Defense

The Japanese Defence Minister is on a two days bilateral visit to India to attend the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial (2+2) dialogue which begins from November 30. The Indian delegation will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono will lead the Japanese side. The two sides are expected to have discussions on boosting defence and security, amongst other issues of mutual interest.

The Navy is looking for ‘man out of the loop’ solutions that could involve autonomous systems that are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as well as foreign vendors, sources said. Minesweepers are specialised warships that are used to clear harbours and other critical areas of mines laid by enemy submarines or vessels. As reported by ET, India has been trying unsuccessfully since 2005 to find replacements, with its dealings with South Korean firm Kangnam hitting controversy at least twice.

The two countries specifically called upon Islamabad to “fully comply” with its international commitments to deal with terrorism including the steps prescribed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global anti-terror watchdog.

The test of the K4 submarine launched nuclear capable missile was scheduled to take place from the eastern coast as reported but the window is likely to be used for an Agni series missile firing. Sources said that the 3,500 km range missile, designed for the Arihant class of nuclear submarines, is likely to be tested from a fixed underwater pontoon as part of the developmental trials being conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) within a fortnight.

Exercise Surya Kiran is an annual event which is conducted alternately in India and Nepal. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, Exercise Surya Kiran with Nepal is important in terms of the security challenges faced by both the nations in the realm of changing facets of global terrorism.

Understanding on Defence Technology Industrial Capability Cooperation was signed between UK and India which highlighted the UK government’s approach towards enhancing cooperation with India, and the Defence Vertical is an example of how this cooperation is being taken to a new level.This initiative recognises that the UK-India relationship in aerospace and defence is at a critical turning point and is another demonstration of the close ties between Indian and UK industry.

The 3,500-km range missile, designed for the Arihant class of nuclear submarines, will be tested from a fixed underwater pontoon as part of the developmental trials being conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). he K4 has undergone three tests in the past and is considered to be the real game changer that would give India a second strike option.

“The DAC approved the procurement of medium range anti-submarine warfare P-8I aircraft for the Navy. These aircraft would greatly strengthen the Navy’s capabilities for maritime coastal surveillance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface vessel (ASV) strike,” the government said in a statement.