Pakistan Launches New Military Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
The Pakistani government approved a new counterterrorism operation named "Azm-e-Istehkam," meaning Resolve for Stability, to address the challenges of militancy and extremism in the country.
The operation came at a time when intelligence-based counterterror operations are already underway, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and areas along the Afghanistan border, as well as in Balochistan.
Adani Defence, Thales Tie Up To Make Rockets in India
Adani Group's defence arm, Adani Defence & Aerospace, signed an agreement with the Thales Group, a French multinational company that designs, develops and manufactures electrical systems as well as devices and equipment for the aerospace, defence, transportation and security sectors, to manufacture rockets in India, in a major push for government's flagship "Make in India" programme.
"Not only is this partnership significant for our commitment to India, but it also allows us to strengthen our partner network worldwide" said Thales Group.
Earlier this month, Adani Defence and Aerospace signed a landmark agreement with EDGE Group - one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups in the UAE.
Jun 26, 2024
Defence Ministry signs 350th Contract under iDEX for Miniaturised Satellite
The 350th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence was signed with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for the design and development of a 'miniaturised satellite capable of carrying electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kg.
The contract was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO, Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Anurag Bajpai and Founder and CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt. Ltd. SpacePixxel has been actively working to build and launch high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide detailed earth observation data.
INS Shivalik Reaches Singapore for RIMPAC Exercise
Indian warship, INS Shivalik, is taking part in the biennial Rim of the Pacific or RIMPAC exercise.
With the theme, 'Partners: Integrated and Prepared', RIMPAC 2024 is taking place in and around the Hawaiian Islands from June 26 to August 1, 2024.
Forces from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States are participating in this year's (2024) RIMPAC.
The exercise hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet and led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, who will also serve as the Combined Task Force commander. For the first time in RIMPAC history, Commodore Alberto Guerrero from the Chilean Navy is serving as deputy commander of the CTF and Rear Adm. Kazushi Yokota of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will serve as vice commander.
Jun 25, 2024
Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Kumar Deka Gets One Year Extension
Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Tapan Kumar Deka was given a one-year extension till June 2025, according to a Personnel Ministry order.
Deka is a 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India's internal security and counterintelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was founded in 1887 as Central Special Branch, and is reputed to be the oldest such organisation in the world.
Until 1968, it handled both domestic and foreign intelligence after which the Research and Analysis Wing was formed specifically for foreign intelligence; following that, the IB was primarily assigned the role of domestic intelligence and internal security. Tapan Deka, the current director of the IB, took over from Arvind Kumar on June 24, 2022.
Jun 24, 2024
Indian Army Signs MoU for Next Generation Wireless Technologies
Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Indian Army and Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous Research and Development laboratory under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance collaboration in 'Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army'.
The MoU was signed by Commandant MCTE and Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals Lt Gen K. H. Gawas, and Director General SAMEER, Dr P. H. Rao. This initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening the Indian Army's technological capabilities which is aligned towards declared vision for 2024 as 'Year of Technological Absorption for Indian Army' by Chief of Army Staff.
Jun 23, 2024
India, Qatar Discuss Sale of Mirage 2000 Fighters to IAF
A delegation from Qatar is in New Delhi to negotiate the potential sale of 12 "sparingly used" Mirage 2000 jets to the Indian Air Force. This deal would provide the air force with more combat aircraft at a time when the force's older MiG fighters are gradually being phased out of service.
The two Mirage squadrons now in use by the air force might benefit from the inclusion of the Qatari aircraft, which are outfitted in accordance with the modernization criteria for the Mirage 2000-5. The French-built Mirage 2000s, which were one of the IAF's staple strike aircraft, are no longer in production but should remain in the Indian inventory for ten more years.
After a thorough evaluation of the planes, the deal's ultimate cost will be determined; it is anticipated to fall between Rs 6,000 and 7,000 crore, as per the report. The number of flight hours an aircraft has depends on its residual life. According to the report, it is estimated that significant residual life remains, which will benefit the two present squadrons in continuing to be strong in the years to come.
The aircraft will be delivered with weapons and spares, and India is expected to drive a hard bargain for them. Given that Gwalior already has ground equipment and maintenance facilities in place, as well as enough pilots and technical support staff, it should be easy to integrate the aircraft into the combat strength.
Rear Admiral Nelson D'Souza Takes Over as Commandant, Military Institute of Technology, Pune
Rear Admiral Nelson D'Souza took over as Commandant of Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune from Air Vice Marshal Vivek Blouria. An accomplished alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Naval War College, Goa, Rear Admiral D'Souza has served in numerous key positions within the Indian Navy since his commissioning in March 1991.
Rear Admiral will focus on further strengthening MILIT's academic programmes and give a push to ongoing efforts at Jointness & Integration in training among tri-services and enhancing collaboration with the industry and academia in field of Niche Technologies. Under the new leadership, MILIT aims to continue nurturing highly skilled techno-warriors officers who would chart the course of armed forces in India into a future-ready force.