Defence Street

Category: Press Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Successful launch of 36 OneWeb Satellites with ISRO/NSIL marks key milestone to enable global connectivity

    Successful launch of 36 OneWeb Satellites with ISRO/NSIL marks key milestone to enable global connectivity

     OneWeb’s successful 18th launch brings the constellation to 618 satellites in orbit
    · Pivotal step forward in delivering global services as OneWeb constellation crosses milestone for global coverage
    · Another success with the LVM3 launch vehicle, as India demonstrates its leading position in the commercial launch service market

    Sriharikota, India, 26 March 2023 – OneWeb, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, today confirmed the successful deployment and contact of 36 satellites launched by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, India.

    Lift-off took place on Sunday, 26 March 2023 at 9:00am local time. OneWeb’s satellites separated successfully from the rocket and were dispensed in nine phases over a period of 1 hour and 14 minutes, with signal acquisition on all 36 satellites confirmed.

    This is OneWeb’s 18th launch, its third this year, bringing the total of OneWeb’s constellation to 618 satellites. The OneWeb constellation design calls for 588 satellites for global coverage and additional satellites are planned for resiliency and redundancy. Thanks to today’s successful launch the constellation is in place to soon deliver global services. By the year-end, OneWeb will be ready to roll out global coverage, enhancing its existing connectivity solutions that are already live in regions north of 50-degrees latitude as it brings new areas online by partnering with leading providers.

    This mission marks OneWeb’s second satellite deployment from India, highlighting the strong partnership with NSIL and ISRO and OneWeb’s commitment to provide connectivity across the length and breadth of India. Once activated, OneWeb’s coverage solutions will bring secured connectivity to enterprises, towns, villages, municipalities and schools, including the most remote areas across the country.

    Sunil Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman of OneWeb, said: “In my work I have seen the power of connectivity to bring benefits to all, wherever they are. Yet half the world’s population does not have access to fast, reliable connectivity. Today’s launch represents a major step towards closing the digital divide. OneWeb’s global constellation will play a pivotal role in realising this dream.

    “I am particularly proud that OneWeb has crossed the threshold to be able to provide its global coverage in India, a country whose ambitions in enhancing Space-based connectivity are being driven by New Space India and ISRO. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India’s target to significantly expand access to high-speed internet connectivity is vital, and OneWeb is grateful for all the support and is delighted to be playing its part. Overall, this is an incredibly exciting time for the satellite connectivity industry, and I am delighted that the UK and India are at the forefront of developments.”

    “I would like to thank colleagues, our partners, vendors, investors and customers who have realised the potential of OneWeb and made this launch possible. I am incredibly excited for the future of OneWeb and the opportunity its connectivity services provide to communities globally.”

    Shri. Somanath S, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, commented: “This launch is very important milestone for ISRO as we demonstrated the successful launch of second consecutive commercial payload of OneWeb.  This valued customer trusted our capability and we have proved it in a very short span of time. This launch has created a new record in the Indian space history. With this launch of LVM3, through the New Space India Ltd, ISRO is confident of handling many more such launches on demand for both LEO and GEO mission in the future. I wish OneWeb a great success in globalizing the completed constellation.

    Radhakrishnan D, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NewSpace India Limited, said: “Successful injection of 36 OneWeb Gen-1 satellites from UK by LVM3 today, is an extremely proud moment for NSIL and the entire ISRO fraternity.  NSIL, would like to thank M/s OneWeb for believing in our capabilities and giving us this important opportunity to undertake the mission. We are doubly happy, as this mission would mark the accomplishment of full constellation and commencement of commercial broadband services globally by M/s OneWeb. NSIL look forward to be associated with M/s OneWeb not only in the area of providing Launch solutions but also in several other business endeavours that would benefit both companies. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire OneWeb’s technical and management team.”

    UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said: “The completion of the LEO constellation is hugely significant both for OneWeb and the UK’s wider sector.”

    “We invested in OneWeb’s vision to bridge the global digital divide, and our burgeoning space sector is transforming the UK into the perfect base for like-minded companies to realise their stratospheric potential.

    Neil Masterson, Chief Executive of OneWeb, added: “This is the most significant milestone in the history of OneWeb, as we reach the satellites needed for global coverage. Over several years we have remained focused on our commitment to deliver coverage solutions for the customers and communities that need it most. With today’s satellite deployment, facilitated by our expert team and our partners at ISRO and NSIL, we are realising this central ambition.

    “I would like to pay tribute to all of my colleagues at OneWeb who have driven our rapid momentum and progress over recent years. It is thanks to them that we will be able to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity around the world later this year.

  • Bullet Proof Jackets and Helmets

    Bullet Proof Jackets and Helmets

    New Delhi, 24th March. The Government undertakes procurement of Bullet Proof Jackets and Helmets for Armed Forces and other law enforcement forces from time-to-time from domestic manufacturers. These are procured as per laid down specifications and authorisation after due testing and evaluation.

    Bullet Proof Helmets procured by Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces are compliant to the specifications and National Institute of Justice of USA (NIJ) protection/threat levels approved by the competent authorities. The upgradation, procurement and provisioning of improved version of Bullet Proof Jackets and Helmets is a continuous process for which necessary steps are taken regularly.

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

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD signs Rs 3,000 crore contract with BEL for procurement of two Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems ‘Project Himshakti’

    Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD signs Rs 3,000 crore contract with BEL for procurement of two Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems ‘Project Himshakti’

    Ministry of Defence, 24th March, signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hyderabad for procurement of two Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems ‘Project Himshakti’ at an overall cost of approximately Rs 3,000 crore. The project is under the Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category comprising contemporary and niche technologies.

    ‘Project Himshakti’ will encourage participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs, which are sub vendors of BEL. It will generate employment of approximately three lakh man-days over a period of two years. The project is a significant leap forward in developing indigenous capabilities making the country ‘Aatmanirbhar’, in consonance with the Make-in-India initiative of the Government.

  • Greece Standing on the Spotlight of Geopolitical Developments – 350 Exhibitors From 27 Countries Will Attend DEFEA 2023

    Greece Standing on the Spotlight of Geopolitical Developments – 350 Exhibitors From 27 Countries Will Attend DEFEA 2023

    The upgraded role of Greece in the geopolitical forefront of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans, as well as the “rebirth” of the Hellenic defence industry, will be a main focal of the international defence and security exhibition DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens 2023, which will take place from 9 to 11 May, in Athens Metropolitan Expo.

     

    The participation of numerous diplomatic missions and 350 leading defence companies from 27 countries confirm that Greece is a point of reference for the region of Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

    Armenia, Austria, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, India, Israel, Italy, China, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia and the Czech Republic will participate with national stands, as well as the European Commission with the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. Independent entries include Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and Hellenic National Defence General Staff will participate with their own stands.

    At the forefront

    Geopolitical, economic and technological developments from the United States to China and from Russia to Iran, as well as the role of NATO, Europe and Greece in the constantly evolving landscape of security threats and challenges, will be a main focal and talking point among political, academic and military participants of DEFEA.

    Within the framework of DEFEA, many national delegations, defence ministers and deputy ministers and Chiefs of Staff are expected to visit Greece. The participation of high-ranking political and military officials coincides with the official launch of Greece’s campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-26 period, which aims to expand Greece’s geopolitical footprint on the international stage.

    The fact that Greece is organizing one of the most important international defence and security exhibitions, at a time of tectonic changes that reshape the future, confirms Greece’s role a pilar of security and stability as well as a regional power.

    Emphasizing on Hellenic defence industry

    The framework of DEFEA was the subject of a detailed presentation to Defence Attaches and the diplomatic officials of foreign countries in a meeting held by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, while a working meeting took place with the executives of the exhibition organizers, ROTA SA. Deputy Minister, Mr. Hardalias conveyed the message that the country needs a robust defence industry that will serve as a catalyst for achieving strategic autonomy. Extroversion is still a main goal for Greek companies which are exploring new markets and participating in defence exhibitions worldwide.

    Strengthening the Hellenic defence industry is a strategic goal of Hellenic government as Greece is investing in upgrading its defence capabilities. With exhibitors coming from more than 27 countries and delegation from at least 55 countries, DEFEA is a hub for cooperation

    among the hundreds of representatives of the Greek and international defence community and the leaders of the global industry.

    In the context of DEFEA, events and workshops will be organized with a focus on European and NATO initiatives like the European Defence Fund (EDF Cross-Project Conference) and NATO defence innovation initiatives, such as the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the NATO Innovation Fund.

  • Annual Bilateral Maritime Exercise KONKAN 2023

    Annual Bilateral Maritime Exercise KONKAN 2023

    23rd March, Konkan 2023, the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy, was held from 20  to 22 Mar 23 off the Konkan coast in the Arabian Sea.

    INS Trishul, a guided missile frigate, and HMS Lancaster, a  Type 23 guided missile frigate, participated in this edition and undertook multiple maritime drills to enhance interoperability and  imbibe best practices. The exercises covered  all domains of maritime operations, air, surface and sub-surface, and included gunnery shoots on surface inflatable target ‘Killer Tomato’, helicopter operations, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), ship manoeuvres and exchange of personnel.

    The exercise yielded excellent training value to personnel of both navies. A high level of professionalism and enthusiasm was also evident during its conduct. The focus personnel exhibited on op-readiness, enhancing interoperability and improving the ability to conduct joint operations will go a long way in bolstering the combined efforts of the IN and RN to strengthen maritime security and uphold a rules-based order in the region.

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 3,700 crore contracts with BEL for Medium Power Radars ‘Arudhra’ & 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers

    Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks Rs 3,700 crore contracts with BEL for Medium Power Radars ‘Arudhra’ & 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers

    • The projects to enhance surveillance, detection, tracking & Electronic Warfare capabilities of Indian Air Force

    Ministry of Defence, March 23, Delhi: signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), at a total cost of over Rs 3,700 crore, to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force. The first contract, worth over Rs 2,800 crore, pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radars (MPR) ‘Arudhra’ for the Indian Air Force. The second contract, at an overall cost of approx. Rs 950 crore, relates to 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR). Both projects are under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category. These essentially embody the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and will help facilitate the realisation of the country’s journey to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

    MPR (Arudhra)

    The radar has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL. Its successful trials have already been conducted by the Indian Air Force. It is a 4D multi-function phased array radar with electronic steering in both azimuth and elevation for surveillance, detection and tracking of aerial targets. The system will have target identification based on interrogations from co-located Identification Friend or Foe system.

    The project will act as a catalyst for development of manufacturing capability in the industrial ecosystem.

    DR-118 RWR

    The DR-118 Radar Warning Receiver will considerably enhance the Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities of Su-30 MKI aircraft. Majority of sub-assemblies and parts will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers.  The project will boost and encourage active participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs. It will generate employment of approx. two lakh man-days over a period of three and half years.

    The DR-118 RWR is a significant leap forward in developing indigenous EW capabilities and making the country ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

  • AtomBeam Technologies join Inmarsat’s Elevate programme

    AtomBeam Technologies join Inmarsat’s Elevate programme

    ELEVATE is a development programme, ecosystem and marketplace for providers of software, hardware and solutions, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in commercial land markets. As an   ELEVATE partner, AtomBeam Technologies will provide customers with a reliable solution to significantly save on bandwidth usage and heighten security across connected IoT devices.

    As part of the programme, AtomBeam Technologies will benefit from Inmarsat’s global L-band network ELERA, the leading satellite network for the Internet of Things (IoT). This will enhance the company’s ability to meet customers’ data needs, wherever they may be.

    AtomBeam Technologies, a California-based software company, provides a patented data solution called Compaction. It dramatically reduces the size of IoT message payloads by up to 75%, which significantly reduces airtime costs when applied over satellite networks.

    When integrated into IoT devices, Compaction supports widespread IoT use cases including real time remote management, preventative maintenance and fleet optimisation to deliver tangible benefits for customers in all industries. Now it is applied over Imarsat’s global ELERA satellite network, customers benefit from a reliable, secure and cost-effective way to save on bandwidth usage and enhance communication between IoT devices anywhere in the world.

    AtomBeam’s Compaction technology is making telemetry and asset tracking cheaper and easier so transportation and logistics companies can optimise even the remotest of routes to ensure safety and efficiency. It is also helping energy producers and utilities companies benefit from real-time performance data to keep energy flowing and the lights on across vast networks.

    The partnership will also prove valuable as AtomBeam looks to expand its offering across a range of industries like agriculture and mining, where their IoT-enabling technology unlocks up-to-the-minute crop and soil information for farmers and enables remote mining management to improve productivity and sustainability.

    As part of the programme, AtomBeam Technologies will gain access to Inmarsat’s broader partner network, creating opportunities to collaborate on additional niche compaction solutions for its customers.

    ELEVATE’s marketplace will help the company increase sales by attracting new customers in locations without reliable connectivity, or those which have mission-critical connectivity needs. For customers, it gives access to a broad choice of satellite-enabled IoT solutions developed by a range of providers to enhance the efficiency, safety and sustainability of their businesses.

    Jat Brainch, Chief Commerical and Digital Officer, Inmarsat, said “We are pleased to welcome AtomBeam Technologies to Inmarsat’s ELEVATE programme, an announcement which further cements ELEVATE as the go-to destination for satellite IoT innovation. By combining forces, we will accelerate the development of IoT solutions to meet our clients’ mission-critical requirements across diverse industries.

    “At Inmarsat, we have a rich tradition of industry collaboration. Through partnerships with forward-thinking companies like AtomBeam Technologies, they can rely on ELERA, our state-of-the-art satellite communication network to deliver groundbreaking solutions at speed.

    “Customers can access a comprehensive range of affordable IoT solutions from the ELEVATE marketplace, making it an efficient way for them to benefit from reliable IoT technology that works anywhere and everywhere. This one-stop-shop helps them leverage the latest technology to meet some of the greatest challenges the planet faces today.”

    Charles Yeomans, CEO of AtomBeam Technologies, added “AtomBeam is proud to join Inmarsat’s ELEVATE, bringing our game-changing Compaction software technology to the table. Our solution can reduce IoT satellite data transmission by, on average, 75% without added latency, unlocking many new use cases. Most customers will utilise Inmarsat’s BGAN M2M family, and AtomBeam is already benefitting from having responded to a tender for a major corporate user of satellite data while also in talks with another large corporate prospect.

    “Our ELEVATE partnership aims to greatly expand the availability and use of satellite IoT data transmission and deliver value to our mutual customers. The future is bright for this partnership!”

    Inmarsat’s ELEVATE programme is open to new entrants, disruptors, and established brands of any size who have developed an innovative digital product or service, but may need additional support to exploit the benefits of satellite-enabled IoT solutions. Inmarsat provides dedicated technical guidance on how to integrate and support its highly-reliable satellite services, go-to-market strategy planning and exposure to the Inmarsat distribution channel to enable access to new markets.

    Providers working across a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, aid and NGOs, energy, exploration and leisure, media, mining, transport and utilities, as well as agnostic technology providers, will be considered for membership.

  • Indian Navy to Conduct the ‘Sam No Varunah’ Coastal Car Rally

    Indian Navy to Conduct the ‘Sam No Varunah’ Coastal Car Rally

    New Delhi, 22nd March. The Maritime trade has played an important role in Nation’s Economy and the same was emphasised by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his speech, on occasion of 59th Maritime Day on 05 Apr 22. While ensuring the safety and security of the Nation, Indian Navy plays a crucial role in protecting our Maritime trade too.

    Surrounded by seas from the three sides, India has a vast coastline of approximately 7500 Kms, which is more than the length of land borders we share with China and Pakistan combined. To awaken the maritime nation and encourage Sea Consciousness, the Indian Navy in association with Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA) is undertaking a maritime awareness coastal motor car expedition, “SAM NO VARUNAH” covering the entire Indian coastline in March 2023. The objectives of the expedition include:-

    1. Celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
    2. Conduct awareness drives along the route about various career opportunities that the Navy offers including the Agnipath Scheme.
    3. Showcase ‘Naari Shakti’ by participation of serving women officers and naval wives.
    4. Instill a sense of adventure and motivate young generation to join the Indian Navy.
    5. Interact with Naval Veterans/ Veer Naaris enroute.
    6. Spread awareness about the rich maritime heritage and revival of maritime history by covering various Ports, Forts, Light Houses, Heritage Villages, Beaches etc.

    Towards this expedition it is planned to: –

    1. Flag off the rally from INS Netaji Subhas on 26 Mar 23 from Kolkata and terminate the rally at Lakhpat Gujarat on 19 Apr 23.
    2. Arrive INS Chilka on the historic occasion of Passing Out of first batch of Agniveers of Indian Navy (28 Mar 23).
    3. Conduct awareness campaigns at cities/ villages enroute with the aim to provide information about employment opportunities in the Navy including the Agnipath Scheme.
    4. Conduct NWWA outreach activities at various old age homes, orphanages, school for special children in keeping with the ethos of community development and empowerment.
    5. Undertake coastal cleaning at beaches enroute and spreading environmental awareness.
    6. Visit forts/ light houses/ places of maritime importance along the rally route and spread awareness of our rich maritime heritage.

    The expedition planned over 25 days covering approx 7500 Kms passing through all coastal states is partnered with by M/s Mahindra who are providing a fleet of 12 vehicles along with Mastercard India and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (as fuel partner).