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UAE, France Ink Mega Deals

The UAE has placed an order for 80 Rafale fighter planes and 12 Caracal H225 helicopters, reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sealed a contract with France to buy fighters and military helicopters.

The deal was inked Friday as French President Emmanuel Macron met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in Dubai.

At the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed, President Macron, visited the UAE on Friday.

According to the deal, the UAE has placed an order for 80 Rafale fighter planes and 12 Caracal H225 helicopters, the French president said in a tweet.

UAE
French President Emmanuel Macron with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Photo: Twitter@Elysee

The order for Rafale jets is the largest overseaorder for the warplane since its introduction in 2004. French Defence Minister Florence Parly hailed the deal as “historic” in a tweet.

Macron kicked off a two-day tour to the Gulf region, where he will also visit Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Mohamed and President Macron toured EXPO 2020, emphasising the importance of this event in building bridges and promoting partnerships.

Macron conveyed his congratulations to Sheikh Mohamed on the occasion of the national day and the Golden Jubilee of the UAE on 2 December, and praised the achievements made by the country in the preceding 50 years.

He also congratulated Sheikh Mohamed and the people of the UAE on hosting the Conference of the Parties in 2023 (COP28) which would be of special significance.

He highlighted the opportunity for France and the UAE to work jointly to tackle the global threat of climate change, as well as finalising the Paris Agreement rulebook and mobilising finance for developing countries most affected by climate change.

Sheikh Mohamed stated that the UAE looks forward to working with France and the international community to accelerate global efforts to address climate change and environmental protection and to create a more sustainable economic future. The French President emphasised the ambitious commitments taken by the European Union to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and to reduce net emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
In a joint communique marking the visit of the French president, the UAE and France highlighted their commitment to align their support to developing countries with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and to increase their support to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Solar Alliance.

The two leaders reaffirmed the expansion of this partnership, with France supplying 80 Rafale fighter jets to the UAE Air Force Squadron in addition to 12 Caracal H225 Helicopters including weaponising, training and spare parts, with contracts worth 16.6 billion euros.

Meanwhile, both leaders have also discussed the Iranian nuclear program and underscored the importance of a negotiated solution.

In the field of culture, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the success of Louvre Abu Dhabi as the emblem of the strategic cultural cooperation and an enduring legacy of the close ties that link the two countries. They welcomed an extension of the intergovernmental agreement that will enshrine for the future the position and the development of this unique museum in the region. Both leaders called for new projects to further propel cultural cooperation.

The two leaders highlighted their shared economic interests and enhance their competitiveness through cooperation and investment in future-looking sectors. Both leaders witnessed the signing of economic agreements with a total value of more than 15 billion euros to strengthen the strategic investment partnership between the UAE and France, targeting sectors of mutual priority and interest, including sectors identified in the ‘France2030’ economic program, such as renewable energies, innovation, technologies and 4.0 industries.

An extension of the current co-investment programme between Mubadala Investment Company and Bpifrance was signed, for a total joint amount of 4 billion euros, to be deployed in line with the previous strategy of both Franco-Emirati Fund and the Innovation Partnership. Mubadala Investment Company signed as well a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, to explore investments in French funds for a total amount of 1.4 billion euros.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with French President Emmanuel Macron

Furthermore, Masdar, one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies, and ENGIE, a global energy player in low-carbon energy and services have signed a strategic alliance agreement to explore the co-development of a UAE-based green hydrogen hub. The two companies are looking to develop projects with a capacity of at least 2 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, with a total investment in the region of around 4.4 billion euros.

An investment agreement was also signed between ADQ, through its portfolio companies, and the French Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Recovery to explore investment opportunities with France in the fields of mobility and logistics, food and agriculture, clean energy, life sciences, and healthcare with a total amount of up to 4.6 billion euros.

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Defence India News

IAF to get two simulators for Jaguar aircraft for Rs 357 cr

These simulators would be installed at Air Force Stations in Jamnagar and Gorakhpur….reports Asian Lite News

The Defence Ministry inked a deal worth Rs 357 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of two fixed base full mission simulators for Jaguar aircraft for Indian Air Force.

The government has signed a contract for procurement of two Fixed Base Full Mission Simulators (FBFMS) for Jaguar Aircraft from HAL for IAF with five years Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) at a combined total cost of Rs 357 crore.

These simulators would be installed at Air Force Stations in Jamnagar and Gorakhpur.

Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self Reliant India), India is continuously growing in its power to indigenously design, develop and manufacture advanced cutting-edge technologies and systems in the Defence Sector.

IAF Pic credits @IAF_MCC

The manufacturing of Fixed Base Full Mission Simulator (FBFMS) by HAL will give a further push to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and boost indigenization of defence production and the defence industry in the country.

“The commissioning of the first FBFMS with associated equipment shall be completed within 27 months from the contract at Air Force Station Jamnagar and the 2nd FBFMS shall be completed within 36 months from the contract at Air Force Station Gorakhpur,” the ministry said.

With the procurement of these simulators, IAF will enhance the quality of flying training to higher standards by exposing the pilots to various contingencies in the entire operating envelope including simulation of advanced long-range weapons.

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Rajnath Stresses on Need of Continuous Modernisation of Military

The Indian defence industry has the potential to develop quality and cost-effective equipment, the Defence Minister said, reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday emphasised the need for continuous modernisation of armed forces in the rapidly changing global security environment and said that the public and private sectors, academia and research and development organisations provide solutions to these problems.

He said this while inaugurating the first operationalized private sector defence manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) in Lucknow.

“The Indian defence industry has the potential to develop quality and cost-effective equipment which will not only bolster national security, but export the military hardware to the world. Companies like PTC Industries Limited can play an important role in this,” he said.

The facility, run by Aerolloy Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of PTC industries, will manufacture parts for Aircraft Engines, Helicopter Engines, Structural parts for aircrafts, Drones and UAV, Submarines, Ultra-Light Artillery Guns, Space Launch Vehicles and Strategy Systems.

The Defence Minister also laid the foundation stone for an integrated metal manufacturing facility under PTC industries that will produce key raw materials in Titanium and other exotic alloys for aerospace applications.

This plant will significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imports for all platforms which require Titanium and Nickel Super Alloys and help in building a strong and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh applauded PTC Industries Limited as an example of how in today’s competitive environment a company can be successful through adoption of technology and said that the two units will prove to be major milestones in the path of self-reliance in defence in the times to come.

He added that UPDIC and the units are a result of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

He appreciated the fact that PTC supplies products to renowned companies in India and abroad, contributing to the Government’s vision of transforming India into a net defence exporter.

On PTC obtaining the clearance certificate of critical On-line Fittings (OLFs) for defence applications from the Ministry of Defence recently, Rajnath Singh said, the clearance will prove to be a big step in ‘Make in India’ and achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Terming the inauguration of the unit as a shining example of the strong public-private partnership, he asserted that the Government is taking forward the vision of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee who believed in the continuous & increased private sector participation for the development of the nation.

Reaffirming the Government’s resolve of ‘Make in India and Make for the World’, Rajnath Singh listed out a series of measures undertaken to achieve self-reliance in defence, including earmarking around 64 per cent of its modernisation funds under capital acquisition budget for 2021-22 for procurement from domestic companies; notifying two positive lists of over 200 items to increase exports and Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, setting up of Defence Industrial Corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu; free Transfer of Technology of DRDO and Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.

The Defence Minister added that all efforts are being made to provide a suitable growth environment to the private sector.

“We have opened up opportunities to build a Mega Defence Programme, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, tanks and submarines through a strategic partnership model which will help our private companies grow in stature and become global giants in the times to come.

Recently, Rs 22,000 crore contract was signed for transport plane ‘C-295 and most of these planes will be made in India in collaboration with the country’s industry, the Defence Minister said

He said as the nation is currently celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, this is an opportunity to give a fresh impetus to our resolve to Make in India and Make for the world.

He noted that the Armed Forces have also supported the drive for Aatmanirbharta in Defence.

Rajnath Singh stated that all these initiatives by the government have resulted in an increase in the number of contracts being awarded to the indigenous defence industry.

This includes the recent LCA Tejas contract of about Rs 50,000 crore given to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

He stressed that from prioritising procurement from Indian-IDMM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) categories to supporting R&D, the Government is striving to harness technology through active engagement with industry, academia, technology providers, equipment manufacturers and quality controllers.

The Defence Minister underlined that the steps undertaken by the Government have started to bear fruit.

“In the last seven years, our defence exports have crossed the mark of Rs 38,000 crore and more than 10,000 SMEs have joined in the defence sector. Research and development, startup, innovation and employment have also increased as a result of these policies,” he added.

Underscoring the importance of learning from the past and working on the present for an empowered future, Rajnath Singh exhorted the private industry to carry out in-house R&D or with academia, making full use of the Government’s policies and stay ahead in the race of development of state-of-the-art technology.

He also urged them to make the local community a partner in their success by adopting local ITI, apprenticeship programme, schools and hospitals. This will be a true contribution to society and the country, he said.

The Defence Minister expressed confidence in increased investments by private companies in the near future and hoped that the city of Lucknow and the state of Uttar Pradesh will make a mark in the manufacturing domain of defence and aerospace sector. (India News Network)

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UK forges closer defence, security ties with India

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will progress talks to ramp up defence and security ties and boost strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, reports Asian Lite News

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is forging stronger UK security and defence links with India on her visit to the country, as she visits HMS Queen Elizabeth in Mumbai today.

The ship is the spearhead of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG), a symbol of the UK’s world-leading defence capability, whose visit to Mumbai is a clear sign of UK’s growing defence and maritime co-operation with India. While in India the CSG is taking part in the most demanding exercise ever between undertaken between the UK and India, involving all three military services.

During her visit the Foreign Secretary will progress talks to ramp up defence and security ties and boost strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. It will take forward joint work agreed by the Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister Modi in the landmark 2030 Roadmap on maritime security, cyber security and counter terrorism signed earlier this year.

She will also discuss developing innovative security and defence tech with the Indian government to tackle common threats and will talk through strengthening defence-related trade between the two countries.

The Foreign Secretary sees developing this security and defence relationship with India, the world’s largest democracy, as a key part of the UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt. She wants to strengthen such links with fast-growing economies and like-minded partners in the region and build “a network of liberty” around the globe. The Foreign Secretary sees India as essential in ensuring a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Closer defence and security partnerships between the UK and India underpin deeper economic ties and make both countries, as well as the wider region, safer,” said Truss. “We need to protect our sea and trade routes and, operating from a position of strength, be hard-headed in defending our interests and challenging unfair practices.”

“The arrival of the Carrier Strike Group in India this weekend represents the UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt in action. This is a true symbol of Global Britain, working closely with like-minded partners like India,” she added.

The Foreign Secretary will join the Queen Elizabeth Carrier at sea to tour the vessel and observe live exercises involving UK and US F35B fighter jets.

Chief of Defence Staff Sir Nick Carter is also visiting Mumbai to see the Carrier Strike Group in action. He joined his Indian counterpart General Bipin Rawat in Delhi to discuss regional security and laid a commemorative wreath at the National War Museum.

“A strengthened partnership with India is a key pillar of the UK’s tilt to the Indo-Pacific. Our Carrier Strike group visit represents an important step towards our goal of establishing a maritime partnership with India in support of mutual security objectives in the Indian Ocean,” said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

Truss will also visit the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai today to lay a wreath at the memorial for those killed in the 2008 terrorist attacks.

This evening, she will welcome senior business leaders and guests from the world of education, film, sport and politics onto HMS Defender, a Type 45 Destroyer, where the UK will showcase its world-leading tech and innovation in defence, healthcare, science and climate.

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Committed to equip forces with latest machinery: Rajnath

Rajnath pointed out that global security concerns, border disputes and maritime affairs had forced the world to focus on military modernisation….reports Asian Lite News

The government is committed to modernise the armed forces and equip them with latest machinery to deal with any challenge, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Monday.

He pointed out that global security concerns, border disputes and maritime affairs had forced the world to focus on military modernisation.

Developing new technologies indigenously was the need of the hour, Singh said at the Felicitation Ceremony of ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ Award Winners & Young Scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in New Delhi.

He added that the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ was to ensure that advanced technologies are developed domestically.

“It is extremely important not just for strengthening national security but also ensuring overall development of the country,” said the Defence Minister.

He gave away awards to 40 winners – 22 in the Individual category and 18 in the Startup category. He also launched ‘Dare to Dream 3.0’ to promote innovators & startups and provide a platform for the young ignited minds in the country.

He also gave away the DRDO Young Scientists awards for the year 2019. Sixteen DRDO scientists, under the age of 35 years, were awarded for their outstanding contribution in areas of their expertise.

Saying that India was one of the oldest countries in experience & culture and the youngest with about 60 per cent of the young population, he encouraged the youth to observe, learn & create new innovations and play their part in taking the country to greater heights.

Singh lauded the DRDO for playing a central role in the Government’s efforts of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing and contributing immensely in enhancing the capacity & capability of the Armed Forces even in the rapidly changing geo-political situation.

The recent contracts and induction of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A, Main Battle Tank Arjun Mk-1A and Medium Range Surface to Air Missile system are some noteworthy contributions, he said.

“DRDO is not only trying to match the capabilities of technologically advanced countries, but is also equally engaged in innovation of new technologies. The new generation programmes of DRDO will upgrade our Armed Forces in future as well,” the Defence Minister hoped.

Three products/systems indigenously developed by DRDO were also handed over to the Armed Forces. These are:

ARINC818 Video Processing and Switching Module

The module, developed for the Indian Air Force, was handed over to the Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh. It is a state-of-the-art module with high bandwidth, low latency, channel bonding, easy networking and will cater to 5th generation aircraft development programmes.

Sonar Performance Modelling System Developed for the Indian Navy, the system was handed over to Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Satish Namdeo Ghormade. It is useful for Indian Naval ships, submarines and under water surveillance stations etc.

Bund Blasting Device Mk-II

The device, developed for Indian Army, was handed over to the Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen CP Mohanty. It is used to reduce the height of Ditch-cum-Bund obstacles to enhance the mobility of mechanised infantry during wartime.

Singh also released two policy documents of DRDO – Directed Research Policy and Records Management Policy 2021.

Directed Research Policy provides framework for establishment of Advanced Technology Centres and Research Cells in academic institutes for focussed research on identified subjects such as futuristic surveillance and defensive and offensive capabilities.

‘Long Term Directed Research Policy’ was recently approved by the Government to support & provide impetus to outcome and application oriented directed research in collaboration with academia. The Records Management Policy aims to further strengthen the records management activities of DRDO. (India News Network)

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India, US To Expand Defence Ties With Regional Partners

While discussing increasing military cooperation between their countries, they considered priorities in new defence areas like space, cyber, and emerging technologies, reports Arul Louis

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat has met with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and discussed expanding multilateral cooperation with regional partners, according to Defence Department Spokesperson John Kirby.

He said at their meeting on Thursday, Austin underscored the US commitment to supporting the Indian Armed Forces’ “transition toward greater institutional integration and operational jointness”.

That refers to the ability of the armed forces and their equipment to operate together.

While discussing increasing military cooperation between their countries, they considered priorities in new defence areas like space, cyber, and emerging technologies, he said.

“They also discussed opportunities for expanding multilateral cooperation with regional partners,” he said.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin

“This historic meeting highlights the enduring strength of the US-India Major Defence Partnership as the two countries work in concert with like-minded partners to sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Kirby said.

Rawat’s first visit to the Pentagon came a week after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden and the Quad summit of Modi, Biden and Prime Ministers Scott Morrison of Australia and Yoshihide Suga, of Japan in Washington.

In a joint statement, Modi and Biden “reaffirmed the strength of the defence relationship between the United States and India and the unwavering commitment to India as a Major Defence Partner.”

They listed “defence information sharing, sharing of logistics and military-to-military interactions, strengthening cooperation in advanced military technologies, and expanding engagements in a multilateral framework including with regional partners” among areas they would work together.

At the summit held under the shadow of growing aggressive stance by China in the India-Pacific region, the leaders said, “Wea-recommit to promotinga-the free, open,a-rules-based order, rooted ina-international law and undaunted by coercion, to bolster security and prosperitya-in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

defence
US Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi

Although the four countries have shied away from a formal military alliance, they have been holding joint naval exercises.

The US, Australia and the United Kingdom formed a defence pact last month.

Biden and Modi said that they looked forward to the inaugural meeting of the Industrial Security Agreement (ISA) summit for high-end defence industrial collaboration drawing on the “innovation and entrepreneurship in defence industries for co-development, co-production and expanding mutual defence trade”.

The weeklong ISA summit concluded in New Delhi on Friday with an agreement to establish the Indo-US Industrial Security Joint Working Group.

India’s Press Information Bureau said, “This group will meet periodically to align the policies and procedures expeditiously that will allow the defence industries to collaborate on cutting edge defence technologies.”

Anurag Bajpai, joint secretary in the Department of Defence Production, and David Bagnati, the assistant director at the Defence Technology Security Administration, led their sides at the summit.

The closing ceremony of Multi Nation Joint Military Exercise Peaceful Mission 2021 of SCO Nations. The ceremony was marked by march past & equipment display. (Photo: ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY)

In the series of visits high-level by defence officials after Biden took office that began with a trip to India by Austin, Vice-Admiral G. Ashok Kumar, India’s Vice Chief of Naval Staff, came to the US in June.

He met with Vice Admiral Steve Koehler, the commander of the US 3rd Fleet that operates in the Indo-Pacific.

The US Navy quoted Koehler as saying, “The US-India strategic partnership is one of our most critical relationships in the Indo-Pacific. Open discussion of shared and complementary capabilities not only strengthens our relationship, it increases our naval effectiveness as we work together to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

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Navy rescue Phillipino crew of merchant navy suspected to be Covid+

The merchant vessel MV Lyric Poet was enroute from Gibraltor to Machong. …reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have rescued a Phillipino male crew member of a merchant vessel who was suspected to be Covid-19 positive.

The crew member, who was evacuated from onboard the vessel off Kochi in Kerala on Tuesday, is being treated at the Indian Navy hospital INHS Sanjivini.

The merchant vessel MV Lyric Poet was enroute from Gibraltor to Machong.

Providing details of what was described as “a swift coordinated operation”, the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday said the medical evacuation on the high seas was undertaken by the Headquarters Southern Naval Command (SNC) using an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

The evacuation exercise was launched after SNC received information regarding a suspected Covid-19 positive case of a Phillipino male crew member from the Coast Guard Headquarters at about 4 pm on Tuesday.

The Merchant Vessel’s (MV) local agent had informed that the medical condition of the Chief Officer Michel John Abaygar was severely deteriorating with depleting oxygen levels and that he required immediate medical evacuation, the defence ministry said.

An ALH was immediately launched from INS Garuda to undertake the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).

“The pilots of the helicopter displaying tremendous skill and professionalism successfully completed the mission in adverse weather conditions and ensured safe evacuation of the patient,” the defence ministry said.

The patient was brought to INS Garuda and transferred to the Naval Hospital, INHS Sanjivini, for further medical assistance adhering to all Covid-19 protocols. (India News Network)

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Defence Ministry approves proposals worth Rs 13,165 crore

Of the total amount approved, procurement worth Rs 11,486 crore (87 percent) is from domestic sources…reports Asian Lite News.

The Defence Ministry approved proposals including for Advanced Light Helicopters, guided munition and rocket ammunition valued at Rs 13,165 crore on Wednesday.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisitions proposals for modernization and operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces amounting to approximately Rs 13,165 cr.

Of the total amount approved, procurement worth Rs 11,486 crore (87 percent) is from domestic sources.

Key approvals include helicopters, guided munition and rocket ammunition.

Looking into the need of the Indian Army for an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Squadron to improve its integral lift capability to ensure its operational preparedness, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of 25 LH Mark III helicopters from HAL under Buy Indian-IDDMA at an approximate cost of Rs 3,850 crore in keeping with the continued thrust towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self Reliant India) and ‘Make in India’.

Giving a boost to Indigenous Design and Development of ammunition, the DAC accorded approval for procurement of Terminally Guided Munition (TGM) and HEPF/RHE Rocket Ammunition under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category at an approximate cost of Rs 4,962 crore from domestic sources.

Other proposals worth Rs 4,353 crore were also accorded AoN by the DAC.

In addition, the DAC also approved a few amendments to the DAP 2020 as a part of Business Process Re-engineering to ensure further ease of doing business for the industry as well as measures to enhance procurement efficiency and reduce timelines.

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UK, Japan kick-start talks to deepen defence ties

Importantly, it matches the UK’s strategic shift in effort and resource to the Indo Pacific, as set out in the Integrated Review in March…reports Asian Lite News.

The UK and Japan have agreed to commence formal negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to deepen the defence relationship between the two countries.

The UK Ministry of Defence said the agreement will help enable the two countries and their militaries to work together to address global security challenges and counter shared threats.

Importantly, it matches the UK’s strategic shift in effort and resource to the Indo Pacific, as set out in the Integrated Review in March.

“Japan is Britain’s close security partner in Asia, with shared values and common strategic interests. This sends a clear signal about our determination to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, and the UK’s commitment to the Indo Pacific region,” said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

“The aim is to create the conditions for a deeper, more regular and complex defence engagement programme, setting out the terms and conditions for UK and Japanese personnel undertaking activity in one another’s countries which makes bi-lateral activities like training and joint exercises easier and quicker to facilitate – consequently feeding into a more regular programme of events,” he added.

The government said these talks will bring that commitment into reality and send a clear signal about the UK and Japan’s determination to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and support for the rules-based international order.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss saiddeepening defence ties with Japan is an” important part of our commitment to ensuring an open and secure Indo-Pacific and a clear demonstration of Global Britain in action.”

“Our two island democracies believe in the same fundamental freedoms and a strong economic and security partnership with Japan is crucial to Britain’s long-term interests,” she added.

The commencement of talks comes soon after the UK’s Carrier Strike Group visited Japan, in a sign of our firm commitment to supporting shared security challenges in the region.

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India Inks Major Deal With Airbus For 56 Military Jets

Of these 16 aircraft are to be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain and 40 are to be manufactured in India, reports Asian Lite News

Indian Defence Ministry signed contract worth around Rs 22,000 crore with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain on Friday for procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Air Force.

Of these 16 aircraft are to be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain and 40 are to be manufactured in India.

These 56 C-295MW transport aircraft will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

The C-295MW aircraft is a transport aircraft of five to 10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology. It has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo.

On September 8, the government had approved procurement of 56 transport aircraft from Airbus Defence and Space S.A for the Indian Air Force.



The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.

Sixteen aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain within 48 months of signing of the contract and 40 will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium within ten years of signing of the contract.

This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company.

All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. “The project will give a boost to the aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing parts of the aircraft,” the ministry had said.

This will provide a major boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (Self-Reliant India Campaign) as it offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation Industry.

The project will augment domestic aviation manufacturing resulting in reduced import dependence and expected increase in exports.

A large number of detail parts, sub-assemblies and major component assemblies of aero structure are scheduled to be manufactured in India.

The programme will act as a catalyst in employment generation in the aerospace ecosystem of the country and is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3000 indirect jobs and an additional 3,000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than 42.5 lakh man hours of work within the aerospace and defence sector of India.

It will involve development of specialised infrastructure in form of hangars, buildings, aprons and taxiways.

During the process of manufacturing in India, it is expected that all the suppliers of TATA Consortium, who will be involved in special processes, will gain and maintain globally recognised National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP) accreditation

.

“Before completion of deliveries, ‘D’ Level servicing facility (MRO) for C-295MW aircraft are scheduled to be set up in India. It is expected that this facility will act as a regional MRO hub for various variants of C-295 aircraft,” the ministry had said.

In addition, the original equipment manufacturer will also discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and Services from the Indian Offset Partners giving further boost to the economy.

Reacting on the development, Ratan Tata said, “The clearance of the joint project between Airbus Defence and Tata advanced systems to build the C-295 is a great step forward in the opening up of aviation and avionics projects in India.

“The C-295 is a multi-role aircraft with several reconfigurations to meet mission requirements.

“It envisages total manufacturing of the aircraft in India.

“It will create a domestic supply chain capability to international standards, which has never been undertaken before.

“The Tata group congratulates Airbus and the Indian defence ministry for this bold step in fully building this state-of-the-art multi-role aircraft in India in support of the ‘Make in India’ thrust to bolster the country’s equity framework.

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