Defence

New Delhi, August 25, 2021 In a major development that could turn out to be a trendsetter uplifting the scenario of Uttar Pradesh both economically and socially, the state may soon start manufacturing the Next-Gen state of the art ‘BrahMos missile’. To establish Uttar Pradesh as the country’s largest and advanced defence manufacturing centre, the Defense Industrial Corridor of UP will further gain momentum as Domestic and foreign companies working in the defence sector have taken the initiative to invest in the first Defence Industrial Corridor of the state. The BrahMos Aerospace’s CEO and MD, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Misra in a letter sent on Tuesday ( 24th Aug) to UPEIDA CEO and additional chief secretary (home) Awanish Awasthi sought 200 acre land for the project at the Defence Corridor for making the BrahMos missile. The delegation from aerospace also met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile is the only unique, precise and state-of-the-art cruise missile in the world. The missile has been designed, developed and produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture of DRDO, Government of India and NPOM, Government of Russia. It is based on the technology of Russia’s P-800 Oniks cruise missile. About 500 engineers and technical people will get direct employment in the BrahMos Production Center which will be built by investing Rs 300 crores on the land to be allotted for making BrahMos missiles at Lucknow node. Apart from this, about five thousand people will get indirect employment and 10 thousand people will get work through the production center. The work of setting up the BrahMos Production Center is likely to start soon. Research and development work will also be done in these centers. More than 100 BrahMos missiles are planned to be built in the next three years. Due to the BrahMos Production Center, many other well-known companies working in the defence sector in the UP Defence Corridor will come to the state. It is worth noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the creation of a Defence Corridor in UP during the Investors’ Summit in January 2018. Further, it was announced that the state government is setting up defence corridors at Lucknow, Kanpur, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Agra, and Aligarh nodes. During the Defense Expo-Lucknow in February 2020, many domestic and foreign companies making products related to defence had signed MoUs worth 50,000 crores for investment in the corridor. Most of the MoUs have been signed for the corridor being built in Andla on Khair Road in Aligarh. After this, various companies have shown interest in investing in the Lucknow node. According to UPEIDA officials, around 29 companies submitted their proposals to the government for setting up factories in the Aligarh node and requested to provide land for setting up factories. Similarly, 11 companies in the Lucknow node, six in the Jhansi node, eight in Kanpur node have requested to provide land for setting up factories. Acting on the proposals received from various companies, UPEDIA has so far allotted 55.4 hectares of land in Aligarh node to 19 international companies. About four acres of land has been allotted to two companies in Kanpur node and 15 acres of land to one company in Jhansi. Whereas in Lucknow node, it has been agreed to give 200 acres of land to build Brahmos Production Center. In the last three years, over 65 big companies have requested the government to provide land in the Defense Industrial Corridor to set up their factories, of which around 19 big companies have been allotted 55.4 hectares of land by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) recently. In the Aligarh node, among the 19 companies related to the defence sector, who have been allotted land, two companies are investing Rs 581 crore to make drones. In this, Anchor Research Lab LLP will invest the maximum amount of Rs 550 crore. The company has been allotted 10 hectares of land on behalf of UPEIDA. With an investment of Rs 30.75 crore, Allan and Alvan has been allotted a land of 8 acres. Similarly, 10 hectares of land has also been allotted to Sadicate Innovation International, which is investing Rs 150 crore. With an investment of Rs 100 crore Jai Sai Anu Overseas has been given 4.5 hectares of land and Milkor Defence Pvt Ltd investing Rs 98.25 crore, has been given around 4 acres of land . Tractrix Auto Dynamics, which is investing 40 crores, has been given 2 acres of land. Apart from this, Nitya Creation India, PBM Insolation Pvt Ltd, Deep Explo Equipments Pvt Ltd, Veriwin Defense Pvt Ltd, Advance Fire and Safety, Crimson Energy Exports, P-2 Logitech and Cobra Industries has also been allotted land for setting up the factory. Soon the above companies will start the process of setting up their factories. These 19 companies of Aligarh node will provide employment to thousands of people by investing Rsp 1245 crore. With these investments made in the Aligarh, Kanpur, Jhansi and Lucknow nodes in the Defense Corridor, the state will move rapidly towards becomin ing self-reliant in the field of defence product manufacturing.

Kochi: 08 Aug, 2021: Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ successfully accomplished its maiden sea voyage today for which she had sailed on 04 Aug 21 from Kochi. Trials progressed as planned and system parameters proved satisfactory. The carrier would continue to undergo series of sea trials to prove all equipment and systems prior handing over the vessel to the Indian Navy.Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Public Sector Shipyard under Ministry of Shipping (MoS). IAC is a leading example of the nation’s quest for “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” and Indian Navy’s “Make in India” initiative, with more than 76% indigenous content. The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is 262 m long, 62 m at the widest part and height of 59 m including the superstructure. There are 14 decks in all, including five in the superstructure. The ship has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1700 people, having gender-sensitive accommodation spaces for women officers. The ship with high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability, has been designed to accommodate an assortment of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. During the maiden sailing, ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, Power Generation and Distribution (PGD) and auxiliary equipment were tested. Trials, which were reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command on the last day; have progressed as planned and system parameters have been proved satisfactory. The successful completion of maiden trials sorties, despite challenges faced due to COVID-19 pandemic and COVID protocols in place, is testimony to the dedicated efforts of large number of stakeholders for over a decade. This is a major milestone activity and historical event. The carrier would undergo a series of Sea Trials to prove all equipment and systems prior to its delivery in 2022. Delivery of Vikrant is being targeted to coincide with celebrations to commemorate 75th anniversary of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. With the delivery of IAC, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier and provides thrust to Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Delivery of IAC would also strengthen India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water Navy.

Kochi, 04 Aug, 2021: Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design(DND) is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited(CSL), a Public Sector Shipyard under Ministry of Shipping(MoS).IAC is a leading example of the nation’s quest for “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” with more than 76% indigenous content.This is the maiden attempt of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier. The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is 262 m long, 62 m at the widest part and height of 59 m including the superstructure. There are 14 decks in all, including five in the superstructure. The ship has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers. The ship has been designed with a very high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability, ‘Vikrant’ has a top speed of around 28 knots and cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles. The ship can accommodate an assortment of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. Most of the ship construction activities have been completed and the ship has entered the trials phase. Readiness of ship’s Propulsion and Power Generation equipment/ systems was tested in harbour as part of Basin Trials in Nov 20. Progress of construction of the Carrier was reviewed by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri during his visit to the ship on 25 Jun 21. Though the commencement of Sea Trials was delayed due to the 2nd wave of COVID, with concentrated and dedicated efforts of large number of workmen, OEMs, engineers, overseers, inspectors, designers and the ship’s crew, who had put their heart and soul towards the ship’s readiness for sea trials. This is a major milestone activity and historical event. Reaching this milestone is significant as they have been achieved barring the current pandemic challenges and imponderables. During the maiden sailing, ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, PGD and auxiliary equipment would be closely watched. With the delivery of IAC, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the ‘Make in India’ thrust of the Indian Government. The Indigenous construction of Aircraft Carrier is a shining example in the Nation’s quest for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India Initiative’. This has led to growth in indignous design and construction capabilities besides development of large number of ancillary industries, with employment opportunities for 2000 CSL personnel and about 12000 employees in ancillary industries. Over 76% indigenous content towards procurement of equipment, besides work by CSL and their subcontractors is being directly invested back into the Indian economy. Around 550 Indian firms including about 100 MSMEs are registered with CSL, who are providing various services for construction of IAC. Indian Navy’s ship building programme is rightly poised to provide requisite ‘Economic Stimulus’, with 44 ships & submarines on order being built indigenously. News Source: PIB(Defence Wing)

Delhi: 28 JUL 2021: The Indian Air Force formally inducted Rafale aircraft into No. 101 Squadron at Air Force Station Hasimara in Eastern Air Command (EAC) on 28 Jul 21. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff presided over the induction ceremony. On arrival, CAS was received by Air Marshal Amit Dev AVSM VSM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command. The event also included a fly-past heralding the arrival of Rafale aircraft to Hasimara followed by a traditional water cannon salute. Addressing the personnel during the induction ceremony, CAS said that the induction of Rafale had been carefully planned at Hasimara; keeping in mind the importance of strengthening IAF’s capability in the Eastern Sector. Recalling the glorious history of 101 Squadron which bestowed upon them the title of ‘Falcons of Chamb and Akhnoor’, CAS urged the personnel to combine their zeal and commitment with the unmatched potential of the newly inducted platform. He said that he had no doubt that the Squadron would dominate whenever and wherever required and ensure that the adversary would always be intimidated by their sheer presence. 101 Squadron is the second IAF Squadron to be equipped with Rafale aircraft. The Squadron was formed on 01 May 1949 at Palam and has operated Harvard, Spitfire, Vampire, Su-7 and MiG-21M aircraft in the past. The glorious history of this Squadron includes active participation in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. ( News: PIB)

Taufkirchen, Germany, 26 July 2021: Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is supplying new radars to the German Armed Forces to modernise their airspace surveillance and build up Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capabilities. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has placed an order for the delivery and installation of four long-range radars as part of the “Hughes Air Defence Radar Nachfolgesystem” (HADR NF) programme. For this purpose, Hensoldt has entered into a cooperation in the field of BMD-capable long-range radars with ELTA Systems Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI). The HADR NF system operates in the S-band, which allows more precise target acquisition in space than other systems. Thanks to the cooperation with ELTA, the German customer can be supplied with a combination of a national partner for integration, certification and long-term support, as well as market-available systems that have been tried and tested in the field. Since the threat to Europe from long-range weapons has existed for years, there is agreement among the European countries that a protective shield consisting of their own and NATO systems must be established or expanded. (Pix Caption: Together with ELTA, HENSOLDT is delivering four long-range radars for the German airspace surveillance and Ballistic Missile Defence)

26 July 2021: Mumbai: On the occasion of the 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 Jul 2021, a solemn wreath laying ceremony was conducted at Shaheed Smarak at Colaba, Mumbai to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces and to pay tribute to the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs. During the ceremony, wreaths were laid by Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, FOC-in-C Western Naval Command, followed by Lieutenant General SK Prashar, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding Maharashtra Gujarat & Goa Area, Rear Admiral Atul Anand VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area and Group Captain Jitendra Dinkar Masurkar, VM officiating Air Officer Commanding, Headquarters Maritime Air Operations and other Senior officers from all three services. Kargil Vijay Diwas is commemorated on 26 July every year as a saga of gallantry and valour of a battle fought in the most inhospitable terrain in the World in the area of Kargil-Drass Sector of Ladakh. On this day the Indian Armed Force braving most difficult terrain, battling extreme weather conditions fought valiantly on the steep slopes of icy peaks with grit and valour thus defeating the evil designs of the enemy and throwing the intruders out from Indian Soil. The Kargil War – Operation Vijay was fought at an altitude of approximately 16,000 feet. The ceremony was attended by a limited number of serving personnel from all three services following all COVID-19 safety precautions and guidelines. ( In pix: Officers of the three services pay tribute to Kargil war heroes as the buglers play ‘Last Post’ to commemorate the Kargil Vijay Diwas)

June 30, 2021 Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) recently signed a contract, worth USD $50 million with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense to upgrade Kfir aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force. The deal includes replacing the aircraft’s basic avionics with the advanced 4+ generation fighter aircraft avionics in order to one day integrate advanced radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets. The upgrade process will also include transfer of knowledge and skills for refurbishment to Sri Lankan Air Force personnel. The upgrades will be completed in cooperation with Sri Lanka’s Air Force and in their local facilities. The Kfir, when first developed, was a game changer on the battlefield with its ability to carry heavy ammunition (thousands of tons) and reach enemy targets in a precise manner. The decision to upgrade the aircraft now, was based in part, on the successful completion of this process in the Columbian Air Force. In 2012 and 2018, the Columbian Air Force’s Kfir fleet participated in the United States Red Flag exercise, alongside the U.S. Air Force and other air forces. The Kfir displayed exceptional capabilities throughout the exercise, far better than the F15, F16 and other participating aircraft.

Kochi,25th June 2021 Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Kochi Naval Base during the review of construction of first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. Also present were Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and other officers and sailors of Indian Navy. (News source: Office of PRO Defence)

India, 22 June 2021 As a strategic outreach exercise with the defence forces of friendly foreign countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Indian Air Force will participate in operational engagements with the US Navy in an exercise to be carried out with Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) on 23 and 24 Jun 21. The CSG is currently deployed in the IOR. The Exercise in the AoR of Southern Air Command will see the IAF forces operate from bases under four operational commands and will include Jaguars & Su-30 MKI fighters, AWACS, AEW&C and Air to Air Refueller aircraft. The US CSG is expected to field F-18 fighters and E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft. The exercise will be carried out south of Thiruvananthapuram, on the western seaboard, over two days. IAF has extensive experience in maritime operations in the IOR. This has been consolidated over the years by conduct of exercises from the country’s island territories, including participation in International exercises. The multi spectral capability of the IAF in IOR also includes HADR missions and logistics support undertaken in support of friendly nations in the region. This engagement with the US CSG offers one more opportunity to undertake joint operations in the maritime domain with a friendly foreign power. The exercise with the US CSG will focus on multiple areas including enhancing aspects of interoperability, nuances of international integrated maritime SAR operations and exchange of best practices in the maritime airpower domain. (News: PIB Delhi)