Defence Street

Category: Press Release

  • Third General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture on ‘India’s Role in Emerging World Order’ Conducted at Manekshaw Centre on 3rd April 2023

    Third General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture on ‘India’s Role in Emerging World Order’ Conducted at Manekshaw Centre on 3rd April 2023

    New Delhi, 3rd April, 2023. The 3rd General Sundarji Memorial Lecture was organised by the Indian Army at Manekshaw Centre to commemorate the memory of one of India’s foremost military thinkers, under the aegis of Mechanised Infantry Centre & School (MIC&S) and Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). The event was attended by serving and retired officers of the three Services as well as literati and various think tanks. The lecture remembered the dynamic and visionary General K Sundarji, the 13th Chief of the Army Staff, who is also fondly called as the ‘Father of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment’.

    In his keynote address, Lieutenant General Suchindra Kumar, Vice Chief of the Army Staff said that the Nation has upheld its global image as an emerging leader by taking responsible roles at various occasions especially during pandemic; and the Indian Army stands fully committed and prepared to fulfil the Nation’s expectations wherever possible. The speakers for the event were India’s former Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Shyam Saran and Lieutenant General Raj Shuka (retired), Member UPSC and former Army Commander; who spoke on “India’s Role in Shaping the Emerging World Order” and “Addressing National Security Challenges” respectively. The informative talks were followed by a Question & Answer session, wherein the audience interacted with the speakers on both the contemporary topics.

  • PM applauds as major ports set new records

    New Delhi, 4th April, 2023. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness as the major ports under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) have set new records by exceeding cargo handling targets for FY 2022-23 with 10.4% YoY growth.

    The handling of 795 MMT of cargo marks a historic achievement for the nation’s Major ports.

    Replying to the tweet by MoPSW about aforesaid achievement, the Prime Minister tweeted;

    “Wonderful.”


  • Vice Admiral Suraj Berry Assumes Charge as Chief of Personnel of Indian Navy

    New Delhi. VAdm Suraj Berry, AVSM, NM, VSM assumed charge as Chief of Personnel on 01 Apr 2023. The Flag Officer was commissioned on 01 January 1987 and is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare.

    His sea commands include that of the missile vessel INS Nirbhik, missile corvette INS Karmuk, stealth frigate INS Talwar, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya of which he was the commissioning Commanding Officer, having been associated with the Project for nearly four years. His Staff and Operational appointments include those as the Flag Lieutenant to FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, Operations Officer of the Mobile Missile Costal Battery, Fleet Gunnery Officer of the Western Fleet, Defence Advisor to the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Director at the Directorate of Staff Requirements, Naval Assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff and Principal Director Strategy, Concepts and Transformation at the Naval Headquarters.

    He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2006 for services during the Tsunami Relief Operations in Sri Lanka/ Maldives, the Nao Sena Medal in 2015 for devotion to duty and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020. He is also a recipient of commendation by FOC-in-C Western Naval Command on two occasions and by the Chief of the Naval Staff. He was elevated to the Flag Rank in October 2016, and has served as the Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command and Controller Personnel Services at IHQMoD (Navy) prior taking over as Chief of Personnel.

    The Admiral holds a graduate diploma with distinction in International Security Studies from the Naval Staff Course at US Naval War College, Rhode Island, a Master Degree in Weapon Technology and second Master Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. He is also recipient of the Best All Round Officer and First in Order of Merit trophies during his specialisation training.

    With his extensive background in personnel management, he is uniquely qualified to take on this important role. His leadership and experience will be an invaluable asset to the Indian Navy as it continues to grow and evolve.

  • Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff

    Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff

    New Delhi. Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, AVSM, NM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Naval Staff on 01 Apr 2023. On assumption VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi on 02 Apr 23.

    VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune, and was commissioned in 1986 in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy. In his career spanning 37 years, he has served on most class of ships of the Indian Navy and has held a range of command, training and staff appointments, including Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (CSNCO), Flag Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Commandant Naval War College, and Controller Personnel Services. Prior to taking over as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, he was Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).

    He holds MSc and MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University, MA in Defence Studies from Kings College, London, and MA (History), MPhil (Pol) and PhD (Arts) from Mumbai University. In recognition of his distinguished service, the Flag Officer was awarded the Nao Sena Medal in 2009, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020.

  • Ministry of Defence inks over Rs 9,100 crore contracts for improved Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army

    • PM says that this is a welcome development, which will boost self-reliance and particularly help the MSME sector

    New Delhi, 31st March, 2023. In a tweet Office of Raksha Mantri informed that Ministry of Defence, on March 30, 2023, signed contracts for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army at an overall cost of over Rs 9,100 crore.

    In reply to the tweet by RMO India, the Prime Minister said;

    “A welcome development, which will boost self-reliance and particularly help the MSME sector.”

     

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD signs Rs 19,600 crore contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels & six Next Generation Missile Vessels for Indian Navy

    FILE PHOTO

    New Delhi, 30th March 2023. In a huge boost to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, Ministry of Defence, on 30th March 2023, signed contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and six Next Generation Missile Vessels at an overall cost of approx. Rs 19,600 crore.

    Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels

    The contract for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata at a total cost of Rs 9,781 crore. Of the 11 ships, seven will be indigenously designed, developed & manufactured by GSL and four by GRSE. The delivery of the ships is scheduled to commence from September 2026.

    The acquisition of these ships will enable the Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability and meet various operational requirements such as Anti-Piracy, Counter-Infiltration, Anti-Poaching, Anti-Trafficking, Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), Protection of Offshore Assets etc. The construction of these ships will generate an employment of 110 lakh man-days over a period of seven and half years.

    Next Generation Missile Vessels

    The contract for acquisition of six Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from March 2027. The NGMVs would be heavily armed war vessels incorporating stealth, high speed and offensive capability. The primary role of the ships would be to provide offensive capability against enemy warship, merchantmen and land targets.

    These ships will be capable of conducting Maritime Strike Operations, Anti Surface Warfare Operations and would be a potent instrument of sea denial for enemy ships especially at choke points. In defensive role, these ships would be employed for Local Naval Defence operations and seaward defence of Offshore Development Area. The construction of these ships will generate an employment of 45 lakh man-days over a period of nine years.

    The indigenous manufacturing of these vessels will encourage the active participation of Indian shipbuilding and associated industries, including MSMEs. With the majority of the equipment and systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these vessels will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) & BrahMos Missiles worth Rs 1,700 crore

    New Delhi, 30th March, 2023. Ministry of Defence, on 30th March 2023, inked a contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) {NGMMCB (LR)} and BrahMos Missiles at an approximate cost of over Rs 1,700 crore under Buy (Indian) Category. The delivery of NGMMCBs is scheduled to commence from 2027. These systems will be equipped with supersonic BrahMos Missiles and will significantly enhance multi-directional maritime strike capability of Indian Navy.

    The BAPL is a Joint Venture between India and Russia making crucial contribution to augment the new generation Surface-to-Surface missile with enhanced ranges. This contract is going to give further boost to indigenous production of critical weapon system and ammunition with active participation of indigenous industries. This project will generate an employment of more than 90,000 man-days over a period of four years. With the majority of the equipment and sub-system sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these systems will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

  • Boeing Donates $250,000 to Assist with Tornado Recovery and Relief Efforts in Mississippi and Alabama

    Boeing Donates $250,000 to Assist with Tornado Recovery and Relief Efforts in Mississippi and Alabama

    ARLINGTON, Va., 30th March, 2023. Boeing is committing $250,000 to assist with disaster recovery and relief efforts in Mississippi and Alabama following the deadly tornadoes that affected communities across the region.

    “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Mississippi and Alabama,” said Ziad Ojakli, executive vice president of Government Operations. “We’re partnering closely with organizations that can quickly provide support to those in need during this challenging time, and we remain committed to these communities as they recover in the days ahead.”

    Funding from the Boeing Charitable Trust will support the following organizations:

    • $100,000 for American Red Cross to maintain shelters for people seeking refuge and provide comfort kits, clean-up kits, nourishing meals, information and other resources.
    • $100,000 for Feeding America to assist food distribution efforts in impacted communities.
    • $50,000 for Samaritan’s Purse to support clean-up and recovery efforts across Mississippi.

    “Thanks to Boeing’s generous donation, the American Red Cross, alongside our partners, is able to support families who experienced the heartbreaking tornadoes and storms across the South,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are grateful for partners like Boeing as we work together to provide comfort and hope to people when they need it most.”

    “I am in Mississippi at our Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief work sites in Rolling Fork and Silver City, and we are so grateful for Boeing’s generosity in support of our tornado relief efforts here,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Entire towns have been leveled, and many families have lost everything they ever owned. We are committed to helping these families and communities start to recover and rebuild, and Boeing’s generous gift will make a real difference.”

    In addition to corporate charitable investments, Boeing employees give to their local communities by participating in volunteer and charitable gift match programs. Consistent with Boeing employee gift match programs, the company will match qualifying employee contributions made in support of tornado relief efforts across the Southeast.

    Disaster recovery and relief efforts align with Boeing’s ongoing commitment to the communities where our colleagues live and work. Boeing employs more than 3,300 people in Mississippi and Alabama.

    Boeing is active and engaged in Mississippi and Alabama communities, contributing almost $12.7 million to charitable causes over the last five years. Boeing donated more than $6 million to disaster relief and humanitarian efforts globally in 2022.

  • India- Africa Joint Military Exercise ‘Afindex-23’ Concluded at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune

    India- Africa Joint Military Exercise ‘Afindex-23’ Concluded at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune

    New Delhi, 29th March, 2023. The 2nd edition of joint military exercise “The Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX-2023)” culminated on 29th March at Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. AFINDEX-2023 was held from 16 to 29 Mar 2023. A total of 25 nations of the African continent with 124 participants and Indian troops from the SIKH, MARATHA and MAHAR Regiments participated in the multinational exercise. The validation phase of the exercise was witnessed by General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff along all the African Chiefs and representatives who attended the Chiefs’ Conclave.

    Aim of the exercise was to build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking execution of Humanitarian Mine Action and Peace Keeping Operations under the UN mandate. This joint exercise will enable the armies to learn and adopt methodologies and tactics while conducting such operations. Further, the exercise will assist the forces in correct interpretation of Rules of Engagements while undertaking Peace Keeping Operations.

    The bonhomie, espirit-de-corps and goodwill generated during the exercise will go a long way in further strengthening the bonds between the armies by enabling understanding of each other’s organisation and methodology of conducting various operations. This exercise is a harbinger for greater cooperation between Indian & African armies in the future.

    On the sidelines of the exercise an ‘Equipment Display’ was organized in which 75 indigenous products from 32 industries manufactured under ‘Make in India’ were showcased. African Army Chiefs, representatives of Chiefs and participants of the African nations also witnessed the event.

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks two contracts with BEL, worth Rs 2,400 crore, for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ for Indian Army & Sarang Electronic Support Measure systems for Indian Navy

    Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks two contracts with BEL, worth Rs 2,400 crore, for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ for Indian Army & Sarang Electronic Support Measure systems for Indian Navy

    • Rs 3,000 crore contract signed with NewSpace India Limited for an Advanced Communication Satellite for Indian Army

    New Delhi, 29th March, 2023. In yet another boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, Ministry of Defence, on March 29, 2023, signed three contracts – two with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad and one with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) – at a total cost nearly Rs 5,400 crore, to bolster the defence capabilities of the country. The first contract with BEL pertains to procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ worth Rs 1,982 crore for the Indian Army. The second contract with BEL relates to acquisition of Sarang Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems along with associated Engineering Support Package from BEL, Hyderabad at an overall cost of Rs 412 crore for the Indian Navy.

    The contract with NSIL, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under Department of Space, Bengaluru pertains to procurement of an advanced Communication Satellite, GSAT 7B, which will provide High Throughput Services to the Indian Army at an overall cost of Rs 2,963 crore. All these projects are under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category.

    Project Akashteer

    The Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ will empower the Air Defence units of the Indian Army with an indigenous, state-of-the-art capability, to effectively operate in an integrated manner. Akashteer will enable monitoring of low level airspace over the battle areas of Indian Army and effectively control the Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.

    Sarang systems

    Sarang is an advanced Electronic Support Measure system for helicopters of the Indian Navy, designed and developed indigenously by Defence Electronics Research Laboratory, Hyderabad under programme Samudrika. The scheme will generate an employment of approximately two lakh man-days over a period of three years.

    Both the projects will encourage participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs, who are sub vendors of BEL.

    Advanced Communication Satellite

    The satellite will considerably enhance the communication capability of the Indian Army by providing mission critical beyond line of sight communication to troops and formations as well as weapon and airborne platforms. The geostationary satellite, being a first-of-its-kind in the five-tonne category, will be developed indigenously by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

    Many parts and sub-assemblies and systems will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, including MSMEs and start-ups, thereby giving a fillip to the private Indian space industry, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The project will generate an employment of approximately three lakh man-days over a period of three and half years.