SOURCE: AFI
he Indian Coast Guard Headquarters (ICG HQ) announced a significant contract signing with M/s Elcome Integrated Systems Pvt. Ltd. The agreement entails the procurement of 28 Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) communication consoles for 28 Maritime Rescue Sub Centres (MRSC) spread across the Indian coastline.
This initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing the Indian Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities within the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR). The GMDSS consoles will provide ICG personnel with a state-of-the-art communication system specifically designed for maritime emergencies.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia has secured a patent for a game-changing weapon: an air-launched attack drone designed to be deployed from the country’s top-of-the-line Su-57 fighter jet. This development signifies a potential leap forward in modern warfare strategies.
Details surrounding the drone remain classified, but leaked patent documents offer a glimpse into its capabilities. The drone is designed to function as a force multiplier for the Su-57, extending its reach and firepower. Some analysts believe it could fulfill a “kamikaze” role, taking on high-risk missions.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A member of the UK’s Royal Navy crew stationed in Chennai for maintenance work caused a public disturbance outside a mall in Royapettah on Sunday. The sailor, identified as J.L. Willis, reportedly became intoxicated and unruly.
According to reports, Willis, along with 24 other crew members, visited the Royapettah mall on Sunday afternoon. However, Willis allegedly became inebriated and created a commotion outside the mall. A video circulating on social media shows him lunging at a biker and attempting to bite him. Thankfully, police officers present at the scene intervened swiftly and separated the two.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Munitions India Limited (MIL), a leading Indian defense manufacturer, has secured a remarkable achievement in the export market. For the financial year 2023-24, MIL successfully exported ammunition and explosives valued at a staggering INR 1,726 Crore (approximately USD 210 million).
This accomplishment signifies a significant milestone for MIL, showcasing their growing capabilities in ammunition and explosives production. It reflects not only the company’s commitment to fulfilling domestic requirements but also its increasing focus on international markets.
Continue readingSOURCE: BLOOMBERG
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg suggested creating an allied fund worth $100 billion over five years for Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on April 2, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the issue.
The news about the proposal comes ahead of NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels on April 3-4 to celebrate the alliance’s 75th anniversary and discuss further assistance for Ukraine, as well as the potential candidates for the Secretary General’s position after the end of Stoltenberg’s term in October.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today said India will definitely get permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council as there is a feeling in the world that it should get the position, but the country will have to work harder this time for it.
He was speaking during an interaction with intellectuals in Gujarat’s Rajkot city and was asked by the audience on India’s chances of becoming the permanent member of the world body. The United Nations was formed around 80 years ago, five nations – China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States – decided among themselves to become permanent members of its security council, Mr Jaishankar said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Five Indian-American lawmakers have asked the United States Department of Justice and the FBI for a briefing on a surge in “hate crimes targeting Hindus” and vandalism of temples in the country this year.
“Attacks at mandirs from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans,” the lawmakers — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera — wrote to Kristen Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
“Leaders from these impacted communities have expressed there are unfortunately ‘no leads’ on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation. Our communities remain concerned about law enforcement coordination regarding these bias-motivated crimes, and they are left wondering if there is appropriate federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law,” they said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said countries should refrain from making political statements on others’ internal affairs, and if a foreign country comments on India’s internal politics, it will get a “very strong reply.” Replying to a question about envoys of the US and Germany as well as a United Nations official commenting on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, he said India had made it clear that it objected to such statements.
He also called China’s action of issuing a list of new names for places in Arunachal Pradesh as “senseless”, and said the northeastern state is and will always be a part of India.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Heaping praise on the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India was able to keep a firm stand during the Russia-Ukraine conflict because there were “clear instructions” from the top leadership.
He said that PM Modi had given clear instructions to keep the interest of Indian consumers in priority despite external pressure against purchasing Russian oil.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a swift operation on March 31st, 2024, Border Security Force (BSF) troops deployed in the Amritsar district apprehended a Pakistani national near the international border.
According to a press release by BSF_Punjab, the incident unfolded around 5:45 pm when vigilant BSF personnel observed suspicious activity close to the border fence near Roranwala village. Reacting promptly, the troops cordoned off the area and successfully apprehended the individual by 6:05 pm.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
While the Indian Navy ultimately chose a different path, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is gearing up for its future aircraft carriers with the KJ-600, a deck-based Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Before the KJ-600’s emergence, the Indian Navy explored the possibility of using the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye for its upcoming Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), envisioned as a 65,000-ton behemoth. Negotiations in the early 2000s involved the potential acquisition of six E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, planned for operation on both the INS Vikramaditya and the IAC.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
India is gearing up to deliver the first batch of BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles to the Philippines by the end of March. This shipment marks a significant milestone in the growing defense partnership between the two nations.
The delivery, originally planned for late 2023, was postponed at the Philippines’ request. This delay allowed for the completion of a new base specifically designed to house the BrahMos missile batteries. The BrahMos Corporation, a joint Indo-Russian venture, will be responsible for sending both the ground equipment and the missiles themselves.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Emmanuel Marios Economou and Nikos K. Kyriazis, academics from the University of Thessaly in Greece, have sparked debate with their recent proposal. They advocate for Greece to acquire the BrahMos cruise missile system, developed jointly by India and Russia, for deployment in the Eastern Aegean islands.
The proposal centers on deterring Turkish ambitions in the Aegean Sea. The article, while not explicitly mentioning Turkey’s claims on the islands, highlights the potential of BrahMos to create a “denial and prohibition of maritime access” for the Turkish navy. The authors see this as a way to counter Turkish expansionist policies like the “Blue Homeland” doctrine and a disputed maritime agreement with Libya.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has provided an update on the 25 kN Hindustan Turbofan Engine (HTFE-25), revealing that two core engines have been produced and are currently undergoing development trials. However, this information remains consistent with reports from the past 3-4 years, raising concerns about the program’s progress.
HAL initially set a target of 2025 for completing the engine’s development. Given the lack of significant advancement, achieving this goal seems unlikely.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Recent satellite imagery reveals the completion of a second military aircraft hangar on Coco Island, a significant development for Myanmar’s military infrastructure. This has reignited speculation about the island’s intended purpose and potential implications for neighboring countries, particularly India.
Last year, India raised serious concerns about Myanmar potentially allowing China to establish monitoring and surveillance facilities on Coco Island. These facilities, India feared, could be used to track Indian missile launches off the Balasore test range in Odisha and strategic assets near Visakhapatnam.
Continue reading