Defence

05 October 2021; Visakhapatnam As part of Birth Centenary celebrations of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, His Excellency Mr Muhammad Imran, High Commissioner of Bangladesh honoured 10 Indian Naval War Veterans from across the country acknowledging their contribution in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 at a function hosted onboard BNS Somudra Avijan at Visakhapatnam on 05 Oct 21. Rear Adm Tarun Sobti, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet was the Chief Guest for the event which was attended by Rear Adm Jyotin Raina, NM, VSM CSO (Ops) and other senior officers of the ENC.

24 SEP 2021, NEW DELHI: Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, on September 24, 2021. The MoD has also signed an Offset Contract with M/s Airbus Defence and Space through which M/s Airbus will discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and services from Indian Offset Partners. These contracts were signed following the approval accorded by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month. The induction of C-295MW will be a significant step towards modernisation of the transport fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of IAF. The aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared strips and has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops & cargo. The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF, especially in the Northern and North-Eastern sector and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The project will provide a major boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ of the Government that offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry. Out of 56, forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. All the deliveries will be completed within ten years of signing of the contract. All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. After completion of the delivery, the subsequent aircraft manufactured in India can be exported to countries which are cleared by the Government of India. The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft. The program will also involve development of specialised infrastructure in the form of hangars, buildings, aprons and taxiway. This programme is a unique initiative of the Government to strengthen the indigenous capabilities and boost ‘Make in India’.

21 SEP 2021.NEW DELHI Government has decided to appoint Air Marshal V R Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, presently Vice Chief of Air Staff, as the next Chief of the Air Staff after the retirement of Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC on 30th September, 2021. Air Marshal V R Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, was commissioned into the Fighter stream of Indian Air Force on 29th December 1982 and has held various Command, Staff and Instructional Appointments at various levels including the present one as Vice Chief of Air Staff. This Air Officer is decorated with PVSM, AVSM, VM. ( PIB)

New Delhi: 8th September 2021: Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of fifty six C-295MW transport aircraft from M/s Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain for the Indian Air Force. C-295MW aircraft is a transport aircraft of 5-10 Tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of IAF. The aircraft has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo. Sixteen aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain within 48 months of signing of the contract and forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium within ten years of signing of the contract. This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company. All fifty six aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft. The programme will provide major boost to the `Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ of the Government as it offers a unique opportunity for the Indian Private Sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation Industry. The project will augment domestic aviation manufacturing resulting in reduced import dependence and expected increase in exports. A large number of detail parts, sub-assemblies and major component assemblies of aero structure are scheduled to be manufactured in India. The programme will act as a catalyst in employment generation in the aerospace ecosystem of the country and is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3000 indirect jobs and an additional 3000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than 42.5 lakh man hours of work within the aerospace and defence sector of India. It will involve development of specialized infrastructure in form of hangars, buildings, aprons and taxiway. During the process of manufacturing in India, it is expected that all the suppliers of TATA Consortium who will be involved in special processes will gain and maintain globally recognized National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP) accreditation. Before completion of deliveries, ‘D’ Level servicing facility (MRO) for C-295MW aircraft are scheduled to be setup in India. It is expected that this facility will act as a regional MRO hub for various variants of C-295 aircraft. In addition, the OEM will also discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and Services from Indian Offset Partners giving further boost to economy. This programme is a unique initiative of Government of India to strengthen indigenous capabilities and boost ‘Make in India’.

This contract will mark HENSOLDT entry in Ballistic Missile Defence capabilities Taufkirchen, Germany, 24 August 2021: Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT, together with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is supplying new radars to the German Navy to modernise the sensor technology of the F124 air defence frigates. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and Operation (BAAINBw) has placed an order worth approximately 200 million euros for the delivery and installation of four sensor systems consisting of radar and IFF system respectively. With this order the F124 frigate’s radars will be refurbished to overcome obsolescence of electronics components. The order also marks the start of the development of national capabilities in the field of Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD). It includes a shore facility that is a fully functional copy of the ship’s radars. It not only enables training for users and service technicians, but also allows further developments to be tested on land prior to onboard installation. To this end, HENSOLDT has entered into a strategic cooperation in the field of BMD-capable wide-range radars in S-band with IAI subsidiary ELTA Systems Ltd. This supplies the German customer with a combination of a national partner for certification and long-term support, as well as market-available systems that have been tried and tested in the field. Previously, the contract for the modernisation of land-based air surveillance in the HADR NF programme, also based on a cooperation with IAI’s ELTA, was awarded to HENSOLDT. The radars used in both projects are largely identical in construction and thus also offer the customer advantages in terms of logistical supply and thus the long-term operation of the systems. In this way, further developments can also be used cross-sectionally and thus be introduced more cost-effectively.

Moscow / August 24, 2021 Russian Helicopters Holding Company (a part of Rostec State Corporation) at the international military and technical forum “Army-2021” has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to supply the first modernised attack helicopters Ka-52M. The first rotorcrft is to be delivered already in 2022. Scheduled deliveries for the modernized helicopters to begin after state joint tests have been completed, which starts in August. “The Ka-52 is one of the best attack helicopters in the world, but even the best aircraft needs timely modernization, which will expand its combat capabilities,” said Andrey Boginsky, Director General of Russian Helicopters Holding Company. ¬– With updated version development, our designers drew on the experience of Alligator’s operation, including in real combat situations. Therefore, everything in the modernized attack helicopter is aimed at improving combat effectiveness in all weather conditions. Under an agreement with the Russian Ministry of Defense, preparations for serial production have already begun at the AAC ”Progress” facility in the Primorye”. Ka-52M has received a modernized avionics complex, equipped with more powerful computers for better performance. With its support, the weapon’s application capabilities have been expanded, including in night conditions. The target range of detection and recognition at night has been doubled. The helicopter has installed and tested advanced missile weapons. The Ka-52M is adapted to work in conjunction with UAVs. The data obtained from the drones will help the crew to increase situational awareness on the battlefield and help significantly improve intelligence gathering at a greater distance. To increase the helicopter’s efficiency, intensive work is underway to install a radar station with an active phased antenna array (APAR). The combat radius has been increased. The helicopter is also equipped with an upgraded BLC (On-Board Load Control System).

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)