The two projects are listed for discussion at the Defence Acquisition Council meeting planned on November 30….reports Asian Lite News
The Defence Ministry is scheduled to take up two of India’s biggest-ever fighter aircraft projects worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore for discussion in a crucial meeting this week including buying 97 new LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft and indigenously upgrading 84 Su-30 MKI combat planes.
“The projects are scheduled to come up for discussion at the Defence Ministry meeting scheduled on November 30,” defence sources told ANI.
Sources said the 97 LCA Mark1A project would help the country to build a strong fighter aircraft manufacturing ecosystem across the country and also help the Indian Air Force to replace its MiG-21 fleet which is being phased out.
The two projects are listed for discussion at the Defence Acquisition Council meeting planned on November 30.
The Indian Air Force has already ordered 83 LCA Mark1A fighter planes and their deliveries are expected to start in February-March 2024.
The value of the 97 aircraft is expected to be around Rs 65,000 crore which would be the largest ever fighter aircraft deal in the country.
The Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft project upgrade programme is also one of the biggest ever programmes planned to be done completely indigenously where Indian weapons, sensors and radars would be fitted on Russian-origin planes.
The project is expected to cost around Rs 64,000 crores.
The Indian firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will be doing the complete design and development work on the aircraft which includes equipping the aircraft with the latest Virupaksha AESA radars.
The Su-30 fighter jets are the mainstay of the Indian Air Force with 260 of them already in service. The jets have been inducted in different batches and have now formed around 50 per cent of the fighter fleet.
The Su-30MKI fleet upgrade plan is also seen by the Indian Air Force as an opportunity for exports as many countries in Southeast Asia and Africa operate the plane and can use these solutions to provide advanced capabilities to their fleets. (By Ajit K Dubey/ANI)
The Navy advocates for a 45,000-ton displacement for IAC-II, expected to be constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore….reports Asian Lite News
Amid escalating Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean region, the Defence Procurement Board has given preliminary approval for a second indigenous aircraft carrier.
The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is set to review the Indian Navy’s carrier project and decide on acquiring 97 Tejas LCA Mark-I from HAL and upgrading 84 Su-30MKI in a Thursday meeting.
Defence Ministry sources revealed that the DPB’s “in-principle” consent for the Indian Aircraft Carrier-II, akin to INS Vikrant, paves the way for a critical decision on the long-awaited project.
The Navy advocates for a 45,000-ton displacement for IAC-II, expected to be constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore.
The DAC will also weigh the IAF’s proposal for 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft and the upgrade of 84 Su-30 Mk-1, a key component of India’s fighter fleet.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy will get medium calibre anti-missile/anti-aircraft point defence weapon system for its vessels, it was announced on Tuesday.
The equipment and accessories are worth Rs 2,956.89 crore, a Defence Ministry statement said.
According to it, the weapon system is capable of multiple engagements in multi-threat scenarios and has a proven record of very good performance against missiles and highly maneuverable fast attack crafts.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Haridwar, for procurement of 16 Upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) along with associated equipment/accessories for the Indian Navy under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of Rs 2,956.89 crore.
The upgraded SRGM, which will be manufactured by BHEL at its Haridwar plant, is a medium calibre anti-missile/anti-aircraft point defence weapon system which provides a sustained rate of fire and high accuracy, officials added.
Upgraded SRGMs will be installed onboard Indian Navy’s in-service and new-built ships by Mazagaon Dock and Shipbuilders Ltd., Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, an official said.
The Defence Ministry said that the project will generate an employment of two and half lakh mandays over a period of five years and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs, thus contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence.
A tender is set to be issued soon to Indian firms for this ‘Make in India’ project to buy 200 new mounted howitzers equipped with 105 mm 37 calibre gun…reports Asian Lite News
In a bid to boost its mobile firepower in high-altitude border areas like Line of Actual Control with China the Indian Army is soon going to issue a tender for acquiring 200 new mounted howitzers equipped with 105 mm guns.
A tender is set to be issued soon to Indian firms for this ‘Make in India’ project to buy 200 new mounted howitzers equipped with 105 mm 37 calibre guns, defence sources told ANI.
This would be the first time that the Indian artillery would have these type of 105 mm mounted howitzers and would add to the strength of the formations deployed in forward positions, they said.
The Indian Army is modernising the artillery through the indigenous route using the capabilities of the Indian firms as the Indian industry has developed capabilities in this field and is now even exporting these systems to foreign countries.
Along with the 200 mounted howitzers, the Defence Ministry is also soon going to take up the case of clearing procurement of 400 new towed guns under the Make in India route.
The proposal for procuring 400 towed artillery gun systems is expected to come up for discussion in the Defence Acquisition Council meeting scheduled for November 30.
Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery is looking to use the expertise of Indian Industry to produce 155 mm/52 calibre Towed Gun System, which will be lighter, versatile and cater for future technological advancements.
The Indian Army has already issued a tender for buying 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) along with one for finding a mounted gun system for its requirements along borders with China and Pakistan.
The Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured howitzer would mean that it would be totally Indian in all ways. The Army wants the guns to be lighter in weight and easier to deploy in high-altitude areas like the older Bofors guns.
The procurement process is part of the Army plan for Mediumisation with indigenous guns and is likely to be completed by the year 2042. In the last decade, four contracts have been concluded for the procurement of a 155 mm howitzer. These Gun Systems have already been inducted and more Regiments are being equipped with these guns.
These gun systems include Dhanush, Sharang, Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH) and K-9 Vajra Self Propelled Guns. Dhanush Guns are an electronic upgrade of Bofors Guns, while the Sharang Guns have been up-gunned from 130mm to 155mm calibre.
Seven Regiments have already been equipped with ULHs while five have been equipped with self-propelled guns. (By Ajit K Dubey/ANI)
During the incident, five armed individuals tried to escape on a fast boat but were chased by the US warship and they eventually surrendered…reports Asian Lite News
A US Navy warship swiftly responded to a distress call from the commercial tanker Central Park, which had been seized by armed individuals in the Gulf of Aden. The USS Mason, supported by allied ships, successfully demanded the release of the vessel.
During the incident, five armed individuals tried to escape on a fast boat but were chased by the US warship and they eventually surrendered, according to Reuters report.
In a concerning development, two ballistic missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen towards the USS Mason and Central Park. Fortunately, they landed approximately 10 nautical miles away, resulting in no damage or injuries.
This event is part of a series of attacks in Middle Eastern waters amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7. Last week, Yemen Houthis, allies of Iran, seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, threatening further attacks on Israeli vessels with ballistic missiles and armed drones.
The Central Park, a small chemical tanker managed by Zodiac Maritime Ltd, encountered the suspected piracy incident about 54 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. Carrying a full cargo of phosphoric acid, the vessel’s multinational crew, consisting of Russian, Vietnamese, Bulgarian, Indian, Georgian, and Filipino nationals, prioritizes their safety.
Despite the lack of immediate comments from Houthi officials, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency noted a potential attack in southwest Aden, urging caution for other vessels.
Tejas is a single-seater fighter aircraft but the Prime Minister took a sortie in the twin-seat trainer variant operated by the Air Force and the Navy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a sortie in the Tejas fighter jet, saying that the experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities
The Prime MInister shared the photographs of his flying in Tejas fighter jets earlier on Saturday and said: “Successfully completed a sortie on the Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities, and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential.”
“Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Air Force, DRDO and HAL as well as all Indians,” Modi said.
Tejas is a single-seater fighter aircraft but the Prime Minister took a sortie in the twin-seat trainer variant operated by the Air Force and the Navy.
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft and is designed to take offensive air support and provide close combat support for ground operations.
The LCA was built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and was primarily designed for the Indian Air Force but a naval variant of the Tejas is being tested to undertake Ground Maritime Operations.
The Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel arrived in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands…reports Asian Lite News
The Royal Navy warship HMS Spey has made her inaugural visit to India, following in the footsteps of sister vessel HMS Tamar, according to the British High Commission.
The Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel arrived in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Berthed alongside Naval Component Command (NAVCC) Head Quarters on the outskirts of Port Blair, Royal Navy officials onboard Spey welcomed their Indian military counterparts for planning discussions, the press release said.
Defence Advisor to India, Brigadier Nick Sawyer, hosted a discussion on maritime security challenges and priorities within the Bay of Bengal with Indian Navy Senior Officers, Chief of Staff Andaman and Nicobar Command, Rear Admiral Sandeep Sandhu and Cdre Sugreev.
Lt Cdr Bridget Macnae RN, HMS Spey’s Executive Officer (temporarily in Command), said, “Frequent port visits and multilateral exercises between the Indian Navy and Royal Navy continue to support our ever-expanding relationship and operational interaction and cooperation. The UK and India firmly believe in, and promote the rules-based international system; we share an interest in upholding international maritime law and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
UK’s Defence Advisor to India, Brigadier Nick Sawyer, said, “We deeply value our relationship with India in a shared endeavour to confront those who challenge the rules-based system and ensure peace and prosperity on and from the sea. The sixth visit of a Royal Navy ship to India within a year is the clearest demonstration of that, as well as the UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt in action.”
At sea, HMS Spey hosted a number of Indian Navy service personnel onboard while the ship conducted a maritime manoeuvre exercise with an Indian Naval patrol vessel, further developing operational interoperability between the two nations, the release added.
HMS Spey’s crew took the opportunity to explore the island’s rich culture and diversity while also discovering incredible flora and fauna in the national park and swimming alongside rich marine life at many of the idyllic beaches and coves, the British High Commission’s release also said. (ANI)
The Iranian media also reported that the Fattah II has a capacity more than that of the advanced anti-ballistic missiles of Israel and the U.S…reports Asian Lite News
The Revolutionary Guards of Iran on Monday unveiled the hypersonic missile Fattah II.
The Supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, unveiled the Fatah 11 at the Ashura Aerospace Science and Technology University, according to Iranian media.
In June 2023, Iran had successfully test-fired Fatah I.
The upgraded version contains Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) which helps the weapon to reach the maximum speed. It is reported that the Fattah II can reach speeds of Mach 5-20 (6170- 24700 kph).
The Iranian media also reported that the Fattah II has a capacity more than that of the advanced anti-ballistic missiles of Israel and the U.S.
With Israel in an ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza and with skirmishes with the Iran-backed Hezbollah in the West Bank, the new missile unveiled by Iran is an important development regarding the continuing war of words between Iran and Israel.
Israel has always seen Iran as the support base of both Hamas and Hezbollah and recently there were reports of the Hamas military commander, Yahya Sinwar conducting professional armed training to the Hamas men in Hezbollah military commands.
VR Chaudhari added that the highly technology-driven fields of aviation and aeronautics may find it challenging to comprehend the significant changes that could occur over the next 25 years….reports Asian Lite News
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said on Sunday that “as we march into the 100th year of the Indian Air Force”, the level of indigenization will grow by leaps and bounds.
Addressing the conference commemorating 75 years of the Aeronautical Society of India, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said, “The industry definitely plays a very vital role, and we, as the customers of most of the products of the Indian industry, are quite confident of the leaps and strides that have been taken in the indigenization of a huge number of products in the country.”
“We’re quite confident that as we march into the 100th year of the Indian Air Force, which will be 10 years from today, and the 100th year of independence, 25 years from today, I’m sure we will see the level of indigenization really grow by leaps and bounds,” he said.
He further said that this technologically intensive business of aviation and, aeronautics 25-year period may rather too long for us to fathom the changes that can happen in this period.
“The jump in technology capability when it comes to users like us, where we need to reduce the decision-making cycles, where we need to reduce the Sensor to Shooter times. This leap of technology from 4G to 5G, means a lot to us. We can only fathom what 6G will bring to the table,” he added.
Earlier on November 18, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the inaugural session of a two-day International Conference-cum-Exhibition on ‘Aerospace and Aviation in 2047’, organised by the Aeronautical Society of India to commemorate its 75th anniversary.
In her address, President Murmu said that though the country has made long strides, there also remain many challenges. The aerospace sector has been undergoing a transformative phase by bracing up for speed and runway-independent technologies for defence purposes, air mobility and transportation.
She noted that there is a need for upskilling and reskilling of human resources in the Aerospace sector to tackle these issues in the future.
The AeSI was established in 1948 with the Prime Minister as Patron-in-chief to promote aerospace and aviation in the country. The objective of the society is to promote the advancement and nationwide diffusion of the knowledge of aeronautical sciences and aircraft engineering among various streams including industry, academia and research laboratories.
The society is represented by distinguished aerospace professionals from research organisations, aerospace industries and academia. Former Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy is its present President and Chairman, ISRO S Somanath is the President-Elect. (ANI)
It was last week Mohamed Muizzu took the oath as the eighth President of the Maldives…reports Asian Lite News
The Maldivian politician and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leader, Mohamed Ghassan Moumoon was appointed as the new Defence Minister of the Maldives on Sunday.
Taking to X, the Maldive Ministry of Defence congratulated the leader saying, “Congratulations Hon. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon @mgmaumoon on being appointed as the Minister of Defence. Wishing a warm welcome from all staff at Defence Ministry.”
Earlier on Friday, Maldivian President-elect Mohamed Muizzu took the oath as the eighth President of the Maldives, said the Maldives President’s Office in a press statement.
In an oath-taking ceremony, the Maldives Chief Justice, Uz Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, administered the oath to the newly elected President at the Special Assembly of the People’s Majlis held at the Republic Square.
As per the press statement, following the oath-taking ceremony, President Muizzu signed the Instrument of Oath and the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Aslam, signed as witnesses.
President Muizzu’s acceptance of the oath of office was followed by a 21-gun salute and the National Anthem, with Hussain Mohamed Latheef also sworn in as the Maldivian Vice President.
The Presidential Inauguration ceremony was attended by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, former President Mohamed Nasheed, and former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed.
Also in attendance at the inauguration were high-level foreign delegates and several invitees.
India had received an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Maldives president-elect Mohamed Muizzu, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju arrived in the Maldives on Thursday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Mohamed Muizzu.
The Union minister was received by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives and the Office of the President-elect.
Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Muizzu won the Maldivian presidential elections last month.
He won with more than 53 per cent of the vote in the second round of voting, after emerging as the frontrunner in the first round with 46 per cent votes, followed by Ibrahim Solih’s 39 per cent.
Prime Minister Modi had also congratulated Muizzu on his victory.
“Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives. India remains committed to strengthening the time-tested India-Maldives bilateral relationship and enhancing our overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region,” PM Modi had posted on X. (ANI)
India, Maldives to Explore ‘Workable Solutions’
After a meeting in Male between Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju and newly elected Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, official sources reveal both nations aim to discuss “workable solutions.”
The focus is on ensuring the Maldives can sustain the use of Indian military platforms. The decision reflects collaborative efforts for ongoing cooperation, according to PTI news agency reports.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his delight over the interaction with the “vibrant and committed” Indian community in Maldives, acknowledging their significant contributions to nurturing the strong ties between India and Maldives.
In a post on social media platform, X, Minister Rijiju highlighted the community’s role in fostering bilateral relations and assured them of the continued commitment of the Indian government to their welfare and wellbeing.
“Delighted to interact with vibrant & committed Indian Community in Maldives. Commended their significant contributions in nurturing India-Maldives ties. Assured them of the continued commitment of @mygovindia for their welfare and wellbeing,” posted Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on X.
During the interaction, Minister Rijiju commended the Indian diaspora in Maldives for their active involvement in various aspects that have strengthened the bond between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, Rijiju called on Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Rijiju also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being sworn in as the President of the island nation.
“Privileged to call on President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings from Hon’ble PM @NarendraModi and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen the substantive bilateral cooperation and robust people-to-people ties,” Rijiju posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Notably, the Union Minister for Earth Sciences is in Maldives representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of President Muizzu who took oath on Friday.
Rijiju also participated in the oath ceremony and congratulated the newly elected President. He later participated at the official banquet and thanked Muizzu for the Maldivian hospitality.
India had received an invitation for PM Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Maldives president-elect Mohamed Muizzu, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Muizzu won the Maldivian presidential elections last month.
He won with more than 53 per cent of the vote in the second round of voting, after emerging as the frontrunner in the first round with 46 per cent votes, followed by Ibrahim Solih’s 39 per cent.
PM Modi had also congratulated Muizzu on his victory.
“Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives. India remains committed to strengthening the time-tested India-Maldives bilateral relationship and enhancing our overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region,” PM Modi had posted on X.
Following this, Indian High Commissioner to the Republic of Maldives, Munu Mahawar, met Mohamed Muizzu, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message to the newly elected leader. (with inputs from ANI)
The Indian Army recently inducted the Heron Mark 2 drones which can be equipped with strike capabilities in the northern sector…reports Asian Lite News
The induction of the Heron Mark-2 drones along with the planned induction of the Hermes-900 drones is set to boost the surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of the Indian Army.
“Induction of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Heron MK II and planned induction of Hermes 900 Starliners will not only boost the reconnaissance and surveillance capability of the Indian Army but also their teaming with combat helicopters, which will prove to be a game changer in the third dimension,” Army sources said.
The transfer of these remotely piloted aircraft has further enhanced the Army’s surveillance as well as strike capability and transformed Army Aviation into a potent force multiplier capable of operating in the Combined Combat Teams concept and performing varied tasks across the varied terrain of our country, they said.
The Indian Army recently inducted the Heron Mark 2 drones which can be equipped with strike capabilities in the northern sector, and have the older version of these unmanned aircraft at various locations across the country.
The sources further informed that the role of women officers has been steadily increasing in Army Aviation.
“Women officers were first inducted into the Air Traffic Control stream of Army Aviation in May 2009, followed by the posting of Women Officers of the EME as Engineering Officers in Army Aviation Units,” they said.
The onerous task of ensuring the maintenance, servicing and logistics aspects of Army Aviation are being performed at par with their gentlemen comrades in this stream as well.
Having smoothly inducted the women officers into the ATC and the Engineering Officer streams, it was a natural progression to induct Women Officers as Army Aviators.
Presently, two women officers are already serving as pilots in Army Aviation and three are undergoing training. (ANI)
