SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
According to a report by The Sunday Guardian, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is experiencing second thoughts regarding the proposed acquisition of 31 units of the MQ-9B Reaper drones, manufactured by General Atomics. The potential deal, which includes control stations, missiles, and auxiliary equipment, is valued at an estimated $30 million per drone. However, recent developments on the global stage, particularly the ease with which Houthi rebels in Yemen have allegedly been able to bring down these drones, are causing alarm in both South Block and North Block, the administrative nerve centers of India’s government.
One of the key factors driving the Indian military’s push for the MQ-9B Reapers was the ongoing tension with China, particularly following the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which highlighted the need for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities along the India-China border. With the ability to carry out both surveillance and strike missions, the MQ-9B seemed like a powerful addition to India’s arsenal. However, the performance of these drones in Yemen has raised critical questions about their viability in high-threat environments.
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AviaTraining Solutions Pvt Ltd has announced strategic partnerships with two leading European gyrocopter manufacturers, Aviation Artur Trendak from Poland and Carpenerie Pagotto from Italy. These collaborations grant AviaTraining Solutions exclusive rights to assemble and manufacture these advanced gyrocopters in India.
The company plans to establish a state-of-the-art assembly line near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This facility will be the first of its kind in India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aerospace industry. The assembly line will not only cater to the domestic market but also position India as a key exporter of gyrocopters to countries across the SAARC region, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Exercise Yudh Abhyas, a joint military exercise between India and the United States, is currently underway from September 9th to 22nd, 2024. One of the key participants in this exercise is the 25th Fighter Squadron, the only A-10C unit within the Pacific Air Forces command that is stationed in India. This squadron, known as the “Assam Draggins,” has a fascinating history that is deeply intertwined with the nation’s past.
Established in 1941 as the 25th Pursuit Squadron, the unit first saw combat over Southeast Asia in 1942. A significant milestone occurred on January 11, 1942, when the squadron embarked on the SS President Coolidge, becoming part of the initial deployment of US forces to leave the United States mainland after the declaration of war. By late March, the 25th Pursuit Squadron had arrived in Karachi, India, and commenced wartime operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
General Atomics, a leading manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has announced its plans to invest in India’s economy and contribute to the country’s drone manufacturing capabilities. As part of this commitment, the company has pledged to source over 30% of the components for its drones from Indian companies.
In addition to local sourcing, General Atomics will also provide expertise and consulting services to assist India in developing its own high-tech drones. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and reduce its reliance on foreign imports.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Suhas Tejaskanda, the CEO of Flying Wedge, has announced that the company has decided to abandon its previous mock-up design for the FWD 200-B bomber in favor of a new liner design. This shift in design is aimed at optimizing the bomber’s goals and weight capacity.
While the earlier design featured four 20-inch propellers, the new design incorporates two 24-inch propellers. This change has the added benefit of increasing landing gear clearance, improving the overall performance and safety of the bomber.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has recently showcased its newly inducted UAV Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), manufactured by Adani Defence. This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
The ULPGM is the first in a series of PGMs specifically designed for drone carriage. With an effective range of 2-6 kilometers and weighing between 5-8.5 kilograms, it boasts a 2-kilogram warhead. This PGM is equipped with IIR seekers and kinetic capabilities, making it a versatile weapon for various tactical missions.
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The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, culminating in the removal of the elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reignited concerns about the country’s expansionist ambitions. Radical Islamist groups, now in power, have openly expressed their desire to establish a “Greater Bangladesh,” a territory that would encompass parts of India’s northeastern region.
While Bangladesh lacks the military might or resources to directly invade India, its sheer population of over 171.2 million – significantly larger than that of the entire northeastern region – poses a significant demographic threat. The proposed “Greater Bangladesh” would include West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFP
The United States, Japan, Australia, and India, collectively known as the Quad, are preparing to launch joint patrols in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative aims to curb illegal fishing and counter China’s growing influence in the area, further cementing the group’s role as a strategic counterweight to Beijing’s increasing military and economic power.
Diplomatic sources indicate that these joint patrols, involving coast guards from all four nations, will be a key component of a joint statement expected at the upcoming Quad summit in the United States. Scheduled for next Saturday, the summit will also focus on improving regional telecommunications infrastructure and new health initiatives, such as joint efforts in cancer research and treatment.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has acknowledged that the Maldives-India ties witnessed rough patches in the initial days of President Mohammad Muizzu-led government but insisted that the two countries have resolved the “misunderstandings”.
Zameer made the remarks on Friday during a visit to Sri Lanka, where he stressed the importance of the Indian Ocean archipelago’s relationships with key allies, particularly China and India. He said that relations with India had faced challenges, particularly following President Muizzu’s campaign to remove a small contingent of Indian troops from the Maldives.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said there were attempts to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, and added that it will be “buried to such a level” in the Union territory that it can never rise again.
Mr Shah, speaking at a public rally in Kishtwar, said the National Conference-Congress alliance will not be able to form the J-K government. “We will bury terrorism to such a level where it will never come out again. Attempts are on to revive terrorism as the National Conference and Congress manifesto talks about releasing terrorists. This is the Modi government and nobody has the power to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mr Shah said addressing an election rally in Padder-Nagseni assembly segment in support of BJP’s candidate and former minister Sunil Sharma here.
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The government’s sustained campaign against Left Wing Extremism (LWE) has led to the menace being restricted to 43 districts as against 200 before 2014, sources said on Sunday.
The sources, on condition of anonymity, said over 700 Maoists have been arrested, surrendered or killed in encounters between January and September this year and exuded confidence that the country will be free from Left Wing Extremism by 2026.
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Former president Donald Trump on Sunday thanked the US Secret Service and other law enforcement officials following an assassination attempt while he was golfing on one of his golf courses in Florida’s West Palm Beach.
The former president remained unharmed in what the FBI said was “an attempted assassination while playing golf two months after another attempt on his life at a Pennsylvania rally.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the ruling JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand of patronising Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration for vote bank politics.
He said infiltrators from the neighbouring country are a major threat to Jharkhand as they are changing the demography of the Santhal Parganas and Kolhan regions of the state.
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The Punjab Police on Sunday said it has arrested the second suspect in the Chandigarh grenade blast incident. Vishal Masih, a resident of village Raimal in Gurdaspur’s Batala, was nabbed from Delhi, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said.Investigation into the incident revealed that US-based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia reneged on promised rewards to two suspects who allegedly carried out the blast.
Two suspects, who came in an auto-rickshaw, had carried out the grenade blast at a house in upscale Sector 10 here on September 11.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Two Indian Navy women officers — Lt Commander Roopa A and Lt Commander Dilna K — would be embarking on an arduous blue-water voyage around the world soon after three years of preparations.
The duo will be undertaking the expedition of circumnavigating the globe onboard Indian naval sailing vessel (INSV) Tarini, Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said on Sunday.
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