Defence Street

Category: Press Release

  • Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-23) Indian Navy’s Largest War Game

    Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-23) Indian Navy’s Largest War Game

    New Delhi, 9th March. Indian Navy’s major Operational level exercise TROPEX for the year 2023, conducted across the expanse of IOR over a duration of four months from Nov 22 – Mar 23, culminated this week in the Arabian Sea. The overall exercise construct included Coastal Defence exercise Sea Vigil and the Amphibious Exercise AMPHEX. Together, these exercises also witnessed significant participation from the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard.

    Set in the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the theatre of operations for the exercise extended approximately 4300 nm from North to South upto 35 deg South Latitude and 5000 nm from Persian Gulf in the West to North Australia coast in the East, spanning an area of over 21 million square nautical miles. TROPEX 23 witnessed participation of approximately 70 Indian Navy ships, six submarines and over 75 aircraft.

    The culmination of TROPEX 23 brings to an end an intense operational phase for the Indian Navy that commenced in Nov 2022. As part of the final Joint Phase, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri spent a day at sea onboard the newly commissioned Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant on 06 Mar 23. He reviewed the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness and material readiness wherein the Navy demonstrated operational manoeuvers and various facets of combat operations, including deck operations of indigenous LCA and live weapon firings. While addressing the Fleets, he lauded the Operational preparedness of the Indian Navy and emphasised that the country looks up to the Navy to ensure that the economic lifelines and military capabilities of our adversaries are disrupted to the extent where their warfighting endeavours can no longer be sustained.  He also stated that he is fully reassured that Indian Navy is wholly capable of safeguarding India’s national interests in the maritime domain and will thwart the diabolical designs of any potential adversaries who seek to threaten India’s peaceful existence. The Hon’ble RM complimented the Indian Navy for being at the forefront of the ‘Make in India’ Initiative and leveraging the path of Aatmanirbharta to be ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof’.

  • AFSOC Selects MQ-9B SkyGuardian for UAS Family of Systems Concept

    AFSOC Selects MQ-9B SkyGuardian for UAS Family of Systems Concept

    GA-ASI to Deliver Three Aircraft to First U.S. Customer

    SAN DIEGO – 06 March 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce a new contract with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to provide three MQ-9B SkyGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft systems to its first U.S. customer.

    AFSOC’s acquisition of MQ-9B builds on more than 20 years as a GA-ASI partner and more than 14 years flying the MQ-9A Reaper, operating more than 40 aircraft in harsh environments around the world.

    MQ-9B will feature a key role in developing AFSOC’s new Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept, which envisions AFSOC projecting air power for special operations forces from beyond the horizon, using a family of large UAS and expendable, small UAS from permissive to denied environments.

    “We’re very excited to continue our great partnership with AFSOC well into the future,” said David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI. “MQ-9B is the ideal platform for inserting air-launched effects into potentially hostile environments. The MQ-9B’s combination of range, endurance, reduced manpower footprint, and overall flexibility will make it a true centerpiece of AFSOC’s future family of advanced UAS systems.”

    MQ-9B represents the next generation of UAS, having demonstrated airborne endurance of more than 40 hours in certain configurations, automatic takeoffs and landings under SATCOM-only control, as well as a GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid System, among other upgrades. Its development is the result of a company-funded effort to deliver a UAS that can meet the stringent airworthiness certification requirements of various global military and civil authorities.

    MQ-9B has garnered significant interest from customers throughout the world. After the UK Ministry of Defence selected MQ-9B SkyGuardian for its upcoming Protector program, the Belgian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for SkyGuardian. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating MQ-9B in the SeaGuardian® configuration, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also recently selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project beginning in April.

    About GA-ASI

    General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

  • INS Trikand is participating in the International Maritime Exercise/ Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23)

    INS Trikand is participating in the International Maritime Exercise/ Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23)

    New Delhi, 5th March. INS Trikand is participating in the International Maritime Exercise/ Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23) being held in the Gulf region from 26 Feb to 16 Mar 23. She will exercise with participants from over 50 nations and international maritime agencies with the common aim of enhancing maritime security and keeping sea lanes in the region safe for maritime commerce.

    IMX/CE-23 is one of the largest multinational maritime exercises in the world. While this is Indian Navy’s maiden IMX participation, it also marks the second occasion where an Indian Naval ship is participating in an exercise conducted by the CMF. Earlier, in Nov 22, INS Trikand had participated in the CMF led Operation Sea Sword 2.

    Participation in exercises like Sea Sword 2 and IMX/CE-23 enables the Indian Navy in strengthening relationships and  enhancing  interoperability and collective maritime capability with maritime partners in the IOR. It also enables the Navy contribute constructively to regional stability and security.

  • Raksha Mantri to address the Naval Commanders onboard the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

    Raksha Mantri to address the Naval Commanders onboard the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

    The first edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2023 is scheduled to commence on 06 Mar 23. The conference serves as a platform for Naval Commanders to discuss important security issues at the military-strategic level as well as interact with Senior Government functionaries through an institutionalised forum.

    The novelty of this year’s conference lies in the fact that the first phase of the Commanders’ Conference is being held at sea, and for the first-time, onboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will address the Naval Commanders onboard INS Vikrant on the conference’s opening day.  The Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force would also interact with the Naval Commanders on subsequent days to address the convergence of the three Services vis-à-vis common operational environment, and avenues of augmenting Tri-Service synergy and readiness towards the defence of the nation and India’s national interests. An operational demonstration at sea is also planned as part of the activities on Day 1.

    The Chief of the Naval Staff, along with other Naval Commanders will review major Operational, Materiel, Logistics, Human Resource Development, Training and Administrative activities undertaken by the Indian Navy in the last six months and further deliberate upon future plans for important activities and initiatives. During the conference, Naval Commanders would also be provided with an update on ‘Agnipath Scheme’ executed in the Indian Navy in Nov 22. (the first batch of Agniveers, which also includes the first batch of women Agniveers of the Indian Armed Forces is scheduled to pass out from INS Chilka in end Mar 23).

    Due to the prevailing geostrategic situation in the region, the Conference has its own significance and relevance. The Navy has witnessed significant growth in its operational tasking over the years in consonance with India’s growing maritime interests. The Commanders would also deliberate the Navy’s readiness to address the challenges to our Maritime interests. The Indian Navy remains focused on being a combat-ready, credible, cohesive and future-proof force and continues to assiduously execute its mandate as the maritime security guarantor of the country.

  • Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief Of Naval Staff, Royal Navy Visit To India

    Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief Of Naval Staff, Royal Navy Visit To India

    New Delhi, 3rd March. Sir Ben Key First Sea First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy is visiting India on a two-day official visit from 02 – 03 Mar 23 to participate in Raisina Dialogue at Delhi. During the visit, on 02 Mar 23, Sir Ben Key paid homage at National War Memorial and laid a wreath. He also interacted with Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff on 02 Mar 23. The discussions encompassed various issues of common interest and included maritime capability development and greater naval cooperation to further enhance the interoperability between the two navies to address emerging threats. The discussions emphasized on the significance accorded by both countries for a collaborative approach towards maritime security in Indo-Pacific.

     

    The bilateral relationship between India and UK was upgraded to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ in 2004 and was further strengthened through reciprocal visits by the Hon’ble Prime Ministers of both countries. The Indian Navy – Royal Navy cooperation have been steered in accordance UK-India Joint statement announced during PM Boris Johnson’s visit to India in April 2022, in the joint statement both Prime Ministers had reiterated their commitment to transform defence and security cooperation as a key pillar of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    The engagements between Indian Navy and Royal Navy include operational interactions such as the Bilateral Exercise KONKAN and Joint Services Exercise Konkan Shakti, training exchanges and exchange of Maritime Information and Subject Matter Experts in various fields. In addition, warships from both Navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports, especially after the increased significance of the Indo-Pacific region. The Visit of the First Sea Lord Sir Ben Key is another noteworthy aspect of the Navy to Navy relations and is a consolidation of growing engagements between both the navies.

  • Keel Laying Of Third 25T BP Tug, Yard 337(Ashva) at M/s Titagarh Wagons Pvt Ltd, Kolkata

    Keel Laying Of Third 25T BP Tug, Yard 337(Ashva) at M/s Titagarh Wagons Pvt Ltd, Kolkata

    New Delhi, 3rd March. Keel for third 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Yard 337 (Ashva) was laid by Capt VS Bawa, WPS (Kol) on 03 Mar 23 at M/s Titagarh Wagons Pvt Ltd, Kolkata. With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this Tug is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence.

    Contract for construction of six 25 Ton Bollard Pull Tugs was concluded with M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd, Kolkata, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India. This Tug is being built with a service life of 30 years. The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating assistance to naval ships and submarines in berthing and un-berthing, turning and manoeuvering in confined waters. The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting assistance to ships alongside and at anchorage and will have capability for limited Search and Rescue Operations.

  • Lufthansa orders 10 Airbus A350-1000 and 5 more A350-900 aircraft

    Lufthansa orders 10 Airbus A350-1000 and 5 more A350-900 aircraft

    Toulouse, 2nd March. Lufthansa Group has signed an agreement with Airbus to expand its fleet by 10 Airbus A350-1000s and 5 Airbus A350-900s. With this firm order for the latest generation widebody aircraft, the airline will continue its decarbonisation trajectory. Compared to the previous generation of aircraft, the A350 consumes significantly less fuel, with a corresponding reduction in emissions. Passengers will benefit from the latest state-of-the-art cabin amenities and comfort on board.

    In addition to the agreement on the purchase of the new aircraft, Airbus and Lufthansa have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further strengthen their cooperation in the field of sustainability and future technologies. This includes the intensified use of sustainable aviation fuels, the further optimisation of operations through a more efficient flight management and exploration into the use of hydrogen.

    “We are honoured to see Lufthansa topping up its A350 order book to a total of 60 aircraft, joining the increasing number of A350-1000 customers around the world. With economic and sustainability pressures becoming a measurable reality as international flying increases again, so do the massive advantages of the A350 as the only clean sheet design and therefore the most efficient solution,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.“By  adding the largest A350 family member to its fleet, Lufthansa will benefit from Airbus’ full fleet commonality, offering unmatched operational flexibility and vast economic benefits.”

    With its latest order Lufthansa reinforces its long standing relationship with Airbus. Since the A300 in the 1970’s, Lufthansa Group has operated all members of the Airbus product family, from the A220, A320-Family, A330 / A340, A350 and the A380.

    The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials make it the most fuel efficient large widebody aircraft. The A350 is the quietest aircraft in its class with 50 percent noise footprint reduction vs the previous generation aircraft, making it a good airport neighbour wherever it flies.

    The A350’s Airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable flying experience.

    At the end of January 2023, the A350 Family had won 925 firm orders from 54 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft ever.

  • IAF’s Joint Air Defence Exercise with Japan, ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ Concludes

    IAF’s Joint Air Defence Exercise with Japan, ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ Concludes

    The inaugural edition of the bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) concluded in Japan, on  26 January 2023.

    The JASDF participated in the exercise with its F-2 and F-15 aircraft, while the IAF contingent participated with the Su-30 MKI aircraft. The IAF fighter contingent was complemented by one IL-78 Flight Refueling Aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift transport aircraft.

    During the joint training spanning 16 days, the two Air Forces engaged in complex and comprehensive aerial manoeuvres in multiple simulated operational scenarios. The exercise involved precise planning and skillful execution by both the air forces. IAF and JASDF engaged in air combat manoeuvring, interception and air defence missions, both in Visual and Beyond Visual Range settings. Aircrew of the two participating Air Forces also flew in each other’s fighter aircraft to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s operating philosophies.

    Exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ provided the two Air Forces with an opportunity to enhance mutual understanding. The exercise also witnessed numerous ground interactions between IAF and JASDF personnel wherein various aspects were discussed by both sides. This enabled the participating contingents to obtain an invaluable insight into each other’s best practices and learn from each other’s unique capabilities.

  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews Aero India 2023 preparations during apex committee meeting in New Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews Aero India 2023 preparations during apex committee meeting in New Delhi

    This 14th edition to be the largest ever aero show organised in a total area of around 35,000 sqm; 731 exhibitors register till date

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparations of the forthcoming Aero India during the apex committee meeting held in New Delhi on January 24, 2023. The Raksha Mantri was given a detailed account of the arrangements of the 14th edition of Asia’s largest aero show, which will be held in Bengaluru, Karnataka between February 13-17, 2023. Shri Rajnath Singh exhorted all the stakeholders to ensure fool-proof arrangements for the participants. He said, Aero India 2023 will not just be an event, but a display of the growing prowess of the defence & aerospace sector and the rise of a strong & self-reliant ‘New India’.

    The five-day event, on the theme ‘The runway to a billion opportunities’, will be the largest-ever aero show organised at Air Force Station, Yelahanka in a total area of around 35,000 sqm. As on date, 731 exhibitors have registered for the event. Defence Ministers’ Conclave, with the theme ‘Shared Prosperity Through Enhanced Engagement in Defence (SPEED)’, and a CEOs Roundtable are among the marquee events. The Manthan start-up event and Bandhan ceremony, which witnesses signing of MoUs, will also be part of the event, along with a fabulous air show on all the five days. It will showcase the paradigm shift the Government has brought in the aim of organising such events, that also include DefExpo. The events have been restructured with focus on increasing defence exports and forging partnerships rather than merely import of weapons/equipment.

    The Raksha Mantri pointed out that the Indian defence industry is going through a transformational phase and the active participation of the private sector is the biggest catalyst to that change. “Not just the private sector, but R&D establishments and academia are also working together with the Government. Aero India is a medium to provide a platform to all the stakeholders to jointly strengthen the defence & aerospace sector and contribute to Nation Building,” he added.

    Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that while Aero India is a business event, it also aims to strengthen India’s relations with other countries. He also underlined the importance of these events for the business ecosystem of the states in which they are organised as well as available opportunities.

    The Raksha Mantri commended Bengaluru for successfully organising several editions of AeroIndia, saying that the event is shaping Karnataka as an epicenter of aviation and aerospace industry. He described Karnataka as one of the leading states which contributes to the economic growth of the country. “The state is known for its skilled manpower and robust defence manufacturing ecosystem. It is a preferred center for manufacturing and R&D activities for domestic & multinational defence and aviation companies,” he said. Shri Rajnath Singh noted the excellent coordination among the officials of MoD and the Karnataka Government to make the event a grand success.

    Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Basavaraj Bommai and state government officials joined the meeting through video conferencing, while Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence attended the meeting physically.

  • Republic Day Celebrations 2023: Over 1200 performers to take part in the first ever Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance Festival in the National Capital

    Republic Day Celebrations 2023: Over 1200 performers to take part in the first ever Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance Festival in the National Capital

    Delhi: As part of the Republic Day celebrations 2023 and to mark the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (celebrated as Parakram Diwas), the Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance performances are being showcased under the banner  Adi- Shaurya: Parv Parakram kain Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on 23-24 January 2023. Themed as Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance, this event is aimed at throwing light on the contribution of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to our freedom struggle.

    The Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affairs are jointly organising the event, with Indian Coast Guard being the coordinating agency.

    The initial practice sessions for the event began on 10 January and the reverberations of the military drums and trumpets have set the stage for the traditional dance performances to blend in representing our country’s unique cultural trends and fostering the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat”.

    About 1200 plus performers are fine tuning their art forms each day in rehearsals with each group enlivening a slice of India with their unique and colourful costumes, headdresses, music instruments and rhythmic dance beats. The traditional dance performance to be presented during the main event include Gaurr Maria, Gaddi Nati, Siddi Dhamal, Baiga Pardhoni, Purulia, Bagurumba, Ghusadi, Balti, Lambadi, Paika, Rathwa, Budigali, Songimukhawate, Karma, Mangho, Ka Shad Mastieh, Kummikali, Palaiyar, Cheraw & Rekham Pada. These events and groups are coordinated by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

    The Indian Army is presenting its prowess in the event through Paramotor gliding, Hot Air Balloon, Horse Show, Khukuri Dance, Gatka, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Thang-ta, Motorcycle Display, Air Warrior Drill, Navy Band and martial arts.

    The grand finale will also showcase a performance by famous Bollywood playback singer Shri Kailash Kher. People interested to witness the show live at JLN stadium.