IADN Strategic Focus (November-December 2022)

Understanding Xi Jinping China Dream

EMPOWERING STRATEGIC MINDS SINCE 2012

The IADN is a leading Independent Defence & Strategic news and information providing website. It is a ‘Not-for-profit’ ‘self-sustaining’ ‘non-partisan’ ‘knowledge building’ website providing exclusive, non-partisan in-depth news and analysis on leading defence startegic

The IADN was founded in March 2012 by Mr. Shantanu K. Bansal. It can be called a unique venture which has played an instrumental role in taking defence and strategic issues to a wider audience. Before IADN, the issues related to defence and security were limited to interestof some scholars and govenment, the IADN took upon the initiative to enlighten public about prevailing security situation of the country hence assisting the much needed ‘strategic culture’ in the country from grasroots level. Having been inspired by IADN many such news and analysis platforms mushroomed across the open domain.

With extreme efforts, the IADN was able to transform itself into an open information & knowledge sharing platform. Time and againthrough its unique way of reporting, it has touched upon the minds across the world hence providing a way for better policy orientation in the sector it serves. Today IADN is backed by a strong, ever-growing community of more than 5 lakh followers hence having a prominent say on the leading issues of National Interest.

The IADN has a spotless record, it has the intact quality of reporting as it should be. The team of editors, content writers and graphic designers rom various backgrounds, represents every region of IndiaNorth, South, West and East reflecting the true spirit of India. Our serving/veteran team members have got the opportunity to assosiate with leading companies, institutions and govenment organisations.

On the occasion of its 10th year in service, the IADN launched E-magazine called “IADN Strategic focus”. The mothly magzine is recap of of all thats happening in defence and strategic sector and policy brief in the form of E-publication.

Mr. Shantanu K.Bansal

Mr. Sridhar Chari

Mr. Arpan Saha

Mr. Anung W. Elemenz

Mr. Adway Gupta

Mr. Vishnu Dutt Vishwakarma

Mr. Purushendra Singh

Mr. Ashwan Paikray

Images are for representation purposes only. The IADN do not own the copyright on the images used in the publication.

Editor-in-Chief

Communication & Web

Team IADN

Mr. Ankit Kumar Dr. Biplab Rath

Mr. Pazdin M. Dalal

Editorial Team

Mr. Kuldeep Ardeshna Mr. Himanshu Tripathi

Mr. Navneet Bhushan, DRDO Mr. Rakesh Raushan, HAL Dr. Amit Mukherjee, NIAS

Advisory Board

Designing & Illustration

and security related issues about India.

Weapons Trial

INS Arihant Missile Test

A Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) likely a K-15 missile was successfully test fired from India’s 1st Nuclear powered Ballistic Missile (SSBN) submarine on 14th October. K-15 is the leading missile of Kalam Missile family. It has a range of 750 km with 1000kg payload. The missile was tested to a predetermined range and impacted the target area in the Bay of Bengal with very high accuracy. All operational and technological parameters of the weapon system have been validated. The successful user training launch of the SLBM by INS Arihant is signifi cant to prove crew competency and validate the SSBN programme, a key element of India’s nuclear deterrence capability. A robust, survivable and assured retaliatory capability is in keeping with India’s policy to have ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence’ that underpins its ‘No First Use’ commit ment.

A longer range missile K-4 is under development. Arihant can carry 12 K-15 or 4 K-4 SLBMs.

AGNI PRIME: Next Generation

Ballistic Missile

Medium Range Next Generation Ballistic Missile Agni Prime was successfully test fired on 21st October. This system can carry a payload of 1.5-3 tons to a range of 1000-2000 km. The missile successfully completed the test, covering its full range, and all of its test goals were achieved. The Agni-P missile has manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) capability, which makes it extremely difficult to intercept its warhead from any Ballistic Missile Defence system. It can also be used to target ships on high seas due to its very high accuracy.

Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) Failure

the DRDO conducted the test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) Aka. Nirbhay missile on 29th October. The technology demonstrator was flying with indigenous Manik engine which likely failed and the missile plunged into the sea after 30 seconds of take-off. This has been the 2nd failed test of ITCM in last 2 years.

DRDO SUCCESSFULLY TESTS FUTURISTIC ELECTROMAGNETIC RAILGUNS

The DRDO conducted the test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) Aka. Nirbhay missile on 29th October. The technology demonstrator was flying with indigenous Manik engine which likely failed and the missile plunged into the sea after 30 seconds of take-off. This has been the 2nd failed test of ITCM in last 2 years.

PINAKA MK-1E SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED AT DRASS, KARGIL

Pinaka MK-1 (Enhanced), an upgraded version of Pinaka MK-1 has been successfully test fired at Drass. Four rockets manufactured by YIL, AWEIL & MIL (developed by ARDE & HEMRL), were test fired on 18th & 19th October, as a part of High Altitude Area PSQR Validation Trials. The Pinaka rocket system has been developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune supported by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, another Pune-based laboratory of DRDO.

New Acquisition & Procurement.

INDIA TO DEVELOP NEW INDIGENOUS AESA RADAR FOR ITS SUKHOI SU-30MKI FIGHTERS

Over 270 Sukhoi Su-30MKI combat aircraft from the inventory of the Indian Air Force will be equipped with a new AESA radar. Such are the plans of Min istry of Defence. A new version of an active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar is already under development. According to officials familiar with the development, the new radar will be ready by 2024. The first flight tests of Su-30MKI with the radar are planned. 2026 is the deadline set by MoD for the full operation of the new radar. India has no tradition of developing such technolo gies. Many experts questioned the ability of the Indian defence industry to meet this challenge, however, Indian engineers have not only developed such a radar but is said to be a notch better than the ones already available in the global market. If New Delhi succeeds in integrating this radar on the Russian fighter jets, then Moscow will stand to lose billions of dollars.

DRDO is working on 100MJ Rail Gun

The Electromagnetic Railgun (EMRG) powered by 10 MJ capaci tor has already been developed as a testbed to develop 100MJ Rail Gun. The 100 MJ EM #railgun can launch a 18 kg projectile which can cover a distance of 100 km to 400 km. It will be developed and test fired by DRDO in near future. The DRDO has already fired 1 kg C type projectile from a 45 mm EM railgun.

IIT-MADRAS DEVELOPS DIAMOND-BASED COATING TO PREVENT WEAR-AND-TEAR FOR GUN BARRELS

A diamond-like carbon coating from IIT-Madras promises to make the insides of gun barrels tough and friction-free. DRDO is developing special coatings to reduce friction heat in gun barrels. The science of coating surfaces to increase their ability to withstand wear and tear and, sometimes, impart lubrication has immensely helped industry. The newly launched Advanced Conformal-Coating Technology (AdCoaTech) lab at IIT-Madras is developing technologies to give Indian defence capabilities an ‘Atmanirbhar Coat’.

INDIA DEFENCE START-UP DEVELOPS BARREL-LAUNCHED LOITERING MUNITION

India Defence Start-Up Redon Systems Pvt Ltd has developed a Barrel-Launched Loitering Munition system that is capable of carrying out missions in Semi-Autonomous or Autonomous modes even in GPS-denied environments. This Barrel-Launched Loitering Munition system can carry a payload of 1.5 kilograms at a service ceiling of 4,000 meters and has a strike radius of 30 kilometers to target enemy hideouts, Vehicles Fuel and ammunition dumps.

TESTING OF KAVERI DRY ENGINE MEANT TO POWER GHATAK

COMBAT UAV DELAYED

Lack of testing facility delays Kaveri dry engine, meant to power India’s first stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle. Once the Kaveri Dry engine clears these simulated high-al titude tests, GTRE will position the engine in the flying test bed (FTB), which is a modified Ilyushin (Il)-76 fixed-wing, four-engine turbofan aircraft. India’s dependence on Russia for conducting simulated high-altitude tests and flight test bed testing are causing a further delay to the flight-testing of the Kaveri dry engine. A derivative of the bedevilled, indigenous Kaveri mili tary gas turbine aero engine that has been under development at the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO’s) Gas Turbine Re search Establishment (GTRE) since 1989, the Kaveri dry engine is meant to power India’s first stealth, unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), the Ghatak.

INDIA'S DIGANTARA AND RFA SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR LAUNCH SERVICES

Lack of testing facility delays Kaveri dry engine, meant to power India’s first stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle. Once the Kaveri Dry engine clears these simulated high-altitude tests, GTRE will position the engine in the flying test bed (FTB), which is a modified Ilyushin (Il)-76 fixed-wing, four-engine turbofan aircraft. India’s dependence on Russia for conducting simulated high-altitude tests and flight test bed testing are causing a further delay to the flight-testing of the Kaveri dry engine. A derivative of the bedevilled, indigenous Kaveri military gas turbine aero engine that has been under development at the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO’s) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) since 1989, the Kaveri dry engine is meant to power India’s first stealth, unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), the Ghatak.

GODREJ DEVELOPS ANTI-DRONE SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Anti-drone systems in the country are also being manufactured in view of the increasing threats of drones in the country from across the border. In particular, the smuggling of drugs, weapons and drone attacks on military institutions is to be stopped through drones on the border. Apart from this, drone attack is also a big threat to VVIP security. An exhibition of one such counter drone system has been put up at the headquarters of BPRD under the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi. Godrej, an Indian multi-national FMCG company which also makes defence equipment for the armed forces, has entered into the production of internal security systems. The company has designed a special anti-UAV drone system.

ARMY TO ACQUIRE 'SUICIDE' SWARM DRONES TO KEEP CHINA, PAKISTAN AT BAY

The Army is slowly but steadily stepping-up the induction of explosive-armed drones. As it gears up to soon induct the first batch of 'Loitering Munitions’ or Kamikaze Drones, the force on Wednesday also kicked off the acquisition process for 12 sets of armed drone swarms. Seven of these 12 Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms (A-SADS), each with 50-75 artificial intelligence-enabled aerial vehicles capable of communicating with control stations as well as among themselves, are meant for high-altitude areas.

MOD ISSUES TENDER TO PROCURE 1.25MW GAS TURBINE GENERATORS FOR INDIAN

NAVY SHIPS

The Army is slowly but steadily stepping-up the induction of explo sive-armed drones. As it gears up to soon induct the first batch of 'Loitering Munitions’ or Kamikaze Drones, the force on Wednesday also kicked off the acquisition process for 12 sets of armed drone swarms. Seven of these 12 Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms (A-SADS), each with 50-75 artificial intelligence-enabled aerial vehicles capable of communicating with control stations as well as among themselves, are meant for high-altitude areas.

MUNITION INDIA LIMITED (MIL) SET TO INDIGENIZE BRAHMOS WARHEADS

In yet another major step towards indigenization of BrahMos missiles, defence PSU Munition India Limited (MIL) is ready with the facility to make warheads for the missile. This comes soon after BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) received the first ever indigenous boosters from Nagpur’s Solar Group. Both warhead and booster are major components of the missile. The booster gives initial speed to a missile and the warhead hits the target. A missile has three main components, which are warhead, sustainer engine, and booster. Like the boosters, the warheads too were so far procured from abroad. With the facility ready, indigenous production can begin.

ADA COMPLETES AMCA FABRICATION, FINAL GOVT APPROVAL STILL PENDING FOR PROTOTYPE REALIZATION SAYS DRDO CHIEF

In yet another major step towards indig enization of BrahMos missiles, defence PSU Munition India Limited (MIL) is ready with the facility to make warheads for the missile. This comes soon after BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) received the first ever indigenous boosters from Nagpur’s Solar Group. Both warhead and booster are major components of the missile. The booster gives initial speed to a missile and the warhead hits the target. A missile has three main components, which are warhead, sustainer engine, and booster. Like the boosters, the warheads too were so far procured from abroad. With the facility ready, indigenous production can begin.

ARMY ISSUES RFP FOR PROCUREMENT OF 363 DRONES

The Indian Army issued initial tenders for the procurement of 363 drones to boost its logistics chain and enhance operational preparedness along the sensitive border regions, officials said. While 163 drones would be for high-altitude regions, 200 are being procured for use in medium-alti tude areas, officials said.

GARUDA AEROSPACE, LOCKHEED MARTIN CANADA TO INTEGRATE DRONES WITH UNCREWED AERIAL SYSTEMS

Garuda Aerospace has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lockheed Martin Canada CDL Systems to integrate its Made-In-India drones with the Canadian company’s advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) software solutions for defence and commercial purposes. Under the agreement, the compa nies are committing to explore expanded partnership opportunities, which includes working closely to build a strong data processing ca pability and develop joint algorithms that will cater to a wide range of drones and various drone-based service applications in sectors such as defence, agriculture, mining, large scale mapping and industrial inspection.

SpearUAV, Israel-based developers and suppliers of unique Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) solutions for defence and Homeland Security (HLS) applications — has signed a Memorandum of Understanding

Understanding (MoU) with Paras Aerospace, a subsidiary of Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited, to introduce the unique encapsulated Ninox-40 system to the Indian market for use by mili tary forces, paramilitary, internal security, and law enforcement agencies. Ninox-40 is a micro-tactical, cost-effective drone system, featuring an encapsulated drone and control unit.

JAPAN TO EXPORT INDIA STEALTH ANTENNAS EQUIPPED ON NEW DESTROYER, SOURCES SAY

Japan is planning to export to India stealth antennas equipped on a new Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer (MSDF), as the two countries strengthen security cooperation, government sources said. If realised, it would be the first export case under a Japan-India agreement on defence equipment and technology transfer signed in 2015. The envisioned export is intended to prompt India to reduce its reliance on Russia in procuring military equipment and boost defence ties between Japan and India amid China’s military rise, the sources said.

HAL SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTS TEST FLIGHTS OF HIGH-ALTITUDE PSEUDO-SATELLITE

(HAPS)

The HAPS is being designed as an autonomous, solar-powered unmanned aerial system (UAS). Ac cording to the company, the aircraft is being designed to stay airborne for more than 90 days while cruising at an altitude of 65,000 ft. “The scale model, which was tested has a wingspan of 8 m. The full-sized HAPs is planned to have a wingspan of 24 or 25 m,” the company spokesperson said. “A second test was conducted two weeks later.”

NEW AIR-LAUNCHED VERSION OF BRAHMOS SUPERSONIC CRUISE MISSILE WOULD BE ABLE TO STRIKE TARGETS AT 800 KMS

India is developing a new air-launched version of the BrahMos su personic cruise missile which would be able to strike at enemy targets at more than 800 kilometers. The missile earlier had the capabil ity of hitting targets at around 300 kilometers after being released from a Su-30MKI combat aircraft. "The range of the BrahMos missile has been increased already and with the advantage of being airborne at high altitudes, the missile can travel a longer distance and can hit targets at 800 kms and beyond," sources said.

ADANI DEFENCE, ISRAEL WEAPON INDUSTRIES UNVEIL INDIA'S FIRST AI-BASED FUTURISTIC FIRING SYSTEM

Humanoid robots armed with lethal weapons or unmanned tanks and submarines may have seemed like a realm of pure science fiction, just a few years ago. But now with advances in artificial intelligence (AI), arms control is a challenging but very promising application. India is prioritising AI as a key component of its national security strategy given US & China's significant advancements in AI-based research. India is well promoting its AI-based innovation and building infrastruc ture that is AI-ready in order to secure its strategic and national security interests. The country's defence establishment is now working to wards harnessing the expertise of the information technology industry and are advancing also in the field of small arms that have always been limited to mechanical or technical improvements.

INDIAN ARMY, AIR FORCE INDUCTING HERON MK-II DRONES

The Indian military is in the process of acquiring a number of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron Mk II unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to supplement its existing fleet of Herons. A proposal to manufacture the aircraft in India under licence is also being discussed.

BDL PLANS TO MANUFACTURE ISRAELI LORA THEATRE QUASI-BALLISTIC MISSILE

Bharat Dynamics Limited is slated to manufacture the Israeli LORA theatre quasi ballistic missile in India. LORA is a weather surface to surface missile, combining long range, precision and lethality. The LORA (shorthand for "Long Range Attack") is a tactical missile developed in Israel. The LORA is a Long-Range Artillery Weapon System capable of engaging strategic targets deep in the enemy's territory from mobile or maritime platforms. LORA is an effective solution for destroying targets deep in enemy territory.

TEJAS TO BE INTEGRATED WITH LIGHTER BRAHMOS-NG SUPERSONIC CRUISE MISSILE

IN FEW YEARS

In few years from now, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS will be able to carry and launch the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This will be possible once the lighter version of the supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), is ready, according to the company officials. “The BrahMos-NG development is expected to make first flight in two years and will be ready for production in 2-3 years after that, according to a BrahMos official. The focus of the de velopment as of now is on the air-launched version,” a BrahMos official said.

KALYANI GROUP ANNOUNCES

WORLD’S LARGEST ARTILLERY MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Indian private defence manufacturing conglomerate Kalyani Group announced that it would construct the world’s largest artillery manufacturing facility in India. The Hindu Business Line quoted company chairman Baba Kalyani as saying that the plant would be ready in three years, producing one gun per day, a five-fold increase over the current production rate.

BDL SIGNS MOU WITH DASSAULT AVIATION TO INTEGRATE ASTRA & SAAW MISSILES ON IAF'S RAFALE

JETS

Bharat Dynamics today signed an MoU with French Dassault Aviation for the integration of BDL Weapon Systems like Astra BVR & SAAW weapons on the IAF Rafale fighter jets. Ministry of Defence, on May 31, 2022, signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for supply of ASTRA MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force & Indian Navy at a cost of Rs 2,971 crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. Till now, the technology to manufacture missile of this class indigenously was not available. ASTRA MK-I BVR AAM has been Indigenously De signed & Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based on the Staff Requirements issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) catering for Beyond Visual Range as well as Close Combat Engagement reducing the dependency on foreign sources. Air to Air missile with BVR capability provides large Stand Off Ranges to own fighter aircraft which can neutralise the adversary aircraft without exposing itself to ad versary Air Defence measures, thereby gaining & sustaining superiority of the Air Space. This missile is technologically and economically superior to many such imported missile systems.

IAI OPENS NEW INDIAN SUBSIDIARY

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has opened a new subsidiary, Aerospace Services India (ASI) located in New Delhi. ASI is the sole authorised OEM technical representative for the entire Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) system, which is in service with the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. The MRSAM is an advanced and innovative air and missile defence system jointly developed by IAI and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). The system includes an advanced phased array radar, command and control, mobile launchers and interceptors with advanced RF seeker.

ARMY ISSUES RFP FOR PROCUREMENT OF 363 DRONES

The Indian Army issued initial tenders for the procurement of 363 drones to boost its logistics chain and enhance op erational preparedness along the sensitive border regions, officials said. While 163 drones would be for high-altitude regions, 200 are being procured for use in medium-altitude areas, officials said. The drones are being procured under emergency procurement through fast-track procedure under Buy (Indian) category.

GARUDA AEROSPACE, LOCKHEED MARTIN CANADA TO INTEGRATE DRONES WITH UNCREWED AERIAL SYSTEMS

Garuda Aerospace has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lockheed Martin Canada CDL Systems to integrate its Made-In-India drones with the Canadian company’s advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) software solutions for defence and commercial purpos es. Under the agreement, the companies are committing to explore expanded partnership opportunities, which includes

working closely to build a strong data processing capability and develop joint algorithms that will cater to a wide range of drones and various drone-based service applications in sectors such as defence, agriculture, mining, large scale mapping and industrial inspection.

CABS ISSUES EOI TO PARTICIPATE IN MISSION SYSTEM OF AIRBORNE AEW&C SYSTEM

Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) has released an Expres sion of Interest to participate in Mission System of Airborne Surveillance System Program as a Development cum Produc tion Partner (DccP) for AEWC MK-II project as per a DRDO release.The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in Sept 2021 cleared a nearly Rs 11,000 crore project of the Defence Re search and Development Organization (DRDO) to develop six new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This is in addition to the nearly $3 billion deal for procuring 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the IAF, which was also cleared by the Committee, to replace the ageing fleet of Avro 748 transport aircraft that first flew in 1961.

L&T IS LOWEST BIDDER FOR 240 AIR DEFENCE GUN SYSTEMS

As a leading indigenous defence company, Larsen & Toubro is looking to tap its expertise developed over four decades, espe cially for land and sea systems. JD Patil, Member of Executive Committee of Management and Advisor (Defence & Smart Technologies) to CEO & MD, L&T, spoke to Business Line on his company’s emergence as L1 (lowest bidder) for the Indian Air Force contract for 240 air defence gun systems, as also its new submarine, unmanned systems, and other products.

INDIA DEVELOPING VEHICLE MOUNTED COUNTER SWARMING DRONE SYSTEM FOR ARMY

Indian Army is the one of the first in the world to induct a swarming system and is now develop ing a counter swarming drone system. The system is primarily for protecting mechanised army formations from swarming drone attacks. It uses a hard kill system (Micro Missiles) to neutralize the threat. The system is tentatively names as Bhargavastra.

TATA ADVANCED SYSTEM BAGS IAF CONTRACT TO SUPPLY 10,000 BULLET-PROOF JACKETS

In a move that signifies growing self-reliance, the Indian Air Force will get 10,000 bullet-proof jackets for their special forces and other personnel from TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The lightweight bullet-resistant body armour is expected to replace bulky and heavy jackets that are slowly being phased out from the entire armed forces, sources said. “TASL has signed a contract for the supply of 10,000 numbers of bulletproof jackets of medium and large size to Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2022 after qualifying all the specifications, product testing and validation requirements,” a TASL spokesperson confirmed. The supply of these bulletproof jackets for the first time to the Indian Air Force is as per the terms of the contract, the spokesperson pointed out.

PM Modi Launches Deesa Airbase in Gujarat

Defending Gujarat multi-billion-dollar Industrial Complex the Deesa airbase has presently 22-kilometer boundary wall & 20 watchtowers which will be developed into a full-fledged air base at an estimated cost of Rs 980 crore ($12M). It is planned to be finished by Dec 2023, expected to become operational by 2024.

DRDO TESTS 3 UNMANNED REMOTE-CONTROLLED WEAPONISED BOATS IN PUNE

DRDO officials in Maharashtra tested three remotely un manned, weaponised boats in Pune. On Thursday, the three remote-controlled armed boats were tested with no man on the vessel. Notably, these boats were developed by DRDO in collaboration with the private start-up Sagar Defence Engineering, a defence production start-up.

IAF ISSUES AON FOR PROCUREMENT OF 106 NUMBERS OF INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM

IAF has issued an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 106 (One Hundred Six) Inertial Navigation System under 'Buy Indian' category. The broad details in re spect of ‘Inertial Navigation System are :The system should be mounted on a light vehicle and contain GPS, Inertial Measuring Unit, Control and Display Unit, Optical Device for transferring orientation, Laser Range Finder and power supply modules. It should have adequate arrangements to provide shock protection during handling and withstand road and cross country vibrations of the vehicle during operation. The equipment should be light vehicle mounted. The overall weight of the system less the vehicle should not exceed 150 kgs. The system should provide fixation and orientation information in geographical coordinates and in grid coordi nates in UTM grid and in Indian grid system in polyconic and Lambert’s Conical Orthomorphic/Lamberts conical confor mal projections referenced to WGS-84 datum and Everest Spheroid Indian datum as per Indian grid zones. The system should be IRNSS compatible.

INDIA, UK LAUNCH DEFENCE INDUSTRY GROUP

A new India-UK working group is expected to focus on tech nologies to support Indian air combat programmes including the proposed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, a comput er-generated image of which is pictured above. (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). India and the United Kingdom have launched a forum to support enhanced co-operation between the two countries' defence industrial bases.

INDIA 'ACTIVELY PURSUING' ISTAR SNOOP PLANE ACQUISITION: IAF CHIEF

India is “actively pursuing” the acquisi tion of ISTAR, a high-tech ground surveillance aircraft and battlefield support system, Indian Air Force Chief VR Chaud hari said. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari’s comments indicate that the estimated $3 Billion procurement of five ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) aircraft under the India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) framework is on track. The ISTAR is a key force multiplier.

IAF TO GET NEW BASIC TRAINER AIRCRAFT HAL HTT-40

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will supply the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a new Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) in the Hindustan Turbo Trainer 40 (HTT-40). HAL was awarded an INR 6,800 crore order by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) at the recently concluded DefExpo for 70 aircraft, along with the associated infrastructure and maintenance

The HTT-40 will join 75 Swiss Pilatus PC-7 MKII BTAs, which were ordered in May 2012, and all aircraft were delivered by November 2015. The PC-7 MKII has a lifespan of 10,000 hrs/30,000 landings. The IAF has a total sanctioned fleet of 181 BTAs, which will be met with 106 HTT-40s and 75 PC-7 MKIIs.

DRDO UNVEILS ZORAWAR TANK CONCEPT FOR INDIAN ARMY

The DRDO is developing Zorawar light tank with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the Indian Army. A DRDO official told Janes that the prototype of the new tank is expected to be unveiled in late 2023. Jayant D Patil, L&T's senior executive vice-presi dent for defence, told Janes on 16 September, “L&T is selected as a development partner as of now.” He added that while the company is involved in the platform's development, L&T is not assured of a role in the tank's production phase.

INDIAN ARMY INSTALLS QUADCOPTER JAMMERS TO PROTECT MILITARY BASES FROM PAKISTANI DRONES

Movement of Pakistani drones poses a great challenge for security agencies. Now, Indian Army has installed quadcopter jammers in large numbers to protect military bases in forward areas. The Army is procured jammers in large numbers, and expanding the range of the existing ones to protect large military bases in forward areas from drone attacks , a senior defence official has said. Also with ceasefire holding along the Line of Control (LoC), both India and Pakistan are using the peace to upgrade their defences on the border, officials said. “We were cognisant of the threat from drones for sometime. To cover forward bases, we have got bigger jammers, including from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and an Indian company in Hyderabad,” one official said. “We are working to expand the range of our jammers while also importing additional ones.”

equipment and spares. The new aircraft will be inducted at the Air Force Academy (AFA), located in Dundigal in Telangana.

ARMY ISSUES EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT TENDER FOR 750 DRONES FOR PARA SPECIAL FORCES

For helping special forces to carry out special missions behind enemy lines, the Indian Army is looking to procure 750 remote ly piloted aerial vehicles under fast-track procedures. "Indian Army has issued a tender for the procurement of 750 remotely piloted aerial vehicles under fast-track procedures under the emergency procurement powers granted to Defence Forces by the Government of India," Indian Army officials said.

Special Coverage: Defence Expo 2022

MOUs worth Rs 1,53,000 Crore signed at Defexpo 2022. As many as 451 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements worth Rs 1.53 lakh crore were signed during the Defence Expo or DefExpo 2022 at Gandhinagar, a senior official said. During the valedictory function of the 12th edition of DefExpo at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar informed the audience that it had broken previous records in terms of business generation. "This was the most outstanding defence expo ever. It saw the highest number of exhibitors, which is in addition to tens of thousands of business visitors. The extent of business this defence expo has generated has surpassed all the previous records," said Kumar.

RUSSIA'S ROSOBORONEXPORT TO DISCUSS PRODUCTION, SALE OF AK-203 RIFLES AT DEFEXPO IN GUJARAT

The company participates in the exhibition as a co-founder of Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, a Russian-Indian joint venture es tablished to produce Kalashnikov assault rifles in India, according to a Rosoboronexport press statement. "Rosoboronexport has the world's largest portfolio of completed, on-going and future defence production projects in India. The joint venture Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, in which Rosoboronexport and the Kalashnikov Concern participate from the Russian side, is fully in line with the Government's Make in India initiative and Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 rules," said Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev.

89 IMPROVEMENTS TO INDIA'S ARJUN MK-1A TANK, INCLUDING AUTO-TRACKING: INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

The latest modification of the Indian Arjun tank, the Arjun MK-1A has received 89 improvements over the previous MK-1 version. The tank was presented just days ago at the local defence and security exhibition DefExpo 2022. 73 of the improvements can also be made on the MK-1, says the Heavy Vehicles Factory [HVF], Avadi. The Arjun MK-1A is a new design that went into production last year. If we compare the two versions of the tank according to their basic characteristics, we will find very small differences, but they are there. MK-1A is heavier than MK-1 by over 9 tons. This leads to a reduction in top speed. MK-1 moves at 70 km/h, while MK-1A at 58 km/h.

BAE

SYSTEMS

PRESENTS

ADVANCED CAPABILITIES

UK-based defence, aerospace and security company, BAE Systems, presents its strategy of ‘co-creating for a self-re liant India’ at DefExpo. The company is showcasing its existing relationships with the Indian industry and demon strating how its defence capabilities and technology solutions can further advance India’s indigenous defence man ufacturing ecosystem. Ravi Nirgudkar, BAE Systems’ Managing Director India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, said, “As a founding partner of defence manufacturing in India, we also look forward to meeting key stakeholders and industry partners to discuss ways to support India in its modernisa tion journey, alongside bolstering its indigenous defence production capabilities.”

BHARAT EARTH MOVERS SHOWCASING NEW LAND VEHICLES

State-owned Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) is showcasing a range of defence land systems at Gandhinagar. The company is exhibiting its Sarvatra Bridge System, a truck-mounted, multi-span, mobile bridging system, in addition to the Medium Bullet Proof Vehicle (MBPV Mk-II) and the Track Width Mine Plough, which is fitted on the T-90 Main Battle Tank (MBT). These vehicles are part of its outdoor display at the show. It is also exhibiting a range of products like High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Engine, HMV transmission, BMP tank transmission, T-72 tank transmission, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), GSLV mock-up structure, QRSAM motor casing etc, at its indoor stand.

BEL DISPLAYS NEW TWO-WHEELER CONCEPTS

Bharat Electronics (BEL) is showcasing a battery-powered all-terrain motorcycle concept at the ongoing DefExpo show. It has been devel oped by Triton Electric Vehicle while BEL has made the battery pack. With the Indian armed forces keen on using electric vehicles, a two-wheeler is handy for courier and communication.

ARE

OFFERING

COMPLETE INDIAN DESIGNER WEAPONS, SAYS BANGALORE-BASED RIFLE MAKER

SSS DEFENCE

The Indian Army is moving towards the 'Make in India' model with almost every acquisition in the field of small arms being 'Made in India' products, Vivek Ramakrishna, rifle manufacturer in Gujarat-based SSS Defence said. The manufacturer of the rifle in the SSS Defence in Gandhinagar said that they have coined the phrase "Born in Bharat" which is different from Made in India. "We've coined the phrase 'Born in Bharat'. Everything is homegrown by making every single part.

We own all intellectual property. As far as local content is concerned, we are almost hitting the 85 per cent mark in terms of cost," Ramakrishna said.

HAL'S INDIAN MULTI ROLE HELICOPTER (IMRH) DISPLAYED AT DEFEXPO

2022

The Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) is a medium-lift helicopter currently under devel opment by state-owned aerospace and de fence company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The ground work to produce a 10 to 13 ton attack helicopter by 2027 has already started. This helicopter will be at par with some of the best medium-lift military helicop ters globally. The details on progress of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) were unveiled in Aero India in 2021.

SHOURYA

LIGHT BULLETPROOF VEHICLE ON DISPLAY AT DEFEXPO

2022

Mishra Dhatu Nigam is displaying its Shourya light bulletproof vehicle at the DefExpo. It can be used for coun terinsurgency operations as a troop carrier. Shourya can carry a driver and seven personnel with their weapons. The vehicle offers ballistic protection against 7.62 mm bullets. Its roof and body are protected from 7.62x39mm MSC and 7.62x39mm HSC ammunition as well as 2XHE36 grenades. Shourya has a power-to-weight ratio of 42-45 BHP/MT and a composite armour variant offers 60 BHP/MT. The run-flat tyres are rated for 100 km and the vehicle is fitted with a 360 degree camera time quoted at four minutes.

L&T, DRDO SHOWCASE UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE

Larsen & Toubro is showcasing an autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) developed along with the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

It is on display for the first time at the DefExpo. According to an official, three UGVs are undergoing trials with L&T and DRDO. The 6X6 vehicle can carry 300 kg payload and attain a maximum speed of 20 kmph. It weighs 800 kg and has an endurance of four hours.

I-SURE PLATFORM FOR INDIGENISATION LAUNCHED AT DEFEXPO

2022

Facilitating faster collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian industry partners the portal is the new digital initiative to boost the indigenization initiatives of HAL. On the occasion HAL released Project Sanction Orders to domestic Indian Partners to the amount of Rs 52 crore in the presence of C B Ananthakrishnan, CMD, HAL. The domestic Indian partners will now manufacture the LRUs which were being imported till now.

ARMOURED VEHICLE NIGAM

LIMITED UNVEILED THE BMP-2M INFANTRY COMBAT VEHICLE

According to the company, the BMP-2M is an upgraded BMP-2 with a loitering munition system (LMS), fifth-generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and an armament upgrade with an inte grated fire-control system (FCS). The LMS, manufactured by Telangana-based Avision Systems, provides improved endurance and manoeuvrability to the BMP-2M, ensuring high accuracy against static or moving targets. The comprehensive operational range of Avision's LMS is from 5 km short-range tactical strikes to 250 km long-range strategic operations.

HAL & IAI MOU; INDIA AND ISRAEL BUILD PARTNERSHIP ON DRONES AND FUTURISTIC DEFENCE TECHNOLOGIES

Israeli drones are able to stay in the air for a long time, reach very far ranges, carry various types of explosives and collect Intelligence day and night and in all weather conditions. Israel, a powerhouse in the world of remotely-manned tools, has signed an agreement with India for the leasing, operation and maintenance of fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the Indian Defence Forces. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Limited on the sidelines of the ongoing DefExpo 2022 at Gujarat’s Gandhinagar.

AIRBUS GETS DGAQA APPROVAL FOR INDIA C295 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Airbus Defence and Space has received approval from the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) for its Quality Management System (QMS) for the C295 aircraft program for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The DGAQA is the Indian regulatory authority for aeronautical quality assurance, and this is the first time it has approved the QMS of a foreign aircraft manufacturer.

BDL LAUNCHES THREE NEW ATGM PRODUCTS AT DEFEXPO 2022

Adding to its existing wide range of product portfolio, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has launched three new products during the ongoing DefExpo – 2022 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. A BDL release said BDL has launched “Anti - Tank Guided Missile for MBT ARJUN ”,the “San gramika”, a Light Weight Vehicle Mounted Anti -Tank Guided Weapon System and the “Sanharika”, an Armoured Vehicle mounted Laser

Guided Short Range Anti-Aircraft Weapon System during the Bandhan Ceremony at DefExpo -2022.

TASL SHOWCASED 8×8 WHEELED ARMOURED PLATFORM (WHAP) AT DEFENCE EXPO 2022

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has show cased an 8 × 8 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) at Defence Expo 2022 being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. According to DRDO, WhAP is an 8 × 8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier system. It is state-of-the-art and matches the capabilities of modern wheeled armoured vehicles in-service worldwide. The vehicle is amphibious and is incorporated with features such as a high-power engine, fully automatic transmission, and an advanced driveline with hydro-gas suspension.

DRDO DISPLAYS SEVERAL FUTURE MODELS

OF AEW&CS

A plethora of models were on display on future assets to be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces that include AEW&C with two types of platforms, Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, SIGINT and ISTAR systems.

DRDO SHOWCASES AKASH-NG

MOBILE MISSILE LAUNCHER AT DEFEXPO 2022

DRDO's Akash-NG mobile missile launcher (pictured here) at DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has showcased the Akash-New Generation (Akash-NG) mobile missile launcher at Defexpo 2022 being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The Akash-NG is a short-range mobile surface-to-air missile system (SRSAM) with a range of up to 30 km. The system is designed and developed by the DRDO and manufactured by Pune-based Electropneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd (EHPL).

VEM TECHNOLOGIES, HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS LIMITED SIGN MOU FOR 20 UNITS FUSELAGE

ASSEMBLY

VEM Technologies and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a memorandum of understanding at the DefExpo-2022 for production and delivery of 20 units of Centre Fuselage Assemblies (CFL) for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS MK-1A. VEM had handed over the first ever CFL to HAL in July last year. The dedicated line established by VEM for the production VFL is expected to deliver good volumes to HAL to meet the present and the future orders from Indian Armed Forces, which is likely to go up from the current confirmed order of 83 Tejas Aircrafts.

L&T, DRDO SHOWCASE UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE

Larsen & Toubro is showcasing an autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) developed along with the Defence Research & Devel opment Organisation (DRDO). It is on display for the first time at the DefExpo. According to an official, three UGVs are undergoing trials with L&T and DRDO. The 6X6 vehicle can carry 300 kg payload and attain a maximum speed of 20 kmph. It weighs 800 kg and has an endurance of four hours.

BEL LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT, LI-ION LFP CELL, AT DEFEXPO 2022

At DefExpo 2022 today in Gandhinagar, a new, indigenously devel oped product of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the Li-Ion LFP Cell for e-Mobility, was launched. Li-Ion is the dominant battery technology for e-Mobility. Li-Ion LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate - LiFePO4) chemistry with long cycle life is a safer choice for EV applications. Presently, the Li-Ion cells are imported

in India for making battery packs. In order to achieve self-reliance in Li-Ion cell manufacturing, BEL in collaboration with NSTL (DRDO), has ventured into Li-Ion cell manufacturing for Defence and e-Mobility applications. BEL has established a pilot plant for Li-Ion prismatic cell development and manufacturing. Using raw materials such as Anode, Cathode, Electrolyte, Solvents, Binder, etc, BEL has developed and realized 3 types of Li-Ion prismatic cells namely 3.2V, 10 Ah / 25 Ah. The target applications for these cells include Underwater, e-Mobility, Remote Power systems, etc.

BHARAT FORGE JOINS HANDS WITH GENERAL ATOMICS

The two companies will collaborate for a lithium-ion battery system for naval platforms/submarines and also in the area of permanent magnet motors. Baba Kalyani, Chairman Kalyani Group said, “Our partnership with General Atomics is a firm step in the direction to develop Make-in-India solutions for the Indian Navy and setting up a strong defence technology and manufacturing vertical within India.” Scott Forney, President of GA-EMS (General Atomics’ Electromagnetic Systems) added, “Our li-ion battery system has been developed after 10 years of rigorous R&D. Our design philosophy is based on assuming a fault and requiring fault containment, which has made our system extremely safe and reliable.”

I-SURE PLATFORM FOR INDIGENISATION LAUNCHED AT DEFEXPO

2022

Dr Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary unveiled the Indigenisation Supplier Relationship Management Portal (I-SuRe) at the onset of Def Expo 2022 in Gandhinagar. Facilitating faster collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian industry part ners the portal is the new digital initiative to boost the indigeniza tion initiatives of HAL. On the occasion HAL released Project Sanction Orders to domestic Indian Partners to the amount of Rs 52 crore in the presence of C B Ananthakrishnan, CMD, HAL.

ASHOK LEYLAND UNVEILS THREE PRODUCTS AT DEFEXPO

Ashok Leyland has showcased three advanced-technology prod ucts and solutions at the ongoing DefExpo India 2022 organised by the Ministry of Defence at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Col Sonam Wangchuk unveiled ‘Jeet 4x4’, an all-new light general service vehicle, indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by the company. Rajesh R, Vice President – Defence & Power Solutions Business, Ashok Leyland unveiled and launched the other products, including LBPV 4x4, a light bulletproof vehicle and Tank T-72 GB assembly aggregates comprising gearboxes.

DRDO Naval Mine called the Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM)

L&T Defence showcasing the Fire Control System for Brahmos.

Adani’s new Company the PLR Systems (India) to manufacture a range of small arms system, ordinance and related material.

DRDO

TATA Grob G180 Jet model on display

DRDO Enhanced Pinaka Mk-I Rocket System (EPRS)

India-Africa: Realising South to South Relations in A Better Perspective

By Mr Purushendra Singh

This year’s Defexpo was 12th in the edition of occurrence but still the most unique! Unique as only made-in-India products were up for display. The rhetoric of Atma Nirbhar or self-reliance was widely witnessed across the length and breadth of the expo with over 1300 exhibitors and over 30 ministerial-level dignitaries from around the globe turning up to witness as India moves towards becoming a major exporter. Atmanirbhar Bharat is fuelling defence exports, but that is just a part of the bigger picture which would not be put in perspective without the south-south cooperation led by forging India-Africa relations. Combined with our ‘Jagat Guru’ title for vaccine diplomacy and

Research Associate in Indo-U.S. relations at CUTS International WDC Center.

He writes about geo-political security and diplomatic affairs. A former associate professor of International Relalations at the Vivekananda Global University.

Follow him on Twitter: @puru_354

providing relief to the African nations during the past two years of the pandemic, India’s bid to co-develop and co-manufacture

Mr Purushendra Singh

enhances the south-south cooperation, enhances the stature and strengthens deep trust.

This was reflected in the first edition of the IADD held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 2020 as well.

The day

has come whenAfrica writes its own history

As India and Africa break the shackles of colonialism's dark past and become the architects of a prosperous and secure future, co-developing and co-producing in the defence sector could prove to be a catalyst. Thus, delivering the keynote address at the event, the Defence Minister of India iterated that “African priorities are our priorities”. That set the tone for the 12th Defexpo. In his speech, paying tribute and mentioning freedom fighters from Africa - Jomo Kenyata, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Sam Nujoma, Patrice Lumumba - he went on to mention that India and Africa share a multi-faceted defence and security cooperation.

It was in 1960 when India got engaged with the peacekeeping mission in the African country of Congo, the revolutionary leader, Patrice Lumumba said “The day will come when history will speak, Africa will write its own history”, indeed the day has come! Africa has a sweet spot in India’s foreign policy as this was widely visible during the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Uganda in 2018 where in a speech, he mentioned that “African priorities are Indian priorities”.

Thus, this defence partnership is embedded with shared values, principles of quality, and commitment to peace, security, stability and prosperity, and is driven by common aspirations and admiration for standing up against the piracy, terrorism and duped policies of other countries. For instance, safeguarding maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region is a combined responsibility of India and Africa and they should get ready to face future conflicts and challenges by joining forces for co-developing and co-manufacturing cutting-edge emerging technologies in the security sector. Here, it is important to mention that a defence manufacturing ecosystem has been created in India and is widely recognised in various government policies and initiatives. Africa and India, with the added advantage of the abundance of technical, skilled and semi-skilled labour, should work together to fulfil the continent’s defence requirements.

Forging public-private partnerships, including Indian defence industries working with their African counterparts, will have a positive snowball effect. With the emergence of the defence- industrial complex, other manufacturing hubs would bring in investments, particularly in new critical

Patrice Lumumba

“The day will come when history will speak, Africa will write its own history”

technologies. This could answer a large looming worry, the staggeringly high unemployment rate and scarcity of jobs!

Time for Maritime StrategicAlliance!

The defence partnership is embedded in shared values, principles of quality and commitment to peace, security, stability and prosperity. This was widely visible during my visit to this year's Defexpo.

India’s partnership with Africa is centred on the 10 guiding principles as articulated by the Indian Prime Minister in 2018. It is based on a robust framework of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region). This year’s theme was adapting strategies for energising and strengthening defence and security cooperation and finding new areas of convergence in defence such as building capacity, training, cyber-security, maritime security and counter-terrorism and cooperation in outer space and developing new age weapons essential for robust space diplomacy.

This year’s Defexpo was unique as it showcased only Made-in-India products. Having witnessed them from close, I would say - India is “walking the talk”. Despite no countries being provided separate display pavilions at the exhibition this time, African nations were specially invited. This proves that Africa holds a special place and a sweet spot in India’s foreign policy. There has been an increase in joint naval exercises, maritime cooperation and large scale of training has taken place, in particular the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

Our defence relationship should meet the same fate and receive the same respect as the MandelaGandhi relations. The world is eyeing the dark continent for its rare earths, minerals and oil. China making deep in-roads but its debt trap policy is taking a hit now, Africa is rebuffing the Europeans and their dark past, and has opened with India and India should reciprocate their trust with respect and same admiration. The defence relations usher into a new age with redefined commitment towards co-developing and co-manufacturing.

"African priorities are Indian priorities" Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the DefExpo 2022

UNDERSTANDING XI JINPING’S CHINA DREAM

By Mr Shantanu K. Bansal

Analysing Xi Jinping’s “Work Report” to the 20th Party Congress.

President of People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping headed the presidium of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the ‘Great Hall of the People’ in Beijing, the capital of China, on October 15, 2022. The party congress of CPC is held every five years where party delegates decide future policies, and any amendments in the party constitution and announce new leadership roles. At the 20th Communist Party Congress, Xi Jinping rejigged the entire political and military leadership structure to his favour by posting his loyalist to the country’s highest decision-making bodies. He created history, becoming the first leader of the CPC after party founder Mao Zedong as he gets re-elected for an unprecedented third term in power with the prospect of ruling China for life leaving it uncertain when or how the country would see his successor. As China has got a “forever president” in power, it seems Xi Jinping has become

Mr Shantanu K. Bansal Founder IADN

He has more than 10 years of experience in research and analysis. An award-winning researcher, he writes for the leading defence and security journals, think tanks and an in- service publications. He has been a Senior consultant to the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) Shimla and Helicopter Training School (HTS), Hyderabad.

Contact: Shantanukbansal2@gmail.com

become the most powerful leader in Chinese history after the founding President Mao Zedong. It seems he has successfully endeavored to form a centralistic identity throughout the ever-strong 96 million cadres CPC and the entire military through the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest body responsible for the overall charge of the PLA. The 20th National Congress opened with the CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping  delivering a work report on behalf of the 19th Central Committee which gives future direction to the party and state.

Xi Jinping has become the most powerful leader in Chinese history after the founding President Mao Zedong.

The report is 72 pages long and the important takeaways from the report are given here, followed by concluding remarks for a better understanding of Xi Jinping’s vision towards the party and China’s future which can contribute to a better understanding of India’s “China challenge.”

Continued Campaign Against Corruption

The report also acknowledged that China faces the problem of corruption and the CPC has reportedly waged a battle against corruption on a scale unprecedented in history.

The report notes that the Chinese anti-corruption agenda has been driven by the thought that "offend a few thousand rather than fail 1.4 billion" and “to clear out the party of all its ills.”

The first theme of the report talks about the CPC’s role in the past five years in the development of China and in realising a modestly prosperous Chinese society. The report quotes that over the past five years, we [CPC] have continued to strengthen the overall leadership of the Party and the centralized, unified leadership of the Central Committee. We have devoted great energy to finishing building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. As per the report CPC eradicated absolute poverty and finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, thus completing the First Centenary Goal.

The report calls for increasing members of the CPC and establishing party leadership in leading SOEs and financial firms.

The report accepts that not everything is right in the CPC as it quotes “inside the party, there were many issues with respect to upholding the party's leadership, including a lack of clear understanding and effective action as well as a slide toward weak, hollow, and watered-down Party leadership in practice. Some party members and officials were wavering in their political convictions. Despite repeated warnings, pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance persisted in some localities and departments. Privilege-seeking mindsets and practices posed a serious problem, and some deeply shocking cases of corruption had been uncovered.”

An anti-corruption campaign began in China following the conclusion of the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012 under the leadership of Xi Jinping. The report identifies corruption is a cancer to the vitality and ability of the party, and fighting corruption is the most thorough kind of self-reform there is.

As long as the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption still exist, the report says that the party must keep sounding the bugle and never rest, not even for a minute, in our fight against corruption.

The report calls for simultaneous, coordinated, and comprehensive steps to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity, or desire to become corrupt. We must show “zero tolerance” in opposing corruption and punishing wrongdoing, and we must take more forceful action to both prevent new cases and root out existing ones, party secretary general Xi Jinping quotes from the report. At last, it says there must be no mercy for corruption.

Realising All Round Development

The report says that China is working to achieve modernization for more than 1.4 billion people, a number larger than the combined population of all developed countries in the world today but at the same time it realises the importance of sustainable development as the report mentions that the party will take steady and incremental steps to sustain country’s progress. The report calls for upholding and improving China's basic socialist economic system.

The report focuses on realising high-quality developmental goals. It says CPC will raise total factor productivity, make China's industrial and supply chains more resilient and secure and promote integrated urban-rural development and coordinated regional development, to effectively upgrade and appropriately expand China's economic output.

The report gives much focus on coordinated regional development and balanced economic development through better urban-rural integration.

The report talks about giving equal importance to the development of public and private sectors, urban and rural areas. It says we must unswervingly consolidate and develop the public sector and unswervingly encourage, support, and guide the development of the non-public sector. While talking about the all-round development of the country the report doesn’t miss mentioning the importance of the UN sustainable goals and promoting green development. It calls for accelerating the transition to a model of green development, ensure to participation in global governance in response to climate change and also stresses promoting narrowing down the global north-south gap – giving a sense that Xi Jinping is a leader with a global vision.

To realise balanced development the report calls for urban-rural integration in compulsory education. CPC will continue to put agricultural and rural development first, pursue integrated development of urban and rural areas, and facilitate the flows of production factors between them. We will move faster to build up China's strength in agriculture and steadily promote the revitalization of businesses, talent, culture, ecosystems, and organizations in the countryside, the report notes.

China’s future is bright, but it still has a long way to go

The report gives special mention to the development of border areas by making policies to boost local economies, raise local living standards, and ensure local stability.

The report talks about promoting equality of opportunity for all, it stresses on increase the incomes of low-income earners, and expanding the size of the middle-income group which played an important role in the upliftment of the Chinese economy. The report says we ·will move faster to build world hubs for talent and innovation, promote better distribution and balanced development of talent across regions, and strive to build up our comparative strengths in global competition for talent. It says the CPC will improve the system of lifelong vocational training and tackle structural unemployment and improve the system for creating jobs by encouraging business start-ups and supporting new forms of employment.

The report focuses on increasing the population of China and strengthening public health facilities. Under the Healthy China Initiative, the report says we will improve the population development strategy, establish a policy system to boost birth rates, and bring down the costs of pregnancy and childbirth, child-rearing, and schooling. The people's health is a key indicator of a prosperous nation and a strong country therefore the party must give strategic priority to

ensuring the people's health and improve policies on promoting public health, the report notes. China’s future is bright, but it still has a long way to go the report defines that this is the new journey of the new era. It says “today, we are closer, more confident, and more capable than ever of reaching the goal of rejuvenating the Chinese nation.” The report talks about defending fundamental inter ests, im proving well-being, and working tirelessly to ensure that development is for the people and by the people and that its fruits are shared by the people. Although uncalled for the report also mentions that China will not tread the old path of war, colonization, and plunder taken by some countries. That brutal and blood-stained path of enrichment at the expense of others caused great suffering for the people of developing countries, the report notes.

The War Against Poverty

The report notes that a total of 832 impoverished counties and close to

The report further acknowledged the fact that China has still not become a fully-developed country

100 million poor rural residents have been lifted out of poverty, and, among them, more than 9.6 million poverty-stricken people have been relocated from inhospitable areas. The report credits the CPC of having solved the problem of absolute poverty in China which the report says is a significant contribution to the cause of global poverty reduction.

It also notes that in the past decade, China's GDP has grown from 54 trillion yuan to 114 trillion yuan to account for 18.5 per cent of the world economy, up 7.2 percentage points.

China has remained the world's second-largest economy, and its per capita GDP has risen from 39,800 Yuan to 81,000 Yuan. The report also notes that China ranks first in the world in terms of grain output, and it has ensured food and energy security for its more than 1.4 billion people. The number of permanent urban residents has grown by 11.6 percentage points to account for 64.7 per cent of the population.

The report further acknowledged the fact that China has still not become a fully-developed country and that the CPC must adopt a problem-oriented approach as problems represent the voice of the times. As a “major developing country,” China is still in the primary stage of socialism and is going through an extensive and profound social transformation, the report notes.

Making China Research and Innovation Hub

China has the vision to dominate the science and technology sector in the world by 2050. President Xi Jinping once quoted that “if science and technology flourish, the nation will flourish, and if science and technology are strong, the country will be strong.”

Therefore, the report stresses on the importance of education, science and technology, and alsoidentifies human resources as the foundational and strategic pillar for building a modern China.The report says that the CPC must regard science and technology as our primary productive force, talent as our primary resource, and innovation as our primary driver of growth.

Invigorating China through science and education and developing a strong workforce for the modernization drive was one of the headlines of the report.

The report says that CPC wants to produce first-class innovators and attract the brightest minds from all over the world.

CPC wants to produce first-class innovators and attract the brightest minds from all over the world.

It even talks about enabling the environment of lifelong learning in the country by promoting the digitalization of education and also calls to build a society and country of learning where lifelong learning is pursued by all. The report also mentions that number of internet users in China has reached 1.03 billion.

The report stresses improving systems for scientific and technological innovation. It says that innovation will remain at the heart of China's modernization drive.

The report says that the CPC will strengthen basic research, prioritize original innovation, and encourage researchers to engage in free exploration. The report calls to unleash the tremendous creativity of the Chinese people in their hundreds of millions. The report calls to boost China's strength in strategic science and technology, better allocate innovation resources, and better define the roles of national research institutes, advanced-level research universities, and leading high-tech enterprises to improve their layout.

In the report, the CPC also promises to increase investment in science and technology through diverse channels to realise the dream of self-reliance.

It also stresses on strengthening the legal protection of intellectual property rights in China to establish a foundational system for all-around innovation.

We have accelerated efforts to build our self-reliance and strength in science and technology, with nationwide R&D spending rising from 1 trillion yuan to 2.8 trillion yuan, the second highest in the world. Our country is now home to the largest cohort of R&D personnel in the world, the report quotes.

Realising Democracy in the

Chinese Way (Aka. People’s Democracy)

For a long period of time, the West has accused China of not having democracy but the 20th Congress of CPC tries to put forward its model of democracy. The report calls to diversify the forms of democracy in China to ensure that people participate in various ways in the management of state, economic, cultural, and social affairs. It says that CPC will improve the system of consultative democracy, and make coordinated efforts to promote consultations carried out by political parties, people's congresses, and government departments. It even talks about building community-level self-governance under the

increase investment in science and technology through diverse channels to realise the dream of self-reliance.

leadership of primary-level party organisations. The report even calls for ensuring that the “people run the country.”

The report surprisingly calls for supporting other political parties in China as it says we will also support other political parties in improving themselves and performing their roles more effectively. The report in a way tries to make the readers understandthat CPC is aware of the importance of basic democratic principles. The report ensures that the party will make full use of criticism and self-criticism and keep working to improve the political environment in the party. The report says the CPC must follow the principle of "from the people, to the people," maintain a close bond with the people, and accept their criticism and oversight. The word “democracy” has been used more than 25 times in the report.

The report also emphasises on the betterment of the party’s internal systems and calls for improving the systems and regulations for the Party's self-reform. It also talks about imparting leadership and research skills in the CPC’s emerging leaders as the focus remains on cultivating officials capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation. The report says that CPC will continue to conduct sound, democratic, and law-based governance, practice democratic centralism, and develop new and improved ways of exercising leadership.

It says we will implement the systems for intraparty democracy, protect Party members' rights, and motivate them to become role models.

While the report also calls for all-around efforts to tighten party discipline. It says we will continue to tackle pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance, with a focus on the first two. We will resolutely root out privilege-seeking mindsets and behaviour.

The report also stresses on the ides of strengthening the judiciary in the country as it says we will deepen comprehensive and integrated reform of the judicial system, fully and faithfully enforce judicial accountability, and accelerate the development of a fair, efficient, and authoritative socialist judicial system. The report says that we will see that the people feel justice has been served in each and every judicial case.

A Greater Push for Opening Up of the Economy

While the report calls for upholding Marxist principles of economy, it also indicates that China stands for a liberal economy which is one of the foremost principles of a capital market. The report notes that China has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions. It also notes that China's manufacturing sector is the largest in the world, as are its foreign exchange reserves.

The word “democracy” has been used more than 25 times in the report.

The report calls to promote digital trade, oppose protectionism and also focus on reducing the negative list for foreign investments. We will make appropriate reductions to the negative list for foreign investment, protect the rights and interests of foreign investors in accordance with the law, and foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. The report also calls to accelerate the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in the western region. While mentioning the BRI project, it says we will promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Since China began to open up and reform its economy in 1978, the GDP growth has averaged over 9 per cent a year, and more than 800 million people have lifted themselves out of poverty therefore defending a liberal economy has become a necessity for China.

Modernizing China's National Security

Too little has been said on the agenda of national security in the report which shows leadershipmaturity but a lot of stress has been given on setting up mechanisms against military coups. The report calls to strengthen party building across the board in the people's armed forces to ensure that they always obey the party's command. We will improve the institutions and mechanisms for implementing the system of ultimate responsibility resting with the chairman of the Central Military Commission. On the other hand, the report also extends full trust in its Armed Forces as it quotes that our people's armed forces are a heroic fighting force that enjoys the full trust of the party and the people. They have the confidence and the ability to safeguard China's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

The report says that CPC will continue integrated development of the military through mechanization, informatization, and the application of smart technologies and work faster to modernize military theory, organizational forms, personnel, and weaponry and equipment and work faster to modernize military theory, organizational forms, personnel, and weaponry and equipment.

CPC will continue integrated development of the military through mechanization, informatization, and the application of smart technologies

The policy of One Country, Two Systems and Taiwan

It says we will conduct extensive and in-depth consultations on cross-Strait relations and national reunification with people from all political parties, sectors, and social strata in Taiwan, and we will work with them to promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the process of China's peaceful reunification.

The report says that the policy of One Country, Two Systems is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics.The idea of “one country, two systems” originated in 1979, when China offered to allow Taiwan to keep its economic and social systems, government, and even military in return for acknowledging that it was part of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan rejected that proposal.

Although the report calls to take resolute steps to oppose "Taiwan independence" and promote reunification, the report also put forward the idea of peaceful reunification. It says we will conduct extensive and in-depth consultations on cross-Strait relations and national reunification with people from all political parties, sectors, and social strata in Taiwan, and we will work with them to promote

Given the western slogan of “Taiwan is real China”, the report tries to put forward the idea that “Taiwan is China's Taiwan” and in dramatical expression, the report says that the fellow Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family bound by blood. The report calls to support Hong Kong and Macao in growing their economies, improving their people's lives, and resolving deep-seated issues and problems in economic and social development.

The reports say that resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China's complete reunification is, for the party, a historic mission and an unshakable commitment Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China's complete reunification is, for the party, a historic mission and an unshakable commitment

The Chinese leadership understand that this is the era of “strategic opportunity” where China can realise its dream of becoming a superpower surpassing the U.S. and for this, it has put the agenda of national development at the centre of all affairs. It has ensured the idea of all-round development and at last, has resorted to promoting the “Chinese way of governance” through this report which is not less than a “propaganda machine” as such reports are in a way a tool of propaganda for the Chinese leadership to legitimise their outlook towards the country and the world affairs.

The good ideas of promoting peace around the world, and having better relations with other countries are contrary to the ground realities. The continued reports of oppression of minorities in China, the illegitimate claims over the LAC and the SCS, the undertaking of strategic port-building projects for power projection overseas especially in the Indian Ocean Region, and the deepening support to countries like Pakistan and North Korea are some of the examples which suggest that China has to mend its way in promoting global peace in a major way.

The former President of China Hu Jintao unexpectedly escorted from the closing ceremony of the 20th CPC Congress in the presence of Xi Jinping

The Chinese leadership understand that this is the era of “strategic opportunity”

The report out of nowhere quotes that no matter what stage of development it reaches, China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism.

On the other hand, China continues to claim almost all of the SCS and has been recently showing a war-mongering posture against Taiwan by sending several warships and aircraft into waters and airspace near Taiwan defying international criticism while the report emphasises the idea of peaceful unification. The report focuses on the idea of balanced development but it is well-known fact that eastern China is far more developed than western China. The report also talks about strengthening opposition voices and opposing parties in China while Xi Jinping enjoys all-around unprecedented clout over the party, the CMC and the politburo – the highest decision-making body in China. The opposition parties are almost non-existent in China so for whom these democratic principles are highlighted in the report cannot be understood. The report also shows the egoistic, ignorant and self-centred approach of Chinese leadership which is far from ground realities. The strict censorship of media and the internet, and the ongoing harsh crackdown to reduce unrest within China, in such conditions the democracy could nowhere survive while the all-strong anti-corruption drive of Xi Jinping may or may not help the common public but it is understood as a better way to yield power by eliminating opposite voices and possible competition within the CPC.

Technology Focus

LIGHT TANK IN DEVELOPMENT

There is no denying the need of Light Tank but is there pru dence in going for a 25 ton with similar firepower as T-90 and capable of floatation? It would compromise on protection and other basic fighting features, no matter how much you may load it with Artificial Intelli gence (AI), surveillance drones and/or loitering munition. The Light Tank is needed with a reckoned fire power, adequate power to weight ratio to ensure agility and survivability, the two non-negotiable characteristics of any Armour Fighting Vehicle (AFV).

ARMY EXPECTS TO BOOST FIRE POWER WITH INDUCTION OF ARTILLERY GUNS

Indian Army has inducted the M777 Ultra Light Howitzer (155mm) in harsh terrain of northern borders. The gun is highly transportable for rapid deployment to meet any operational contingency. The seventh regiment of the M777 is under way, and the induction of all 145 guns should be completed in the next few years, a defence source said. In the next five years, the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery would see major force accretion with the induction of several guns, including indigenous ones. These include the Dhanush, Sharang, M777 Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH), additional K9-Vajra howitzers and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS).

ROLLOUT OF 5G IS VERY BIG CONFIDENCE BOOSTER: PIYUSH GOYAL

Reiterating the Centre's commitment to promote manufacturing in India, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday announced that seven new Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes that are not part of the original program had just been approved. According to an official statement, Goyal was speaking at IIM Ahmedabad's Red Brick Summit virtually, in which he said that the PLI scheme has been very well received.

INDIA GETTING FRENCH NUCLEAR SUB TECHNOLOGY COULD TRIGGER INDIAN OCEAN ARMS RACE: SINO-PAK MEDIA

Ashley Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for In ternational Peace, used a recent report to propose an interesting security arrangement between India, France and the United States in the Indian Ocean. He calls this new grouping Infrus, borrowing the idea from the Aukus grouping of Australia, Britain and the United States that was introduced last year to supply at least eight nuclear-powered submarines to Australia by 2040. Such a strategic alliance has implications at multiple levels with middle- and long-term effects on the strategic, economic, politi cal and security calculus of the region. The report posits that Infrus will help India build its sea-based deterrent, which it has failed to achieve so far. Likewise, it will also pave the way for de veloping Indian capabilities to counter China.

DEFENCE TECH START-UP OPTIMIZED ELECTROTECH MAKING INDIA ATMANIRBHAR IN DEFENCE WITH MADE IN INDIA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS

Aligned with the vision of making India ‘Atmanirbhar’ in defence for strategic independence, Ahmedabad-based defence tech start-up Optimized Electrotech is strengthening the country’s security cover by solving surveillance-related chal lenges with its hi-tech long-distance imaging systems. Optimized Electrotech is the brainchild of Sandeep Shah, an IIM Calcutta alumnus, who has dedicated 15 years working externally with defence and space sector organizations. The com pany with its technologically advanced and superior made in India platforms, aims to serve the defence, paramilitary forces, aerospace, critical assets and others to safeguard India and bolster the country’s defence exports.

ISRO SUCCESSFULLY LOFTS 36 ONEWEB SATELLITES INTO ITS INTENDED ORBITS

In a historic launch, ISRO achieved a major milestone by launching GSLV MK-III's first commercial mission by placing all 36 satellites into a precise orbit for its foreign customer OneWeb. This was confirmed by OneWeb on its twitter handle, and as usual there was no info forthcoming from ISRO on any of its platforms to confirm the success of the mission.

ISRO PLANS TO LAUNCH CHANDRAYAAN-3, ITS THIRD MISSION TO MOON, IN JUNE NEXT YEAR

Indian Space Research Organisation plans to launch Chandrayaan-3, its third mission to the moon, in June next year with a more robust lunar rover onboard which is crucial for future inter-planetary explorations. The space agency has also lined up the first test flight of the ‘abort mis sion’ for Gaganyaan, the country’s first human spaceflight, early next year. ISRO Chairman S Somnath said that Chandrayaan-3 (C-3)

ISRO'S TEST VEHICLE READY FOR GAGANYAAN CREW ESCAPE SYSTEM CHARACTERISATION FLIGHT

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for multiple flights of the specially designed test vehicle that will be used to test the Crew Escape System (CES), which will be a crucial element of India’s first human space flight mission (Gaganyaan). ISRO in August 2022 had successfully tested the Low Altitude Escape Motor that will power the Crew Escape System, a system to eject the Gaganyaan crew module with astronauts in case of an eventuality. The emergency system will jettison the crew module from the launch vehicle if an emergency occurs during the initial phase of the flight.

CHANDRAYAAN-2 SPECTROMETER MAPS ABUNDANCE OF SODIUM ON MOON FOR FIRST TIME

The X-ray spectrometer 'CLASS' on the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter has mapped an abundance of sodium on the moon for the first time, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation. Chandrayaan-1 X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (C1XS) detected sodium from its characteristic line in X-rays which opened up the possibility of mapping the amount of sodium on the moon, ISRO said. In a recent work published in 'The Astro physical Journal Letters', Chandrayaan-2 mapped the abundance of sodium on the Moon for the very first time using CLASS (Chandrayaan-2 Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer), the national space agency said in a statement.

launch will be in June next year onboard the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). He said, ISRO plans to fly Indian astronauts into orbit by the end of 2024 after carrying out successful abort missions and uncrewed test flights.

INDIA TO EXPAND NAVIC, MAKE SIGNALS MORE SECURE: ISRO

CHIEF

In a bid to spur satellite manufacturing in India, ISRO is also keen to become an anchor customer for satellites in the coun try. India plans to expand its regional satellite navigation system NaVIC in a bid to increase its use in the civilian sector and also by ships and aircraft travelling far from the country's borders. The Navigation with Indian Constellation (NaVIC) uses seven satellites to provide real-time positioning and timing services in India and an area extending up to 1,500 km from the country's borders.

International Relations

Rishi Sunak becomes the first Indian-Origin PM of UK

On October 25, 2022, Rishi Sunak broke the odds by becoming the youngest and first Indian-Origin Prime Minister of United Kingdom after Liz Truss quit the position. Rishi Sunak is third consecutive PM within in a year following the resignation of Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.

China rejected status quo on Taiwan says Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused that China has rejected the status quo on Taiwan to takeover the Island. In his official statements, he said "What's changed is this - a decision by the government in Beijing that that status quo was no longer acceptable, that they wanted to speed up the process by which they would pursue reunification". Adding to that, he further stated that "China has decided on "coercion and making life difficult in a variety of ways on Taiwan in the hopes that that would speed reunification, but also holding out the possibility, if that didn't work, of using force to achieve their goals"

Xi Jinping re-elected third as President of Communist Party

Xi Jinping emerged as most powerful in China after re-electing as President of CCP. While bypassing the rule of retiring after the age of 68, Jinping has decided to continue his rule over China by extending his official ten years term of holding the chair.

Russia amends law to focus the engagement in Ukraine

According to the sources, Russia has amended the law to make the ex-convicts engaged in Ukraine war to give Russia a boost. During mobilization of Russian Army in Ukraine, more than 200,000 people joined Armed Forces to support Putin's campaign against NATO and Zelensky.

Israel no more supporting Ukraine in conflict

Defence Minister of Israel has announced that Israel will disengage from Ukraine-Russia war. Though, the ministry has cleared that Israel will continue its moral support to Ukraine but without sending any military assistance. The decision has came after Israel's plan of air striking Syria where Russia has already been heavily engaged.

United States to extend its military presence in Lithuania

To counter Russia, United States has decided to extend its military engagement in Lithuania. Lithuania while neighbouring Pro-Russian Belarus, has been supporting Ukraine ever since the starting of conflict. Lithuania has provided the military base for NATO and US to counter Russian threats.

South Korea will export multiple rocket launcher to Poland

Polish Authorities is set to sign the agreement to procure 288 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers from South Korea after the tensions between Europe and Russia again heated up. Along with the rocket launchers, South Korea is also exporting K2 tanks and K9 artillery after Poland's demand.

Israel and Turkey mended their defence ties after a decade

The foreign ministers of Israel and Turkey broke the decade long enmity after Israeli President Isaac Herzog paid a visit to Turkey to re-establish the formal ties. As per the sources, Israel and Turkey have done "intelligence ties" to counter Iran.

Israel has also been engaged with Turkish security organizations since years, says the internal reports.

Putin praises Narendra Modi, calls him "True Patriot"

Vladimir Putin praised Narendra Modi at Plenary Session of the 19th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow. “India has walked a great development path from being a British colony to its modern state. Almost 1.5 billion people and significant results that are development-yielded. It attracts general respect from everyone in the world. A lot has been done in recent years under PM Modi’s leadership. He is a true patriot of his country. And this concept of his, ‘Make in India’, is a significant effort. (India) really has progressed in its development. A great future lies ahead of it,”, said Putin.

Special Highlight

HAL LCH ‘Prachand’ formally Inducted in Army Aviation and the IAF

Light Combat Helicopter was formally inducted into Army Aviation on 30th September and inducted into Indian Airforce on 3rd October 2022. A total of 15 units are on order as Limited Serial Production. Army Aviation will raise its first unit with 5 helicopters in North-East and IAF will raise its first flying unit with 10 helicopters in Jodhpur.

The helicopter is multi-role as it can attack ground targets with its 20mm canon and rockets. It can destroy tanks with soon to be integrated Helina Anti Tank Guided Missile. It can also take down helicopters, UAVs and slow flying aircrafts with its Mistral Air to Air missile. It can fly in day as well as at night. It has been tested in deserts, at sea level and at 6500 meters high altitude. It will be operated by a crew of 02 and will have a 360 degree self protection suite. Its projected that 150+ units will be purchased by Army and IAF.