tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87268440098739224622024-03-18T07:20:35.798-07:00Broadsword by Ajai Shukla - Strategy. Economics. Defence.strategy. economics. defence.Broadswordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13076780076240598482noreply@blogger.comBlogger2805125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-45806787162272297912024-03-18T07:19:00.000-07:002024-03-18T07:19:40.535-07:00Joint US-India exercise Tiger Triumph kicks off on Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10PAp4fUKAUgbFdDBMubYnEvErZ0AIFEDgrmglLPhhS8bI2rTvbeoThxYbUJ69k-j3eeA4M94f_XqoAeEHnhfDqCpBr_-xWwuqDPeEUM2ZtIcRRkcovxN83HqeaDVf0wUrdYmtO2bv63yJHVUxxKh0uloD6DQCPWY78xP3ohsnIsaqfCzhbTKov0RaCs/s2292/AA%20Tiger%20Triumph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="2292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10PAp4fUKAUgbFdDBMubYnEvErZ0AIFEDgrmglLPhhS8bI2rTvbeoThxYbUJ69k-j3eeA4M94f_XqoAeEHnhfDqCpBr_-xWwuqDPeEUM2ZtIcRRkcovxN83HqeaDVf0wUrdYmtO2bv63yJHVUxxKh0uloD6DQCPWY78xP3ohsnIsaqfCzhbTKov0RaCs/s16000/AA%20Tiger%20Triumph.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>USS Somerset, a Landing Platform Dock (LPD), readying for Exercise Tiger Triumph</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 18th March 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The ministry of defence (MoD) announced on Monday that the Indian and US navies have kicked off a bilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise on India’s eastern seaboard.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Called Tiger Triumph-24, the week-long exercise will involve Indian Navy ships with integral helicopters and landing crafts, Indian Army personnel and vehicles and Indian Air Force aircraft.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The close maritime relationship between the United States and Indian navies can be traced back directly to the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004, when 100-feet-high killer waves, triggered by an undersea earthquake, killed about a quarter of a million persons in 14 countries across the Indian Ocean littoral.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As a stunned world watched, the Indian Navy swung into action, dispatching practically every one of its ships on missions of mercy to ravaged ports and coastlines in countries whose governments had been overwhelmed by the disaster.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Also watching admiringly was the US Navy, which despatched naval flotillas on HADR missions that quickly linked up with the Indian navy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Even as the US Navy quickly realised that the Indian Navy was a regional partner worth having, the Indians watched admiringly as giant US Navy amphibious warfare ships – including 20,000-tonne “landing platform docks” (LPDs) – disgorged huge material stocks that saved tens of thousands of lives on battered shorelines.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While a gallant Indian Navy made do with every resource it had, even deploying destroyers and frigates in humanitarian aid missions, our officers and sailors watched the US deploy specialist HADR equipment, including de-salination plants, rapid action medical teams (RAMT), floating hospitals and even foreign language and cultural experts.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdj0_L21kXnqITp8BojwxJ1Wt8y-hEhC2Q8SUsEzIMihsHU7fVa9yfOQDBx9jmjolc6Eu0CXpyeHhKpppE_beqJiWzztjiXnjtfNNE48MBBp1jdnM-k2_P69qmjT5xzm6Vjk7E_i8yhwOqQXfL5DHgo-F1AMtCjrlioaOZuUpRz2Wkt1j4AkczLECfmM/s1280/AAA%20Tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdj0_L21kXnqITp8BojwxJ1Wt8y-hEhC2Q8SUsEzIMihsHU7fVa9yfOQDBx9jmjolc6Eu0CXpyeHhKpppE_beqJiWzztjiXnjtfNNE48MBBp1jdnM-k2_P69qmjT5xzm6Vjk7E_i8yhwOqQXfL5DHgo-F1AMtCjrlioaOZuUpRz2Wkt1j4AkczLECfmM/s16000/AAA%20Tiger.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">The possibility of having to cooperate on similar HADR missions in the future brings together the US and Indian navies into maritime cooperation in exercises such as Tiger Triumph-24.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“The US military will be represented by US Navy warships, with embarked troops of the US Marine Corps and the US Army. The exercise is aimed at developing interoperability for conducting HADR operations and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between forces of both countries,” stated India’s MoD.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The exercise began with a “Harbour Phase” from March 18-25. This will involve personnel from both navies in training visits, subject matter expert exchanges, sports events and social interactions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After the harbour phase, the ships, with the troops embarked, would sail for the Sea Phase and undertake maritime, amphibious and HADR operations. The joint exercise would culminate with a closing ceremony on completion of the sea phase, announced the MoD.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Leading into the exercise, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation on Monday with his counterpart, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. Austin appreciated the important role being played by the Indian Navy in anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“They discussed ways and means to implement the India-US Defence Cooperation Roadmap which was concluded last year. Other defence industrial cooperation issues such as repair of US naval ships in Indian shipyards were also discussed,” stated the Indian MoD.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-52286790124265232962024-03-15T21:28:00.000-07:002024-03-15T21:29:28.713-07:00Army chief, General Manoj Pande says: “Overall situation on LAC is stable, but sensitive”<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI1P_aX93Fto9-PM57QhrGySFrhLpNQ0etkT0r2v7TN5R6TaoJHNRu7nGPt9GN7N9chfQIcN81fOlhW_M0WaQfkbL21KzdegOjmpWKLPg2_VXu9N1GFZsG3hM-Tw0UR1DHuff4jiBHgVy7MpCp-ne4wWIuPYqJaWwik2xXaMf1owu6rKbBzCs7mNSTkDQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI1P_aX93Fto9-PM57QhrGySFrhLpNQ0etkT0r2v7TN5R6TaoJHNRu7nGPt9GN7N9chfQIcN81fOlhW_M0WaQfkbL21KzdegOjmpWKLPg2_VXu9N1GFZsG3hM-Tw0UR1DHuff4jiBHgVy7MpCp-ne4wWIuPYqJaWwik2xXaMf1owu6rKbBzCs7mNSTkDQ=s16000" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Indian and Chinese militaries have already had 21 rounds of talks at the level of corps commanders. Talks have been held at the diplomatic level as wel</span>l</i></div></span><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Business Standard, 16th March 24</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The chief of army staff, General Manoj Pande, stated on Friday that the army is in control of the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where Indian and Chinese troops had clashed in the summer of 2020 after soldiers from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had crossed in large numbers into territory that was traditionally controlled and patrolled by the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“I would say the overall situation on the LAC is stable, but sensitive,” said Pande, addressing a conclave organised by a media house in New Delhi.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Observing that the army monitored the LAC continuously, Pande stated: “Our deployment is robust, balanced and we maintain adequate reserves.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pande said the army continuously modernises its weaponry, and upgrades its technology for precision targeting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“[The Indian and Chinese militaries] have already had 21 rounds of talks at the level of senior commanders. Talks have been held at the diplomatic level as well. We want to return to the status-quo-ante. Until that happens, our response on the LAC will remain robust,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Alongside equipment modernization, infrastructure development is being carried out 12 months in a year, said Pande. This includes a network of roads and helipads.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“We are also building a telecommunications network to connect all 305 Indian military posts in Ladakh with fifth-generation (5G) connectivity,” said Pande.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The army chief confirmed that the Indian Army is creating a growing capability for “grey zone warfare”, in which the kinetic dimension of warfare was boosted by misinformation. “We have a lot of experience of grey zone warfare, obtained through counter-insurgence operations over the preceding decades.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The need for India’s military to build up conventional as well as non-conventional warfare capabilities was highlighted by Admiral Sunil Lanba (Retired), the former chief of the Indian Navy who now heads the navy’s official think tank, called the National Maritime Foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Look at the growth of China’s maritime power: The PLA (Navy) is already the world’s largest naval force that operates 375 ships. Seven of the world’s ten biggest ports are on China’s coast. In the last decade, the PLA(N) has added 112 ships to its orbat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In contrast, India carries out less than one per cent of global shipbuilding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Lanba stated that the Indian Navy needs more warships, especially capital warships such as destroyers and frigates and aircraft carriers that displace more than 65,000-tonnes and have the capability to launch bigger combat aircraft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Former chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria stated that the PLA (Air Force) has combined its cyber and space commands. We need to be prepared to deal with the front end of China’s growing military power in the Indo-Pacific.</span></span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-2085220391351626452024-03-14T04:42:00.000-07:002024-03-14T04:42:05.777-07:00Mission Divyastra: Agni-5 missile makes maiden flight with MIRVs<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F4aRKMM2EwkREKriX8ZOo2VsG3Kl8rn4mPHfobF8mbfkEB0SEeWSnbAttiN7M7j4vg7vj00WlOAYm5ds1AQDXET4yB5y5jLx5qZX_Z59cX1RRL70vQ7QX3FbxlYa-IHBPsZqQp7HJIU3aTS8gW0QAB-Cpa_udGtKmjz8rffLfaXgyaewjhKDUACDClw/s1238/AA%20MIRV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F4aRKMM2EwkREKriX8ZOo2VsG3Kl8rn4mPHfobF8mbfkEB0SEeWSnbAttiN7M7j4vg7vj00WlOAYm5ds1AQDXET4yB5y5jLx5qZX_Z59cX1RRL70vQ7QX3FbxlYa-IHBPsZqQp7HJIU3aTS8gW0QAB-Cpa_udGtKmjz8rffLfaXgyaewjhKDUACDClw/s16000/AA%20MIRV.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The emphasis of the test was on firing multiple warheads to strike widely-separated targets</span></i></div></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 12th Mar 24</b></span></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In a major technological leap for India’s nuclear deterrent, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted India’s first successful flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile, carrying between four to six dummy warheads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The flight test, named Mission Divyastra, was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />Ever since the Agni-5 intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM) was first tested to its full 5,000 kilometre range on April 19, 2012, analysts worldwide have speculated about when India would test its successor --- presumptively India’s first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and whether it would be tipped with multiple warheads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />The Agni-series missile, which was successfully tested on Monday, may not have been fired to its maximum range of 5,000 kilometres (km). Instead, the emphasis of the test was on firing multiple warheads to strike widely-separated targets.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the DRDO scientists who participated in the complex mission.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Posting on social media platform X, Modi said: “Proud of our DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The technology that goes into putting multiple warheads on a single rocket or missile is known as “multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle” (MIRV) technology. As its name suggests, it involves launching a single missile carrying 4-6 warheads, each of which can be programmed to strike a separate target, several hundred kilometres apart.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />MIRV technology was being perfected and tested on workhorse rockets of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in their commercial launches which were geared towards launching a single rocket that placed several satellites in orbit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />Launching a MIRV-tipped missile – say an Agni-4 or Agni-5 – offers several tactical and strategic advantages. It provides many more target options to the attacker, while the defender is forced to defend all of them simultaneously, with his anti-missile defences possibly being overwhelmed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Even without a sanctioned government project for testing MIRV technology, it seemed inevitable that the Agni-5, would organically evolve into an ICBM with reduced weight and improved technologies and capabilities.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Chinese officials have always regarded the Agni-5 as an ICBM, with some even stating it is capable of striking targets 8,000 km away.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A major factor towards greater range would be to reduce the weight of the 50-tonne Agni-5, replacing older, heavier sub-systems with lighter, more reliable ones, including many made with lightweight composite materials. A major development in this regard is the replacement of hydraulic actuators in the Agni-5’s giant first stage with the state-of-the-art, electro-mechanical actuators that already equip Stage-2 and Stage-3.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />Moving from hydraulic to electro-mechanical actuators not only saves weight due to lightweight components, but also eliminates problems like oil storage and leakage, and the need for an accumulator. In addition, electro-mechanical actuators are more reliable and easy to maintain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br />Currently, the Agni-5 has a metallic first stage, made of “maraging steel”, while the second and third stages are entirely built from lightweight composites, which were first tested in the Agni-4 on 15 Nov 2011. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Stage-1 components such as high-temperature rocket motor nozzles are already being made of composites. Gradually, the Agni-5 could become an all-composite missile that is significantly lighter than at present.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><b>[ENDS]</b> <br /> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-13946199511585669282024-03-12T00:53:00.000-07:002024-03-12T00:53:10.283-07:00 Air India buys GE Aerospace’s engine monitoring software<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD2PhJlchVY_WHjcfKkfmfVoaid6YaeiOaq7Zn9e5UbNpBjioemCwuDZKQWv8jVzUifoA6lwTMAushMJOwoX2kFjnrQZqeo6u1MO-TLfalhuNgUKEWvwB3CPbgKRqdhFMG6THalO5PmkuGpcgP6qCTEjGWPM4cdsBbTNKEqAwEmEBZgAchHuasYyFRXY/s1600/AA%20BigBB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD2PhJlchVY_WHjcfKkfmfVoaid6YaeiOaq7Zn9e5UbNpBjioemCwuDZKQWv8jVzUifoA6lwTMAushMJOwoX2kFjnrQZqeo6u1MO-TLfalhuNgUKEWvwB3CPbgKRqdhFMG6THalO5PmkuGpcgP6qCTEjGWPM4cdsBbTNKEqAwEmEBZgAchHuasYyFRXY/s16000/AA%20BigBB.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US">Air India group to use GE Aerospace solutions to optimize flight operations <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN-US">·<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></span><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-large;">FlightPulse® with animation will be used by over 5,000 flight crew</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Business Standard, 12th Mar 24</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">GE Aerospace announced on Monday a landmark contract for flight operations software with Air India, the Indian airline that was bought by the Tata Group in 2022. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">With this strategic collaboration finalised, Air India has become the first enterprise in India to adopt GE’s FlightPulse® pilot app, together with “Safety and Fuel Insight,” for its entire group.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Safety Insight will provide Air India with access to advanced analytics and real-time data monitoring to enhance safety and ensure optimal performance across its fleet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Fuel Insight will provide Air India with comprehensive fuel efficiency solutions, enabling the group to optimize journeys for more efficient fuel management.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“The GE FlightPulse® software is agnostic to the type of engine and airframe it is being used with and will work across all aircraft fleets in the Air India group,” stated a GE Aerospace spokesperson, in response to a question from Business Standard.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“FlightPulse® puts a pilot’s personal historical flight data, and any insights derived from it, securely and directly into their own hands. This increases flight crew awareness of safety and efficiency trends. For example, a pilot may be aware that there are specific fuel savings procedures in place (such as engine-out, taxi-in), but may be unaware of their own contribution to the overall success. FlightPulse® is designed to close that gap,” the spokesperson said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“A typical scenario is the probability of holdings and go-arounds, by runway, time of day and weather conditions, and the actual fuel burn associated with such events when they do occur. Having direct access to data-driven insights fosters the crew’s confidence in the plan, promotes informed decision making and provides greater situational awareness,” said the spokesperson.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The FlightPulse® pilot app and its embedded “animation module”, will drive engagement with more than 5,000 of Air India’s flight crew by providing them with insights from personalized flight data. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Air India is poised to drive substantial changes in its operational landscape. GE Aerospace’s software solutions will further enable the enterprise to cement best practices in flight safety and transform its fuel efficiency program across all flight operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Air India group airlines are thrilled to collaborate with GE Aerospace and integrate their innovative solutions into our operations”, said Klaus Goersch, Chief Operations Officer, Air India.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Air India is navigating through a major, five-year, transformation roadmap under the aegis of <i>Vihaan.AI</i>. The first phase of this transformation, called the taxi phase, was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This includes bringing back to service many long-grounded aircraft, adding talent across flying and ground functions, rapidly upgrading technology and strengthening customer care amongst others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Air India has an extensive domestic network and operates non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft with an installed base of more than 44,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines.</span></span></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-25746178569005901042024-03-12T00:30:00.000-07:002024-03-12T00:30:57.070-07:00 MoD buys indigenous anti-drone technology worth ₹200 crore from Big Bang Boom Systems<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A win for the homegrown iDEX start-up, promoting indigenous technology<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yyoGQmKm5DpNGquYj43hMrnIq5ag76yzMr6_7Sq_NngV8XkQU5FJ59INjsahrWI68qdgrBmlSZRmCGwy3Ct6u9QDA4tpqoGJq-V5mO16qtCilVyYRbrUPDJNcqvxdJOhUXR53A_T9KUyCllgd-lz1rngw5uooIqcKrOQu82uAf8Yylxbuoz9gZhLqVE/s1086/AA%20Navy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1086" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yyoGQmKm5DpNGquYj43hMrnIq5ag76yzMr6_7Sq_NngV8XkQU5FJ59INjsahrWI68qdgrBmlSZRmCGwy3Ct6u9QDA4tpqoGJq-V5mO16qtCilVyYRbrUPDJNcqvxdJOhUXR53A_T9KUyCllgd-lz1rngw5uooIqcKrOQu82uAf8Yylxbuoz9gZhLqVE/s16000/AA%20Navy.jpg" /></a></span></i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 12th Mar 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Fast-growing defence start-up, Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited (BBBS), has secured an order worth more than Rs 200 crores from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army, for its counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technology, the company announced on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This contract is the largest the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, and one of the largest signed by the MoD with an Indian start-up. BBBS regards this as a testament to its expertise in deep-tech products, especially anti-drone solutions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">C-UAS systems are intended to counter the growing threat from technologically simple, inexpensive, commercially available drones that can inflict disproportionate damage on Indian targets. The drones can fly over a border to deliver contraband loads, such as weapons and ammunition; or be rigged as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that can destroy or damage high-value targets, such as aircraft or command centres. They could even operate in large numbers as expendable drone swarms that crash into and destroy aircraft, helicopters or VIP convoys.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">Typically, these drones are obtainable off-the-shelf, or as “do-it-yourself” (DIY) kits that cost as little as Rs 50,000. </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">BBBS’s Vajra Sentinel is a state-of-the-art, anti-drone system designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones at extraordinary ranges. Its sensors and jammers meet military-standard specifications for durability and reliability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It has state-of-the-art technical incorporations, such as active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and kamikaze drones which can be upgraded on demand by the user.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The system’s core sensor is built around artificial intelligence (AI). Computer vision algorithms enable precise identification, classification and location of drones. Additionally, its sophisticated decision making matrix enables autonomous decision-making for countermeasures such as signal jamming and other counter measures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“This is a significant milestone for us. Our product pipeline and mix for the next 10 years are robust and the team is rearing to go. We have already started discussions on repeat orders and export opportunities. We will now reopen our doors to financial players who can come along in this next leg of nation building,” said, Praveen Dwarakanath, CEO, BBBS.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">BBBS says it will commence execution of the order immediately, with a focus on timely delivery, comprehensive training, and unwavering support to the IAF and Indian Army “to ensure seamless integration of this vital technology into their defence strategies.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“The Indian ministry of defence’s (MoD’s) decision to place this order underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its security infrastructure and investing in <i>Atmanirbhar</i> cutting-edge defence technology,” stated BBBS on Monday. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Anti-drone technology provides a game-changing response to the mounting threat posed by drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“The focus of the iDEX programme is to foster an ecosystem of innovation and technology development in defence. It is our constant endeavour to engage with young innovators who can bring technologically advanced solutions for modernizing India’s military. This order contracted to Big Bang Boom Solutions is a step in that direction,” said MoD’s iDEX manager, Vivek Virmani.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In addition to anti drone system, the company has won 5 iDEX challenges announced by the MoD and has successfully completed three of them, in the diverse field of drones, advanced chemical engineering, computer vision and cyber security.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-11745975382016798352024-03-01T18:40:00.000-08:002024-03-01T18:40:15.016-08:00 Boosting Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance): MoD makes indigenous purchases worth Rs 40,000 crore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6fe4NuJo5w7fkZ27yCWWObd552uX5ppz-C_dofNuVCXI3BQczcHus0pbVTVKY35QsmFbaE72BuqhPjDHn61c_H2mmBkrfpyZCR9oQG7CA4aVPbEuV_47JKI0sqgqJ79M4GspxJKVzCg1TlFVL46MGbALefBTZKMdFAsHFZ9Q0guQomdBRbC8Q8BI1jw/s2404/AA%20BrahMos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1788" data-original-width="2404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6fe4NuJo5w7fkZ27yCWWObd552uX5ppz-C_dofNuVCXI3BQczcHus0pbVTVKY35QsmFbaE72BuqhPjDHn61c_H2mmBkrfpyZCR9oQG7CA4aVPbEuV_47JKI0sqgqJ79M4GspxJKVzCg1TlFVL46MGbALefBTZKMdFAsHFZ9Q0guQomdBRbC8Q8BI1jw/s16000/AA%20BrahMos.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">A contract for BrahMos missiles has been signed with BrahMos Aerospace (above) for over Rs 20,000 crore, or $2.5 billion</span></i></div></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>by Ajai Shukla</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 2nd March 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in New Delhi on Friday signed five major capital acquisition contracts worth Rs 39,125 crore. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">One contract was with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft. Two contracts were with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for procurement of close-in weapon systems (CIWS) and high-power radars (HPR) and the other two were with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for procurement of BrahMos missiles and of ship-borne BrahMos systems for the navy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Portraying these purchases as triumphs of aatmanirbharta (self-sufficiency), the MoD said “the deals will further strengthen indigenous capabilities, save foreign exchange and reduce dependency on foreign ‘original equipment manufacturers’ (OEMs) in future.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The contract for RD-33 aero engines for MiG-29 aircraft was signed with HAL at a cost of Rs 5,249 crore. The aero engines will be produced by the Koraput Division of HAL. They are expected to help the Indian Air Force (IAF) by maintaining the operational capability of the MiG-29 fleet for its residual service life. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The aero-engines will be manufactured under Transfer of Technology (TOT) license from the Russian OEM. The programme will indigenise several high value, critical components of the RD-33 aero-engines, which would increase the indigenous content of future repair and overhaul (ROH) tasks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The contract for procurement of CIWS was signed with L&T at a cost of Rs 7,669 crore. The CIWS will provide terminal air defence to select locations of the country. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The project will boost the participation of Indian aerospace and defence industries, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The project will generate direct and indirect employment for 2,400 persons each year, for a period of five years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The contract for procurement of HPR has also been signed with L&T at a cost of Rs 5,700 crore. It will replace the IAF’s existing long-range radars with modern “active aperture phased array” based HPR with advanced surveillance features that will significantly enhance the terrestrial air defence capabilities of IAF.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">HPR is a static sensor for long range aerial surveillance. Equipped with Next-Gen features and capable of remote operations, the HPR will enable IAF to monitor special zones of interest, designating and tracking adversaries with optimal accuracy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The project is turnkey in nature and is to be executed across multiple locations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This will boost indigenous radar manufacturing technology by being the first such radar built by the private sector. It will provide direct and indirect employment to some 1,000 people per year over a period of five years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The contract for BrahMos missiles has been signed with BrahMos Aerospace for Rs 19,519 crore. These missiles would meet combat, outfit and training requirements of Indian Navy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The project is likely to generate employment of nine lakh man-days in the BrahMos joint venture and 135 lakh man-days in ancillary industries, including MSMEs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The contract for buying ship-borne BrahMos systems has also been signed with BrahMos Aerospace for Rs 988 crore. The BrahMos is the navy's primary weapon for maritime strike operations from frontline warships, striking land or sea targets from extended ranges, with pinpoint accuracy, at supersonic speeds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The project is likely to generate employment of around 60,000 man-days over a period of 7-8 years.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-2843869668399950112024-02-29T19:01:00.000-08:002024-02-29T19:42:38.752-08:00 BJP’s manifesto on defence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOKL1LoJCalhNtJrAyFjWhMsFESt4mmwQCCgyZnuMKruTI1Lm1T0NZg3WkjLSaTqx-LIbEF7vBYyFW2A8T-Tz2QWbig60373JksantllzwEQHzjfGH1TMQSJpAZsXw0TIOs92zKQZOm1C4qDjf-8dreFdXnMkh7XR3McyGWf7RRzFCLRjyy5kgBwG2EU/s826/AA%20Broadsword.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOKL1LoJCalhNtJrAyFjWhMsFESt4mmwQCCgyZnuMKruTI1Lm1T0NZg3WkjLSaTqx-LIbEF7vBYyFW2A8T-Tz2QWbig60373JksantllzwEQHzjfGH1TMQSJpAZsXw0TIOs92zKQZOm1C4qDjf-8dreFdXnMkh7XR3McyGWf7RRzFCLRjyy5kgBwG2EU/s16000/AA%20Broadsword.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Strategic prudence calls for India's security planners to ensure that India never faces full-scale war on multiple fronts</span></i></div></span><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 1st March 24</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">With the Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a fortnight-long drive on Monday to gather suggestions for its election manifesto. Seldom short of organizational resources, the party has sent out video raths (chariots) to crowd-source suggestions from numerous assembly constituencies. The party has also invited suggestions through the NaMo App, placed 6,000 suggestion boxes across the country and mobilized its cadres for face-to-face meetings with potential voters. By March 15, the BJP plans to obtain inputs from ten million Indians for its 2024 general elections manifesto -- called the “Sankalp Patra” or Letter of Resolution. From these, the party will distill the defence and security-related issues that will feature in the BJP’s manifesto for 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In its 2014 and 2019 manifestos, the BJP had raised four major and several minor issues relating to defence. First, the manifesto accused the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of being sloppy on security, leading to multiple border intrusions by China and Pakistan, a shortage of combat aircraft, warships and submarines, multiple accidents involving naval warships, growing pressure from “Pakistan backed terror groups” and illegal immigration from Bangladesh. While these issues are inflammatory, they are not new<i>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Second, the BJP manifesto pledged to “update” India's nuclear doctrine. This triggered speculation that New Delhi was considering abandoning its long-held “No First Use” policy. The 2014 manifesto pledged to “Study in detail India's nuclear doctrine, and revise and update it, to make it relevant to challenges of current times.” It is unclear whether this meant a larger nuclear deterrent, or the creation of an arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs) that would counter Pakistan’s much-hyped TNW weapons. Eventually nothing came of this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Third, the BJP’s 2014 manifesto promised to restructure higher defence management, putting aside the fact that the NDA had itself shied away from appointing a tri-service chief of defence staff (CDS) whilst in power. In that manifesto, the BJP promised to “ensure greater participation of Armed Forces in the decision-making process of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).” This would integrate the ministry with the military and create structures where uniformed soldiers worked alongside bureaucrats, even as their bosses. A Group of Ministers (GoM) had proposed this measure in 2001, but the BJP encountered strong opposition from bureaucrats, eventually leading to the creation of a halfway house --- the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) -- where the three services worked together while the civilian bureaucracy remained aloof. The UPA had gone along with this tokenism for its entire decade in power.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Finally, the BJP’s 2014 manifesto mentioned a range of minor pledges, such as recruiting higher-calibre officers to overcome a debilitating, 25 per cent shortfall (not yet achieved). It pledged to build a national war memorial (achieved), The growing political clout of ex-servicemen was evident in the BJP’s promise to appoint a “veterans’ commission” for addressing problems of retired soldiers, sailors, airmen and their families. The BJP vowed to implement the policy of “one rank, one pension” (largely achieved). Promising to boost indigenous defence production, the BJP said it would “encourage private sector participation and investment, including FDI (foreign direct investment) in selected defence industries.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">Neither the BJP, nor the Congress before it, made any manifesto commitments on defence spending, even though allocations have plummeted from 4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the late 1980s to less than 2 per cent today. All 31 member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) are required to spend 2 per cent of their GDPs on defence even though, as military allies, collective defence is assured.</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span>Article 5 of the Treaty provides that every member will consider an act of violence against one member as an armed attack against all members and will take the actions it deems necessary to assist the ally attacked. With India choosing to stand alone in the face of an enemy attack, there<span lang="EN-GB"> have been calls for real defence allocations to be pegged at 3 per cent of GDP. However, with real defence allocations falling year after year, a 3 per cent defence spending pledge is unlikely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">This parsimony is also evident while setting growth targets in the aerospace and defence industry. Here, political parties have chosen to promulgate growth targets through policy documents rather than political manifestos. </span>Over the last two decades, growth in indigenous defence production has been based on a 2018 MoD roadmap titled the Defence Production Policy of 2018, or DPrP 2018. This set out an annual target of Rs 1.7 trillion (then $26 billion) in aerospace and defence services and production turnover by 2025. This was to through additional investment of nearly Rs 70,000 crores (then $ 10 billion), creating employment for nearly 2 to 3 million people. The 2018 policy also targeted exports of defence goods and services worth Rs 35,000 crores (then $5 billion) by 2025. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When a production target needed to be revised upwards, as was the case with industrial production last week, the impending 2024 manifesto was not chosen as the medium to do so. Instead, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that aerospace and defence services and production would touch Rs 3,00,000 crore (US $36 billion) in by 2028-29. Additionally, he said their export production would be raised in the same time-frame to Rs 50,000 crore ($6.25 billion).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> In order to absorb the higher volumes of manufactured goods and services, the 2024 manifesto must include a coherent policy to increase their export. From an arms importer, India has found a place in the list of top-25 arms-exporting nations. Seven-eight years ago, defence exports were below Rs 1,000 crore. Today, they have has touched Rs 16,000 crore. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The BJP’s 2024 manifesto would also do well to explain how the government planned to execute platitudes such as “a two-front war”-- which involves militarily defeating Pakistan, holding off China, dealing with insurgents in Jammu & Kashmir, while also ensuring that we remain masters of the Indian Ocean. On the face of it, having to fight a two-front war would represent the simultaneous and comprehensive failure of Indian strategy, diplomacy, border and military management and our internal security. Structuring our security for a worst-case scenario would warp our defence planning, financial allocations and troop deployment. Strategic prudence calls for the country’s top security planners to collectively ensure that India is never reduced to a position where it faces full-scale war on multiple fronts.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"> <o:p></o:p></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-9056018432745424052024-02-27T06:02:00.000-08:002024-02-27T06:03:53.175-08:00 Adani Defence inaugurates “South Asia’s largest ammunition complex”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo8saL4TdqBvbEXdxZzd8iTvZB3LWDK0Q-6hY7uh_o5f2xJI6m1Y7KtP1p_qOzScorusjHE0nZI5v0Ombh3lqnS6zbVzY-nPG-ayAYZsKgpno3dRki0Ti_rx8L9G6omAyLBhyphenhyphenszBgLSxnRU57XhrMzC3xhfgyZ8n-PhYcKwqCzvLbnWcouWneVGLU354/s1086/AA%20Navy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1086" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo8saL4TdqBvbEXdxZzd8iTvZB3LWDK0Q-6hY7uh_o5f2xJI6m1Y7KtP1p_qOzScorusjHE0nZI5v0Ombh3lqnS6zbVzY-nPG-ayAYZsKgpno3dRki0Ti_rx8L9G6omAyLBhyphenhyphenszBgLSxnRU57XhrMzC3xhfgyZ8n-PhYcKwqCzvLbnWcouWneVGLU354/s16000/AA%20Navy.jpg" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">• Spread over 500 acres, full spectrum of ammunition to be manufactured<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">• Investment plan of INR 3000+ Crores with 4000+ jobs and 5X multiplier<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">• Industry 4.0 – state of the art automation including use of AI for quality<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">• Production started in less than 18 months from land allocation</span></span></span></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;">By Ajai Shukla</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In what the company characterizes as “a landmark achievement for India’s defence sector,” Adani Defence and Aerospace (Adani Defence), inaugurated two mega facilities on Monday to manufacture ammunition and missiles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“The establishment of these ammunition and missiles complexes represents a leap forward in our quest for self-reliance. With a planned investment of over Rs 3,000 crores, its impact extends far beyond the defence sector. It will create over 4,000 jobs, with five times the multiplier effect on medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs),” said Ashish Rajvanshi, who heads Adani Defence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The inauguration coincided with the fifth anniversary of ‘Operation Bandar’, the Indian Air Force (IAF) bomb strikes on a terrorist camp inside Pakistani territory. The IAF strikes were in retaliation for a suicide car bomb attack near Pulwama, just outside Srinagar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Pakistani extremist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), claimed credit for the killing of close to 40 Indian policemen in the car bomb attack, leading to Indian air strikes on the JeM’s training base at Balakot.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The inauguration of the ammunition manufacturing facilities were inaugurated by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath; Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande Central Command chief, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani and officials from the Defence Ministry and UP government. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">According to Adani Defence, the 500 acre-facility in Kanpur is set to become one of Asia’s largest integrated ammunition manufacturing complexes. It will produce high-quality small, medium and large calibre ammunition for the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The facility has started rolling out small calibre ammunition, starting with 150 million rounds estimated at 25% of India’s annual requirement. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Speaking on the occasion, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “Adani Defence & Aerospace has made the largest investment in the Uttar Pradesh defence corridor… It is encouraging to see the commencement of operations within 18 months of allocating land.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Emphasizing the need for self-reliance in ammunition, army chief, General Manoj Pande said, “Recent geopolitical events have reemphasized the need for a reliable supply from internal sources for ammunition in preparedness for a long-drawn conflict. Such large investments and willingness of Adani Defence & Aerospace to indigenize critical technologies have built confidence in the users to depend on Indian private industry for strategic military supplies. This complex is a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in the defence sector.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Adani Defence is the flagship defence company of the Adani Group. An industry 4.0 facility, its extensive automation ensures the highest standards in quality, safety and reliability using artificial intelligence and data analytics, the company claims.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Further, being a PESO certified complex, it will also house explosive handling facilities for missiles and precision-guided munitions.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-59783232598643280702024-02-27T05:44:00.000-08:002024-02-27T05:48:05.212-08:00 Raghu Vamsi unveils fully indigenous “Micro Turbojet Engine”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCuPRrB6lFrd8jW5LLDopFuU3QKhjf3snAeNwLp-gL8kGOdwByHtJXkBYONPQCW2vflOeOckzPFImttWocoN_emcgaRleXRfeg8QX1ECV1M2smzhvQ2YJH9T-6ju7qyfoTEY9koHaV6OLMQovHCzKLlSexoOXmDfcJ3Or2xD3Fn9bdFFuGllcGkgmxH0/s2560/INDRA%20RV%2025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCuPRrB6lFrd8jW5LLDopFuU3QKhjf3snAeNwLp-gL8kGOdwByHtJXkBYONPQCW2vflOeOckzPFImttWocoN_emcgaRleXRfeg8QX1ECV1M2smzhvQ2YJH9T-6ju7qyfoTEY9koHaV6OLMQovHCzKLlSexoOXmDfcJ3Or2xD3Fn9bdFFuGllcGkgmxH0/s16000/INDRA%20RV%2025.jpg" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">The Micro Turbojet Engine contributes to India's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in critical sectors</span></i></span></div></span><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A Hyderabad-based company, Raghu Vamsi Machine Tools, announced on Monday the launch of its indigenous “Micro Turbojet Engine”, called the “Indra RV25.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Aeronautical Society of India, which is backing this product, regards overseeing the development of aerospace components such as this engine, as part of the objective of setting up a countrywide eco-system for the indigenous manufacture of a range of aircraft.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Raghu Vamsi Machine Tools (RVMT) is developing expertise in manufacturing aero engine parts, aero structures, avionic components, missile components and sub-assemblies for defence and space. This is aimed at building manufacturing capabilities in robotics and automation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), composites, gears and other products.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The fully indigenous INDRA RV25: 240N engine was engineered entirely in India by RVMT engineers. It was supported by Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, demonstrating the potential of industry-academia partnership.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;">“</span><span style="color: #222222;">By reducing reliance on imported technologies, components, and expertise, the Micro Turbojet Engine contributes to India's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in critical sectors, bolstering national security and economic resilience,” a company statement said on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“The launch of the indigenous Micro Turbojet Engine not only drives technological innovation but also stimulates the growth of the domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem, creating jobs and fostering economic growth,” said the statement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Witnessing the engine’s live testing at RVMT’s Hyderabad facility was Dr G Satheesh Reddy, former chairman of the Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister. Reddy currently heads the Aeronautical Society of India. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Contacted by Business Standard for a comment, Reddy said: “I am glad to see that Indian industry has started developing sophisticated and complex products such as jet engines. Today’s test paves the way for developing larger and more capable engines.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Reddy also formally inaugurated RVMT’s assembly and test laboratory in Hyderabad today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: repeat white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;">“</span><span style="background: repeat white; color: #222222;">Indigenous development of cutting- edge technologies like these will make India self-reliant and help it emerge as an export hub of critical military products and solutions. This success will pave the way for us to build an entire suite of micro turbo jet engines, of up to 100 kilogram force (Kgf) for use in UAVs, missile propulsion, auxiliary power units and range extenders, amongst myriads of other opportunities,” said</span><span style="color: #222222;"> Arvind Mishra, Chief Operating Officer of the Raghu Vamsi Group.</span></span></div>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-41617289918576247422024-02-25T19:29:00.000-08:002024-02-25T19:33:11.224-08:00Defence budget masks capital allocations to each service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-qSmt2ZzY7l-92jru-s-DIqHQOzR9zUJtcuAQ80Fb9dltHYU6G0sRXoyNBx8WOY5cqTwhMuB9MCMI3Wk8s_8KPDYYOc_iD6dCe2my04HwKJr4E4xF6MuoDv9X-V6035VWnhFGOblPwCtYoKl0UKqVHjLqXXkCnY8o7W422taf2qA56wgP4fXkOH1eXI/s826/AA%20budget.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-qSmt2ZzY7l-92jru-s-DIqHQOzR9zUJtcuAQ80Fb9dltHYU6G0sRXoyNBx8WOY5cqTwhMuB9MCMI3Wk8s_8KPDYYOc_iD6dCe2my04HwKJr4E4xF6MuoDv9X-V6035VWnhFGOblPwCtYoKl0UKqVHjLqXXkCnY8o7W422taf2qA56wgP4fXkOH1eXI/s16000/AA%20budget.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>A closer look at the defence budget and the capital allocations that (in a departure from practice) have not been distributed service-wise</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Business Standard, 26th Feb 24</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The ministry of defence (MoD) this year presented the capital allocations for the defence budget in a new format, combining the capex budget for all three services into a single allocation, rather than allocating budgets for all three services separately.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As a result, Demand No.21, pertaining to the “Capital Outlay on Defence Services” does not give out separate figures for each service – the army, navy and air force. The only way to estimate the capital allocation for each service is to calculate the allocations to each service over the preceding decade. Then, by assuming that a similar percentage of capex funding would be distributed between the three services this year, it can be broadly estimated what each service would be allocated in the coming financial year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwZ7O_4xloEtluCmTDjAU8FrT5-YJo5HMHrKfX-pYpcRdla1s1i7W1sE-_SIJ7hcQ2zv5thMGq50AhmF3DWCkX2PYGDBK0mLQKxX0nJ9SFjshJpvyLVRwsdNUE7ANTVaflrxrpAAfrEnmw50faG3l8CfMrz7zZs3Bdq3irfPvK1OKFesegoIBk-WkXKg/s640/AA%20budget2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwZ7O_4xloEtluCmTDjAU8FrT5-YJo5HMHrKfX-pYpcRdla1s1i7W1sE-_SIJ7hcQ2zv5thMGq50AhmF3DWCkX2PYGDBK0mLQKxX0nJ9SFjshJpvyLVRwsdNUE7ANTVaflrxrpAAfrEnmw50faG3l8CfMrz7zZs3Bdq3irfPvK1OKFesegoIBk-WkXKg/s16000/AA%20budget2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">By such a calculation (see chart 1 above), it can be seen that over the preceding decade, the army has been allocated an average of 28 per cent of the defence capital budget, the allocation to the navy has been 31 per cent on average and the air force has been getting 41 per cent.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Applying this proportion to the coming year’s capex allocation of Rs 172,000 crore (1.72 trillion), it is seen that the share of the army (28 per cent) amounts to Rs 48,160 crore, that of the navy (31 per cent) comes to Rs 53,320 crore, while the 41 per cent share of the air force comes to Rs 70,520 crore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">It requires to be noted that the calculated shares of the three services actually varies substantially. The army’s share has varied over the last decade between 37 per cent and 19.5 per cent; the navy’s share between 24.5 and 37 per cent, while the air force has been allocated between 33 and 48 per cent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z_wwD92mnyp4yZ2GslBOzAgOa0n9S3hyphenhyphen0ecBvSxuVT_Gn0Hf73K0RmSLcnUaqK4AH0NVTPq31srzWP2hI2FOgOdGSg73U2pSp3Tj0Kl1gvEk3UiFzrHFBl73_ZdMypp2Nyv7QX1YfE9vpsaXvo4hWVN55B5R4AhYTm5D5Fa8wTABaVjBS27G7Do0diA/s640/AA%20budget3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z_wwD92mnyp4yZ2GslBOzAgOa0n9S3hyphenhyphen0ecBvSxuVT_Gn0Hf73K0RmSLcnUaqK4AH0NVTPq31srzWP2hI2FOgOdGSg73U2pSp3Tj0Kl1gvEk3UiFzrHFBl73_ZdMypp2Nyv7QX1YfE9vpsaXvo4hWVN55B5R4AhYTm5D5Fa8wTABaVjBS27G7Do0diA/s16000/AA%20budget3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: xx-large; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">Another important set of figures that are ignored in the Union Budget are the capital requirements that are projected by each of the three services. Consequently, it remains unknown whether the financial allocations substantially meet the projected requirements of the army, navy and air force or not.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><u><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Broad defence allocations<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The government’s priorities in defence readiness became evident from its distribution of funds in the interim Union budget presented in Parliament on February 1. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">From the Rs 6.21 lakh crore (6.211 trillion) allocated to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) – a higher allocation than any other ministry – more than half will be paid towards personnel costs. This included 30.68 per cent that was allocated to salaries and allowances for serving soldiers, sailors and airmen. Another 22.72 per cent was earmarked for defence pensions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">From what remained, 14.82 per cent was allocated for revenue expenditure: the cost of keeping the military running and operationally prepared. About 4.11 per cent was spent on civil organisations that work under the MoD – such as the Coast Guard and the Border Roads Organisation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">That left Rs 1.72 lakh crore, or 27.67 per cent of the total defence budget – under the capital expenditure (capex) head, to cater for modernisation of the country’s arsenal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Modern militaries spend up to 50-60 per cent of their total defence budget on capex so that they go into combat with superior weaponry and equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">However, India’s army maintains about 1.25 million ground soldiers in the personnel-heavy structure that sucks up more than half the defence allocations into paying salaries and pensions to a large number of troops posted on our Himalayan borders in the north. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This payment has a skewed framework, with the army paying over 80 per cent of its budget on personnel costs (salaries + pensions), while the navy and air force pay about 10 per cent each.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Military planners say that while formulating the budget they inform the Ministry of Finance (MoF) about their requirement of funds during the year but those funds are seldom allocated. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The 37<sup>th</sup> Report of the 17<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha’s Standing Committee on Defence, which was presented in both houses of Parliament on March 21, states that in FY 2018-19, the MoF allocated just 52 per cent of the services’ capex projection. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Subsequently, this allocation rose year by year to 59 per cent, 63 per cent, 61 per cent and then to 68 per cent. This was until the 2023-24 budget saw the allocation of 100 per cent of the services’ projections.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A <i>Business Standard</i> analysis of defence capital allocations during the preceding decade reveals that capex has risen by barely 5 per cent in real terms each year, in the last decade. This is after accounting for inflation and foreign exchange rate variation (FERV). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This 5 per cent rise in the military’s modernisation budget trails behind growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which has risen at 6-8 per cent annually for that period.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Twice during this period, in 2012-13 and 2015-16, the adjusted capital budget was lower than the previous year’s allocations. There were large hikes of 23.38 per cent (in 2009-10) and 18.98 per cent (in 2010-11) in the first two years of the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA-2) government. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Eating into the real value of the defence capital allocations are expenditures such as goods and service tax (GST), customs duties and rising personnel costs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On stores (tents, clothing, ammunition) GST is 18%. On vehicles it is 28% GST. But no allocation was increased to cater for these expenditures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Similarly, customs duty of 10 per cent was imposed on the import of defence equipment in the early stages of the UPA government. Internal inequalities remain: Army stores and equipment are taxed at 10 per cent while aerospace components are taxed at 3 per cent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">During the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government (2004-2014), two divisions of defensive troops were raised, along with a “strike corps” for the northern borders. The current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government tried to slow this expansion but a full division worth of manpower had already been raised.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Similarly, the Chinese ingress into Eastern Ladakh in the spring of 2020 created pressure on the military for a counter-deployment.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-16843665099766752542024-02-24T06:05:00.000-08:002024-02-24T06:05:34.321-08:00Rajnath Singh lays down ambitious new targets for defence production<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8UKizIcSr52jBjG1cS8At0X1M1XS-gbjZcQowUmkdq9Zt3n72RC1YLO-fIxN3lm6C-MCfyqSSMcVOP_6H8RyNtvJ1Mnni7c89Bb5j7WSaRcpJCYN1_7lX62eLcU6e0qElzrfuGtVDUNCit-3xeAAPjp8bG_MpPRpFl5SXp-fZK2gdDj8-v0HRBmA_bA/s2558/AA%20frigate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="2558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8UKizIcSr52jBjG1cS8At0X1M1XS-gbjZcQowUmkdq9Zt3n72RC1YLO-fIxN3lm6C-MCfyqSSMcVOP_6H8RyNtvJ1Mnni7c89Bb5j7WSaRcpJCYN1_7lX62eLcU6e0qElzrfuGtVDUNCit-3xeAAPjp8bG_MpPRpFl5SXp-fZK2gdDj8-v0HRBmA_bA/s16000/AA%20frigate.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); font-family: "Google Sans", arial, sans-serif;">INS Sahyadri (F49) is a </span><span style="background-color: #d3e3fd; font-family: "Google Sans", arial, sans-serif;"><span jsaction="click:sKUsF" role="tooltip" style="outline: 0px;" tabindex="0"><g-bubble data-ci="" data-du="200" data-tp="5" jsaction="R9S7w:VqIRre;" jscontroller="QVaUhf" jsshadow=""><span class="c5aZPb" data-enable-toggle-animation="true" data-extra-container-classes="ZLo7Eb" data-hover-hide-delay="1000" data-hover-open-delay="500" data-send-open-event="true" data-theme="0" data-ved="2ahUKEwitkfGUksSEAxVka2wGHZRtDiAQmpgGegQIMxAD" data-width="250" jsaction="vQLyHf" jsname="d6wfac" jsslot="" role="button" style="cursor: pointer; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0"><span class="JPfdse" data-bubble-link="" data-segment-text="Shivalik-class" jsname="ukx3I" style="border-bottom-color: rgba(4, 12, 40, 0.5); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px;">Shivalik-class</span></span></g-bubble></span> frigate built for the Indian Navy</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); font-family: "Google Sans", arial, sans-serif;">. This class features improved stealth and land attack capabilities over the preceding Talwar-class frigates.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Business Standard, 24th Feb 24</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a media seminar on defence production on Saturday, laid down an annual target of Rs 3,00,000 crore ( in aerospace and defence services and production by 2028-29.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The annual exports target for aerospace and defence services and production was also raised ambitiously to Rs 50,000 crore in the same time-frame.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Efforts towards jointness and integration have made our military ready to deal with every challenge together,” said the defence minister. “The government is focusing on long-term gains and not short-term outcomes to make India ‘<i>Viksit Bharat’</i> (Developed India) by 2047”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“The aim is to manufacture high-end systems like aero-engines and gas turbines in India in the next five years,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Over the preceding years, indigenous defence production growth has been based on a 2018 ministry of defence (MoD) roadmap titled the Defence Production Policy of 2018, or DPrP 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The 2018 policy set out an annual target of Rs 1,70,000 crore (then $26 billion) in aerospace and defence services and production turnover by 2025. This would be achieved through additional investment of nearly Rs 70,000 crores (then $ 10 billion), creating employment for nearly 2 to 3 million people. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The 2018 policy also targeted exports of defence goods and services worth Rs 35,000 crores ($5 billion) by 2025. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Rajnath said no military could protect its nation with imported weaponry. He said the “government’s persistent efforts” towards self-reliance have increased defence production to Rs one lakh crore. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Earlier, India was known to be an arms importer. But today, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we have come out of our comfort zone and found a place in the list of top-25 arms exporter nations. Seven-eight years ago, defence exports did not even touch Rs 1,000 crore. Today, it has touched Rs 16,000 crore. By 2028-29, annual defence production is expected to touch Rs three lakh crore and defence exports Rs 50,000 crore,” said Rajnath.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The defence minister said that capital acquisition worth more than Rs 4,35,000 crore have been given in-principle approval till now in FY 2023-24.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">DPrP 2018 set out the objective of creating “a dynamic, robust and competitive defence and aerospace industry as an important part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.” </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This was to be achieved by creating a tiered defence industrial ecosystem in the country that would achieve self-reliance by 2025 in the development and manufacture of fighter aircraft, medium lift attack and utility helicopters, warships, land combat vehicles, missile and gun systems, small arms, ammunition and explosives, surveillance systems, electronic warfare (EW) and communications systems, night fighting enablers, submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and training systems such as simulators. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The 2018 policy also set out the goal of making India a global leader in cyberspace and artificial intelligence technologies. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Rajnath Singh said the government has been focusing on the integration of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. “Earlier, the three services used to work in silos… It was a little difficult in the beginning; but today our military is ready with better coordination to deal with every challenge together,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">He also listed out decisions taken towards long-term gains in other sectors, including the successful implementation of goods and services tax (GST), initiatives in health and education sectors, and banking reforms.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-35255701648630355802024-02-21T19:13:00.000-08:002024-02-21T19:13:49.087-08:00Tejas fighter flies with a new Digital Flight Control Computer<p><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-ZHbKHO9pETHngBgYe5vFDzIEsUxVuENWj6sUGHe_6H0o8AjT_sA3-Vb62FPIx2UEuS7jTnPUK4XMOVbt5oceVD9ic5zavpMTxVWbwlnChzhA1VjWrHqxTMVUr8gWjY2JG_qdew_RNGavl5wP7qp4ncb0hcIm8mVyToC1i-_NHvwSc8FDmibqtSsa5g/s964/PV6%20First%20Flight%2008%20Nov14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="964" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-ZHbKHO9pETHngBgYe5vFDzIEsUxVuENWj6sUGHe_6H0o8AjT_sA3-Vb62FPIx2UEuS7jTnPUK4XMOVbt5oceVD9ic5zavpMTxVWbwlnChzhA1VjWrHqxTMVUr8gWjY2JG_qdew_RNGavl5wP7qp4ncb0hcIm8mVyToC1i-_NHvwSc8FDmibqtSsa5g/s16000/PV6%20First%20Flight%2008%20Nov14.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;">The new digital flight computer will connect the older Tejas fighter’s analogue ports and cabling with the new digital world</span></i></div></i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>22nd February 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In 1993, when development work began in earnest on the Tejas Mark-1, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru – the Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) laboratory set up to oversee the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) project – took on the challenge of making the new fighter highly manoeuvrable as well as highly safe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">These conflicting features were achieved through world class avionics that combined an unstable design (which continuously tended to throw the aircraft out of the sky); with a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight computer that continuously stabilised the fighter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The skills that went into this sophisticated design had been cultivated since the early-1960s, when Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) designed and built the HF-24 Marut fighter-bomber.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On Monday, this avionics design capability was taken a step further. In a significant step forward for the Tejas Mark-1A programme, a new “Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer” (DFCC) was integrated and test flown by ADA on a Tejas LCA prototype. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On Tuesday, the ministry of defence (MoD) announced that the “DFCC has been indigenously developed by ADA for the Tejas Mark-1A.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Indian Air Force (IAF) is buying no more than 40 Tejas Mark-1 fighters. After that, it will buy 83 Tejas Mark-1A fighters, for which it has signed a contract with HAL in 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Mark-1A will be more sophisticated and capable than the Tejas Mark-1. The former is being fitted with a highly capable active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an electronic warfare suite with an on-board jammer, a Combined Interrogator and Transponder and a digital map generator that carries the complete digital map data of South Asia. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Mark-1A will also carry the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM). With a range of 60-70 kilometres, the IAF bought the ASRAAM from MBDA UK, for upgrading its Jaguar fighters. Now each Tejas Mark-1A will carry two ASRAAMs on its outboard stations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="background: white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Integrating these weapons and avionics onto the Tejas Mark-1A requires a more powerful and capable mission computer, with connections that can connect the new digital world with the older Tejas fighter’s analogue ports and cabling. This will be the function of the DFCC.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The MoD says the new DFCC will feature a Quadraplex Power PC-based processor, high speed autonomous state machine based I/O controller, enhanced computational throughput and complex on-board software complied to DO178C level-A safety requirements. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the joint teams from DRDO, IAF, ADA and industries involved in the development and flight testing of this critical system for Tejas Mk1A, terming it a major step towards Atmanirbharata (self-reliance)</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-36483139934158663462024-02-21T18:57:00.000-08:002024-02-21T18:57:28.786-08:00Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane: India and US are key stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaygrvsg60lKQwlztaUA7DbvnZRf523huc3VhE3KaiI9uXl7ZuLDA9ekTqiuQQMkDWY-4ladAXzqXwGpvuf4EqykP2ZIp6HI7RsV6dRuP45Y88P-Eth-z0bgy-22uTBl-xm_Dib6OBsdKpkR5eonrhHGq6uh-850NLpSiseuv6zgdci4yWO4J9CYbRz0U/s2106/Aramane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2106" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaygrvsg60lKQwlztaUA7DbvnZRf523huc3VhE3KaiI9uXl7ZuLDA9ekTqiuQQMkDWY-4ladAXzqXwGpvuf4EqykP2ZIp6HI7RsV6dRuP45Y88P-Eth-z0bgy-22uTBl-xm_Dib6OBsdKpkR5eonrhHGq6uh-850NLpSiseuv6zgdci4yWO4J9CYbRz0U/s16000/Aramane.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>Defence Secretary Aramane and former US ambassador to India, Richard Verma, at INDUS-X</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 22nd Feb 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A two-day India-US defence cooperation meeting in Delhi -- the India-US Defence Accelerator Ecosystem (INDUS-X) -- terminated on Wednesday with the two countries declaring it an important milestone in defence collaboration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This is the second INDUS-X meeting. The first was in June 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Addressing the gathering, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane called India and the US key stakeholders in navigating the complex dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <span lang="EN-US">“</span>Today, we are witnessing a pivotal moment in the history of the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific, with its vast expanse of oceans and strategic waterways, stands as the crossroad of global commerce, geopolitics, and security. In navigating the complex dynamics of this region, India and the US find themselves as key stakeholders, bound by shared values and common interests,<span lang="EN-US">”</span> said Aramane.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> Referring to the flourishing bilateral partnership in aerospace and defence, Aramane said,<span lang="EN-US">“</span>India is increasingly turning to the US for cutting-edge equipment and technology. The US, in turn, sees India as a key partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, leveraging India<span lang="EN-US">’</span>s growing defence capabilities.<span lang="EN-US">” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Indian defence secretary underscored the success stories of India’s defence production, ranging from shipbuilding, including aircraft carriers, to the development of advanced weaponry such as Tejas multi-role fighter aircraft, and attack and utility combat helicopters that has got the attention of international buyers across the globe. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Aramane called upon the India-US industry representatives and other stakeholders present to further deepen the strategic bilateral partnership and harness the full potential of the cooperation. <span lang="EN-US">“</span>By leveraging our respective strengths and capabilities, India and the US can play a pivotal role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,<span lang="EN-US">” </span>he said. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Aramane participated in the Capstone session of the INDUS-X Summit along with the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Commander Admiral John C Aquilino and Ambassador Atul Keshap, President, USIBC (US-India Business Council).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Highlighting the robust defence partnership between the two countries, Aramane spoke about the Initiatives on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in 2022. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">“</span>A pivotal aspect of our burgeoning relationship is the iCET that aims to establish <span lang="EN-US">‘</span>Innovation Bridges<span lang="EN-US">’</span> across key sectors, including defence, through expos, hackathons, and pitching sessions,<span lang="EN-US">” said the defence secretary.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the US Department of Defence (DoD), in conjunction with the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the summit aims to drive strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation between India and the US.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-55708575666441669982024-02-20T23:07:00.000-08:002024-02-20T23:07:17.133-08:00 Delhi hosts two-day INDUS-X Summit; will discuss strategic and security<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwQ7CjrNJs61vbSfIhz_tEVIZMZNydOA0pYEAaylLRY9uD2AqmDbjsBFzbMVX4oKf_2trIjdXTrS3X8F8m1LCdx6xeSnsTYMZDpk_KmvlIbiK2GYeKp27-sdMv0Hj0VkBz-REml0hpp09XYShzFXVacN-kIPPfnmGM8brPTFttyTj4z09-ExonJb6IN4/s1960/AA%20INDUS-X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwQ7CjrNJs61vbSfIhz_tEVIZMZNydOA0pYEAaylLRY9uD2AqmDbjsBFzbMVX4oKf_2trIjdXTrS3X8F8m1LCdx6xeSnsTYMZDpk_KmvlIbiK2GYeKp27-sdMv0Hj0VkBz-REml0hpp09XYShzFXVacN-kIPPfnmGM8brPTFttyTj4z09-ExonJb6IN4/s16000/AA%20INDUS-X.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Initially greeted with little fanfare, the INDUS-X could eventually prove crucial for developing ways of deterring Chin</span>a</i></div></span><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 21st Feb 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A two-day India-US defence cooperation meeting, called the India-US Defence Accelerator Ecosystem (INDUS-X), kicked off in Delhi on Tuesday marking a significant milestone in collaboration between the two countries in defence innovation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Launched in June 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US, INDUS-X has driven the expansion of bilateral ties in defence innovation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While being initially greeted with little fanfare, this US-India defence technology initiative could prove crucial for developing ways of deterring China. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For the two-day INDUS-X Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, stakeholders from both nations have converged in New Delhi to explore emerging opportunities and chart the future trajectory of US-India defence relations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the US Department of Defence (DoD), in conjunction with the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the summit aims to drive strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation between India and the US.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There is much in common between the INDUS-X and a similar US-India cooperation initiative called the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) that was put in place during the presidencies of George W Bush and Barack Obama.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Like the DTTI, the INDUS-X is breaking information silos, building networks of cooperation and reducing bureaucratic and regulatory friction between the two defence ministries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Two Washington-based scholars of US-India relations, Sameer Lalwani and Vikram J Singh, wrote last week that INDUS-X could become one of the most consequential US-India cooperation frameworks in the days ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“INDUS-X has finally institutionalized a process that meets India’s decades-long demand for defence technology cooperation while advancing the Pentagon’s concept of integrated deterrence by bolstering Indian defence capabilities, diversifying supply chains and building trust for deeper operational cooperation between our two militaries,” wrote Lalwani and Singh.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Cooperation that was at one stage unimaginable – such as US Navy warships docking for repair at Indian shipyards – is already coming to pass. Joint training and multilateral exercises are growing in frequency and complexity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://media.defense.gov/2023/Jun/21/2003244837/-1/-1/0/FACTSHEET-INDUS-X-FINAL.PDF" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Defense fact sheet</a> on INDUS-X, which was released last June, speaks directly to the need to “expand the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">INDUS-X stakeholders have outlined a collaboration agenda for advancing defence innovation between the US and India. This provides timelines and metrics for measuring progress in implementing collaboration initiatives envisioned under INDUS-X.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A “bilateral cooperation mechanism” is proposed for INDUS-X stakeholders to advance this collaboration agenda. This caters for “advisory oversight” which caters for a “senior advisor group (SAG) to assess the progress of the collaboration agenda and make recommendations to the defence establishments and other INDUS-X stakeholders for future work. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Carnegie India, USIBC, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) will convene follow-on programming to drive implementation of the collaboration agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Initiatives led by industry and academia cater for mentor-protégé partnerships for start-ups:<b> </b>Indian and US defence firms intend to identify opportunities to establish formal and informal mentoring for start-ups to assist with market access, business strategy, and technology know-how. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There are “Accelerator Programmes for Defence Start-ups”, with programmes such as<b> </b>Hacking for Allies (H4x).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In this, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, in collaboration with additional INDUS-X stakeholders, have expressed their intent to explore opportunities to provide start- ups with jointly defined problem sets, mentoring, and exposure in defence commercialization, business development, product refinement, technology advancement, funding opportunities, and more. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">INDUS-X seeks to build these links through three core mechanisms: enhanced information flows; cross-national social and commercial network development; and reduced regulatory friction to unleash private enterprise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As the INDUS-X initiative continues to develop, it would be crucial for policymakers to understand its function, background and strategy. They would be looking to shape not only the trajectory of US-India relations, but also the future of integrated deterrence — particularly with regards to China — in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-56411000112277420472024-02-20T05:17:00.000-08:002024-02-20T05:17:56.417-08:00 Defence component maker, Nibe, opens Pune facililty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TzrxAtGjPQ9Dy1C-_fAbQx7xNHpjgSjffHwEY5F6mhzj0CHVC8Tde9GSZdDfIKbi29d0kgI4FWtcOQnh0FflzX4LXurmP1zemMksw7tufK66oyvmi6AZTiyaEoH5rapXv0KCiDA5mACh_80ZvEbzchdh1SQXnyxLgV_BZjBzuXVtlOp6ojNIWIsFrM8/s3174/AA%20Pinaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2102" data-original-width="3174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TzrxAtGjPQ9Dy1C-_fAbQx7xNHpjgSjffHwEY5F6mhzj0CHVC8Tde9GSZdDfIKbi29d0kgI4FWtcOQnh0FflzX4LXurmP1zemMksw7tufK66oyvmi6AZTiyaEoH5rapXv0KCiDA5mACh_80ZvEbzchdh1SQXnyxLgV_BZjBzuXVtlOp6ojNIWIsFrM8/s16000/AA%20Pinaka.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>These new weapons have been designed by DRDO, with large private firms, such as the Tatas, L&T or Kalyani as production partners. Each of these have co-opted dozens of smaller firms</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 20 Feb 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt inaugurated a production facility for a defence component manufacturer called Nibe In Pune on Monday. This 250,000 square foot shop floor will produce components for a new generation of Indian weaponry – Pinaka rocket launchers and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAMs).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">These new weapons systems have been designed by the Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO), with large private companies such as the Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) or the Kalyani Group as production partners. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Each of these big manufacturers have co-opted dozens of smaller firms to feed into the final production line.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Nibe has grown quickly and is seeking a leadership role in organising micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the industrial zones around Pune. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“We have been appointed knowledge partners to the defence exposition (DefExpo) being organised by the Maharashtra government for MSMEs,” says Balakrishnan Swamy, chief technical officer of Nibe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The smaller production units do not confine themselves to manufacturing for one or two big firms. Instead, they feed into multiple production lines, maximising their output.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">When Larsen & Toubro won the contract to build 100 K-9 Vajra self propelled howitzers for the Indian Army, Nibe pitched to build the Vajra’s hull and turret. “Having begun as a Tier-2 company for L&T, we are in a position today to function as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for many technologies,” says Swamy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Encashing its close relationship with L&T, Nibe began fabricating large components for the modular bridges that are built by combat engineering units to cross canals and rivers on the battlefield. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Swatantra bridge was developed by the DRDO’s Pune-based laboratory, Research and Development (Engineers). They gave L&T the production order and Nibe won an order that essentially made it a feeder shop to L&T. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“We do much of the contract manufacturing and heavy engineering fabrication for L&T. That is how we started our journey,” says Swamy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, the firm won a contract to build fuel storage tanks for Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Nibe facility inaugurated on Monday is in discussion with US small arms (rifles, carbines, light machine guns) manufacturer, Sig Sauer, for setting up a production line for supplying to the Indian Army.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“We are dedicating 40,000 square feet of space to manufacturing Sig Sauer small arms, and another possible 20,000 square feet of mezzanine space. We have applied to the Ministry of Home Affairs for permission to assemble small arms and expect it to be granted soon,” says Swamy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The company is a debt-free organisation already and has a market capitalisation of about Rs 1,200 crore. In the last fiscal, Nibe posted a turnover of Rs 100 crore, which Swamy says is likely to triple this year to Rs 300 crore. The company hopes to exceed that rate of growth in FY 2024-25 by posting a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“If you take any ministry of defence project, Nibe is up there, getting orders. Having the right resources, having qualified welders, having competitive team, that is what gives us an edge. I already have 475 qualified welders in house. So when any project comes up, I'm up there and ready. I have my machines ready – three-axis, five-axis machines, says Swamy. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-1793689497731353352024-02-17T07:19:00.000-08:002024-02-17T07:19:35.546-08:00 Ananth Technologies claims crucial role in 55 modules for launch system<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ72wvlLpVuC0mD7xPSjssH-pqLUC2n9D4U-7i13TXnxr0OZmWRaq90MIY7iCP1dI63WAVSbwEuAwVotDEvOpbpHvR2hVdiOIRmO-cmWkxkp_a8ENuBYcNsQoQq5-29de-BEoNo2xXXFkaqi3kDlNMpsjWo91Ue_9yj8VVnCd5NZSwBSmXfiXKUH8I1yM/s1136/Ananth%20GSLV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ72wvlLpVuC0mD7xPSjssH-pqLUC2n9D4U-7i13TXnxr0OZmWRaq90MIY7iCP1dI63WAVSbwEuAwVotDEvOpbpHvR2hVdiOIRmO-cmWkxkp_a8ENuBYcNsQoQq5-29de-BEoNo2xXXFkaqi3kDlNMpsjWo91Ue_9yj8VVnCd5NZSwBSmXfiXKUH8I1yM/s16000/Ananth%20GSLV.jpg" /></a><i style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">ATL has supplied complete power control system, solar array generation system, power distribution system, DC-DC power converters, star sensors</span></i></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #999999;">By Ajai Shukla</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL) – which has launched 98 satellites and 78 launch vehicles for Indian space programs – has claimed a crucial role in the launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) F14 and the Indian Satellite (INSAT) 3DS.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“We are delighted to announce the successful launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F14 (GSLV F14) by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This achievement marks another milestone in India's space exploration endeavours, and we are proud to highlight the significant contribution made by Ananth Technologies to the success of this mission,” stated a company release on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The GSLV F14 placed the satellite INSAT-3DS into Geosynchronous orbit with a six-channel imager, 19-channel sounder, data relay transponder (DRT) and satellite aided search and rescue transponder (SAS&R) as payloads. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“It enhances meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning. The flawless execution of the launch underscores the expertise and dedication of the entire team involved in the mission,” stated the company.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ananth Technologies claims that its team of technologists deployed advanced technological contributions. “Our team has been actively involved in the manufacturing of 55 modules for launch vehicles, viz. navigation electronics, sensor interface modules, safety and arming units, telemetry interfaces - key components that contributed to the overall success of the mission,” stated the company<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">For the satellite INSAT-3DS, ATL has supplied the complete power control system, solar array generation system, power distribution system, DC-DC power converters, and star sensors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">ATL chief, Subba Rao Pavuluri, stated that “At ATL we view quality as a non-negotiable aspect of our commitment to our customers of aerospace community. It is not just a goal; it is embedded in our culture.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">"We are thrilled to have been a part of this GSLV F14 launch, which showcases the collaborative efforts between ISRO and the private sector. The success of this mission not only demonstrates the prowess of Indian space technology but also reflects the commitment and excellence of our team at ATL. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ISRO on future missions," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">ATL is associated with defence programs and is a key contributor in the missile programs. It has been involved in telemetry, navigation, control systems, seekers, power amplifiers, laser and optical systems.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">ATL is headquartered in Hyderabad, with dedicated facilities in Thiruvananthapuram for launch vehicles related activities. ATL has also established extensive facilities for satellite manufacturing.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-20870963321622279142024-02-05T19:49:00.000-08:002024-02-05T19:49:11.363-08:00Broadsword: Dealing with Uncle Sam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1OpfjE-sfPRalSboQYAq5xi0Tqk2devhmwsTHsOXkGa-wXXwx_MdIvra-4litJ4K92LIAtw4JGQhcR6OBasTtFBqUzZeGPopAldo56l0sxH8Es1IJ8oov7NVfor8iq4O3iRnGMW_a0MP0aSBZ15OjyHVOOaDHrR89pz6WV1WVhuM_GAt4I2Xt5tOlMk/s826/1454345213-1615660.jpg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1OpfjE-sfPRalSboQYAq5xi0Tqk2devhmwsTHsOXkGa-wXXwx_MdIvra-4litJ4K92LIAtw4JGQhcR6OBasTtFBqUzZeGPopAldo56l0sxH8Es1IJ8oov7NVfor8iq4O3iRnGMW_a0MP0aSBZ15OjyHVOOaDHrR89pz6WV1WVhuM_GAt4I2Xt5tOlMk/s16000/1454345213-1615660.jpg.webp" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;">Beyond historical uncertainties, New Delhi’s emphasis on ‘Make in India’ introduces practical challenges in defence partnerships</span></i><i style="font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Business Standard, 6th Feb 24</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Last week, President Joe Biden’s administration had to swing into action to persuade a senior United States (US) lawmaker, Senator Ben Cardin, to drop his objections to the sale of armed drones to India. Senator Cardin had placed a “hold” on the supply to India of 31 MQ-9 Predator and Sea Guardian drones until the US government carried out a “meaningful investigation” into an alleged conspiracy by “Indian agencies” to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun – a New York-based Khalistan activist whom New Delhi regards as a terrorist. Although the White House managed to persuade Cardin to revoke his “hold”, thus clearing the way for the drone sale to go through, the incident evoked memories of “American unreliability” that have long plagued relations between the two largest democracies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Independent India’s strategic relationship with the US has long been argumentative, if not downright adversarial. In 1954, against the backdrop of the Cold War, the US and six allies co-opted Pakistan into joining the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (Seato). While Seato’s stated aim was to prevent communism from gaining ground in the region, its appeal for Pakistan was the support it received in its struggles against India. Then, in 1959, Cold War geo-politics led the US into supporting Pakistan as a member of the Central Treaty Organisation (Cento). In 1971, President Richard Nixon and his Secretary of State Henry Kissinger supported Pakistan in the Bangladesh War, famously sending the 7<sup>th</sup> Fleet to flex its muscles at India in the Bay of Bengal. The next year, the US used Pakistani cover to send Nixon to China in a geo-strategic coup that altered the course of the Cold War. In 1999, India’s nuclear tests evoked outright hostility from Washington as well as sanctions on the supply of defence equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm -0.75pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">Not until the turn of the century did US-India relations take a turn for the better with the signing in 2005 of a New Framework Agreement for the US-India Defence Relationship; the conclusion of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative to bypass bureaucratic processes and procedures in both administrations, and the so-called 123 Agreement that opened the doors for civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries. In 2015, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region and, in 2016, the US designated India as a Major Defence Partner. In 2018, the</span>bilateral security partnership reached a new level with the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue – a cabinet-level meeting between American and Indian defence and foreign policy leaders. In 2018, the US granted India Strategic Trade Authorization, Tier One status, enabling India to access many of America’s highly-regulated technology items<span lang="EN-GB"> including the Predator and Sea Guardian drones that have run into controversy</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This raises an important question: Are US-India relations on firm ground? Or will they retain a disruptive moral component, with Washington continuing to cite its democratic values, love of freedom and the rule of law at inconvenient moments? Eventually, it is likely to remain subject to three parameters: The depth and strength of the military-to-military cooperation; the quantity of defence sales to India; and the defence-industrial cooperation between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Military-to-military cooperation involves joint exercises and training, including the </span>Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar, and the quadrilateral Exercise Malabar. <span lang="EN-US">Joint military exercises make for relationship building and the supply of US military equipment to India is facilitated when it is recommended by an American military service. But the US and India are still very far from mutual commitment in combat. While the US would welcome Indian involvement, New Delhi has little appetite for involvement in America’s wars. Throughout India’s recent confrontation with China in 2020-21, the Indian military was asking for information and intelligence, rather than weapons and equipment; and Washington was providing that readily. That is the area where US-India cooperation and jointmanship is working well.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">In the realm of defence sales, the US weaponry bought by India is touching US $25 billion and will exceed that once </span><span lang="EN-US">the logjam on Capitol Hill is resolved. The US administration is tied to India’s commitment to account in full for its actions on the Pannun assassination conspiracy. And then the Hill is going to exercise its judgement on whether India has made a full accounting or not. There are other defence systems that the US could offer to India, such as carrier-borne fighter aircraft and additional P-8I multi-mission maritime aircraft, which are currently held up for lack of funds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Thirdly, Washington and New Delhi are grappling with the question of “Make in India.” This is a mixed story, because the economics of transferring manufacturing to India is not immediately obvious. For example, India wants to equip its future Tejas fighters with the General Electric F-414 engines in India. The successful manufacture of this engine in India will be a test case of whether manufacturing can be transferred to India or not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Indian policymakers must realise that, in buying small quantities of equipment, it becomes hard to start manufacturing those in India. In the US, production and assembly lines are set up and oriented to the US market and, to a secondary degree, to allied countries’ markets. And those are relatively large numbers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Take the F-16, for example: A single assembly line in the US churned out some 3,000 F-16s over its lifetime. Then, when the European allies insisted on building their own F-16s, the US set up two more production lines – one in Italy and the other in Japan. Those two production lines churned out another 2,000 F-16s. The three assembly lines have built 5,000 F-16s between them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">If New Delhi says it wants </span><span lang="EN-US">to build the F-16s in India, it becomes very hard to find an economic-industrial rationale to justify the movement of an entire assembly line. Given that an Indian production line will have a relatively tiny production run of about 150 aircraft, the cost is naturally going to be prohibitive. For a relatively small production run, the jigs and tooling that would be required will essentially be the same as that for a full-scale, 1,000-aircraft production run. India cannot demand that, since it wants just 150 aircraft, it needs only a fraction of the tooling. The only way India could make such a production facility economically viable is by using India as a base for manufacturing for the global market. So India could buy about 150 aircraft with another 700 bought by other air forces.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There have been similar conversations around the Predator drone. India wanted to buy 31 drones, but insisted they be built in India. The Pentagon negotiating team said: “There are about 1,200 Predators flying world-wide; and every one of them was manufactured at a single facility in the US.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Another sticking point is the Indian government’s invitation: “Come to India and manufacture here”. But that invites a question from the vendor: When we are manufacturing in the US and exporting to the world, why should we set up another manufacturing facility in India to export to the world?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Foreign OEMs also ask: What does the Indian environment give us that would make manufacturing here more financially attractive? The Indian argument typically goes: “We have the world’s cheapest and most skilled labour”. New Delhi fails to understand that, for most advanced military equipment, labour is no more than 5 per cent of the cost of the system!</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-44291383861967419682024-02-03T02:16:00.000-08:002024-02-03T02:20:14.256-08:00 US Drone Sale to India Unblocked Only After Key Senator Extracts Pledge on Pannun Plot Probe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEi8xXPIMe4ZXWtf-riNp0mHtY_yUKP8uE8mvJhcK_L0ImTG5kyxfhYewgaKGrB9TINdhyTRmNPporG7wwsAqh1O14oO8VVnohBTgjwwe4VMXrAv-ZzxMmLERXgB9mw6kbrEqaNOIlV9aftS4xVBugMLDAg4XTA7nRFhEkyuoXlQOHyaEoMacI3OML6w/s1200/Effect-97.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEi8xXPIMe4ZXWtf-riNp0mHtY_yUKP8uE8mvJhcK_L0ImTG5kyxfhYewgaKGrB9TINdhyTRmNPporG7wwsAqh1O14oO8VVnohBTgjwwe4VMXrAv-ZzxMmLERXgB9mw6kbrEqaNOIlV9aftS4xVBugMLDAg4XTA7nRFhEkyuoXlQOHyaEoMacI3OML6w/s16000/Effect-97.png" /></a></div><p align="center" class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;">Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said 'he had ended his 'hold' on the agreement now that President Joe Biden's administration agreed to fully investigate an Indian assassination plot on U.S. soil and that he would hold the administration to this commitment.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>The Wire</b></span></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>New Delhi, 3rd Feb 24</b></span></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">The Biden administration’s proposal to make a major armed drone sale to India<b> – </b>blocked by Congress two months ago over allegations that an Indian government agency sought to assassinate a US national on American soil – is finally going to move ahead, but only after a key Senator said he received assurances from the White House that the plot would be properly investigated. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“My approval of this sale was the result of months of painstaking discussions with the Biden administration,” Senator Ben Cardin, <span lang="EN-US">a Democrat from Maryland who chairs the pivotal Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement shared with <i>The Wire</i> on Friday:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>“While I’m fully aware of the significance of this sale for U.S. national security and strategic interests, I have consistently conveyed my concerns regarding the timing of this sale to administration officials in light of the alleged murder-for-hire plot involving Indian officials to attempt to assassinate an American citizen on U.S. soil. I have been assured by the Administration that the Indian government is committed to thoroughly investigating the situation and fully cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice investigation so that there is credible accountability in this case. As the Chairman of this committee, I fully intend to hold the Administration to these commitments.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">On Thursday Reuters </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-state-dept-oks-possible-sale-31-armed-drones-india-pentagon-2024-02-01/" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">quoted Senator Cardin</a></span><span lang="EN-US">, as saying he had released his ‘hold’ on the agreement now that the administration had agreed to fully investigate an Indian assassination plot on U.S. soil against Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“I’ve had direct conversations with the administration. The administration has demanded that there be investigations and accountability in regards to the plot here in the United States and that there is accountability within India against these types of activities … and that has to be demonstrated,” <span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://twitter.com/sabrinasiddiqui/status/1753146127996592595?s=21&t=sKkQibP_cmd_cVVfwqI4TA" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-GB">he told reporters on Capitol Hill on Thursday</span></a></span>. “So I’m confident that that process has been initiated by the Biden administration. And I have released my hold with regards to the sale of the drones.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">On January 31, <i>The Wire</i> reported on how the Pannun assassination plot had become an </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://thewire.in/security/us-drone-sale-sky-guardian-pannu-killing-investigation" style="color: magenta;">obstacle</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> to the drone sale on the hill, quoting a source in Washington as saying, “The purchase is stuck in the US Congress because of anger over the brazen attempt to assassinate Pannun. US representatives have frozen the legislative movement needed for proceeding with the sale.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Though the Indian information and broadcasting ministry was quick to label the story ‘fake news’, the ministry of external affairs – which knew the full picture – struck a more circumspect note. “See, this particular matter relates to the US side,” </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/37541/Transcript_of_Weekly_Media_Briefing_by_the_Official_Spokesperson_February_01_2024" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">the ministry spokesperson said, when asked what was holding up the drone sale clearance.</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> “They have their internal processes in place and we are respectful of that. So that is where I would like to leave my comment.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span class="msoIns" style="color: teal; text-decoration: underline;"><ins>Also read: <a href="https://thewire.in/security/us-drone-sale-sky-guardian-pannu-killing-investigation" style="color: magenta;">US Blocks $3-Billion Drone Sale to India Until ‘Meaningful Investigation’ of Pannun Assassination Conspiracy</a></ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Clearance came day after news of linkage emerged in public </span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">On Thursday, February 1, the US State Department notified the US Congress about the “possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">The Biden administration’s decision to issue its mandatory notification to Congress about the drone sale came just one day after this reporter broke the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://thewire.in/security/us-drone-sale-sky-guardian-pannu-killing-investigation" style="color: magenta;">news</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> about the Pannun linkage. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">American legislative process requires the US Congress to be formally notified in advance of all significant defence sales. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>“</span><span lang="EN-US">The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defence partner</span>…” <span lang="EN-US">the February 1, 2024 notification to Congress stated, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-mq-9b-remotely-piloted-aircraft" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">according to a press release</a></span> issued by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency of the Pentagon on February 1.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">India’s proposed purchase of US drones was <span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://thediplomat.com/2016/10/india-wants-to-get-a-drone-deal-in-with-the-us-before-the-election/" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">first mooted way back in 2016</a></span>. In December 2017, India’s defence minister at the time, Nirmala Sitharaman, <span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.ajaishukla.com/2017/12/india-kicks-off-2-billion-procurement.html" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">told Parliament in response to an MP’s question</a></span>: <span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>“</span>Request for Information (RFI) for Predator <span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>‘</span>B<span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’ </span>Sea Guardian [drones] was issued to the US Office of Defence Cooperation on 14.11.2017 (November 14) and response is awaited.” The drone quest moved into high gear last June when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washington on a state visit, with the government’s Defence Acquisition Council <span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/india-to-buy-31-predator-drones-from-us-for-3-5-bn-all-you-need-to-know-123062000324_1.html" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">clearing the purchase</a></span>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">State Department acknowledged questions raised by US Congress</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Pannun, who holds dual US and Canadian citizenship, is a New York-based Khalistan activist accused by India of terrorism, and the federal indictment – on conspiracy to murder charges – of an Indian national allegedly working at the behest of an Indian security agency has raised concerns about the policies of the Modi government on Capitol Hill. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://thewire.in/world/in-us-senate-hearing-on-transnational-repression-many-questions-on-indias-role-in-pannun-case" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">Cardin himself spoke about the issue during Congressional hearings</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> on transnational repression last December.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">In its only formal reaction to <i>The Wire</i>’s story, the US State Department on January 31 referred to questions members of Congress had raised but refused to confirm or deny the claim that the drone deal had ended up getting linked to the Pannun matter. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">“I will say that generally the U.S.-Indian Defense Partnership has seen significant growth over the past decade, State Department </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-january-31-2024/" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">spokesman Mark Miller said in response to a pointed question about the veracity of the news report</a></span><span lang="EN-US">. “This is a proposed sale that was announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit last year. We believe it offers significant potential to further advance strategic technology cooperation with India and military cooperation in the region. Of course, Congress plays – as you know – an important role in the U.S. arms transfer process. <i>We routinely consult with members of Congress with the foreign – on the foreign affairs committees before our formal notification to – so we can address questions that they might have</i>, but I don’t have any comment on when that formal notification might take place.” (Emphasis added)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"> The US embassy in New Delhi </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/biden-government-continues-to-discuss-drone-deal-with-the-us-congress-says-american-embassy-in-india/article67797945.ece" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">stuck to the same formulation:</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> “We continue to discuss with U.S. Congress the potential sale consistent with standard processes and policies guiding such arm sales decisions.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">There is normally a gap of 20 to 40 days between the tiered review process – an informal notification exercise for a proposed major arms sale – and the State Department’s formal notification to Congress. . In a January 2024 report on </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/RL31675.pdf" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">the Congressional review process for arms sales,</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> the Congressional Research Serviced cited the State Department Insector General as noting, “The State Department generally will not formally notify an arms transfer if a member of Congress raises significant concerns by placing a hold during the informal review stage… [though] the Department is not precluded from proceeding with an arms transfer subject to a congressional hold.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pannun plot as problem<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Congressional sources say the tiered review began in December, and resulted in a hold. </span>The fact that the State Department chose not to override the Congressional hold placed by Senator Cardin but to instead find ways to address the concerns he was raising suggests the Biden administration too was looking for ways to push the Modi government to properly address the Pannun matter. Conversations were taking place at various levels but the public airing of the linkage on January 31 appears to have raised the stakes and speeded the process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">On the morning of February 1, Shishir Gupta </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/us-congress-predator-drone-sale-india-101706762470138.html" style="color: magenta;">reported</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> in the <i>Hindustan Times</i> that General Atomics – the California-based manufacturer of the drones – had been told by the State Department “that the US Congress today has cleared the ‘tiered review’ of the 31 MQ9B drone sale to India and [that an] official Congressional notification will be submitted within 24 hours.” The company reportedly informed the Indian government of this “at the highest levels”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>“</span><span lang="EN-US">My sense is the GOI is embarrassed, not so much about the sale issue but the lack of resolution of the Pannun issue…,” the Washington-based source told this reporter on Thursday, hinting at the possibility that high level bilateral conversations may have been held soon after the story came out to ensure the drones and other weapons purchases do not become a casualty of Congressional opposition, foot-dragging or inter-agency disagreements over a murder plot that India has publicly committed itself to investigating. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span class="None"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Cardin’s own remarks about the seriousness of the Pannun issue – that the Biden administration “has demanded … that there is accountability within India against these types of activities… and that has to be demonstrated” – are a clear confirmation that the clearance process for the drone sale has involved some blunt speaking with the Modi government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In his statement on Friday, Cardin emphasised the importance of human rights:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>“The U.S.-India partnership plays a key role in Indo Pacific stability, including through regional mechanisms such as the Quad. I support deepening our bilateral relationship with India as long as that partnership is based on mutual trust and respect. Championing human rights and democratic values globally is one of my top priorities. Progress on these issues requires difficult discussions about our own democracy, as well as discussions with our closest allies and friends. I will continue raising human rights issues with the Administration, as well as our Indian counterparts, because I believe that our shared values are fundamental to the growth and longevity of our partnership.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Sea Guardian, built by US firm General Atomics, is the naval version of the storied Predator B armed drone (also termed the MQ-9 Reaper), with which the US has killed terrorists in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">India had asked for the armed version, but Washington initially offered only the unarmed Sea Guardian, which performs maritime surveillance. However, the armed version now features in the notification issued to Congress.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">There is some confusion over the nomenclature of the drone, with even the US government using different names — MQ-9, MQ-9A and MQ-9B — apparently interchangeably.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Travelling at 300 kilometres per hour at 50,000 feet, the Sea Guardian flies 14-hour missions to monitor waters 1,800 kilometres from base. It sends imagery in real time to a ground control room on base, which flies the drone through a two-way data link.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Being a <span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>“</span>Category 1” system under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Sea Guardians drones are tightly controlled because of their presumed ability to deliver nuclear weapons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Biden’s tightrope walk<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Biden administration has so far walked a tightrope between the strategic imperative of getting the Indian military to work more closely with it in the Indo-Pacific region and the concerns raised by its own officials about issues relating to religious freedom and human rights.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Against this backdrop, the Pannun murder plot has added a new complexity to the equation. Unlike in India, federal prosecutors are usually not known to follow the government’s instructions on how to handle a case.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The US and India clearly want the issue to go away but it is not clear what assurances, if any, the Modi government has given about its promised investigation or what demands the Biden administration is making.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The indicted Indian, Nikhil Gupta, is currently in Czech custody and the high court there has cleared his extradition to the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>(With inputs from Devirupa Mitra)</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="BodyA" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-80056933920152436292024-02-01T19:54:00.000-08:002024-02-01T19:54:34.325-08:00Interim defence budget keeps spending below 2% of GDP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHowaSz1jvCJUgiUKAOrW2qq5RBCi147G3tD9pP8qWacSes_iDkPX5ce5-bIvA72oofu1zlz3YW0YWlu5PdA_0u4NIxCwCfO5KCA91WiGEJ7dW2PCcQSEO5X1UJV6Z3nNWgYOANw_DWpmMMhBKxsGsNeVHAi7Xwp2k7N4d5ggqVuuegICDZmCekFgyIc/s620/AA%20Budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHowaSz1jvCJUgiUKAOrW2qq5RBCi147G3tD9pP8qWacSes_iDkPX5ce5-bIvA72oofu1zlz3YW0YWlu5PdA_0u4NIxCwCfO5KCA91WiGEJ7dW2PCcQSEO5X1UJV6Z3nNWgYOANw_DWpmMMhBKxsGsNeVHAi7Xwp2k7N4d5ggqVuuegICDZmCekFgyIc/s16000/AA%20Budget.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The budget for FY 24-25 continues trend of keeping defence spending below 2% of GDP</i></div></span><div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 2nd Feb 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the interim Union budget presented in Parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, herself a former defence minister, allocated just over Rs 6.21 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">That is a 4.72 per cent rise over the defence allocation in the current year’s budget, i.e. for financial year 2023-24 (FY 24). However, compared to the revised allocation for the current year, it was a marginal fall in allocation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As a percentage of government expenditure, Sitharaman allocated just 13 per cent to defence, continuing a multi-year trend of falling allocations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Even so, the MoD continues to receive the highest allocation among the ministries. A major share of 14.82 per cent goes on revenue expenditure (on sustenance and operational preparedness), 30.68 per cent goes on salaries and allowances, 22.72 per cent on defence pensions and 4.11 per cent on civil organisations under MoD. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">As a percentage of gross domestic product, this year’s defence allocation remained firmly below the two per cent level.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Under the capital allocation head, which caters for modernisation of the country’s arsenal, defence was allocated Rs 1.72 lakh crore -- or 27.67% of the total defence budget. Most modern militaries spend about 50-60 per cent of their total defence budget on the capital account, to ensure they go into combat with superior weaponry and equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">However, India’s military – and especially the army – continues with a personnel-heavy structure that sucks up more than half the defence allocations into payment of salaries and pensions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">A major cause for the inadequate capital expenditure that the military makes do with is because, at the national level, there is inadequate expenditure on the capital account. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The finance minister announced with a flourish during her Budget speech that the government would spend a total of Rs 11,11,111 crore under the capital head. Given that, the DRDO’s R&D spend of Rs 23,855 crore has been criticised as inadequate. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Amongst other heads, Rs 6,500 crore have been earmarked to build border infrastructure; Rs 7,652 crore have been allocated to the Coast Guard, which is emerging as a service in its own right. A corpus of Rs one lakh crore has been catered for long term loans to youth/companies that are working on deep technologies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In veterans’ affairs, the allocation to the Ex-servicemens’ Welfare Scheme for FY 2024-25 is 28 per cent higher than the allocation for FY 23-24, having been raised from Rs 5,431 crore to Rs 6,968 crore. This is in addition to the allocation being raised at the revised estimates stage during the current year, where the budgetary allocation to ECHS was enhanced by 70 per cent. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On the increase of capital expenditure outlay, Rajnath Singh described it as a massive push, which will provide a big boost to making India a five trillion dollar economy by 2027. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5f497a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Defence allocations: 2022-25</span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">(Rs crore)<o:p></o:p></span></p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium; color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 19.6pt; width: 626px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: maroon; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2022-23 (Actual)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p></td><td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: maroon; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2023-24 (RE)<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p></td><td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: maroon; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2024-25 BE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm -7.5pt 0cm 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5f497a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ministry of Defence (civil)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5f497a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">20568<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5f497a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">25897<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5f497a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">25563<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm -7.5pt 0cm 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Revenue expenditure<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">256183<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">298669<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">282772<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #365f91; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #365f91; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #365f91; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #365f91; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #365f91; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Capital expenditure<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #365f91; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">142940<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #365f91; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">157228<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #365f91; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">172000<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5f497a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></u></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm -7.5pt 0cm 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #76923c; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pensions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #76923c; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">153407<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #76923c; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">142095<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #76923c; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">141205<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: right;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: right;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: right;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #948a54; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">TOTAL DEFENCE BUDGET<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #948a54; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">573098<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #948a54; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">623889<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #948a54; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">621540<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #943634; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Central government spending<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #943634; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">4193157<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #943634; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">4490486<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #943634; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">4765768<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #d99594; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #d99594; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #d99594; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #d99594; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm -7.5pt 0cm 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Percentage of govt spending<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">13.25%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">13.2%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">13%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: maroon; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Total GDP<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: maroon; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: maroon; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">30175065<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: maroon; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">32771808<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Percentage of GDP<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">2.08%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">1.90%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 6cm;" valign="top" width="227"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 114.85pt;" valign="top" width="153"><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: right;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: right;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td><td style="border-color: currentcolor windowtext windowtext currentcolor; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: right;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #31849b; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> (Source: budget figures)</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-40447827079919198872024-01-31T04:19:00.000-08:002024-01-31T04:20:27.384-08:00US blocks $3 billion drone sale to India until ‘meaningful investigation’ of Pannun assassination conspiracy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MkoJi0yNy_uAFpRa3UFBJFaKNc1u4M1d7T4SThPSoayUfrOi1YMgFF6uO9JRmynZwIeHKp7pzEvwtDmkEf3HuSiPhUZ7y_5pVWBBGFfC5KL8S4G2WJ7XbU0vBJI9_CEpUYH3bSz5o47_nyGLxvtVzX_28iACHnxWJ3NFCI2SLhPoLYI9koc9wVpAvkg/s2742/AA%20Predator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="2742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MkoJi0yNy_uAFpRa3UFBJFaKNc1u4M1d7T4SThPSoayUfrOi1YMgFF6uO9JRmynZwIeHKp7pzEvwtDmkEf3HuSiPhUZ7y_5pVWBBGFfC5KL8S4G2WJ7XbU0vBJI9_CEpUYH3bSz5o47_nyGLxvtVzX_28iACHnxWJ3NFCI2SLhPoLYI9koc9wVpAvkg/s16000/AA%20Predator.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">Indian-American lawmakers </span><span lang="DE" style="font-family: verdana;">warn</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: verdana;">ed of “significant damage” to the US–India partnership if New Delhi does not act directly and quickly</span></i></div></span><p align="center" class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><u><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></u></b></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>The Wire, 31st Jan 24</b></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The US government has held back delivery of 31 MQ-9A Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian drones to India until New Delhi carries out a “meaningful investigation” into the conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, <i>The Wir</i>e has learned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Pannun, who hold dual US and Canadian citizenship, is a New York-based Khalistan activist accused by India of terrorism.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The proposed $3 billion purchase includes 15 Sea Guardian drones for the Indian Navy, while the Indian Air Force and Army are supposed to get eight Sky Guardian drones each.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Also held back by Washington are smaller Indian acquisitions,</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.defencewatch.in/defence-news/latest-defence-news/boeing-pitches-for-six-more-p8i-aircraft-for-indian-navy" style="color: magenta;"><span class="Hyperlink0" style="color: #0563c1;"> including a proposal to buy six Boeing P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> These are to supplement 12 P-8I Poseidon aircraft that the Indian Navy already operates."</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Ironically, the Indian Ministry of Defence’s </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-approves-procurement-us-mq-9b-seaguardian-drones-sources-2023-06-15/" style="color: magenta;"><span class="Hyperlink0" style="color: #0563c1;">internal approval for the now-stalled drone procurement came in June 2023</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US">, a week before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington. This was also the time when the conspiracy to kill Pannun – allegedly set in motion by an Indian security official named CC1, according to a federal indictment made public last November – shifted to high gear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Today, “the purchase is stuck in the US Congress because of anger over the brazen attempt to assassinate Pannun. US representatives have frozen the legislative movement needed for proceeding with the sale,” a highly-placed source in Washington told this reporter. The source, who operates at the top layer of US policymaking, cannot be identified as he is not authorised to speak to the media.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Explaining the delay in delivering these lethal, long-range weapons to India, the Washington-based source says that Indian-American lawmakers in particular are deeply concerned about the fallout from the indictment of an Indian named Nikhil Gupta. He has been formally charged with conspiring to kill Pannun, and is currently in detention in the Czech Republic pending his deportation to the US.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm 0cm 4pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #686868;">In </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://thewire.in/diplomacy/pannun-murder-plot-significant-damage-likely-for-bilateral-ties-warn-indian-american-lawmakers" style="color: magenta;"><span class="Hyperlink0" style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="background: white;">a joint statement on the Pannun plot last December</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #686868;">, five US Congress members of Indian origin – who received a classified briefing from the Biden administration on the federal indictment – said that it is critical for India to "fully investigate [and] hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again”.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #686868;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Default" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">US federal prosecutors allege that Gupta had promised $100,000 to an FBI agent posing as a hitman to kill Pannun in New York. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 at America</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="PT">s request.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On November 29, US federal prosecutors charged Gupta with murder-for-hire, which carries up to 10 years in prison; and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which has a maximum sentence of a 10-year jail term. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">The Indian-American lawmakers also </span><span lang="DE">warn</span><span lang="EN-US">ed of “significant damage” to the US–India partnership if New Delhi does not address the situation directly and quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Contacted for comments on the delayed approvals for the drone deal, the US State Department said: </span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>“</span><span lang="EN-US">We do not comment on arms sales until we have formally notified [the US] Congress,”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">The Indian Navy and India</span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s defence ministry also did not respond to a request for comments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“India has given its commitment to make a full accounting of the Pannun affair. And then the [Capitol] Hill is going to exercise its judgement on whether India has taken adequate measures or not,” says the Washington insider.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played down the impact of this issue on Indo-US ties. In an interview to the </span><i><span lang="PT">Financial Times</span></i><span lang="EN-US">, Modi said: </span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>“</span><span lang="EN-US">There is strong bipartisan support for the strengthening of this relationship” and that he didn’t think it appropriate </span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>“</span><span lang="EN-US">to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Poseidon aircraft and Sea Guardian drones work together, watching over large swathes of the Indian Ocean and will give the Indian Navy an enhanced ability to respond to any attempts to disrupt international trade routes that pass through these waters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The versatile Sea Guardian drone has an endurance of over 27 hours, a speed of 240 knots, an operating ceiling of 50,000 feet, and 1,746 kilogrammes of payload capacity that includes 1,361 kilograms of external stores. The MQ-9A is powered by the Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine, which significantly improves engine performance and fuel efficiency, particularly at low altitudes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="Body" style="border: medium; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Being in operational service with the US military, the MQ-9A continues to evolve, keeping it relevant for its customers' emerging needs. The MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) was designed with field-retrofittable capabilities such as wing-borne fuel pods and a new reinforced landing gear that extends the aircraft's already impressive endurance from 27 hours to 34 hours, while further increasing its operational flexibility.</span></span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-39421151799663447812024-01-24T22:02:00.000-08:002024-01-24T22:02:36.769-08:00 MoD inks Rs 1,070 crore contract with Mazagon Dock for 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-Hu1iIGxEbpZoFxXgfHhJTGxNrhtBoHi1zKs9RrZRNTg3mJnR4f673xHCBOxgyukZtT98pSjsK0mBQSeppISt7VHWuDK0b7cVQoocUt02hNXuQVbcUpubcey6QSS3GdXgg9ctlKnOrhNHN4AFik0giYajO2_IfTqQC9ERFuE4dOkmBGQlrYR6MlirJs/s1280/ICGS-Samarath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-Hu1iIGxEbpZoFxXgfHhJTGxNrhtBoHi1zKs9RrZRNTg3mJnR4f673xHCBOxgyukZtT98pSjsK0mBQSeppISt7VHWuDK0b7cVQoocUt02hNXuQVbcUpubcey6QSS3GdXgg9ctlKnOrhNHN4AFik0giYajO2_IfTqQC9ERFuE4dOkmBGQlrYR6MlirJs/s16000/ICGS-Samarath.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is aimed at bolstering maritime security in the Indian Ocean, amid China’s rapidly growing navy</span></i></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 25th Jan 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">With the growing activities of international pirates off the Gulf of Aden driving up the costs of freight and shipping, the government has moved to build more armed vessels to keep open the international shipping lanes that carry much of the world’s trade through this war-torn region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In the last 20 years, the Indian Navy has taken upon itself the role of “net security provider” in the Indian Ocean, with the aim of ensuring a “free and open Indo-Pacific” that is not dominated by China’s rapidly growing navy. This requires building or purchasing the warships needed for discharging this role.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On Wednesday the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai for acquiring 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The value of the contract is Rs 1,070 crore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“These multi-role FPVs will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ acquisition category and will be delivered in total 63 months,” announced the MoD in a media release.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Along with several high-tech features and equipment, these FPVs will be equipped with multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft, lifebuoy and Al (artificial intelligence) capability etc. enabling greater flexibility and operational edge to the ICG to face new age multidimensional challenges, stated the MoD.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Noting that the acquisition of these FPVs is aimed at boosting ICG's capability and reinforcing the government’s focus on maritime security, the MoD statement said: “These modern FPVs will play a critical role in enhancing fisheries protection and monitoring, control and surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue operations including in shallow waters, assistance to ship/crafts in distress, towing capabilities, assistance and monitoring during marine pollution response operations, anti-piracy operations.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> In line with the government’s <i>Atmanirbhar Bharat</i> or “self-reliant India” policy, the contract is expected to boost the nation's indigenous shipbuilding capability, bolstering maritime economic activities and fostering growth of ancillary industries especially the MSME Sector, said the MoD.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><u><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Ammunition cum torpedo cum missile (ACTCM) barges<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The launch of the fifth “Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge” was carried out on Wednesday at the MSME shipyard, Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The contract for building 11 ACTCM barges was signed between the MoD and Suryadipta Projects on March 5, 2021. These barges are essential for carrying out the navy’s logistical and operational commitments by facilitating transportation, embarkation and disembarcation of articles/ammunition to the navy’s warships, while they are in harbour.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-32504750782149660792024-01-21T20:42:00.000-08:002024-01-21T20:42:11.444-08:00Rajnath matches Xi, talks up role of border villagers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-9-y61eTpSLRLe3zjJuwtU3U6r77eiuT1O8hQ5KnLdlQyWN2CzThXH7PcA_Oj0j87WBq-9fF5YUcEG6a2kpW9MclmfH6GHYU09_7Vw-ksqKx9_N-fS_r52fqg6KK5Ishu_T6dPBdTRD4ldHZsRJxNDX8y1xRwrm1psvVopS-ojjKtWyCg9eZDSuVMpU/s3150/AA%20Graziers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="3150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-9-y61eTpSLRLe3zjJuwtU3U6r77eiuT1O8hQ5KnLdlQyWN2CzThXH7PcA_Oj0j87WBq-9fF5YUcEG6a2kpW9MclmfH6GHYU09_7Vw-ksqKx9_N-fS_r52fqg6KK5Ishu_T6dPBdTRD4ldHZsRJxNDX8y1xRwrm1psvVopS-ojjKtWyCg9eZDSuVMpU/s16000/AA%20Graziers.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Defence minister says earlier governments considered border as last areas of country. Modi govt considers border areas as the “face of India”<span class="apple-converted-space"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Business Standard, 22nd Jan 24</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In 2017, the 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced with fanfare a new border village policy: This involved resettling Tibetan graziers in “model villages” in disputed areas along the Sino-Indian border.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In fact, the Chinese border policy had already been implemented since 1995. In an acclaimed investigative article in May 2021, in Foreign Policy magazine, Tibetologist Robert Barnett recounted how this worked: Since 1995, CCP officials in Tibet had ordered border graziers not to return to their villages in winter. Instead, they were to spend winter driving their yak herds over disputed land and planting Chinese flags on peaks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In a few years, Chinese claims over large areas had solidified, with some 250,000 Tibetan graziers resettled thus in vulnerable pockets along the border.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In July 2021, China’s President Xi Jinping visited Tibet for three days, to hail the graziers as defenders of the border and heroes of China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">On Friday, the Indian government, which has been slow to enter this game, finally took a seat at the table.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In Uttarakhand, while dedicating 35 bridges and six new roads to the nation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government considers border areas a part of the national mainstream and not just a buffer zone as the earlier Congress-led governments did.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Rajnath Singh said that Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s approach towards border area development was unique. “Other governments did not focus on development of border areas as they considered these zones as the last areas of the country. We, on the other hand, consider border areas as the face of India, which is why we’re ensuring that world-class infrastructure is created in these zones,” he said.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm; text-indent: 35.45pt;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The defence minister stressed that connectivity is being provided to every border area in the country through roads, bridges and tunnels. He described the work as not only of strategic importance, but also pivotal for the welfare of the people residing in these<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>regions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“People living near the borders are no less than soldiers. If a soldier protects the country by wearing a uniform, the residents of border areas are serving the motherland in their own way,” he said.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“There was a time when border infrastructure development was not given much importance. Governments used to work with the mentality that the people living in the plains are the mainstream people. They were<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>worried that the [infrastructure] development on the border might be used by the adversary. Due to this narrow mentality, development never reached the border areas,” said Rajnath. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“This thinking has changed today. Under the leadership of PM Modi, our government is committed to the development of border areas, keeping in view the nation’s security needs. We do not consider these areas as buffer zones. They are a part of our mainstream,” he said.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The defence minister said that the government’s approach shows a new confidence of “New India”, which will not wait for potential adversaries to reach the plains to deal with them. “We are developing infrastructure on the mountains and deploying the troops on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>hill borders in such a way that it is ensuring the safety of the people there, and helping the military to effectively deal with our adversaries,” he said.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Referring to the large migration from border areas in Uttarakhand, Rajnath Singh termed it a matter of concern. He said the PM and the chief minister were taking infrastructure development to the last Indian on our side of the border.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">In his address, the defence minister “commended the BRO for strengthening the border infrastructure of the country and asserted that by constructing roads, bridges etc., the organisation is connecting the far-flung areas with the rest of the nation geographically, while also linking the hearts of the people residing in remote villages with the rest of the citizens,” said a defence ministry press release.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The defence minister described the personnel engaged with the BRO – including army personnel, permanent civilian employees and casual paid labourers (CPLs) – as a unique workforce. Highlighting the change in the mindset brought out by the government, he said with respect to the CPLs: “Earlier, only permanent employees were considered part of the organisation; not those hired through outsourcing or those working on a contract/casual basis. Today, this mentality has changed. We believe that it is only through the combined efforts of all can the nation move forward on the path of development.”</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-88551227521621236832024-01-18T21:45:00.000-08:002024-01-18T21:45:55.713-08:00Wings India 2024: Airbus partners Air India to launch pilot training centre in Gurugram<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlEWBiC8h5uEqUE6Ch0wP-jIKpeXFQ5d4ApP7V-0qMDC4dXKP3xwCZnargbAOrX5GlcjWhvpdyv7pMy1vImXOmwkqWGqOT49EJSmP5cJgcniUiVX2k3bhl7yU4ssm4hXFqlT66SWfuwBrbZQIUZenOkwppPAFIxJM8IxX2YuK969pNsWyT41VSXShJpA/s2020/AA%20Wings%20India.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2020" data-original-width="1934" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlEWBiC8h5uEqUE6Ch0wP-jIKpeXFQ5d4ApP7V-0qMDC4dXKP3xwCZnargbAOrX5GlcjWhvpdyv7pMy1vImXOmwkqWGqOT49EJSmP5cJgcniUiVX2k3bhl7yU4ssm4hXFqlT66SWfuwBrbZQIUZenOkwppPAFIxJM8IxX2YuK969pNsWyT41VSXShJpA/s16000/AA%20Wings%20India.jpg" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Citing “skill India”, Airbus partners GMR for training maintenance crew</span></i></div></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">19th January 2024</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Citing its commitment to “Skill India”, Airbus has entered into a 50:50 joint venture with the Tata-owned Air India to launch what it calls a “world-class pilot training centre” in Gurugram, Haryana.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Tata-Airbus Training Centre will offer A320 and A350 flight training to some 5,000 new pilots over 10 years, the company stated on Thursday. The 3,300 square metres centre will be equipped with 10 full flight simulators (FFS), flight training classrooms and briefing and debriefing rooms as part of the complete Airbus Flight Training Device setup.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">In addition, the income from these training facilities will count towards Airbus’ offset liabilities from high value contracts, such as the one for 56 C-295 light transport aircraft.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">The training centre is due to be operational starting in early 2025 with the initial installation of four A320 FFS. The Tata Airbus Training Centre will offer courses approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the fastest expanding aviation market in the world, India will need 41,000 pilots and 47,000 technicians in the next 20 years to support this growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Airbus has also partnered with GMR Aero Technic to offer Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training courses at the latter’s facility in Hyderabad. Airbus will provide training material such as trainee handbooks, examination database, online access to Airbus customised training modules and Airbus Competence Training (ACT) media package. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Airbus will also train GMR instructors and provide continual assessment of the training centre.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Airbus is directly investing and operating training capabilities to ensure that the growth of the India aviation industry is accompanied by adequate skilled manpower that is readily available”, said Rémi Maillard, chief of Airbus India and South Asia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Airbus says these announcements are part of its ambition to develop a holistic ecosystem in India, where the company is expanding its industrial footprint with aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering design and development, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support, pilot and maintenance training as well as academic collaboration to foster human capital.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: large;">Airbus is also collaborating with the Vadodara-based Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to groom talent for the Indian aerospace sector.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><br /></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-70438469470947839792024-01-17T21:56:00.000-08:002024-01-17T21:56:41.250-08:00HAL to showcase indigenous civil aircraft at Wings India<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4stTs3dlAc3zNQV1Tvi2OTDVtifxsTxiQYZnPV2FDAfh1CDRkXn-2fH0EvovUeAQs31M3ylXas4p7uGynKwqluwEnyeEUoXvzUWidgYPcepQ1F01pBOz-vZEyyeZUwbCFcpMGOnJqzoVVel36CXDUT1DKRKCSj28Q4U3xuQ8_kY7xMoILkzA9_mzvTM8/s3178/AA%20Dornier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2088" data-original-width="3178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4stTs3dlAc3zNQV1Tvi2OTDVtifxsTxiQYZnPV2FDAfh1CDRkXn-2fH0EvovUeAQs31M3ylXas4p7uGynKwqluwEnyeEUoXvzUWidgYPcepQ1F01pBOz-vZEyyeZUwbCFcpMGOnJqzoVVel36CXDUT1DKRKCSj28Q4U3xuQ8_kY7xMoILkzA9_mzvTM8/s16000/AA%20Dornier.jpg" /></a></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><i>Hindustan-228 is a multi-purpose, light-weight, twin turboprop aircraft, modified by HAL to operate on short haul air routes</i></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>Business Standard, 18th Jan 24</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">With the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO’s) emphasising the need to boost regional air connectivity, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will showcase its indigenous civil aircraft at the Wings India 2024 air show that begins on Thursday at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“[HAL] is leveraging its strengths in manufacturing aircraft like the Dornier–228 and HS-748 Avro, and extending its capabilities to civil aircraft programmes like the Regional Transport Aircraft. HAL is also actively pursuing collaborations for undertaking civil MRO activities,” says HAL chief, CB Ananthakrishnan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Hindustan-228 aircraft, a modified version of the Dornier-228, is a multi-purpose, light-weight, twin turboprop aircraft. It has been indigenised by HAL to operate on short haul air routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The Hindustan-228 which HAL builds in Kanpur, can be configured for a variety of roles. It can function as a regional airliner/air taxi, VIP/executive transport, search and rescue, casualty evacuation/ambulance, cargo and logistics support, calibration of airport navigation aids, geographical surveys and aerial photography.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Its current configuration includes a fully digital glass cockpit, upgraded avionics and systems. The aircraft has been type-certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In September, the defence ministry accorded clearance for further upgrading the avionics of Dornier aircraft to improve their accuracy and reliability for operations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Also on display will be the upgraded civil Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) – a 5.5 tonne, twin engine helicopter, designed and developed by HAL to meet the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). It can be configured to perform various roles, such as disaster management, search and rescue (SAR), heli-tourism, ferrying VIPs and underslung loads. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">HAL has also taken the initiative to develop a civil variant of the single-engine Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). DGCA certification for this is expected by December 2025.</span></span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726844009873922462.post-38011278043345248472024-01-16T20:45:00.000-08:002024-01-16T20:45:31.258-08:00 PM to inaugurate infrastructure boost at Cochin Shipyard today<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><i></i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL7n4i0RRX-r7y_lmDIjjkMPvcQI5TlPGZ3dM2qLR-M2FAsf824BRj7IKYi6B-E0wdrPHdOzQXaF0jG9GChV3riMgDTgOondl5X_hwBhXDLPzJJsyAuDRsGt22EiFFk_Ox4KoiBIsYP9tEVWksBnVSgl2Inebyo4RYBtLvuDf1lwWTUs6K043VPPgnwU/s2814/AA%20CSL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="2814" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL7n4i0RRX-r7y_lmDIjjkMPvcQI5TlPGZ3dM2qLR-M2FAsf824BRj7IKYi6B-E0wdrPHdOzQXaF0jG9GChV3riMgDTgOondl5X_hwBhXDLPzJJsyAuDRsGt22EiFFk_Ox4KoiBIsYP9tEVWksBnVSgl2Inebyo4RYBtLvuDf1lwWTUs6K043VPPgnwU/s16000/AA%20CSL.jpg" /></a></i></span></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><i>New dry dock (above) and International Ship Repair Facility for Cochin Shipyard Ltd</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">By Ajai Shukla<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Business Standard, 17th Jan 24</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will visit Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) on Wednesday to inaugurate CSL’s new 310-metre dry dock and an International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF), built at a combined cost of Rs 2,769 crore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">These are the largest-ever infrastructure investments in the 50-year history of the Kochi-based state public sector undertaking (PSU).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">“Aligned strongly with the Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 initiatives, this is a day that will be marked in golden letters when CSL confidently marches into <i>Amrit Kaal</i>”, stated a company release.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">CSL can currently build ships up to 1,10,000 dead weight tonnes (DWT) and repair ships up to 1,25,000 DWT. It has built India’s largest double hull Aframax tankers and numerous other ships for Indian and international clients. It has built the Indian Navy’s first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1), INS Vikrant, which was commissioned in Sept 2022. The Vikrant has an indigenous content of 76 per cent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Kochi’s skyline will undergo a change over the next few weeks, when the new 600-tonne Goliath gantry crane will be lifted up and installed over the dock, giving CSL the capacity to work with blocks weighing up to 600 tonnes. The new crane will be much larger than the two existing orange gantry cranes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The dry dock, which is estimated to have cost Rs 1,799 crore, will be a high-grade strategic asset with the capability to handle critical naval assets and commercial ships in the event of an emergency. Its design life is 100 years and it will enable India to construct large aircraft carriers of up to 70,000 tonnes displacement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The ISRF, which is located at Cochin Port Trust, Kochi, will increase India’s ship repair capability by about 25 per cent. Constructed at a cost of Rs 970 crore, this consists of a ship lift and transfer system of 6,000 tonnes capacity that can handle vessels 130 metres long and 26 metres wide. It has six workstations that allow independent repair of six vessels simultaneously, enabling the facility to handle repairs of about 84 ships every year. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The ISRF will also provide rapid turnaround for naval warships and Coast Guard ships and offshore vessels. It will be able to handle emergency docking as well as planned refits. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The ISRF is aligned with the plan to create ship repair clusters. This “Kochi cluster” will trigger significant ship repair and ancillary services, on the lines of the clusters at Dubai and Singapore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">CSL is a Category I Miniratna under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW). After its Initial Public Offer (IPO) in 2017, the Government holds 72.86 per cent of the company’s equity share capital.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">During the financial year 2022-23 (FY22-23), CSL recorded a turnover of Rs 2,330 crore and a Net Profit of Rs 334 crore. CSL’s net worth as on March 31, 2023 stands at Rs 4,423 crores. CSL has consistently paid dividends for the last several years, including a dividend of 170 per cent per equity share in FY22-23.</span></p>Ajai Shuklahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16488839157370084666noreply@blogger.com0