Defence

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.

Israel, August 21, 2024: Meprolight Ltd., a member of the SK Group founded by Samy Katsav and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, as well as self-illuminated sights for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, proudly announces the opening of a new assembly line in India. The official launch event took place on July 10, 2024, in Mumbai, India, marking the cooperation agreement with RRP S4E INNOVATION PVT. LTD, a leading Indian Defense Innovator. The Technology Transfer Agreement (ToT) responds to the increasing global demand for Meprolight’s Electro-optical and Optical Sights and supports the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities through sharing of manufacturing knowledge with RRP S4E INNOVATION PVT. LTD. The assembly line will produce the MEPRO MOR, a versatile reflex sight for day, low-light, and night operations with integrated laser pointers; the MEPRO M5, a red dot sight with multiple brightness levels and NVG compatibility; and the MEPRO M21, a self-illuminated reflex sight utilizing fiber-optic and tritium technology, ensuring continuous operation without batteries; all, MIL-STD and battle proven products. Production of these leading sights will occur at RRP S4E INNOVATION PVT. LTD. in India, adhering to military and ISO 9001 standards. “This initiative not only meets the rising global demand for Meprolight sights but also underscores our dedication to delivering superior solutions worldwide,” said Golan Kalimi, VP Marketing at Meprolight. “We are committed to sharing our manufacturing expertise with our Indian partners at RRP S4E INNOVATION PVT. LTD., supporting the ‘Made in India’ initiative and fostering more job opportunities in the country.”

New Delhi, 23rd July 2024: In the Regular Union Budget of Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated Rs 6,21,940.85 crore (approx. US $75 Billion), the highest among the Ministries. While maintaining the allocation made to MoD during interim budget, the Government has made an additional allocation to the tune of Rs 400 crore on innovation in defence through the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme. Through this scheme, MoD is engaging with start-ups/MSMEs and innovators to develop Def-Tech solutions and supply the Indian military with innovative and indigenous technological solutions. A grant of upto 50% of Product Development Budget with enhanced limit (Max) of Rs 25 crore per applicant will be awarded as per extant iDEX guidelines. The allocation to MoD for FY 2024-25 is higher by approx. Rs one lakh crore (18.43%) over the allocation for FY 2022-23 and 4.79% more than allocation of FY 2023-24. Out of this, a share of 27.66% goes to capital; 14.82% for revenue expenditure on sustenance and operational preparedness; 30.66% for Pay and Allowances; 22.70% for Defence Pensions, and 4.17% for civil organisations under MoD. The total allocation comes out as approx. 12.90% of Budgetary Estimate of Union of India. The allocation is aimed to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence technology & manufacturing and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons/platforms along with creation of job opportunities for the youth. Modernisation of the forces at the centre In absolute terms, budgetary allocation under capital head to the Defence Forces for FY 2024-25 is Rs 1.72 lakh crore, which is 20.33% higher than the actual expenditure of FY 2022-23 and 9.40% more than the Revised Allocation of FY 2023-24. The allocation is aimed to fill the critical capability gaps through big ticket acquisitions in current and subsequent FYs. The enhanced budgetary allocation will fulfill the requirement of annual cash outgo on planned Capital acquisitions aimed at equipping the Armed forces with state-of-the-art niche technology, lethal weapons, fighter aircraft, ships, submarines, platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, specialist vehicles etc. Strengthening domestic capacity MoD has earmarked 75% of modernisation budget amounting to Rs 1,05,518.43 crore for procurement through domestic industries during this FY. This will have a multiplier effect on GDP, employment generation and capital formation, thus providing a stimulus to the economy. Enhanced allocation for sustenance & operational readiness The continued higher allocation for operational readiness boosts the morale of the Armed Forces with the sole motive of keeping them battle ready at all times. The Government has allocated Rs 92,088 crore during the current FY under this head, which is 48% higher than the budgetary allocation of FY 2022-23. This is aimed to provide best maintenance facilities and support system to all platforms including aircraft and ships. It will facilitate procurement of ammunition; mobility of resources & personnel as demanded by the security situation, and strengthen the deployment in forward areas for any unforeseen situation. Ensuring better healthcare facilities to veterans The Government is committed to provide best healthcare facilities to the veterans and their dependents through enhanced allocation to Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). In the regular budget for FY 2024-25, Rs 6,968 crore has been allotted to ECHS which is 28% higher than the previous year allocation. This follows the significantly higher allocation at revised estimate stage during the FY 2023-24 when the allocation to ECHS was enhanced by 70 % over BE. Bolstering Border Infrastructure for strategic requirements The Government is firm on its commitment to improve border infrastructure through higher allocation to the agencies involved in executing strategically-significant projects along with providing last-mile connectivity in the border areas. In this endeavor, the budgetary allocation to Border Roads Organisations (BRO) under capital for Budget Estimates (BE) 2024-25 has been made as Rs 6,500 crore, which is 30% higher than the allocation for FY 2023-24, and 160% higher over the allocation of FY 21-22. The financial provision made during the budget this year will promote strategic infrastructure development in border areas, while boosting socio-economic development in that region. Projects such as development of Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh at an altitude of 13,700 feet, permanent bridge connectivity to southernmost Panchayat of India in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 4.1 km strategically-important Shinku La tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and many other projects will be funded out of this allocation. Enhancing the capability of Indian Coast Guard The allocation to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for this FY 2024-25 is Rs 7,651.80 crore, which is 6.31% higher over the allocation of FY 2023-24. Out of this, Rs 3,500 crore is to be incurred only on capital expenditure, adding teeth to the arsenal of ICG for addressing the emerging maritime challenges and providing humanitarian assistance to other nations. The allocation will facilitate the acquisition of fast-moving patrolling vehicles/interceptors, advance electronic surveillance system and weapons. Self-reliance through research & innovation The budgetary allocation to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been increased to Rs 23,855 crore in FY 2024-25 from Rs 23,263.89 crore in FY 2023-24. Out of this allocation, a major share of Rs 13,208 crore is allocated for capital expenditure. This will financially strengthen the DRDO in developing new technology with special focus on fundamental research and hand-holding of the private parties through Development-cum-production partner. The allocation to Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme stands out to be Rs 60 crore which is specially designed for new start-ups, MSMEs and academia attracting the young bright minds interested in innovation and developing niche technology in collaboration with DRDO. The Government has increased the allocation on innovation in defence through iDEX from Rs 115 crore during FY 2023-24 to Rs 518 crore in the current fiscal year, which will boost start-ups/MSMEs/innovators in developing Def-Tech solutions and invite young ignited minds. Defence Pension Budget increased to Rs 1.41 lakh crore Total budgetary allocation on account of defence pensions is Rs 1,41,205 crore which is 2.17% higher than the allocation made during 2023-24. It will be incurred

Delhi, 24th July 2024: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System on July 24, 2024. The Target Missile was launched from LC-IV Dhamra at 1620 hrs mimicking adversary Ballistic Missile, which was detected by weapon system radars deployed on land and sea and activated the AD Interceptor system. The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile was launched from LC-III at ITR, Chandipurat 1624 hrs. The flight test fully met all the trial objectives validating complete network centric warfare weapon system consisting of Long Range Sensors, low latency communication system and MCC and Advance Interceptor missiles. The test has demonstrated Nation’s indigenous capability to defend against the Ballistic Missiles of 5000 km class. The performance of the missile was monitored from the flight data captured by Range tracking instruments like Electro-Optical Systems, Radar and Telemetry Stations deployed by ITR,Chandipur at various locations including on-board ship. The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is an indigenously developed Two Stage solid propelled ground launched missile system meant for neutralising many types of enemy ballistic missile threats in the altitude bracket of endo to low exo-atmospheric regions. A number of state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories have been incorporated in the missile system. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO for today’s successful flight test and stated that it has again demonstrated the Ballistic Missiles Defence capability. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated entire DRDO team for their untiring effort and contribution culminating into today’s successful flight test.

Bengaluru, 16th July 2024: Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth visited the facilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and BEML Limited in Bengaluru, Karnataka on July 15, 2024 to review the works being carried out by the two Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). During the two visits, he interacted with the officials of HAL & BEML Limited and lauded their efforts towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. The Raksha Rajya Mantri exhorted the officials of the DPSUs to evolve with changing times, emphasising on the need to stay abreast with latest technological advancements to develop niche products & platforms. He urged them to enhance cooperation with the private sector to achieve the Government’s overall objective of making India a global defence manufacturing hub. He extended the Government’s all possible support in this mission. Shri Sanjay Seth began his engagements with the visit to HAL, where he was briefed on the products, repair and overhaul, aircraft upgrade, avionics developments, exports, engine production, manned & unmanned aerial vehicles, indigenisation measures and support to ISRO. He also visited the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas & Helicopter Divisions. Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) Shri CB Ananthakrishnan thanked the Raksha Rajya Mantri for the support given by the Government and said that HAL has taken proactive measures to overcome challenges in different areas of its operations. During his visit to BEML Limited, Shri Sanjay Seth flagged-off a new driverless MRS-1 Metro trainset, marking another milestone in the achievements of the DPSU. This trainset is the 55th to be supplied to the Mumbai Metro Rail Metropolitan Authority. BEML is the first Indian rolling stock manufacturer to design, develop, manufacture, and supply driverless trains. The Raksha Rajya Mantri commended the BEML’s contribution to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The driverless metro trainset symbolises the nation’s growing capabilities in manufacturing advanced transportation solutions, he said. Chairman and Managing Director, BEML Shri Shantanu Roy expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Defence’s continued support and reiterated the DPSU’s commitment to deliver quality products.

New Delhi, 10th July 2024: The Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane said that the Ministry of Defence is committed to undertake further reforms in Defence Production and to handhold the eco system by implementing the Industry 4.0/QA 4.0 to bolster the Manufacturing. He was delivering keynote address at a National Level Seminar on Quality Reforms held virtually by Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) in association with Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) on 9 July, 2024. He underlined the importance of achieving the stipulated goals laying emphasis on the need for achieving Atmanirbharata in defence manufacturing and the key role of all stakeholders, especially domestic Defence Industry in realizing this vision. Representatives from more than 250 Defence Industries, members of SIDM, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHD CCI, Service Headquarter, CMDs of DPSUs, Govt QA agencies, Start-ups and MoD officials took part in the Seminar. Addressing the participants, Lt Gen R S Reen, DG, DGQA, highlighted various Quality Initiatives and reforms undertaken by DGQA, to facilitate Ease of Doing Business and promote Atmanirbharata. Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President SIDM, shared Industry perspective on ongoing reforms and need for a collaborative approach. Eminent Speakers from the Indigenous Defence Manufacturing Sector viz., Arun Ramachandani, L&T Precision Engineering, N Raveeswaran, CEO, A&D Strategic Business, Mahindra Defence, Neeraj Gupta, MD, MKU Ltd and Vrinda Kapoor, CEO 3rd iTech,Dr. R Shivaraman, Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt Ltd put forth the industry perspective on Quality Assurance and provided suggestions to facilitate and improve Indigenous manufacturing in the Defence Sector. The Seminar culminated with a decision to have such interactions more regularly, among Indigenous Defence Manufacturers, Government QA Agencies and other stakeholders, to facilitate Ease of Doing Business, in the Defence Sector.

Taufkirchen, 4 July 2024: Sensor specialist HENSOLDT is providing massive support for the German ‘European Sky Shield Initiative’ ESSI: As part of an order from Diehl Defence worth more than 100 million euros, HENSOLDT is supplying its high-performance TRML-4D radars, including a maintenance and training package, to Latvia and Slovenia. The radars will be deployed in the two ESSI countries as part of the IRIS-T SLM air defence system. This means that HENSOLDT currently has more than 80 air defence radars of various ranges under contract as part of the ESSI initiative alone. HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre said: “The pent-up demand in European air defence is enormous. We have already made so much progress with the expansion of our production capacity that we can already supply all customers in record time.” The TRML-4D has delivered exceptionally good detection performance in Ukraine and prevailed against strong competition during live tests in Latvia. It is based on the latest AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar technology and ensures the rapid detection and tracking of around 1,500 targets within a radius of up to 250 kilometres. It is capable of quickly and reliably detecting and tracking all types of air targets – cruise missiles, rockets, drones and aircraft – and classifying them for engagement. HENSOLDT has decades of experience with radar systems for air defence and is actively driving the further development of key technologies in this field. In addition to the TRML-4D high-performance radar, the company’s portfolio includes the SPEXER short-range radar, the Twinvis passive radar and radars for securing ship and air traffic. Both the TRML-4D and the SPEXER are part of the German Armed Forces’ NNbS air defence system for close and short-range protection, which was commissioned in January. HENSOLDT also supplies radars for the German Navy’s new frigates and corvettes, for airspace surveillance and for approach control at military airfields.

New Delhi, 18th June 2024: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in the Exercise Red Flag 2024 conducted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska of the United States Air Force, from 04 Jun to 14 Jun 24. This was the second edition of Ex Red Flag 2024, which is an advanced aerial combat training exercise, held four times in a year by the US Air Force. The exercise witnessed participation of the Indian Air Force along with Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom, Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force (USAF). The IAF contingent participated with the Rafale aircraft and personnel comprising of aircrew, technicians, engineers, controllers and subject matter experts. The transatlantic ferry of Rafale fighter aircraft was enabled by the IL-78 Air to Air Refuellers (AAR), while the transportation of personnel and equipment was undertaken by the C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The contingent landed at Eielson, USAF base in Alaska on 29 May 24. Red Flag is an air combat exercise conducted with multiple scenarios designed to provide realistic combat settings. A demarcation of forces is done for simulating the desired environment, with the Red Force simulating Air Defence elements, and the Blue Force simulating the Offensive Composite elements. During this Exercise (Ex), the Red Force was mainly constituted by the USAF Aggressor Sqn flying the F-16 and the F-15 aircraft. This was the first time the IAF Rafale aircraft participated in Ex Red Flag, wherein, they operated alongside the RSAF and USAF F-16 and F-15s, and the USAF A-10 aircraft. The missions included Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat exercises as a part of Large Force Engagements (LFE), in Offensive Counter Air and Air Defence roles. The IAF crew were actively involved in mission planning and also assumed the role of Mission Leaders for designated missions during the exercise. In spite of the challenging weather and almost sub-zero temperatures, the IAF maintenance crew worked diligently to ensure serviceability of all the aircraft throughout the duration of the exercise and all assigned missions could be undertaken with more than 100 sorties being flown during the exercise. Key takeaways from the exercise included insight on interoperability with international partners and a collaborative understanding of employment philosophy in a multinational environment. Experience of ferrying long distances, while undertaking Air to Air refuelling enroute, was both an enriching and thrilling takeaway, especially for the younger crew. Undertaking their return journey, the contingent is planned to split enroute along with their mutual support elements and participate in exercise with Air Force elements of Greece and Egypt, before landing back in India on 24 Jun 24. Enriched with the Red Flag exercise experience, the IAF keenly looks forward to hosting the participating contingents from other countries during Ex-Tarang Shakti-2024, which is the first ever Indian multinational air exercise to be held later this year.