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Farnborough Revives Hopes in Aviation Sector

Since 1948, the Farnborough Airshow has been a venue for Boeing and Airbus to announce billions of dollars in orders. The airshow serves as a crucial platform for both manufacturers to demonstrate their latest innovations and secure new business amid a recovering aviation market … writes Kaliph Anaz

The Farnborough International Airshow, the second-largest aviation event in Europe after the Paris Airshow, concluded on a positive note despite ongoing global supply chain issues threatening the industry. Sector giants Boeing and Airbus secured significant orders, upholding the prestige of the show.

Since 1948, the Farnborough Airshow has been a venue for Boeing and Airbus to announce billions of dollars in orders. The airshow serves as a crucial platform for both manufacturers to demonstrate their latest innovations and secure new business amid a recovering aviation market.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended the event on the inaugural day, revealing his government’s commitment to investing more in infrastructure and skills development. The Prime Minister praised Airbus and Rolls-Royce for creating apprenticeship opportunities for youngsters to hone their skills.

Boeing and Qatar Airways announced an order for 20 more 777-9 airplanes, the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet. This order expands the carrier’s 777X order book to nearly 100 airplanes. In addition to the 777X family, Qatar Airways has 12 787 Dreamliners and 25 737 MAX aircraft on order.

Meanwhile, Airbus bagged a major order from another Middle Eastern carrier Flynas. The Saudi low-cost carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900s. This strategic agreement will expand the airline’s capacity, and range, and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.

The deal was signed in the presence of the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej; Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid; Flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna; and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer.

The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all-Airbus fleet serving international, domestic, and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will feature a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers. The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, the latest in-flight entertainment systems, and full connectivity throughout the cabin.

The deals announced across the first four days of the airshow were worth a total of £81.5bn, according to the organizers ADS Group. The trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defense, security, and space sectors highlighted that the deals agreed are worth an estimated £13bn to the UK. The 260 firm aircraft orders alone are worth £6.4bn for the UK, while 808 firm engine orders are worth at least another £1.2bn to the UK at current prices.

The Arrival of Air Taxis

The 2024 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow witnessed the arrival of air taxis. Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft captured the attention of visitors. Several air taxi makers, including Embraer’s Eve, Joby, and Boeing-backed Wisk, showcased their prototypes, while a few new entrants announced deals and new developments. Spanish eVTOL company Crisalion announced a pre-order deal with Dubai’s Air Chateau for 10 of its 16-rotor Integrity aircraft. German aircraft maker Lilium struck a deal with Saudi airline Saudia for 100 of its fanjet-powered eVTOLs. Lilium also has a deal with ArcosJet in Dubai. UK-based Vertical Aerospace announced that its VX4 prototype successfully performed its first tethered piloted flight as it begins the “wheels up” phase of testing.

Industry Forecast

ADS recently released its Aerospace Sector Outlook, showcasing the sector’s value add of £10.9 billion to the UK economy, an increase of 16% compared to 2013 figures. The figures highlight 104,000 direct jobs in the aerospace sector, with a median salary of £48.7k – 39% higher than the UK average, with the vast majority (88 percent) located outside of London and the Southeast.

“With record industry attendance at the Farnborough International Airshow, the heightened attention towards the world’s aerospace and aviation ecosystem is largely behind this mammoth show of commitment to our sector,” said Aimie Stone, Chief Economist at ADS. “Adding to this, the firm commitment to 260 new aircraft highlights the industry’s confidence, resilience, and buoyancy.

“With demand for aircraft still outpacing the amount we are able to fulfill, it’s clear that the new government needs to address the challenges currently holding back our sector’s ability to deliver its full potential and impact on our economy.”

ADS is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors, with more than 1,300 member businesses.

The latest figures published by ADS Group showcase exports from the UK aerospace sector being worth £20 billion in 2023. It further highlights that the UK’s aerospace sector is a hub for advanced manufacturing, supporting well-paid jobs across the country and driving decarbonisation through innovation, generating £30.5 billion in turnover, with a value add to the UK economy worth £10.9 billion.

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Defence India News

India govt allocates Rs 6.21 lakh crore for defence

The allocation is aimed to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence technology and manufacturing and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons/platforms along with creation of job opportunities for the youth…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated over Rs 6.21 lakh crore in the Regular Union Budget for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25.

“In the Regular Union Budget of Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated Rs 6,21,940.85 crore (approx. US $75 Billion), the highest among the Ministries,”as per a Ministry of Defence press release.

“While maintaining the allocation made to MoD during interim budget, the Government has made an additional allocation to the tune of Rs 400 crore on innovation in defence through the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme,” as per a Ministry of Defence press release.

Through this scheme, MoD is engaging with start-ups/MSMEs and innovators to develop Def-Tech solutions and supply the Indian military with innovative and indigenous technological solutions. A grant of upto 50 per cent of Product Development Budget with enhanced limit (Max) of Rs 25 crore per applicant will be awarded as per extant iDEX guidelines.

“The allocation to MoD for FY 2024-25 is higher by approx. Rs one lakh crore (18.43 per cent) over the allocation for FY 2022-23 and 4.79 per cent more than allocation of FY 2023-24. Out of this, a share of 27.66 per cent goes to capital; 14.82 per cent for revenue expenditure on sustenance and operational preparedness; 30.66 per cent for Pay and Allowances; 22.70 per cent for Defence Pensions, and 4.17 per cent for civil organisations under MoD. The total allocation comes out as approx. 12.90 per cent of Budgetary Estimate of Union of India,” as per the release.

The allocation is aimed to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence technology and manufacturing and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons/platforms along with creation of job opportunities for the youth.

“In absolute terms, budgetary allocation under capital head to the Defence Forces for FY 2024-25 is Rs 1.72 lakh crore, which is 20.33 per cent higher than the actual expenditure of FY 2022-23 and 9.40 per cent more than the Revised Allocation of FY 2023-24. The allocation is aimed to fill the critical capability gaps through big ticket acquisitions in current and subsequent FYs. The enhanced budgetary allocation will fulfill the requirement of annual cash outgo on planned Capital acquisitions aimed at equipping the Armed forces with state-of-the-art niche technology, lethal weapons, fighter aircraft, ships, submarines, platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, specialist vehicles etc.,” the Ministry said in the release.

MoD has earmarked 75 per cent of modernisation budget amounting to Rs 1,05,518.43 crore for procurement through domestic industries during this FY. This will have a multiplier effect on GDP, employment generation and capital formation, thus providing a stimulus to the economy.

“The continued higher allocation for operational readiness boosts the morale of the Armed Forces with the sole motive of keeping them battle ready at all times. The Government has allocated Rs 92,088 crore during the current Financial Year under this head, which is 48 per cent higher than the budgetary allocation of FY 2022-23.

This is aimed to provide best maintenance facilities and support system to all platforms including aircraft and ships. It will facilitate procurement of ammunition; mobility of resources & personnel as demanded by the security situation, and strengthen the deployment in forward areas for any unforeseen situation,” the Defence Ministry said in the release.

The Government is committed to provide best healthcare facilities to veterans and their dependents through enhanced allocation to Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). In the regular budget for FY 2024-25, Rs 6,968 crore has been allotted to ECHS which is 28 per cent higher than the previous year allocation. This follows the significantly higher allocation at revised estimate stage during the FY 2023-24 when the allocation to ECHS was enhanced by 70 per cent over BE, the Defence Ministry said.

The financial provision made during the budget this year will promote strategic infrastructure development in border areas, while boosting socio-economic development in that region. Projects such as development of Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh at an altitude of 13,700 feet, permanent bridge connectivity to southernmost Panchayat of India in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 4.1 km strategically-important Shinku La tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and many other projects will be funded out of this allocation.

“The allocation to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for this FY 2024-25 is Rs 7,651.80 crore, which is 6.31 per cent higher over the allocation of FY 2023-24. Out of this, Rs 3,500 crore is to be incurred only on capital expenditure, adding teeth to the arsenal of ICG for addressing the emerging maritime challenges and providing humanitarian assistance to other nations. The allocation will facilitate the acquisition of fast-moving patrolling vehicles/interceptors, advance electronic surveillance system and weapons,” as per the Defence Ministry release.

The budgetary allocation to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been increased to Rs 23,855 crore in FY 2024-25 from Rs 23,263.89 crore in FY 2023-24. Out of this allocation, a major share of Rs 13,208 crore is allocated for capital expenditure. This will financially strengthen the DRDO in developing new technology with special focus on fundamental research and hand-holding of the private parties through Development-cum-production partner. The allocation to Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme stands out to be Rs 60 crore which is specially designed for new start-ups, MSMEs and academia attracting the young bright minds interested in innovation and developing niche technology in collaboration with DRDO.

The Government has increased the allocation on innovation in defence through iDEX from Rs 115 crore during FY 2023-24 to Rs 518 crore in the current fiscal year, which will boost start-ups/MSMEs/innovators in developing Def-Tech solutions and invite young ignited minds, the Defence Ministry said in the release.

Total budgetary allocation on account of defence pensions is Rs 1,41,205 crore which is 2.17 per cent higher than the allocation made during 2023-24. It will be incurred on monthly pension to approx. 32 lakh pensioners through System for Pension Administration (Raksha) or SPARSH and through other pension disbursing authorities, the Defence Ministry said in the release. (ANI)

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Defence India News Technology

Goa Shipyard launches first indigenous frigate Triput

The ship was launched by Adv. Rita Sreedharan, in the presence of PS Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, the Chief Guest for the occasion….reports Asian Lite News

In a significant milestone, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) successfully launched the first indigenous P1135.6 Frigate on Tuesday.

According to an official statement, the vessel is the first of the two Frigates of the P1135.6 Class being constructed at GSL. It is the first time these vessels are being constructed indigenously.

With the launch of this frigate Triput, the Indian Navy and GSL continue their march towards self-reliance, making ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ a reality. This strategic move adds another Defence Shipyard to the league of yards capable of building weapon-intensive platforms.

The ship was launched by Adv. Rita Sreedharan, in the presence of PS Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, the Chief Guest for the occasion.

The launching ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, and Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of GSL, along with officials from the Ministry of Defence, senior flag officials of the Indian Navy, and GSL employees.

Since the plate-cutting ceremony of the ship on 20 September 2020 and keel laying on 29 January 2021, the shipyard has made exceptional strides in achieving this milestone. This import substitute is a hallmark of indigenization, incorporating multiple complex and advanced indigenous technologies and systems. The hulls of these vessels are made from indigenous steel, a specialized low-carbon micro-alloy grade steel, as per the release.

The construction of these ships is based on the Indian Navy’s specific requirements to meet the entire spectrum of naval warfare in all three dimensions. The 124-metre-long and 15.5-metre-wide ship is propelled by four gas turbines, designed to achieve a maximum speed of 28 knots at a displacement of approximately 3200 tonnes. The ship is fitted with a potent combination of state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, an integrated platform and bridge management system, and a host of other advanced features. The ship’s air defence capability, designed to counter enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise missiles, revolves around a vertical-launch long-range surface-to-air missile system. Additionally, the ship is equipped with indigenous power generation and distribution systems, an AC system, a steering system, and stabilizers designed and developed by private industry.

This project contributes to the nation’s prosperity by developing the local ecosystem and supporting the workforce, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. It is likely to generate substantial employment for local industry and MSMEs engaged in production activities at various factories and within Goa Shipyard Limited.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor of Goa appreciated the efforts of the MoD, the Indian Navy, and the industry in ensuring that all shipbuilding requirements of the Indian Navy are fulfilled indigenously. He congratulated the employees of GSL on achieving this critical milestone and overcoming all odds, urging everyone present to ensure that the march towards ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence production continues earnestly to meet the targets.

The launch of Triput is an exemplary testimony to our nation’s warship-building capability and propels Goa Shipyard Limited into the league of Indian shipyards capable of producing state-of-the-art frigates for the Indian Navy. (ANI)

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Asia News Defence India News

CRPF’s K9 units among in Paris for Olympics security

K9s Vast and Denby, both Belgian Shepherd Malinois, aged five and three years, respectively, left for Paris on July 10 and reached the same day…reports Asian Lite News

Two K9 teams from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have reached Paris as part of the 10 K9 teams from various organisations selected to provide security to various venues of the upcoming Paris Olympics, 2024, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

K9s Vast and Denby, both Belgian Shepherd Malinois, aged five and three years, respectively, left for Paris on July 10 and reached the same day. The Belgian Shepherd Malinois breed is considered to be the most preferred combat dog by security forces worldwide.

Besides the two K9s from the CRPF, the other eight are from Assam Rifles, Sashastra Seema Bal, the National Security Guard, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

“Two K9s are selected from each of the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF). A total of 10 K9s, along with their handlers, have been deployed to secure the various venues of the Paris Olympics. They have been deployed at the request of the French government,” said other Central government officials, privy to the development and seeking anonymity.

CRPF K9s Vast and Denby were selected for the job after going through a series of stringent tests held at the Dog Breeding and Training School of CRPF.

“They (Vast and Denby) also underwent specialised training for nearly 10 weeks before their deployment, focusing on the assignments they were likely to be given,” said the CRPF.

The handlers of the two K9s, too, were put through rigorous physical training, besides basic classes in the French language, before their departure, said the CRPF in a statement.

The deployment is likely to last until the completion of the Summer Olympic Games in 2024, where athletes from 196 nations are likely to participate. (ANI)

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Defence India News Legal

India releases list of 346 indigenous defence items

The DPSUs will undertake indigenisation of the items mentioned in the fifth PIL through various routes including ‘Make’ procedure or in-house development involving the industry, including MSMEs….reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Defence has notified the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) consisting 346 defence items in a major boost to Aatmanirbharta in defence production.

The items include strategically important Line Replacement Units/Systems/Sub-Systems/Assemblies/Sub-Assemblies/Spares & Components and raw materials, with import substitution value worth Rs 1,048 crore, according to a Ministry of Defence statement issued on Monday.

These items will only be procured from the Indian Industry after the timelines of indigenisation as indicated in the list available on the Srijan portal (https://srijandefence.gov.in).

The Ministry of Defence had launched Srijan portal in 2020. On this portal, defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and Service Headquarters (SHQs) offer defence items to domestic industries, including MSMEs and start-ups, for indigenisation.

The DPSUs will undertake indigenisation of the items mentioned in the fifth PIL through various routes including ‘Make’ procedure or in-house development involving the industry, including MSMEs. This will provide impetus to the growth in the economy, enhanced investment in defence and lead to reduced import dependence. In addition, this will augment the design capabilities of domestic defence Industry due to the involvement of academia and research institutions, the Ministry said.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), BEML Limited, India Optel Limited (IOL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) are the DPSUs involved in defence items of the fifth PIL.

The companies have initiated the process for issuing Expressions of Interest/Requests for Proposal on their respective websites with a link on the ‘Srijan Portal Dashboard (srijandefence.gov.in/DashboardForPublic) specifically designed for this purpose, and Industry/MSMEs/start-ups may come forward to participate in large numbers, according to the official statement.

Earlier, four PILs comprising 4,666 items were notified by the Department of Defence Production for DPSUs, of which 2,972, having import substitution value worth Rs 3,400 crore, have already been indigenised. These five lists for DPSUs are in addition to the five positive indigenisation lists of 509 items notified by the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). These lists include highly complex systems, sensors, weapons and ammunition.

Till June 2024, over 36,000 defence items were offered to domestic industry for indigenisation by the DPSUs and SHQs. Of them, more than 12,300 items have been indigenised in the last three years. As a result, the DPSUs have placed orders on domestic vendors to the tune of Rs 7,572 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat has led to indigenous production in the defence sector scaling a record high of Rs 1.27 lakh crore for the financial year ended on March 31, 2024. India’s exports of defence items during the financial year have crossed the Rs 21,000 crore mark.

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DRDO boosts private sector with 7 new defence projects

The Indigenous development of these technologies will strengthen the military-industrial ecosystem…reports Asian Lite News

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund scheme for various requirements of the Armed Forces and aerospace and defence sectors.

These project sanctions are a testimony to the continuing endeavour of DRDO in nurturing Industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups, in the defence and aerospace domains.

The Indigenous development of these technologies will strengthen the military-industrial ecosystem.

The Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit project involves the development of an indigenous toolkit for simulator training of pilots in realistic scenarios.

This will help in full mission planning and large-force engagement. The project has been awarded to start-up, Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida.

The Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle project relates to versatile marine battlefield accessories that can be deployed in multiple combat roles.

The objective is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). The project has been awarded to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd Pune.

Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection and Neutralisation Vehicles are dual-use systems that will enable the detection, classification, localisation and neutralisation of underwater objects while keeping the key assets away from the suspected operational area.

The project has been awarded to a start-up, IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi.

The development of the Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft project aims to detect icing conditions inflight, caused by supercooled water droplets that freeze after their impact against the aircraft’s external surfaces and are utilised by the aircraft for turning on the aircraft Anti-icing mechanism. It has been awarded to Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.

The development of a Radar Signal Processor with an Active Antenna Array Simulator project will enable the deployment of multiple target systems for test and evaluation of multiple short-range aerial weapon systems.

It serves as the basic building block for larger radar systems. The project has been sanctioned to Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai.

Development of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition and Dissemination System project has been sanctioned to Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.

It aims to enable the indigenisation of timing acquisition and dissemination system, the use of Indian Constellation for acquiring time and the development of a customised and flexible timing system as per range requirements.

Development of Graphene-Based Smart and E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications The start-up, Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore has been sanctioned the project.

It will develop conductive yarn and fabric-making processes using graphene nanomaterials and conductive inks. The outcome will be advanced nanocomposite materials-based E-textiles utilising the inherent advantages for practical clothing applications. (ANI)

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Exercise Pitch Black: IAF’s Su-30 set to roar Australian skies

Held every two years, the exercise focuses on large-force employment missions involving large numbers of international aircraft….reports Asian Lite News

India’s Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets will be seen in action during Exercise Pitch Black — Australia’s biggest international air combat training activity — that begins at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases in Darwin and Tindal from Friday.

With approximately 140 aircraft and over 4000 personnel from 20 nations participating, this year’s iteration of Exercise Pitch Black is the largest participation in its 43-year history, the RAAF announced on Thursday.

Held every two years, the exercise focuses on large-force employment missions involving large numbers of international aircraft.

The last edition of the exercise held in 2022 saw the participation of an Indian Air Force contingent that included four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.

The IAF contingent for this edition comprises of over 150 highly skilled air warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, who will be operating the formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C-17 Globemaster and the IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.

“The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening the ability of the participating nations to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region and building strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment,” India’s Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.

The exercise will be focusing on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and shall facilitate experience enhancement with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.

For the first time, aircraft and personnel from the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea and embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei will participate in the exercise.

In addition, aircraft from France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, United States; and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand will also participate.

Aircraft will operate from the RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with additional tanker and transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

“Exercise Pitch Black is our premier activity for international engagement, held every two years to build stronger ties with like-minded nations. Training with our partner nations throughout Exercise Pitch Black demonstrates our commitment to the shared value of sustaining peace and stability across the region,” said Exercise Director Air Commodore Peter Robinson.

According to the RAAF, the exercise exposes participants to complex scenarios whilst utilising some of the most advanced aircraft and battlespace systems, in one of the biggest areas of military training airspace in the world.

“For international participants, there is a significant benefit to participating in Exercise Pitch Black 24. It provides experience in how to deploy over great distances, with some countries travelling from around the globe to reach Australia,” said the Australian Defence Ministry.

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India discusses defence manufacturing with DR Congo

The issue figured prominently at the First Secretary-level meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and the DRC held in New Delhi on July 5, 2024….reports Asian Lite News

In another demonstration of India’s growing engagement with African nations, top defence officials have held discussions with their counterparts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the co-production and co-development of weapon systems. This is significant given that the Congolese side is looking at modernising their armed forces.
 
The issue figured prominently at the First Secretary-level meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and the DRC held in New Delhi on July 5, 2024.
 
The meeting was aimed at identifying areas for collaboration to fulfil the potential of defence cooperation between the two countries, the Ministry of Defence said. Detailed discussions were held to promote cooperation in training and the defence industry.

The Indian delegation used the opportunity to highlight the significant progress made by its domestic defence industry. “The DRC side shared the need for modernisation of their Armed Forces. They expressed confidence in the capability of the India defence industry and suggested areas of co-production and co-development,” the Ministry of Defence said.
 
The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and included senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and the Armed Forces. The Congolese delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of Defence, Ministry of Defence, DRC Major General Lukuikila Metikwiza Marcel and included senior officers from the Ministry and a representative of the Embassy of DRC in India.

While in New Delhi, the Congolese delegation also called on Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The visit is expected to open up new avenues for defence cooperation between the two countries, the Ministry of Defence said.
 
The meeting came less than three months after the First Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held in New Delhi on April 10, 2024.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides carried out a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral relations including strengthening of cooperation in trade and economic relations, mining, agriculture, development partnership, defence, science & technology, digital public infrastructure, green energy, culture, and people-to-people ties.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the UN and other multilateral fora, the MEA added.
 
India enjoys cordial and friendly relations with the DRC. India was among the first countries to establish a diplomatic mission in Kinshasa in 1962. The bilateral trade between India and DRC is growing at a healthy rate and has increased from US$ 321 million in 2018-19 to US$ 845 million in 2022-23.  (India News Network)

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‘Nomadic Elephant’: India-Mongolia joint drill begins in Meghalaya

Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is an annual training event with Mongolia which is conducted alternatively in Mongolia and India…reports Asian Lite News

The 16th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ between armies of India and Mongolia will be conducted in Meghalaya’s Umroi from July 3-16, the Indian Army stated on Tuesday.

Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) said that the exercise set to be conducted in Meghalaya aims to enhance interoperability between two armies in carrying out semi-conventional operations in semi-urban/mountainous terrain.

“Exercise #NomadicElephant The 16th edition of Joint Military Exercise #NomadicElephant between #IndianArmy & #MongolianArmy will be conducted in Umroi, #Meghalaya from 03 Jul to 16 Jul 2024. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between both Armies in conducting semi conventional operations in semi urban/ mountainous terrain under the #UN mandate,” Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) posted on X.

Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is an annual training event with Mongolia which is conducted alternatively in Mongolia and India. The 15th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ was conducted in Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar, according to the Ministry of Defence’s earlier press release. Soldiers of the Mongolian Armed Forces Unit 084 and Indian Army soldiers from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment had participated in the exercise in 2023.

In May this year, the 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia took place in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17 and reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence Amitabh Prasad and State Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Mongolia Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj.

India’s Ambassador to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve also attended the meeting. During the JWG, both sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries.

“They reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to further enhance cooperation in these areas, articulating steps in this direction,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Moreover, both sides also exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation. Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad highlighted the potential of the capacity and capability of the Indian defence industry and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Armed Forces of Mongolia.

The Mongolian side exuded confidence in the capacity and capability of the Indian industry. Both sides also acknowledged the growing ties between the two countries. (ANI)

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Gen. Dwivedi takes charge as Indian Army Chief

General Dwivedi took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from General Manoj Pande, who superannuated on June 30…reports Asian Lite News

An ace infantry officer with vast experience in operations, General Upendra Dwivedi, took over the command of the Indian Army on Sunday.

The 30th Chief of the Indian Army belongs to the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and was Vice Chief of Army Staff from February this year.

He hails from Madhya Pradesh and has studied in Sainik School Rewa (MP). He joined the prestigious National Defence Academy in January 1981 and was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984, which he later commanded in the Kashmir valley and the deserts of Rajasthan.

From his school days, he was an outstanding sportsman and excelled in both NDA and IMA, where he was awarded the Blue in Physical Training. He continued to excel post commissioning and was awarded the gold medal in the Physical Training Course. General officer has a unique distinction of balanced exposure along Northern, Western and Eastern Theatres, in varied terrain and operational environment including Deserts, High Altitude, Riverine, Built Up area, North East and Jammu and Kashmir.

He commanded his battalion in active counter-terrorism operations in the Kashmir Valley and in the Rajasthan Desert. He has been Inspector General Assam Rifles as Major General and Sector commander as Brigadieri. Assam Rifles participated in intense counterterrorism operations and held various other staff command appointments in the North East, where he pioneered the first ever compendium on Indo-Myanmar border management.

Subsequently, he commanded the Rising Star Corps along the Western Front and the prestigious Northern Army from 2022-2024 in an extremely challenging operational environment. During his command, he provided strategic guidance & Operational oversight for planning and execution of sustained operations along the Northern & Western borders, besides orchestrating the dynamic counter terrorism operations in J-K.

He was also involved in modernising and equipping of the largest Command of the Indian Army, where he steered the induction of Indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He synergized with the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for convergent nation-building outcomes and infrastructure development.

He has varied staff exposures, which include handling conventional operations of the Armed Brigade in the Punjab Plains, providing logistical support to a Mountain Division in the North East along the Northern Borders and operating a Strike Corps in deserts. At IHQ HQ (Army), he contributed significantly to the Military Secretary’s branch and was instrumental in raising a section in the Military Operations Directorate.

Later, as the DG Infantry, he steered and fast-tracked capital procurement cases of weapons for all three services, leading to significant and visible capability enhancement for our Armed Forces. As Deputy Chief, he gave impetus to automation and the absorption of niche technology in the Indian Army. Being a tech enthusiast, he worked towards enhancing the tech threshold of all ranks in Northern Command and pushed for critical & emerging technologies like big data analytics, AI, Quantum and blockchain-based solutions.

The officer’s two overseas tenures include Somalia, as part of HQ UNOSOM II and Seychelles, as Military Advisor to the Government of Seychelles. Besides, attending the Staff College, Wellington & Higher Command Course at AWC, Mhow, the officer was conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the coveted NDC equivalent course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA. Complementing his illustrious military career, are an M.Phil. in Defence & Management Studies, in addition to two Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science, including one from USAWC, USA. He has authored / presented articles in various professional forums/journals.

He is married to Sunita Dwivedi, a science graduate, who is a homemaker. Sunita Dwivedi has been associated with Aarushi, an institute for special ability children in Bhopal. The couple are blessed with two daughters who are working with NGOs. (ANI)

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