Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant boost to India’s defense export capabilities, Samtel Avionics System Ltd, based in Uttar Pradesh, has signed a contract with the Malaysian Air Force to equip its fleet of Sukhoi-30MKM fighter jets with Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and Head-Up Displays (HUD). This contract further strengthens the long-standing defense ties between India and Malaysia, while highlighting India’s growing role as a global defense technology provider.
The Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) being supplied by Samtel Avionics will enhance the capabilities of the Sukhoi-30MKM fighter jets by providing pilots with better situational awareness and a more intuitive interface to manage flight data and combat systems. Available in sizes of 5″x5″, 6″x6″, and 5″x4″, these MFDs will provide the Malaysian Air Force with advanced avionics that will modernize and extend the operational life of its Su-30MKM aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army’s Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) for the Zorawar Light Tank has sparked interest, especially in comparison to China’s Type 15 Light Tank, which weighs around 35 tons. Both tanks are intended for high-altitude operations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and other challenging terrains. However, the Indian Army has intentionally kept the Zorawar’s weight around 25 tons, significantly lighter than its Chinese counterpart. This decision was guided by several critical operational requirements that go beyond the conventional focus on firepower and armour.
According to a senior Indian Army officer closely involved with the project, four key factors influenced the Zorawar’s design specifications: airlifting capabilities for high altitudes, amphibious capability, power-to-weight ratio, and nominal ground pressure. These features are essential for operations in the rugged and varied terrain where the Zorawar is expected to be deployed, including the Himalayan borders near the LAC and the Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh area between India and Pakistan.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is actively exploring engine options for its HLFT-42, a next-generation supersonic lead-in fighter trainer jet. The HLFT-42 is being developed to serve as an advanced training platform for pilots transitioning to India’s upcoming Tejas Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), preparing them for operating 4.5 and 5th generation fighter jets. With a maximum takeoff weight of 16.5 tons, the HLFT-42 is only one ton lighter than the Tejas Mk2, making engine selection crucial for ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency.
Initially, the General Electric F414 engine, which powers the Tejas Mk2, was considered a strong candidate for the HLFT-42. However, according to HAL officials, the company is not keen on using the same engine for the new trainer jet. Speaking to idrw.org at Aero India 2023, HAL representatives confirmed their preference for a more powerful engine that could deliver the thrust needed for supersonic training and combat readiness without compromising cost-effectiveness.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
An Indian Army Task Force from the Corps of Engineers has been deployed to assist in the recovery of an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) that was submerged in the floodwaters of the Lakhandei river in Muzaffarpur District, Bihar.
The Task Force, equipped with specialized equipment and expertise in construction and engineering, has been instrumental in paving the way to the site and constructing working platforms for the IAF Technical Team. These platforms provide a stable and secure environment for the technical personnel to safely access and recover the helicopter.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a significant step towards bolstering self-reliance by issuing a Project Sanction Order to two Indian firms for the indigenous design and development of a Lightning Detection System.
Air Vice Marshal Jitender Singh Sihmar, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Meteorology), announced the project under the Make-II category, which aims to promote domestic defense manufacturing.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India and Russia have taken a significant step towards strengthening their cooperation in the Northern Sea Route (NSR) with the first meeting of the India-Russia working group on NSR cooperation. The meeting, held last week, focused on setting targets for Indian-Russian cargo transit, training Indian sailors for polar navigation, and developing joint projects in Arctic shipbuilding.
Rosatom, the Russian state corporation responsible for nuclear energy, announced that the working group also drafted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Russia for the development of cooperation in cargo shipping through the NSR. This MoU will serve as a framework for expanding bilateral collaboration in this area.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize its human resource management. The service is developing an AI-based system that will optimize the process of transferring officers to various units and establishments, aiming to enhance transparency, reduce manual work, and minimize subjectivity.
Currently, the IAF’s officer posting process is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task that involves extensive manual work, data analysis, and coordination. The system is burdened by high costs due to manpower utilization on administrative tasks, human bias, and errors.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
The National Investigation Agency has told the Supreme Court that Canada-based operatives of banned terror outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) masterminded the murder of a teacher, a Shaurya Chakra awardee, in Punjab in 2020. The development comes at a time when ties between Canada and India have hit rock bottom over the murder investigation of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The agency told the Supreme Court that Sukhmeet Pal Singh alias Sukh Bhikariwal, Sunny Toronto (a Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) operative based in Canada) and Lakhveer Singh alias Rode (nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindrawala and head of terror outfit International Sikh Youth Federation and Khalistan Liberation Force) instructed and tasked the accused to commit the crime.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indirectly sneered at India during his opening speech at the 23rd meeting of the Head of Governments of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) held here on Wednesday.
Without naming India, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif spoke about the importance of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) and advised New Delhi to stop looking at the partnership between Pakistan and China with regard to CPEC and CPEC-2 through a political prism. “Pakistan-China economic partnership in CPEC and CPEC-2 holds massive regional importance and should not be looked at through the lens of political prism,” said PM Shehbaz Sharif during his opening speech at SCO meeting in Islamabad.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
A day after the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Keir Starmer, his counterpart from the United Kingdom, the UK Foreign Office on Wednesday stated that the Indian government’s cooperation with Canada’s legal process is the “right next step”.
“We are in contact with our Canadian partners about the serious developments outlined in the independent investigations in Canada. The UK has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system. Respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential,” said a spokesperson of the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
India on Wednesday used the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Pakistan to reiterate its demand for urgent reforms in the UN Security Council so that it could keep pace with the changing world order.
Addressing the meeting in Islamabad, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said there was a strong case for “reformed multilateralism” and the SCO must take the lead in advocating such change without holding back a matter of such importance.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Representatives of a Gurdwara in British Columbia whose president was shot dead in 2023 and the Sikh separatist group he was involved in have said that their communities will not feel safe until Indian consulates in Vancouver and Toronto are closed, CBC News reported. The demand from the Gurdwara representatives comes after the expulsion of six Indian diplomats by the Canadian government, including the high commissioner.
Furthermore, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) claimed on Monday that it had evidence of their alleged involvement in crimes, including homicide and extortion, targeting the so-called Khalistan independence movement. Earlier, the Canadian government said it had credible intelligence of the Indian government’s connection to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside Gurdwara in Surrey in June 2023.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday termed cross-border terrorism, extremism and separatism as the “three evils” that hinder trade trade and travel as well as people to people relations between countries. Addressing the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation (Organisation) Council of Heads of Government, Jaishankar took a veiled jibe at Pakistan to state that if activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are “hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel.
Further in an indication towards China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Jaishankar, called out the “unilateral” connectivity moves in the region while stressing that “cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality.” Jaishankar noted that globalisation and rebalancing are realities that cannot be denied. “We all realize that the world is moving towards multi-polarity.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday hoped the the new government led by Omar Abdullah will pass a resolution to condemn the decision taken by the Central government on August 5, 2019, which was not accepted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a “very auspicious day” as people of Jammu and Kashmir have got their government after several years, Mehbooba Mufti said at the swearing-in-ceremony of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at SKICC Srinagar.
“We hope that the government will pass a resolution condemning the decision taken on August 5, 2019 by the Centre like abrogating Article 370, bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not accept those decisions,” she said.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended wishes to National Security Guard (NSG) personnel on NSG Raising Day and commended them for their unwavering dedication and bravery in protecting the nation. “On the occasion of NSG Raising Day, India salutes all NSG personnel for their unwavering dedication, courage and determination in safeguarding our nation. Their commitment to protecting our nation against threats is admirable. They embody valour and professionalism,” posted PM Modi on X.
Home Minister Amit Shah also took to his official handle on X and greeted NSG personnel and their families on NSG Raising Day. “On NSG’s Raising Day, I extend my warm wishes to our @nsgblackcatspersonnel and their families. Living up to the motto of ‘Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha’, the NSG has consistently fortified national security with remarkable expertise in rapid response, tactical surprise, stealth operations, and flawless accuracy. Salute to the bravehearts of the NSG who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty,” posted Shah on X.
Continue reading