Devendra Fadnavis Inaugurates Solar Industries' Drone-making Facility
In a big boost to Indigenous manufacturing of drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), loitering munitions, and counter-drone systems, a state-of-the-art composite manufacturing facility was inaugurated at Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL), Solar Industries Nagpur, by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In the emerging technology scenario, Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) are going to play a vital role in both civil as well as military applications.
Many Indian industries and start-ups have entered drone-related technologies and systems mostly focussed on surveillance and logistics applications. The use of drones and UAVs for combat applications needs special expertise and facilities which most industries in our country do not have. Solar Industries have taken the initiative towards the weaponisation of drones, developing variants of Loiter Munitions (LM), Counter Drone Systems, Drone-based Mine Detection and Disposal Systems etc.
Defence Agency's Multi-layer Clothing System 'HimKavach' Clears User Trials
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the 'HimKavach' clothing system to protect soldiers operating in extreme cold conditions. The system, designed to function in temperatures ranging from 20°C to -60°C, has passed all user trials in operational settings.
The HimKavach system is made up of multiple layers, each tailored for insulation, breathability, and comfort. The modular design allows soldiers to add or remove layers depending on the weather. This feature is seen as critical for troops operating in the Himalayas, where temperatures can drop sharply.
Before HimKavach, the Indian Army used the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), a three-layered outfit developed by DRDO's Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences. The ECWCS provided insulation and waterproofing and included a reversible outer layer for camouflage in snowy and non-snowy terrain.
Jan 12, 2025
Indian Army Hosts 'Know Your Army Mela' in Bengaluru
The Indian Army organised a "Know Your Army Mela" at the Manekshaw Parade Ground on Cubbon Road, Bengaluru. The Army invited Bengalureans to join them for a day of adventure, cultural activities, and equipment displays.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was the chief guest of the event. The event offered a platform to interact with and understand the lives of soldiers who protect our borders.
The event featured para-motor gliding, tank displays, a daredevil motorcycle show, drone demonstrations, combat bridge-laying, the experience of driving Army vehicles through simulators, and cultural programmes by Army soldiers.
Jan 11, 2025
Rajnath Singh Chairs Ambassadors' Round-Table in Delhi in Run up to Aero India 2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired an ambassadors' round-table where participants were briefed on major events of Aero India 2025 to be held in February. The 15th edition of 'Aero India' -- Asia's biggest aero show -- is scheduled to be held at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka from February 10 to 14.
Jan 10, 2025
MDL Delivers Vaghsheer, Sixth Scorpene Class Submarine
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) created history with the delivery of Vaghsheer, Sixth Scorpene class Submarine of Project 75 to Indian Navy. The acceptance documents (0448) was signed by Sanjeev Singhal, CMD, MDL and RAdm R. Adhisrinivasan, CSO (Tech) in the presence of senior officials from MDL and the Indian Navy. The delivery of this submarine is a testament of MDL's professionalism, expertise and experience in constructing complex war platforms, significantly enhancing the might of the Indian navy.
This Submarine is indigenously built, showcasing culling edge technology and strong commitment to the Government of India's "Make in India" initiative.
With the delivery of Vaghsheer, MDL has completed all the contractual deliveries of P75 project and cemented its position as the only shipyard in the country with proven capability & capacity to successfully construct conventional submarine.
India-U.S. Collaboration on Sonobuoy Production for Indian Navy
India and the U.S. entered into a significant partnership for co-producing U.S. sonobuoys to enhance undersea domain awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy. This move is part of a broader collaboration aimed at improving naval capabilities and tracking submarines in the deep seas, in response to the growing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Ultra Marine (UM), a U.S.-based leader in undersea warfare technology, and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will jointly manufacture sonobuoys, ensuring interoperability between the U.S. and Indian navies, as well as allied nations like Australia and Japan.
Jan 09, 2025
Air Commodore Sahu Takes Command of Base Repair Depot in Tughlakabad
Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu took charge as the Air Officer Commanding of the Base Repair Depot (BRD) in Tughlakabad, succeeding Air Commodore Rishi Seth. The formal handover occurred during a ceremonial parade by depot personnel, marking the transition.
Throughout his service, he has held pivotal positions, including Chief Engineering Officer at a premier Air Force base and staff roles at Operational Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters. His contributions to the IAF were recognised with the Vishisht Seva Medal, awarded by the President of India in January 2023.
The Base Repair Depot in Tughlakabad plays a critical role in maintaining and upgrading IAF's operational capabilities.