The Flight Safety Seminar (FSS) and Annual Naval Flight Safety Meeting (NFSM) for 2024 have successfully concluded at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam, organized by Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. This year’s gathering revolved around the theme “Emerging Threats and Challenges – Naval Air Operations and Compliance with Flight Safety,” reflecting the growing complexity and dynamic nature of Naval Aviation safety today.

The seminar brought to the forefront critical issues that significantly impact contemporary naval operations. Experts delved into advancements in counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies and tactics, highlighting the need for the naval forces to stay ahead of potential threats. The discussions also extended to cyber security risks that jeopardize aviation operations, with an emphasis on countermeasures designed to protect aircraft systems from these vulnerabilities.

A pivotal session focused on managing emerging operational risks. This segment underscored the necessity of shared vigilance among India’s defence services to safeguard aerial assets effectively. Participants engaged in meaningful exchanges about the importance of adopting proactive and adaptable safety protocols that cater to the unique challenges faced by Naval Aviation in the modern operational landscape.

The seminar also witnessed the participation of representatives from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and defense organizations, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Their presence highlighted a collaborative approach toward enhancing flight safety standards across the armed forces, exemplifying the commitment to a unified strategy in confronting the multifaceted threats posed to naval aviation.

Overall, the successful conclusion of the FSS and NFSM signifies a crucial step towards reinforcing flight safety measures and preparing the naval forces for future challenges in the realm of air operations. The insights gained during this event are expected to influence ongoing safety protocols and operational strategies within the Indian Navy and allied defense services.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the flight tests of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System, marking a significant milestone in the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. These trials were meticulously conducted in three phases at various field firing ranges and focused on assessing the weapon system’s key performance metrics, including range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire.

The Pinaka system is a state-of-the-art multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO. It has the capability to launch a barrage of 12 rockets within just 44 seconds, effectively covering a target area of 700 by 500 meters. Initially introduced with a range of 37.5 kilometers, the system has seen multiple enhancements, resulting in several upgraded versions:

1. Pinaka Mk-I: The basic version, which boasts a range of 38 km and various warhead types.
2. Pinaka Mk-II: An upgraded variant that extends its reach up to 60 km.
3. Extended Range Pinaka: The latest iteration, capable of striking targets located up to 75 km away.

The development of the Pinaka system has undergone a phased approach characterized by comprehensive testing to meet the dynamic requirements of the Indian Army. In 2020, the Enhanced Pinaka variant was tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, where the system successfully achieved its targets in terms of range and performance. The following year, further evaluations were conducted with the Extended Range Pinaka rockets, achieving successful launches of 25 rockets at various distances up to 45 km. The trials continued in 2022 at Pokhran, focusing on other variants, such as the Pinaka Mk-I (Enhanced) Rocket System (EPRS) and the Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM).

The development and production strategy of the Pinaka system involves collaboration with Indian industries. Partnerships with companies like Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited for ammunition, along with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro for launcher and command post production, aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and decrease dependence on foreign military supplies.

Recently, interest has emerged from the French Army regarding the Pinaka system, with Brigadier General Stephane Richou highlighting India’s growing indigenous military production capabilities, which have positioned the country as a formidable player in the global defence landscape.

As part of India’s robust defence export initiative, the country has been supplying military hardware to over 100 nations, with key markets including the United States, France, and Armenia. The Pinaka weapon system is anticipated to enhance India’s position in the global defence market and further its export ambitions.

In light of the successful completion of the PSQR Validation Trials, both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat have expressed their commendations for the performance of the Pinaka system. The completion of these trials solidifies the Pinaka’s role as an advanced artillery asset, ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces, which will benefit from its precision strike capabilities at extended ranges.

In a heartwarming gesture of respect and care, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the esteemed Param Vir Chakra awardee Honorary Captain Bana Singh at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi. Singh, a celebrated figure in Indian military history, was admitted to the prestigious facility a few days prior, prompting the Army chief to make a personal visit to inquire about his health and wellbeing.

Bana Singh, now 75 years old, is renowned for his extraordinary bravery during the 1987 operations in Siachen Glacier, where he led a daring mission to capture Quaid Post. This strategic location, situated at a staggering altitude of 21,153 feet, posed significant challenges due to its treacherous terrain and hostile weather conditions. Singh’s citation highlights the daunting nature of the operation, describing how the steep ice-wall of Quaid Post allowed for a dominant defensive position, enabling defenders to target any adversaries attempting to ascend.

In June 1987, Singh, then serving as a Naib Subedar, volunteered for a special task force aimed at seizing this critical position. Alongside four fellow soldiers, he embarked on a perilous ascent up the steep ice, while other battalion members drew the attention of Pakistani forces. Despite facing intense cold that rendered their weapons ineffective, Singh and his team persevered, ultimately leading to the successful capture of Quaid Post. For his valor and exceptional leadership during this operation, Singh was bestowed with India’s highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra.

Born to Amar Singh and Bholi Devi in Kadyal village, Jammu, Bana Singh joined the Indian Army in 1969 and became a distinguished member of the 8 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. His legacy remains celebrated across the nation, with ongoing recognition of his contributions to Indian military history.

In another mark of respect, during Parakram Diwas on January 23 of the previous year, 21 unnamed islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were named in honor of Param Vir Chakra recipients, including a significant island named after Naib Subedar Bana Singh. This recognition serves to remind future generations of the valor and sacrifices made by these brave soldiers.

The Army Chief’s visit reflects the deep respect and camaraderie within the military community, acknowledging the profound impact of veterans like Bana Singh on the fabric of the nation’s defense history.

The Department of Defence and Strategic Sciences at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) is set to host the esteemed ‘General BC Joshi Memorial Lecture’ on November 27 at 5 PM, featuring a keynote address by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi (PVSM AVSM ADC). The lecture will focus on the significant role and contributions of the Indian Army towards the development of India.

General BC Joshi, a revered figure in the Indian Armed Forces, was noted for his sensitivity to crucial issues surrounding national integration, fundamental values, and the civility inherent in Indian culture. He was also an advocate for environmental protection and thoughtful approaches to national security decision-making. Following his untimely passing in 1994, SPPU, in collaboration with the headquarters of the Southern Command, established this annual lecture series in 1995 to commemorate his vision and contributions.

Prof. Parag Kalkar, the pro-vice-chancellor of SPPU, elaborated on the importance of the memorial lecture series, emphasizing General Joshi’s lasting legacy and the relevance of his values in today’s context. Notably, previous speakers in this series have included high-ranking officials such as Admiral Karambir Singh, General Bipin Rawat, Admiral Arun Prakash, and General KV Krishna Rao, who have all contributed valuable insights into the security landscape of the nation.

For the upcoming lecture, the vice-chancellor of SPPU, Prof. Suresh Gosavi, along with Prof. Parag Kalkar as the guest of honour, will be present. The chief convener of the event will be Vijay Khare, the head of the Department of Defence and Strategic Sciences.

This event is poised to attract attention from students, faculty, and military officials, marking another significant occasion in the university’s commitment to fostering discourse on defense and strategic studies, as well as honoring the legacy of General BC Joshi.

In a significant advancement for India’s naval capabilities, the Indian Navy has initiated the installation of an indigenously-developed software defined radio (SDR) across all its aerial assets. The first aerial platform to be equipped with this innovative communication system is the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, popularly known as the Romeo.

Developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), this SDR system enhances the Navy’s communication capabilities by enabling encrypted communications, vitally important for modern defense operations. Prior to the implementation of the SDR, the Navy predominantly relied on conventional radios for communication. The new system, while adapted for aerial use, mirrors the functionality of the SDRs currently installed in the Navy’s surface ships, albeit in a more compact, miniaturized form.

The SDR is instrumental in signal processing through radio frequency (RF) communication systems, and its capabilities significantly enhance the Navy’s operational effectiveness. Sources within the defense and security establishment have characterized the SDR in the MH-60R Seahawks as a “captive” system, tailored for specific roles in controlled environments. Furthermore, this communication device is integrated within the indigenous Link-II data link system, a tactical naval communication framework that facilitates real-time text communication between ships, submarines, and shore establishments.

The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters bolster the Navy’s surveillance and combat prowess, being adept in anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue missions, and medical evacuations. With 24 of these helicopters agreed upon for procurement from the United States under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement in February 2020, nine units have already been delivered. The commissioning of the first squadron, designated INAS 334, took place in March at the INS Garuda in Kochi, further augmenting the Navy’s aerial capabilities.

This move reflects India’s growing focus on indigenization in defense technologies, aiming to ensure secure and advanced communication systems for its armed forces. The introduction of the SDR in the Navy’s aerial assets marks a pivotal step towards modernizing India’s naval operations and enhancing its overall strategic readiness.