Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking towards unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for its future deep penetration strike capabilities, according to an anonymous IAF official speaking to idrw.org. This shift comes as the IAF plans to retire its fleet of Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft starting in 2028, with complete retirement by 2035.
The Jaguar, known for its low-level, supersonic flight capabilities and ability to evade radar detection, has been a mainstay in the IAF’s deep strike missions. Jaguar pilots are trained for complex sorties aimed at neutralizing strategic enemy installations deep within hostile territory.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In June 2024, Qatar offered to sell 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This potential deal has sparked discussions within the IAF, particularly as the force looks to address the retirement of its MiG fighters and bolster its combat capabilities.
The Qatari Mirage 2000-5s, upgraded to meet modern standards, could potentially complement the two existing Mirage 2000 squadrons currently in service with the IAF. These jets, however, are no longer in production, making used options like this one attractive.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is set to bolster its strategic capabilities with the deployment of Pralay ballistic missiles starting in 2026. These missiles, capable of striking targets at a range of 150 to 500 kilometres, are designed to counter threats from India’s northern borders.
The Pralay missile, a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile, has been developed with advanced technology to evade interception by enemy interceptor missiles. Its unique design and trajectory make it a formidable weapon system.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India on Tuesday finalized a major defense acquisition with the United States, signing a deal to procure 31 Predator MQ-9B drones from American defense giant General Atomics under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. The deal, valued at nearly USD 4 billion, aims to bolster India’s military capabilities, particularly along its contested borders with China. The MQ-9B drones, known for their long endurance and precision strike capabilities, are expected to provide critical surveillance and strike options to the Indian military.
However, the announcement sparked debate among Indian defense analysts and industry observers. Many questioned why India opted for these high-cost American drones when it has been working on its indigenous UAV programs like the Archer-NG Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone and the High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV. Concerns were raised over the suspension of the Archer-NG program, which was being developed at a much lower cost, compared to the hefty price tag of approximately $100 million per unit for the MQ-9B drones.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
According to reports from African media outlets, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s air force (FAC) is making a determined effort to modernize its fleet of military aircraft, and India has emerged as a key partner in this process. In a significant development in August, a high-profile delegation from the FAC visited New Delhi to discuss the potential acquisition of the Tejas Mk1 multi-role aircraft from India. This visit is seen as a pivotal step in DR Congo’s initiative to replace its ageing fleet, particularly the Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot aircraft, with more modern and versatile platforms.
The FAC, like many air forces in Africa, operates a fleet of older Soviet-origin aircraft that have become increasingly difficult to maintain and upgrade due to a lack of spare parts and modern avionics. The Su-25 Frogfoot, a rugged ground-attack aircraft used in combat by the DR Congo, has been in service for decades but is showing signs of wear and obsolescence. To bolster its air force and improve operational readiness, the Congolese government is actively seeking a suitable replacement.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand has undergone several modifications in its exhaust placement over the years, reflecting the aircraft’s evolving design to meet operational requirements and enhance performance.
As India’s first indigenous attack helicopter, the LCH is designed for high-altitude warfare, with a focus on providing support in mountainous terrains like the Himalayas. One of the significant design changes has been in the positioning of the helicopter’s exhaust system, crucial for managing heat signatures and improving survivability in combat.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) and Sarla Aviation have joined forces to explore innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions. This partnership marks a significant step towards the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions in Karnataka.
The collaboration aims to pioneer new operational models for 7-seater eVTOL aircraft, revolutionizing the reach and accessibility of air travel. By combining BLR Airport’s expertise in aviation infrastructure and Sarla Aviation’s focus on urban mobility, the partnership seeks to create a cleaner and faster future where advanced mobility is a reality.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Amid diplomatic row between India and Canada over Ottawa providing space to violent extremists and “evidence” on Nijjar assasination probe, a top US policy expert has taken a dig at the Trudeau government, saying that the Canadian crisis seems to arise whenever Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gets into political trouble and looking at “Canadian evidence and their accusations, we were in JFK conspiracy territory”. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum, said India got to stand up for itself and the problem with Canada’s accusations is the same as it was more than a year ago. “India has got to stand up for itself.
The problem with Canada’s accusations today is the same as they were more than a year ago. They’re alighting a lot of the evidence. It seems to be that the Canadian crisis seems to arise whenever Justin Trudeau gets into political trouble. He’s now polling ten per cent behind the opposition leader,” Rubin told ANI. “When you look at the evidence that the Canadians are citing, there’s not a lot of there and for me as an American, when I read the Canadian evidence and their accusations, we were in JFK conspiracy territory.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Pakistan People’s Party Chairman and former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday pitched for bilateral talks with India. In a conversation with ARY News, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that both India and Pakistan should hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). “Why be so rigid, both countries must think about having a bilateral talk on the sidelines of the Shanghai Commission Organisation (SCO) Summit. A conversation is necessary, whether today or tomorrow.
Even if it is not in the context of the SCO, both countries have to resume bilateral talks sooner or later,” Bhutto said while speaking at ARY News. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has arrived in Pakistan to attend the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India is not cooperating with Canada on the latter’s investigation into the killing of a Sikh separatist last year, the United States alleged Tuesday. “When it comes to the Canadian matter, we have made clear that the allegations are extremely serious and they need to be taken seriously. We wanted to see the government of India cooperate with Canada in its investigation. Obviously, they have not chosen that path,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a day earlier alleged that officials of the Indian government were involved in the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last June in Surrey.
“The RCMP has clear and compelling evidence that agents of the Government of India have engaged in, and continue to engage in, activities that pose a significant threat to public safety. This includes clandestine information gathering techniques, coercive behaviour targeting South Asian Canadians, and involvement in over a dozen threatening and violent acts, including murder. This is unacceptable,” Trudeau alleged.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India has stated it is taking seriously the allegations of a plot to kill an American citizen, the United States on Tuesday said as a team of visiting Indian officials had a meeting with the officials of the State Department and Department of Justice here.
“I don’t have a readout on the meeting yet. The meeting was here as a follow-up on conversations we have been having with the Government of India at the senior-most levels over the past several months,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Kunal Saini, a 21-year-old student from Hoshiarpur, feels his dream of studying in Canada is shattered. Hoshiarpur’s Arvind Sharma, whose son is a permanent resident status there, fears that it will be difficult for him to secure a visa to visit the North American country to meet him.
With the frosty ties between India and Canada sinking to a fresh low, students in Punjab who aspire to study in Canada and also the families of those who are living in the North American country are worried about the uncertainties associated with the development.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The escalation in the diplomatic row between India and Canada will not have an impact on the bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries, government sources told PTI on Tuesday.
They also said that the bilateral trade value is not significant and Canadian funds route their investments through Singapore, the UAE and the US. “India is a preferred investment destination,” they said. Canada is India’s one of the primary sources of lentils and now that can come from Australia, they said, adding that Indian students and professionals would also have huge opportunities in different countries.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed his happiness after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan for the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government and hoped that both countries will start a new chapter for peace. “I am happy that the ice has broken with all our differences with Pakistan…I hope that both countries will start a new chapter for peace.
I hope that good things will happen and that EAM S Jaishankar will remember Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s words that friends can be changed neighbours cannot be changed…I hope he carries that message with him. Pakistan and India are one country before it was divided…Trade rather than going through Dubai will go directly through the Wagah border…A new chapter of friendship will start as much hatred has existed in the past.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Singapore Armed Forces on Tuesday scrambled two fighter jets to escort an Air India Express plane away from populated areas following a bomb threat before the aircraft landed safely at Singapore’s Changi airport.
The Air India Express plane operating flight IX 684 from Madurai to Singapore had received a bomb threat. Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said Air India Express received an email that there was a bomb on board flight AXB684 that was bound for Singapore.
Continue reading