Rajnath Singh Launches Rs. 750 crore Scheme ADITI for Start-ups
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme with a corpus of Rs. 750 crore for start-ups. The scheme will focus on innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies from start-ups through grants of up to Rs. 25 crore for research, development, and innovation in defence technology.
The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth, and help the country leap forward in the field of technology.
The scheme operational for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence to develop around 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe.
In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges – Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5) and Defence Space Agency (4) – to develop the latest technologies have been launched.
Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari Makes History as BSF's First Female Sniper
Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari etched her name in history as the first woman sniper of the Border Security Force (BSF). Her completion of an eight-week intensive sniper course at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore not only showcases her exceptional abilities but also her pioneering spirit. Suman achieved the prestigious 'instructor grade', a testament to her proficiency and expertise.
Mar 04, 2024
Exercise Samudra Laksamana
Exercise Samudra Laksamana, a significant bilateral maritime exercise between India and Malaysia, concluded on March 2, 2024, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
This collaborative effort involved the participation of Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and the Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir, marking the third edition of the exercise.
The exercise is aimed at harbouring professional interactions between the two navies followed by the operational phase at sea.
During the harbour phase of the exercise, crew members from both ships engaged in a variety of professional interactions. These included Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) sessions on topics of mutual interest, sports fixtures, and other cultural and professional exchanges. These activities were designed to enhance the knowledge base of the participants and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
The sea phase of Exercise Samudra Laksamana was a critical component, where the naval units from both countries collaboratively honed their skills through various operations. These exercises were aimed at improving the tactical and operational capabilities of the participating ships, ensuring they are better prepared to handle maritime challenges collaboratively.
Mar 03, 2024
India Inks Defence Deals for Procurement of Missiles, Aero-engines, Radars
India sealed five major defence acquisition contracts worth Rs. 39,125 crore including procurement of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, radars, weapon systems and aero-engines for MiG-29 jets as part of efforts to boost the combat capabilities of the armed forces.
The mega procurement projects were firmed up amid India's lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh, and they will be implemented under the broad framework of the government's policy to boost domestic defence manufacturing.
The contracts for the procurement of the platforms and weapons systems were signed in presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, under whose guidance these deals fructified.
DRDO Successfully Tests Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two flight tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile from Integrated Test Range off Odisha's Chandipur.
As per the defence ministry, these tests were carried out against high speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenario. During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives.
The VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) indigenously developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and other industry partners.
Mar 02, 2024
Indian Navy to Commission New Base, INS Jatayu, in Lakshadweep Next Week
The Indian Navy will commission a new base, INS Jatayu, in Lakshadweep for better coverage of the Indian Ocean next week.
The Navy would commission INS Jatayu in Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep to keep an eye on the activities of adversaries there.
This will start with a component of a few officers and men, and then will be expanded to a larger naval base.
The base would give a similar capability in the Arabian Sea like the INS Baaz positioned in the Andaman and Nicobar Island territories in the east.
Feb 29, 2024
India, Germany set to Carry Out Joint Military Exercise in Indo-Pacific
India and Germany resolved to closely collaborate on high-technology for military use in line with a broader aim to develop defence cooperation as a key pillar of the bilateral strategic partnership. Ways to further bolster strategic cooperation figured prominently at a meeting of the India-Germany high defence committee that was held in Berlin.
Following the talks, officials said that India and Germany are set to carry out joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific, in reflection of their growing defence ties.
The Indian delegation at the talks was headed by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane while the German side was led by State Secretary at German defence ministry Benedikt Zimmer.