The Italian ‘Black Shark’ torpedo is once again in the spotlight as it seeks to fulfill a critical requirement for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari class submarines. This development comes a decade after the torpedo faced scrutiny over allegations of corruption and irregularities, which led to its initial withdrawal from consideration. Manufactured by Leonardo—previously known as Finmeccanica—the Black Shark is now vying for a share of a contract valued at approximately ₹3,000 crore, which entails the procurement of 48 heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.

With Leonardo removed from the blacklist imposed due to previous controversies, the Black Shark is competing against offerings from German and French manufacturers. Notably, both the German and French torpedoes had undergone testing by the Navy two years ago; however, these efforts did not yield any contracts. Meanwhile, the Black Shark has not seen field evaluation since its last test in 2009, during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

The ongoing tender process adds an element of uncertainty, as it does not clearly outline whether competitors will undergo fresh field evaluations or if the decisions will be based on historical performance and technical specifications already provided. Attempts to gather insights via a detailed questionnaire directed to both the Indian Navy and Leonardo remained unanswered as of the latest updates.

Previously, the Black Shark emerged as a strong contender for a requirement of 98 torpedoes during 2008-09, but the project was shelved in 2013 after being referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the defence ministry. The Indian Navy has been in pursuit of advanced heavyweight torpedoes for over a decade. A recent effort to acquire the next generation of torpedoes involved a competitive bidding process between German and French manufacturers, with the French F21 emerging as the most compliant and the lowest bidder. Nevertheless, a formal contract was never finalized.

In response to these ongoing procurement challenges, the Indian defence ministry has rolled out a dual-pronged strategy. This involves the immediate acquisition of 48 torpedoes from an international source paired with a ‘Make in India’ initiative intended for a more extensive procurement in the future. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to take the lead on this indigenous project, with potential collaboration from private entities.

The new heavyweight torpedoes are critical for the Kalvari class submarines, which are currently under construction at Mazagon Dockyard. The Indian Navy has six of these submarines on order, with negotiations ongoing for an additional three of the same class, highlighting the urgency and importance of resolving the torpedo procurement issue promptly.

The Indian Army has successfully conducted a significant tri-service military exercise named ‘Poorvi Prahar’ in Arunachal Pradesh, strategically located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This exercise aimed to bolster joint operational readiness among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflecting India’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, especially in the northeastern region, which has been a focal point of attention in light of ongoing tensions along the LAC.

The exercise focused on improving multi-domain operations, enabling seamless coordination among the three services. This was particularly vital given the complex geopolitical environment in the region. Participating forces conducted a series of drills encompassing various combat scenarios that could occur along the border, thus testing and refining their combat preparedness and response strategies.

Military analysts have indicated that ‘Poorvi Prahar’ represents a crucial step in modernizing India’s defense posture. By integrating different branches of the armed forces, the exercise showcases India’s intent to present a united front in safeguarding its territorial integrity. Additionally, the exercise involved simulations of swift troop movements, coordinated air support, and naval operations, illustrating the adaptability and resourcefulness of India’s armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized the importance of such exercises in fostering interoperability among the three services, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. Officials noted that ‘Poorvi Prahar’ is part of a broader strategy to address evolving security challenges and maintain peace and stability in the region.

Observers suggest that the successful conduct of the exercise sends a strong signal to both domestic and international audiences about India’s defense preparedness. It underscores the proactive stance India is taking towards securing its borders while ensuring that its military remains well-equipped to address any emerging threats.

As the situation along the LAC remains sensitive, exercises like ‘Poorvi Prahar’ are likely to become a regular component of India’s defense strategy. The armed forces aim to not only enhance their capabilities but also reassure the nation of their readiness to respond to any situation that may arise in the future.

A high-intensity tri-Services exercise named ‘Poorvi Prahar’ is currently taking place in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at enhancing the combat effectiveness of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in executing integrated joint operations within the region’s challenging mountainous terrain. This exercise, which runs from November 10 to 18, reflects India’s commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture along its eastern frontier amid evolving regional dynamics.

Participating forces are utilizing a wide array of advanced military platforms and systems, showcasing significant advancements in modern warfare technology. The Army has highlighted that this large-scale joint exercise is not only designed to improve inter-service coordination and operational readiness but also to reinforce India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

Among the sophisticated assets employed during ‘Exercise Poorvi Prahar’ are advanced fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, and helicopters such as the Chinook and Advanced Light Helicopter Rudra. Additionally, the exercise incorporates the newly inducted M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers, providing unprecedented mobility, firepower, and precision for operations in difficult terrain.

A notable aspect of the exercise is the integration of innovative technologies that are reshaping contemporary military operations. Troops are gaining expertise in utilizing swarm drones, First Person View (FPV) drones, and loitering munitions, which significantly enhance situational awareness, precision strikes, and operational flexibility. The incorporation of these advanced tools underscores the military’s focus on leveraging next-generation technologies to enhance defense capabilities.

Furthermore, the exercise emphasizes the development of a Common Operating Picture through joint command structures that optimize coordination between ground, air, and naval forces. Real-time information sharing is facilitated by systems utilizing satellite communications, driven by AI analytics. This enables commanders to make informed decisions rapidly, enhancing the overall response time during operations.

The integration of AI and satellite communication technology plays a crucial role in optimizing multi-service operations, allowing commanders to maintain a comprehensive, real-time overview of the battlefield. This technological synergy enhances the forces’ precision, agility, and coordination, and ensures that the joint military units are prepared to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare.

The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force remain committed to collaboration and innovation, striving to stay at the forefront of military excellence. This exercise serves as a crucial platform for integrating advanced technological tools and joint command structures, ultimately ensuring the nation’s preparedness to address future security challenges.

The Indian Navy is set to conduct the fourth edition of its nationwide coastal defence exercise, Sea Vigil-24, on November 20 and 21. This iteration of the exercise is notable for its expanded scope and scale, as it will encompass India’s extensive coastline and involve participation from six government ministries and 21 different organizations—representing an unprecedented level of collaboration and engagement.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, preparatory work for the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase of Sea Vigil-24 commenced in late October. This preparation includes comprehensive audits of the country’s coastal defence infrastructure, ensuring readiness across all coastal states and Union Territories, which cover Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

In a significant first, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join the CDSRE phase, which will also include personnel from various key agencies such as the State Marine Police, Coast Guard, Customs, and Fisheries. The exercise is designed to improve the safeguarding of critical coastal assets, including ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, and Cable Landing Points, all essential for national security and economic stability.

In a notable enhancement this year, the Indian Army and Air Force will provide considerable support to the exercise. A variety of naval ships and aircraft will be deployed, significantly bolstering the scale and effectiveness of Sea Vigil-24. The exercise will cover the entirety of India’s 11,098 km coastline and scrutinize the vast 2.4 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone, effectively putting the complete coastal security framework to the test.

Maritime stakeholders, including local fishing communities and residents, will also play an integral role in the exercise, fostering collaboration between various sectors and levels of society. Additionally, the participation of students from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides aims to raise awareness of coastal security issues among young generations, instilling a sense of responsibility regarding national safety.

As the date approaches, the Indian Navy emphasizes the importance of this exercise in enhancing coastal security and preparedness, setting a precedent for future initiatives aimed at protecting India’s maritime interests.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy is preparing for a significant maritime exercise named ‘Sea Vigil-24’, which will be conducted on November 20 and 21, 2024. This fourth iteration of the ‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise marks an ambitious scale, involving an extensive geographical reach and a wide range of participants, consisting of six Ministries and 21 organizations.

The primary objective of Sea Vigil-24 is to bolster the security of various coastal assets, which include vital installations such as ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, Cable Landing Points, and other critical coastal infrastructure that supports local populations. In a statement released by the Navy, officials emphasized that this exercise aims to refine and enhance the overall coastal security framework of the nation in light of evolving maritime threats.

This year’s exercise features notable participation from other armed services, specifically the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, further augmenting the collaborative dimension of the initiative. The planned deployment of a considerable number of ships and aircraft during the exercise is anticipated to elevate its operational tempo and effectiveness.

The execution of Sea Vigil-24 is structured in phases, with the initial phase named the Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE). This phase has been ongoing since late October 2024, with Naval Officer-in-Charges of all coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, conducting comprehensive audits of the existing coastal defense and security infrastructure. This thorough assessment is designed to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure preparedness in safeguarding the nation’s extensive coastline.

As the Indian Navy gears up for this crucial exercise, the collaboration of multiple agencies underscores a unified approach towards maritime security, reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguard its vast coastal territories and vital maritime interests.

In a proactive response to rising concerns over the safety of military personnel, the Indian Army has launched a dedicated helpline service designed to assist soldiers and veterans around the clock. This initiative, implemented after a disturbing custodial assault incident involving an Army officer and his fiancée in Odisha, aims to provide immediate support in emergencies or assault situations.

The helpline, identified by the number 155306, will be manned by trained Military Police personnel, ensuring that both male and female officers are available to address incoming calls. One of the key features of this service is the recording of all calls, which will facilitate efficient follow-up for every case reported. The operational framework of the helpline includes integrated coordination with provost units and relevant civil authorities, enabling quick response times throughout the country.

The system is designed to be accessible without requiring any dialing prefix from the caller, making it convenient for users across all major telecom providers. Upon calling, individuals are expected to relay their service details along with a brief account of the incident in question. The helpdesk will then mobilize the nearest Provost Police unit to respond accordingly. To enhance accountability, call management software will be employed to track the progress of reported cases, ensuring that every incident is followed up.

Importantly, the helpline is focused exclusively on emergency situations, explicitly excluding non-crisis issues like land disputes or interpersonal conflicts, such as marital disputes. This clear delineation is intended to streamline the helpline’s operations and prioritize the most critical incidents.

The establishment of this helpline reflects the Army’s ongoing commitment to bolster support and security for its members in light of growing incidents of violence against military personnel. The recent custodial assault that sparked this initiative occurred on September 14 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where the officer and his fiancée were reportedly ambushed by a group of miscreants. Following the incident, which raised significant concerns within the Army, the case is now being handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as part of an overarching effort to address such incidents effectively.

In a significant gesture of appreciation, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan visited the Pangode Military Station in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, where a special event was held to honor the valiant soldiers of the Indian Army for their dedicated service to the people of Kerala. The event, aptly named ‘Veer Vachan Vandan,’ which translates to ‘Brave Soldier,’ celebrated both the commitment and the sacrifices made by these servicemen, symbolizing their oath and salute to the motherland.

During the ceremony, Governor Khan presented the prestigious Governor’s citation to the 2nd Battalion of the Madras Regiment, recognized for their exemplary contributions. The citation was received by Colonel Avinash Kumar Singh, the Commanding Officer, along with Subedar Major Selven. In addition to the battalion’s recognition, 16 officers stationed at Pangode were individually felicitated for their remarkable service across various fields.

A defense spokesperson noted the crucial role that the Indian Army has played in providing hope during times of crisis, whether responding to natural disasters or addressing internal security challenges. Their efforts, particularly in rescuing citizens during calamities such as the severe landslides in Wayanad, have cemented their reputation as pillars of strength and reliability within the community.

Brigadier Salil M.P., the Station Commander of Pangode Military Station, was also in attendance, alongside other serving personnel. The ceremony not only celebrated the bravery and dedication of the soldiers but also reinforced the bond between the Indian Army and the local populace, showcasing the deep respect and admiration that the people of Kerala have for their armed forces.