Defense

‘Indra-2019’ is expected to enhance interoperability between both national armed forces to jointly undertake operations under the UN flag. “In light of the threat of global terrorism faced by both nations and by countries around the world the theme of the exercise is contemporary and relevant,” said the sources.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru and French company, Safran Helicopter Engines, entered into a joint venture — Helicopter Engine MRO Private Limited — in 2016 to set up the helicopter maintenance plant which would initially focus on maintenance and overhaul of helicopter engines.

The order for 464 units of Bhishma, the newest MBT that the Army is using, is meant to bolster the shock-and-awe capabilities of the armed forces along the western sector of the India-Pakistan border. Once the delivery is complete, the Army will have over 1,500 of these tanks. Pakistan is in talks with Russia to acquire more than 300 such tanks.

The Indian navy is currently in urgent need of new generation minesweepers to replace 12 Pondicherry-class ships. On November 6, Russian side offered its Project 12701 Alexandrit-E ships under a transfer of technology (ToT) pact with India’s Goa Shipyard Limited.

Once water-starved, Chennai”s Cantonment area and military station now boast of 13 brimful water bodies and recycling plants, and also generate their own electricity. Inspired by the innovation, the Ministry of Defence has directed its Estate Wing to implement the development work across all defence establishments.

Now, the Indian Air Force has launched the multiplayer version of IAF’s new upgraded 3D Air Combat Mobile Game. In a tweet posted by the Indian Air Force from their Twitter handle, “IAF launches multiplayer version of IAF’s upgraded 3D Air Combat Mobile Game “Indian Air Force: A Cut Above”. The game is now available for download on Google Play for Android & IOS store.”

As part of IAF’s public awareness campaign, the Team aims to motivate the youth of the country to take up a challenging and fulfilling career in the Indian Armed Forces. The Unit also serves as an instrument to project our national power. Amongst various operational roles the Unit has participated in several operations towards Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

Defence ministry sources confirm a contract will be signed in November with the Pentagon (United States department of defence) for 24 Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawks for $ 2 billion to $ 2.6 billion (Rs 14,000 crore/Rs 140 billion to Rs 18,200 crore/Rs 182 billion). These choppers, with foldable blades, will be stationed on naval warships for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, combat search and rescue, vertical replenishment, medical evacuation.

Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi formally accepted the donation from Indian Ambassador to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir. Several senior members of MNDF also participated in the handover ceremony held aboard ICGS Samarth, the Indian Coast Guard’s largest offshore patrol vessel.The Indian government granted USD 1 million for the establishment of MNDF’s training centre on Maafilaafushi in Lhaviyani Atoll.

Even though the arms trade between these countries is limited, military-to-military relations have deepened, particularly in the area of maritime security. “The UAE and India held their first joint exercise with India, called Gulf Star 1, in March 2018, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country earlier that year. Then, Qatar and India conducted a naval drill in March 2018 as well and this was followed by a joint naval drill with Oman in July 2018. The armies of India and Oman have been conducting joint training every two years since 2015,” he adds.