Defence

New Delhi, 12th Nov 2024: ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’, a three day Exercise to war-game the growing threats from and to Space Based Assets and Services, is being conducted by the Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff from 11 – 13 Nov 24. Exercise Antariksha Abhyas is a first of its kind exercise being conducted and is expected to help secure national strategic objectives in space and integrate India’s space capability in military operations. In his opening address, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said, “Space, once considered the final frontier is now the critical enabler of India’s defence and security apparatus. With its rich legacy of space exploration and growing military capabilities, India is well positioned to navigate the challenges posed to space based capabilities”. Highlighting that space was becoming increasingly congested, contested, competitive and commercial, the CDS impressed upon the military leadership to secure our national interests in space by fostering innovation and developing cutting edge technologies and state of the art systems in collaboration with DRDO, ISRO and Academia. The Space Exercise aims to provide enhanced understanding of space based assets and services and to gain understanding of operational dependency on space segment between stakeholders. In addition, it intends to identify vulnerabilities in conduct of operations in the event of denial or disruptions of space based services. It will have participants from the Defence Space Agency and its allied units along with personnel from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. Specialist branches under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff viz Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency and Strategic Forces Command would also be active participants in conduct of the exercise. Representatives from Indian Space Research Organisation and the Defence Research & Development Organisation will also take part in it.

Moscow, 7th Nov 2024: JSC ROSOBORONEXPORT (part of Rostec State Corporation) is organizing a large-scale demonstration of the most advanced samples of the Russian aviation, helicopter assets and air defence means at the China Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition Airshow China 2024. The airshow will be held in the period from November 12 to November 17 on the territory of the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition Center in the city of Zhuhai, China. “Airshow China is one of the biggest events for civil and military aircraft manufacturers worldwide. It was held for the first time in 1996 and Russia took part in all the airshows. For ROSOBORONEXPORT Airshow China is a hallmark event. The Russian special exporter, established on November 4, 2000, began its exhibition activities in Zhuhai exactly,”- said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT. – “The Russian exposition at Airshow China in 2024 organized by ROSOBORONEXPORT features a wide range of weapons and military equipment on display. For the first time the 5th generation fighter Su-57E will take part in the flying program abroad, state-of-the-art guided missiles and aerial bombs will be presented, as well as advanced weaponry of the Ka-52E helicopter, the best reconnaissance and strike helicopter in its class.” More than 20 of the country’s defence enterprises specializing in the development and production of military aircraft, helicopters, air-launched ordnance, air defence and antiballistic missile defence systems and assets, electronic warfare suites, engines and avionics representing the joint Russian exposition will unveil their products. In the combat aviation segment airshow visitors will see on display the advanced multi-functional fighter Su-57E which will take part in the flying program of the exhibition. The airshow will include the maiden demonstration flights abroad by the 5th generation fighter Su-57E developed and made by PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (part of Rostec State Corporation). Besides, the Russian Knights Group (“RusskieVityazi”), always welcomed very warmly by Chinese spectators, will perform aerobatic maneuvers on the Su-35 type fighters. The Su-57E will also be on display on the static parking lot along with the state-of-the art air-launched ordnance developed and produced by the JSC Tactical Missiles Corporation. These may be included as part of the aircraft armament suites of the 4++ and 5 generation fighters, both Russian and foreign-made. Among the novelties there are a multi-functional stealth missile of a new generation Kh-69 and an anti-radar missile Kh-59UShKE demonstrated abroad for the first time, guided missile “GROM-E1” aerial bombs: smart bomb K08BE and guided glide bomb UPAB-1500B-E. ROSOBORONEXPORT will show in its booth the Ka-52E combat reconnaissance and strike helicopter. The company will demonstrate the possibility of integrating into its weapons suite a tactical anti-ship missile Kh-35UE designed to defeat combat ships and transport vessels, as well as an aerial modular guided missile Kh-38MLE intended to destroy infrastructure facilities, hardened ground targets and water surface targets in the coastal zone exhibited out of Russia for the first time. In the air defence segment ROSOBORONEXPORT will present the S-350E AD missile system “Vityaz” made by the JSC Concern VKO “Almaz-Antey” which under realistic combat conditions showed a high capability of destroying a wide range of air targets, including when operating in the fully automatic mode. At the Airshow China 2024 ROSOBORONEXPORT will continue the promotion of a unique project related to forming units of airborne troops within the structure of the armed forces of foreign partners. Within the framework of this proposal the company will present a refuelling aircraft Il-78MK-90A capable of being converted into a military transport plane, an airborne fighting vehicle BMD-4M and a 125 mm self-propelled modernized anti-tank gun 2S25. The military hardware of the airborne troops may be air-dropped with a parachute on a pre-selected site. ROSOBORONEXPORT is prepared to render assistance in the organization and staffing of airborne units, in building the necessary ground infrastructure, in outfitting with all types of weapons and equipment, in the training of personnel. Within the framework of the Airshow China 2024 business program ROSOBORONEXPORT will hold meetings and negotiations with the representatives of China’s People’s Liberation Army and delegations of countries friendly to Russia on the issues of cooperation and strengthening of the military and technical potential.

Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil,Nov 05, 2024 : Saab’s fighter jet is a highlight at CRUZEX 2024, the largest multinational operational training exercise in Latin America, organised by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).Over two thousand military personnel from Brazil and 15 other nations from across Latin America, Africa, Europe and the United States are gathered for one of the largest operational air exercises in the Southern Hemisphere, CRUZEX 2024.Held from 3 to 15 November at the Natal Air Base in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the exercise features over 100 combat aircraft. The main highlight of this edition is the debut of the F-39E Gripen in high-complexity scenarios. “It is a true honour to see Gripen E’s debut at CRUZEX. We have eagerly awaited this moment marking Gripen E’s first participation in a multinational military exercise. We are delighted that this impressive inaugural event is hosted by our valued customer and partner, the Brazilian Air Force,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab. As the most advanced fighter in service in Latin America, F-39E Gripen will execute a broad range of tasks in Composite Air Operations (COMAO), where a large number of aircraft with different objectives operate simultaneously against an enemy to saturate its defences, enhancing mission efficiency. “At CRUZEX, we are acting both as enemy and friendly forces, the latter being our primary role. In this context, we will conduct Offensive Counterair operations (OCA), in which F-39E Gripen will protect friendly forces while they carry out actions within enemy territory, as well as air operations, and Defensive Counterair operations (DCA) aimed at defending against enemy attacks,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Ramon Lincoln Santos Fórneas, commander of the 1st Air Defence Group (1º GDA), the pioneering unit to operate the Gripen in the Brazilian Air Force. In operation since December 2022, F-39E Gripen incorporates cutting-edge technologies, some of which are unprecedented in the Brazilian Air Force, such as the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and the Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) passive targeting sensor. These sensors, along with its manoeuvrability, performance, communication, navigation, and electronic warfare systems, position F-39E Gripen as a strategic capability for maintaining the sovereignty of Brazilian airspace.

New Delhi, 28th Oct. 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C-295 aircraft at TATA advanced systems limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28, 2024. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that it is the Prime Minister of Spain Mr Pedro Sanchez’s first visit to India and the partnership between the two countries is finding a new direction today. Noting the inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft, the Prime Minister said that it would not only strengthen the relations between the two nations, but also give momentum to the mission of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. Modi conveyed his best wishes to the entire team of Airbus and TATA on the occasion. The Prime Minister also paid his tributes to Late Ratan Tata ji. The Prime Minister underlined that the factory of C-295 aircraft is a reflection of the new work culture of New India and said that India’s speed from idea to the execution of any project in the country can be witnessed here. Recalling the foundation stone laying of the factory in October 2022, the Prime Minister said that the facility is now ready for production of C-295 aircraft. Emphasizing the focus on eliminating unaccounted delays in the planning and execution of projects, the Prime Minister recalled the setting up of Bombardier Train Coach manufacturing facility in Vadodara as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and said that factory was ready in record time for production. “Metro Coaches made in this factory are being exported to other nations today”, he added. Shri Modi expressed confidence that the aircraft made in today’s inaugurated facility would also be exported. Quoting the famous Spanish poet Antonio Machado, the Prime Minister remarked that as we start treading towards the goal, the path towards the goal is created automatically. Noting that India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem was scaling new peaks today, Shri Modi said that if concrete steps were not taken 10 years ago then it would have been impossible to reach this destination today. He added that a decade ago, the priority and identity of defence manufacturing were about import and none could imagine that defence manufacturing could take place on such a large scale in India. The Prime Minister remarked that the Government decided to walk on a new path, set new goals for India, whose results are evident today. The Prime Minister said that India’s transformation of the defence sector exemplifies how a right plan and partnership can turn possibilities into prosperity. He underlined that strategic decisions have spurred the growth of a vibrant defence industry in India over the last decade. “We expanded private sector participation in defence manufacturing, made public sector units more efficient, restructured ordnance factories into seven major companies, and empowered DRDO and HAL”, said Shri Modi. He said establishing defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu infused new energy into the sector. Touching upon Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme, the Prime Minister said that it has driven the growth of around 1,000 defence start-ups in the past five to six years. He informed that India’s defence exports have increased 30 times over the past decade, with the country now exporting equipment to over 100 countries. The Prime Minister underlined that he was looking at today’s program beyond the manufacturing of transport aircraft. Highlighting the unprecedented growth and transformation of India’s aviation sector in the last decade, Shri Modi remarked that India was providing air connectivity to hundreds of small cities in the country, while simultaneously working to make India a hub of aviation and MRO domain. He added that this ecosystem will also pave the way for Made in India civil aircraft in the future. Noting that various Indian airlines have ordered 1,200 new aircraft, Modi said that this only meant the newly inaugurated factory will play a major role from designing to manufacturing civil aircraft to meet the needs of India and the world in the future. Noting that Vadodara City was a stronghold of MSMEs, Modi remarked that the city will act as a catalyst in these efforts of India. He added that the city also had a Gatishakti University, which was preparing professionals for different sectors of India. The Prime Minister also noted that there were many companies related to many sectors like the pharma sector, Engineering and Heavy Machinery, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Power and Energy Equipment in Vadodara. He added that now this entire region was also going to be a major hub of aviation manufacturing in India. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that today’s event will inspire many new joint collaboration projects between India and Spain. He extended an invitation to the Spanish industry and innovators and encouraged them to come to India and become partners in the country’s development journey. Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishakar were among those present on the occasion. Earlier, in a post on X, Raksha Mantri termed the inauguration as a special day for the Indian aerospace industry. “The C-295 project is a huge accomplishment for the Indian private industry as it is the first project of its kind in which a complete military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company. The project will give a big boost to India’s growing aerospace ecosystem,” he wrote. Background In September 2021, Ministry of Defence had signed a Rs 21,935-crore contract with Airbus Defence and Space SA, Spain for supply of 56 aircraft – 16 to be brought in fly away condition from Spain and 40 to be built in India by TASL. Delivery Of the 16 aircraft, six have already been inducted into IAF at 11 Sqn based at Vadodara. The last would be delivered by August 2025. The first Made-in-India C-295 is expected to be rolled out of the Final Assembly Line

Prague,25th October, 2024: The Czech Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed a contract for the acquisition of two Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft. These two NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) standard aircraft will modernize and enhance the operational capabilities of the Czech Air Force. They will be able to perform a wide range of missions, such as tactical transport of troops, vehicles, and equipment, medical evacuation, firefighting, disaster management, humanitarian support, and air-to-air refueling. This contract not only strengthens the Czech Air Force but also positively impacts the local aerospace industry, which will see a significant increase in its share of production for the program. “Past and present history clearly shows us that the military needs to be able to transport people and heavier cargo over longer distances. Evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan are clear evidence of this. I am therefore very pleased that we have managed to acquire aircraft for our Air Force that are capable of performing these tasks,” said Defence Minister Jana Černochová. “This order from the Czech Republic, a NATO member, is an invaluable mark of confidence for Embraer. It encourages us to implement the best technology to provide our customers with the operational capabilities needed to accomplish the most demanding missions. With this order, Embraer will reinforce its ties with the local Czech aerospace industry, recognized for its expertise and product quality for decades,” said Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. In addition to the aircraft, Embraer will provide a comprehensive training and support package for the Czech Air Force to ensure the smooth integration of the aircraft into their fleet. With a maximum payload of 26 tons, a top speed of 470 knots, and state-of-the-art technology, the C-390 is the leading aircraft in its class. Its powerful engines, large cargo hold with a rear ramp, and robust landing gear allow it to handle the most demanding missions, including operations from unpaved runways. The current fleet of C-390 aircraft in service around the world has accumulated more than 15,000 flight hours, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%, demonstrating exceptional reliability in its category. Along with Czech Republic, the C-390 has been selected by the Netherlands, Hungary and Portugal, three NATO members, as well as Austria, Brazil, and South Korea.

October 08, 2024 : Steadicopter, a leading innovator in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, announces the unveiling of the Golden Eagle HS (Heavy Strike) Rotary Unmanned Aerial System for heavy strike capabilities in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. This collaboration expands the Golden Eagle family capabilities, adding a new attack capability dimension, expanding the system’s operational versatility and reinforcing its proven performance. The Golden Eagle HS integrates Rafael’s powerful Spike missiles for precision heavy strike missions in tactical operations and close air support missions including border protection, perimeter security, urban warfare,in open area battlefields, ensuring battle space dominance and maintaining significant deterrence. The Golden Eagle HS provides rapid and pinpoint accuracy strike capabilities at stand-off range against evolving high-value threat seven in dynamic and congested environments. By leveraging maneuverability and mission efficiency, ground forces can operate from safe, stand-off positions day and night, against both stationary and moving targets. When mounted on a tactical RUAV, the powerful spike missile allows for more versatile, longer range, ground attack angles, maximizing firepower output while reducing the risk to infantry, marine corps, special forces, and other tactical ground units. Equipped with advanced Spike missiles, known for their precision guidance and/or fire-and-forget capabilities and high-explosive warheads, the Golden Eagle HS offers enhanced lethality in a small, low signatures platform while covering vast operational areas of interest, expanding the power, versatility and strategic utilization of assault units. The Golden Eagle HS platforms can be operated in tandem formations,with each RUAV carrying its own missile, ensuring mission continuity even if some units are compromised. This approach enhances operational effectiveness by distributing targets and maintaining strike capability against multiple objectives. With a total takeoff weight of 50 kilograms the Golden Eagle HS can be equipped with Rafael Spike missiles, SR missile for a range of 2.5 kilometers and the LR2 for a range of 5.5 kilometers, enabling real-time mission versatility and immediate sensor-to-shooter capability at significantly large operational radiuses. The system’s advanced sensor suite, featuring a high-definition day/night EO/IR payload and target tracker, optionally integrated with SightX’s AI advanced technology, ensures seamless target acquisition, tracking, and classification, even in adverse weather conditions and complex terrain.Thus, the system enables an individualized ID per object, ensuring continuous tracking with temporary obstructions or loss of sight within the field of view, and autonomously distinguishing between various targets, whether moving or stationary, human or vehicle-based. This real-time situational awareness empowers ground forces with actionable intelligence, enabling informed decision-making and rapid response capabilities. “It is a privilege to lead Steadicopter’s exceptional team in the achievement of another significant milestone. The introduction of the Golden Eagle HS, in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. -a global leader in missile technology -represents a modern, tactical solution that meets today’s critical operational demands with unmatched precision and standoff strike capability, without causing collateral damage, while keeping the troops out of harm’s way. This partnership blends Steadicopter’s cutting-edge RUAV technologies with Rafael’s decades of defense expertise, resulting in a solution that is greater than the sum of its parts,” said Itai Toren, CEO of Steadicopter. “We are pleased to collaborate with Steadicopter in advancing the future of combat, where modern warfare demands innovative and advanced solutions,” A senior Rafael official noted:”This collaboration provides a cutting-edge, standoff war fighting RUAV that may very much reshape modern battlefield and will enable existing and new Spike missile users to utilize them in a new tactical, versatile, and lethal way.

Bangalore,12th September, 2024: A high-level delegation from Embraer is concluding a visit to India this week as it evaluates the expansion of its supply chain into the country. Embraer foresees potential suppliers across its defense, commercial aviation and executive jets businesses for areas such as aerostructures, machining, sheet metal, composites, forgings, wire harness, and hardware and software development, recognizing that aerospace engineering capabilities are clearly present and available in the country. The visit comes amidst burgeoning relations between Brazil and India. “India has a robust aviation and defense industry, and we see strong viability for manufacturers and systems developers in India to be key suppliers to Embraer,” said Roberto Chaves, Executive Vice-President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain at Embraer. “We are driven by a common vision, which is to drive the aviation capabilities of Brazil and India to greater heights, and to deliver value to our customers around the world.” India is a strategic market for Embraer in all its business segments. The Embraer footprint in the country surpasses 44 aircraft, including customers in Commercial Aviation, Executive Jets and Defense & Security. In particular, the Indian Government and Indian Air Force operate a fleet of 5 Embraer VIP jets and 3 EMB 145 AEW “Netra” military aircraft, respectively. One of Embraer’s key future opportunities in India is the Indian Air Force MTA (Medium Transport Aircraft) program, in which Embraer is well-positioned to offer the best in class, modern C-390 Millennium transport aircraft in partnership with the very reputed Indian company Mahindra. The two companies announced their partnership back in February 2024. Embraer sees India as a key partner in the region and expects, together with Mahindra, to implement an extensive local supply chain program. This initiative may include an assembly line for the C-390 in India, when selected for this program. Tied with a local long-term support program offer, Embraer and Mahindra aim to fulfill the expectations of the “Make in India” initiative of the Indian Government.

New Delhi, 9th September 2024: In a landmark event for India’s Defence forces, the Vice Chiefs of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force made history today by flying in the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal AP Singh flew the lead fighter and Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as well as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan flew in the Tejas twin seater. Their joint participation in the exercise demonstrates the growing focus on cross-domain cooperation, with land, sea, and air forces working together to face modern challenges. This unprecedented joint flight, marking the first time when the three services Vice Chiefs have flown in one occasion is a powerful testament to India’s advancing integrated defence capabilities, commitment to self-reliance and showcases not only their leadership but also the seamless integration of India’s armed forces. The flight took place over the skies of Jodhpur wherein Indian Air force has organized the exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, India’s first multi-national exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination amongst participating Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). With an array of participants, the IAF led exercise aims to foster closer ties that strengthen cooperation with a myriad of capacities. Inclusion of Tejas in this mission underscores the critical role indigenous platforms are playing in modernising India’s defence infrastructure. The flight of the Tejas, a symbol of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing prowess, represents a significant moment for the nation’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.Designed by Aeronautical Design Agency (ADA), developed and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas is a state-of-the-art multi-role fighter, designed to meet the needs of India’s armed forces while reducing reliance on foreign imports. This opportunity was also utilised by three Vice Chiefs for interacting with the participating forces both from India and FFCs.

Washington DC,23rd August 2024: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Pentagon, Washington DC on August 23, 2024. They held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral defence cooperation, industrial collaboration, regional security and other international issues. Rajnath Singh highlighted the various co-development and co-production opportunities in India in the areas identified in the India-US Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, which was adopted last year. Both Ministers expressed happiness on the conclusion of the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) between India and US. The SOSA signed yesterday in Washington DC encourages the defence industrial ecosystems of both countries to work together, and enhances the supply chain resilience. They also welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between India and US regarding the Deployment of Liaison Officers. India shall be accordingly deploying the first Liaison Officer to the Headquarters Special Operations Command in Florida, US. Both Ministers appreciated the progress made in operationalising the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness, a Quad initiative and lauded the ongoing efforts by India to enhance the Maritime Domain Awareness for the partners in the Indian Ocean Region. They welcomed the ongoing Indian participation in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and noted that India shall deploy Indian Navy personnel in CMF’s Combined Task Force 150 headquarters in 2025. Raksha Mantri and Secretary Austin commended the efforts of the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) for establishing the Defence Innovation bridge between the two countries. They appreciated INDUS-X establishing robust networks across start-ups, industry, academia, and governments, accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and enhancing war-fighting capabilities of both sides. The upcoming INDUS X Silicon Valley Summit in September 2024 shall witness announcements of several key initiatives. The meeting at Pentagon was preceded by a solemn wreath laying ceremony by Rajnath Singh at the Arlington National Cemetery. The Raksha Mantri and US Secretary of Defense looked forward to meeting again at the next India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

Ulm/Germany, 21st August 2024: The sensor solution provider HENSOLDT has received a further order from Thales for the delivery of TRS-4D naval radars for the German Navy’s F126 frigates. This brings the total order value to more than 200 million euros. The initial order placed in 2022 comprised the delivery of TRS-4D naval radars for four Niedersachsen-class frigates (F126) and a radar segment for the test centre. Due to the expansion, two further F126 frigates will be equipped. The TRS-4D naval radar from HENSOLDT will be installed in its non-rotating version with four fixed antenna arrays. The integration of the radar on the ships and shore installations will be carried out by Thales in order to deliver an operational and combat system that meets German requirements. The previous delivery period will be extended as a result of the contract extension. ‘Our TRS-4D and its high-end components will be deployed on six German Navy ships in the future and offer the customer a high degree of commonality,’ said Markus Rothmaier, Head of Naval & Ground Radars at HENSOLDT. ‘We are already working on the radars for the four frigates on a daily basis and are delighted that the option for two more has been taken up.’ Launched in 2020, the F126 programme is the German Navy’s latest frigate programme. Following the contract extension, the F126 class will consist of six ships. The programme also includes several land-based test and training sites. Radars from the TRS-4D product family are already in service in various versions on board German Navy vessels, including the F125 frigate and the K130 corvette. The product family also includes the ground-based air defence radar, TRML-4D, which is providing exceptionally good detection performance in Ukraine. The family concept enables continuous product improvements and offers advantages in terms of spare parts supply and training.