The Indian Air Force decided not to deploy its combat jets in a multilateral air exercise in the UK next month in view of the situation arising out of the crisis in Ukraine.
The announcement by the IAF to not send its aircraft for the 'Cobra Warrior' exercise came just three days after it confirmed its participation in the drills from March 6 to 27 at Waddington in the United Kingdom.
Though the IAF did not clearly mention the reasons for the pull-out, it is learnt that the deepening crisis in Ukraine following the Russian military attack in that country prompted the decision.
Feb 27, 2022
India, Japan Hold Annual Military Drill in Karnataka
India and Japan started the annual joint military exercise "Dharma Guardian 2022" in Belgaum, Karnataka, from February 27 to March 10.
In the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, this exercise with Japan is crucial and significant in terms of security challenges faced by both nations in the backdrop of current global situation.
The scope of Dharma Guardian exercise covers platoon-level joint training on operations in jungle and semi urban and urban terrain.
Combat experienced troops of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army and 30th Infantry Regiment of Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces are participating in the exercise this year.
The annual exercise has been taking place since 2018.
Feb 25, 2022
Navy's Exercise Milan Begins
The Navy's Milan 2022 began in Vishakhapatnam, the largest-ever edition of the exercise that will see the participation of 40 countries, including all major navies of the world.
The biennial exercise, being conducted after four years, will last nine days with the harbour phase which started on February 25 and the sea phase on March 1. The 2020 edition of the exercise had been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year's theme is 'Camaraderie – Cohesion – Collaboration' which "aims to project India as a responsible maritime power to the world at large".
A multilateral exercise, Milan began in 1995 with the participation of only four countries – Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Until now, it was held at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, but given the large number of participants this time, it was shifted to the Eastern Naval Command, which offers larger sea room.
MoD Signs Contract with BEL for Retro-modification of Commander Sight in Battle Tanks
The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs. 1,075 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for retro-modification of commander sight in 957 T-90 battle tanks so that they can detect targets at longer ranges. Commander sight is an optical observation device on a tank.
Commander sight of T-90, India's premier battle tank, is presently fitted with image converter (IC) tube-based sight for night viewing.
Based on the requirement projected by the Indian Army, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEL have jointly designed and developed an advanced mid wave thermal image (MWIR)-based sight as a replacement for the existing IC-based sight.
The new retro-modified commander sight employs a thermal imager capable of detecting the targets at 8 km during day and night and a laser ranger finder (LRF) to find the ranges accurately up to 5 km, thereby enhancing its capability to engage target at longer ranges.
Feb 24, 2022
Indian Air Force to Send 5 Tejas jets for Multilateral Air Exercise in the UK
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in a three-week multilateral air exercise at Waddington in the UK from March 6 with a fleet of five Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA).
The IAF said that 'Cobra Warrior 22' exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure and sharing best practices amongst the participating air forces. 'It said the exercise from March 6 to 27 will be a platform for the indigenously developed Tejas aircraft to demonstrate their manoeuvrability and operational capability.
The exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure and share best practices amongst the participating air forces, thereby enhancing combat capability and forging bonds of friendship.
Feb 23, 2022
Israel Successfully Test- fires 'C-Dome' New Naval Air Defence System
Israel successfully tested a new naval air defence system "C-Dome," to be used on the Israeli Navy's Sa'ar 6-class corvettes. C-Dome is the naval version of the Iron Dome, an all-weather air defence system of Israel to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and missiles, from the Gaza Strip. The successful test further strengthens the missile defence systems of the Israeli Navy to safeguard the maritime assets of the State of Israel.
The systems being developed as part of Israel's multi-tier missile defence array enable us to operate against Iranian proxies in the region and defend against their weapon systems, which are constantly being upgraded. The C-Dome is to become part of Israel's multilayer missile defence system — which includes weapons capable of intercepting everything from long-range missiles to short-range rockets.
Philippines Signs $624 Million Deal to Purchase 32 Black Hawk Helicopters
The Philippines signed a 32 billion-peso ($624 million) deal to purchase 32 Black Hawk helicopters in the largest military aircraft acquisition contract under outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the deal with Janusz Zakrecki, president of Poland-based aerospace manufacturer PZL Mielec, to acquire the S-70i Black Hawks, which can be used for troop transport, combat operations and disaster response. The deal includes a training package for pilots and maintenance crews and logistical back-up.