Defense

These helipads would not only connect the 36 remote locations of Ladakh to the district headquarters but also help in bringing them on the tourism map during winters, the spokesperson added. A senior government official said that more such helipads will come up across the region and they can be used by the Indian armed forces during the times of contingencies.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting, today held under the Chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approved Capital Acquisition proposals of various Weapons/Platforms/Equipment/Systems required by the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force at an approximate overall cost of Rs. 28,000 Cr.

The 35th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy was conducted from 17 to 18 December 2020. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kulish, an indigenously built missile corvette along with P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) undertook coordinated patrol with Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Cut Nyak Dien, a Kapitan Pattimura (Parchim I) class corvette and a MPA of the Indonesian Navy.

In a major boost for the indigenous defence industry, India is going to make six new Airborne Early Warning and Control planes to be developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on aircraft from Air India to further improve Air Force’s surveillance capabilities along borders with China and Pakistan.

In a bid to enhance the firepower of its warships, the Indian Navy has moved a proposal to acquire 38 extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles which would be able to hit targets at around 450 kilometres.
The missiles are to be fitted on the under-construction Vishakhapatnam class warships of the Indian Navy which are going to join active service in the near future.

The intelligence agency has suggested to the Government of India that the Indian Army, which has 8 uniforms, will have to change slightly. After the report of the Indian intelligence agency, Prime Minister security advisor Ajit Doval started a number of sample tests for the new uniform. Now the process of change in the uniform of the Indian Army has intensified. The sample review was being done for this.

After India came to the conclusion that China was not interested in moving back from the territory it had occupied in May this year, troops from the Panagarh-based Mountain Strike Corps were moved to Ladakh. A team from this offensive formation of the Indian Army was given only 24 hours in early August to move to Ladakh.

Three national highways connect to these army establishments: Rishikesh-Dharasu-Gangotri (NH-94 and NH-108, connecting Nelong and Nilapani Axis); Rishikesh-Joshimath-Mana (NH-58) connecting Mana-Rimkhim and Niti Pass; and Tanakpur-Pithoragarh (NH-125) connecting Lipulekh Pass.

‘Himgiri’, the first of the three Project 17A ships being built at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was launched today, 14 Dec 20. She made her first contact with the waters of Hoogly River at 1335 Hrs at the launch ceremony, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was the Chief Guest.