Amid a robust push to increase exports of indigenous defence equipment, the United States, France, and Armenia have emerged as the top three customers for Indian military exports, according to official sources.
India is currently exporting military equipment to over 100 countries worldwide. The top three customers in the last financial year include the US, France, and Armenia. This growth reflects the efforts of the Defence Ministry to enhance domestic production and increase India’s footprint in the global defence market.
Key Export Highlights:
United States: India’s exports to the US include a significant number of aircraft and helicopter parts, manufactured by Indian firms for global defence giants like Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
France: Exports to France are dominated by software and electronic equipment, showcasing India’s strength in advanced technology and digital systems.
Armenia: Exports to Armenia include critical military hardware such as ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems), Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, Swathi weapon locating radars, and other essential systems.
The Defence Industrial Base in India has been expanding steadily, featuring 16 Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs), 430 licensed firms, and 16,000 medium and small-scale enterprises. This growth has led to a significant increase in defence production, with the total value rising nearly threefold since 2014-15. The production value has jumped from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in the last fiscal year, with the private sector contributing around 21% of this output.
India’s defence industry is known for producing major platforms like the LCA Tejas fighter jets, aircraft carriers, warships, submarines, Dhanush Artillery Gun System, MBT Arjun, and Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). Other notable productions include Light Specialist Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Weapon Locating Radar, 3D Tactical Control Radar, Software Defined Radios, and the Akash Missile System.
The focus on indigenization and export growth aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global defense manufacturing hub, strengthening its strategic partnerships, and ensuring self-reliance in defense capabilities.
The annual Inter Squadron Drill Competition at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) concluded with an impressive display of discipline, precision, and unity by the officer cadets.
The event highlighted the importance of coordination, teamwork, and the role of impeccable drill skills in shaping future leaders of the Indian Navy.
Throughout the competition, cadets from various squadrons showcased their drill performances, demonstrating high standards of command skills and cohesion.
After a keenly contested event, Daredevil Squadron emerged as the winners, setting a benchmark of excellence for others to follow.
The Inter Squadron Drill Competition is a cornerstone event at the INA, aimed at instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership, essential for every naval officer.
Lt Gen PS Shekhawat, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Madhya Bharat Area, visited the Headquarters of Jharkhand & Bihar Sub Area and the Bihar Regimental Centre (BIHARRC) in Danapur.
The visit aimed to assess the operational readiness, ongoing infrastructure development projects, and welfare initiatives for serving personnel and veterans.
During his visit, Lt Gen Shekhawat commended the formation for their high level of commitment and professionalism in ensuring operational preparedness and enhancing the quality of life for the troops and their families.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a relentless focus on professional excellence and encouraged all ranks to continue their dedication to duty.
The GOC’s visit underscores the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and welfare measures while ensuring the highest standards of readiness and operational capability in the region.
In a heartwarming gesture, the Assam Rifles facilitated a Homecoming Ceremony in Pallel, Manipur, reuniting a young man with his family after a difficult period in which he was forced to join the insurgent group PREPAK.
The young man, who endured harsh conditions in Myanmar, managed to escape and was intercepted by Assam Rifles near the Indo-Myanmar border.
Recognizing his desire for a fresh start, Assam Rifles provided him with the opportunity to leave behind the path of violence and rejoin society.
The ceremony symbolized a new beginning, emphasizing the Assam Rifles’ commitment to peace and rehabilitation in the region.
The Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) stands as a prestigious institution that shapes the future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces. Nestled in the picturesque Doon Valley of Dehradun, RIMC offers a unique blend of rigorous academic training, military discipline, and personal development.
The life of cadets at RIMC is both demanding and enriching, fostering qualities of resilience, leadership, and camaraderie. This article delves into the multifaceted experiences of cadets at RIMC, exploring their daily routines, educational frameworks, physical training, and the profound values instilled in them
The day at RIMC kicks off with the sound of reveille, a clarion call that echoes across the campus. Cadets rise early, often before sunrise, to embrace a day filled with structured activities.
Adaptability: Lifelong learning fosters adaptability, a crucial trait for future leaders.
Networking and Relationships
Building relationships is vital for personal and professional growth.
Mentorship: Cadets are paired with mentors who guide them through their journey.
Alumni Network: The RIMC alumni network provides support and opportunities for future endeavors.
The Path to Greatness
Life as a cadet at RIMC is a transformative experience, shaping individuals into disciplined, resilient, and capable leaders. The institution’s commitment to academic excellence, military training, and personal development equips cadets with the skills and values necessary for a successful career in the armed forces.
Through challenges and triumphs, cadets forge lifelong friendships and develop a deep sense of duty and honor. As they embark on their journey, the lessons learned at RIMC will serve as a foundation for their future endeavors, inspiring them to lead with integrity and purpose.
Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Central Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the administrative and operational preparedness of the Ibex Brigade.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sengupta commended the troops for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness at all times.
In a separate visit, Lt Gen Sengupta assessed the operational readiness of the Golden Key Warriors deployed in the high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh.
The Army Commander expressed his appreciation for the resolute resilience demonstrated by the Surya Warriors, acknowledging their ability to maintain high levels of preparedness in the face of challenging terrain and harsh conditions.
Both visits underscore the Central Command’s focus on ensuring that formations remain well-prepared to address any potential threats, particularly in demanding environments.
The steadfast commitment of the Ibex Brigade and Golden Key Warriors reflects the Indian Army’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s interests.
The Golden Arrow Division, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), conducted a joint training exercise focused on Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO). The exercise aimed to refine Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for rapid insertion and deployment of troops during combat scenarios, highlighting the seamless integration and joint capabilities of the Indian Army and IAF.
Special Heliborne Operations are vital to the Indian Army’s tactical prowess, enabling quick troop deployment and enhanced operational flexibility in challenging environments. These operations rely on the use of helicopters for swift aerial insertion, allowing forces to engage effectively in hostile terrain.
The concept of Special Heliborne Operations was first demonstrated with distinction during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, particularly in the Battle of Sylhet. The operation, led by Lt. Gen. Sagat Singh and executed by Group Captain Chandan Singh with a small fleet of Mi-4 helicopters, marked the first spontaneous heliborne assault by the Indian Army. This bold maneuver successfully transported an Indian battalion into enemy-held Sylhet town in East Pakistan, showcasing the strategic advantage of SHBOs.
This recent joint training reflects the ongoing commitment of the Indian Army and IAF to strengthening their synergy and readiness, ensuring they remain prepared to meet contemporary operational challenges.
The Sarvada Agrani Brigade, a key unit of the Corps of Engineers under the Sapta Shakti Command, conducted a comprehensive Rapid Response & Incident Management Course at the SWC CBRN School.
This specialized training aimed to enhance the preparedness of all arms for operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) environments.
During the course, participants practiced the latest technologies and modified drills tailored for fighting in challenging CBRN conditions.
The focus on cutting-edge techniques reflects the brigade’s commitment to adapting to modern threats and ensuring readiness for complex battlefield scenarios.
The Sarvada Agrani Brigade, known for its engineering expertise and operational logistics capabilities, continues to play a vital role in preparing the next generation of battlefield leaders, ensuring that they are equipped to meet the demands of future conflicts.
Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, witnessed the impressive Armour manoeuvre exercise conducted by the Dot On Target Division (DOTD) at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (MFFR).
This exercise demonstrated the integration of Force Multipliers, Long Range Vectors, and Niche Technologies, emphasizing the Indian Army’s focus on innovation and modern warfare capabilities.
The battle drills were designed to validate the effective coordination of advanced technologies with traditional armoured manoeuvres, showcasing the Division’s ability to execute complex tactical operations.
The use of cutting-edge technologies and precision targeting highlighted the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead in the evolving battlefield environment.
Lt Gen Manjinder Singh commended the Dot On Target Division for their exceptional operational preparedness and high training standards, reflecting their commitment to excellence in combat readiness.
Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command, visited the Headquarters of the Western Air Command (#WAC) in New Delhi, where he interacted with Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), WAC.
The discussions centered around achieving greater synergy and integration between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force in training, operational planning, and the execution of integrated Multi Domain Operations.
The visit underscored the commitment of both services to strengthening jointmanship and enhancing cooperation in operations, ensuring seamless coordination in safeguarding the nation’s security.
As the largest and one of the most pivotal operational commands of the Indian Air Force, the Western Air Command plays a crucial role in the aerial defense of northern India, covering critical regions from Jammu and Kashmir to Rajasthan, and parts of Western Uttar Pradesh.
This collaboration between the Indian Army and the IAF reflects their shared goal of maintaining a unified defense posture in the face of modern challenges.
