India 

Defense News ,India :- The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently did something amazing! They tested an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on National Highway-16 in Andhra Pradesh. This test showed how flexible and ready the IAF is to handle different situations, like defending the country or helping during disasters.During the test, different types of IAF planes took part. There were fast fighter jets like Su-30 MKI and Hawk Mk-132 trainers. They showed they could quickly take off and land from the highway. Also, transport planes like An-32 and Dornier Do-228 successfully landed and took off. This shows that the ELF can help in many ways, like bringing in supplies or helping during disasters.Having these ELF on highways helps the IAF reach more places. So, if there's an emergency and the usual airbases are not available, they can still land safely. This makes it easier for the IAF to protect the country from any danger.This recent test on NH-16 is especially important for helping during disasters. If there's a natural disaster, like a flood or earthquake, these highway landing strips can be used to quickly send help to people who need it. This is really important when normal airfields might be too far away.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 15:55:39
 India 

Defense News ,India :- Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG), a special unit of the Indian Army formed in Delhi, is led by a high-ranking officer called Colonel from the Corps of Signals. Their main goal is to make the army's communication systems better, officials said on Tuesday. The group consists of about 280 members and will focus on researching and testing new communication technologies like 6G, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing for military use because the way wars are fought is changing."We want to make sure the Indian Army's communication setup is top-notch," said a senior official.This group will be part of the Signals Directorate and will be based in Delhi. It's headed by a Colonel from the Corps of Signals, the official mentioned.STEAG's job is to develop and improve both wired and wireless communication systems, as officials mentioned earlier.The creation of STEAG is part of the army's plan to prepare for the future battlefield by developing new technologies, they said."It's not a completely new group, but the 21 Signals Group has been reorganized with a new mission as Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG) to keep up with the latest communication technologies," the senior official explained.This unit fits into the army's vision of 'On Path to Transformation,' aiming to embrace new technologies to become a more modern and effective force, he added.STEAG marks a significant step in 2024, declared as the 'Year of Tech Absorption,' according to the army official.It aims to use the latest and specialized technologies from civilian and international sources. The group studies existing technologies to see how they could benefit the Indian Army and suggests trials or implementation plans, officials said.To achieve this, they work closely with private companies, industries, and academic institutions to tailor technology for military use, they added.General Manoj Pande, the Army Chief, has been emphasizing the importance of acquiring new technologies as warfare evolves.The Army sees communication as a crucial aspect of military operations.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 15:52:02
 World 

Defense News ,Belgian ,Ukraine :- The Belgian government recently agreed to give more help to Ukraine. They're offering 412 million euros ($448 million) worth of military aid. This includes important artillery rounds that Ukraine needs.The aid will consist of 373.1 million euros ($405 million) worth of ammunition. This ammunition will come from both Belgian military reserves and its industries. However, there's no information yet about the type of ammunition or when it will be delivered.In addition to ammunition, Belgium's Ministry of Defense (MoD) is planning to buy reconnaissance drones and around 300 Lynx armored fighting vehicles. They will do this together with the Netherlands.Apart from this, Belgium will also provide three sea mine hunters and armored ambulances. These sea mine hunters will help Ukraine deal with underwater explosives. The countries will also give training to Ukrainian personnel to use these mine hunters properly. Additionally, they will make sure the hunters are well maintained and can be used effectively.Moreover, armored ambulances will be purchased by the Benelux countries. However, it's not clear whether Luxembourg, the third member of the Benelux group, is also contributing.With this new aid, Belgium's total support to Ukraine for this year amounts to 575.7 million euros ($625 million).

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 15:46:23
 India 

Defense News ,India :-  Indian Navy's Searcher, a type of drone aircraft, crashed on Monday during a regular training session near Kochi. The defense agency confirmed that there were no injuries or damage to any property.The crash happened around 5 pm on Monday, just before the drone was about to land at INS Garuda, Kochi. It fell about a mile away from the runway.The Navy acted quickly, sending a specialized team to the crash site to make sure the area was safe.An investigation has been launched by the Indian Navy to find out what caused the crash.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 15:42:17
 India 

Defense News ,India :- In a significant leap forward for demolition operations, the Indian Army has introduced a game-changing technological advancement known as the Portable Multi-Target Detonation Device (WEDC). Designed by Major Rajprasad RS of the Corps of Engineers, this groundbreaking invention has not only been patented but also officially integrated into the Indian Army's arsenal.One of the most remarkable features of the WEDC is its ability to revolutionize demolition technology by addressing the limitations and safety concerns associated with traditional wired systems. Unlike conventional methods, which confined soldiers to a mere 400-meter range from the detonation site, the WEDC boasts long-range wireless detonation capabilities. This advancement significantly enhances the safety of troops involved in high-risk operations by allowing them to operate from a safer distance.At the core of the WEDC's capabilities lies its microprocessor-based electronics, which provide enhanced control and precision in demolition tasks. Soldiers now have the option to choose between wired and wireless modes, granting them operational flexibility to adapt to various mission requirements seamlessly. This flexibility ensures that troops can execute demolition operations with utmost precision and efficiency.The rapid adoption of the WEDC by the Indian Army underscores its unwavering commitment to innovation and the safety of its personnel. The device's capabilities have earned it a well-deserved place within the army's active inventory. Furthermore, the patenting of this invention serves as a testament to the ingenuity driving technological advancements within the Indian Army.From a tactical standpoint, the WEDC bestows the Indian Army with a significant strategic advantage. Its capacity for safe long-range demolition, coupled with its precision and operational flexibility, provides troops with a potent tool for overcoming complex obstacles and achieving mission objectives effectively. This innovation reflects the Indian Army's dedication to modernizing its capabilities and maintaining a technological edge on the battlefield.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 15:37:17
 World 

Defense News ,U.S :- The US Army wants to make where soldiers live better. They asked Congress for $2.4 billion to fix up barracks. This comes after a report said some army housing is not safe.The plan is to build nine new barracks in different places like Louisiana, Missouri, Washington, Virginia, and California. They will also make better homes for soldiers in Germany and Puerto Rico.The army will set aside money to keep barracks clean and safe. Gabe Camarillo, Army Under Secretary, says soldiers are the top priority. The army leaders have been saying for two years that they need to spend more on good housing for soldiers.If Congress agrees, this budget will be a big increase from last year's money for barracks.Bad BarracksIn September 2023, a report from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) showed bad conditions in army barracks. Some had sewage leaking, and fire systems didn't work.The report said some barracks are not good enough. They don't meet the Pentagon's rules for privacy and layout.A soldier named Dana Estrella talked about this on TikTok. She said sometimes she had to share a room with a stranger.The GAO report also said bad housing makes soldiers unhappy and not ready for their job.Senators want ChangeAfter the report, US Senators asked the Pentagon to spend more on making and fixing military homes. They want soldiers to have safe and comfortable places to live.The US Army is now asking Congress for a lot of money to make barracks better. They want to build new ones and make the old ones nicer. This will help soldiers feel better and do their jobs well.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 15:31:39
 India 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Tuesday that the Chinese defense ministry's claims about India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh are unfounded. They emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will always remain an integral part of India.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that repeating baseless arguments doesn't make them true. Arunachal Pradesh belongs to India, and its people will continue benefiting from India's development projects and infrastructure.The Chinese military has been insisting on its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, calling it a part of China's territory. This claim was made shortly after India rejected objections from Beijing regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state.Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, stated that the southern part of Tibet, known as Xizang in Chinese, belongs to China. He also mentioned that China does not recognize Arunachal Pradesh, which they refer to as "so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India."Zhang's statement came after India enhanced its military readiness in Arunachal Pradesh through the construction of the Sela Tunnel, according to a report from the Chinese Defense Ministry.China often opposes visits by Indian leaders to Arunachal Pradesh, claiming it as part of South Tibet and referring to it as Zangnan. However, India has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.New Delhi has also dismissed China's attempts to rename the area, stating that such actions do not change the reality of Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral part of India.In summary, India firmly rejects China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh. The Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is and will always be an integral part of India, dismissing China's assertions as baseless.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 15:00:47
 India 

Defense News ,US :- Elbit Systems recently won a $12 million contract to give the US Army some new night vision gadgets. These gadgets are called AN/PVS-14 monocular night vision devices. They're special tools that help soldiers see better in the dark.These gadgets are designed to help soldiers aim accurately at targets when it's dark. They can do this without needing lots of different tools. The soldiers can attach these devices to their helmets. They work together with lights mounted on their rifles.The US Department of Defense says the work for this contract will finish by March 2025.Elbit Systems says their AN/PVS-14 devices have special features. They use something called a Gen 3 F9815 image intensifier tube. This makes the light around them stronger, so soldiers can see better. These devices also have infrared lights. These are like the ones used in cameras to see in the dark.The AN/PVS-14 devices are not too heavy, just 1.2 pounds (0.5 kilograms). They come with a strap that soldiers can adjust to fit comfortably on their heads. These devices can work up to 150 meters away.Elbit Systems says these gadgets help soldiers see better in the dark. This makes it easier for them to know what's happening around them. It also helps them see things that are nearby more clearly. This is important for different military jobs.In short, Elbit Systems has won a big contract to provide the US Army with special night vision gadgets. These gadgets will help soldiers see better in the dark. They are lightweight, easy to wear, and will be ready for use by March 2025.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 14:57:43
 India 

Defense News ,India :- India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is getting ready to hand over the first TEJAS MK-1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of March. This is what defense sources shared with ANI. They're also working hard to deliver the first twin-seater trainer version aircraft to the IAF as soon as possible.The plan is to make sure these deliveries happen by March 31st. This is a big deal for the indigenous fighter aircraft project. It means the IAF will get an advanced aircraft, which is great news.The Indian Air Force has already made a deal with HAL for over ₹48,000 crore to get 83 TEJAS planes. And they're looking to buy even more — 97, to be exact, for ₹65,000 crore.HAL has been busy with ground trials, including slow taxi runs, to make sure everything is in order.The TEJAS MK-1 aircraft were first used by the IAF in 2016. They're being used by two squadrons: the 45th Squadron and the 18th Squadron.Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the head of the Indian Air Force, called the clearance for the 97 TEJAS a very important moment. He said, "We already had 40 TEJAS of the original IOC and FOC version. So with this, in the long run, the strength of the Indian Air Force will grow to 220 TEJAS MK-1As, which will equip almost ten squadrons of the Air Force." This means the IAF will have a lot more TEJAS jets to use in the future.The IAF thinks these 97 Light Combat Aircraft are perfect to replace the old MiG-series planes that are being phased out. They're a great fit to keep the strength of the combat aircraft in the force up. HAL is gearing up to deliver the first TEJAS MK-1A fighter jet to the IAF by the end of March. This delivery is part of a bigger plan to supply the IAF with more advanced aircraft. With the upcoming deliveries, the Indian Air Force will have more TEJAS jets to replace its aging fleet and maintain its strength.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 14:49:50
 India 

Defense News ,India :- A recent story by a news outlet from Azerbaijan called Caliber.Az has brought up concerns about how well weapons from India are working in Armenia. The report talks about former Armenian Defense Minister Arshak Karapetyan saying there might be problems with Indian weapons.However, we need to look carefully at whether these claims are true and what reasons might be behind the report.Understanding the ClaimsArshak Karapetyan, who was Defense Minister for a short time in 2021, reportedly said that some weapons from India haven't been working right for about a year.But the report doesn't give clear details about which weapons are having problems. This lack of information makes it hard to know for sure if what's being said is true.Checking the Source and Their MotivesTwo important things make this situation more complicated:Karapetyan's Short Time: Since Karapetyan wasn't Defense Minister for very long, it's uncertain how much he knows about these complex weapons.Where the Report Comes From: Caliber.Az is from Azerbaijan, which has had conflicts with Armenia for a long time. The president of Azerbaijan has criticized countries like India and France for giving weapons to Armenia. This makes it seem like the report might be more about spreading one-sided ideas than just reporting facts.India and Armenia's Defense RelationshipIndia and Armenia have been working more closely on defense. Some of the things they've done together include:Armenia got four Swathi Weapon Locating Radars in 2020.Armenia ordered Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles, but they haven't been delivered yet.Six ATAGS Artillery Guns have been sent, and more will be sent later in 2024.Deliveries of MarG 155x39 Howitzer Guns started in 2023.Analyzing and Asking QuestionsThis situation makes us wonder:Are Karapetyan's comments about problems with Indian weapons just about a few isolated incidents, or is there a bigger issue with these weapons?How much is Azerbaijan's conflict with Armenia influencing reports about these weapon problems? Is the goal to make Armenia and its friends look bad?Why haven't we been given specific details about the weapons having issues and proof to back up the claims?Wrapping UpThe report from Caliber.Az and what Karapetyan said leaves us unsure. Both the source and the person making the claims are tied to the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.Until we see more proof and someone looks at the situation independently, it's hard to say if these claims are real concerns or just part of a plan to make Armenia look bad.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 14:42:54
 World 

Defense News ,Europe :-  Kongsberg Geospatial (KG), a company making special technology, and Echodyne, a radar company, are working together. They want to make it safer and easier for drones to fly without people being able to see them (BVLOS). This is important for things like Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).The two companies will work together to give better awareness to people who control drones. They will be able to see all the things flying in the sky, even if those things are not telling them where they are. This will help make sure drones can fly safely and do their jobs well.The IRIS Terminal is a tool made by Kongsberg Geospatial. It helps people see where things are in the sky. It was first made for the military, but now it’s being used for drones. The IRIS Terminal can show where different things are flying, even if those things aren’t saying where they are. It also has other useful features like knowing about the land below and warning if there might be a problem.Echodyne’s radar is special because it can see things in the sky very well, even if it’s dark or cloudy outside. This radar is already being used in places where they need to keep things safe, like the military. Now, it’s being used to help drones fly safely too. Putting Echodyne’s radar with the IRIS Terminal means people controlling drones can see everything very clearly.Leo McCloskey, who works at Echodyne, says this partnership is great because it makes things much safer for drones. If drones want to fly without being seen, they need to prove they can do it safely. This partnership helps them do that.Thomas Jimenez, who works at Kongsberg Geospatial, says they’re excited about this partnership. They believe it will help drones fly safely in more places. They’re starting with one way of keeping drones safe, but they hope to find even better ways in the future.In simple terms, Kongsberg Geospatial and Echodyne are teaming up to make sure drones can fly safely even when no one can see them. They’re using special technology to help the people controlling the drones know where everything is in the sky. This will make it easier for drones to do important jobs without causing problems.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 14:32:28
 India 

Defense News ,India :-  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, once again promised to keep the waters of the Indian Ocean safe and fight against piracy and terrorism. He made this promise in response to a thankful message from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, who appreciated the safe return of seven Bulgarian nationals.Earlier on Monday, the President of Bulgaria had thanked the Indian Navy for successfully rescuing a Bulgarian ship named MV Ruen that had been hijacked.PM Modi expressed his gratitude towards President Radev and assured him that the seven Bulgarian citizens were safe and would soon return home.In a message on social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Thank you for your message, President @PresidentOfBg. We are glad that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be heading home soon. India is dedicated to keeping the Indian Ocean safe from piracy and terrorism.”The ship, MV Ruen, was captured by pirates in the Arabian Sea last December. It had eight Bulgarians, nine people from Myanmar, and one from Angola on board.In an official statement on platform X, the Bulgarian President said, “I am sincerely thankful to PM @narendramodi for the courageous action of the Navy in rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship 'Ruen' and its crew, which includes 7 Bulgarian citizens.”Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister, Mariya Gabriel, also expressed her gratitude in a Facebook post, mentioning a conversation she had with the Indian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Sanjay Rana. She thanked him for the Indian Navy’s operation to rescue the Bulgarian nationals.In another Facebook post, Gabriel shared, “Today, March 16, with the help of the Indian Navy, the crew of the ship 'Rouen,' hijacked on December 14, 2023, including seven Bulgarian citizens, was released.”She further added, “Thanks to the efforts of the Indian military, the entire crew of the ship was freed. All sailors are in good health, and efforts are currently underway for their timely return to Bulgaria.”Gabriel explained that the ship, Rouen, with eight Bulgarians, nine Myanmar citizens, and one Angolan on board, was seized by pirates in the Arabian Sea last December. She assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other relevant institutions and international partners, were actively working to secure the release of the Bulgarian crew.On March 16, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they discussed the situation with the Indian Ambassador in Sofia, Sanjay Rana. They made an additional request to the Indian authorities for assistance and to ensure the safety and health of the crew.Gabriel concluded her statement by saying, “I am extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the Indian side in the process of releasing the Bulgarian sailors.”

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 14:25:54
 World 

Defense News ,India :- Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) announced on Tuesday that it won a contract to build a new power plant for NTPC. This plant, called the Singrauli Supercritical Thermal Power Plant (STPP) Stage-III, will produce 1,600 megawatts of power. It will be constructed next to an existing power station in Singrauli, Uttar Pradesh.The Singrauli power station was set up by BHEL in 1982 and was NTPC's first power plant in the state. The machines BHEL installed there have been working really well since they were first turned on.According to the announcement, BHEL secured this contract through a competitive bidding process. The project involves setting up two units, each capable of generating 800 megawatts of power, using the latest supercritical technology. BHEL will handle the entire process, including engineering, procurement, and construction.To fulfill this project, BHEL will supply essential equipment from its manufacturing units located in Haridwar, Trichy, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ranipet, and Bhopal.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 14:09:11
 World 

Defense News ,China ,Srilanka :- The Chinese government recently gave some special equipment to Sri Lanka to help them handle dangerous explosives. This happened as part of a deal where China helps Sri Lanka with military stuff.They had a ceremony at the Sri Lankan Army headquarters to hand over the equipment. Important people like defense secretary Kamal Gunaratne and Chinese Ambassador to Colombo Qi Zhenhong were there.What did they give? Well, they handed over 18 REOD 4000 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) medium robots, 10 anti-explosive blankets, and 10 explosion protection tanks.These gadgets are going to help the Sri Lankan army find and deal with bombs safely.The government didn't say how much all this stuff is worth.Why is China doing this? Some people think it's because China wants to have more influence in Sri Lanka. There's talk that they might even build a naval base there.In 2022, a Chinese research ship visited a port in Sri Lanka, which made some people worry about spying.Some experts think China might set up a base in Hambantota port because they've put a lot of money into it. But Sri Lanka says they're not talking to China about building any military bases.State Defense Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said Sri Lanka hasn't discussed having any foreign military bases, including with China.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 06:20:23
 India 

Defense News ,India :- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Monday called unsettled borders with China and the rise of China as “the most formidable challenge” that India and Indian armed forces will face in the “foreseeable future.”In his address at the “3rd Strategic and Security Dialogue on Rise of China and its Implications for the World” event in Pune, General Anil Chauhan said, “The challenge we face today is unsettled borders. The ancient frontiers of India started taking shape of firm borders under the British, but they could not get the legitimacy of international borders on independence thus we inherited disputed borders. The occupation of Tibet by China, made them a new neighbour, and a partition of India created a new nation that thrived on hostility and hatred towards us.”The event has been organised by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University. General Chauhan called unsettled borders a challenge that India faces today.General Chauhan said, “Today India has disputed borders with both our neighbours. Disputes followed by conflicts have led to the emergence of terms like line of actual control, line of control and actual ground position line. The unsettled borders with China and the rise of China will remain the most formidable challenge that India and Indian armed forces will face in the foreseeable future.”He stated that armed forces need to maintain the legitimacy of India’s claims during peacetime on the disputed borders and stressed that it requires astute handling of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at all friction points. General Chauhan said that both sides need to operate within the ambit rules of engagements.“The armed forces need to maintain the legitimacy of our claims during the peacetime on this disputed borders. This will require very astute handling of the PLA at all the friction points, calibrated firmness, and both sides to operate within the ambit of agreed rules of engagements. Like all disputed borders, there will be a tendency by the adversary to create new facts, or markers, toponomy or cartographic aggression, or to create a new narrative. This again will have to be countered collectively by all of us at all levels, that would include academicians, strategists, thinkers, students, everyone has to do it together, General Anil Chauhan said.CDS General Anil Chauhan said that relations between the two nations cannot be viewed from a binary kind of perspective. Stressing that the rise of China affects other nations as well, he called for looking at like-minded nations for equitable balance.Referring to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent comment about ties between India and China made during a TV show, General Chauhan said, “Day before yesterday, EAM said, ‘there is more to the Sino-India relation than the border disputes.’ Similarly, in an increasingly interconnected world, Sino-India relations cannot be viewed from a binary kind of perspective. The rise of China affects other nations as well and we must look at like-minded nations for equitable balance while remaining cognizant of the fact as a popular idiom says that one must be prepared to fight its own battle.”Regarding technological advancements, General Chauhan cautioned against allowing a significant technological gap to emerge between India and its immediate adversaries, emphasizing its potential adverse consequences.“Technology denial regimes existed in the past, but what we are witnessing now is a race to retain technological edge. India cannot afford the emergence of a major technological gap between us and our immediate adversaries, and that would be fatal for us,” General Chauhan said.Earlier on March 12, India sent out a strong rebuttal to China for the latter’s comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh stating that the northeastern State will always be “an integral and inalienable part of India”.In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that China’s objection to visits by Indian leaders or India’s developmental projects “does not stand to reason”.“We reject the comments made by the Chinese side regarding the visit of the Prime Minister to Arunachal Pradesh. Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other States of India. Objecting to such visits or India’s developmental projects does not stand to reason,” MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.“Further, it will not change the reality that the State of Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. The Chinese side has been made aware of this consistent position on several occasions,” he added.Jaiswal’s statement came after Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin during a press briefing, said that China “strongly deplores and firmly opposes” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the “East Section of the China-India boundary” and has raised concerns with India. PM Modi had virtually inaugurated the strategic Sela Tunnel during an event held in Arunachal Pradesh’s capital, Itanagar, on March 9.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 06:15:39
 World 

Defense News ,Pakistan ,Taliban :- Amid escalating tensions following Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, the Taliban forces have retaliated by targeting Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line with heavy weaponry, as reported by Afghanistan-based Khaama Press citing the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence.In an official statement, the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence declared, "In response to this hostile act, Taliban border forces have engaged Pakistani military installations along the artificial border line using heavy arms."The ministry emphasized Afghanistan's readiness to defend its territorial integrity against any aggressive actions, asserting that the defense and security forces are prepared to respond under all circumstances.Reports from Khaama Press indicated armed clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards along the Durand Line. The clashes reportedly commenced at 7 am local time on Monday, prompting residents of Dand Patan to evacuate their homes following rocket fire from Pakistan.Tensions escalated after Pakistani airstrikes targeted Afghanistan's Khost and Paktika provinces. According to the Taliban-led Ministry of Defence, Pakistani fighter jets violated Afghan airspace, conducting airstrikes in Bermel district of Paktika province and Sepera district of Khost province.Tragically, at least eight individuals, including women and children, lost their lives in the airstrikes on Monday, as reported by TOLO News. The Taliban condemned these airstrikes as a blatant violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid warning of severe repercussions for any further encroachment.Hamdullah Fitrat, Taliban's deputy spokesperson, strongly condemned the airstrikes, labeling them as an invasion of Afghan territory. Fitrat reiterated the Taliban's commitment to defending their homeland against all forms of aggression, drawing upon Afghanistan's historical struggle for freedom against global superpowers.Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Office defended its actions, stating that the airstrikes were part of "intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations" within Afghanistan's border regions. The operations, according to Pakistan, targeted terrorists affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, responsible for numerous terrorist attacks within Pakistan, resulting in civilian and law enforcement casualties.Pakistan's Foreign Office highlighted a recent attack on a security post in North Waziristan's Mir Ali, which claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers. The statement underscored Pakistan's determination to combat terrorism along its borders.The exchange of hostilities underscores the volatile nature of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, with both sides asserting their sovereignty amidst ongoing tensions and military engagements.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 06:04:37
 India 

Defense News ,India :-  Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the cornerstone of India's aerospace industry, is embarking on a mission to develop a fully indigenous cargo transporter, marking a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense technology.The impetus behind this endeavor stems from HAL's apprehension about potential exclusion from the forthcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. This indigenous development aligns closely with India's burgeoning emphasis on self-sufficiency in defense.HAL's determination to forge ahead with an indigenous solution follows closely on the heels of a landmark achievement by a private Indian company in successfully fulfilling the C-295 transport aircraft order. This milestone marked a historic moment for India's defense sector.Insiders familiar with the MTA program have confirmed HAL's fervent advocacy for a domestically engineered cargo aircraft. Such a move resonates with the government's overarching objective of fortifying India's autonomy in military technology, promising enduring benefits in terms of maintenance and future upgrades.The recent pronouncement by the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief regarding the imperative to replace the aging An-32 and IL-76 fleets with MTAs by 2030 and beyond presents a tantalizing opportunity.With the potential order volume exceeding 100 aircraft over the next two decades, the MTA tender emerges as a highly coveted contract for defense contractors worldwide.India's decision to withdraw from the collaborative MTA program with Russia, in which HAL played a pivotal role, has left the company without a ready-made design tailored to the IAF's requirements.Moreover, several foreign aerospace entities vying for the IAF's tender have opted to collaborate with private Indian firms. This strategic maneuver threatens to sideline HAL unless it presents a compelling indigenous solution.At this juncture, the Indian government and the IAF confront a pivotal choice. Will they prioritize the long-term advantages of a fully indigenous aircraft spearheaded by HAL, or will the allure of established foreign platforms and partnerships with the private sector prevail?In the months ahead, critical decisions will shape the trajectory of India's military transport aircraft capabilities and define HAL's pivotal role in shaping the nation's aerospace landscape.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 06:00:45
 World 

Defense News ,India :-  Navantia, Spain's premier state-owned shipyard, has put forth a proposal that could greatly bolster the fleet capabilities of the Indian Navy. The proposal entails supplying the Indian Navy with the latest addition to its arsenal – the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship from the renowned Juan Carlos I class.This proposition resonates well with the Indian Navy's ongoing efforts to enhance its fleet with new Landing Platform Docks (LPDs).Beyond a mere transaction, Spain's commitment extends to a technology transfer (ToT) agreement, as confirmed by Amparo Valcarce, Spain's Secretary of State for Defence. This agreement is in harmony with India's "Make in India" initiative, envisioning a collaborative endeavor where a 26,000-ton LDP will be constructed in a chosen Indian shipyard. Such an endeavor would significantly reinforce India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.The adaptability inherent in the Juan Carlos I design is particularly appealing to India. Valcarce underlines how these LPDs can be tailored to meet the specific operational needs of the Indian Navy.India's quest for acquiring LPDs has endured over a decade, marked by setbacks and cancellations. Yet, the importance of these versatile vessels cannot be overstated, serving crucial roles in military operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief efforts.Navantia's proposal, focusing on domestic production and customization, presents the Indian Navy with an enticing opportunity. The acquisition of modern LPDs through this collaboration holds the promise of substantially extending India's naval reach while bolstering regional maritime security.As negotiations progress, the potential collaboration between Spain and India stands as a significant stride for both nations, promising mutual benefits and fostering stronger ties in the maritime domain.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 05:37:35
 World 

Defense News , Russia :-  Russia purportedly deployed a highly controversial weapon, termed a "vacuum bomb," in recent military operations in Ukraine, claiming significant casualties among enemy forces. Also known as volumetric detonation bombs or thermobaric weapons, these munitions rely on a fuel-air mixture to unleash devastating blast waves.With its composition consisting primarily of fuel, the vacuum bomb boasts an exceptional level of energy and potency compared to conventional explosives. The Russian Ministry of Defense asserted that an airstrike utilizing a vacuum bomb resulted in the deaths of approximately 300 Ukrainian soldiers.While specifics regarding the strike's location remained undisclosed, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Colonel General Alexei Kim referenced a deployment point of the Ukrainian special intelligence unit, the 'Kraken' nationalist formation.The destructive capabilities of vacuum bombs are profound, dispersing an aerosol cloud of gas, liquid, or powdered explosive to neutralize targets. Reports indicate that its blast is capable of collapsing buildings and causing severe internal injuries, rendering traditional defenses inadequate, including walls and caves.These weapons, typically launched from hand-held launchers or aircraft, are exemplified by Russia's operation of the TOS-1A thermobaric weapon, notorious for its ability to deprive victims of breathable air.Concerns over the potential use of such weaponry prompted calls for the Ukrainian military to preemptively neutralize these arms before they could be deployed against them.Despite Russia's assertions, a spokesperson for the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine dismissed the claims as "absolute nonsense." He suggested that such statements might be part of Russia's broader propaganda efforts, which include unsubstantiated reports of casualties among Ukrainian forces in various regions.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 05:31:05
 World 

Defense News ,Europe :- The European council met and agreed to give more help to Ukraine's army. They decided to give an extra 5 billion euros (about $5.44 billion) through a special fund. This fund is just for supporting Ukraine's armed forces.Josep Borrell, who is in charge of foreign policy for the EU, said they want to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia's attacks. They'll do whatever they can for as long as it's needed.The European Union will use this money to buy both weapons and other things needed for the military. They will also use it for training. The EU and Norway will buy these things together from defense companies.Now, the total amount of money in the fund for 2021-2027 is 17 billion euros. This is because they added the new 5 billion euros. Last week, the ambassadors of all 27 EU countries agreed to make these changes and give more support to Ukraine's army.

Read More → Posted on 2024-03-19 05:26:30
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