Defence Street

Category: Press Release

  • Chief of Defence Staff inaugurates DRDO’s two-day workshop on ‘Human Factors Engineering in Military Platforms’ in New Delhi

    Chief of Defence Staff inaugurates DRDO’s two-day workshop on ‘Human Factors Engineering in Military Platforms’ in New Delhi

    • Need to incorporate HFE at qualitative requirements & designs stage to make indigenous weapons suitable for soldiers: General Anil Chauhan

    New Delhi. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan inaugurated a two-day workshop on ‘Human Factors Engineering in Military Platforms’ in New Delhi on 15th March. The workshop has been organised by Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), a Delhi-based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

    The aim of the workshop is to evolve a policy framework and practices to ensure scientific implementation of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in the defence sector, thereby providing an impetus to the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The HFE is a science concerned with the design of tools and systems by taking into account human capabilities & limitations for safe and effective use.

    In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff emphasised on the need for incorporation of the HFE right at the stage of qualitative requirements and designs to make indigenous weapons suitable for soldiers. He called for creating a synergistic approach and policy framework for the implementation of the HFE through the involvement of Integrated Defence Staff taking into consideration both long drawn battles and short duration special operations.

    Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat highlighted the initiatives taken by DRDO for implementation of the HFE as integral part of the product development cycle to ensure that the products are developed not only for Indian soldiers but are also available for export. He emphasised that in the age of Artificial Intelligence and system autonomy for defence equipment, the HFE will play an equally important role.

    Director Generals, Directors from DRDO Headquarters & laboratories working on futuristic defence technologies, senior scientists; representatives from Strategic Planning, Army Design Bureau, Armoured Corps, Infantry, Warship Design Bureau, Indian Air Force and senior officials of several defence industries & defence PSUs are attending the workshop.

  • DRDO conducts two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System missile off Odisha coast

    DRDO conducts two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System missile off Odisha coast

    New Delhi, 14th March. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on March 14, 2023. The flight tests were carried out from a ground-based man portable launcher against high speed unmanned aerial targets, mimicking approaching and receding aircraft. The targets were successfully intercepted, meeting all mission objectives.

    VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) meant for neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges. It has been designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners. The missile incorporates many novel technologies including Dual-band IIR Seeker, miniaturised Reaction Control System and integrated avionics. The propulsion is provided by a dual thrust solid motor.

    Complimenting DRDO and industry partners, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said the missile equipped with novel technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces.

    Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the consecutive successful flight tests.

  • Manufacturing & marketing of a critical drug, developed under Technology Development Fund, for radiological & nuclear emergencies gets DCGI approval

    Manufacturing & marketing of a critical drug, developed under Technology Development Fund, for radiological & nuclear emergencies gets DCGI approval

    • Prussian blue insoluble formulations developed by the industry on a DRDO technology.

    New Delhi, 14th March. Manufacturing and marketing licenses for the commercial use of Prussian blue insoluble formulations, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, have been granted to Scott-Edil Pharmacia Ltd, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh and Skanttr Lifescience LLP, Ahmedabad, Gujarat by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). The drug has been developed by the industry based on the technology of Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, a laboratory of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

    The drug will be available under the trade name of Pru-DecorpTM and PruDecorp-MG. The formulations are used for decontamination of Cesium & Thallium. It is one of the critical medicines listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for radiological and nuclear emergencies.

    Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat has congratulated the Organisation as well as the industry on this achievement. He stated that the development of these drug formulations under the TDF project and the approval of DCGI is a successful endeavour of the DRDO for promoting the industry to achieve Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

  • Joint India Singapore Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’ Concludes at Jodhpur

    Joint India Singapore Exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’ Concludes at Jodhpur

    New Delhi, 14th March. The Singapore Army and Indian Army participated in the 13th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, a bilateral armour exercise from 06-13 March 2023 at Jodhpur Military Station, India.

    For the first time in the exercise series, both armies participated in a command post Exercise, which involved Battalion and Brigade level planning elements and computer wargaming. Hosted by the Indian Army, the exercise involved soldiers from the 42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment and an Armoured Brigade of Indian Army.

    The ten-day long joint training that commenced on 05th March fostered common understanding of mechanised warfare in emerging threats and evolving technologies, developing inter-operability through a computer simulation-based Wargame using joint operational and tactical procedures controlled through a joint command post. Both contingents not only learnt about each other’s operating drills and procedure, but also exchanged ideas and best practices being followed in a modern combat zone.

    Exercise Bold Kurukshetra is conducted under the ambit of the bilateral arrangement for the joint Army Training and exercises between the Singapore Army and the Indian Army. First conducted in 2005, this exercise underscores the strong and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between both countries and enhances cooperation between the two armies. Both defence establishments also interact regularly through high-level visits, policy dialogues, courses and other professional exchanges.

  • India has emerged as first responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) at global level: CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan

    India has emerged as first responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) at global level: CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan

    New Delhi, 14th March. India has emerged first responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) at global level, said Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, in his virtual message to a Workshop on Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief, Risk Mitigation and Disaster Resilience organised under the aegis of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Ministry of Defence today on 14th March, 2023 at New Delhi. The workshop was organized as part of India’s Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and was attended by speakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Belarus, Mongolia, Pakistan and China along with speaker from Russia in the virtual mode. 

    “In keeping with our cultural beliefs of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is one family, India has been playing an important role in providing HADR in the region and beyond”, he added, citing the instances such as Operation Maitri – rescue operations during earthquake in Nepal, Assistance to Sri Lanka in 2016 during Cyclone Roanu, earthquake in Indonesia in 2018, flooding in Madagascar in January 2020, Supply of Vaccines during the COVID 19 pandemic etc. He further said that timely launch of Operation Dost following the recent earthquake in Turkiye is a testimony to India’s willingness to extend help to all possible corners of the globe.

    The CDS further added that collective approach is essential to mitigate the consequences of disasters and with this objective India has been holding multilateral exercises with various countries and multi-lateral organisations such as the HADR exercise PANEX 21 for BIMSTEC members at Pune in 2021, SMANVAY 22 for ASEAN members at Agra in 2022 etc. “By strengthening multilateral partnerships through engagement via regional mechanisms, improved interoperability, and faster response, we have played our role as the first responder in the region” he said.

    CDS further said that Armed forces along with dedicated organizational structure are often the first responders in the event of any disaster. The ability to work in hostile environment, organizational skills and logistics know-hows make the Armed Forces most suited for HADR operations.

    Air Marshal BR Krishna, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee inaugurated the workshop. He urged the member states to develop capability and capacities of their national organizations to make them capable of mitigating loss of life and property during natural calamities.

    The objective of the workshop on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) is to exchange information and share the best practices on risk reduction and resilience, integration of Armed Forces in a regional response and disaster infrastructure and for promoting global collaboration among SCO members. The main goals of SCO are strengthening mutual trust and neighborliness among the member states, promoting the effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, technology and culture as well as in education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection and other areas. Making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region and moving towards the establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international political and economic order.

  • Curtain Raiser – Award of President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya

    Curtain Raiser – Award of President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya

    New Delhi, 14th March. INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery School of the Indian Navy, is being awarded the prestigious President’s Colour on 16th March 2023 by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. The President’s Colour or the Nishan is considered the highest honour that the Supreme Commander, President of India, bestows on a unit for its exceptional service to the Nation.

    INS Dronacharya is entrusted with the training of officers and sailors of the Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign maritime forces on all aspects of gunnery and missile warfare. Training of Officers and sailors to deliver ordnance on target effectively is the core focus of INS Dronacharya. It forges sea warriors and equips them with the professional acumen and unyielding spirit to man our powerful warships. The unit is also the nodal centre for training of Sagar Prahari Bal and Navy’s centre for training in constabulary operations for several Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Nations.

    The unit is also the training authority for drill and ceremonials in the Navy and Coast Guard. INS Dronacharya was designated as the Centre for Excellence in Gunnery and Missile Warfare in 2004. The unit is affiliated with the Indian Army School of Artillery in the spirit of jointmanship. The alumni of the institution have distinguished themselves in war and peace through exemplary acts of courage, unwavering commitment and impeccable professionalism. The alumni include one Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Yudh Seva Medal, five Veer Chakra and seven Shaurya Chakra awardees.

    The Gunnery School has evolved over a period of time to become an institution of international repute providing training on all facets of gunnery and missile warfare. In recognition of the Gunnery School’s yeoman service to the nation, the President’s Colour is being awarded to INS Dronacharya on 16 Mar 2023. The ceremonial parade for the presentation of colours would be held at 1620 h and reviewed by the President of India. Governor of Kerala; Chief Minister of Kerala; Chief of the Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command and other senior service and civilian dignitaries will also be present on the occasion. Live streaming of the parade will commence at 1550 h on DD National and Indian Navy YouTube channel.

  • Common Communication Plan for Coastal Security

    Common Communication Plan for Coastal Security

    New Delhi, 13th March. A Common Communication Plan (COMPLAN) for Coastal Security has been promulgated by Department of Border Management (BM-II Division)/Ministry of Home Affairs for coordination among various agencies for the coastal security of the country.

    Under this COMPLAN, following agencies are coordinating:

    1.             Indian Coast Guard

    2.             Indian Navy

    3.             State Marine Police/State Police

    4.             Customs/Immigration

    5.             CISF/BSF

    6.             DG Shipping

    7.             Department of Fisheries (MoFAHD)

    8.             Ports/State Maritime Boards

    9.             Department of Forest & Environment

    10.            State/UT Administration

    11.            Intelligence Agencies

    12.            Oil Handling Agencies

    13.            Narcotics Control Bureau

    14.            Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightship

    15.            Director General of Shipping

    Some of the major threats to Indian coastal security include illegal migrants, narcotics, smuggling, transgression of fishermen across IMBL, safety and protection of offshore terminals etc.

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Dr Sonal Mansingh in Rajya Sabha on 13th March.

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 900 crore contract for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam

    Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 900 crore contract for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam

    New Delhi. In another boost to achieve ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Ministry of Defence, on March 13, 2023, signed a contract for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam at an overall cost of Rs 934 crore. Sindhukirti is 3rd Kilo Class Diesel Electric Submarine. After completion of refit, Sindhukirti will be combat worthy and will join the active submarine fleet of the Indian Navy. 

    This refit has been offloaded to develop alternate repair facility for submarines and is a further step towards undertaking Medium refit with Life Certification at HSL. The project involves more than 20 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and would lead to employment generation of 1,000 mandays per day for the project duration.

  • Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr. Amit Shah attends the 54th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Chief Guest at Hyderabad

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr. Amit Shah attends the 54th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Chief Guest at Hyderabad

    • By ensuring the security of the country’s industrial institutions, airports and ports, CISF has made a significant contribution to the economic progress of the country in last 53 years.
    • Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue the zero tolerance policy against terrorism which is in place since last 9 years, terrorism, separatism and anti-national activities in any part of the country will be dealt firmly.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal of $5 trillion economy in front of the country and to achieve this the security of our airports, seaports, institutions of national importance is very crucial.
    • Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with all CAPFs and State Police together, has successfully tackled all the challenges in the field of internal security.
    • There has been a significant reduction in violence in all the three sectors of Kashmir, Northeast and Left Wing Extremism affected areas, confidence among people has increased and separatists and terrorists are surrendering and coming into the mainstream.
    • In today’s digital era, CISF has not only equipped security protocol with state-of-the-art technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence but has also made it impenetrable.
    • For the security of ports, airports and industrial units, Ministry of Home Affairs by adopting state-of-the-art technologies will leave no stone unturned to equip CISF with all the technologies to tackle the challenges
    • The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken many steps for the CAPF personnel through several welfare schemes, more than 35 lakh Ayushman CAPF cards have been distributed under the Ayushman CAPF scheme, the housing satisfaction ratio will be 73 per cent in 2024, which would be the highest since independence.

    New Delhi, 12 March. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr. Amit Shah attended the 54th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Chief Guest in Hyderabad today. During the event, Union Home Minister took the salute of the parade and released CISF’s magazine Sentinel-2023 and Coffee Table book. Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Union Culture Minister Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, DG CISF, several other dignitaries and CISF personnel and their families also were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Mr. Amit Shah said that CISF’s 53 years of the history showcases that it has immensely contributed in the economic progress of the nation. He said that a country can advance only when the security of its industrial institutions, airports, and ports is ensured. He added that every single personnel of CISF have rendered invaluable service to the nation during the past 53 years by dedicating their lives for fulfilling the objectives of the CISF.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of $5 trillion economy for the country and to achieve it, the security of our airports, seaports and institutions of national importance is of utmost importance. Mr. Shah expressed confidence that CISF will continue to serve the nation by preparing itself to meet all the future challenges.

    Mr. Amit Shah said that the day also holds historical significance as it was on this day in 1930 that Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Salt Satyagraha and commenced on the 240 miles Dandi March. He said that the Salt Satyagraha chronicled a new chapter in the history of the Indian freedom struggle by showcasing how a huge empire could be defeated through non-cooperation and non-violence.

    Union Home Minister said that in 1969, CISF had a strength of about 3,000 personnel, which in 53 years has increased to 1.70 lakh. He said that in the next 10 years, many opportunities would be available to CISF for the development. He added that in the contemporary digital age, CISF has provided state-of-the-art security to its stakeholders. He said that the security protocol has been made impenetrable by equipping it with state-of-the-art technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence. Mr. Shah said that the Union Home Ministry will make all provisions to equip CISF with all the latest technologies to meet the future challenges by adopting state-of-the-art technologies for the security of ports, airports and industrial units. He said that the Home Ministry has already prepared an action plan in this regard.

    Mr. Amit Shah said that currently CISF is providing security to 66 sensitive and major airports, 14 major seaports, nuclear and space institutions, Delhi Metro, Statue of Unity and many industrial units and mines. He said that among CAPFs, CISF is the only force, which has an effective fire fighting force, and it has achieved accolades in the field of fire protection. Mr. Shah said that while dealing with about 50 lakh commuters on Delhi Metro and Airport every day, CISF remains committed to the security of the nation’s assets with righteous but firm conduct.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the CISF has adopted a hybrid model and this is going to enhance its role in the times to come. He said this model would pave the way to use this model in advisory and many other roles in private companies as well. He said that in the coming two decades, this force would be able to protect even the private companies from security threats related to drones and modern technology.

    Mr. Amit Shah said that CISF has shown its awareness and dedication towards the environment by planting more than 3 crore trees in the last 4 years under the tree plantation drive. Apart from this, the force has conducted more than 1200 cleanliness campaigns and by making the cleanliness campaign popular, it has tried to take the culture of hygiene to the public. He said that even during ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’, CISF contributed immensely in making it a success by hoisting more than 5 lakh tricolors. In addition, the force also paid tribute to Iron Man of India Sardar Patel by participating in the Run for Unity at the National Stadium.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in the last 9 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has successfully faced all the challenges in the field of internal security by involving all the CAPFs and State Police. He said that in all the three sectors of concern for us, Kashmir, Northeast and Left Wing Extremism affected areas, there has been a significant reduction in violence, people’s confidence is increasing and those spreading separatism and terrorism are surrendering and coming into the mainstream. Mr. Shah said that all the CAPFs of the country have made a huge contribution in dealing with the perpetrators of violence. He said that Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue its policy of zero tolerance against terrorism in the coming times as well. He said separatism, terrorism and anti-national activities in any area of the country will be dealt with firmly, in this CAPFs and state police have very important.

    Mr. Amit Shah said that today India has become a fast growing economy and it is our responsibility to keep the country’s industrial institutions, mines, ports, airports safe. He said the protection and security has to be increased in the days to come. Mr. Shah said that under the Ayushman CAPF scheme, the Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has distributed more than 35 lakh Ayushman CAPF cards and has also made arrangements for cashless medical treatment for jawans and their families in about 24,000 hospitals across the country. He said that under the housing scheme also, we have set a target to increase the housing satisfaction ratio. In 2015, construction of 13,000 houses and 113 barracks was started at a cost of Rs 3,100 crore, out of which 11,000 houses have been completed by 2022. He said that apart from these 11,000 houses, by building 28,500 more houses by 2026, the union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will ensure the arrangements of living for the families of jawans. The CAPF e-Awas web portal was launched in September, 2022 and on the basis of it, 2 lakh 17 thousand personnel have been registered in 6 months and there has been a big jump in the satisfaction ratio. The provision of allowing the personnel of any force to reside in the vacant houses has greatly increased the usefulness of the constructed houses. He said that the housing satisfaction ratio would be 73 per cent in November, 2024, which would be the highest since independence.

    The Union Home Minister said that a country, whose airports and ports are not secure, can never be secure. He said that there are many challenges before us today, such as counterfeit currency trade, infiltration and narcotics, and with a bright history, CISF has secured the country.

  • Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy

    Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy

    New Delhi, 12 March. Indian Navy’s indigenously built guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy (FN) ships FS Dixmude, a Mistral Class Amphibious Assault Ship and FS La Fayette, a La Fayette Class Frigate, in the Arabian Sea on 10 – 11 March 2023.

    The exercise witnessed a wide spectrum of evolutions at sea which included cross deck landings, boarding exercises and seamanship evolutions. The seamless conduct of the exercise reaffirmed the interoperability and high level of cooperation between the two navies.

    INS Sahyadri is fitted with state-of –the art weapons and sensors, which makes her capable of detecting and neutralising air, surface and sub-surface threats. The ship is a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam, under operational control of FOCinC (East).