India Set to Sign Rs 32,000 Crore Deal for 31 Predator Drones with the US

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:28am on 15 Oct 2024,Tuesday Defence

India is poised to sign a Rs 32,000 crore Foreign Military Sales contract with the US government for 31 Predator drones, with the ceremony scheduled for tomorrow. The deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security last week, allocates 15 drones to the Indian Navy, while the remaining will be equally divided between the Air Force and the Army. American military and corporate officials are currently in India for the signing. The drones will be stationed at four locations, including INS Rajali, Porbandar, Sarsawa, and Gorakhpur, enhancing India’s defense capabilities.

Read More at India Today

India Approves Construction of 2 Nuclear Submarines, 31 Predator Drones

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:12pm on 09 Oct 2024,Wednesday Defence

The Indian Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved a plan to build two nuclear-powered submarines and acquire 31 Predator drones from the U.S. The submarines will enhance India's capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, while the Predator drones, armed with Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs, will be divided among the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force. The move is seen as a strategic response to regional threats, particularly from China. Some drones will be assembled locally, with 30% Indian components. The deal must be signed by October 31.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Indian Armed Forces Plan Changes to Shed Colonial Legacy

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:25am on 30 Sep 2024,Monday Defence

The Indian Armed Forces are considering several changes to eliminate colonial influences. These include introducing texts by Indian strategists in mid-career courses, reducing Scottish pipe bands, and creating a pan-India identity for infantry regiments. Efforts are also underway to draft a tri-service Act, replacing the individual service Acts for smoother operations. Some colonial-era customs have already been changed, such as adopting Indian military crests and tunes in ceremonial events. The goal is to further "Indianise" the military, following Prime Minister Modi’s call for increased indigenisation in the security system.

Read More at Indian Express

Indian Navy to Commission 6th Kalvari-Class Submarine Vagsheer in December Under Project 75

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:55pm on 29 Sep 2024,Sunday Defence

The Indian Navy is set to commission Vagsheer, its sixth Kalvari-class submarine, in December 2024 as part of the ₹23,562-crore Project 75. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, the submarine is undergoing final trials. Vagsheer is a diesel-electric attack submarine with capabilities for anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, and long-range strikes. The Navy is also in discussions with France to build three more submarines at MDL to enhance maritime security. Recently, a submarine escape training facility, Vinetra, was commissioned at INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam to improve crew preparedness in emergencies.

Read More at Hindustan Times

China's Latest Nuclear Submarine Reportedly Sank Earlier This Year, US Defense Official Confirms

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:46am on 27 Sep 2024,Friday Defence

A senior US defense official revealed that China's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, likely between May and June. The incident, which occurred alongside a pier, is seen as a potential embarrassment for China as it seeks to enhance its military capabilities. China maintains the largest navy in the world, with more than 370 ships, and is in the process of producing a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines. In response to the reports, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in Washington stated they had no information about the situation. It remains unclear what caused the submarine to sink or whether it contained nuclear fuel at the time.

Read More at NDTV WORLD

India Set to Finalize $4 Billion Predator Drone Deal with US by October

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:13am on 15 Sep 2024,Sunday Defence

India is preparing to finalize a $3.9 billion deal with the US for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones in October. The drones will be assembled domestically, with General Atomics sourcing over 30% of components from Indian companies. The deal includes Hellfire missiles, precision-guided bombs, and mobile control systems. These drones are crucial for India’s surveillance and defense in the Indian Ocean Region, especially against China's growing naval presence. The drones will be deployed for ISR and anti-submarine warfare operations at strategic locations like Arakkonam and Porbandar.

Read More at The Times Of India

Defence Ministry Approves Rs 2,500 Crore Plan for Navy’s Unmanned Underwater Vessels

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:40am on 13 Sep 2024,Friday Defence

The Defence Ministry has approved the Indian Navy's Rs 2,500 crore plan to develop 100-tonne unmanned underwater vessels. The clearance, given at a recent high-level meeting, supports the creation of Extra Large unmanned underwater vessels with advanced strike capabilities against enemy submarines and surface vessels. These vessels will enhance the Navy's underwater warfare capabilities, allowing for more versatile and effective operations. The new technology represents a significant step in unmanned warfare, providing the Navy with a specialized asset in the underwater domain, according to former Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral SN Ghormade.

Read More at ANI

India Detects Isolated Mpox Case; Health Ministry Assures No Widespread Risk

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:27pm on 09 Sep 2024,Monday Defence

India has reported an isolated case of mpox (monkeypox), confirmed by the Union Health Ministry. The infected individual recently traveled from a country experiencing mpox transmission and is currently in stable condition at a designated isolation facility. The ministry clarified that the detected strain is not related to the one declared a global public health emergency by WHO. Laboratory tests identified the virus as West African clade 2, consistent with previous cases in India since July 2022. Public health measures, including contact tracing, are being enforced to prevent further spread, with no widespread risk reported.

Read More at Business Today

India Successfully Launches Agni-4 Ballistic Missile from Odisha's Chandipur Test Range

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:09am on 08 Sep 2024,Sunday Defence

India successfully launched the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-4 on September 6, 2024, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The test, conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters, affirming the missile's readiness. This follows India's successful test of the Agni-Prime ballistic missile earlier this year. The Agni-4 missile is a key part of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy, with a strike range of up to 4,000 kilometers, enhancing the nation's defense capabilities.

Read More at Economic Times

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Advices Armed Forces to Remain Prepared for 'Unexpected'

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:15am on 06 Sep 2024,Friday Defence

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Joint Commanders' Conference in Lucknow, emphasizing the need for the Armed Forces to be "prepared for war to preserve peace". He commended their role in safeguarding national interests and promoting self-reliance, while urging vigilance amidst developments in neighboring countries. Singh's remarks come as India seeks to strengthen its military capabilities and enhance jointness among the three Services. The conference aimed to discuss strategic and operational issues, with a focus on furthering the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and advancing India's national security interests.

Read More at The Times Of India

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