Defence Street

Author: Defence Street Editor

  • Boeing Statement on Canada’s Multi Mission Aircraft Project

    Boeing Statement on Canada’s Multi Mission Aircraft Project

    ARLINGTON, Va. The Canadian Government announced on 27th March, that it has submitted a Letter of Request through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program, regarding the acquisition of up to 16 Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

    “The P-8A is a proven multi-mission capability that meets all requirements and will protect Canada’s oceans and its borders for future generations. We look forward to working with the U.S. and Canadian governments to finalize this sale under the Foreign Military Sales process. Together with our Canadian industry partners ― CAE, GE Aviation Canada, IMP Aerospace & Defence, KF Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace Canada, Raytheon Canada, and StandardAero  ― we are committed to delivering 100% Industrial and Technical Benefits that will significantly grow Canada’s aerospace and defense industry.”

  • Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Scheme

    Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Scheme

    New Delhi, 27th March 2023. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework was launched by the Government with the aim to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia to promote self-reliance. Up to 28 February 2023, 139 iDEX winners have been provided grants/fund. The Services, after successful trials, have placed supply orders on three iDEX winners. Moreover, the Ministry has also accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 13 more iDEX products.

    iDEX offers technical handholding through 19 associated Partner Incubators of iDEX, easier and faster access to test facilities/infrastructure available with various Government agencies, co-creation and co-innovation using smooth operating procedures and minimal documentation, to the iDEX winners, thus making the entire regime conducive for them. iDEX has launched challenges on frontier technologies/ domains like artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality (AR)/ Virtual Reality (VR), Autonomous/ Unmanned Solutions, Stealth, Domain Awareness, Secure Communications, Simulation, Navigation, Predictive Maintenance, Space, Cyber Security etc. to ensure that the Services enjoy a technological edge over their adversaries.

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Abir Ranjan Biswas in Rajya Sabha today.

  • Raksha Mantri receives Rs. 224 Crore as Second Interim Dividend from BEL for FY 2022-23

    Raksha Mantri receives Rs. 224 Crore as Second Interim Dividend from BEL for FY 2022-23

    The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh receiving second interim dividend cheque of Rs 224.27 crore for Financial Year 2022-23 from the Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited, Shri Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, in New Delhi on March 27, 2023. The Defence Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane is also seen.

    New Delhi, 27th March 2023. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), a Navratna Defence PSU, presented the second interim dividend cheque of Rs. 224,27,53,160.40/- to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today on March 27, 2023. BEL has declared 60% percent as Second Interim Dividend (Rs. 0.60/- per share) to its shareholders for the financial year 2022 – 23.

    This is the 20th consecutive year that BEL is paying Interim Dividend. BEL has paid 60% percent as First Interim Dividend (Rs. 0.60/- per share) in February 2023 to its shareholders for the financial year 2022 – 23. It has also paid a total dividend of 450% on its paid-up capital for the financial year 2021 – 22.

  • Eurofighter to secure 26,000 jobs in Spain until 2060

    Eurofighter to secure 26,000 jobs in Spain until 2060

    • To contribute nearly €1.7 billion to Spanish GDP and to create almost 700 jobs in Spain per year.
    • Main beneficiaries in the Community of Madrid, Basque Country, Castilla la Mancha and Andalusia

    Madrid, 27th March 2023. The Eurofighter programme will cumulatively secure 26,000 jobs in Spain until 2060, according to a recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) on the economic impact of the ‘Halcon’ and ‘Quadriga’ contracts for the country.

    The study, which was funded by Airbus, together with the technical support of ITP Aero, and performed independently by PWC over a period of six months until March 2023, estimates that, during its life cycle, the manufacturing phase (2020-2030) and maintenance phase (2023-2060) of the Halcon and Quadriga programmes will create on average 657 jobs – direct, indirect and induced – per year, reaching a total of 26,000 positions by 2060. This equates to a total annual employment impact of 2.7% direct jobs in the Spanish aerospace sector.

    Both Eurofighter Tranche 4 contracts are expected to contribute nearly €1.7 billion to Spanish GDP, with the manufacturing and maintenance of Halcon generating approximately €1.5 billion and the production of Quadriga making up the remaining €200 million.

    The employment and economic contribution during both phases will generate a total tax collection of €430 million, from which €151 million will be direct contribution. Furthermore, for every euro collected directly, €2.8 of total tax revenue will be generated in the Spanish economy.

    Signed in June 2022, the Halcon contract consists of the acquisition of 20 latest-generation Eurofighter jets to replace the ageing F-18 fleet operated by the Spanish Air Force on the Canary Islands.

    The Halcon programme followed the Quadriga contract, signed in 2020, to deliver 38 new Eurofighter aircraft to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), making Germany the country with the largest number of orders for Europe’s biggest defence programme.

    The Halcon programme will see the Spanish Eurofighter fleet grow to 90 aircraft, with the first delivery due in 2026, securing industrial production activity through to 2030. Quadriga secures production of the new Tranche 4 Eurofighter – currently the most modern European-built combat aircraft – until 2030, with a service-life well beyond 2060. Both programmes are decisive to guarantee national and European strategic autonomy in defence, when it matters most.

    In total, the Eurofighter programme secures more than 100,000 jobs in Europe, which will be boosted through latest-generation aircraft, such as the Tranche 4, as well as in the future, through technological advances within the Eurofighter development.

  • Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurates Gorata Martyr Memorial and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial and hoists the 103 feet high tricolor at Gorata Maidan in Bidar, Karnataka

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurates Gorata Martyr Memorial and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial and hoists the 103 feet high tricolor at Gorata Maidan in Bidar, Karnataka

    • In 1948, at this place, the Nizam killed hundreds of people for hoisting a two-and-a-half-feet tricolor, I am fortunate to hoist a 103-feet tall tricolor at the same place today
    • On 17th September 2014, on the occasion of Hyderabad Liberation Day, laid the foundation stone of a memorial so that the whole country could pay tribute to the martyrs of Gorata for hundreds of years, fortunate to get the opportunity of inaugurating it today
    • Had Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel not been there, Hyderabad and Bidar would never have become independent, this monument of Sardar Patel is a symbol of liberation of the people of Hyderabad-Karnataka-Marathwada from the cruel rule of the Nizam
    • There is also a plan to build a huge memorial and a light and sound show at a cost of Rs 50 crore, so that visitors and tourists coming not only from Karnataka but from all over the country can be told the story of great martyrs
    • When Shri Yediyurappa  became the Chief Minister of Karnataka, he changed the name of ‘Hyderabad-Karnataka’ -a sign of slavery to ‘Kalyana-Karnataka’
    • The state government increased the reservation quota for Vokkaligas from 4% to 6% and for Panchamasalis, Veerashaivas and other Lingayat categories from 5% to 7% in Karnataka
    • The government addressed the injustices done to the SC communities by providing 6% reservation for SC-Left, 5.5% for SC-Right, 4.5% for SC -Lambani, Bhovi, Korcha, Korma and 1% for other SC communities
    • Be it Mumbai-Karnataka or South-Karnataka or Kalyan-Karnataka or Bengaluru, the balanced development of the state can only be done by the full majority government ofour party
    • These historic decisions taken by the Government of Karnataka will ensure proper social justice to all sections of backward classes
    • For the development of Kalyan Karnataka Rs 3000 crore were provided, which has been increased to Rs 5000 crore in this budget

    https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001CIYY.jpg

    New Delhi, 26th March, 2023. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Gorata Martyr Memorial and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial and also unfurled the 103 feet high tricolor at Gorata ground in  Bidar, Karnataka today. On this occasion, former Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri B. S. Yediyurappa and many other dignitaries were present.

    Paying tributes to the country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shri Amit Shah said that had Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel not been there, Hyderabad and Bidar would never have become independent. This monument of Sardar Patel is a symbol of liberation of the people of Hyderabad-Karnataka-Marathwada from the cruel rule of the Nizam. Shri Shah said that today is a very important day because in 1948, at this place, the Nizam killed hundreds of people for hoisting a two-and-a-half-feet tricolor and I am fortunate to hoist a 103-feet tall tricolor at the same place today.

    https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002B4N5.jpg

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that on 17th September 2014, on the occasion of Hyderabad Liberation Day, he had laid the foundation stone of a memorial so that the whole country could pay tribute to the martyrs of Gorata for hundreds of years. Shri Shah said that he is fortunate to get the opportunity of inaugurating it today. He said there is also a plan to build a huge memorial and a light and sound show at a cost of Rs 50 crore, so that visitors and tourists coming not only from Karnataka but from all over the country can be told the story of great martyrs.

    Shri Amit Shah said that even today, the Government of Telangana is hesitating to celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day but the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has decided that every year on Hyderabad Liberation Day a grand ceremony will be organized. He said that after the construction of the memorial, next year the ceremony of Hyderabad Liberation Day will be organized in Gorata village itself.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, said that due to appeasement and vote bank politics, the previous governments never remembered the people who fought for the liberation of Hyderabad and gave 4% minority reservation based on religion, which was contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. Shri Shah said that his party’s government without believing in appeasement politics made changes in reservation and abolished minority reservation and increased the reservation quota for Vokkaligas from 4% to 6%. While the quota for Panchamasalis, Veerashaivas and other Lingayat categories was increased from 5% to 7%. Along with this, by giving 6% reservation for SC-Left, 5.5% for SC- Right, 4.5% for SC-Lambani, Bhovi, Korcha, Korma and 1% for other Scheduled Caste communities injustice done to the SC communities was done away with. Shri Shah said that be it Mumbai-Karnataka or South-Karnataka or Kalyan-Karnataka or Bengaluru, the balanced development of the state can only be done by the full majority government of our party. He said that these historic decisions taken by the Government of Karnataka would ensure appropriate social justice to all sections of backward classes.

    When Shri Yediyurappa  became the Chief Minister of Karnataka, he changed the name of ‘Hyderabad-Karnataka’-a sign of slavery to ‘Kalyana-Karnataka’. The government gave Rs 3000 crore for the development of Kalyan Karnataka, which has been increased to Rs 5000 crore in this budget. He said that the government resolved several issues in the region including Upper Bhadra Project, Kalasa-Banduri Project, Phase II of Upper Krishna Project, Yetina Hall Drinking Water Project. The Union and the State government jointly constructed the 411 kilometer long Bidar-Kalburgi-Bellary road at a cost of Rs.7700 crore and launched Ganga Kalyani Yojana of worth Rs.1115 crore for small and marginal farmers. Model University and Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering at a cost of Rs.5 crore have also been established.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that through the PM KisanYojana, 54 lakh farmers of the state are getting Rs.10,000 directly into their bank accounts every year. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by providing gas, toilets, electricity to every household, 5 kg free food grains to every poor person and free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, the government has done many developments work for the welfare of crores of poor people of the country.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has secured the country completely. Construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was stuck for the last several years. After the Supreme Court’s judgement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, performed Bhumipujan and laid the foundation of the Ram Mandir. The previous governments did not remove Article-370 from Jammu and Kashmir due to vote bank politics, while on 5 August 2019, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi abolished Article-370 and made Kashmir a part of India forever. The result of this is that today our Kashmir has become free from terrorism and has progressed on the path of prosperity and development. He said that the government will continue to work tirelessly for the all-round development of the entire Karnataka.

  • Union Ministers Shri Anurag Thakur, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia and Union Minister of State Gen V.K. Singh flag off first Delhi-Dharamshala-Delhi Indigo Flight

    Union Ministers Shri Anurag Thakur, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia and Union Minister of State Gen V.K. Singh flag off first Delhi-Dharamshala-Delhi Indigo Flight

    • Indigo flight will benefit half of the State population, says Shri Anurag Thakur, requests for direct connectivity from all India
    • Target to reach 200 airports, waterdromes and heliports in next 3 to 4 years: Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia
    • 2-phase plan for expansion of Dharamshala airport underway, aim to eventually land Airbus a320: Shri Scindia

    New Delhi, 26th March, 2023. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation General V.K. Singh on 26th March, flagged off the first Indigo Airline Delhi-Dharamshala-Delhi flight.

    Speaking on the occasion Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur expressed his gratitude towards the Ministry of Civil Aviation for facilitating Indigo connectivity to Himachal Pradesh and said that Indigo could not have become a truly national airline without flying to the hill state. Shri Thakur made a case for a larger airport and said that currently passengers coming to Himachal from all over India have to go to Delhi and then board connecting flights to the State. A larger airport will provide direct seamless connectivity to passengers.

    Shri Thakur credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rapid expansion of airport infrastructure in the country and said the number has gone from 74 to over 140 in a short span of time. He further said that it is due to the UDAN scheme that the people in Hawai Chappal can travel in Hawai Jahaz.

    Speaking about the magnitude of service provided by the airport, Shri Thakur said that Dharamshala airport connects five districts with ease of connectivity and directly benefits half of the population of the state. This single Indigo flight goes a long way in connecting half of the state and a few places in Punjab to the rest of the country.

    Union Minister of State General V. K. Singh in his remarks stated that the Dharamshala airport had seen its first flight in 1990, subsequently saw its operations expanding and now has a runway of 1376 mts. The Minister said the runway can be further lengthened if space permits. The airport witnesses a lot of traffic due to the presence of Dalai Lama, he stated, and provides air connectivity to all of north-western Himachal Pradesh The Indigo flight will bring in more tourists to Himachal and this will benefit the people of the state.

    Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, addressing the gathering, said that what was not achieved in the past 65 years in the field of civil aviation has been achieved in the last 9 years with the creation of 148 airports, waterdrome and heliports. He further added that the Ministry is working towards a target of taking this number to beyond 200 within the next three to four years. This effort will give equal importance to large metro airports as well as remote airports providing last mile connectivity.

    Shri Scindia lauded Shri Anurag Thakur’s efforts towards creation of sports infrastructure in the State and said that it is because of his strenuous efforts, Dharamshala is today a hub of not just regional or national cricket but of international cricket. He drew parallels between the magnificent stadium in Dharamshala to the best in the world. Cricket, he further added, has brought the State a surge in economic activity, and the credit for this too goes to Shri Anurag Thakur.

    The Minister acknowledged the request of expansion of Dharamshala airport by Shri Anurag Thakur and said that his Ministry is already working on a 2-phase plan for the same. The first phase involves lengthening of the current runway to 1900 mts to enable turboprop aircrafts landing with load penalty to ply without such penalties. The 2nd phase would involve further lengthening of the runway to 3110 mts to realize the vision of landing Boeing 737 and Airbus a320 at the airport.

    Speaking about the other achievements in the State for his Ministry, Shri Scindia said that runway restoration at the Shimla airport has been completed and site clearance has been provided for a Greenfield airport at Mandi. The Minister reiterated that his Ministry is committed towards the development of civil aviation infrastructure in the State.

    “Civil aviation sector has seen a complete democratization, and those who could only watch aircrafts fly are today flying in it”, remarked the Minister and further stated that the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the form UDAN Scheme has seen 1 crore 15 lakh such people added to number India’s air passengers.

    The State of Himachal has been provided 44 routes under UDAN, of which 22 are already operational. Highlighting the Ministry’s achievements in the State, the Minister said that the connectivity has increased from 40 aircrafts per week in 2013-14 to 110 aircrafts, an increase of 175% over 9 years. In Dharamshala specifically, he said, the number of air traffic movements have gone up by 110% in the past 9 years from 28 per week in 2013-14 to 50 movements today.

    Shri Kishan Kapoor, Member of Parliament from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, said that the aircraft is a major contribution to air connectivity for the people of the State. The State had seen a tremendous decline in tourist activity during COVID19 pandemic and is now witnessing a revival. Shri Kapoor requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to consider further expanding the number of aircrafts flying to Dharamshala.

    Indigo airline will operate daily flights to Dharamshala from Delhi. This new flight sector takes the number of daily flights of Indigo to 1795 and makes it the seventh largest airline in the world in terms of departures.

  • Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah unveils the statues of Lord Basaveshwara and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Bengaluru, Karnataka

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah unveils the statues of Lord Basaveshwara and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Bengaluru, Karnataka

    • Today is a historic day, when statues of two great personalities have been unveiled who spread the message of India not only in Karnataka but in the entire world
    • These statues will continue to give Basavanna ji and Kempegowda ji’s message of social justice, democracy, good governance and development to those who get elected in the assembly
    • The statue of Lord Basaveshwar ji will give a message to the whole world that India is the mother of democracy, by installing Basavanna’s statue here, not only the Assembly but all people across the world who believe in democracy are honoured
    • Kempegowda ji explained the importance of water to the whole world by building hundreds of lakes in Bengaluru, he had laid the foundation of global outlook of today’s Bangalore
    • Only those who are committed to development can do development, only those who have love for the country can end corruption and only those who have the desire to keep the country safe can make the country safe, Prime Minister Modi has done it through his strong willpower
    • Due to the efforts of double engine government of Shri Narendra Modi at the centre and Shri Basavaraj Bommai in Karnataka, Karnataka has not looked back in the last 4 years in the field  of development
    • The previous government gave Rs 94,000 crore to Karnataka from 2009 to 2014 under the head of tax devaluation and grant-in-aid, Shri Modi has given Rs 2,25,000 crore to Karnataka between 2014 and 2019  under these two heads only, which is 140% higher
    • Be it Kashmir, Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, Northeast or cross-border attacks, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with his strong determination, has ensured internal and external security of the country by eliminating all of them

    New Delhi, 26th March, 2023. Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah unveiled the statues of Lord Basaveshwara ji and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda ji at the State Assembly premises in Bengaluru, Karnataka today. Several dignitaries including the Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Basavaraj Bommai were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that today is a historic day when statues of two great personalities have been unveiled in the premises of the State Assembly, who have spread the message of India not only in Karnataka but in the entire world. He said that these statues will continue to give Basavanna ji and Kempegowda ji’s message of social justice, democracy, good governance and development to those who get elected in the assembly. Shri Shah said that the statue of Lord Basaveshwar ji installed here will give a message to the whole world that India is the mother of democracy. He said that in the 12th century, none other than Jagatjyoti Basavanna had the courage to discuss the empowerment of the society by providing a single platform to the people from the lower to the highest strata of the society. Basavanna put many social reforms in front of the whole world and even today to understand the ideal life one has to live on the basis of Basavanna’s thoughts. He said that by installing Basavanna’s statue here, not only the Assembly but all people across the world who believe in democracy are honoured.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, through his thoughts laid the strong foundation for the upcoming ages. He said that with the support of Samrat Achyutaraya, Kempegowda ji decided to lay a strong foundation for Bengaluru, made it a city of lakes and explained the importance of water to the whole world by making hundreds of lakes here. He said that Kempegowda ji had laid the foundation of the global outlook of today’s Bengaluru. Shri Shah said the statues of Jagatjyoti Basavanna on one side and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda on the other side in front Karnataka Legislative Assembly, will always keep the consciousness of the legislative assembly alive.

    Shri Amit Shah said that today also marks the end of Namma Bengaluru Habba Festival and this festival has become a big cultural platform for many artists, writers, musicians and people who love culture. He said that due to the efforts of Shri Basavaraj Bommai and under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Karnataka has not looked back in the last 4 years in the field of development. He said that today with an investment of Rs 2.72 lakh crore, Karnataka ranks first in FDI across India. He said that Bengaluru has 39 start-ups with an asset value of more than $1 billion. Karnataka’s share in India’s space sector is 25 percent, Karnataka also ranks first in the innovation index today and in defense aircraft manufacturing, out of every 100 aircrafts made in the country, 75 aircrafts are made in Karnataka. Shri Shah said that the double engine government of Shri Narendra Modi at the Centre and Shri Basavaraj Bommai in Karnataka has taken Karnataka a long way in the last 4 years.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the double engine government under the leadership of Shri Modi will work to take Karnataka far ahead not only in the country but also in the world. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has done many things for the development of Bengaluru and so far Rs 13,000 crore has been released for the development of this city. He said that Rs 14,000 crore was given by the government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Internal Suburban Railway and it was completed in 40 months. Shri Shah said that the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has provided about Rs.70,000 crore for National Highways to connecting Hyderabad, Mysuru and Chennai with Bengaluru. He said that the previous government gave Rs.94000 crore rupees to Karnataka from 2009 to 2014 under the head of ‘tax devaluation’ and ‘grant-in-aid’, but under the same heads between 2014 and 2019, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave Rs.2.25 Lakh crore to Karnataka, which is almost 140 percent higher.

    Shri Amit Shah said that only those who are committed to development can do development, only those who have love for the country can end corruption and only those who have the desire to keep the country safe can make the country safe. He said that be it Kashmir, Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, Northeast or cross-border attacks, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with his strong determination, has ensured internal and external security of the country by eliminating all of them.

    He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken the country on the path of prosperity and by becoming a $5 trillion economy in 2025, we will move ahead in the world, and by 2027 India will become the third largest economy in the world. He said that to take Karnataka forward, instead of quarreling parties, a group of disciplined patriots working under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is required.

  • Distinguished business, investments and technology nonprofit recognizes leader in STEM solutions

    Distinguished business, investments and technology nonprofit recognizes leader in STEM solutions

    FALLS CHURCH, Va. and MORRISTOWN, N.J., 24th March 2023. Northrop Grumman Corporation and Chemical Marketing & Economics, Inc. (CME) announced on 24th March, that Kathy Warden, chair, chief executive officer and president, Northrop Grumman, will be the recipient of the CME STEM Leadership Award for Pioneering Innovation. Mrs. Warden will be honored at a reception and gala luncheon on December 8, 2023, at the Metropolitan Club in New York City.

    Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. With global sales of more than $36.6 billion in 2022, and roots that date back to 1939, Northrop Grumman’s 95,000 employees pioneer to solve the world’s most complex problems.

    “Under Kathy Warden’s visionary leadership in innovation, Northrop Grumman has delivered the most powerful rocket boosters ever created, helping propel the Artemis missions and next giant leap in space travel, as well as the development and production of the James Webb Space Telescope to unveil the deepest secrets of the universe. They underpin Northrop Grumman’s drive to break new boundaries to protect and advance humanity,” said Steve Barnett, CME Co-Chair.

    “Kathy has an outstanding record of achievements in financial returns and fostering leadership in diversity. Her focus on talent has enabled diverse STEM professionals, especially women, people living with disabilities and other underrepresented groups to follow exciting career paths,” noted Ksenia Takhistova, CME Co-Chair.

    “Accelerating STEM talent is important to our company and our country. I’m honored to receive this recognition and proud to be associated with CME’s unique STEM programs,” said Kathy Warden. “Innovation is fueled by diversity of thought and experience. Northrop Grumman’s investments from grade school programs to job skill training help ensure we are building a strong, diverse pipeline of future STEM leaders. This award reflects our entire team’s commitment to inspiring and empowering pioneers of the future.”

    About Kathy Warden

    Kathy Warden is chair, chief executive officer and president of Northrop Grumman Corporation, a role she’s held since 2019. She was elected to the company’s Board of Directors in 2018. Prior to becoming CEO and president, Warden served as president and chief operating officer, responsible for the operational management of the company’s four sectors as well as its enterprise services organization. She also led the integration of Northrop Grumman’s Orbital ATK acquisition.

    Previously, she served as corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman’s Mission Systems and Information Systems sectors. Prior to joining Northrop Grumman in 2008, Warden held leadership roles at General Dynamics and the Veridian Corporation, she was a principal in a venture internet firm, and she spent nearly a decade with the General Electric Company working in commercial industries.

    Warden earned a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and a master’s degree in business administration from George Washington University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Merck & Co., Inc. and Catalyst, and as the vice chair of the Greater Washington Partnership. She is also a member of the Business Roundtable, and the 2022 recipient of the Deming Cup for Operational Excellence.

    About CME STEM Leadership Awards™

    Established in 2012, the CME STEM Leadership Awards are the highest honors given to outstanding leaders in various sectors of society for harnessing the transformative power of chemistry to advance humanity. This award-winning event is dedicated to the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. Past honorees include Ken Frazer (Merck), Seifi Ghasemi (Air Products), Jim Fitterling (Dow), Daniel D’Aniello (Carlyle), Martin Brudermüller (BASF), Ed Breen (DowDuPont), Henry Kravis (KKR), James and Marilyn Simons (Simons Foundation), David Skorton (Smithsonian), James Green (NASA), David Cote (Honeywell), Craig Venter (HLI, Celera Genomics), and Roy Vagelos (Merck).

    Leaders in industry, finance, philanthropy and academia will participate in CME’s STEM Leadership Awards reception and gala luncheon. Funds raised at the event will help advance exciting STEM programs including free student industry luncheons, Space Chemistry Roadmap, Chemistry Festivals, and the award-winning annual CME-NASA Symposiums aimed at advancing science and technology for humanity’s journey to Mars and beyond for the benefit of humanity. To make donations or sponsor tables, please write to contact@cme-stem.org

    With roots that date back to 1954, Chemical Marketing & Economics, Inc. (CME) is a forward-looking 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to accelerating diverse STEM talent and leadership for sustainable innovation in energy, materials and life sciences. CME brings together Nobel Laureates and the leaders of industry, government, academia, philanthropy, and the public to share cutting-edge insights through exciting events and award-winning programs, such as the CME STEM Leadership Awards™, the CME NASA Symposiums and Sustainability Conferences as well as the original CME Student & Mentor Awards™ and STEM Festivals. For more information, visit www.cme-stem.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and FaceBook.

    Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.

  • Raytheon Technologies’ Pratt & Whitney Business Announces Plans for $255M Investment in Oklahoma City Sustainment Center Near Tinker AFB

    Raytheon Technologies’ Pratt & Whitney Business Announces Plans for $255M Investment in Oklahoma City Sustainment Center Near Tinker AFB

    EAST HARTFORD, Conn., 24th March. Pratt & Whitney, a Raytheon Technologies business, announced its plans to invest $255 million through 2028 in a world-class sustainment facility in Oklahoma City, Okla. The new 845,000-square-foot facility will act as a hub for depot operations for all Pratt & Whitney military engines, including those for the F-35, C-17, F-22, F-15, F-16, B-52, and E-3 AWACS.

    “This is an exciting announcement for Oklahoma and our growing international dominance in the aerospace and defense industry,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “This $255 million investment in a world-class sustainment center helps strengthen Oklahoma’s position as the MRO capital of the world and I am thrilled for Pratt & Whitney to continue to invest and expand in our state.”

    “Pratt & Whitney’s Oklahoma City site plays a critical role in our global sustainment network,” said Jill Albertelli, president, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. “Last year, the team achieved record output for the F117, F119, and F135 Heavy Maintenance Centers—this investment in a new facility will further expand our capabilities and reaffirm our commitment to our customer for years to come. We are grateful for the support provided by our partner, the United States Air Force, and by the state of Oklahoma and the local community.”

    Pratt & Whitney’s Oklahoma City site is part of a global sustainment network—complimenting activations in Australia, Japan, Netherlands and Norway and U.S. locations in Marine Corp Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida, and West Palm Beach. As the only site capable of performing all F135 power module scope levels, the new Oklahoma City Sustainment Center facility will increase the site’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities as the F135 program continues to expand.

    “Expanding the Oklahoma City Sustainment Center is a direct investment in improving our military’s ability to meet national security objectives,” said Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04). “This facility will play a particularly important role in rapidly delivering the F135 engine core upgrade to the F-35 fleet, which is critical to ensuring all the services have the capabilities they need to fight an advancing threat starting in 2028.”

    Pratt & Whitney’s Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) is a block upgrade for the F135, with the objective of providing an affordable, low risk, and agile pathway to fielding meaningful propulsion capability for all F-35 customers. ECU leverages Department of Defense investments in adaptive technology to deliver the advanced capability needed for Block 4 and beyond, while maintaining the variant-commonality and international partnership approach that the joint program was built upon.

    Activated in 2014, Pratt & Whitney’s Oklahoma City F135 Heavy Maintenance Center is responsible for the majority of the F135’s maintenance work. Last year, the site produced 73 power modules on a requirement of 60 modules—a 43% increase from 2021, or 61% of the total power module output for the sustainment network. This year, site will be responsible for a requirement of 78 production power modules.

    “Pratt & Whitney has a long history in Oklahoma City, and we congratulate them on this new facility, which enhances their efficiency and ability to serve the U.S. Air Force,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “Tinker is a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s economy and culture, and supporting companies that support the base is important to our entire city. Pratt & Whitney’s investment in our city, and in the jobs added with this new facility, is significant and appreciated.”

    The salary for new positions will be upwards of $80,000 dependent on skills and experience. New jobs will be primarily engineering and procurement functions.

    “We have been honored to partner with Pratt & Whitney and coordinate the Oklahoma City team as they developed this project,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “We appreciate the work of our additional partners, including the Oklahoma Industries Authority and Alliance for Economic Development for their work on the site acquisition. Pratt & Whitney has been a critical part of our business community for many years, and we look forward to a long relationship, working together to support their mission.”

    Pratt & Whitney has an extensive history in Oklahoma, dating back to the establishment of an Army depot for the C-47 Skytrain Assembly in the 1940s. Today, the Oklahoma City site employs more than 450 full-time employees and an additional 450 partner contractors across a number of disciplines including engineering, data analytics, materials and logistics, quality, and procurement. This new facility, comprised of offices, meeting and collaboration spaces, sustainment center, and onsite exercise facility, will consolidate six existing sites, bringing all disciplines into two locations: Pratt & Whitney’s Oklahoma City Sustainment Center and Tinker Air Force Base’s Air Logistics Complex.

  • Manufacturing of Defence Equipment

    Manufacturing of Defence Equipment

    New Delhi, 24th March. The Government has given approval to 45 companies/JVs operating in Defence sector with Foreign OEMs. Further, the Government has taken several policy initiatives in past few years and brought reforms to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country, thereby reducing dependency on imports in coming years. These initiatives, inter-alia, include according priority to procurement of capital items from domestic sources under Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020; Notification of Three Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) by Department of Defence Production (DDP), MoD with a timeline beyond which they will only be procured from the domestic industry. These three lists consist of total 3,738 items, out of which 2,786 items have been indigenised till February 2023.

    Simplification of Industrial licensing process with longer validity period; Liberalisation of FDI policy allowing 74% FDI under automatic route; Simplification of Make Procedure; Launch of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme involving start-ups & MSMEs; Implementation of Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017; Launch of an indigenisation portal namely SRIJAN to facilitate indigenisation by Indian Industry including MSMEs; Reforms in Offset policy with thrust on attracting investment and Transfer of Technology for Defence manufacturing by assigning higher multipliers; Establishment of two Defence Industrial Corridors one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Malook Nagar in Lok Sabha 24th March.