SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering an open tender for its ambitious Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to procure 114 advanced fighter jets. In a significant departure from earlier plans, the IAF is pushing for a high production rate within India, aiming for 24 aircraft per year instead of the previously suggested rate of 10-14 units annually. This proposed increase in production rate could lead to additional costs for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), as a larger-scale manufacturing setup will be necessary to meet the new output requirements.
The IAF’s demand for a higher production rate reflects its urgency to quickly bolster its combat capabilities, addressing current operational demands and strengthening defences across multiple fronts. By accelerating production to 24 jets annually.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
At Swavlamban 2024, Artemon Aerospace unveiled its latest innovation in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with the launch of a multi-role VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAV. This new UAV, designed to deliver versatile and high-performance aerial capabilities, can carry payloads up to 35 kilograms, making it a strong contender in both defense and commercial markets where heavy payload transport and precision operation are crucial.
According to officials from Artemon Aerospace, the UAV has been designed for extended endurance, a standout feature for its size class. This enables it to stay in the air longer than typical VTOL UAVs, enhancing its suitability for a variety of extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Furthermore, its advanced navigation systems allow it to operate effectively in GNSS-denied environments, making it ideal for deployment in remote or GPS-jammed areas. This capability opens up avenues for both defense and intelligence operations, where GPS-denial is a common tactic.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
General Electric Aerospace has attributed the delays in delivering critical components for the F-404 engines, intended for India’s Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, to a South Korean firm involved in the supply chain that closed downed. This revelation comes as a major setback for the Indian Air Force’s modernization plans.
South Korea, which assembles GE’s F404-GE-102 turbofan engines and produces parts under license, has been facing significant challenges. The F404-GE-102 is a variant of the F404 engine that powers the T-50 Golden Eagle, a joint venture between Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
At Swavalamban 2024, Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) presented the innovative Vajra Shot, a lightweight, handheld anti-drone jammer gun, which garnered notable attention from Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Indian Navy event spotlighted the Vajra Shot as a testament to India’s strides in defense technology and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives.
The Vajra Shot, also known as the Vajra Sentinel System, is a handheld anti-drone gun weighing just 3.5 kilograms, designed for easy portability and operation by soldiers in diverse field conditions. Specifically created for use by the Indian Army and Air Force, the Vajra Shot combines a powerful radar system that detects drones from up to four kilometers away with a jamming capability that disrupts a drone’s communication signals, causing it to lose control and crash.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant diplomatic move, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during his recent visit to India, has assured Indian officials that Germany will no longer impose restrictions on the export of small arms and other defense equipment to India. This decision marks a pivotal shift from Germany’s earlier stance, which had seen frequent rejections of export requests, particularly when related to supplies for India’s paramilitary forces such as the Assam Rifles and the Border Security Force (BSF). The easing of export controls signals Germany’s renewed commitment to strengthen defense ties with India, with a focus on supporting India’s security needs in areas challenged by insurgency and cross-border terrorism.
Germany’s previous reluctance to supply small arms stemmed from concerns over the deployment of such weapons in conflict-sensitive areas like Jammu & Kashmir and the North-Eastern states of India, regions that often witness anti-terrorist operations. The former German government, led by Chancellor Angela Merkel, was cautious about the potential use of German-manufactured arms in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations within these territories, resulting in restrictions or outright refusals of export licenses.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
As Israel faces intensified military operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in the West Bank, the demand on its defense systems and supply chains is surging. The Israeli government and its defense industry have turned to India, exploring ways to license their weapon systems for production by Indian companies. This strategic move could ensure steady supplies in challenging times while leveraging India’s manufacturing expertise and cost advantages.
The Israeli defense industry is contending with unprecedented demand as it supports operations on multiple fronts. The ongoing conflict has accelerated weapon usage, creating pressure to maintain stockpiles and secure continuous supplies. While Israel’s advanced domestic defense manufacturing sector has responded rapidly, the volume of equipment required for sustained operations has spurred Israeli defense firms to look abroad for production solutions.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recent encounter in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, has marked a significant shift in the Indian Army’s counter-terrorism strategy. The deployment of heavy armored vehicles, including BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, along with specialized canine units, has proven to be a game-changer in neutralizing a large group of heavily armed Pakistani terrorists.
Traditionally, counter-terrorism operations in India have primarily relied on specialized infantry units. However, the evolving tactics of Pakistani-backed terrorist groups, including ambushes and complex attacks, necessitated a more robust response. The deployment of armored vehicles provided a crucial advantage, offering enhanced protection to troops and enabling them to engage the enemy from a safer distance.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
The Canadian government alleged on Tuesday that Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, a close ally of Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was behind the plots to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.
The Indian government has dismissed Canada’s prior accusations as baseless, denying any involvement. The Washington Post newspaper first reported that Canadian officials alleged Shah was behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists in Canada.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The US State Department has refuted reports claiming Washington is considering ‘expelling’ Indian diplomats amid the strained ties between India and China. During a press briefing on Tuesday (local time), State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said he was unfamiliar with any such report and was not aware of any expulsion of Indian diplomats. “I am not familiar with this report that we expelled Indian diplomats…I’m not aware of any expulsion,” Miller stated.
Earlier this month, India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared “persons of interest” by the Canadian government, in the investigation into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The US also reacted on the case of Vikash Yadav, a former employee of the Indian government, in connection with his alleged role in directing a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Praising the Indian Navy’s efforts towards self-reliance and innovation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it an “innovative Navy,” adding that India has made significant strides in reducing its dependence on imports. While addressing ‘Swavalamban Conference 2024’, Singh said that the Indian Navy’s commitment to innovation and humbleness is clearly visible in the program they are carrying out. “The effort of the Indian Navy is highly praised for your humbleness.
I have praised the Indian Navy on many occasions and on many stages. From my point of view, the Indian Navy is in a way an innovative Navy. Your commitment to innovation and humbleness is clearly visible in the program you are carrying out,” he said. He also congratulated the stakeholders participating in the event and the winners of the various competitions. “The theme of this event is strength and power through innovation and indigenization.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Exposing Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government’s vindictive campaign against India yet again, two senior officials in Ottawa have admitted that they leaked the so-called ‘intelligence” on India to the American media, much before it was revealed at home.
Nathalie Drouin, Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor, and David Morrison, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, disclosed the leaks to The Washington Post before the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) publicly accused India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other incidents in Canada.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture of celebrating Diwali with troops in forward areas, the top defence brass of the country is also celebrating the festival with troops in different locations across the country. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan is celebrating Diwali with troops deployed in the Andaman and Nicobar Command in Port Blair and took part in festivities there. Indian Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi will be celebrating Diwali with troops in Arunachal Pradesh and has already reached there with the Defence Minister.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi is celebrating the festival with naval troops at Porbandar in Gujarat which sees a lot of action related to nefarious activities from the Pakistan side and smuggling of contraband. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh would be celebrating the festival with troops in the Jammu and Kashmir sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Hindu’s in Canada are aggrieved after Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre had chosen to cancel the 2024 Diwali celebrations. The Hindu Forum on Canda says that the move sends a clear message of exclusion to the community. “A move that sends a clear message of exclusion to a community deeply woven into Canada’s cultural fabric. Diwali, a festival symbolizing light and unity, is celebrated worldwide, with leaders like U.S. President Biden and astronaut Sunita Williams honoring it with great respect.
Yet, CPC leader Pierre Poilievre has shown a concerning disregard for Canadian Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. This decision is a politically motivated act of appeasement that dismisses a significant, vibrant part of Canadian society,” a statement from the Hindu Forum said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has embarked on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with Indian Army personnel stationed in Tawang, a strategic border region along the India-China border. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is also accompanying him.
During the visit, Singh will meet and interact with soldiers and officers, honouring their service and dedication to the nation. Ahead of his departure, the Defence Minister shared a post on X, saying, “Leaving New Delhi for Tawang on a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Looking forward to interacting with Armed Forces personnel and attending the inaugural ceremony of a museum dedicated to brave Army officer Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A suspected terrorist associate was arrested and 10 live grenades were seized from him in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Tuesday, police said. Based on inputs about an imminent terror attack in Pulwama town, security forces laid a checkpoint at Circular Road in the south Kashmir district, a police official said.
During checking, a person identified as Danish Bashir, a resident of the district’s Dangerpora area travelling on his two-wheeler, was asked to stop, the official said.
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