Pak went back on its F-16 promise to US. How India fixed the gaps with Rafale

 

When the French President’s diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne landed in India for a strategic dialogue on January 7, one of the key asks from the Indian Air Force was that the Rafale fighter’s technology, especially its missile capability, be kept away from Pakistan.

India conveyed to Bonne that even though Dassault Aviation, manufacturer of Rafale fighter, is selling the omni-role platform Rafale to Qatar, Paris should ensure that no Pakistani-origin person is given access to the plane by Doha.

Paris hasn’t just assured India that Rafale technology, specially that related to the Meteor air-to-air missile will be kept out of reach of Pakistan, but also that it will no longer upgrade the Mirage 3/5 fighters or Augusta 90 B submarines in Islamabad’s military inventory. India sought these iron clad guarantees after it burnt its fingers during Pakistani Air Force retaliation on February 27, 2019, a day after the Balakot strike.

On that day, Pakistan reneged on its promise to the Americans that it would only use F-16 aircraft in the war against terror and not against India. It was an 75-km range air-to-air AIM-120-C-5 missile, fired from a Pakistani F-16, that brought down Wing Commander Abhinandan’s Mig-21 Bison interceptor on the Line of Control in the Rajouri-Mendhar sector.

According to former Air Force Chiefs and Air Marshals, had the Indian Air Force not practised with the premise that Pakistan would use F-16 and beyond visual range missiles against India, more Indian fighters would have been knocked down on that day. “We were very clear that Pakistan would use the F-16 against us and hence we practised to keep IAF fighters beyond what is called dynamic attack zone 1 and 2 or D-Max 1 and 2 of the AIM-120C air to air missile,” said a top IAF official who asked not to be named.

D-Max-1 refers to a range where a missile can “secure a kill” provided the opponent doesn’t engage in manoeuvring, and D-Max-2, a no escape zone from the incoming missile even after “all manoeuvring”, added this officer.

The Pentagon had previously assured India that Islamabad would not use the F-16 or the missiles against India. It conveyed the message to India after New Delhi requested Washington to put a software lock on the missile so that it cannot be used against India.

The Indian concern over the long range missile was raised by Air Marshal AK Gogoi as Director General (Air Operations) with the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen in Washington in September 2010. It was raised again during the visit of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in August 2016 with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter in no uncertain terms. But all this came to no avail two years ago. Not only did Pakistan use the missile (parts of which were recovered) against India on February 27, 2019, but it also glossed over the F-16 that Wing Commander Abhinandan shot down using a Russian R 73 missile.

Analysts say that the F-16 incident may have well forced the Indian Air Force to acquire the Meteor missile for Rafale. The no escape zone of this missile is way beyond the missiles carried by US or Chinese aircraft flown by the Pakistani air force.

HT

Why this sudden bonhomie between India and Pakistan? Decoding the most likely reason

 

In a significant development having far-reaching ramifications in respect of strategic alignments in South Asia, both India and Pakistan have agreed to “mutually beneficial and sustainable peace” along the borders from the midnight of February 24/25, 2021. The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, in a joint statement released on February 24, 2021, have agreed to a ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors (international border in Jammu region) to address “each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence”.

The ceasefire comes after the LoC and international border in Jammu witnessed the bloodiest year in terms of number of violations (incidents) by both sides in 2020. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, there were 5,133 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2020, up from 3,479 in 2019 and 2,140 in 2018. In these incidents in 2020, India lost 24 security force personnel and 22 civilians.

The picture is no different on Pakistan’s side. Major general Babar Iftekhar, director general Inter Services Public Relations, at a press briefing on January 11, 2021, informed that 3,097 ceasefire violations by India took place in 2020 causing 28 civilian deaths. No information was given on deaths of Pak security personnel, but it would be around the same figure.

The crucial question is why this sudden bonhomie between the two countries? The answer can be found in the first foreign policy statement of Joe Biden, the US president, at the headquarters of the state department on February 4, 2021. Countering the “growing ambitions of China to rival the United States” and “determination of Russia to damage and disrupt our democracy” were listed by him as the two major challenges that the diplomats of the country will have to face. He informed that he had spoken with the leaders of “closest friends” to restore the habits of cooperation and rebuilding the muscle of democratic alliances that have “atrophied”.

This would mean that the US and China would try to divide the world into two competing camps vying for proxy countries to ensure economic domination of the globe for the benefit of their corporates — a new cold war. The US foreign policy makers seem to have acknowledged that the days of unipolar world dominated by the US, after disintegration of the erstwhile Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, are over. The military and economic might of the US is now being challenged and questioned by a rampaging China.

In the US scheme, India and Pakistan would naturally be part of the “muscle of democratic alliances”. While India remains firmly in the US fold, Pakistan, an old trusted ally, needs to be brought back. Pakistan had gradually drifted into the arms of China after Imran Khan received a cold and indifferent response from the Trump administration on the changes made by India in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. But now, in the joint statement, India has agreed to address “each other’s core issues”. This would satisfy Pakistan that Kashmir would be on the table whenever talks resume at whatever level.

Earlier, soon after initial briefings of Biden, Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa stressed the need for a “dignified and respectable” solution of Kashmir to bring this “human tragedy to its logical end” and restore peace. It was followed by PM Imran Khan, who, in a tweet on February 5, reiterated that Pakistan was ready to take two steps forward for peace, if India took one.

The unfortunate part is that both sides suffered so many avoidable losses of human lives when a similar formulation was agreed in November 2003 between Indian PM Vajpayee and Pak president Musharraf. Nevertheless, this is a welcome development and must be carried forward. At the same time, it must be realised that joining either side in this new cold war is fraught with serious consequences for both the countries. That can only happen when both are at peace with each other without outsiders having any role to play.

ET

Surgical strike in PoK was an act of self defence, India tells UNSC

 

India on Wednesday held Pakistan to account at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for harbouring terrorists and justified the cross-border action against “non-state actors” as an act of “self-defence”.

The statement was made at the Arria Formula meeting organised by Mexico titled “Upholding the collective security system of the UN Charter: the use of force in international law, non-state actors and legitimate self-defense”.

Without naming Pakistan, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Nagraj Naidu said, “a State would be compelled to undertake a pre-emptive strike when it is confronted by an imminent armed attack from a non-state actor operating in a third state.”

Adding that the state then is “exonerated” from any international obligation towards the “aggressor” state giving the example of the 9/11 attacks and US’ actions thereafter.

“This state of affairs exonerates the affected state from the duty to respect, vis-a-vis the aggressor, the general obligation to refrain from the use of force. In fact, Security Council resolutions 1368(2001) and 1373(2001) have formally endorsed the view that self-defense is available to avert terrorist attacks such as in the case of the 9/11 attacks,” he said.

While Article 2(4) of the UN Charter requires that states refrain from the use of force, Ambassador Naidu explained that the drafting history of Article 51 of the UN Charter and the relevant San Francisco Conference Report of June 1945 that considered Article 2(4) of the UN Charter mentions outlined “the use of arms in legitimate self-defence remains admitted and unimpaired.” Article 51 explicitly acknowledges the pre-existing customary right of self-defence, as recognized by the International Court of Justice and the UN Security Council by stating that “nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence.”

In a direct attack against Pakistan for providing havens and support to terrorists, he said, “some states are resorting to proxy war by supporting non-state actors such as terrorist groups to evade international censure. Such support to non-state actors has ranged from providing and equipping the terrorist groups with training, financing, intelligence and weapons to logistics and recruitment facilitation.”

Reminding the gathering of 15 member-states of the attacks India has been subjected to for decades at the hands of such “proxy cross-border and relentless state-supported” terrorism from India’s “neighbourhood”, he said, “Whether it is was the 1993 Mumbai bombings, or the random and indiscriminate firings of 26/11 which witnessed the launch of the phenomenon of lone-wolves or more recently, the cowardly attacks in Pathankot and Pulwama, the world has been witness to the fact that India has repeatedly been targeted by such non-state actors with the active complicity of another host State.”

On India’s surgical strike of September 2016 against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistani-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), the Indian diplomat cited Article 51 of the UN charter saying that it is not confined to “self-defence” in response to attacks by states only.

“The right of self-defence applies also to attacks by non-state actors. In fact, the source of the attack, whether a state or a non-state actor, is irrelevant to the existence of the right of self-defence,” he said.

Further, he said, “Non-state actors such as terrorist groups often attack states from remote locations within other host states, using the sovereignty of that host state as a smokescreen.”

Spelling out three scenarios, he said that a growing number of States believe that the use of force in self-defence against a non-state actor operating in the territory of another host State can be undertaken if: “1. The non-state actor has repeatedly undertaken armed attacks against the State; 2. The host State is unwilling to address the threat posed by the non-state actor; 3. The host State is actively supporting and sponsoring the attack by the non-state actor.”

An "Arria formula" meeting is an informal meeting of members of the UNSC, which must be convened by a member of the Security Council. It is a relatively recent practice of the members of the Security Council to have a frank and private exchange of views, within a “flexible procedural framework”.

India has always opposed this framework since it is a forum often “misused” by States.

“We would like to, however, place on record our reservations against this particular format of meetings, since there have been occasions in the past where this format has been misused,” Ambassador Nagraj Naidu had said at the outset of his remarks.

indiatoday

Idea to occupy heights around Pangong Tso emerged in meetings led by NSA Ajit Doval

 

The idea that Indian forces should occupy the strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong Tso during the standoff with China, emerged during meetings led by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in August last year, government sources have told India Today TV.

Terming it to be a 'game changer' idea, the sources said this move has helped in resolving the crisis in the northern borders.

It was during these meetings led by the NSA where a suggestion was given to occupy the southern bank heights, including Rezang La, Rechen La, Helmet top and Aqi La. This helped in bringing the Chinese to the talking table to ensure disengagement from the heights along Pangong Tso.

The meetings led by the NSA included Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane.

Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria also continued briefing to the NSA on the aggressive stance taken by the Indian Air Force to counter the Chinese threat in the northern borders area.

It was during these meetings that the idea to occupy the heights came up and was precisely implemented by special frontier force and army troops under close monitoring of the NSA and India's top military brass.

"What we have achieved so far is very good. We had a number of meetings, and in these, the advice given by our NSA also came in extremely handy. His insight into strategic affairs and matters definitely helped us in chalking out our response," Army chief General MM Naravane said while speaking about NSA Ajit Doval's role in helping resolve the standoff with China.

In the past, the NSA and his team is said to have played a key role in handling the security situation during the attack on Patahankot airbase and the Doklam crisis.

indiatoday

India-France-Australia firm up deliverables for Indo-Pacific region

 

India, France and Australia have finalised their agenda for a trilateral mechanism within the Indo-Pacific region and can help the event of smaller states together with island nations to cut back their extreme dependence on China, 

In a gathering held on Wednesday, the three nations determined to give attention to higher coordination within the Indo-Pacific region with particular give attention to catastrophe administration, oil spill administration, catastrophe resilience of small island states, renewable power and marine ecosystems, .

The Indian facet was led by Sandeep Chakravorty, Joint Secretary (Europe West) Ministry of External Affairs, whereas the French facet was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania). The Australian facet was led by Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division) of its international ministry.India has been on the forefront of aiding many states within the Indo-Pacific region throughout instances of pure disasters, together with the 2004 tsunami.

Last 12 months, India got here to rescue of sure states to fight the Covid-19 virus outbreak and later gifted vaccines.

It additionally assisted Mauritius and Sri Lanka to deal with an oil spill final 12 months.

The improvement of a ‘blue economy’ – sustainable exploitation and preservation of the marine ecosystem — for Indo-Pacific states can be considered one of India’s priorities.

While the Indian Indo-Pacific assemble extends from Eastern Africa to the Pacific, France, a everlasting member of the UN Security Council, has territories within the Indian Ocean Region in addition to the Pacific Region. Australia’s Indo-Pacific assemble – from the japanese coast of India stretches to the Pacific Ocean – with Canberra inserting India as a key accomplice within the region.

Earlier, throughout a international secretary-level dialogue, the three sides mentioned financial and geostrategic challenges and cooperation within the Indo-Pacific, significantly within the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and home responses to it.

The three international locations plan to cooperate on marine international commons and potential areas for sensible cooperation and thru regional organisations such because the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Indian Ocean Commission.

The goal is to synergise respective strengths to make sure a peaceable, safe, affluent and rules-based Indo-Pacific Region, sources mentioned.

India has trilateral dialogues involving Australia-Indonesia; Japan-Australia; US-Japan, in addition to Russia-Japan and Russia-China.

ET

Defence ministry clears Rs 13,700 crore local projects

 

The defence ministry has cleared indigenous weapons programmes worth over Rs 13,700 crore, including acquisition of a modernised version of Arjun battle tanks and increasing protection levels for over 3,000 armoured fighting vehicles currently in service.

The Defence Acquisition Council has also decided that all capital acquisition contracts, other than design and development projects, must be completed in two years, addressing a major demand of the industry that has been handicapped by the procurement processes which sometimes take up to 7 years to conclude.

“The ministry, in consultation with the services and all stakeholders, will come up with detailed plan of action for achieving the same,” a defence ministry spokesperson said in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Among the projects cleared are acquisition of Arjun Mk1A tanks from the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi. DAC has cleared acquisition of 118 tanks for Rs 8,380 crore. formal orders are likely to be placed later this year. This will add to the 124 Arjun Mk1 tanks ordered by the Army.

“Three Acceptance of Necessities for an overall cost of Rs 13,700 crore were accorded. All AoNs are in the highest priority category of defence acquisition — Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured,” the spokesperson said.

In addition, DAC has cleared a proposal to upgrade protection levels of over 3,000 armoured fighting vehicles, including main battle tanks and infantry combat vehicles. The plan is to increase operational efficiency by adding counter measure systems and early warning systems to the fleet. Other projects that have been given a go ahead include Namica anti-tank system that will be armed with indigenous Nag missiles and six Arudhra medium power radars.

ET

China refits combat trucks in Tibet to take on Indian military

 

The Chinese military has given two of its combat vehicles a major makeover to improve their ability to take on Indian troops in high-altitude warfare, according to a Chinese defence technology magazine.

On its official WeChat social media account on Saturday, the magazine said the track chassis on a number of howitzers and anti-tank missile carriers had been replaced with wheel bases to allow for quicker deployment over mountainous terrain.

“The change of chassis was no coincidence – it was specifically prepared for plateau warfare against the Indian army,” the Ordnance Industry Science Technology report said.

“The changes can help reduce the burden of logistics support, increase mobility, improve strike precision and give a significant power boost to the troops stationed in Tibet.

“These vehicles have been deployed to Tibet in recent years to meet the special combat needs of plateau warfare.”

The report came as China and India started another round of talks on the weekend to try to resolve a months-long stand-off along the disputed Himalayan border between the two countries. The two sides had “completed” the disengagement of forces from a lake that had become a key flashpoint, according to a joint statement.

Clashes in June left at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese personnel dead.

The report identified the two vehicles as the PLC-161 122mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer and the HJ-10 anti-tank missile launcher.

They were refitted with the body of a general utility truck called the FAW MV3, a third-generation tactical transport system.

The report said that while the Indian military relied on imported vehicles, reducing flexibility, China was standardising its military hardware so that some parts could be interchanged to fit different environments.

Song Zhongping, a military commentator based in Hong Kong, said the advantage of the interchangeable chassis was that it could be developed for multiple weapons at a relatively low cost.

“The chassis can be regarded as a base to be equipped with various weapon systems such as recoilless rifles or anti-aircraft guns,” Song said.

“The troops in Tibet can have access to multiple weapons to suit different combat needs but not have to maintain many types of vehicles.

“Also, the one chassis requires the one kind of fuel supply and spare parts, so it reduces the logistics pressure.”

The changes are part of a vast military modernisation drive in China.

Last month, state media reported that China used a new all-terrain vehicle to get supplies to troops in Tibet.

South China Morning Post

Hindustan Shipyard to build 5 naval support vessels with Turkish help

 

Visakhapatnam-based Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is expecting an order from the Indian Navy by the year end for building five mammoth naval support vessels with transfer of technology from a Turkish shipbuilding firm, people familiar with the developments said on Monday.

The project, estimated to cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, will involve transfer of technology from Anadolu Shipyard, part of the TAIS consortium of Turkey, with which HSL signed an agreement for technical collaboration last year.

HSL is expected to deliver the first fleet support vessel (FSV) to the navy within four years of the go-ahead, with the other ships to be delivered at the rate of one every 10 months to 12 months. The vessels will be 230 metres long and have a displacement of 45,000 tonnes. FSVs carry fuel and other supplies for warships.

“The agreement with the Turkish consortium will kick in after HSL gets an order from the Indian Navy. If all goes well, that could happen by October 2021. Several Indian vendors will also be involved in the project,” said one of the people cited above, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Unlike other massive projects of this type, which usually witness at least one of the vessels being constructed in the country providing the technology and know-how, the Turkish side has decided to go ahead with transfer of technology from the initial stages and back the “Make in India” initiative by constructing all five vessels at HSL, said a second person who too declined to be named.

“Turkey’s shipyards are fully booked for a long time and there is nothing to lose by transferring technology and having all the vessels built in India. Turkish engineers will come to India to assist with the project,” the second person said.

Besides designs, the Turkish consortium will provide engineering services, planning and preparation of specifications, the people said. The transfer of technology will also boost India’s shipbuilding capabilities, they added.

Maritime affairs expert, Rear Admiral (retired) Sudarshan Shrikhande, said: “There is a need for the navy to have fleet support ships. While HSL may have a sort of a collaborative arrangement for transfer of technology and building these in Visakhapatnam, one is not aware if a contract may be in the offing or whether discussions are continuing.”

TAIS, which is a member of Turkey's largest industrial group, and HSL concluded an agreement for cooperation in the first quarter of last year, after the issue had come under a cloud for some time because of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s criticism of the Indian government’s decision to scrap Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. Questions were also raised in some quarters because of the strong defence ties between Turkey and Pakistan.

The Turkish consortium was the lowest bidder for the contract to make the FSVs. Moreover, some other bidders had insisted that at least one of the vessels should be made in a foreign shipyard. The agreement with TAIS was signed after clearance by the Indian defence ministry, the people cited above said.

Sameer Patil, fellow for international security studies at Gateway House, said both countries were displaying pragmatism against a backdrop of long-standing concerns in India about Turkey’s defence relationship with Pakistan.

“Turkey under President Erdogan has focused on building commercial relations with all countries. This pragmatism is being seen in this effort to collaborate with India despite the proximity with Pakistan. India wants to build its naval capabilities and Turkey has a defence industry that is very advanced,” he said.

“If Turkey is offering transfer of technology, why should we say no?” Patil said, noting that Turkish company Savronik was given sub-contracts for building key parts of the strategic Atal Tunnel under Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.

HT

Indian Army Orders Kalyani M4 Vehicles Worth Rs 178 Cr, Bharat Forge Inks Deal

 

Bharat Forge on Tuesday announced that it has received an order worth Rs 177.95 crore from the Ministry of Defence for the supply of Kalyani M4 vehicles.

In yet another Atmanirbhar push, Bharat Forge on Tuesday announced that it has received an order worth Rs 177.95 crore from the Ministry of Defence for the supply of Kalyani M4 vehicles.

The Kalyani M4 is a multi-role platform, designed to meet the specific requirements of armed forces for quick mobility in rough terrain and in areas affected by mine and improvised explosive devices (IED) threats.

In a regulatory filing, the Pune based Defence manufacturing company said it has received the order from the Indian Army for protected vehicles under emergency procurement.

On Monday, Bharat Forge had inked a pact with global aerospace and technology firm Paramount Group to manufacture armoured vehicles in the country. The agreement was signed at Defence Expo IDEX 2021 in Abu Dhabi.

Bharat Forge is a subsidiary of the Kalyani Group, involved in automotive, power, oil & gas, construction & mining, locomotive, marine and aerospace industries besides manufacturing of Defence equipment. The Kalyani Group is Indian engineering, technology and manufacturing conglomerate that offers armoured vehicles, ammunition, defence electronics and artillery systems. The Kalyani Group in 2020 DefExpo in India had announced that it was partnering with Paramount Group to explore the indigenisation of defence systems in India, with a focus on protected vehicles and aerospace.

In a major development on Tuesday, Defense Ministry is also set to clear over Rs 6,000 crore for the acquisition of Main Battle Tank Arjun Mark 1A. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier dedicated the tank to the nation during his visit to Chennai. In addition, the Defense Ministry too had cleared the induction of 118 Arjun Mark1A tanks into the Indian Army. 

Defence procurement of 73 LCA Tejas worth 48,000 Crore

The Indian Government, which is pressing on the need for indigenisation of the defence sector, has approved on January 13, the procurement of 73 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 Trainer aircraft at the cost of Rs. 45,696 Crore along with Design and Development of Infrastructure sanctions worth Rs.1,202 Crore.

Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A variant is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft. This aircraft is equipped with critical operational capabilities of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile, Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite and Air to Air Refuelling (AAR) would be a potent platform to meet the operational requirements of Indian Air Force. It is the first “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category procurement of combat aircraft with an indigenous content of 50% which will progressively reach 60% by the end of the programme. 

Republicworld

Bharat Forge, Paramount ink defence deal

 

Bharat Forge on Monday said it had inked a pact with global aerospace and technology firm Paramount Group to manufacture armoured vehicles in the country.

An agreement to this effect was signed by both companies during the International Defence Expo in Abu Dhabi, Bharat Forge said in a statement.

“This collaboration brings together the manufacturing and technology excellence of two leading companies. The Kalyani M4 is a fantastic new-generation vehicle, and we want to position it as the future of protection in all markets worldwide,” said Bharat Forge Deputy MD Amit Kalyani. The Kalyani M4 is designed to meet the specific requirements of armed forces for quick mobility in rough terrain and in areas affected by mine and IED threats.

Paramount Group Chairman Ivor Ichikowitz said all its technologies have been developed with portable production in mind. “The Kalyani M4 is based on one of our flagship armoured vehicles designed... for in-country production in India with our partners, the Kalyani Group,” he added.

thehindu

India reserves Rs 70,000 crore for domestic defence procurements

 

India has reserved over Rs 70,000 crore of its defence capital budget only for the domestic sector as part of a series of steps to remove the tag of being among the world’s largest importer of weapons. Announcing that 63 percent of the outlay in the current budget is for domestic procurement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that it would go a long way in boosting the industry and another negative list for imports is likely to be issued soon.

“My Ministry has planned to invest, about 63% of the outlay for 2021-22 on domestic procurement, about Rs.70221 Crore for domestic defence procurement during for 2021-22,” the minister said at a seminar on the defence budget organised by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).

This is the second year running in which a part of the funds have been reserved for domestic procurement with the aim of building up the defence manufacturing ecosystem. “This increase will have a positive impact on enhanced domestic procurement, having multiplier effect on our industries including MSMEs and Start-ups. It would also increase the employment in defence sector,” Singh said.

The other major initiative to cut imports is the negative list, which is being progressively implement from 2020-2024, with the forces drawing up a list of items in partnership with DRDO and the Indian industry. The minister has now suggested that the next list which will be issued shortly should also consider an embargo on spares being imported.

“We now intend to notify the next list of items and would also request Secretary DMA (Gen Bipin Rawat) that they should also consider including certain spares currently being procured from outside so that we could indigenize the same,” he said.

The minister also spelled out India’s vision to be a major global arms exporter, urging the industry to work towards the goal. “Our initiatives have resulted in staggering 700% growth in defence exports in the last 6 years. India entered in the list of top 25 Exporters in the world as per data published by SIPRI in 2020,” he said, adding that the target is to achieve $ 5 billion of exports annually.

Economictimes

DRDO successfully launches VL-SRSAM twice

 

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday conducted two successful launches of vertical launch short range surface-to-air missile (VL-SRSAM) off the Odisha coast in Balasore.

The launches were carried out from a static vertical launcher from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.

Indigenously designed and developed by DRDO for the Navy, the VL-SRSAM is meant for neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets, the DRDO said.

The launches were carried out for demonstration of vertical launch capability as part of its maiden launch campaign.

On both the occasions, the missiles intercepted the simulated targets with pinpoint accuracy. They were tested for minimum and maximum range.

The VL-SRSAM with weapon control system (WCS) was deployed during the trials.

The launches were monitored by senior scientists from various DRDO labs involved in the design and development such as DRDL, RCI, Hyderabad and R&D Engineers, Pune.

The flight path and vehicle performance parameters were monitored using flight data, captured by various range instruments such as Radar, EOTS and telemetry systems deployed by the ITR, Chandipur.

The trials have proved the effectiveness of the weapon system and few more trials will be conducted shortly before deployment on the ships.

Once deployed, the VL-SRSAM system will prove to be a force multiplier for the Navy.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful trials. Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO congratulated the teams involved in the successful flight test of VL-SRSAM Missile System.

Taking to twitter, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “Congratulate @DRDO_India on the successful launch of indigenously developed vertical launch short range surface-to- air-missile (VL-SRSAM)@indiannavy, off the coast of #Odisha.” As a safety measure, the Balasore district administration in consultation with the ITR authority at Chandipur temporarily evacuated 6,322 people residing in five hamlets within 2.5-km radius of the launch pad.

They were put up at the nearest shelter centres in the morning, a revenue official said.

The hindu

63 Of The 83 Newly Ordered Tejas Mk-1A Fighter Jets To Have Indigenously Developed Uttam AESA Radars

 

In a massive push for the Government's Make in India clarion call and its ambitious agenda to boost the domestic defence manufacturing, 63 of the 83 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets for which the order was recently accorded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be equipped with the indigenously developed Uttam radars instead of Israeli ones, reports Times of India.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)'s Bengaluru based LRDE laboratory, the Uttam radars will be fitted on all the Tejas Mk-1A jets starting from the 21st unit which will be manufactured by HAL.To meet the delivery guidelines, HAL will be placing orders for 20 Israeli radars. As per the company's chairman and managing director R Madhavan, the Uttam radars should be ready for use thereafter.

“We will have the Uttam radar from the 21st Tejas Mk-1A to be produced. Uttam has performed better than anticipated in the trials so far. We’ve already signed an MoU with HAL,” DRDO chairman Sateesh Reddy was quoted in the report as saying.

It should also be noted that the HAL is targeting to increase the indigenous content in the homegrown fighter jet platform to 62-65 per cent from the present 52 per cent.

Uttam radar is a state-of-the-art AESA platform that can track multiple targets and take high-resolution pictures in a bid to aid reconnaissance activities. The radar is presently being tested on two LJA fighter jets and also on an executive jet.

swarajyamag

L&T delivers last K9 Vajra howitzer to Army, firm in talks with DRDO to convert it into tank

 

Leading Indian private defence major Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Thursday successfully completed delivery of the last and 100th K9 Vajra 155mm/52 calibre Tracked Self-Propelled Howitzer, which was flagged off by Army Chief General M.M. Naravane at Hazira near Surat in Gujarat.

With the company delivering ahead of schedule the massive Armoured Systems Complex (ASC) at Hazira, which has its own track, it is likely to go into hibernation mode with no new contract expected in the immediate future.

The ASC is spread over 40 acres within the L&T’s 755-acre Hazira Manufacturing Complex.

Sources in the defence and security establishment said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the L&T are in talks with each other to possibly convert the Tracked Self-Propelled Howitzer into a light or medium-weight tank that could be used in mountain regions like Ladakh.

Three of its howitzers have already reached Leh for high-altitude trials, which could eventually pave way for the Vajras to be converted into a tank.

While India currently operates the T-72 and T-90 tanks, it is felt that there is a need for lighter tanks, which can operate more easily in mountainous terrains.

The Army is internally looking at the possibility and the practicality of having a light tank, which could come handy in situations similar to the Ladakh stand-off.

But the Army, sources said, is unlikely to go in for the more formidable K9 Vajras as the plan was to have only five regiments, which are meant for the desert area.

L&T had in 2017 won the Rs 4,500-crore contract to supply 100 units of K9 Vajra under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for which they had signed a transfer of technology contract with South Korean company, Hanwha Corporation.

‘Vajra tank’

Talking about the possible ‘Vajra tank’, defence sources said the idea is to replace the heavy 155 mm gun with a 105 mm or 120 mm gun.

“The chassis or the hull remains the same. The massive 155 mm gun can be replaced by a 105 mm or even 120 mm gun, which will reduce its weight drastically as the design of the turret also changes,” a source said.

“More weight reducing technology and material can be used, which will bring down the weight by at least 10 tonnes. This means that the Vajra tank can actually weigh around 30 tonnes or somewhere close, which can be deployed in the mountains,” the source added.

Lt Gen. P.R. Shankar (retd), who is the former Director General of Artillery, had last year pitched for the Vajra to be turned into a light tank, saying the current China-Indian stand-off has highlighted the lack of a suitable tank for high altitudes.

‘Ready to indigenously develop India’s future capabilities’

Meanwhile, J.D. Patil, whole-time director and senior executive vice president (defence and smart technologies), L&T, said in a statement, “We hope and believe that under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat policies of the Government of India, the national asset created in the form of the Armoured Systems Complex to execute this ambitious contract, will provide sustenance to the painstakingly built supply chain of more than 1,000 MSME partners.”

He added that the production of complex platforms like the K9 Vajra contributes to the Indian economy with a large multiplier effect, creates new job opportunities and plays a significant role in enhancing India’s industrial ecosystem.

“With the experience, track-record, skills, capabilities and infrastructure that L&T has built, we are ready to indigenously develop, and build India’s future capabilities,” he said.

The company added that the K9 Vajra systems are delivered with more than 80 per cent indigenous work packages and above 50 per cent indigenisation (by value) at the programme level.

It added that L&T had started indigenisation, right from the inception of the programme by replacing 14 critical systems in the Korean ‘K9 Thunder’ with indigenously developed and produced systems for the trial gun fielded for user evaluation trials.

The print

IAF Deploys Apache Choppers To Guard Borders With China In Sikkim

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF), in a first, on Thursday deployed its most advanced Apache fighter helicopters in Sikkim, a frontier state with China. Two of four districts in Sikkim - North and East Sikkim - share boundaries with China along the eastern sector of the Line of Actual Control, along with Arunachal Pradesh.

On Thursday, the Apache helicopter was first flown during the visit of Air Marshal Amit Dev, Air Officer Commanding in Chief of the Eastern Air Command, at their forward base in North Sikkim district, a few kilometers from the Line of Actual Control.

"During the visit, he also interacted with the aircrew of Apache unit, which has been deployed in the Eastern sector for the first time," a press statement said.

This was one of the 22 Apache helicopters India had procured from American aircraft manufacturer Boeing, along with 15 Chinooks, by signing a multi-billion dollar contract in September 2015.

India is one of the 17 nations to select the Apache and has the most advanced variant, the AH-64E Apache. Apache helicopters have been modified according to the needs of the IAF.

It is a twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Among other features, it has a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems among other features.

The Air Marshal, during his two-day visit, also interacted with senior army officers and discussed ways to synergise and support the efforts of the army, along with reviewing operation preparedness.

NDTV

Anti-tank missiles Helina and Dhruvastra successfully tested, ready for induction in armed forces

 

India on Friday successfully test-fired the Army and Air Force versions of Anti Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) from desert ranges indicating the readiness of the weapon systems for an early induction in the armed forces.

Defence sources said joint user trials of Army version Helina and Air Force version Dhruvastra missile systems were carried out from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform. Five missions were carried out for evaluating the capabilities of the missiles in minimum and maximum range.

Indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missiles were fired in hover and max forward flight against realistic static and moving targets.A couple of missions were carried out with warheads against derelict tanks. A mission was also carried out against a moving target from a forward flying helicopter," sources said.

The helicopter launched Nag (Helina) is a third generation ATGM that can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The system, which operates on fire and forget mode, has all weather day and night capability.

The weapon system can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour. The missile will equip the weaponised version of the ALH Dhruv, HAL built combat helicopter Rudra and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

While the Nag missile has a maximum range of 4 km, the Helina has an extended strike range of about 8 km. Guided by imaging infrared seeker, the missile operates on lock-on-before launch mode, which helps extend its strike range.

Secretary of Department of Defence Research and Development and DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy said Helina is one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. Now the missile systems are ready for induction, he said.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force for the successful trials.

The New Indian Express

Third Scorpene class submarine delivered to Indian Navy

 

The Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) on Monday delivered the third Scorpene-class submarine to the navy after two years of sea trials. The submarine was launched in January 2018 for sea trials and will be commissioned as INS Karanj, said a naval officer.

MDL chairman and managing director Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad (retired) and Rear Admiral B Sivakumar, Western Naval Command’s chief of staff officer (technical), signed the acceptance document.

INS Karanj is India’s third of the six Scorpene-class submarines with superior stealth and combat capabilities. The diesel-electric attack submarine has been built under MDL’s Project-75 in collaboration with a French firm.

The first such submarine INS Kalvari was launched in October 2015 and commissioned in December 2017, five years behind the schedule. The second, INS Khanderi, was launched in January 2017 for sea trials and commissioned in September 2019. INS Vela was launched in May 2019 and is undergoing sea trials. INS Vagir was launched in November 2020 and is also undergoing sea trials. The sixth submarine INS Vagsheer is at the stage of outfitting.

Scorpene submarines can undertake multifarious missions like anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare as well as intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance, etc.

They are designed to operate in all theatres, with means provided to ensure interoperability.

The state-of-the-art technology utilised for the construction of Scorpene class submarines has ensured superior stealth features such as advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimized shape, and the ability to launch an attack on the enemy using precision-guided weapons. The attack can be mounted with both torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles, at the same time as underwater or on the surface.

The stealth of this strong platform is enhanced by the special attention given to various signatures. These stealth features give it invulnerability, unmatched by most submarines.

“Two SSK submarines built by MDL in 1992 and 1994 are still in service after more than 25 years, a clear testimony of MDL’s quality of construction. MDL has also achieved expertise in submarine refits by successfully executing the medium Refit-cum-Upgradation of all the four SSK class submarines of the Indian Navy. It is presently carrying out the Medium Refit and Life Certification of INS Shishumar, the first SSK submarine,” said an MDL statement.

“MDL has always been at the forefront of the nation’s progressive indigenous warship building programme. With the construction of the Leander and Godavari class frigates, Khukri class Corvettes, Missile Boats, Delhi and Kolkata class destroyers, Shivalik class Stealth Frigates, the SSK submarines and the Scorpene submarine under its belt, the history of modern day MDL almost maps the history of indigenous warship building in India.”

Hindustantimes

'LAC disengagement in India’s favour, China will vacate most prickly parts'

 

Once concluded, the disengagement at Pangong Tso will work well for India as it means vacation of the most prickly part of Chinese intrusions along the Line of Actual Control that defied resolution during the long military stand off since May last year.

Top government sources said concerns that India was giving up hard-won tactical gains of control of the heights along the south bank of the lake were misplaced as the Chinese were now removing the considerable infrastructure, including a helipad, they had set up in the ‘Finger’ area.

The Indian positions on the strategic heights on the south bank had nullified the Chinese positions and were a key factor in the PLA agreeing to withdraw from the area.

In the past, the Chinese side had called on Indian forces to wind down its presence before reciprocating while now the disengagement is graded and mutual.

The Indian presence on heights is clearly a change in status quo that would need to be wound down as part of any agreed withdrawal. It was being ensured that PLA troops are well east of Finger 8, sources said. The decision not to have any patrolling in the Finger areas under discussion was being incorrectly read as ceding of Indian rights, the sources said.

The measure was temporary and it was important to note that a future agreement would be concluded by military and foreign ministry officials to their satisfaction. It was pointed out that while Indian patrols did go till Finger 8, this had become more contentious with run-ins with Chinese troops since the Kargil war when PLA, taking advantage of India’s preoccupation with Pakistan’s aggression, fortified its positions by building a motorable road.

The next round of military talks will see a discussion on Patrolling Point 17 and the Gogra-Hot Springs areas where the number of troops involved is less and where Indian soldiers have taken positions that will be seen as “intrusions” by the Chinese.

A bigger discussion awaits on the Depsang Plains where Indian patrols are being obstructed. The argument that no relaxation should have been permitted at Pangong without Depsang being resolved failed to see the cruciality of the PLA getting out of the Finger area.

Economictimes

First test of air-to-air missile Astra Mk II likely on February 18

 

India’s latest Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile Astra Mk II is all set to move out of the drawing board as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is likely to conduct its first developmental trial this week.

Defence sources said the indigenously developed missile will be flight tested from a ground launcher being set up at launching complex III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) off Odisha coast on Thursday.  The initial trials of the successor of Astra Mk I will be to test the weapon system’s ballistic performance. Once the safe release of the missile from the ground launcher and its propulsion and navigation are validated, it would be test fired from a fighter aircraft.

A team of defence scientists and technical officers are camping at the test facility for the much awaited mission of the year. “The test window is from February 18 to 20. The missile has already been integrated with the launcher and the final check-ups are on. If everything goes as per plan, the missile will be fired on the first date,” sources said. The go ahead for Astra Mk II came nearly seven months after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of Astra Mk I for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy. 

While the previous version of Astra missile has a range of about 110 km, its advanced variant can strike targets 160 km away. Equipped with improved jammer resistance and dual pulse motor having thrust vector control, the Astra Mk II is latest among the air-to-air missiles of its class. The DRDO has developed an indigenous seeker to improve the performance of the missile and replace the Russian radio frequency seeker used in the Astra Mk I. 

Sources said the missile will be powered by Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR), which will enhance its performance and increase the strike range.Procurement of Astra Mk I for the IAF was approved after it completed ground tests and air trial from a Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft. Process is on to integrate the missile with the Made in India Tejas fighter jet. 

Meanwhile, prior to the Mk II test, the DRDO has decided to evacuate people residing within two km radius of the ITR as a safety measure. As many as 8,000 people from at least seven hamlets will be shifted to temporary shelters ahead of the test. 

Balasore district administration has been asked to make arrangements and complete the evacuation of villagers before 8 am on the scheduled date. The people shifted for the mission will be compensated as per Ministry of Defence (MoD) norms.

newindianexpress

Will India Dare To Buy Russian T-14 Armata Tanks With Mounting US Pressure?

 

The Armata Tank, a mean fighting machine, was unveiled for the very first time in 2015, at Moscow. The Defense Ministry of Russia is slated to purchase around 100 Armata Tank T-14s by 2020. The Armata Tank boasts of a highly computer integrated equipment, an un-manned turret and an independent armour capsule; making it an effective combat vehicle.

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat started his six-day visit to Russia recently in what is being seen as an attempt to enhance India-Russia defence bilateral relations. The visit coincides with a bilateral annual summit between Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin scheduled for October 5 in New Delhi during which defence deals worth over $10 billion are likely to be signed.

The Indian military delegation led by General Rawat is scheduled to meet the top officials of the Russian Armed Forces. Russia’s T-14 Armata FRCV is likely to figure in the discussions between the two militaries.

“The visit is yet another milestone in giving impetus to the strategic partnership between India and Russia and taking forward the military to military cooperation to the next level,” an Indian defence ministry statement reads.

Besides visiting the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Military Academy, the Headquarters of Western Military District in St. Petersburg and General Staff Academy, the Indian officials will also visit the headquarters of a motorized rifle division in Moscow.

The procurement process for FRCVs was launched by the Indian Army as part of a plan to acquire hundreds of armoured vehicles similar to the Russian T-14 Armata and South Korean K2 Black Panther MBTs. According to the recommended acquisition plan, the FRCVs will be manufactured in India by a private company in partnership with the overseas original equipment manufacturer.

Eurasian times

Safran, HAL consider assembly of Rafale M88 engine in India

 

The French manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines and the Indian aviation company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study the manufacturing of components and the assembly of the M88 engine designed by Safran in India. A transfer of technology is being considered.

That initiative would help power a potential second batch of Dassault Rafale fighter jets ordered for the Indian Air Force, or “any aircraft manufactured in India by HAL fitted with M88.” Indian authorities and their French counterparts are reportedly discussing an arms contract that could include a second batch of 36 Rafales.

Additionally, the agreement includes a partnership between HAL and Safran for the elaboration of the indigenous design of a 110 kN high thrust engine. Such a component could power the future Advance Medium Combat Aircraft [AMCA], a 5th generation fighter-bomber developed by HAL.

“Considering the country’s future requirement of fighter aircraft, this augurs well for self-reliance in the engine domain and also opens up possible opportunities for India to export,” commented Safran.

Indian defence news

Collins Aerospace looking to continue collaboration with HAL on LCA-MK1A

 

Collins Aerospace, a unit of the Raytheon Technologies and one of the world’s largest suppliers of aerospace and defence products, has been involved in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme and is interested in the avionics side of the business especially sensors and display systems, said Sunil Raina, MD, Customer & Account Management. He said the company is looking at expanding its presence in the civil aviation industry.

“In addition, we are also working with LCA for our mechanical, aerostructure and power control equipment on the aircraft. We are able to offer a complete solution on these platforms and have been in multiple discussions with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on these hi-tech products. This is also true for LCA-MK1A,” Mr. Raina told The Hindu.

At the Aero India early this month, HAL was awarded a ?47,000-crore contract for 83 LCA — 73 of them higher capacity LCA-Mk1A variant — with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2024. This takes the LCA jets on order to 123. The indigenous content is about 52% and HAL is looking at ways to increase it to 65%.

Collins serves a substantial customer base in India, including local and international governments, aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and defence contractors, and is betting big on the civil aviation sector too.

Stating that Collins is the largest exporter of aerospace products, Mr. Raina said the Indian team has produced over 235 patents which cover inventions across all strategic business units and disciplines. “We helped India become a major aerospace manufacturing hub — with a thriving ecosystem within the region — by developing suppliers and offering better products and services.”

Mr. Raina said their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) partnership enabled them to become one of the first Indian entities to domestically produce and export an aviation product to the U.S. “In addition, we successfully designed, developed and qualified the power door opening system for the A320neo and Bombardier C-series at our Bengaluru facility.”

At the Aero India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the aero components sector is set to double to ?60,000 crore by 2024.

With over 100 airports at the moment and projections of up to 300 airports in the future according to the government, Collins is actively participating to bid and implement the airport systems in the long term, particularly for contactless passenger processing systems, Mr. Raina said. “Our engineering and manufacturing centres in India have the capability of developing and customising solutions locally to meet customers’ requirements.”

Collins began operations in India in 1997 with a manufacturing facility in Bengaluru and has since expanded its footprint with India Design Center in Hyderabad and the Global Engineering Center in Bengaluru. Today, we have over 5,500 employees throughout four locations in India, and we are looking to expand into a new location in Bengaluru’s new aerospace park, Mr. Raina said.

the hindu

Final production batch of LRSAM Missiles flagged off

 

The final production batch of Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM), designed and developed by DRDO in collaboration with various industry partners and integrated by BDL, was flagged off at DRDL, A P J Abdul Kalam Missile Complex here on Sunday.

The event was held in the presence of G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and DRDO Chairman and Rear Admiral V Rajasekhar,Director, Defence Machine Design Establishment,a Defence release said.

LRSAM has been jointly developed by DRDO and M/s Israel Aerospace Industries to equip the latest ships of the Indian Navy. The LRSAM Missile system can provide point and area defence against various aerial targets including fighter aircraft, subsonic and supersonic cruise missiles, it said.

The Missile is powered by indigenously developed dual- pulse rocket motor and dual control system to impart required manoeuvrability at the terminal phase. The LRSAM system end to end performance has been successfully demonstrated through number of user flight trials from Indian Naval ships and has been successfully productionised and delivered to Indian Navy, it said.

Reddy highlighted the importance of indigenous production efforts and complemented the industries that established the manufacturing facilities and successfully executed production orders in achieving the goal towards ''Make in India''. He also commended the efforts of the Missile System Quality Assurance Agency, DG (NAI) in streamlining production activities at various industries across India, leading to delivery of missiles with aerospace quality standards. Rajasekhar appreciated DRDO for successfully completing the production order and strengthening air defence capability of Indian Navy, the release added.

economictimes

Will India buy T-14 Armata tank from Russia?

 

The Russian new agencies believed that India is ready to sign a contract with Russia for the supply of large quantities of T-14 Armata main battle tanks. Where there is no official statement came from both sides.

According to source, Since Russia’s latest generation T-14 Armata main battle tank (MBT) has received an export license, India is ready to sign a contract with Russia for the supply of the above for the army of this country. We are clearly talking about a multi-billion dollar deal because it had previously appeared information about the Indian Armed Forces’ intention to buy 500 tanks of this kind.

Today, the Indian Army still shows full confidence in Russian armored vehicles, the purchase of state-of-the-art Russian tanks with the ability to withstand a direct hit from a large caliber cannon and an attack. by drone (UAV) is very suitable for Indian army requirements.

It should be recalled that information about the Indian Army wanting to buy 500 T-14 Armata tanks appeared in the press in the country since the middle of last year, but since there was no export version of this MBT. The deal is scheduled to be completed in 2021.

If the deal is successful, 500 T-14 Armata tanks and more than 1,000 T-90S Bhisma and T-90MS of the previous generation will make the Indian Army more deadly.

Currently, India remains one of the largest buyers of modern weapons in Russia, in particular, we are talking about the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system, as well as the possibility of New Delhi buying. a large number of fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighters.

In addition to India, Russia also plans to sell T-14 Armata tanks to media partners such as Algeria, Iran, Belarus … and the apparent interest in these combat vehicles is increasing. all over the world.

defenceview

PM Narendra Modi to dedicate 118 Arjun MK-1A tanks to Army in Chennai

 

The Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday morning revealed that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several key projects and hand over the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) to the Army, at Chennai, Tamil Nadu Today. 

The Prime Minister will hand over the state-of-the-art Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) to the army. The Arjun battle tank has been indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by CVRDE, DRDO along with 15 academic institutions, eight labs and several MSMEs. According to information, 118 Arjun tanks are to join the army. 

The Defence Ministry has approved the induction of all the 118 Arjun tanks, priced at Rs 8400 crore. 

zeenews

Indian Army embarks on a new hunt for carbines

 

The Indian Army has issued a fresh Request for Information (RFI) for a fast-track procurement of 93,895 carbines. This comes five months after the defence ministry revoked the case for procuring a similar number of carbines under the Fast-Track Procedure (FTP).

The RFIs were issued on February 10 to multiple Indian and global manufacturers, including Caracal, Colt, SiG Sauer, Beretta, Thales and Adani Defence. In 2018, UAE gun maker Caracal’s CAR 816 carbine had emerged as the lowest bidder in the FTP initiated by the Indian Army for a new compact weapon to replace its World War 2 vintage 9 mm 1A1 ‘Sterling’ carbine. As before, the army wants the new carbine chambered for the 5.56x45 mm cartridge. At just a single page, the army’s new RFI is far simpler compared to its three-page RFI in 2018. The service aims to procure the weapons within a year of the contract signing. The size of this deal is not yet known, but if one were to make estimation from Caracal’s 2018 bid, then it would likely be upwards of $110 million (over Rs 800 crore).

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, who heads the Defence Procurement Board (DPB), finally pulled the plug on the acquisition last September. The earlier deal was questioned by senior defence ministry officials on two grounds—i) the carbines were costlier than the US-made SiG 716 assault rifles also imported under the FTP last year for over Rs 700 crore; and ii) the defence ministry officials noted that no part of the weapons was being manufactured indigenously. Last September, Caracal had offered to manufacture all the rifles in-country as part of the government’s Make in India initiative. The UAE government-owned arms maker said it would also oversee technology transfer.

Top army officials had also explored options for purchasing a smaller quantity of around 25,000 carbines from the UAE manufacturer, but this idea seems to have been abandoned in favour of a fresh contract.

indiatoday

Tanks to shift 20 km from pullback site

 

Even as a debate is raging about the implications of Indian Army tanks vacating the strategic heights south of the Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh, the ground reality is that these tanks would be located at their home base, less than 20 km from the site being vacated now.

In August 2020, the Army had captured the Rinchen La and Rezang La heights overlooking the Moldo Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The area comes under the Kailash range, and its ridgeline is considered as the alignment of the LAC. In October-November 1962, India and China had fought a pitched battle at the base of Rezang La.

Now as part of the disengagement agreement between India and China, the Indian Army and the PLA will vacate the positions occupied in the past nine months from the south and north bank of the Pangong Tso — a 135-km glacial lake.

Back to Chushul

* Prior to April 2020, Indian tanks were positioned in Chushul, which is less than 20 km from the vacated sites at Rezang La

* With Chushul site being a plateau, redeployment will not be an issue in case of any PLA misadventure

* US welcomes India, China efforts to de-escalate situation in Ladakh

The target is to eventually return to the pre-April 2020 positions. In case of India, tanks were positioned in Chushul before April, sources confirmed to The Tribune. The spot is less than 20 km from the Rezang La heights and since it’s a plateau, redeployment would not be an issue in case of a misadventure by the PLA.

During the pre-April deployment, Ladakh had some four regiments of tanks stationed across the terrain. Each regiment has 46 tanks.

As reported in these columns yesterday, Depsang will be crucial and will be addressed in the next phase. On Friday, the Ministry of Defence issued a statement to counter instances of what it termed as “wrongly understood information”.

“India has not ceded any territory as a result of this agreement,” said the ministry as it detailed the future of the disengagement process. “Outstanding problems (are) to be addressed, including those at Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang. The outstanding issues are to be taken up within 48 hours of the completion of the Pangong Tso disengagement,” it said.

The LAC, as per the Indian perception, is at Finger 8, not at Finger 4 (mountain spurs descending onto the north bank of the Pangong are identified as fingers). “India has persistently maintained the right to patrol up to Finger 8 and has included it in the current understanding with China,” it said.

The Dhan Singh Thapa post at Finger 3 is India’s permanent base while the PLA permanent base is east of Finger 8.

“The assertion that the Indian territory is up to Finger 4 is categorically false. The territory of India as depicted by its map includes more than 43,000 sq km which is under illegal occupation of China since 1962,” the Defence Ministry said.

TheTribune

Indian Army leases 4 Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from Israel as part of its emergency procurement

 

The Indian Army has leased four Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from Israel as part of its emergency procurement programme. The Heron, with the Indian Army for some years, can be particularly effective in intelligence gathering as it is a long-endurance UAV and can be in the air for about 50 hours at a time. 

The lease comes with the defence ministry changing the rules and allowing for the leasing of certain weapon systems. Similarly, the Navy has leased Predator drones from the United States.

The Herons apart, the Army has used its emergency powers to ensure that it has enough ammunition and spares for a two-week war, even if it is on two-fronts, high-level sources said. The emergency powers, given by the government in the wake of the situation in Ladakh, has allowed the army to get necessary spares and ammunition and also, strengthen its anti-tank weaponry and buy much needed anti-aircraft systems.

timesnownews

Indian Navy undertaking mega exercise in Indian Ocean Region

 

The Indian Navy is carrying out a mega war game involving almost all operational assets like warships, submarines and aircraft over a vast geographical expanse in the Indian Ocean Region to test the force's combat readiness in a complex multi-dimensional scenario, officials said on Wednesday,

The biennial 'Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX)' aims to validate the Navy's offensive as well as defence capabilities and safeguard national interests in the maritime domain besides promoting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean, they said.

"Indian Navy's largest war game, the biennial TROPEX 21, which commenced in early January is currently underway with participation of all operational units of Indian Navy including ships, submarines, aircraft as well as units of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard," the Navy said.

It said the exercise will culminate by the third week of February.

The exercise is taking place at a time China has been making increasing forays into the Indian Ocean region as part of its offensive military manoeuvre. "The exercise is being conducted over a vast geographical expanse in the Indian Ocean Region including its adjunct waters and is aimed at testing combat readiness of the Navy in a complex multi-dimensional scenario set in the context of the current geo strategic environment," the Navy said in a statement.

It said the conduct of TROPEX is being overseen by the Naval headquarters with participation from all three commands of the Indian Navy and the tri-services command at Port Blair.

"TROPEX is being progressed over distinct phases that also test the Navy's transition from peacetime to hostilities," the Navy said.

As part of the first phase of the exercise, the Indian Navy along with other stakeholders held a two-day mega drill in January covering the country's 7,516 km coastline and exclusive economic zone.

The 'Sea Vigil' exercise from January 12-13 was billed as India's largest coastal defence drill and it was aimed at validating the coastal defence setup which was revamped after the 26/11 terror attack.

"Valuable lessons emerging from the exercise are being incorporated in the existing procedures to further fine-tune the coastal defence architecture of the country," the Navy said.

"Exercise Sea Vigil was followed by a large-scale tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX-21, which was conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands from January 21-25," it said.

The amphibious exercise was aimed at validating India's capabilities to safeguard the territorial integrity of its island territories and enhance operational synergy and joint warfighting capabilities amongst the three services, the Navy said.

"The weapon workup phase of TROPEX, which concluded recently, witnessed multiple 'on-target' ordnance deliveries including missiles, torpedoes and rockets from frontline warships, aircraft and submarines and demonstrated the lethal firepower of the Indian Navy," the Navy said.

It said the 'weapon workout' phase also reaffirmed the Navy's capability to carry out long range maritime strikes in the Indian Ocean Region, a capability that is central to meeting operational challenges and ensuring safe seas and secure coasts.

ET

Pullback raises hope but India set to keep close eye on China

 

The limited withdrawal of frontline troops by the Indian and Chinese armies from one of the key frictions points on the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh on Wednesday has turned the spotlight on how the broader disengagement plan will unfold in other flashpoints where rival soldiers are deployed eyeball-to-eyeball and where previous attempts to reduce military tensions have failed.

The mutual pulling back of tanks and infantry combat vehicles from heights on the southern bank of Pangong Tso a fortnight after military commanders of the two armies agreed on January 24 to push for early disengagement has raised hopes of a solution to the 10-month military standoff.

This is the first significant movement in negotiations to ease tensions in at least eight months -- disengagement in Galwan valley took place in early July 2020 but it did not progress in other areas.According to officials and experts monitoring the border row, India will keep a wary eye on the developments taking place in the area as the process unfolds.

PATROLLING RIGHTS IN DEPSANG AND FINGER AREA

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aggressive forward deployments in the eastern Ladakh theatre have hindered the Indian Army’s patrolling patterns in several areas including Depsang, Finger Area on the northern bank of Pangong Tso, Gogra and Kongka La.

Regaining access to several areas that are now difficult to reach due to actions by the Chinese army along LAC is critical, experts said.

“On the face of it, the disengagement is a positive step. I think we will have to wait for details of the process, whether it includes all military presence or only heavy equipment and aspects such as future patrolling pattern in vacated areas. It is hoped that this is a part of a more comprehensive agreement covering all areas in Ladakh,” said former Northern Army commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd).

PLA’s deployments in forward areas in Depsang have hindered access of Indian soldiers to routes including the ones leading to Patrolling Points (PP) 10, 11, 11-A, 12 and 13. Also, before PLA grabbed positions on Finger 4, the Indian Army would patrol right up to Finger 8, which New Delhi considers within Indian territory.

The Indian claim line in this sector extends to Finger 8, while the Chinese claim is up to Finger 4. The two are about 8km apart.

China on Wednesday said that frontline troops of the Chinese and Indian armed forces have begun to disengage at the southern and northern banks of Pangong lake in line with the consensus reached at the 9th round of corps commander-level talks on January 24. No withdrawal of troops has taken place in the Finger Area on the northern bank, said one of the people cited above.

India has pushed for comprehensive disengagement at all flashpoints and restoration of status quo ante of early April 2020 during the ongoing military talks with China.

“The 10th round of military talks is expected to be held soon. Aspects related to disengagement will be discussed during the dialogue. Verification will be a critical aspect of the disengagement process, which is likely to take place sector-wise and in phases,” said an Indian official who asked not to be named.

REALITY OR ILLUSION?

Some experts warned that China could not be trusted, and India should be extremely cautious in dealing with the neighbour during the disengagement process.

“They (the Chinese) are masters in creating optical illusion. Their withdrawal from southern heights of Pangong Tso could be a decoy move. They must withdraw to a distance from where swift build up is not possible. De-escalation of the military build-up to a sufficient depth is more critical than disengagement,” said Lieutenant General BS Jaswal (retd), also a former Northern Army commander.

He said the Chinese forces must retreat to such a depth that doesn’t allow them to surprise the Indian Army and reoccupy strategic locations.

“On the one hand, PLA is trying to show that it is withdrawing from the heights on the southern bank. On the other, China is building villages on our borders. It‘s a ploy as those villages house soldiers. These areas will serve as logistics hubs to support future ingress and will minimise troop build-up signatures,” Jaswal added.

India has made all preparations to hold ground in Ladakh for an extended duration. On January 12, Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said that the Indian Army was prepared to hold its ground in eastern Ladakh “for as long as it takes” to achieve national objectives in case the ongoing military and diplomatic talks with China are prolonged.

“Resolving the border row is a priority. But nothing will be done in a hurry,” said a second official on condition of anonymity.

Hindustantimes

French nuclear submarine patrolled in South China Sea

 

A French nuclear-propelled attack submarine and warship patrolled in the South China Sea to underscore freedom of navigation in international waterways, the Armed Forces Ministry said on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. navy had said two U.S. carrier groups conducted joint exercises in the South China Sea, days after a U.S. warship sailed near Chinese-controlled islands in the disputed waters.

The latest French passage is a sign that U.S. allies are increasingly asserting freedom of navigation in international waterways near China.This strategy is based in particular on operational commitments, on a tradition of cooperation with regional states and on defense diplomacy which contributes in particular to support multilateralism, international law and the principle of freedom of navigation," the French Armed Forces ministry said.

China has been infuriated by repeated U.S. sailings near the islands it occupies and controls in the South China Sea, saying it has irrefutable sovereignty and accusing the United States of deliberately stoking tension.

The French Emeraude submarine was supported by a warship as part of an eight-month mission that also includes passages in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said on Twitter it showed the capacity of the French Navy to operate far away and in cooperation with its American, Australian and Japanese allies.

ET