The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted “Well Deck” recovery trials for the Gaganyaan mission off the coast of Vishakhapatnam. This crucial test simulated the recovery of the Crew Module, designed to bring astronauts safely back to Earth following their mission.

The trials were executed aboard a specialized well-deck ship from the Eastern Naval Command, which is engineered to flood its deck with water, facilitating the safe retrieval of boats and spacecraft. The operations utilized a mock-up of the Gaganyaan Crew Module that accurately simulated its mass and shape, allowing for realistic testing and evaluation.

During the trial, ISRO and Indian Navy personnel carried out a series of operations aimed at fine-tuning recovery procedures. Key tasks included attaching a recovery buoy, towing the module, maneuvering it into the well deck, positioning it on a fixture, and subsequently draining the water from the deck. This successful sequence of operations not only validated the recovery protocols but also served to refine the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various recovery scenarios, encompassing both routine and emergency situations.

The Gaganyaan mission is a landmark initiative aimed at sending Indian astronauts on a three-day orbital mission around the Earth. The smooth recovery of the crew upon their return is imperative, making these trials particularly significant. The well deck method allows the module to be towed into the ship, ensuring that astronauts can exit in a safe and controlled environment.

The ongoing preparations for Gaganyaan’s launch underscore India’s serious commitment to advancing human spaceflight capabilities. The collaboration between ISRO and the Indian Navy is a demonstration of this commitment, showcasing the nation’s growing readiness to undertake crewed space missions.

As the space agency continues to conduct various tests to guarantee astronaut safety during re-entry and recovery, these recovery trials mark a critical step in the broader strategy of establishing India as one of the select few countries capable of executing successful crewed space missions. The advancements made through this process highlight India’s expanding prowess in the realm of space exploration.

In a notable development for the Indian Navy’s capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the guided missile frigate INS Tushil was officially commissioned in a ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia, on Monday. The event was graced by the presence of India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlighting the significance of this occasion for India’s naval strength.

INS Tushil is part of a major collaboration between India and Russia, stemming from an agreement worth over $2.5 billion signed in 2016 for the construction of four stealth frigates. While two frigates, including INS Tushil, are being built in Russia, the remaining two are under construction in India. This strategic partnership not only aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy but also signifies deeper defense ties between the two nations.

Ilya Samarin, the chief executive of the Yantar shipyard, which is responsible for the construction of this frigate, announced that another frigate, INS Tamal, is also being constructed at the facility and is scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2025. Samarin emphasized that the shipyard approaches projects for both foreign and domestic clients with equal dedication, confirming that INS Tushil is the fourth frigate produced at their facility and that preparations are underway for future deliveries.

The construction of such advanced warships involves complex coordination, particularly in integrating the specific equipment of foreign customers with existing Russian systems. Samarin noted the collaborative effort required from both Russian and foreign partners, especially during the trials and final construction stages.

Moreover, the Yantar shipyard stands committed to supporting the Indian Navy beyond construction. Samarin elaborated on the shipyard’s role in training Indian crew members and specialists, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills for operating the frigate and for ongoing naval developments in India.

The commissioning of INS Tushil is expected to considerably enhance India’s maritime capabilities and underline its strategic presence in the increasingly pivotal Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing its status as a formidable naval power.

On Monday, the Indian Navy welcomed a significant addition to its fleet with the commissioning of the guided missile frigate INS Tushil, a product of collaboration between India and Russia. This commissioning follows a substantial $2.5 billion agreement New Delhi entered into with Moscow in 2016, which entails the development of four stealth frigates specifically designed for the Indian Navy.

The deal encompasses a unique construction strategy where two of the frigates are being built in Russia, while the remaining two, including INS Tushil, are manufactured domestically in India. The sister ship of INS Tushil, named Tamal, is currently under construction in Russia and is anticipated to be commissioned next year.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the commissioning of INS Tushil, describing it as a testament to the successful collaboration between Russian and Indian industries. This project stands out for its unique backdrop, as it showcases cooperation between two nations that are currently at odds—Russia and Ukraine.

INS Tushil is an upgraded variant of the Krivak III class frigate, classified under Project 1135.6. Notably, the vessel incorporates 26 percent indigenous content, yet a key component—the primary gas turbine engines—are sourced from a Ukrainian company, Zorya-Mashproekt. This company is distinguished as a global leader in the production of marine gas turbines. The procurement of these engines occurred in a complex manner amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine; reports suggest that India managed to take delivery of the engines directly from Ukraine before transferring them to Russia for installation.

The new frigate boasts a displacement of 3,900 tonnes and measures 125 meters in length, making it a formidable asset for the Indian Navy. It exemplifies a sophisticated integration of cutting-edge technologies from both countries along with best practices in naval construction. With enhanced stealth capabilities and improved stability, INS Tushil is set to operate within the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy, positioning itself among the most advanced frigates globally.

A range of prominent Indian defense companies contributed to this ambitious project, with key players including BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, and Tata’s Nova Integrated Systems, along with Elcome Marine and Johnson Controls India. These firms played crucial roles in the development and technological integration of INS Tushil, further emphasizing the growing capabilities of India’s defense manufacturing sector.

In a tragic incident in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, Havaldar V Subbaiah Varikunta of the 25 Rashtriya Rifles lost his life due to a mine blast while conducting a patrol on Monday. The local administration announced that his mortal remains have been transported to the district hospital for post-mortem examination.

The Indian Army paid heartfelt tributes to Havaldar Varikunta, recognizing his valor and ultimate sacrifice made during an area domination patrol in the Thandar Tekri region of Poonch. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps and fellow soldiers gathered to honor the brave soldier who dedicated his life to safeguarding the nation.

“General Officer Commanding #WhiteknightCorps and all ranks pay solemn tribute to the #braveheart Havaldar V Subbaiah Varikunta of 25 RR, who made the supreme sacrifice during an area domination patrol in the general area of #ThanedarTekri, #Poonch, on 09 Dec 2024, following a mine blast,” the White Knight Corps communicated on their social media platform.

In a show of support and compassion, the Army extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, vowing to stand steadfastly with them during this difficult time. This incident follows another recent loss, as the Indian Army had earlier paid tribute to Rifleman Jaswinder Singh, who also laid down his life while on duty in the region.

The Army’s official handle shared a message saluting the courageous sacrifice of Rifleman Singh, with General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, leading the tribute from all ranks. “Our deepest condolences and support are with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” was the primary sentiment expressed in their posts.

Furthermore, the Chinar Corps expressed profound sorrow regarding Rifleman Singh’s untimely passing during operational duty, reaffirming the Indian Army’s commitment to supporting the bereaved families of its fallen soldiers.

As the nation mourns the sacrifices of its brave soldiers, the support for their families remains a paramount focus of the Army, ensuring that they are not alone in their time of need.

On December 9, India marked a significant enhancement of its naval capabilities with the commissioning of the INS Tushil at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ceremony was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who hailed the frigate as a “proud testament” to India’s expanding maritime strength and labeled the event a “significant milestone” in the enduring partnership between India and Russia.

The INS Tushil, which translates to “protector shield” in Sanskrit, is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 11356. It is poised to bolster the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy as it makes its way to India nearly ready for combat operations. According to naval officials, the vessel is among the most technologically advanced frigates globally.

The project timeline illustrates a robust journey: the ship’s keel was laid on July 12, 2013, with its launch occurring in October 2021. It embarked on its maiden sea trials in January and completed a rigorous suite of Factory and State Committee Trials, culminating in its Delivery Acceptance Trials by September 2024. The frigate has passed all required testing phases, including successful firing trials of its Russian weapon systems.

Project 11356 refers to the Talwar-class frigates designed for the Indian Navy, with the INS Tushil being a more advanced version of the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates in use by Russia. Between 1999 and 2013, Russia delivered six such frigates to India. The deal for the INS Tushil was finalized in October 2016, with initial expectations for its delivery by the end of 2022. However, delays in the supply chain, as explained by Alexey Rakhmanov of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, pushed back the timeline.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the INS Tushil is its reliance on Ukrainian-engineered components. The warship is powered by engines supplied by Zorya Mashproekt, a Ukrainian company renowned for its marine gas turbine production, which has become crucial amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This development has highlighted India’s strategic maneuvering; as production ties with Russia faced interruptions, India successfully negotiated an inter-governmental agreement to procure the engines directly from Ukraine to ensure the project’s progress.

The vessel’s name embodies its intended operational ethos, with its crest symbolizing the “impenetrable shield” and carrying the motto “Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel,” which translates to fearless, indomitable, and resolute.

Expected to make waves in the Indian Navy’s capabilities, the INS Tushil is a 125-meter long ship with a displacement of 3,900 tons. It boasts impressive specifications that allow it to maintain a speed exceeding 30 knots. It is designed for stealth and is equipped with an array of advanced weaponry, including eight BrahMos vertically launched anti-ship cruise missiles, numerous surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm gun, and defensive systems to tackle missile incursions. Moreover, the vessel features double torpedo tubes and a rocket launcher for submarine engagements, complemented by a sophisticated suite of radars, navigation aids, sonar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.

Experts forecast that the INS Tushil will significantly enhance India’s operational reach in the Indian Ocean, providing an essential counter to China’s rising naval power in the region. As the Chinese navy continues to expand, some analysts suggest its combat readiness may challenge previous perceptions of US naval superiority.

Indeed, the commissioning of INS Tushil aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing a blend of indigenous and global technological advancements designed to meet contemporary security challenges and reinforce India’s strategic interests in an increasingly intricate geopolitical landscape.

KOLLAM: A ceremony to honor Second Lieutenant Radha Mohan Naresh, a distinguished soldier who lost his life during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, is set to take place in Kollam. The Indian Army will unveil a statue and memorial dedicated to Lt Naresh, a native of Karunagappally, on revenue land near Ashramam Maidan. The event is scheduled for 10:30 am on Tuesday.

Attendees at the unveiling ceremony will include senior Army officials, local representatives, and the family of Lt Naresh. The ceremony will feature a silent prayer followed by a wreath-laying tribute at the memorial, which also commemorates Naresh’s military contributions. The commander of the Pangode military station will preside over the event.

Joining the ceremony will be Lt Naresh’s siblings—Dr Gopi Mohan Naresh, Praveen Naresh, and Sreekala Rani—alongside members from the District Soldier Welfare Board, officials from the Kollam corporation, and representatives from the district administration and the Jat Regiment.

Efforts were made to invite the governor and the chief minister for their participation in the ceremony; however, Krishna Moorthy, the Defence PRO from Thiruvananthapuram, conveyed that securing appointments with them was unsuccessful. As a result, leadership of the memorial ceremony will fall to the military station commander.

The land for the statue was acquired from the revenue department, and the memorial’s construction was overseen by the Pangode military station, which also sought and received approval from the Kollam corporation for the statue’s erection in Ashramam Maidan. This initiative is part of a broader effort to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers and to preserve their legacy in the local community.

The Indian Army is set to honor the significant military achievement of capturing Sherqui La, a strategic mountain pass, during the India-Pak War of 1971. This event, which marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, occurred along the Line of Control (LoC) adjacent to the Indus River in the Ladakh region. The assault on Sherqui La followed the successful seizure of Point 13,620, a critical feature in the area.

The military operation began on December 9, 1971, with troops focusing on Point 13,620, and culminated in the early hours of December 15 when Sherqui La was ultimately seized. The Leh-based 14 Corps of the Indian Army announced the upcoming commemoration via X, stating that "The 9th battalion of J&K Militia of the Indian Army captured one of the most important enemy posts opposite Indus Sherqui La."

A special event is scheduled for December 15 this year, where the victory will be celebrated in Silmo village, located in the Batalik region of Ladakh. The 9th J&K Militia played a critical role in these operations, which later saw the unit rebranded as J&K Rifles in 1972.

Point 13,620, noted for its commanding position in the Kargil sector, overlooks vital routes, including the Srinagar-Leh axis and parts of the Kargil-Batalik road. The significance of this strategic point was underscored in a book titled Defence of the East lies in the West: Pakistan’s Miscalculations, published by the think tank Centre for Land Warfare Studies. The volume makes mention of Major General SP Malhotra, the General Officer Commanding of the 3 Infantry Division, who made the strategic decision to accelerate the timeline for the capture of Point 13,620 by two days.

Following the successful capture of Point 13,620, the 9 J&K Militia was given the important task of taking Sherqui La, a pass situated at an elevation of 14,900 feet, which consisted of six enemy-held posts. This commemoration serves not only as a reminder of the tactical ingenuity and bravery displayed during the conflict but also as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the soldiers who fought valiantly in that challenging terrain.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has expressed strong disapproval of the Indian Army’s practices compelling its officers to seek judicial intervention for entitlements, underscoring that such actions jeopardize fairness and a sense of equity in service matters. The remarks came as a part of the court’s ruling which mandated the Army to provide permanent commission to Lieutenant Colonel Suprita Chandel, who had been previously denied the chance to participate in a departmental examination due to a regulatory amendment enacted in 2013.

The bench, comprising justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV Viswanathan, emphasized that the Army had neglected to extend benefits from a prior judicial decision to other officers in comparable situations. They emphasized the principle that benefits granted in legal cases should extend to all similarly situated individuals without necessitating further court intervention, encapsulating their view with the adage, “What is sauce for the goose ought to be sauce for the gander.”

Lieutenant Colonel Chandel’s case highlighted significant disparities within the Army’s handling of personnel matters. The court found that she was unjustly excluded from receiving a permanent commission when other officers, facing identical circumstances, were granted relief post a 2014 Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) ruling. The bench reflected on the challenging nature of military service, particularly for soldiers operating in extreme conditions, drawing an analogy to the implications of the Army’s policies that could adversely affect officers like Chandel during their service.

Commissioned in the Army Dental Corps in 2008, Chandel faced age restrictions and educational requirements introduced in 2013 that rendered her ineligible for her final opportunity to appear for the necessary examination. Though other officers received relief from the AFT ruling, Chandel was excluded due to her absence from the original case as she was on maternity leave during that period. Her efforts to appeal to the Army were thwarted, leading to a rejected plea from the AFT in 2022, which drove her to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

The court, in considering her situation, acknowledged her commendable service record, including recognition by the Chief of Army Staff in 2019. The justices articulated that the Army’s failure to extend the benefits from the AFT decision to Chandel amounted to an unreasonable stance. They concluded that she had indeed been incorrectly barred from permanent commission, reinforcing that after eleven years, it would be unjust to subject her to the 2013 eligibility criteria given her current age of nearly 45 years.

Exercising its constitutional authority under Article 142 to ensure complete justice, the Supreme Court decreed that the Army was required to confer permanent commission to Chandel retroactively—backdating her appointment to align with the officers who had benefited from the earlier ruling. In addition, the court instructed the Army to provide her with all related benefits, including arrears, seniority, and promotion, within a four-week timeframe, signaling a notable affirmation of her rights within the armed services.