SOURCE: AFI

In a humanitarian gesture, the Russian government has begun the process of granting permanent residency (PR) to the family of Tejpal Singh, an Indian national who lost his life fighting for the Russian army in the conflict in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on March 12, 2024. This move acknowledges the sacrifice made by Singh, offering support and a new beginning for his grieving family.

Parminder Kaur, the widow of Tejpal Singh, confirmed that she has already been granted permanent residency. She further stated that the rest of her family, including her children and Tejpal’s parents, will receive their PR status upon arrival in Russia. This development was shared with the media following her recent three-month stay in Moscow, aimed at navigating the bureaucratic processes associated with her husband’s service and death.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been spearheading an ambitious project known as “Project Kusha,” aimed at developing an indigenous long-range air defence system. This initiative could revolutionize not only India’s national security architecture but also position India as a key player in the global defence export market.

Project Kusha, also referred to as Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is designed to create a multi-layered air defence network capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, including stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and even precision-guided munitions. This system is envisioned to operate effectively over distances up to 350 km, with the potential to intercept even high-speed, low-radar cross-section targets.

SOURCE: AFI

India is on the brink of a monumental milestone in its naval capabilities with the nearing completion of INS Varsha, a state-of-the-art underground base designed to house nuclear submarines. Strategically located near the coastal village of Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh, approximately 70 km from the Visakhapatnam naval base, this facility is expected to become operational within the next two years.

The need for a stealthy and secure base for nuclear-powered submarines has long been a strategic priority for India. The second phase of Project Varsha, initially delayed due to forest-land acquisition issues since 2010, received a significant boost in 2018 when the Modi government addressed these challenges and expedited its construction.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent diplomatic engagement, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged Russia to accelerate the delivery of the last two units of the S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems. This move comes as Russia has already completed the supply of the first three regiments, but the delivery of the remaining units has been delayed due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The S-400 Triumf, known by NATO as the SA-21 Growler, stands as one of the most formidable air defense systems globally. This Russian-developed, long-range, road-mobile surface-to-air missile system became operational in 2007 and is often compared to the US Patriot system. Its capabilities extend beyond just engaging aerial threats; it’s also equipped for surface-to-surface operations, offering a versatile strategic asset to any military force.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru: SAAB, the Swedish aerospace and defence giant, has expressed an optimistic outlook on the burgeoning opportunities within India’s defence industry. This sentiment was underscored during the unveiling of the Full Scale Replica (FSR) of its state-of-the-art single-engine Gripen E fighter aircraft at the pre-Aero Show event in Bengaluru. Kent Åke Molin, Head of the Gripen for India Programme, articulated SAAB’s commitment to not just selling aircraft but to fostering a robust technological partnership with India.

Since responding to the Indian government’s Request for Information (RFI) in 2018 for the Indian Air Force’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement, SAAB has been actively positioning itself as a key player. The Gripen E, with its advanced capabilities, is among eight contenders vying for this significant contract, which could redefine India’s air combat strategy.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the construction of two advanced Russian frigates, dubbed as Frigates 9 and 10, will commence at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in India. This development was confirmed by Ilya Samarin, CEO of Russia’s Yantar Shipyard, in a recent interview with RT. The project is slated to conclude by the end of 2027, marking a new chapter in the Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

The initiative to build these frigates in India is part of a broader collaboration between the two nations under the ‘Make in India’ programme, aimed at fostering indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports. The strategic partnership with Russia in naval construction not only enhances India’s maritime capabilities but also exemplifies the deepening of bilateral defence ties.

SOURCE: AFI

As the Indian Navy looks ahead to 2025, it is set to bolster its maritime strength with the induction of the sixth and final Scorpene class submarine and the addition of a new class of stealth ships. This dual enhancement to the naval fleet is part of India’s broader strategic initiatives to fortify its naval presence and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Navy will mark the culmination of the Scorpene project with the commissioning of INS Vagsheer, the sixth and last submarine in this series. Constructed under Project 75 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, the Scorpene submarines have significantly upgraded India’s underwater warfare capabilities. These submarines, known for their advanced stealth features, can undertake various missions including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance.

SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move to bolster its position in the global arms market, India is set to establish a dedicated Export Promotion Council (EPC) for the defence sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the Narendra Modi administration, reflects India’s ambition to significantly expand its defence exports. The goal is to more than double the current export value from ?21,083 crore as recorded at the end of March 2024 to over ?50,000 crore by the year 2029.

The establishment of a separate EPC for defence is a clear indication of India’s intent to streamline and enhance its export capabilities in this sector. The council will focus on identifying and capitalizing on export opportunities, addressing exporter concerns, and refining strategies to attract more international buyers. This initiative comes at a time when global defence manufacturers are increasingly considering India as a viable location to shift their production lines, recognizing the country’s growing manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce.