Defence

Bengaluru/New Delhi, June 24, 2022: Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) today signed an MoU with Defense Initiatives (DI), Belarus, and Defense Initiatives Aero Pvt Ltd, India (a subsidiary of DI Belarus), in the august presence of Joint Secretary (DIP) and senior Indian Air Force officials. The MoU is aimed at co-operation between the three companies for supply of Airborne Defense Suite (ADS) for the helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF). BEL will be the prime contractor and will be supported by DI with ToT (Manufacturing and Maintenance) for supply of advanced EW suite for helicopters under ‘Make in India’ category. The MoU also aims at exploring various business opportunities for India and global markets for ADS. The partnership has evolved under the guidance of Mr Sanjay Jaju, Addl. Secretary, Department of Defence Production, and Indo Belarusian Joint Commission (IBJC) on Military Cooperation.

New Delhi; 22nd June 2022: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on June 22, 2022. The two Ministers reviewed the existing defence cooperation activities which have been increasing despite challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and discussed ways to enhance further cooperation. The Ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment towards implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values, of democracy and rule of law. They welcomed the growing diversity and frequency of defence exercises and exchanges between the two countries and undertook to build upon operational engagements through the India-Australia Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement. Both Ministers committed to give fillip to the India-Australia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Research and Materiel Cooperation, which will meet in Australia later this year. This JWG is a crucial mechanism for boosting ties between defence industries. The Ministers discussed further opportunities for industrial cooperation between India and Australia to increase the resilience of supply chains and deliver capabilities to their respective defence forces. Both sides agreed to explore means to grow connections and opportunities between Indian and Australian defence industrial bases. Both Ministers welcomed the plan to commence the landmark General Rawat Young Officer Exchange Programme in the latter half of 2022, which was announced during the virtual summit meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries on March 21, 2022. The Ministers reviewed strategic challenges and the regional security situation and reaffirmed their shared objective of an open, free, inclusive, prosperous and rules-based Indo Pacific region. They looked forward to India’s participation in Australia’s Indo Pacific Endeavour exercise in October 2022. Earlier in the day, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia visited the National War Memorial and paid homage to the war heroes by laying a wreath at the monument. The Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour before the bilateral meeting with Shri Rajnath Singh. Mr Richard Marles is on a visit to India from June 20-23, 2022. On June 21, 2022, he visited Goa which included a tour of Goa Shipyard Limited and a display of India’s growing prowess in indigenous drone development and autonomous vehicle technology.

3rd June 2022; Chandigarh: Banwarilal Purohit, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT of Chandigarh and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff witnessed the ceremony for signing of MoU between UT of Chandigarh and IAF for setting up the IAF Heritage Centre at Chandigarh, today. This Heritage Centre will have artefacts, simulator and interactive boards to highlight various facets of IAF. It will also showcase the vital role played by the Service in various wars and assistance rendered for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. This joint project of Administration of UT Chandigarh and IAF is planned to be completed by October 2022. It will attract and encourage the local youth to join the armed forces. Smt Kirron Kher (Member of Parliament, Chandigarh) also witnessed the MoU signing ceremony.

New Delhi, 22nd April 2022: Continuing with the strategy of connecting regularly with the start-ups and the multifarious stakeholders, Innovations for Defence Excellence, Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), under the aegis of Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence has organised DefConnect 2.0 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi . The event was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. The event attracted a large number of innovators and investors from India’s leading industries in the defence sector. It ncluded sessions with stalwarts of the industry, various announcements and static exhibitions of an array of start-ups supported by iDEX-DIO. The event had presence of start-ups, corporates and military representatives to ascertain the indigenous innovations leading us into a bright future. The DefConnect provides a unique opportunity for innovators associated with iDEX-DIO to showcase their capabilities, products and state-of-the-art-technologies to the target audience of the industry leaders. The start-ups get to leverage this opportunity to generate investments and leads for future operations. This will be a unique opportunity to meet iDEX start-ups and understand their innovative technologies being developed with requisite support from iDEX and the associated partners. Platforms like the iDEX enable the military to find disruptive solutions to complex challenges through its flagship programmes like Defence India Startup Challenges (DISC) and Open Challenges (OC) which shall be the key components for the future of military technology. Till date, iDEX has launched five rounds of DISC and three rounds of OC, receiving more than 2,000 applications from individual innovators and start-ups. Furthermore, iDEX has been able to fund projects in numerous technological areas through its Grant-in-Aid framework, Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart (SPARK), which entail provisioning of grant up to Rs 1.50 crore to budding entrepreneurs. Innovation has become the key driver of the pace of societal evolution and it redefines social parameters with unique outputs. iDEX has always been at the forefront of innovation in defence and internal security and most of its projects also have tremendous civilian applications: Quantum Computation, Artificial Intelligence/Predictive Maintenance/Logistics/Data Analytics, Security/Encryption, Communication etc. To take this further, iDEX will be launching the sixth edition of DISC with numerous diverse problem statements from various stakeholders. iDEX is able to utilise India’s strong science, technology and research talent base to develop new capabilities in defence innovation. The understanding of the budding entrepreneurs for sensitising the audience towards defence innovation is being further complemented by the support provided through this scheme. The iDEX, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, essentially provides a unified platform for various stakeholders in the defence and aerospace sectors. It acts like an umbrella organisation to oversee technology development and potential collaborations in this specific field.

Government has appointed Lt Gen Manoj C Pande, presently Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of April 30, 2022. Born on May 06, 1962, Lt Gen Manoj C Pande was commissioned on December 24, 1982 in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) of the Indian Army. During his long and distinguished service spanning over 39 years, he has served in a variety of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. The Command appointments of Lt Gen Manoj C Pande include Command of an Engineer Brigade in the Western Theatre, as part of Strike Corps and an Infantry Brigade along with Line-of-Control in Jammu & Kashmir. Other important Command appointments include a Mountain Division in the high-altitude area of the Western Ladakh and Command of a Corps, deployed along the LAC and in Counter Insurgency Operations area of Eastern Command. In the rank of Lt General, the officer has held important appointments including that of Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command and as the GOC-in-C of the Eastern Command at Kolkata before getting appointed as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Lt Gen Manoj C Pande is an alumnus of National Defence Academy and has undergone courses at Staff College, Camberley (UK), Army War College, Mhow and National Defence College, New Delhi. For his illustrious service, Lt Gen Manoj C Pande has been conferred with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.

New Delhi; Monday, 21 Feb, 2022: The Hon’ble President and Supreme Commander of the armed forces of India, Ram Nath Kovind reviewed the Indian Navy Fleet at Visakhapatnam on 21 Feb 22. With the theme ‘75 years in Service of the Nation,’ Indian Navy showcased its latest state-of-art indigenously built combat platforms during the 12th edition of the Fleet Review which was also conducted as part of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence being celebrated as ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. After a 21-Gun Salute and Ceremonial Guard of Honour, the President embarked on the Presidential yacht, INS Sumitra, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel designated as the Presidential yacht. The President was received by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff. The Yacht sailed past 44 ships from the Navy, Coast Guard, SCI and MoES lined up in four columns at anchorage off Visakhapatnam, exhibiting the nation’s maritime power in full display. A spectacular flypast was conducted as a part of the static review of the Fleet. During the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines carried out high-speed steam past alongside the Presidential yacht. Several enthralling waterfront activities by Parade of Sails, Search and Rescue Demonstration at Sea, Aerobatics by Hawk aircraft and Water Para Jumps by the elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) held the guests mesmerised. As the presidential yacht passed between the review columns, each ship dressed in full regalia, manned by her ship’s company saluted the President with traditional “Three Jais” in a demonstration of the unconditional allegiance to the country and the Supreme Commander. The Hon’ble President also witnessed demonstrations in the form of a composite flypast by 55 aircraft including Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers, IL-38SD, P8I, Hawks and MiG 29K. Addressing the Fleet during the Review, the Hon’ble President said that the Indian Navy’s constant vigil, prompt response to incidents and untiring efforts have been highly successful in ensuring Safety of the seas and of the maritime commons which are critical to our trade and energy needs. The President expressed his happiness on the Indian Navy becoming increasingly self-reliant and being at the forefront of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He noted that about 70 per cent of the contents of several warships and submarines under construction in various public and private shipyards across the country are indigenous. He said that it is a matter of great pride that India has built nuclear submarines and soon we would have our indigenously built aircraft carrier, ‘Vikrant’, joining the service. He added that the development of indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities is an impressive contribution to the making of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. (full transcript of the address by the Hon’ble President during the review is attached). The Review was followed by the release of a special First Day Cover and a commemorative stamp by the Hon’ble President in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Communication Devusinh J Chauhan.

Odisha,20th January,2022: BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with increased indigenous content and improved performance, was successfully test-fired from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha at 1030 hrs on January 20, 2022. The launch was conducted by Brahmos Aerospace in close coordination with the teams of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In this text-book flight, the missile followed the predicted trajectory meeting all mission objectives. The flight test is a major milestone in the way forward for BrahMos programme. The highly manouverable missile cruised at supersonic speed for its maximum range and all mission objectives were met. The missile was equipped with the advanced indigenous technologies and followed a modified optimal trajectory for enhanced efficiency and improved performance. The missile with the modified control system has been fine tuned to achieve an enhanced capability. This flight test was monitored by all the sensors of the range instrumentation including telemetry, radar and electro-optical tracking systems deployed across the eastern coast and the down range ships. Teams from DRDO and NPOM, Russia participated in the test. BrahMos Aerospace, the joint venture between DRDO and NPOM, Russia, has been continuously upgrading the powerful, highly versatile BrahMos to increase its effectiveness and lethality against sea and land targets. BrahMos is the potent missile weapon system already inducted into the Armed Forces. Raksha Mantri ajnath Singh has complimented the Brahmos, DRDO teams and industry for the successful flight test.Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the scientists and engineers for continuously putting efforts to maximise the weapon systems efficiency and more focus on indigenous content. Director General, BrahMos Atul D Rane congratulated the joint teams of NPOM, Russia and DRDO teams involved in the test. News Source: PIB

BY ANOOP PREMACHANDRAN Last year while the country was confronting the hardships caused due to Covid pandemic, Govt of India announced a visionary strategy of Atmanirbhar Bharat in conjunction with ‘Make in India’ programme. Such a grand scale thrust on indigenous products was very welcome to provide a boost to economic and industrial sectors of India in the international arena. The Indian aerospace industry has marched on from an old concept of “best in the industry” towards “excellence in industry”. Now we are moving to Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliance and eventually would achieve highly sustainable aircrafts, air systems, aero engines and its associated components from our own Bharat. Indian Defence Aerospace Industry – A Flying Success Self reliance or Aatmanirbharta is the need of the hour. Thanks to several Indian Industrial giants, brand India has steadily gathered a staunch value for money and product reliability. Indian Aerospace industry too has embraced indigenisation despite several technological and management hurdles. Aircrafts made by HAL, started taking to skies way back in 1951. Since then, our Indian aeronautical industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Indian Defence Aero industry depicts glory of its indigenisation by the name ‘Tejas’ (LCA)- an advanced fighter jet. Aerospace cluster is on a constant path of booming success. Aatmanirbharta revolution kick-started by the GoI, has shifted gears with full throttle. Defence Agencies like DRDO, CEMILAC, DGAQA and NAL have come together and developed several advanced versions of defence Indigenous Light combat/Utility Helicopters, aero engines, components, airborne systems and Transporter aircrafts SARAS. Advanced air systems like UAVs and Drones designed are under final testing and show promising results. The participation of several Indian manufacturers and private players is the key highlight of this success. Quality Evolution a Foundation to Atmanirbharta Since the medieval times, the world understood the importance of Quality in the finished products. The very conceptualisation of HAL back in 1950s, and Vikram Sarabhai Space centre in 1963in itself were a few golden steps towards self-reliance in the Aeronautical industry. Quality improvement and advanced techniques were swiftly adopted to become the best in the industry. Today we have multiple levels of Quality standards like AS9100D, Indian Military standards, procedures and guidelines issued by Regulatory agencies etc. in place to ensure safety and achieve reliable results. Continual Quality Improvement- Nirantar badlav for Nirbhar Utpaad Light Combat Aircraft -Tejas is the best branded masterpiece indigenous Atmanirbhar product, our Indian Defence aeronautical industry has seen in the skies today. A seamless amalgamation of various Indian Organisations like ADA-DRDO, HAL, DGAQA, CEMILAC and IAF/Navy and their concerted efforts is the crux of its success. The point of admiration is about the plenty of mistakes made during the development of LCA-Tejas and the earnest intent by all the concerned to quickly rectify and reset the course back on track with continued product improvement. The latest news bit of LCA Tejas stealing the limelight during Dubai air show reflects the formidable spirit of Atmanirbharta of Indian defence aerospace industry. HAL indigenously developed LUH/LCH helicopters with supreme performance capabilities are the sweet fruits of years of hard work and unmatched feat of Indian aero-industry calibre. Doubtful “Desi” Vs Reliable “Made in India” Product – A complete change in mind-set Over the years of industrial growth in our country, a strange sense of suspicion on our own abilities and hence on the quality of our own products had got imprinted in our psyche. This led to injecting further stringent Quality checks to rule out any slightest possible doubt on the product. I would like to call this as a blessing in disguise. The more our own products were being subjected to rigorous testing, the greater it boosted our confidence. Subsequently, this enhanced reliability of our present day products and satisfactory Customer experience. While we were importing finished foreign products from best OEMs around the world, we kept our focus on reverse engineering for breaking the dependency at some point of time. In this bargain, our quest for superior grade material to superior processes and technology has yielded results in manufacturing products which are fabulous than the OEMs. What more can we ask for, if our customers are happy about a made in India product. Quality Ownership Drops of water makes an ocean. Holistic Atmanirbharta is achieved by collating specific individual contributions. The baseline is “my product” or “my process” should be reliable and compatible. Imagine a scenario where all our individual assigned tasks is so perfectly achieved that it would not require any more re-work, checks or introspection. Imagine the complete process where the combination of such perfect individual process would give rise to a total perfect product. Imagine the benefits such a perfect process would provide in terms of financial profits and ease of efforts. However this concept is just theoretical. But our intent towards achieving close to this total perfection can be given a try. When “my work” or “my process” is reliable, it will add to the final product’s reliability. And thus the Indian Atmanirbharta vision would soon be a reality. Quality Upgrade in Industry 4.0– Gateway to Atmanirbharta Quality in parlance of Industry 4.0 is an all-encompassing concept. Industry in general has come ages away from old quality aspects which used to be a separate activity or a separate department. Instead in Industry 4.0, Quality aspects are absorbed into the design stage itself. The tedious job of inspection is eliminated due to perfection in process by automation and near zero scope of errors. Many of our imported or licensed products are on the brink of obsolescence. While variants of aircrafts, machinery and components are ageing, present level technology is racing towards sophistication and automation. To mitigate the threat of abrupt phasing out, we welcome the benefits of Upgrade projects. It is also a necessity to hand hold the small scale companies and vendors who support the repair and maintenance of ageing components. Despite several powerful and disruptive technologies prevailing in the industry, due to binding constraints, we have to blend

4th Jan 2022,New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s Boeing P-8I aircraft commenced operations from INS Hansa, Goa with two aircraft arriving on 30 December 2021. The aircraft were inducted after fitment of indigenous equipment and Flight Acceptance Trials. On arrival, the aircraft were welcomed by a MiG 29K formation. The Indian Navy had acquired the first batch of eight P-8I aircraft in 2013 that are stationed at INS Rajali, Arakkonam. The second batch of four additional aircraft will be based at Indian Naval Air Squadron 316, to be commissioned at INS Hansa. (News Source:PIB)