Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashok Raj Sigdel, is scheduled to visit Pune tomorrow as part of his official trip to India. This significant journey aims to strengthen military cooperation between India and Nepal, reflecting the growing ties between the two neighboring nations.

Commencing on December 10, Gen Sigdel’s official visit includes a series of high-profile meetings with key Indian officials. He has already engaged in discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These meetings are expected to focus on defense collaboration, mutual security concerns, and regional stability.

In Pune, Gen Sigdel will meet representatives from the Indian defense industry, providing an opportunity to explore advancements and innovations in military equipment. As part of this itinerary, he will also witness a static equipment display, showcasing India’s defense capabilities.

Another significant event during his visit is the ceremonial wreath-laying he conducted at the National War Memorial, symbolizing respect and honor for the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel. Further, he is set to receive a Guard of Honour at the South Block, underscoring the ceremonial aspects of his visit and the importance India places on its military relationships.

A key highlight of Gen Sigdel’s trip will occur on December 12, when he attends the Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During this prestigious event, he will be conferred the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army, a gesture that marks the strengthening of military ties and mutual respect between the two nations.

The visit will also see Gen Sigdel make stops in Dehradun and Ayodhya, where he is expected to visit the Ram Temple, further enriching the cultural aspect of his trip.

Gen Sigdel is scheduled to conclude his visit on December 15, after which he will return to Nepal, having made significant strides in fostering long-lasting ties between the armed forces of India and Nepal.

In a significant demonstration of international military collaboration, U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators and Indian Navy Marine Commando (MARCOS) members finalized a Joint Combined Exchange Training as part of Exercise SANGAM 2024 on November 23, 2024, in Goa, India. This exercise focused on enhancing critical operational skills including emergency medical training, dive medicine, maritime interdiction operations, shipboard close quarters combat, over-the-beach maneuvers, and direct-action raids.

An NSW operator commented on the importance of the training, stating, “This training was invaluable, providing us with a deeper understanding of the capabilities of our Indian partners and allowing us to demonstrate how we can enhance our collaborative efforts.” The operator emphasized that recognizing each other’s strengths and sharing expertise can significantly bolster their partnership.

Beyond the operational aspects, Exercise SANGAM 2024 facilitated a robust cultural exchange, fostering an environment where lasting friendships between the elite units could be established. The shared experiences and open dialogues not only helped in honing their skills but also in building connections that extend beyond professional confines. “Getting to know our counterparts in the MARCOS from a cultural perspective enhanced our ability to exchange training on an operational perspective,” another NSW operator remarked. This sentiment reflects the sentiment that such interactions not only sharpen tactical capabilities but also deepen mutual understanding, vital for effective collaborations in future missions.

The quality of training provided during this exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region, as well as enhancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership. As the leading maritime special operations force in the U.S. military, NSW plays a critical role in extending the Fleet’s operational reach. Moreover, U.S. Special Operations Forces are designed to offer flexible responses to various contingencies in the Indo-Pacific, supported by a forward-deployed posture that encourages continuous engagement and interoperability with allies and partners.

This initiative represents a vital step in reinforcing regional security and operational readiness, showcasing the growing defense ties between the U.S. and India in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. The successful completion of Exercise SANGAM 2024 not only illustrates the capabilities of both forces but also highlights the emphasis on fostering mutual respect and collaboration, crucial for addressing shared challenges in the region.

The Indian Navy is poised to start the year 2025 with significant advancements in its naval capabilities, as it prepares to commission two major vessels in January. This pivotal development includes the commissioning of the last vessel in the Kalvari-class series of submarines and the inaugural ship of the Nilgiri-class frigates.

Initially scheduled for commissioning in December, the timeline for these events has been revised, according to sources within the defense and security establishment. The submarine Vagsheer represents the sixth and final addition to the Kalvari-class, a series that has seen significant technological collaboration with France. Launched in April 2022, Vagsheer marks the culmination of a project initiated by the Indian Navy in 2005, which has seen all submarines constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders under a transfer of technology from the French firm Naval Group. The Indian variant of these submarines is designated as Kalvari-class.

The Kalvari-class submarines are versatile 2000-ton vessels, designed to undertake a variety of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, as well as special operations and intelligence gathering. Equipped with six weapon-launching tubes, these submarines can carry a total of 18 weapons, such as torpedoes and missiles. The first of this class, INS Kalvari, was incorporated into the Indian Navy in 2017, and further augmentations of this fleet will follow, with plans for three additional submarines to be constructed under Project 75, pending contract signing expected by next month.

Concurrently, the Nilgiri-class frigate, which is also being constructed at Mazagon Dock, is anticipated to be the first of seven new stealth frigates aimed at enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities. These vessels are based on the advanced specifications of the earlier P17 Shivalik-class frigates and are designed with enhanced stealth features and indigenous systems for weaponry and sensors. The development of these Project 17A frigates utilizes an integrated construction methodology and is expected to offer improved survivability, maneuverability, and sea-keeping abilities, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.

In recent naval developments, India commissioned the INS Tushil on December 9 into its Western Fleet, known as the Sword Arm. The forthcoming ship, Tamal, is projected to be delivered by early next year, as part of a $2.5 billion agreement made with Russia in 2016 to procure four frigates. This contract stipulates that two vessels are to be constructed in Russia while the other two will be built at the Goa Shipyard in collaboration with Russian technology.

Additionally, the commissioning of Nirdeshak, the second ship of the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class, is scheduled for December 18, with Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth officiating the event in Visakhapatnam. The lead vessel, INS Sandhyak, was inducted into service earlier in February. The SVL ships play a pivotal role in conducting hydrographic surveys of ports, navigational channels, coastal regions, and deeper waters, ensuring safe marine navigation while also supporting various naval operations.

As these vessels prepare for their commissioning, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its maritime capabilities, reflecting India’s commitment to advancing its defense infrastructure and enhancing its operational readiness.

A high-ranking official from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer, recently shared insights regarding the integration of sixth-generation technology into Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 stealth aircraft. During an appearance on the ‘Military Acceptance’ broadcast, UAC Director General Vadim Badekha emphasized that the development of the Su-57 was approached with a long-term modernization strategy, envisioning advancements over the next 50 years.

Badekha elaborated on this vision, indicating that the design of the Su-57 included provisions for future modifications based on evolving customer requirements and technological advancements. He noted that “we are already introducing sixth-generation elements into this aircraft,” although specifics regarding these technologies were not disclosed.

In response to inquiries about potential sixth-generation features integrated into the Su-57, Air Marshal Anil Khosla (retd) provided insights to the EurAsian Times, suggesting that if such features exist, they may consist of modular capabilities or technology laying the groundwork for future upgrades. He speculated on several possible enhancements, including multi-spectral stealth capabilities, advanced combat networking, the integration of hypersonic missiles, directed energy weapons, sophisticated sensor suites, and enhanced cyber-security.

Amid these advancements, Russia is also pursuing the development of a dedicated sixth-generation fighter jet, with aspirations for deployment by 2050. As noted by Evgeny Fedosov, Scientific Director of the State Research Institute of Aviation Systems, discussions and conceptual planning for a sixth-generation aircraft are actively underway, signaling a focus on enhancing aerial combat performance and airspace dominance.

Globally, several sixth-generation aircraft programs are in varying stages of development, including the U.S. Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD), the Global Combat Air Program led by Italy, the UK, and Japan, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) involving France, Germany, and Spain, and China’s Baidi initiative. Notably, Russia has yet to publicly reveal its vision for a manned sixth-generation aircraft, making Badekha’s assertions particularly compelling within the context of ongoing worldwide advancements in military aviation.

However, the scope of such claims has faced scrutiny, particularly from Western analysts questioning the legitimacy of the Su-57’s fifth-generation classification. Critics argue that the aircraft exhibits design shortcomings, particularly concerning its stealth characteristics, drawing comparisons to established fifth-generation offerings like the U.S. F-35. Some analysts have even suggested that the Su-57 functions more akin to a sophisticated fourth-generation fighter.

These discussions around sixth-generation technology come at a time when Russia is grappling with challenges pertaining to the Su-57’s marketability. Despite attempts to promote the aircraft internationally, progress has been sluggish, hindered by issues stemming from the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, production obstacles exacerbated by international sanctions, and lingering skepticism regarding the aircraft’s capabilities.

Since its inaugural flight in 2010, only a limited number of Su-57 aircraft—fewer than 40—have entered service, a stark contrast to the hundreds of J-20s produced by China and over 1,000 F-35s by Lockheed Martin. The Su-57’s manufacturing timeline, which did not commence until 2019, alongside limited combat deployment, has further challenged Russia’s efforts to position the aircraft favorably in the global market.

The recent statements from UAC, particularly regarding the potential integration of sixth-generation technology, may be an attempt to bolster the Su-57’s attractiveness to potential buyers amid growing competition from Western and Chinese military aircraft. As evidence of this intent, Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport recently announced an initial export order for the Su-57, with Algeria speculated as a prospective buyer, although official confirmation remains pending.

Experts have observed a waning interest among traditional Russian military equipment purchasers, who are increasingly exploring alternatives to diversify their arsenals. Russia’s persistent efforts to sell the Su-57, including renewed proposals to India emphasizing advancements in combat capabilities and cost reductions, may signal desperation to expand its export profile.

Amid ongoing global military aviation dynamics, Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd) emphasized the evolving nature of sixth-generation technologies, noting that any advancements incorporated into the Su-57 would require time to mature and prove their operational effectiveness. As nations navigate shifting paths in aerial warfare, the ultimate impact of Russia’s claims regarding the Su-57’s technological advancement will depend on its ability to convince potential buyers of its viability against a backdrop of competitive offerings from other nations.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently commissioned the INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This ceremonial event took place during Singh’s three-day official visit to Moscow, marking a significant milestone in India-Russia relations and showcasing India’s growing maritime capabilities. Singh described the INS Tushil as a “proud testament” to India’s increasing naval power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

During his address, the Defence Minister emphasized the Indian Navy’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the IOR, highlighting its essential role in combating piracy, arms trafficking, and other non-state actors. He reaffirmed India’s pledge, along with other friendly nations, to ensure the safety and security of maritime trade, which is crucial for unhindered trade across seas from the Gulf of Oman to Malacca, and beyond.

What sets the INS Tushil apart is not only its advanced capabilities but also the rich collaboration involved in its construction, particularly the Ukrainian-made engine, produced by Zorya Mashproekt, a recognized leader in marine gas turbine technology. As the seventh installment of the Krivak III-class frigate, the INS Tushil is built on the advancements seen in previous vessels such as the Talwar and Teg class ships, with plans for two more to follow.

The INS Tushil is equipped with a potent arsenal designed to enhance India’s defensive and offensive capabilities. It measures 125 meters in length and has a displacement of 3,900 tonnes. It carries eight BrahMos missiles, medium- and short-range surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm gun, and systems for anti-submarine warfare. The ship is also designed for high mobility, capable of exceeding speeds of 30 knots, driven by a modern gas turbine propulsion plant.

The commissioning of INS Tushil comes amid growing concerns regarding China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean. Experts have noted that the Chinese navy is rapidly modernizing and may soon outpace Western navies in certain aspects of naval strength. Observers believe that the INS Tushil, with its advanced anti-air and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, will not only bolster India’s defensive posture but also play a strategic role in maintaining a balance of power in the region.

Moreover, this new addition is anticipated to enhance India’s operational effectiveness at sea, allowing it to conduct multiple missions and further secure its geopolitical interests. The ship’s capacity to integrate advanced radars, sonar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities ensures that it remains prominently equipped to address modern naval challenges. As INS Tushil prepares to join the Indian Navy, it symbolizes the substantial military cooperation between India and Russia and represents a significant step towards fortifying India’s maritime security strategy.

Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel has embarked on a four-day visit to India, focusing on strengthening bilateral military relations and exploring new defense collaborations. This visit, taking place from December 11 to 14, follows a recent official trip by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to Nepal. Upon his arrival in Delhi, General Sigdel was received with warmth and respect by the Indian Army.

During the visit, a series of official engagements are planned. On Wednesday, General Sigdel will pay his respects by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, followed by a ceremonial guard of honour at the South Block Lawns. This will be a precursor to a key meeting with his Indian counterpart, General Upendra Dwivedi, where they will discuss matters of mutual military interest.

In a comprehensive schedule, General Sigdel will receive briefings on India’s security perspective from the Director General of Strategic Planning and insights into the Indian defense industry from the Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau. Their discussions are expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration between the two countries in defense matters.

The Nepali Army chief’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with significant political and military figures, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Such meetings underscore the importance both nations place on their military partnership.

A highlight of General Sigdel’s visit will take place on Thursday when he attends an investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Here, following a time-honored tradition, he will be bestowed the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Draupadi Murmu. This prestigious recognition will be celebrated with interactions during a high tea event at Rashtrapati Bhavan, offering opportunities to engage with other dignitaries.

The Nepalese Army chief will also have a significant meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh before attending a hosted lunch at the Nepal Embassy. In a continuation of cultural cooperation, General Sigdel plans to plant a sapling at the Manekshaw Centre before heading to Pune later that day.

While in Pune, he will delve into India’s defense capabilities by visiting industrial facilities and participating in a Static Equipment Display. This engagement will allow General Sigdel to meet and exchange views with representatives of the Indian defense industry, further solidifying defense ties.

The visit will culminate with General Sigdel’s attendance at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. He is scheduled to take part in the reviewing officer’s dinner and will preside over a parade where he will review gentleman cadets, including two Nepali Army cadets being commissioned. Throughout this engagement, he will have the chance to observe and participate in key ceremonial traditions, reinforcing the bond between the two countries’ armed forces.

Concluding his visit, General Sigdel will travel to Ayodhya to visit the Ram Temple before returning to Delhi for a dinner hosted by Chief of Defence Staff General Chauhan. He will depart for Kathmandu on December 15, marking the end of a significant visit that is aimed at fostering military cooperation between Nepal and India.

Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel arrived in India on December 11 for a four-day visit aimed at enhancing military cooperation and exploring new opportunities for defense collaboration between the two countries. This visit follows the recent trip by Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi to Nepal.

Upon his arrival in Delhi, General Sigdel received a warm welcome from the Indian Army. His itinerary for the visit includes significant ceremonial and diplomatic engagements. On December 12, he is scheduled to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial, followed by a guard of honour at South Block Lawns. The day will also feature a meeting with General Upendra Dwivedi, where they are expected to discuss various aspects of military cooperation.

During this visit, General Sigdel will receive a briefing on India’s security perspective from the Director General of Strategic Planning (DGSP) and explore insights into the Indian defense industry with the Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau. His meetings will also include discussions with key Indian defense and diplomatic figures, such as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

A highlight of General Sigdel’s visit will be on December 13, when he attends the investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a gesture embodying the historical ties between the two armies, he will be conferred the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Draupadi Murmu. The day will also provide opportunities for General Sigdel to interact with other dignitaries during a high tea at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Following these formalities, General Sigdel will meet with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh before a lunch is hosted at the Nepal Embassy. Later that day, he is slated to plant a sapling at the Manekshaw Centre, symbolizing the strengthening of relations, before departing for Pune in the evening.

On December 15, General Sigdel will visit the Pune Defence Industries to witness the Static Equipment Display and engage with representatives of the Indian defense sector. He will then travel to the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, where he is expected to participate in a dinner as the reviewing officer.

On December 16, he will have the momentous role of reviewing the parade of gentleman cadets at the academy, taking the reviewing officer’s salute. His day will include signing the visitors’ book and presenting awards to exceptional cadets, including a special focus on two Nepali Army gentleman cadets who will be officially commissioned. Additionally, he will participate in the pipping and oath-taking ceremonies.

The visit will also see General Sigdel pay his respects at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya before returning to Delhi for a dinner hosted by Chief of Defence Staff General Chauhan. His four-day tour will conclude as he departs for Kathmandu on December 15.