Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, is planning to procure Aerial Engineer Recce Equipment (AERE) to provide real-time terrain data for various engineering tasks. The AERE will be utilized for bridge construction, operational track construction, minefield breaching, anti-tank obstacle laying, bridge demolition/denial, avalanche prone slope management, and helipad/FARRP construction.
Each AERE system will consist of three fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. It will also include three LIDAR sensors, three photogrammetric optical zoom cameras, three color day and night video cameras with thermal sensors, one airborne data relay sensor, three Man Portable Ground Control Stations (MPGCS), and three Remote Video Terminals (RVT).
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Sagar Defence Engineering, a leading Indian defense company, has achieved a significant milestone with the granting of a patent for its innovative Self-Learning Command & Control Module for Navigation (GENISYS) and associated system by the Patent Office, Government of India.
Developed in line with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), GENISYS is set to revolutionize defense strategies by leveraging autonomous technologies. This cutting-edge module empowers military forces to adapt to complex and evolving challenges, enabling swift responses in critical situations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In 2015, then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar issued a stark warning regarding the escalating costs of procuring the Rafale fighter jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. For over three years, Dassault had been negotiating with India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to sell the Indian Air Force (IAF) 126 Rafale fighters, but the talks had reached a standstill, mainly due to the high cost of the aircraft and concerns about the terms of local production. Parrikar emphasized the need for a cost-effective deal, signaling that India could not afford to ignore the financial burden of the acquisition.
During a press conference, Parrikar made it clear that the IAF needed to consider the financial aspect of its fighter jet procurement, stating, “It is not always… go and purchase it. A cost-effective purchase is also important.” Though he refrained from disclosing the exact costs being negotiated, he raised concerns about the impact on India’s defense budget. “Whether it is Rs 40,000 crore, or Rs 50,000 crore or Rs 1 lakh crore, we are speaking about 50 per cent of the capital budget of the defence services,” he pointed out, underscoring how the Rafale deal could potentially consume half of India’s defense capital budget.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Global Times, a state-run Chinese newspaper, has criticized India’s perception of China as a military rival. Following recent statements by the Indian Air Force chief, the Global Times argued that India should not view China’s military development with suspicion.
Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh had previously stated that India “lags behind” China in military technology and defense production. He expressed concern about China’s growing air combat advantage along the border and called for accelerated development of India’s indigenous defense industry.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Named after a powerful warrior from the Hindu epic Ramayana, Prahasta is more than just a machine; it’s a tactical asset designed to enhance the capabilities of the Indian armed forces. Prahasta’s versatility is unparalleled. Equipped with advanced AI and LIDAR technology, it can navigate complex terrains, identify threats, and engage in combat autonomously. Its quadruped design allows it to traverse rough terrain, making it ideal for operations in diverse environments.
While primarily designed for military applications, Prahasta’s capabilities extend beyond warfare. It can be used for humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and even border security, making it a valuable asset for various government agencies.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Optiemus Unmanned Systems (OUS) has achieved a significant milestone in drone technology by successfully operating its Vajra series drones at an altitude of 19,000 feet at the Umling La pass, the world’s highest motorable road. This achievement underscores OUS’s commitment to developing advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for diverse applications, including military, surveillance, and search and rescue.
The successful trials at Umling La pass highlight the exceptional capabilities of OUS’s Vajra series drones. These drones demonstrated their ability to operate in extreme conditions, withstand high altitudes, and perform complex tasks such as loitering munitions and long-range surveillance. This achievement positions OUS as a leading player in the Indian drone industry.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a key player in India’s defense and electronics sector, has announced the receipt of additional orders valued at over ?500 crores. This development further solidifies BEL’s position as a critical partner in bolstering the nation’s defense and communication infrastructure.
The newly secured orders span a range of defense-related equipment and systems, showcasing BEL’s diverse capabilities. The major orders include:
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
France and India are planning to develop an aeronautics cluster as both countries work on boosting their cooperation in the aerospace sector, French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou said on Monday.
Speaking at the conference organised by the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) in the national capital, he said the partnership between the two countries is not just strategic but universal.
India and France have a long-standing partnership in aerospace, defence and other sectors. In the first half of 2024, he said the exports of French aerospace companies to the country stood at 2.7 billion euros.
According to him, France and India will be developing an aeronautic cluster as well as an Indo-French campus for aeronautics and space.
SOURCE: PTI
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Tuesday highlighted the need for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to realign itself to meet the present and future requirements as the global security environment is in a state of constant flux.
The ongoing conflicts have demonstrated the requirement to have a strong and capable Air Force. Therefore, there is a need for the IAF to be prepared to meet any contingency that challenges our national interest, he noted.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
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The Tribal Development, Revenue, and Horticulture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the frequent flying of drones along the Indo-China border in Kinnaur, a district he represents. Negi suspended the activities in the barren land of the region due to these drone intrusions and has accused central agencies and the Union government of not addressing the issue adequately. He emphasized that merely chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” is not enough; concrete steps must be taken to stop Chinese intrusion in order to truly protect the country.
“In those areas of Himachal Pradesh where the border with China touches, some construction has also been done there, and it seems that spying is being done from the other side, i.e., China, through drones. There are local people, there is ITBP, local intelligence, and the Intelligence Bureau as well. This matter is in everyone’s attention, but the central government is not acting. Drones are frequently spotted there, and security is being compromised. Despite this, no action is being taken by the central agencies. This is a significant concern,” Negi said, questioning why no measures have been implemented by the Union government.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Pakistan on Monday ruled out talks with India on bilateral issues during the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Islamabad to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
India on Friday announced that Jaishankar would lead a delegation to Pakistan to participate in the SCO summit in Islamabad. However, Jaishankar ruled out chances of bilateral talks during his visit to Pakistan. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan will host the 23rd Council of Heads of Government of the SCO member States from October 15 to 16 in Islamabad.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The upper stage of PSLV-37 rocket, which launched a record number of 104 satellites more than seven years ago, has re-entered the earth’s atmosphere as predicted, the Indian Space Research Organisation announced on Tuesday.
PSLV-C37 was launched on February 15, 2017 with Cartosat-2D as the main payload along with another 103 satellites as co-passengers. It created history as the first mission to launch 104 satellites with a single vehicle, the Bengaluru-headquartered national space agency noted in a statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Sri Lanka’s newly-appointed Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Tuesday defended the government’s move to allow a Chinese military training ship to arrive in Colombo, saying the decision falls within the framework of the country’s diplomatic engagements and such visits “pose no threat”.
He was responding to a question on the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy training warship “Po Lang” which arrived at the port of Colombo on Tuesday “as part of an ocean-going voyage aimed at enhancing the professional capabilities of midshipmen and conducting naval exchanges with other countries,” said a statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Police have arrested a man named Parvez who had allegedly helped and harboured 22 Pakistani citizens settle in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka with Hindu names, police sources said on Tuesday.
Recently, four members of a family, who were Pakistani citizens, were arrested at Jigani on Bengaluru outskirts. Following their arrest and interrogation, three more Pakistani citizens were arrested at Peenya here. The sources said their interrogation revealed that a few Pakistanis were living in Davangere district as well and they too had been detained.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Laos this week once again underlines the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries being a significant pillar of India’s Act East policy and key partners of New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific Vision strongly backed by Prime Minister’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
PM Modi will be in Vientiane on October 10-11 to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit at the invitation of his Laos counterpart Sonexay Siphandone, the current chair of ASEAN.
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