Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Assumes Charge of Air Force Training Command
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed role as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command.
Commissioned into the Fighter stream of Indian Air Force in 1986, he boasts over 3400 hours of flying experience.
Recognized for meritorious service, he has bagged Vayu Sena Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
He undertook a diplomatic assignment as defence attaché in Pakistan. So far, he has attained more than 3,400 hours of flying experience. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 2008 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022.
Army Looks at Creating New Unit to Play Role of Adversary in Wargames
The Army is working on creating a new unit that can simulate the role of an adversary during military exercises and wargame training.
Plans for the new unit — OPFOR, or "opposing forces" — are currently under discussion and will be implemented after final approval from the Army hierarchy.
During the Army Commanders' Conference last month (April 2024), top officers had decided to explore the feasibility of creating a tailor-made organisation to function as an adversarial force that can carry out realistic wargaming and training to enhance the force's combat potential. Countries such as the US have already employed this concept extensively.
As per reports, the new unit will be raised from existing ones. It will look at employing weapons, operating methods and tactics of one or more adversaries so that regular troops experience a scenario that is close to an actual war.
May 03, 2024
Sixth Barge of LSAM 16 Series Built by Private Firm Launched in Thane
The sixth barge of the LSAM 16 (Yard 130) series, built by a private firm, was launched in Maharashtra's Thane.
The barge will help the Navy in facilitating transportation of articles, ammunition to ships.
The 'Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130)', 6th Barge of 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, was built by MSME Shipyard, Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, for Indian Navy.
The launching Ceremony was presided over by Madhusudan Bhui, INAS, GM NAD (Karanja).
The contract for building 11 x ACTCM barge was signed between Ministry of Defence and Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on March 5, 2021.
May 02, 2024
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan Takes over as Navy's Vice Chief
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan took over as the Indian Navy's vice chief, filling a key role earlier held by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi who assumed charge as the country's navy chief.
Swaminathan is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla; the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, the United Kingdom; the College of Naval Warfare, Karanja; and the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987, the officer is a specialist in communication and electronic warfare and has held several key appointments in his career including the navy's chief of personnel, controller of personnel services and chief of staff of the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command.
DRDO Successfully Tests Long-range 'SMART' Anti-submarine Missile System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, situated off the coast of Odisha.
According to the Ministry of Defence, SMART represents a cutting-edge missile-enabled lightweight torpedo delivery system aimed at bolstering the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities well beyond the traditional range of lightweight torpedoes.
The ministry elaborated that this canister-based missile system incorporates several advanced subsystems, including a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, and precision inertial navigation system.
May 01, 2024
Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi Takes Charge as 26th Navy Chief
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi assumed command of the Indian Navy as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff. He succeeded Admiral R. Hari Kumar who retired upon superannuation after over 40 years of service.
Admiral Tripathi is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was commissioned into the executive branch of the Navy on July 1, 1985.
A communication and electronic warfare specialist, he has served on frontline warships of the Navy as signal communication officer and electronic warfare officer and later as the executive officer and principal warfare officer of the guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai, the Navy said in a statement. His sea commands include INS Vinash, Kirch and Trishul.
He was the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, prior taking over as Navy Chief.
Apr 29, 2024
Rampage Missiles Inducted by Indian Air Force, Navy
The Indian Air Force (IAF) significantly bolstered its air combat capabilities with the induction of the Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground missiles. These missiles, capable of striking targets at approximately 250 km, were integrated into the IAF's fleet of Russian-origin aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 fighters, as well as the Jaguar fighter jets.
Not limited to the IAF, the Indian Navy has also welcomed the Rampage missiles into its arsenal, particularly for the MiG-29K naval fighter jets. This addition enhances the navy's capability to engage and neutralise high-value targets such as communication centres and radar stations.
The procurement of the Rampage missiles was part of the emergency powers granted by the Defence Ministry to the armed forces, enabling them to equip themselves with critical weapons and equipment following the 2020 standoff with China. These missiles offer a longer range than the Spice-2000s, which were used in the Balakot air strikes in 2019.
Iran Unveils Kamikaze Drone Similar to Russian Lancet
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has introduced a new kamikaze drone resembling Russia's Lancet drone. This drone, yet to be named publicly, is designed for targeted attacks, akin to those witnessed in the Ukraine conflict.
The Iranian drone, akin to the Lancet, boasts flight durations of 30 to 60 minutes and can carry payloads ranging from 3 to 6 kg, covering distances of up to 40 km. Equipped with electro-optical systems and a built-in warhead, it's optimised for combating ambushes.
In recent years, the IRGC has heavily invested in munitions development, notably producing the Shahed-131/136 kamikaze drones, utilised by Russian forces in Ukraine. The unveiling coincided with a cargo flight from Iran to Russia, transporting components for the drone industry.
Following US, UK, and Canadian sanctions targeting Iran's drone production and export endeavors, Iran denounced the measures. Iranian officials, including Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nasser Kanaani, emphasised their nation's right to defend itself and condemned perceived hostile actions, citing recent strikes on Iranian targets.
'Shaurya Smarak' of Three Fallen Army Officers Unveiled In Jammu
The 'Shaurya Smarak' of three fallen officers of the armed forces — Major Arvind Bazala, Major Rohit Kumar and Flight Lieutenant Advitiya Bal — were unveiled at the Sainik School Nagrota, Jammu.
An alumnus of the Sainik School, the three soldiers laid down their lives in the service of the nation in separate incidents of helicopter crashes in West Bengal (November 30, 2016), Jammu (September 21, 2021) and Rajasthan (July 28, 2022).
Chief of Staff, headquarters 16 corps and chairman of the local board of administration, Sainik School Nagrota, Major General Shailendra Singh unveiled the busts of the brave-hearts and paid tributes to their valiant sacrifices.
The 'Shaurya Smarak' stands as a testament to their heroism, serving as a perpetual source of inspiration for generations to come. It stands as a beacon of honour, reminding us all of the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of our brave soldiers. He said the Sainik School Nagrota is dedicated to nurturing young minds and fostering a spirit of patriotism, discipline, and leadership.