Dassault would have to win the tender.

"Our plan is to build 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) in the Strategic Partner (SP) model, and that is currently being followed," said Bhadauria.

Former financial advisor to the Indian Defence Ministry Amit Cowshish said that going by the previous experience, "This time more than one aircraft is likely to meet the requirements, which implies that the choice may not be restricted to the US fighters".

Cowshish has conducted dozens of defence deals over the last decade.


The Elephant in the Room ::

Most Indian analysts unequivocally believe that cost will play the most crucial factor in the selection, considering the severe shortage of funds for the modernisation of the IAF.

In 2019-20, ending March 2020, the IAF received nearly a $5.1 billion budget for modernisation that included $3.5 billion for aircraft and aero engines.

With the current state of the Indian economy, the budget may either go down or remain stagnant next year as well.

"There will, of course, be stiff competition among various manufacturers in offering technology transfers, not least because of the size of the order. But this may not be the deciding factor; I guess that, apart from the strategic considerations, finances will play a significant role in the decision-making process," ex- financial advisor Cowshish said.
 Taking into account the costs and requirement of the IAF, Defence Analyst Vijainder K Thakur said: "F-21 and MiG-35 would be hot favourites. Their design is of a similar vintage. The MiG-35 probably has greater growth potential, but the F-21's long term costs are likely to be lower."


F-35: A Contender to be an IAF Jet?

The IAF has three choices as of now, for stealth fighters. First, the abandoned PAK FA stealth fighter programme with Russia, in which it has already invested in the preliminary phase of the project famously known as fifth-generation fighter aircraft; second, the home-grown Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, and third, the American F-35 jet.

Besides offering F-21s under the Narendra Modi Government's Make in India programme, Lockheed Martin has mentioned in the recent past, that it is indeed open to working with India on the AMCA, as well as the Light Combat Aircraft, the MK2.

Currently, Washington is exporting F-35 to its allies at a price of around $90 million per airframe.

"India would pragmatically be looking at manufacturing technology or Transfer of Technology (ToT) rather than know-how for cutting-edge electronics, materials and engines. Industrial ToT on offer is likely to be similar from all vendors. No country will give away know-how that India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) might seek," Defence Analyst Thakur hinted.
 New Delhi will have to remain rational while choosing fighter jets to replace MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27 light and medium fighters, he added.

Additionally, IAF Chief Bhadauria has been throwing his weight behind the Indian-made Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project since he took over the affairs of the 140,000 troops strong force.

"Just because we call AMCA the fifth generation, doesn't mean we limit the technology to the fifth generation, and technology could be fifth and even sixth generation…DRDO must make it happen. As not only our pride is at stake, but also that of the IAF," IAF Chief Bhadauria stated in October while addressing defence scientists of the DRDO in New Delhi.

Considering the past record of the DRDO in developing home-grown products, defence analysts, have opined that the AMCA is still several years away.

"I think the IAF will eventually go for the Su-57, as Russia will ensure that the fighter meets most IAF expectations, the AMCA will take much longer to develop than is currently projected, and no other country is offering a 5th generation fighter to India," Analyst Thakur added.

sputniknews

India set to sign $930-mn deal for 6 Apache attack helicopters

India is all set to hammer out a deal with the United States for six Apache attack helicopters for the army, two government officials said on Friday. The army will deploy attack helicopters for the first time.

The Boeing-manufactured helicopters and associated equipment cleared by the council are expected to cost around $930 million. “The Apache purchase is before the cabinet committee on security for final clearance. The deal will be inked in early 2020,” said one of the officials cited above, asking not to be named.

The AH-64E Apache multi-role combat helicopters are being bought under the US foreign military sales programme, Washington’s government-to-government method for selling US-built platforms. The deliveries of the helicopters will begin in 2022, the second official said.

Armed with fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles, an Apache can track up to 128 targets a minute and prioritise threats. The missiles equip the gunships with heavy anti-armour capabilities.
India placed orders worth $3.1 billion for 22 Apache helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers in 2015 for its air force. The Indian Air Force has begun inducting these helicopters. The six army Apaches are being bought as a follow-on option to the 2015 contract.

Attack helicopters have been on the army’s wish list for several years, but IAF objected to the plan. The army says it requires more attack helicopters as it had moved a case to buy 39 Apaches a few years ago.

Since 2008, India has bought or ordered military equipment worth $15 billion from the US, including C-130J special operations planes, C-17 transport aircraft, P-8I submarine hunter planes, Harpoon missiles, helicopters, and M777 howitzers.
“Being the first deal after the government decision to give attack helicopters to the army, it is of significance. However, just six helicopters constitute a flight and would have limited operational value. The maintenance facilities of these six choppers should hopefully be dovetailed with the 22 Apaches that the IAF is acquiring - that’s two full helicopter squadrons,” said Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd), additional director general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

 hindustantimes

INS Vikramaditya Under Repair By Russian Sevmash Shipyard

Indian Navy’s Aircraft Carrier – INS Vikramaditya is being repaired by Sevmash Shipyard which is part of Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation. This was stated by Sevmash CEO Mikhail Budnichenko.

The aircraft carrier Vikramaditya is a heavy upgrade of the Russian heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov.

“At the request of Indian Navy, the Shipyard delivered the spare parts for INS Vikramaditya and is taking part in building the coastal infrastructure for repairing the aircraft carrier’s equipment,” Budnichenko said.

INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier with a displacement of 45,000 tonnes and entered into service in 2013. The carrier was purchased by India on 20 January 2004 after years of negotiations at a final price of $2.35 billion.

INS Vikramaditya was commissioned on 16 November 2013 at a ceremony held at Severodvinsk, Russia and its air wing includes up to 20 MiG-29K/MiG-29KUB multirole fighter jets and up to 10 helicopters.

 eurasiantimes

Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar meet US President Trump after India-US 2+2 dialogue

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and S Jaishankar met US President Donald Trump after their 2+2 meetings with their American counterparts Mark Esper and Mike Pompeo Wednesday in a rare break from protocol that was seen as a reflection of the growing importance of the relationship at the senior-most level in this administration.

India and the United States had earlier in the day announced the conclusion of a key defense agreement to further enhance the interoperability of their militaries and discussed the threat of cross-border terrorism India faces from Pakistan. They had also discussed a whole range of issues, including trade, the United States joining the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure, a key global initiative launched by India at the last UNGA; H-1B visas and ongoing and increasing restrictions; Iran; the need for free and open Indo-Pacific and China; and the drawdown of US troops in Afghanistan.

Jaishankar also met lawmakers from both parties and discussions included the Citizenship (Amendment) Act — they wanted his perspective on it, H-1B visas, once again, and related legislations, and a US law that seeks to punish Russia for the 2016 election meddling with the threat secondary sanctions against its defense customers, such as India, called CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).

The meeting with the president, the possibility of which was first reported by Hindustan Times last week, took place in the Oval Office, after the two ministers had met the National; Security Adviser Robert C O’Brien. It was described as a “courtesy call” on the president, but lasted almost 30 minutes.
 The president touched on a many subjects about the relationship in his discussions with the Indian minister with a “little” more on trade, which, inarguably has been a top priority for him across nations. And the ministers briefed him about their 2+2 discussions with Secretaries Pompeo and Esper.

President Trump recalled with warmth the HowdyModi outreach to the Indian diaspora he had attended with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston in September and he was “very positive, supportive of the relationship and very enthusiastic about various aspects of the relationship “, Jaishankar told reporters on Thursday. Down the road from the White House, the US House of Representatives was debating two articles of impeachment against the president at the time. He was impeached later in the evening, leaving his fate in the hands of US senate which will hold a trial in January to either remove him from office or acquit and let him continue.

The ministers’ meeting with the president was a rare break from protocol of heads of state and heads of government meeting only their counterparts, with exceptions that are always taken note of. Former external affairs minister Yashwant Sinha was the last Indian minister given a White House meeting, by President George W Bush 15 years ago in 2004.

The conclusion of the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) would allow American manufacturers of defense equipment to strike deals with Indian private sector companies and share classified and sensitive information with them, expanding their ability to co-produce and co-develop sensitive defense technologies from the current confines of public sector partners. They also signed three separate pacts with regards to co-production and co-development of defense equipment under and ongoing defense trade initiative.
 “Today, we are proud to conclude the Industrial Security Annex, which will facilitate collaboration between our defense industries by supporting the secure transfer of key information and technology,” US Secretary of Defense Esper told reporters. “We also finalized three agreements under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative, which will enhance our ability to co-produce and co-develop critical technologies.”

Defense Minister Singh said the conclusion of the ISA “will provide the necessary framework for pursuing co-development and co-production linkages in the defense manufacturing sector”.

External affairs minister Jaishankar told reporters after the meeting that the two sides discussed “free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific based on the recognition of ASEAN centrality and the cross-border terrorism in the region and agreed to work closely at international forums”.

He said counter-terrorism efforts have been “boosted by a growing consensus on the nature of terror threats in the region, and the dangers of cross-border terrorism and sanctuaries”.

“I appreciate very much the sentiments expressed by Secretary Pompeo on the 11th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attack,” Jaishankar went on to say, and added, “We discussed ways to address these challenges, including by working closely together at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).” The FATF has put Pakistan on notice for inclusion in its black-list of countries with inadequate measures to check funding of terrorism and money-laundering.
The US secretary of state expanded on the discussions on counter-terrorism in response to a question. “We have been unambiguous in our partnership with the Indian Government about terror, terror from wherever it emanates, whether it’s from inside of Pakistan or from anyplace else,” he said, adding, “We are determined to protect the American people from the threat of terrorism and we’re determined to work with our great democratic friends like the Indians to protect the people of India as well, and we’ll continue to work on it.”

On China, Pompeo said the two countries discussed “the risks that Chinese-built communication networks, including 5G, pose to our treasured freedoms and how China’s unfair and predatory economic activity in the Indo-Pacific presents a risk to those very freedoms.”

Singh and Jaishankar met one-on-one with their respective counterparts before the 2+2. And the Indian defense minister wrote on Twitter that he had an “excellent meeting” with Esper and “reviewed the full range of India-US defence cooperation”. The countries are “cooperating extensively in strategic & military areas”, he added.

The 2+2 ministerial came amid growing strategic convergence between the two countries and continuing efforts to resolve the vexatious issue of trade, with a deal still not in sight, not even a modest, scaled down version the two sides have agreed to shoot for, leaving the more difficult issues to a later date, including an ambitious Free Trade Agreement.

The two sides did discuss trade, as was noted by both sides, with Pompeo mentioning the ongoing talks the US trade representative Robert Lighthizer is conducting with Indian commerce minister Piyush Goyal.The state department noted the importance of trade in the relationship even though it is not in the purview of the ministries participating in the meeting. “The US and #India have shared interests in economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity,” it wrote in a tweet. “In 2018, bilateral trade between our nations was $142 billion, up 13% from the prior year. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with India.”

One of the key outcomes of the second 2+2 ministerial would be, as a familiar person with the ongoing discussions, was that it took place without the postponements and cancellations that had plagued the first round, delaying it almost a year, forced by the sacking of then secretary of state Rex Tillerson and President Trump’s preoccupation at the time with talks with North Korea.

The highlight of the inaugural, which finally took place in September, in New Delhi, was the signing of Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), an enabling agreement that would dramatically expand interoperability between the militaries of the two countries. It had capped a year-long series of related developments such as the US designating India a Major Defense Partner and according STA-1 status, bringing it at par with its NATO allies for the sharing of sensitive defense technology.

 hindustantimes

US Gives 'Narrow Exemption' to India from Sanctions on Chabahar for Afghan Aid: Official

The US has provided a rare exemption to India from sanctions on the Chabahar port in Iran as it recognises that the strategic project is a lifeline for war-torn Afghanistan to get humanitarian supplies from India, according to a senior Trump administration official.

The Chabahar port -- being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan -- is considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by the three countries with central Asian nations. It is located on the Indian Ocean in the Sistan and Baluchistan province of Iran.

The port, which is easily accessible from India's western coast, is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan's Gwadar Port which is being developed with the Chinese investment."We have provided a narrow exemption (to India) for the development of Chabahar that allows for the construction of the port and the rail line that allows for the export of refined oil products to Afghanistan," a senior State Department official told reporters on Wednesday, signalling the Trump administration's commitment to India.

The official said the US would extend the exemption so long as Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) do not participate in the port project.

"All of this is contingent on there not being any IRGC involvement in the economic activity or IRGC-related entities being involved in those activities," the official said at the conclusion of the 2+2 ministerial here.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo along with Defence Secretary Mark Esper hosted their Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for the 2+2 dialogue between the two countries at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.

"We recognise that Chabahar potentially plays an important role as a lifeline to Afghanistan in terms for India to be able to export humanitarian supplies and potentially helping Afghanistan diversify its export opportunities.

"That was the reason that drove the Chabahar exemption, and we continue to support it," the official said in response to a question on Jaishankar praising Pompeo for the US exemption on Chabahar port.
 At a joint news conference with Pompeo, Singh and Esper on Wednesday, Jaishankar has said that he is "very grateful to Secretary Pompeo for reiterating the US government support of the Chabahar project, which will immensely benefit Afghanistan".

During the press conference, Pompeo, in response to a question, said he shared with Indians, his efforts to develop intra-Afghan negotiations and peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

"We have shared with our Indian counterparts the path that we're headed down. We're very transparent. We understand the concerns, too, that India has, rightful concerns that they have about a terrorism emanating from Pakistan, and we assured them that we would take that into account," he said.

The US is hopeful that all relevant parties, including the Taliban, will conclude that the right answer is a significant reduction in violence leading to a ceasefire so that America can reduce its footprint in strife-torn Afghanistan, Pompeo said.

Jaishankar said the US is concerned about the future of Afghanistan. "Which is why we've had a large development assistance programme there," he said.

"We believe that the reconciliation process in Afghanistan should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. We have every confidence that the gains which have been achieved by the international community over the last two decades will be protected and preserved in that process," the External Affairs Minister said.

new18

Would like to fly Tejas again, may be in a ‘dogfight’ with Sukhoi-30: Russian pilot

Praising India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF) pilot who became the first to fly it during an exercise said on Thursday that he would like to fly the fighter jet again, ‘may be in a dogfight’ with Sukhoi-30. Lieutenant Colonel Nesterov Andrey, the RFAF pilot, flew the trainer version of Tejas aircraft on Tuesday along with an Indian pilot during the joint tri-services exercise Indra between Indian and Russian armed forces.

Dogfights refer to close-proximity battles between fighter jets, which comprise various tactics of manoeuvering the jets. Simulated and practice dogfights are an important element of pilots’ flying practice and sorties.

On Thursday, which was the last day of the 10-day exercise, the joint team of Indian and Russian pilots conducted their concluding mission flights from Pune Air Force base, as part of the Air Force module of the tri-services exercise.

The broad theme of the Air Force module was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking, planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of a third country, under the United Nations mandate.

While briefing the media, Air Commodore Rahul Bhasin, Air Officer Commanding of the Air Force Station Lohegaon in Pune, said, “In a unique first, this is the first exercise ever in which a Russian pilot, along with an Indian pilot, has flown one sortie in the indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas from this very base.”
 Speaking via a translator, Andrey said, “I would like to thank Indian authorities for giving me the opportunity to fly Tejas. I am proud to have flown it. I have had the experience of flying Mig-29, Sukhoi-30 and Sukhoi-35 fighter jets but flying Tejas was a great experience. It was very controlled and smooth. All the systems in the cockpit are great, I could very easily understand them and the ejection seat is very comfortable. In Russia, we say a beautiful plane can’t fly well. But your jet proved otherwise. It is very beautiful and very manoeuverable. I enjoyed flying it and frankly, I would like to fly more, may be in a dogfight with Sukhoi-30.”

While the Indian Air Force version of the LCA Tejas is currently in service, the Navy version of the indigenous fighter jets is currently undergoing various tests.

 news.yahoo

Rohingyas occupy land near vital defence installations in J&K

Thousands of illegal immigrants from Myanmar (also known as Rohingyas), camping in different parts of Jammu & Kashmir continue to occupy plots located close to the vital defence installations including Sunjwan Army camp, Police Lines, railway track without facing any resistance.

Out of an estimated population of over 40,000 Rohingyas currently staying in India at least 10,000 are camping in different parts of Jammu and its adjoining districts of Samba, Kathua, Rajouri etc.

Majority of these illegal immigrants arrived here in the last one decade via Bangladesh and made Jammu their second home.

According to a J&K Home department report tabled in the state assembly on February 2, 2018, “a total number of 6523 Rohingyas were found camping across 39 different locations spread across five districts of Jammu and Kashmir”.

According to this report, “6461 Rohingyas were staying in Jammu division and 62 in Kashmir division.

However, local activists and politicians, spearheading a campaign in support of their deportation often contest these figures claiming large number of these illegal immigrants are scattered and even their bio metrics have not been properly collected by the security personnel.

According to this report , “48 families comprising 206 Rohingyas were found camping in Sunjwan area on the outskirts of Jammu. A military station is located in the close vicinity.

On February 10, 2018, when a heavily armed group of terrorists (members of suicide squad) had stormed the Sunjwan army camp in the wee hours, security forces had raised serious concerns claiming these terrorists may have been sheltered by the illegal immigrants, living close to the boundary wall of an army camp.

However, in the absence of any clear evidence none of the illegal immigrants were investigated by the security agencies about their possible involvement in sheltering the members of the fidayeen group.

At least 40 Rohingyas were also found staying in Nagrota in the close vicinity of 16 corps headquarters of the Indian army.

According to the Home department report, “over 150 families have raised temporary sheds housing 734 Rohingyas opposite police lines in Channi Himmat area of Jammu”. Not only this, a grave yard plot in Narwal area of Jammu is second home for over 250 Rohingyas from Myanmar.

Instead of preventing their illegal entry, the concerning agencies, have been apparently caught napping as their numbers have gradually swelled in the region raising serious security concerns.

In January 2017 Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had informed the state assembly that over 5700 Rohingyas are camping in the state.

In 2018, their numbers swelled up to 6523.

These illegal immigrants have also managed to spread their foot prints from two to at least five districts across the state in the last one year. Apart from Jammu Rohingyas are staying in Samba, Doda, Poonch and Anantnag in Kashmir valley.

The biggest cause of concern is those illegal immigrants who have been staying here without any Refugee cards issued by the office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

According to the report, out of 6523 Rohingyas more than 400 are staying here without their refugee cards issued by the United National High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Jammu seems to be the first choice of Rohingyas. They are spread across 30 locations in Jammu only. Majority of Rohingyas in Jammu earn their livelihood by doing daily wage jobs and some of them have become scrap dealers. Children support their families by collecting and selling waste material, and a few women work as domestic help and in local factories in the area. Fears in the security establishment grew after one of the two foreign militants killed in a shootout in south Kashmir in October 2015 turned out to be originally from Myanmar.

“No Rohingya has been found involved in militancy-related incidents. However, more than two dozen other criminal cases have been registered against 50 Rohingyas for various offences,” official sources in the state Home department said.

Under pressure from different quarters to gather details of exact number of Rohingyas, the Jammu and Kashmir police had initiated special drive to collect their personal details in a proper format.

The drive was launched on the directions of the central government to gather 'biometrics' of Rohingyas ahead of their deportation to their native country.

While collecting personal details of these Rohingyas the policemen faced many hardships and lot of resistance from these immigrants on ground zero.

 dailypioneer

US hopeful of bagging IAF, Navy orders for fighter jets

The US hopes to win the deals for supplying fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy by selling its F21 and F/A18 Super Hornets respectively, a top US official said here on Wednesday.

Joel Starr, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs in the US Department of State, said the IAF and Navy fighter competitions are once in a generation opportunity to more closely ally US and India.

"We have the best product technologically advanced F21 for India Air Force and F/A 18 which I understand the Indian Navy is very much interested in. That competition will be concluding soon and I hope resolution will be satisfactory for both the parties," he told reporters on the sidelines of US-India Defence Ties Conference here.

He earlier told the Conference that choosing US fighter aircraft presents an opportunity to not only meet India''s military requirements but deepen their partnership.

"For fighter competitions we offer some best technology widely deployed by our Navy and Air Force. F/A 18 Super Hornet and F21 Indian both will bolster India defence capabilities, widen its defence industrial base and position it as a supplier in global defence eco-system shared by network of our allies and partners," he said.

In April, the IAF had issued Request for Information to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around $18 billion, billed as one of the world''s biggest military procurement in recent years.

F/A 18 Super Hornet is in contention for an Indian Navy requirement of 57 new fighter jets.

Starr believes the two deals could give huge boost to the bilateral defence trade between the US and India, which is currently estimated at $16 billion.

He said as India restructure its forces, the US will continue to offer highest quality, most dependable and most technologically advanced products in the market to India.

He claimed that US military sales will benefit both Indian national security and Indian and American workers.

The US official said his country appreciate India''s effort to develop own manufacturing base, saying such a base was in their mutual best interest as it will not only increase their capabilities but contribute to the global supply chain.

"The security relationship between India and the US continues to grow. From increasing military cooperation, exercises to defence trade, the US will continue to work with India to ensure a free and safe Indo-Pacific region," he added.

He hoped that 2+2 dialogue will further strengthen the defence ties between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to meet their American counterparts Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper in the US on Wednesday.

Joel Reifman, Consul General in Hyderabad, described Hyderabad as microcosm of developing industry relation and US cooperation. He noted that the marquee US names in Information Technology, pharma and defence have their presence in Hyderabad.

Telangana''s Industries and IT Minister K. T. Rama Rao said Hyderabad offer the best eco-system for defence and aerospace sector and sought greater engagement of US companies with the state.

The minister pointed out that leading US companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, GE and Pratt and Whitney have set up their operations in Hyderabad.

The two-day conference, being hosted by the US Consulate General in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding and the Confederation of Indian Industry, is being attended by government officials, corporate leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs.

 outlookindia

Indian Su-30MKI Jets Fail To Evade Kortik Anti-Aircraft Defence Systems

Indian and Russian Navy are conducting naval drills in the Indian Ocean where Su-30MKI fighter jets are also participating. Both navies are holding joint drills – Indra 2019, in the Indian Ocean.

Russian guard hip Yaroslav Mudry and the Indian Navy’s frigate Tarkash are jointly training to counter potential threats as part of ongoing Indra 2019 drills. The navies repelled an attack by an enemy’s fighter jet and drones in the Indian Ocean, the Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.

“On the third day of the manoeuvres at sea, the Russian guard ship Yaroslav Mudry and the Indian frigate Tarkash held joint drills to repel a simulated enemy’s air attack employing on-board air defence artillery systems,” the press office said in a statement.

Su-30MKI fighters of the Indian naval aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles simulated the enemy in the drills, the statement says. During the drills, the Yaroslav Mudry employed Kortik anti-aircraft missile/artillery launchers.

“During the drills, the teams of shipboard combat posts detected and tracked the targets while the air defence squads destroyed them (fictitiously) by the shipborne artillery when the air targets came within the striking range,” the press office reported.

The Indra-2019 drills are running at training ranges of three Indian states. Russia is represented in the military exercise by over 700 servicemen, including units of the all-arms army of the Eastern Military District, pilots and technicians of the District’s Air Force and Air Defense Army, and also the crews of the Baltic Fleet warships.

 eurasiantimes

Indian Army looking for new 8x8 APCs

The Indian Army‘s newest Request for Information (RFI) is inviting vendors to submit proposals for 198 8×8 wheeled APCs by February 17 next year, 21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com reports. The vehicles are meant for a reconnaissance and support role in Punjab and Rajasthan. The 20-page RFI lists technical parameters that leave Russia and the US out of the game, as the BTR-82A and the Stryker both fail to match the army’s needs.

The Indian army has the strongest mechanized forces in Asia with its estimated 4,000 main battle tanks (locally assembled T-72M1 Ajeyas and T-90S Bhismas) with an equal number of BMP-2 Sarath infantry fighting vehicles. By comparison, the Chinese PLA’s apparent strength in numbers is diminished by keeping so many aging vehicles in service. The appeal of wheeled APCs with either a 6×6 or 8×8 configuration is spaciousness and larger armaments such as automatic cannons matched with anti-tank missiles. Of course, mobility remains an issue for wheeled APCs, with fully independent suspension systems required if they’re to withstand rough travel.

The 8X8 APC described by the new RFI enumerated the following technical parameters:
* Able to carry a 2-ton payload.

* Transportable by planes like the Ilyushin Il-76 Candid or Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.
* Amphibious with a fording speed of 10km/h.
* Minimum power-to-weight ratio of 25 hp/ton.
* Top speed of 80 km/h. Cruising speed of 30 km/h.
* Mechanical self-recovery winch fitted at the front of the vehicle.
* Armament includes a 30mm cannon, 7.62mm machine gun and two antitank guided missiles in a single turret.
* Additional 8 missiles carried inside, along with a portable ATGM launcher.
* Ballistic protection of STANAG III on the front arc, STANAG II (withstands assault rifles) on the sides, and mine blast protection is STANAG IIb.
* CBRNe protection, active and passive protection systems, and night fighting capability.
* Power assisted ramp at the back for rear access.
* Crew of four.
Application submissions are due before February 17, 2020, at the Sena Bhawan in Delhi.

The Indian Army’s preference for foreign suppliers over local manufacturers is deep-rooted and unchanging regardless of the strategic environment it must cope with. It rejects local efforts at producing a wheeled APC – the Tata WhAP comes to mind – but no single manufacturer outside India can deliver the vehicle without imposing huge costs. Smaller countries such as Malaysia and Singapore tailored their own wheeled APCs by partnering with foreign suppliers. The Indian army is doing the opposite.

Suppliers will be challenged to fulfill all of the above unless a joint venture is agreed upon with other companies. The best known wheeled APCs in Europe such as the French VBCI and the Anglo-German Boxer are inadequate: they aren’t amphibious and would need a customized turret with the Indian army’s specified armament. Sourcing the turret and protective countermeasures to other countries (Israel and South Africa) further complicates the acquisition process. Today’s wheeled APCs aren’t cheap either and the Indian army’s RFI describes something whose cost will be exorbitant.

 armyrecognition

PH likely to sign BrahMos missiles deal with India in 2020

The Philippines and India are likely to reach a deal for the BrahMos cruise missiles in 2020, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.

The contract signing for the supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia is seen to happen in the first or second quarter of the year through a government-to-government deal, he told reporters.

Apart from the Philippines, countries like Thailand and Vietnam have reportedly shown interest to purchase the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile – which has yet to see the first foreign country to acquire this capability.The Philippines is looking to acquire two batteries, Lorenzana said.

The missiles are envisioned to equip the Land-Based Missile System Battery unit activated by the Philippine Army in October.

A mock-up of the land-based version of BrahMos mounted on a truck launcher system was put on display at a two-day defense expo in Taguig City in early December. According to a timeline displayed at the expo, the Army sees the delivery of the equipment by 2024.

A mock-up of BrahMos land-based anti-ship missile was featured at PH Army’s capability expo. Talks are underway w/ India for the possible purchase of 1 battery. The Army activated 1st Land-Based Missile System Battery in October in anticipation of its acquisition. pic.twitter.com/JKREdKEHIW

— Frances Mangosing (@FMangosingINQ) December 5, 2019

The missile system, which can be used for coastal defense and ground attack, would boost the Philippines’ firepower capability in the face of territorial threats.

The Philippines and India have stepped up its defense engagements in recent years. In 2017, the two countries signed a defense and logistics agreement.

India “desires of upping our engagements” with the Philippines in many folds, New Delhi ambassador to Manila Jaideep Madumzar said last week at a forum at the National Defense College of the Philippines.

Indian ambassador to Manila Jaideep Madumzar says they are “upping engagements” with the Philippines. Implementing arrangements for the future purchase of defense materiel & equipment are almost finalized pic.twitter.com/hd25cMjXYx

— Frances Mangosing (@FMangosingINQ) December 10, 2019

He said a joint defense cooperation committee is set to meet in January.

India is also looking forward to participating in many defense projects of the Philippines.

“Implementing arrangements for the purchase of defense materiel and equipment are almost finalized,” Madumzar said.

 newsinfo

With Rafale jets, India won't have to cross the border to 'eliminate terror camps' in Pakistan: Rajnath Singh

With the induction of Rafale fighter jets in the air force, India will not have to cross the borders to "eliminate the terror camps" in Pakistan but can do it from the country itself, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said here.

Singh arrived in the US on Monday for the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington on December 18.

Addressing members of the Indian community at an event organised by the Consulate General of India at the educational organisation, Asia Society, he applauded the courage and valour of India's armed forces and recalled his France visit in October to receive the first of the 36 Rafale fighter jets at a facility of Dassault Aviation in the French port city of Bordeaux.


Now that India will have the jets, "if we have to eliminate the terror camps, there will be no need to take the planes to Pakistan. We can do it from India", Singh said amid loud applause from the audience.

Replying to a member of the audience who commented that Singh had said that if talks are held with Pakistan, it will now only be on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the defence minister said, "Baat kya hogi, PoK toh apna hai hi (What is there to talk, PoK is ours)", amidst loud cheers from those present.

Singh had said that if talks were held with Pakistan in future, it would be only on PoK.

Singh said India's military strength is increasing, but the country also takes precaution even when dealing with Pakistan.

He said if India wanted, it could have attacked the military establishments and civilian areas in Pakistan but that would have resulted in a lot of casualties.

"But we took precaution and decided that we have to target and eliminate only those places where there are terror training camps. Not a single civilian was killed and neither did we attack any Pakistani military establishment. We never want to attack a country's sovereignty. This is our character," he said.

Singh said India wants to have good relations with Pakistan. He referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee going to Lahore in 1999. "But what did Pakistan give to us in return - Kargil."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also decided to invite Heads of State and government of neighbouring countries to his oath-taking ceremony in 2014.

During his first term on 2014, Modi had extended invitation to SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif, to his oath-taking ceremony.

"This signifies the thought process of our Prime Minister. We should have good relations with our neighbouring countries...but how Pakistan behaves with us, you can see," Rajnath said.

 economictimes

Indian Navy to get deadly MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters soon! Deal expected to be finalised on Wednesday

After waiting for almost a decade for anti-submarine hunter helicopters, at the 2+2 Indo-US Ministerial Dialogue announcement related to the sale of 24 Lockheed Martin’s MH-60R helicopter for the Indian Navy is expected. These helicopters will help in countering China in the Indian Ocean region are going to replace the Sea King Mk 42B/C and Ka-28 helicopters currently in service.

The two sides are also expected to finally sign the Industrial Security Annex (ISA).

Financial Express Online was the first to break the news of the US State Department’s seal of approval for the sale of $ 2 billion MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopters for the Indian Navy through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS).According to sources, “Announcement related to the anti-submarine helicopters for the Indian Navy is expected and the ISA will be signed.”

As has been first reported by the Financial Express Online earlier, once this agreement is inked it will allow the US companies to transfer critical defence technology to India.

Both sides are also working on the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) -Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which will help both sides to identify and develop cooperative projects. Set up in 2012, DTTI is an initiative which is for the co-production and co-development of military systems. However, no project to date has been done under this.

The two sides are going to talk about free and open Indo-Pacific region which is already going strong.

During the bilateral discussions between the defence minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, besides security and fight against terrorism, and joint and multilateral engagements, both sides will talk about the defence deals in the pipeline. Recently the Trump administration has given approval for thirteen MK 45 5 inch/62 calibre (MOD 4) naval guns for the Indian Navy and also for 3,500 D349 Projectile, 5”/54 MK 92 MOD 1 ammunition. These guns are for the P15A and P17A ships.

Both sides will also talk about the modalities to be made to the COMCASA agreement which was inked last year before it becomes operational.

 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue ::

According to the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar, “On December 18, the second India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will be held in Washington, DC. The side will be led by defence minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar and they will be meeting their US counterparts and will review foreign policy and defence and security issues in our relations.

This format of a dialogue between the two countries was started in September 2018 in an effort to provide a forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership. The second round of Dialogue will take stock of the growing relations between the two countries.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper will host his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, at the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting, which will be followed by the 2+2 Dialogue at the State Department at the Foggy Bottom Headquarters. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will join the meeting there.

The two sides are also expected to discuss global issues of mutual interests including the growing unrest in the Middle East, as well as enhancing military cooperation, more joint and multi-lateral exercises, fight against global terrorism and the Indo-Pacific.


Artillery from the US for the Indian Army ::

In February this year, as was first reported here as part of its small arms modernisation the Indian Army had signed a contract for the procurement of 72,400 Assault Rifles through the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) from the US-based M/s Sig Sauer. Under this contract, the delivery is to be made over 12 months.

Last week the Indian Army received 10,000 rifles and 10,000 more will be received soon. The Indian Army will get total 66,400; Indian Navy 2,000 and IAF 4,000 along with accessories needed all through the FTP. These Assault Rifles will be used by the troops deployed along the 3,600 km long border with China and also in major operations in Jammu and Kashmir. These rifles are being manufactured at Sig Sauer’s New Hampshire facilities.

And will be replacing the Indian-made 5.56x45mm Insas rifles.

Aerospace ::

Two American companies are in the race for two different programmes –114 fighters for the Indian Air Force and 57 fighters for the Indian Navy. The Boeing Company’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin’s F-21 are pitching these machines.

The US has also offered Raytheon’s National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II which will help Indian airspace against aerial threats. This offer has been made by the US in an effort to counter Russia’s S-400 Triumf advanced air defence missile system.

 financialexpress

‘Pak procuring 600 tanks to strengthen capability along LoC‘

At a time when modernisation of the Army‘s armoured corp is moving at a ‘snail‘s pace‘, Pakistan has drawn up an ambitious plan to procure close to 600 battle tanks including T-90 tanks from Russia, primarily to bolster its combat prowess along the border with India, military and intelligence sources said on Sunday.

Most of the tanks Pakistan was procuring will be able to hit targets at a range of 3 to 4 km and they are set to deploy some of the tanks along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the sources told PTI.

Apart from battle tanks, Pakistan Army is also procuring 245 150mm SP Mike-10 guns from Italy out of which it has already received 120 guns.

The sources said Pakistan was eyeing to buy from Russia a batch of T-90 battle tanks — the mainstays of the armoured regiments of the Indian Army, and that the move reflects Islamabad‘s intent to forge a deeper defence engagement with Moscow which has been India‘s largest and most trusted defence supplier post Independence.

Pakistan has been holding joint military drills with Russia in the last couple of years besides going for defence purchases from it, triggering some concerns in New Delhi.

The sources said as part of the mega plan to significantly revamp its armoured fleet by 2025, Pakistan has decided to procure at least 360 battle tanks globally besides producing 220 tanks indigenously with help from China.

Pakistan Army‘s move to enhance its armoured corps comes at a time when the Line of Actual control in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed growing hostilities in the last one year.

The Indian Army has been strongly retaliating to every unprovoked firing by Pakistani side.

But, when the Indian Army is focused on counter-terror operations, the Pakistan Army was fast reducing its gap with Indian forces in fighting a conventional war, the intelligence sources said.

Military sources said modernisation of the Indian Army‘s armoured regiments were moving at a “snail‘s pace” due to procedural delays and the issue is being examined at a very high level of the government.

The Indian Army had drawn up a mega plan to modernise its infantry and armoured corps. However almost all the procurement projects including the Rs 60,000 crore Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle programme are stuck due to a variety of reasons.

At present, India‘s armoured regiments, comprising mainly T-90, T-72 and Arjuna tanks, have much more superiority over Pakistan, but sources said Islamabad was seriously planning to bridge the gap at the earliest.

As against around 67 armoured regiments of Indian Army, the number of similar regiments in Pakistan Army is around 51, the sources said.

At present, over 70 per cent of the tanks in Pakistan‘s armoury have the capability to operate during night which, they said, was a matter of concern.

Besides eyeing to procure T-90 tanks, Pakistan Army is also in the process of inducting Chinese VT-4 tanks as well as Oplod-P tanks from Ukrain, the sources said. Trials for both Oplod and VT-4 tanks have already been conducted by the Pakistan Army.

At present, Pakistan is learnt to have around 17 units of Chinese origin T-59 and T69 tanks, which comprise 30 per cent of its total tank strength, the sources said.

It also has 12 regiments of Al-Zarar tanks, which makes 20 per cent of the tank fleet while Ukrain origin T-80-UD and T-85-UD as well as upgraded version of T-59 tanks comprise the rest 50 per cent tank fleet, they said.

“The Pakistan Army is carrying out modernisation of its armoured regiments in a calibrated and time-bound manner which is not the case in India,” said an expert, who wished not to be named.

He said it was a matter of concern the way Pakistan was modernising its tank fleet.

The Indian Army has also raised an independent tank brigade which is stationed in Ladakh but it is not enough, the expert said.

 dentondaily