Defence Street

Category: Press Release

  • Indian Naval Ships Visit Sihanoukville, Cambodia

    Indian Naval Ships Visit Sihanoukville, Cambodia

    New Delhi, 15th May 2023. Indian Naval ships Delhi and Satpura, under the command of Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, departed Sihanoukville, Cambodia on 14 May 2023. The three-day port call demonstrated India’s cordial ties and rapidly growing cooperation with the Kingdom of Cambodia.

    Apart from social interactions with senior dignitaries from the Defence ministry and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Personnel from both navies engaged in a wide range of professional interactions, cross deck visits and friendly sports exchanges.

    Training sessions on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and firefighting were also conducted. The ship was also open to visitors and members of the Indian diaspora in Cambodia were provided a tour of the two ships.

    The successful port call has enhanced mutual understanding and strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two navies.

  • Chief of the Army Staff Proceeds on a Visit to Egypt

    Chief of the Army Staff Proceeds on a Visit to Egypt

    FILE PICTURE

    New Delhi, 15th May 2023. General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) has proceeded on a visit to Egypt from 16 to 17 May 2023. During the visit, the Army Chief will be meeting the Country’s senior military leadership where he will discuss avenues for further enhancing Indo-Egypt defence relations. He will be visiting various Egyptian Armed Forces establishments and exchange ideas on issues of mutual interest.

    The Army Chief will interact with the Commander-in-Chief of Egyptian Armed Forces, Minister of Defence & Military Production, and Chief of Staff, Egyptian Armed Forces. He will also engage in extensive discussions with the Chief of Egyptian Armed Force Operations Authority.

    The Military relations of India with Egypt are on the rise which was evident during India’s 74th Republic Day parade, wherein the Egyptian Armed Forces contingent made their first appearance, besides the Egyptian President Abdeh Fattah El-Sisi being the Chief Guest for the parade. Notably, Indian and Egyptian Armies have conducted the first ever joint exercise between the Special Forces named “Ex Cyclone-I” in January this year.

    The visit of the COAS will further deepen the bilateral relationships between the two Armies and act as a catalyst for closer coordination and cooperation between the two countries on a host of strategic issues.

  • Headway in advanced technology must for India to deal with emerging threats related to cyber & space: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to research institutes during 12th convocation of DIAT, Pune

    Headway in advanced technology must for India to deal with emerging threats related to cyber & space: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to research institutes during 12th convocation of DIAT, Pune

    • Calls for new innovations beneficial for both defence sector & civil use
    • “Government resolute to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence; import dependency can become a hindrance to strategic autonomy”
    • “Without self-reliance, independent decisions on global issues cannot be taken”
    • “World has become a global village; self-reliance does not mean isolation; it means catering to our own needs, while fulfilling the requirements of friendly countries”

    New Delhi, 15th May 2023. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has exhorted research institutes to speed up activities in advanced technology and achieve progress to make India fully capable of dealing with emerging threats related to cyber and space. Addressing the 12th convocation ceremony of Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune in Maharashtra on 15th May 2023, Shri Rajnath Singh shared insights on the continuously changing political and economic equations among nations in the current global scenario.

    The Raksha Mantri stated that Science & Technology and methods of warfare are evolving at a rapid pace and there is a need to make fast progress in advanced technology to deal with non-kinetic or contactless warfare, which the world today is witnessing, in addition to the conventional methods. “If our adversary possesses more advanced technologies, it can be a cause of concern for us in the future. There is an urgent need to move fast towards technological advancements in line with the changing times. This responsibility lies with our institutions. Defence sector is not a stagnant lake, but a flowing river. Just as a river, we need to keep surging ahead overcoming obstacles,” he said.

    Highlighting the deep connection between cutting edge technologies and defence research, Shri Rajnath Singh also called upon the institutions such as DIAT to come up with new innovations which are not only useful to the defence sector, but equally effective for civilians as well.

    Elaborating on the Government’s vision to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, the Raksha Mantri termed it as the most crucial component, which is essential for strengthening the security apparatus of the country. He, however, clarified that self-reliance does not mean isolation from the world. “Today, the world has become a global village and isolation isn’t possible. The aim of self-reliance is to meet the needs of the Armed Forces by building necessary equipment/platforms with our own capacity while fulfilling the security requirements of our friendly countries,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that dependence on import of defence equipment can become a hindrance to India’s strategic autonomy, which is the main reason the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is making all-out efforts to achieve self-reliance in the sector. “Without self-reliance, we cannot take independent decisions on global issues in line with our national interests. More equipment we import; more adverse impact it will have on our Balance of Trade. We aim to become a net exporter instead of net importer. It will not only strengthen our economy, but increase employment opportunities,” he said.

    The Raksha Mantri listed out a number of steps taken by the Ministry of Defence to promote self-reliance, including promulgation of four positive indigenisation lists for Armed Forces comprising 411 systems/equipment. In addition, fourth positive indigenisation lists for DPSUs have been issued, comprising a total of 4,666 strategically-important Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems/Spares & Components. He termed these steps as a testament to the steadfast commitment of the Government to attain ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

    Shri Rajnath Singh also threw light on the special emphasis being laid by the Government in the field of innovation. He pointed out that today India is the second largest hub for start-ups and the Ministry of Defence is constantly receiving innovative ideas. “Over 6,000 applications were received in the last seven editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge, which indicates that Indian start-ups are contributing significantly in the pursuit of self-reliance in the defence sector. Now more patents are being filed, which is a sign of the innovative prowess,” he added.

    On the visible results being witnessed due to the Government’s efforts, the Raksha Mantri stated that today India is manufacturing rifles, BrahMos missiles, Light Combat Aircraft and indigenous Aircraft Carrierson its own. He added that defence exports have increased manifold in recent years to approx. Rs 16,000 crore in Financial Year 2022-23 from Rs 900 crore in 2014. India is exporting defence equipment to many countries, with many showing interest and faith in the country’s manufacturing capabilities, he said.Shri Rajnath Singh called for harnessing the country’s full potential to realise the Prime Minister’s dream of a strong, prosperous, self-reliant and developed India by 2047,

    During the convocation, the Raksha Mantri, who is also the Chancellor of DIAT, awarded degrees to 283 students, including 261 M.Tech./M.Sc. students and 22 Ph.D. students from various disciplines. A total number of 20 gold medals were awarded. Shri Rajnath Singh also witnessed laboratory demonstrations of various frontier research activities carried out in DIAT including free-space entanglement distribution demonstration, biomedical health-care device developed by a start-up in DIAT, Nuclear-Diamond battery, Drone interception and combat technology, Tera-Hz applications and space to undersea communication.

    Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Chairman DRDO & Chairman Governing Council (DIAT) Dr Samir V Kamat; Scientific Advisor to the Raksha Mantri Dr G Satheesh Reddy; Vice Chancellor, DIAT, Dr CP Ramanarayanan; Directors General and Directors of various DRDO labs attended the event.

  • Indian Naval Ships Visit Sihanoukville, Cambodia

    Indian Naval Ships Visit Sihanoukville, Cambodia

    • Will consolidate strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries, by strengthening maritime cooperation
    • Part of Indian Navy’s deployment to ASEAN countries

    New Delhi, 12th May 2023. As part of Indian Navy’s deployment to ASEAN countries, Indian Naval ships Delhi and Satpura, under the command of Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), are making a port call at Sihanoukville, Cambodia from 11 – 14 May 23. The port call demonstrates India’s cordial ties with the Kingdom of Cambodia.

    During the port call, personnel from both the navies will engage in a wide range of professional interactions, deck visits and sports exchanges, aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding.

    INS Delhi is India’s first indigenously built guided missile Destroyer and INS Satpura is an indigenouS multi purpose stealth Frigate. The two ships are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors and can carry multi-role helicopters. Both ships are a testimony of India’s advanced ship design and shipbuilding capabilities.

    The visit of the Indian Naval ships seeks to consolidate the strong bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries, by strengthening maritime cooperation.

  • Prime Minister inaugurates programme marking National Technology Day 2023 in New Delhi

    Prime Minister inaugurates programme marking National Technology Day 2023 in New Delhi

    • Lays foundation stone & dedicates to the nation multiple scientific projects worth more than Rs 5,800 crore
    • Shri Narendra Modi releases commemorative stamp and coin on 25th National Technology Day
    • “We have to make the nation Viksit and Aatmanirbhar”
    • The passion, energy and capabilities of the children and youth today are India’s big strengths: PM
    • Pokhran nuclear tests gave the message that India is a peace-loving nation, but it won’t let anyone to harm its sovereignty, integrity & unity: Raksha Mantri
    • Shri Rajnath Singh calls for optimum use of country’s powerful human resource to make India strong, prosperous & self-reliant

    New Delhi, 11th May 2023. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the programme marking National Technology Day 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on May 11, 2023. The programme also marked the commencement of the celebration of the 25th year of National Technology Day being held from the 11th-14th May. On this momentous occasion, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple projects related to scientific and technological advancement in the country worth more than Rs 5,800 crore. This is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ through strengthening scientific institutions in the country.

    The projects whose foundation stone was laid include Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory – India (LIGO-India), Hingoli; Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jatni, Odisha; and Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.

    The projects dedicated to Nation include Fission Molybdenum-99 Production Facility, Mumbai; Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Plant, Visakhapatnam; National Hadron Beam Therapy Facility, Navi Mumbai; Radiological Research Unit, Navi Mumbai; Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Visakhapatnam; and Women & Children Cancer Hospital Building, Navi Mumbai.

    During the programme, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Expo showcasing scientific & technological advancements made in India in the recent past and also took a walk-through. He also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion.

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the 11th of May is one of the most prestigious days in the history of India. He underlined that today marks the day when India’s scientists achieved the stupendous feat in Pokhran which made the entire nation proud. “I can never forget the day when Atal Ji made the announcement of India’s successful Nuclear Testing,” the Prime Minister remarked. He stated that the Pokhran Nuclear Testing not only helped India prove its scientific capabilities but also gave a boost to the global stature of the nation. “In Atal Ji’s words”, the Prime Minister said, “We have never stopped on our journey and never surrendered to any challenge that has come our way.” The Prime Minister conveyed his greetings to every citizen on the occasion of National Technology Day.

    Mentioning the futuristic projects that have been inaugurated today, the Prime Minister mentioned the National Hadron Beam Therapy Facility, and Radiological Research Unit in Mumbai, the Fission Molybdenum-99 Production Facility, Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Plant in Visakhapatnam and the various Cancer Research Hospitals and said that it will give a push to the progress of the country with the help of nuclear technology. Talking about LIGO-India, the Prime Minister called LIGO to be one of the foremost science and technology initiatives of the 21st century. The observatory will bring new opportunities for research for the students and scientists, he said.

    The Prime Minister reiterated that today, at the initial period of Amrit Kaal, the goals of 2047 are clear before us. “We have to make the nation Viksit and Aatmanirbhar,” said the Prime Minister emphasizing the need for creating an inclusive ecosystem for growth, innovation and Sustainable Development Goals. He underlined the importance of technology at every step and said, India is moving forward with a holistic and 360-degree approach in this regard. “India considers technology as a tool of the nation’s progress, not a means to assert its dominance,” the Prime Minister said.

    Praising the theme of today’s event ‘School to Start-ups – igniting young minds to innovate’, the Prime Minister said that India’s future will be decided by the youth and children of today. He said that the passion, energy and capabilities of the children and youth today are India’s big strengths. Quoting Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of knowledge and said as India is developing as a Knowledge society, it is taking action with equal force. He elaborated on the strong foundation that has been created in the country during the last nine years to ignite young minds.

    The Prime Minister said that more than 10 thousand ATAL tinkering labs in 700 districts have become innovation nurseries. More importantly, 60 percent of these labs are in government and rural schools. He informed that over 75 lakh students are working laboriously on more than 12 lakh innovation projects in Atal Tinkering Lab. This, the Prime Minister said, is a sign of young scientists coming right out of schools and reaching the far corners of the country and emphasising that it is everyone’s duty to handhold them, nurture their talent and also assist them in implementing their ideas. He noted the hundreds of start-ups that have been incubated at Atal Innovation Centres (AIC) and said that it is emerging as the new laboratories of the ‘New India’. “The Tinker-preneurs of India will soon become leading entrepreneurs of the world”, the Prime Minister said.

    Quoting Maharishi Patanjali on the importance of hard work, the Prime Minister said that measures taken after 2014 have resulted in big changes in the field of science and technology. “Start-up India Campaign, Digital India, and National Education Policy help India in gaining new heights in the field,” Shri Modi said as he underlined that Science is coming out of the books and turning into patents through experiments.“The number of patents has increased from 4,000 per year 10 years ago to more than 30,000 today. Registration of designs has grown from 10,000 to 15,000 in the same period. The number of trademarks has grown from less than 70,000 to more than 2,50,000,” the Prime Minister informed.

    “The India of today is moving forward in every direction that is necessary to become a tech leader”, Shri Modi said. He noted that the number of tech incubation centres in the country has grown from roughly 150 in 2014 to more than 650 today. The Prime Minister also mentioned that India’s Global Innovation Index Rank has gone from 81stto the 40thposition where the youth of the country are setting up their own digital ventures and start-ups. Drawing comparisons with 2014, the Prime Minister mentioned that the number of start-ups in the country has increased from roughly 100 to one lakh recognised start-ups today and it has turned India into the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. Noting India’s capability and talent, the Prime Minister pointed out that the growth took place at a time when the world is dealing with economic uncertainty. Underlining that the present moment is extremely precious for policymakers, the scientific community, research labs spread across the country and the private sector, the Prime Minister reiterated that even though the School to Start-up journey will be made by the students, it is the stakeholders who must guide and encourage them at all times. The Prime Minister extended his entire support for the cause.

    The Prime Minister said that when we move keeping in mind the social context of technology, technology becomes a powerful tool of empowerment. It becomes a tool for removing imbalance and promoting social justice. The Prime Minister recalled the time when technology was beyond the reach of common citizens and things like debit, credit cards were status symbols. But today, UPI has become a new normal due to its simplicity. Today India is among the countries with the highest data use. Rural intent users number has overtaken urban users. JAM trinity, GeM portal, CoWin portal, e-NAM are making technology an agent of inclusion.

    The Prime Minister said that the right use of technology gives new strength to society, today the government is using technology for providing services for every stage of life. Online birth certificates, e-Pathshala and Diksha e-learning platforms, scholarship portal, Universal access number during the job period, e-Sanjeevani for medical treatment, and Jeevan Praman for the elderly, such solutions are helping the citizen at every step, said the Prime Minister. He also talked about initiatives in easy passports, Digi Yatra, and DigiLocker as examples of ensuring social justice and enhancing ease of living.

    Referring to the rapid changes taking place in the world of technology, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the youth of India will lead the country in matching this pace and also crossing it. He mentioned AI tools that have emerged as the new game changers, the limitless possibilities in the health sector, and new innovations taking place in drone technology, and the therapeutics sector and said that India must take a lead in such revolutionary technology.

    Referring to India’s goal of a self-reliant defence sector, the Prime Minister mentioned Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and expressed delight that the Ministry of Defence has procured 14 innovations from iDEX worth more than Rs 350 crore. The Prime Minister mentioned initiatives like i-create and DRDO young scientists’ labs and said that these efforts are being given a new direction. Touching upon the new reforms in the space sector, the Prime Minister said that India is emerging as a global game changer and highlighted technologies like SSLV and PSLV orbital platforms. Shri Modi stressed the need to provide new opportunities for the youth and start-ups in the space sector and also touched upon taking the lead in areas of coding, gaming and programming. The Prime Minister also highlighted policy-level initiatives like the PLI scheme at a time when India is increasing its presence in new avenues like semiconductors.

    Throwing light on the role of hackathons in innovation and security, the Prime Minister underlined that the government is continuously promoting the hackathon culture where students take up new challenges and emphasised the need for hand-holding and creating a framework for this. He suggested that an institutionalised system be kept in place to address the youth coming out of Atal Tinkering Labs. “Can we similarly identify 100 labs in the country in different areas, which should be made youth driven?”, the Prime Minister asked. Highlighting the special focus areas of clean energy and natural farming, the Prime Minister stressed promoting research and technology. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that National Technology Week can play an important role in realizing these possibilities.

    In his address, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests gave a message to the world that although India is a peace-loving nation which believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘Ahimsa Paramo Dharma’, it will not let anyone to harm the sovereignty, integrity and unity of the nation.

    “India has not only wished for peace for itself, but given the message to the world. Visionaries like Lord Buddha and Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi are India’s gift to the world. We have never invaded any country nor enslaved it. But, the Pokhran tests gave a message that we will give a befitting reply to every step taken against our dignity,” the Raksha Mantri said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh termed National Technology Day as an inspiration to adopt a scientific approach while acknowledging the country’s technological achievements. He underlined the importance of science in the progress of a nation, describing it as the source of power. He emphasised that scientific approach motivates the youth to contribute to nation building and ensures holistic development.

    The Raksha Mantri was of the view that India, passing through the phase of demographic dividend, possesses a powerful human resource, which has guided it to a respectable position on the world stage. He called for optimum utilisation of this human resource to achieve the goal of a strong, prosperous and developed India.

    “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are moving forward with the resolve of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan. We have risen in stature on the global stage and the world is witnessing a new ray of hope in India. We will be successful in realising our vision of building a strong and self-reliant ‘New India’,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.

    The venue of the event is Pragati Maidan (Hall no 5 & 4), New Delhi. Stakeholder ministries and departments namely Atal Innovation Mission, NITI AAYOG, DST, DRDO, DOS, DAE, CSIR, DBT, MoES, DoT, MEITY, AICTE and DPIIT are participating in this grand expo.

    A DRDO Pavilion has been set up, wherein over 30 DRDO laboratories, five DRDO Young Scientists Laboratories (DYSLs), Technology Development Fund (TDF), DRDO Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) and BrahMos are showcasing a range of indigenously designed and developed systems, technologies and innovations in line with the theme of the event. Many DRDO developed innovative technologies & products developed in association with the industry in recent years are being exhibited. 12 MSME and industries are participating under the TDF and DIA-CoE.

    In the prestigious Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the DRDO is displaying Exoskeleton developed by DEBEL Bengaluru, and AI based Audio Transcription Translation for Airborne Communication System Measures (CSM) and associated AI Toolboxes developed by CABS Bengaluru; Laser Based Underwater Communication System developed by SSPL Delhi; and Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT) developed by DYSL-AI. The DRDO will also organise motivational talks on 13th May being delivered by DYSL Directors and speakers from Industry and academia.

  • Accident of Indian Air Force Mig-21 Aircraft

    Accident of Indian Air Force Mig-21 Aircraft

    File photo of a Mig-21

    New Delhi, 8th May 2023. A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on May 8 morning at about 0945 hours. The aircraft had got airborne for a routine operational training sortie from the Air Force Station at Suratgarh. Soon thereafter, the pilot experienced an onboard emergency, following which he attempted to recover the aircraft as per existing procedures. Having failed to do so, he initiated an ejection, sustaining minor injuries in the process. The pilot was recovered from about 25 kilometres North East of Suratgarh base.

    The aircraft wreckage fell on a house in Bahlol Nagar in Hanumangarh District, unfortunately leading to the loss of three lives. The IAF regrets the loss of lives and offers its deepest condolences to the bereaved families. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident

  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & his Maldivian counterpart hold talks in Male to further strengthen bilateral defence & security ties

    The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh bilateral meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi, in Male on May 01, 2023.

    New Delhi, 1st May, 2023. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh arrived in Maldives on May 01, 2023, on a 3-day official visit at the invitation of his Maldivian counterpart Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi. As a special gesture, reflecting the warmth in the bilateral relations, the Defence Minister of Maldives broke protocol and personally received the Raksha Mantri upon arrival at the airport.

    Later, the Raksha Mantri held bilateral delegation-level talks with the Maldivian Defence Minister. Issues of mutual defence cooperation and new initiatives to further strengthen defence and security partnership were discussed in the meeting. India will be handing over a Fast patrol vessel along with an assault landing craft to Maldivian Coast Guard in a formal ceremony on May 02, 2023.

    The Raksha Mantri also held discussions with the Foreign Minister of Maldives Mr Abdulla Shahid. Issues of ongoing bilateral defence and infrastructural development cooperation in Maldives by India were discussed.

    The Raksha Mantri will call on the President of Maldives Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on May 02, 2023.

  • Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM, VM Takes Over As 17th Commander-In-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN)

    Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM, VM Takes Over As 17th Commander-In-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN)

    New Delhi, 1st May 2023. Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM has taken over as the 17th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on 01 May 2023. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the only Joint-services Command in India and serves as a model for the country’s planned theaterisation of Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities.

    Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, having been commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1986. With over 3200 accident-free fighter flying hours on various variants of MIG-21 and Kiran aircraft, he is an accomplished fighter combat leader. The Air Marshal has held various key positions throughout his illustrious career, including CO of a Bison Squadron, the first Commanding Officer of an AWACS Squadron, and Air Officer Commanding at the prestigious AF Station at Jodhpur. Before assuming Command of ANC he was the Senior Air Staff Officer at the IAF Training Command at Bengaluru.

    For his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Presidential Awards of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.

  • DRDO & Indian Navy conduct successful maiden test trial of indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’ from IL-38SD aircraft off Goa coast

    DRDO & Indian Navy conduct successful maiden test trial of indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’ from IL-38SD aircraft off Goa coast

    New Delhi, 1st May 2023. Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy conducted the successful maiden test trial of ‘ADC-150’ from IL 38SD aircraft off the coast of Goa on April 27, 2023. ‘ADC-150’ is an indigenously designed and developed Air Droppable Container with 150 kg payload capacity. The trial was conducted to enhance the naval operational logistics capabilities by providing quick response to meet the requirement of critical engineering stores to ships (under distress), which are deployed more than 2,000 kms from the coast. It reduces the requirement of ships to come close to the coast to collect spares and stores.

    Three DRDO laboratories – Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam; Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra and Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru – have been involved in the development of ADC-150 container. The crucial flight clearance certification was given by Regional Center for Military Airworthiness (RCMA), Kanpur headed by Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), Bengaluru.

    Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO has congratulated the scientists and the Indian Navy for the successful trial of ADC-150.

  • Imphal, Indian Navy’s Third Ship of Project 15B Sails for Maiden Sea Trials

    Imphal, Indian Navy’s Third Ship of Project 15B Sails for Maiden Sea Trials

    New Delhi. Imphal, Indian Navy’s third indigenous stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class, planned to be commissioned later this year, undertook her maiden sea sortie on 28th April, 2023. The ship incorporates several niche technologies and high indigenous content and is designed in-house by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL) stands proud testimony to the Indian Navy’s thrust on the national vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiative.

    Imphal will have the unique distinction of being the largest and most advanced destroyer to be ever named after a city from the North-East. Imphal would thus be a befitting symbol of the growing importance and contribution of the North-Eastern region and the state of Manipur towards national security and development.

    Imphal will add significantly to the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities. With the recent commissioning of her predecessor INS Mormugao in December 2022 and the fifth Project 75 submarine INS Vagir in January 2023, commencement of sea trials of Imphal is yet another important milestone in MDL’s continued contribution towards building a strong, modern and self-reliant India.