HAL Partners with SAFHAL to Develop and Manufacture 'Aravalli' Helicopter Engines
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) signed an airframer contract, to commence joint design, development, manufacture, and supply and support of a new generation high-power engine named 'Aravalli'.
The 'Aravalli' high-power engines are used for the 13-ton Medium Lift class, the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), being designed and developed by HAL.
Bihar Gets New Police Chief
Alok Raj, 1989-batch Bihar cadre IPS officer, took over as Bihar's Director General of Police (DGP). Raj replaced R. S. Bhatti, who was appointed as Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
In December 2022, Bhatti had been made Bihar DGP even though he was a year junior to Raj.
Raj is currently also DG, Vigilance Investigation Bureau, and will continue to hold the post along with his new role as DGP. He is set for retirement on December 31, 2025.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commission India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat or S-3, in the presence of top naval officials at a quiet event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Singh exuded confidence that 'Arighaat' will further strengthen India's nuclear triad, enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance & peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the security of the country.
The Arihant class submarines are named after a Sanskrit word meaning the "Destroyer of the Enemy".
Constructed by the Shipbuilding Centre (SBC), Visakhapatnam, INS Arighaat can travel at a maximum speed of up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged and 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) when surfaced. It shares the same hump as the INS Arihant and has four launch tubes. It can carry 12 K-15 SLBMs with a range of about 750 km or up to four nuclear-armed K-4 SLBMs with a range of over 3,500 km.
Aug 29, 2024
Bhatti Appointed New CISF DG; Chaudhary Named BSF Chief
Senior IPS officers Rajwinder Singh Bhatti and Daljit Singh Chaudhary were appointed as the chiefs of the Central Industrial Security Force and the Border Security Force.
Bhatti is a 1990 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Bihar cadre. He has been appointed as the DG of the CISF from the date of assumption of charge of the post, for a tenure up to the date of his superannuation on September 30, 2025.
Chaudhary, who is currently the chief of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), was appointed as the Director General of the BSF for a tenure up to the date of his superannuation on November 30, 2025. Chaudhary is a 1990 batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar Takes Over as DG of Project 'Seabird'
Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar assumed duties of the Director General of Project 'Seabird', with a charter to oversee the largest defence infrastructure project currently progressing at the Karwar Naval Base. He took charge from Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti. The change of guard took place at the headquarters of the project in New Delhi.
The Navy is expanding the crucial and strategically located naval base in Karnataka's Karwar as part of Project 'Seabird'.
Dhankhar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1990 and is a specialist in navigation and direction.
Aug 28, 2024
India Inks Repeat Order for 73,000 SiG 716 Rifles from the US
The Indian Defence Ministry inked a repeat order for 73,000 SiG 716 G2 patrol assault rifles from the US to equip its frontline troops. This follows a 2019 procurement of 72,400 SiG 716 rifles (7.62 x 51mm calibre) under the 'Buy (Global)' category through a fast-track procedure, which were distributed across the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The new order aims to address the requirements of remaining frontline soldiers, aligning with the Army's revised operational philosophy favouring the 7.62 x 51mm calibre for its longer range, increased lethality, and automatic firing mode. The SiG 716 has been integrated with OFB-manufactured ammunition and equipped with Picatinny rails for mounting accessories like optical sights and grenade launchers.
Indian Air Force's Sarang Team to Showcase at Egypt International Airshow
The Indian Air Force (IAF) took a significant step in international aviation diplomacy by dispatching its renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team to participate in the inaugural Egypt International Airshow. This event, scheduled from September 3 to 5, 2024, at the Al-Alamein International Airport in Egypt's El Dabaa, marks a crucial moment for India to demonstrate its indigenous aviation capabilities on the global stage.
The Sarang team, known for its precision and spectacular aerial displays, represents the pinnacle of IAF's helicopter aviation skills. Their participation in this international event underscores India's growing prominence in the global aviation sector.
IPS Officer B. Srinivasan to Head India's Counter-Terrorism Force NSG
Senior IPS officer B. Srinivasan was appointed as the Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG), the country's counter-terrorism force.
Srinivasan is a 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Bihar cadre.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Srinivasan as Director General, NSG, from the date of joining the post and up to August 31, 2027, -- the date of his superannuation.
The post of NSG DG was lying vacant after incumbent Nalin Prabhat was named as the new chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The National Security Guard (NSG), commonly known as Black Cats, is a counter-terrorism unit of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was founded on 16 October 1984, following Operation Blue Star against Sikh militants.
Aug 26, 2024
North Korea's Kim Jong Un Unveils New Suicide Drones After Performance Test
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiled a new type of 'suicide drone', of which he personally oversaw a performance test of the weaponry. These drones, designed to carry explosives and crash into enemy targets like guided missiles. The test was successful, with all drones accurately identifying and destroying their designated targets after flying along preset routes. Experts suggest that the technology behind these drones may have Russian origins.