Pakistan Army Chief visits LoC asserts readiness to retaliate against aggression

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February 8, 2024

Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, declared on Monday that Pakistan is prepared to retaliate with full national resolve and military strength against any aggression or infringement upon its territorial sovereignty.

Munir asserted that the Pakistan Army is well-equipped to address the entire spectrum of threats and remains constantly prepared to respond effectively. He accused India of targeting individuals within Pakistan.

During his visit to the Sarian Sector of the Line of Control (LoC), General Munir received a briefing on the current situation along the border.

Last month, Pakistan army claimed to possess “credible evidence” linking “Indian agents” to the assassination of two Pakistani terrorists associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Sialkot and Rawalkot. India dismissed these allegations as “false and malicious” propaganda.

The spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, stated in New Delhi that Pakistan’s accusations were baseless and part of its ongoing attempts to spread anti-India propaganda. Jaiswal warned that Pakistan will face consequences for its actions, emphasizing that blaming others for its own misdeeds is neither justifiable nor a solution.

Earlier in the day, General Munir, along with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and the self-styled Prime Minister of Kashmir, Anwarul Haq, visited Muzaffarabad to commemorate Kashmir Day, observed annually on February 5th in Pakistan.

Army’s Educational Corps set to transform into Knowledge and Enablers Corps

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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The Army Educational Corps (AEC) is undergoing a significant change and will now be known as the Army Knowledge & Enablers Corps.

This renaming comes with a focused directive to prioritize cyber, information technology, perception management, and linguistics, including expertise in Mandarin, Burmese, and other languages. This move is part of the broader “transformation” initiative within the 12-lakh strong force.

The restructuring of the AEC, which has received approval from the defence ministry, aims to furnish the Army with specialized professionals in these specific areas. These dedicated specialists will be instrumental in leveraging their expertise to address evolving operational requirements, according to senior officers.

Originally established to ensure that soldiers met a minimum educational standard, this segment of the Army, consisting of approximately 3,500 officers and personnel, now requires a new focus as most soldiers have completed at least a decade of schooling.

When the Army Educational Corps (AEC) transitions into the Army Knowledge & Enablers Corps (AKEC), it will evolve into a corps of experts possessing advanced language skills.

Given the significance of language proficiency, particularly considering regional dynamics, the AKEC is contemplating the inclusion of approximately a dozen languages.

While the specific languages are yet to be finalized, potential candidates include Mandarin, which is widely spoken in China, Tibetan, Pashtu, Dzongkha (spoken in Bhutan), Sindhi, Burmese, and possibly other languages spoken in Myanmar, such as Shan and Arakanese. Consequently, Army personnel will specialize in languages prevalent in neighbouring regions, a task that is undeniably challenging.

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For example, the proficiency in Dari, an Afghan language with Persian roots, is relatively scarce in India, including within the Army. However, understanding such languages holds strategic importance, especially in anticipation of future crises.

The necessity for such language skills was evident during the Kargil war when soldiers of the Northern Light Infantry communicated in local dialects. While many Army personnel are currently undergoing language training, this marks the first instance where an entire subgroup of the Army will be dedicated to mastering critical languages.

It is anticipated that language instructors will hail from various regions across the country.

Should the need arise, specialists from overseas may be enlisted. Beyond linguistic capabilities, the AKEC will also undertake other significant responsibilities aligned with the demands of the contemporary era. While the proposal is prepared and securing funding seems feasible, government approval remains pending.

Terrorists in Srinagar fatally shoot man from Punjab

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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On Wednesday, terrorists in the Shaheed Gunj area of Srinagar targeted and fatally shot a man hailing from Punjab. The victim, identified as Amritpal Singh from Amritsar, succumbed to the injuries inflicted.

Additionally, another individual sustained severe injuries and has been evacuated for medical treatment. In response to the incident, the police have cordoned off the area.

According to a statement by the Jammu and Kashmir police on X, “Terrorists fired upon a non-local identified as Amritpal Singh resident of Amritsar at Shaheed Gunj Srinagar, who succumbed to the injuries.

One more person is grievously injured and evacuated for medical attention. Area has been cordoned off. Further details shall follow.”

Since the Union Government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed recurring instances of violence targeting non-locals. In October 2023, a migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh was fatally shot in Pulwama.

“Terrorists fired on a labourer in the Tumchi Nowpora area of Pulwama, who later on succumbed to his injuries. Area cordoned off,” stated the police at the time.

This recent incident marks the second terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir this year. In January, an Army convoy faced heavy firing in the Poonch area, prompting the Indian Army to launch a search operation to eliminate the terrorists from the region.

Inauguration of India’s first high hypersonic test facility at IIT Kanpur

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) has successfully established and tested India’s first Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility, a major achievement that puts India in the elite group of nations with this advanced hypersonic testing capability.

According to an official release, the facility, named S2, is capable of generating flight speeds between 3-10 kms, simulating the hypersonic conditions encountered during atmospheric entry of vehicles, asteroid entry, scramjet flights, and ballistic missiles.

This makes it a valuable test facility for ongoing missions of ISRO and DRDO including Gaganyaan, RLV, and hypersonic cruise missiles.

The S2, nicknamed ‘Jigarthanda’, is a 24-meter-long facility located at IIT-Kanpur’s Hypersonic Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory (HEAL) within the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

The S2 was indigenously designed and developed over a period of three years with funding and support from the Aeronautical Research and Development Board (ARDB), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and IIT-Kanpur.

Professor S. Ganesh, Director, IIT-Kanpur, said, “The successful establishment of S2, India’s first hypervelocity expansion tunnel test facility, marks a historic milestone for IIT-Kanpur and for India’s scientific capabilities. S2 will empower India’s space and Defence organisations with domestic hypersonic testing capabilities for critical projects and missions.”

Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Sugarno, Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Centre for Lasers & Photonics at IIT-Kanpur said, “Building S2 has been extremely challenging, requiring in-depth knowledge of physics and precision engineering.

The most crucial and challenging aspect was perfecting the ‘free piston driver’ system, which requires firing a piston at high pressure between 20-35 atmospheres down a 6.5 m. compression tube at speeds of 150-200 m/s, and bringing it to a complete stop or ‘soft landing’ at the end.”

“However, with our expertise, we were able to overcome this. Our team is proud to have designed, built, and tested this one-of-a-kind facility, cementing India’s position in the elite global hypersonic research community,” he added.

Professor GM Kamath, Head, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT-Kanpur, said, “With S2, we advance our research horizons, inspiring a new generation of aerospace enthusiasts and fostering innovation and exploration in this exciting field. Being the first in India to develop such a facility enables us to set a new benchmark for hypervelocity research in India and beyond.”

Meet 3 Indian Female Officers Participating in Saudi Defence Show

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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The ongoing World Defence Show (WDS) 2024 in Riyadh has been graced by the remarkable presence of three Indian women officers, showcasing India’s commitment to leveraging the strength and capabilities of women across all domains of defence.

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth, Colonel Ponung Doming, and Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash, representing the Indian Armed Forces, have left an indelible mark at various seminars and events, especially those themed around International Women in Defence.

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth, a distinguished fighter pilot from the Indian Air Force, took the spotlight as a panelist at the seminar titled ‘International Women in Defence – Investing in an Inclusive Future’, hosted by Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, on February 07, 2024.

Sharing her inspiring journey of breaking barriers and ascending to the skies as part of India’s revered fighter pilot club, Squadron Leader Kanth captivated the audience with her insights on leadership, resilience, and the evolving role of women in modern warfare. Her participation marked yet another milestone in her illustrious career, which includes being the first woman fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day Parade (2021) and the Republic Day 2024 Flypast.

Colonel Ponung Doming, hailing from the Indian Army, stands as the first woman officer to command the world’s highest Border Task Force stationed above 15,000 feet in the Northern sector. With over 20 years of service and multiple firsts to her credit, Colonel Doming has been at the forefront of numerous challenging assignments, showcasing her prowess as an Engineering officer.

Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash, representing the Indian Navy, brought her expertise in maritime security and operations to the forefront at the WDS 2024. Her presence underscored the pivotal role that women play in safeguarding India’s extensive coastline and ensuring regional stability, fostering stronger ties and collaboration between India and other nations in the maritime domain.

The participation of these three exceptional female officers at the WDS 2024 serves as a testament to the growing role of Indian women in the defence landscape.

To further inspire and engage future generations, the trio will deliver an inspirational talk about their remarkable journey at the International Indian School, Riyadh, on February 08, 2024, reaching out to approximately 600 school children from various schools.

This event aims to showcase the diverse talents and leadership skills of Indian women in uniform, motivating young minds to pursue their dreams and conquer new frontiers.

The WDS 2024, which commenced on February 04, 2024, will culminate on February 08, 2024. Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt led the Indian delegation to the show, reaffirming India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and showcasing its defence capabilities on the global stage.

Sri Lanka embraces INS Karanj after expulsion of Chinese vessel

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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Following its decision to deny entry to a Chinese submarine and research vessel, Sri Lanka welcomed the arrival of the Indian Navy submarine INS Karanj on February 3rd, just ahead of its Independence Day celebrations.

The acceptance of INS Karanj signifies a diplomatic victory for India. However, the potential threat of Chinese submarine activities in the Indian Ocean remains a concern, particularly with Beijing’s ongoing construction of a significant naval base in Bangladesh.

The Sri Lankan Navy announced the arrival of INS Karanj, stating that while the submarine is stationed in the island nation, it will engage in a submarine awareness program, with the crew also exploring tourist attractions in the country.

INS Karanj belongs to the Kalvari-class of diesel-electric submarines, based on the French Scorpene class submarines. Designed by the French naval group DCNS and manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai, the submarine measures 67.5 meters in length, accommodates a crew of 53, and is commanded by Commander Arunabh. It is scheduled to depart from the Sri Lankan port on February 5th.

This port call by the Indian submarine comes amidst Sri Lanka’s imposition of a year-long moratorium on foreign research vessels operating in its waters, which began on January 1st.

This move is viewed as a significant diplomatic and strategic success for India, considering concerns over Chinese research vessels conducting surveys in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), potentially aiding Chinese submarine navigation through crucial maritime routes.

However, geopolitical dynamics in the IOR are becoming increasingly complex, with the new Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu, allowing a Chinese research vessel to dock in Male, despite India’s objections.

Sri Lanka’s alignment with China has been evident since Beijing secured a 99-year lease of Hambantota Port. Concerns persist in India over the use of Sri Lankan and Maldivian ports by Chinese vessels for military purposes under the guise of marine exploration.

Meanwhile, China’s expanding presence in the Bay of Bengal through its submarine diplomacy, highlighted by the construction of the BNS Sheikh Hasina Naval Base in Bangladesh, poses challenges for India’s maritime security.

The base, capable of accommodating six submarines and eight warships, signifies China’s strategic ambitions in the region and raises concerns about its military presence close to India’s Eastern Naval Command.

India’s strategic interests in maintaining dominance in the Bay of Bengal face challenges from China’s growing maritime influence facilitated by countries like Bangladesh.

CDS urges Industry contribution for enhancing Defence capabilities in Aerospace

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the importance of enhancing India’s counter-space capabilities, urging all stakeholders in the defense space sector to collaborate towards this goal. His remarks come against the backdrop of China’s rapid advancement in developing and deploying powerful anti-satellite (A-Sat) weapons.

The Indian armed forces are projected to invest over 25,000 crore rupees in the coming years to fulfill their defense space needs, including the establishment of a constellation of surveillance satellites and secure communication networks.

General Chauhan expressed that this presents a significant opportunity for the private sector to contribute and advocated for the creation of a robust and self-reliant defence space ecosystem.

He encouraged industry collaboration with the armed forces to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through the development of multi-sensor satellites, on-demand launch services, and a reliable network of ground stations.

Additionally, General Chauhan highlighted the importance of strengthening indigenous positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services by enhancing the NAVIC constellation.

Acknowledging the growing threat to space assets, General Chauhan stressed the need for developing counter-space capabilities as a deterrent.

He underscored the pivotal role of space in augmenting combat capabilities across traditional domains such as land, air, and sea, as well as emerging ones like cyber warfare.

China’s active development of various A-Sat weapons, including kinetic and non-kinetic systems, has raised concerns. Both General Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari have emphasized the urgency for India to enhance defensive and offensive capabilities in the space domain.

Despite having a small tri-service Defence Space Agency established in 2019 instead of the Aerospace Command initially demanded by the armed forces, efforts are underway to strengthen India’s space capabilities.

General Chauhan highlighted government initiatives aimed at leveraging space to bolster armed forces’ capabilities, including Mission DefSpace 2022 under the IDEX initiative.

He noted progress in addressing space-related challenges and promoting indigenous space start ups, with significant investments and growth projected in the Indian space economy. Government support, including schemes like the seed fund scheme and technology transfer initiatives, has facilitated the growth of the private space industry in India.

General Chauhan expressed confidence in the continued expansion of the Indian space economy, driven by collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.

INS Sandhayak gets commissioned at the Eastern Naval Base in Visakhapatnam

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh oversaw the commissioning of INS Sandhayak, the Indian Navy’s inaugural large survey vessel, in a ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) base in Visakhapatnam on February 3.

During his address to the attendees, Singh emphasized the significance of the vessel in enhancing India’s stature as a powerhouse in the Indo-Pacific region.

INS Sandhayak’s primary function is to conduct comprehensive hydrographic surveys of ports, harbors, navigational routes, coastal zones, and deep seas to facilitate safe marine navigation. Singh highlighted the importance of oceanic exploration in bolstering national security and achieving strategic objectives, emphasizing the need to understand the ocean’s ecology and maritime dynamics.

Singh also discussed the security challenges posed by piracy and smuggling in the Indian Ocean, stressing India’s commitment to combating such threats and ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes. He commended the Indian Navy for its swift response to piracy incidents and its efforts in safeguarding international shipping lanes.

In his remarks, Singh reiterated India’s determination to curb illegal fishing, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling in the region. He praised the Indian Navy’s role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions, underscoring INS Sandhayak’s pivotal role in advancing these objectives.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar described the commissioning ceremony as a milestone in the Indian Navy’s Survey Vessel Large (SVL) Project, highlighting the ship’s advanced hydrographic capabilities and indigenous design. He elaborated on the vessel’s technical specifications and emphasized its contribution to maritime security and oceanic research.

INS Sandhayak, which translates to “one who carries out a special search,” symbolizes the Navy’s commitment to exploring and charting the oceans. Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment and propelled by powerful diesel engines, the ship represents a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy and the domestic industry, including MSMEs, showcasing India’s self-reliance in naval technology.

Ministry of Defence gets allocated a historic budget of Rs 6.21 lakh crore

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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The Interim Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 has allotted an unprecedented Rs 6.21 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This represents a 4.72 percent increase from the previous fiscal year (FY 2023-24), indicating the nation’s commitment to bolstering its defence infrastructure while promoting self-reliance and defence exports.

One significant aspect of the budget is the allocation of Rs 1.72 lakh crore, comprising 27.67 percent of the total defence budget, for capital acquisition. This substantial funding aims to equip the armed forces with state-of-the-art technology, including fighter aircraft, ships, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and drones, in alignment with the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) to address critical capability gaps and enhance combat readiness.

The budget also outlines specific plans for modernization, such as upgrading the Su-30 fleet, acquiring advanced engines for MiG-29, and procuring transport aircraft C-295. Additionally, there is a clear emphasis on the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with funding allocated to projects like LCA MK–I IOC and FOC configuration and various Indian Navy projects, aiming to bolster the domestic defence industry and stimulate economic growth.

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To enhance jointness and financial flexibility, the government has consolidated the demands of the three services into similar expenditure items, facilitating reallocation of funds based on inter-service priorities and streamlining decision-making processes.

In terms of revenue expenditure, the budget allocates Rs 92,088 crore (excluding salary), a 48 percent increase from FY 2022-23, to address the operational needs of the armed forces, underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring their preparedness. Additionally, the Defence Pension Budget has been raised to Rs 1.41 lakh crore to support approximately 32 lakh pensioners.

Border infrastructure receives a boost with an allocation of Rs 6,500 crore, marking a 30 percent increase from the previous fiscal year, aimed at strengthening strategic infrastructure along the Indo-China border. The Indian Coast Guard also sees a significant increase in funding to enhance maritime security capabilities.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) receives an enhanced budget of Rs 23,855 crore, focusing on capital expenditure to drive innovation and technological advancements in defence. This includes Rs 60 crore allocated to the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to promote collaboration with startups, MSMEs, and academia.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a positive and encouraging interim budget, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a confident, strong, and self-reliant India. Singh highlighted the budget’s focus on infrastructure, manufacturing, housing, and technology development as catalysts for India’s unprecedented growth.

Defence Ministry to Get LoA for 31 MQ-9B Drones from US

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Pratham Gurung

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February 8, 2024

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In the coming days, the Ministry of Defence anticipates receiving a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from the Biden administration regarding the delivery of 31 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones to India. Sources have informed Financial Express Online that the LoA will soon be dispatched to New Delhi, initiating subsequent price negotiations.

Approval has been granted for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B drones, with 15 designated for the Indian Navy and eight each for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army (IA). These acquisitions will be facilitated through a government-to-government arrangement with the United States, targeted for completion by March of this year.

Upon receipt of India’s Letter of Request (LoR), discussions between officials from both nations will finalize procurement details. The drones, manufactured by General Atomics, are known for their extended endurance and operational capabilities. They are expected to enhance India’s surveillance capabilities, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and within the Indian Ocean region.

While the estimated cost of the deal is anticipated to be below USD 3 billion, price negotiations will commence following the issuance of the LoA. The matter of India’s drone procurement was discussed during US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin’s visit to Delhi in November. Austin indicated during a media briefing that the final agreement would be announced in due course.

These high-altitude drones can remain airborne for over 35 hours and are equipped to carry four Hellfire missiles and approximately 450 kilograms of bombs.

The Indian Navy had strategically leased two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from General Atomics in 2020, initially for one year, to bolster maritime surveillance efforts. This lease has been extended, demonstrating the drones’ significance in enhancing India’s maritime security posture. The Indian Navy employs these drones to counter piracy attempts in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Eden.

The favorable pricing for India is attributed to the scale of the procurement and the manufacturer’s ability to recoup initial investments. However, potential integration of indigenous radar and missile systems may necessitate a reevaluation of costs, underscoring the complexities involved in such acquisitions.

Both the Indian Air Force and Army strongly support these acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of technological advancement. India seeks to achieve a technology transfer of 15-20 percent, with plans to manufacture major components domestically, including engines, radar processors, avionics, sensors, and software.

Subject to final approvals from both governments, India plans to initially procure 11 fully assembled drones, with the remainder to be assembled domestically. The MQ-9B drones, renowned for their endurance and surveillance capabilities, are poised to significantly bolster India’s monitoring capabilities across land and maritime borders.

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