India - Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar Concludes At Bakloh (HP)
The 9th Edition of the India – Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise "Khanjar" which commenced on 25 Mar 2022 at Special Forces Training School, Bakloh (HP) culminates.
Over the past two weeks, Special Forces contingents from India and Kyrgyzstan shared their expertise and best practices of tactics, techniques and procedures to counter existing and emergent threats across the entire spectrum of conflict. Combat shooting, sniping, survival in mountains, hostage rescue drills and unarmed combat were practiced extensively during the Exercise.
Besides sharing special skills and techniques between participating Special Forces contingents, the joint training further strengthened the existing bond between India and Kyrgyzstan that has fostered over years of mutual respect for strategic autonomy, democratic values and zero tolerance for terrorism.
Apr 08, 2022
HAL, Israel Aerospace Tie up to Turn Civil Aircraft into Mid-air Refuellers
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert civil passenger aircraft to "multi mission tanker transport" (MMTT) aircraft in India.
For the past decade-and-a-half, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been trying to buy six MMTT aircraft to supplement its eight obsolescent Russian Illyushin-78 refuellers. So dire is the IAF's shortfall of refuellers that, to fly in its new Rafale fighters from France, it had to ask Paris for Airbus refullers to top up the Rafales' fuel tanks over the Mediterranean Sea.
IAI has experience in modified aircraft for the IAF. In the early 2000s, IAI fitted the Phalcon radar into three IAF IL-76 aircraft, converting them into Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS).
Apr 07, 2022
Indian Navy's INS Tharangini Embarks on 14-nation Voyage, Lokayan 2022 from Kochi
The first Sail Training Ship of the Indian Navy INS Tharangini embarked on a 14-nation voyage, Lokayan 2022, from the Naval Jetty at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. She will call on 17 ports during her seven-month-long voyage, covering a distance of 17,485 nautical miles. The voyage was flagged off by Rear Admiral Antony George, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command.
The primary purpose of the voyage is the training of about 300 under-trainee officers of the Indian Navy that form part of the first Training Squadron.
INS Tharangini will participate in the Tall Ship Race events to be held at Harlingen (The Netherlands), Antwerp (Belgium), and Aalborg (Denmark). Hoisting the National Flag in the heart of London as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day celebrations will be the highlight of the voyage.
Apr 03, 2022
India, France Conduct Joint Naval Exercise Varuna in Arabian Sea
The 20th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – 'VARUNA' was conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 Mar – 03 Apr 22. Various units including ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter aircraft and helicopters of the two navies are participating in the exercise.
The Bilateral Naval Exercises between the two Navies were initiated in 1993. The exercise was christened as 'VARUNA' in 2001 and has become a vital part of India – France strategic bilateral relationship. Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, VARUNA series of exercises continue to provide both the navies opportunities to learn from each other's best practices.
Apr 02, 2022
IONS Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) concludes in Arabian Sea
The regional grouping Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) conducted its maiden edition of maritime exercise, IMEX-22, at Goa and in the Arabian Sea. The exercise witnessed participation of 16 of the 25 member nations. The aim of the exercise was to enhance interoperability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations among member navies.
In addition, 22 Observers from 15 IONS member navies, namely Australia, Bangladesh, France, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE and the U.K. also participated in the exercise. The IONS, established in 2007, is a premier forum for cooperation and collaboration among the navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. The forum has enabled discussions on regional maritime issues, promoted friendly relationships, and significantly improved maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.