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DG NCC Undertook Para Jump with NCC Cadets at Agra

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The Director General of the National Cadet Corps (DG NCC) visited the Para Jump Training School in Agra, where 50 NCC cadets from 17 states are undergoing intensive para training.

As part of their training, the cadets will perform para jumps from an altitude of 1,250 feet, showcasing their courage and determination.

During the visit, the DG NCC interacted with the cadets, motivating them and commending their dedication.

Demonstrating exemplary leadership, the DG NCC is also set to undertake a static line jump over the Malpura Drop Zone, emphasizing the spirit of leading by example.

The visit highlights the NCC’s focus on fostering adventure and resilience among its cadets while providing them with unique opportunities to develop critical skills.

Peacekeeping Training Reaches New Heights in VINBAX 2024 with India-Vietnam Air Operations

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The fifth edition of Exercise VINBAX-2024 is currently taking place in Ambala, India, marking another significant milestone in the strengthening of military ties between India and Vietnam. This year’s exercise, which focuses on advanced peacekeeping operations, has seen the successful conclusion of its validation phase.

As part of the ongoing exercise, two Vietnamese Air Force officers have joined their Indian counterparts to enhance collaboration specifically in air operations. This inclusion reflects the growing importance of aerial capabilities in modern peacekeeping missions and emphasizes the commitment of both nations to bolster their operational effectiveness.

The VINBAX series of military exercises has consistently served as a platform for the Indian and Vietnamese armed forces to develop interoperability and share best practices in various operational scenarios. This year’s edition underscores a commitment to enhancing joint capabilities, particularly in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations framework.

The participation of Vietnamese officers in the exercise highlights the deepening defense ties between the two nations. Both countries are focused on fostering a stronger partnership in the face of regional security challenges, making joint military training a pivotal component of their strategy to ensure stability and peace in the region.

Exercise VINBAX-2024 is not just a demonstration of military cooperation; it is also a testament to the enduring friendship and shared strategic interests between India and Vietnam. As the two countries navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, initiatives like VINBAX aim to enhance mutual trust and collaboration for peacekeeping efforts worldwide.

As the exercise progresses, both Indian and Vietnamese forces are expected to refine their skills and tactics, contributing to their respective goals of maintaining peace and security within the region and beyond.

Indian Army Commemorates 62nd Anniversary of Battle of Nyukmadung from 1962 Indo-China War in Arunachal Pradesh

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In a poignant ceremony held on November 18, the Indian Army commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Nyukmadung during the 1962 Indo-China War. The event took place at the Nyukmadung War Memorial, located strategically between Dirang and Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh, an area that has significant historical importance due to the fierce battles fought there.

Officers, veterans, and families of the fallen soldiers gathered at the memorial to pay their respects. The ceremony began with a wreath-laying, symbolizing deep gratitude and remembrance for the valiant efforts of the 62 Infantry Brigade that engaged in one of the most challenging confrontations during the war. According to Defence Spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, this brigade’s remarkable stand against the advancing Chinese forces on this day in 1962 has been indelibly inscribed in the annals of the nation’s history.

On the occasion, students contributed to the spirit of patriotism through performances of traditional songs and dances, which added a vibrant cultural element to the solemnity of the day. A special highlight was the Tibetan dances performed by students from the LDL Monastery in Dirang, enhancing the reverent atmosphere of the memorial.

Additionally, various activities were organized to engage attendees and pay tribute to the soldiers. These included a cycle rally, martial arts demonstrations, and a dog’s performance that showcased the training and capabilities of military working dogs—a testament to the multifaceted nature of modern military operations.

The spokesperson shared a reflective account of the battle, emphasizing the extreme conditions under which the 62 Infantry Brigade operated. Led by Brigadier Hoshiar Singh, the soldiers faced daunting terrain and overwhelming odds while executing a tactical withdrawal. Despite these challenges, they managed to inflict substantial losses on the enemy, embodying the courage and patriotism that is deeply ingrained in the Indian Armed Forces.

This commemoration serves not only as a reminder of past sacrifices but also as a point of national unity and pride, celebrating the resilience of the Indian Army and the enduring legacy of those who fought bravely during a time of crisis.

Lt General RC Tiwari and Secretary MoD Discuss Veteran Welfare in Kolkata

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Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Army Commander, Eastern Command, held discussions with Dr. Niten Chandra, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Defence (Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare), at Fort William, Kolkata.

The discussions focused on critical welfare issues for veterans, with an emphasis on delivering prompt and effective solutions.

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During his visit, Dr. Chandra also toured the Regional Centre ECHS, Kolkata, where he interacted with veterans and addressed their concerns. He assured them of proactive measures to improve welfare services and enhance the efficiency of ECHS facilities.

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Dr. Chandra also reviewed the functioning of the ECHS Regional Centre and ECHS Polyclinic Kolkata, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring the best possible support for ex-servicemen.

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The interactions underscore the joint efforts of the Army and the Ministry of Defence in prioritizing the well-being of veterans and addressing their concerns with urgency and care.

MBDA Establishes Missile Hubs in Germany to Enhance Production for NATO and German Army

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MBDA Establishes Missile Hubs in Germany to Enhance Production for NATO and German Army

In a significant move to enhance the defense capabilities of Germany and its NATO allies, MBDA is set to establish “missile hubs” in Schrobenhausen, Germany. This initiative aims to boost the production of guided missiles and will encompass various functions including the production, maintenance, repair, and modernization of weapons systems. The expansive project will cover thousands of square meters and feature advanced production lines, along with large bunkers and substantial storage capacities, with work expected to be completed by 2028.

Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “MBDA is actively shaping this turning point. We are aware of our responsibility and are making our industrial contribution to increasing ammunition stockpiles and ‘war readiness.’” The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction was attended by high-profile officials, including Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder. Gottschild underscored the necessity of collaboration between the political sphere, the Bundeswehr, and MBDA Germany, highlighting that this partnership has never been more crucial.

In related developments, Berlin has recently approved a budget plan to acquire a substantial quantity of MBDA Brimstone missiles, aiming to fortify the capabilities of its Eurofighter aircraft. This initial phase involves the procurement of 3,266 Brimstone missiles, with an initial tranche of 378 missiles secured for €376 million (approximately $402 million). The Brimstone missile system is designed to engage a wide array of targets, including armored tanks, structures, fast-moving vehicles, and maritime vessels, thereby providing high operational flexibility across numerous domains. These missiles can be deployed not only from Typhoons but also from drones and helicopters, as well as various land and maritime platforms.

Additionally, earlier this year, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency awarded a substantial $5.6-billion contract to COMLOG, a joint venture formed by MBDA Germany and RTX, to procure 1,000 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile (GEM-T) interceptors. This procurement is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, designed to strengthen air defense capabilities across ten European NATO member countries through coordinated missile acquisition. The GEM-T interceptors are sophisticated systems engineered to target high-speed tactical ballistic and cruise missiles. Notably, they incorporate a low-noise oscillator technology that enhances the tracking and targeting of small airborne threats and cruise missiles, even in cluttered environments.

As these initiatives unfold, they signal a strategic commitment from Germany and its partners to enhance their defense systems and operational readiness in the face of evolving global security challenges.

Lt General Yash Ahlawat Assumes Command of Brahmastra Corps

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Lieutenant General Yash Ahlawat has taken over the command of the Brahmastra Corps under the Eastern Command from Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri.

Lt General Yash Ahlawat

Upon assuming command, Lt Gen Ahlawat paid solemn tributes to the Bravehearts, honoring their invaluable sacrifices in service to the nation.

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Addressing all ranks of the Corps, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the traditions and ethos of the Indian Army while striving for enhanced operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

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The new Corps Commander’s vision reflects the unwavering commitment of the Brahmastra Corps to safeguarding national security and upholding the Army’s legacy of excellence and dedication.

Bharat Forge in Negotiations with Indian Defence Ministry for Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)

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Bharat Forge in Negotiations with Indian Defence Ministry for Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)

Bharat Forge Limited, a prominent multinational company based in Pune, has initiated contract negotiations with India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and its associated Gun Towing Vehicles to the Indian Army. This milestone follows the MoD’s issuance of an Acceptance of Necessity in March 2023, signaling a strong intent to acquire advanced artillery systems.

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, commonly referred to as ATAGS, represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities, aligning with the nation’s “Make in India” initiative. Developed under the auspices of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the ATAGS is crafted in collaboration with private industry giants like Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems.

This state-of-the-art artillery platform is a 155mm/52 caliber towed artillery system, boasting an impressive extended range of over 48 kilometers when utilizing specialized ammunition—this advantage places it ahead of traditional artillery systems in terms of reach. The ATAGS incorporates cutting-edge automation technology, facilitating automated gun-laying and streamlined ammunition handling processes, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and considerably easing the burden on the crew.

In addition to its remarkable range and automated features, the ATAGS is designed for high rates of fire, capable of both sustained and burst firing modes. Its modular design enables adaptability across diverse terrains, ensuring that it remains effective in various operational environments. The Gun Towing Vehicles that accompany the ATAGS play a crucial role by providing rapid mobility and facilitating swift deployment and repositioning during combat situations.

The ATAGS has already undergone extensive trials, proving its reliability and robustness in challenging conditions, spanning desert landscapes to high-altitude environments. The current contract discussions between Bharat Forge and the MoD mark a pivotal point for the ATAGS program, representing a significant opportunity for the Indian defense sector to enhance its artillery capabilities through indigenous solutions.

Bharat Forge anticipates concluding these negotiations by the end of the financial year 2024-25, though the contract’s total value has yet to be disclosed. This upcoming deal not only underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to bolstering its artillery arsenal with homegrown technologies but also reinforces Bharat Forge’s standing within the defense sector.

The successful execution of this contract is poised to bolster India’s strategic goal of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing, thereby reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. Additionally, the introduction of the ATAGS is expected to significantly enhance the Army’s firepower. With its proven technological capabilities, the system could also pave the way for export opportunities, positioning it as a formidable player in the global artillery market.

As these developments unfold, they are poised to lay the groundwork for more extensive orders and increased adoption of indigenous military technologies, signaling a transformative phase for India’s defense manufacturing landscape.

13th Rashtriya Rifles Biennial Conference Held at Udhampur

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Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, chaired the 13th Rashtriya Rifles Biennial Conference at Udhampur.

The conference brought together commanders of the Rashtriya Rifles to deliberate on enhancing force preparedness and addressing dynamic operational contingencies across sub-conventional and operational domains.

Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar

The Army Commander lauded the Rashtriya Rifles for their exceptional operational performance, commending their efforts in maintaining peace and security in challenging environments.

He encouraged all ranks to continue upholding the force credo of ‘Dridhta and Veerta’ (Resolve and Bravery) with unwavering professionalism and dedication.

The conference underscored the importance of adaptability, readiness, and collaboration in ensuring operational excellence, reinforcing the pivotal role of the Rashtriya Rifles in safeguarding national security.

Airbus Advances Development of High-Performance SIRTAP Drones for Spanish Armed Forces

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Airbus Advances Development of High-Performance SIRTAP Drones for Spanish Armed Forces

Airbus has made a notable advancement in the production of the SIRTAP drone, a high-performance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) specifically designed for the Spanish Armed Forces. The company has announced that two prototypes of the SIRTAP have successfully entered the final assembly phase at its facility in Getafe, located near Madrid. This significant step paves the way for an extensive campaign of ground and flight testing set to commence next year.

In making the announcement, Airbus emphasized that the SIRTAP program enhances Spain’s national sovereignty across several critical domains, including technology, industry, and tactical capabilities. This comes on the heels of a substantial contract signed in 2023 between the Spanish Ministry of Defense and Airbus, worth 495 million euros (approximately $539 million). Under this agreement, the Spanish Armed Forces will acquire nine SIRTAP systems, each package comprising three UAVs and a ground control station.

The SIRTAP UAV is a sophisticated aerial system primarily focused on surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its design incorporates a range of applications beyond these core functionalities. The drone is equipped to conduct remote search and rescue operations, monitor illicit activities such as piracy and drug trafficking, and assist in firefighting efforts. This versatility makes it a valuable asset for various mission scenarios.

Designed to endure critical and extreme weather conditions, the SIRTAP includes advanced features like ice protection systems and capabilities to operate efficiently in high-temperature settings. The UAV boasts impressive performance specifications, offering flight endurance exceeding 20 hours, a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles), and a maximum flight altitude of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet). Its payload capacity is equally substantial, able to carry over 150 kilograms (330 pounds), and it can integrate a variety of equipment, including an electro-optical turret and a multi-mission radar, simultaneously.

As the program progresses, the upcoming testing phases will be crucial in validating the SIRTAP’s capabilities and ensuring its readiness for deployment, marking a significant milestone in Spain’s military technology development and enhancing the operational capacity of its armed forces.

Northrop Grumman Delivers Stand-in Attack Weapon Test Missile to US Air Force for F-35 Integration

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Northrop Grumman Delivers Stand-in Attack Weapon Test Missile to US Air Force for F-35 Integration

Northrop Grumman has successfully delivered its Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) test missile to the United States Air Force, marking a significant advancement in the capabilities designed to target rapidly relocatable threats on the battlefield. The newly delivered test missile is set to be utilized for critical evaluations that will confirm the safe carriage of the weapon and its separation from the launch aircraft during operational scenarios.

Earlier in 2023, the US Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a substantial contract worth $705 million dedicated to the supply of the SiAW, which is intended for integration with the F-35 combat jet fleet. As part of this agreement, Northrop Grumman will not only provide the missile itself but also play an essential role in testing and ensuring its seamless integration into the advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The targeted timeline aims for initial operational capability to be achieved by 2026.

The development of the SiAW occurs at Northrop Grumman’s facility located in Northridge, California, while the integration aspects of the program are slated to take place at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia. This dual-facility approach is designed to enhance the overall effectiveness and reliability of the missile in various operational contexts.

The SiAW missile is specifically engineered as an air-to-ground weapon capable of accurately striking targets that can be swiftly relocated, particularly within complex enemy environments that employ anti-access and area-denial strategies. One of the key innovations of the SiAW is its incorporation of an open architecture interface, known as the Weapon Open Systems Architecture. This feature allows for rapid subsystem upgrades, enabling ongoing enhancements to the missile’s capabilities in response to evolving threats.

The development of the SiAW is built upon Northrop Grumman’s extensive experience with prior military projects, including the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER). To date, Northrop Grumman has supplied over 1,500 AARGM missiles globally, serving not only the US Navy and Marine Corps but also delivering systems to allied nations such as Italy, Australia, and Germany.

With the successful delivery of the SiAW test missile, Northrop Grumman continues to solidify its role as a leading provider of advanced munitions for modern military forces, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation in maintaining strategic superiority.