SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The induction of INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), has significantly enhanced the country’s nuclear triad. However, naval officials, speaking anonymously to idrw.org, have cautioned that India has yet to establish continuous at-sea deterrence, a strategic capability that ensures at least one SSBN is always on patrol, ready to launch a retaliatory nuclear strike.
The commissioning of INS Aridhaman, the third SSBN in the Arihant class, is expected to be a pivotal moment for India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. This submarine, with a 1000-ton additional displacement and codenamed S4, is scheduled to join the Navy in 2025. Aridhaman will allow India to achieve continuous at-sea deterrence, a coveted capability that requires at least one SSBN to be on patrol at all times.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development aimed at enhancing the Indian Army’s capabilities, the military is currently engaged in discussions with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop a new UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM) V3. The proposed missile, designed to be mounted on Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), promises to provide infantry units with a potent weapon system for assaulting enemy positions.
The ULPGM V3, a successor to the already inducted ULPGM V1, is expected to offer a significantly increased range compared to its predecessor. While the V1 boasts a range of 4 kilometres, the V3 is likely to have a range of nearly 12 kilometres. This extended range will enable the missile to strike targets at a greater distance, enhancing the safety of troops.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a leading manufacturer of armored vehicles in India, has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the design and development of a 400-horsepower (HP) power pack for the BMP II tracked vehicle. This upgrade aims to significantly enhance the performance and capabilities of the BMP II, a widely used infantry fighting vehicle in the Indian Army.
The current power plant in the BMP II is a diesel UTD-20/3 engine, which produces 285 HP. The new 400 HP power pack will provide a substantial increase in power, enabling the BMP II to achieve higher speeds, improved acceleration, and better maneuverability across various terrains.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India is close to finalizing a major defense deal with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. These jets are intended to operate from India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant. While the exact price of the deal has not been officially disclosed, media reports suggest that the pricing will be based on the Rafale jets previously procured for the Indian Air Force (IAF), adjusted for inflation.
In 2016, India signed a deal with France’s Dassault Aviation for 36 Rafale fighter jets for the IAF. The contracted price for those jets averaged out to €91.7 million (Rs 686 crore) per aircraft. This included 28 single-seat fighters priced at €91.07 million (Rs 681 crore) each and eight twin-seat fighters priced at €94 million (Rs 703 crore) per aircraft. The total cost of this deal amounted to €3.3 billion for the 36 “bare-bones” aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, is set to establish a manufacturing facility in Casablanca, Morocco. This facility will focus on producing the highly successful WhAP 8×8 armored vehicle, with an annual production capacity of 100 units.
Morocco has already placed orders for 150 units of the WhAP 8×8, demonstrating its confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities. However, the establishment of the production facility in Morocco serves a broader strategic purpose. It aims to serve as an entry point for Tata to export the Made in Morocco WhAP 8×8 to other African markets. This move aligns with Tata’s vision of expanding its global footprint and contributing to the growth of local defense industries.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
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MKU, Asia’s largest manufacturer and exporter of armored solutions, has announced plans to establish new manufacturing units in Saudi Arabia and Brazil. This strategic expansion comes in response to the increasing global demand for its high-quality bulletproof jackets and composite helmets.
As the primary supplier to the Indian Armed Forces, Police, and other Special Forces, MKU has a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge protective equipment. The company’s decision to set up manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia and Brazil reflects its commitment to catering to the growing needs of these markets.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Scandron Pvt. Ltd., a leading player in the drone technology space, has emerged victorious at the prestigious HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2, securing the first place in the High-Altitude Logistics category. Held at the Wari La Pass in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the event showcased the latest innovations in drone technology specifically tailored for challenging High-Altitude Areas (HAA).
Organized by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 provided a platform for drone manufacturers and developers to demonstrate their capabilities in navigating the demanding conditions of high-altitude terrains.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over the first AL-31FP Aero Engine, manufactured under the 240 engine contract, to the Indian Air Force at Koraput in Odisha.
The contract for 240 AL-31FP Aero Engines for Su-30MKI aircraft was signed on September nine, Bengaluru-headquartered HAL noted in a statement on Tuesday, adding, these engines would be delivered in eight years.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Amid the dragging standoff between Indian and Chinese militaries in the region, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi said on Tuesday that the situation along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh is stable but not normal and remains sensitive.
Gen Dwivedi said though a “positive signalling” is coming out from the diplomatic talks between the two sides, the execution of any plan depends on the military commanders on the ground. In the entire gamut, the “trust” has become the “biggest casualty”, he said at a curtain raiser event on Chanakya Defence Dialogue.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday called on French President Emmanuel Macron and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings.
He also met the Armed Forces Minister of France and discussed enhancing bilateral defence relations and advancing space collaboration, as well as the “evolving” global situation. “NSA Ajit Doval calls on French President HE @EmmanuelMacron. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s greetings. Reiterated commitment to implement the India-France Horizon 2047 roadmap,” the Indian embassy in France said in a post on X.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his US counterpart Antony Blinken met in Washington DC and discussed working together to address regional and global challenges. Mr Jaishankar — on his first visit to the US capital since the third Modi government took office — met Blinken on Tuesday at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the US State Department.
Blinken said after the meeting, “Together, the US and India are working to address regional and global challenges. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and I met to discuss our continued cooperation on the climate crisis and ways we can promote regional security and prosperity.”
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the tensions between India and China will continue until there are forward deployments of militaries on the border. He noted that China violated agreements on how to keep the border peaceful and tranquil in 2020.
He made these remarks at an event hosted by Carnegie Endowment in the US. India and China have been in a territorial face-off since 2020 after the Chinese Army transgressed into multiple areas from the Galwan Valley to the Finger area along the Pangong Lake.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that arch foe Iran would pay for its missile attack against Israel on Tuesday, while Tehran said any retaliation would be met with “vast destruction”, raising fears of a wider war.
As Washington expressed full backing for its longtime ally Israel, Iran’s armed forces said direct intervention by Israel’s supporters against Tehran would provoke a “strong attack” from Iran on their “bases and interests” in the region.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, opened up on India’s position in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and said that New Delhi is playing its role in the resolution of the conflict by assisting in communication between the two sides. The Foreign Minister, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits, emphasised that there are not many leaders who can visit both Russia and Ukraine and hold talks with their leaders.
PM Modi visited Russia in July and Ukraine in August this year. He was speaking at an event hosted by the Carnegie Endowment in the United States on Tuesday. “Our public position is we do not believe that…differences or disputes between countries can be settled by war. A second public position is we do not believe that we can actually get from the battlefield a decisive outcome.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on the Congress party, reviving the “urban naxal” accusation and saying that while Congress claims it will restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (J-K), it has never said that it will reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Addressing a public rally in Haryana’s Palwal, PM Modi alleged that Congress is against the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and has never fully implemented the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir.
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