The Indian government has positioned the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ as a flagship product for its defense exports, generating persistent interest from various countries. The aircraft’s journey began in 1984, and it has gained significant attention among potential foreign buyers. However, questions loom over the capability of Indian aerospace manufacturers to fulfill export orders should a deal materialize.

To boost international sales, India has ramped up diplomatic efforts to promote the Tejas fighter jet, with officials from the Ministry of Defence and the aircraft’s manufacturing teams actively engaging with foreign representatives. In November 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a historic flight in a twin-seater Tejas, marking the first sortie in a fighter jet by a serving Indian prime minister, showcasing confidence in the aircraft.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) first inducted the LCA Tejas in 2016, currently operating two squadrons of the aircraft. Historically, the Tejas has faced criticism for not being combat-proven, mainly due to its deployment in a relatively peaceful context within the Indian peninsula. However, the IAF has begun relocating its LCA squadrons to forward air bases along the western and northern borders, a move that could enhance its combat readiness.

Recently, the IAF has been participating in international war games, with notable exercises involving simulated engagements against advanced aircraft such as the German Eurofighter. The IAF intends to expand its fleet significantly, with orders placed for 83 and 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft, indicating a strong commitment to the platform.

Despite heightened interest from various nations, including Congo, Nigeria, the Philippines, Egypt, Malaysia, and Botswana, the LCA has yet to secure an export deal. In a highly competitive landscape, the Tejas recently lost a bid to supply second-hand F-16s to Argentina. Moreover, Malaysia opted for South Korea’s F-50 Golden Eagle over the Tejas, further showcasing the challenges facing the aircraft in the international market.

The ongoing question remains regarding the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and its ability to deliver on export demands. While HAL has successfully developed a functional fourth-generation fighter jet, production capacity is reportedly insufficient to meet both domestic and potential export orders simultaneously. The IAF has, to date, only received 38 LCAs, with the first Mk1A delivery delayed due to engine supply issues from GE Aerospace.

With HAL currently able to manufacture only eight LCA aircraft annually, plans are in place to boost this figure to 16 by 2025 and further to 24 per year thereafter. This production ramp-up involves collaboration with private sector players to enhance supply chains, as well as the establishment of a new manufacturing line in Nasik by late 2024.

The urgency surrounding the situation is underscored by the dwindling numbers of IAF fighter jet squadrons, which are currently at a critical low. The successful integration of indigenous fighter jets like the LCA Tejas is essential for India’s strategic capabilities, especially in light of regional tensions, notably with the Chinese Air Force.

Overall, while the Indian government’s commitment to promoting the LCA is strong, significant hurdles remain, including manufacturing capacity limitations and dependence on foreign suppliers for essential components. Whether HAL can effectively navigate these challenges to meet both domestic and international demands remains a central question in India’s defense strategy.

On the latest episode of “Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16,” Amitabh Bachchan delivered a moving tribute to the Indian Navy, highlighting his admiration for their unwavering service and courage in defending the nation’s waters. The esteemed host took a reflective moment to discuss the Navy’s integral role in the country’s security, sharing his personal fascination with their bravery and discipline.

In an emotional revelation, Bachchan expressed a personal aspiration: his dream of stepping aboard an aircraft carrier to witness the impressive operations of the naval forces up close. This ambition underscores his deep respect for their work and a desire to better understand the complexities and challenges faced by naval personnel.

The episode also featured the KBC Juniors segment, showcasing young contestants aged 8 to 15. Among them was Tritee Ranjhana from Assam, a spirited young girl with aspirations of her own, who opened up about her love for the country and her dream of joining the Indian Navy. In response to her inspiring vision, Bachchan remarked, “Wow! It’s inspiring to see a young person with such a strong vision and dreams like yours. Serving the nation is indeed a noble ambition.”

Bachchan went on to emphasize his appreciation for the Indian Navy, shedding light on its often-overlooked endeavors. He recounted an encounter with high-ranking naval officers who expressed the need for greater awareness about the Navy’s operations. The actor revealed that he had recently lent his voice to a documentary aimed at raising awareness about the incredible work accomplished by the naval forces.

“The Indian Navy is a formidable force that has evolved impressively over the years, now equipped with powerful weapons,” he noted. He expressed a desire to gain firsthand experience by visiting a naval ship, particularly an aircraft carrier, to better understand the intricacies of their operations. Bachchan highlighted the challenges associated with landing aircraft on a carrier—a process many are unaware of—demonstrating the complexities of military aviation.

Additionally, he shared his fascination with a unique naval exercise involving the transfer of a captain from one ship to another on the open sea. This exercise involves a ropeway and a leather seat, and he expressed his eagerness to try this experience himself one day, showcasing his enthusiasm for the naval profession and operations.

The KBC Juniors segment, which began on November 4, is designed to inspire and challenge bright young minds, and the heartfelt exchange between Bachchan and the contestants has resonated with audiences, adding depth to the popular game show.

The Indian Air Force’s recent partnership with Uber to provide transportation services for personnel and their families has ignited considerable controversy, primarily due to serious security concerns. While the deal aims to offer a convenient and cost-effective mobility solution, critics warn that it could compromise sensitive information, including travel details and personal data, leaving personnel exposed to potential security threats.

The fears surrounding this partnership stem from the possibility that Uber could access and store a significant amount of sensitive data related to IAF personnel. Critics argue that this arrangement poses a breach of security protocols, especially in the absence of a comprehensive data privacy law in India. The potential for data exploitation mirrors troubling incidents from the past, where the sharing of seemingly innocuous information led to disastrous outcomes.

A prominent example comes from the United States, where the fitness tracking app Strava inadvertently revealed critical military vulnerabilities. In 2018, Strava’s global heat map showcased user activity across the globe, unwittingly disclosing locations of active personnel and military installations. The resulting analysis enabled researchers to identify U.S. military bases and patrol routes in conflict zones, putting lives at risk and compromising operational security.

The Strava incident highlighted the dangers of aggregating data for pattern analysis, demonstrating how openly shared information can be manipulated to undermine national security. The experience served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with data-sharing technologies, particularly in military contexts.

Experts now caution that the IAF’s partnership with Uber could present similar risks. The potential for sensitive travel information to be accessible to unauthorized entities through Uber’s platform raises alarms among security analysts. Hackers have demonstrated the ability to breach even seemingly secure systems, and the implications of such a breach could be catastrophic.

In light of these concerns, other branches of the Indian military, including the Navy and Coast Guard, are reportedly contemplating the termination of their contracts with Uber. This indecision reflects a growing recognition of the need to prioritize security over convenience, as military personnel and their families deserve transportation solutions that uphold national interests and safeguard sensitive information.

Despite assurances from Uber regarding their capacity to tailor services for the IAF, skepticism remains among critics. The overarching lesson from past security breaches, particularly the Strava debacle, emphasizes the grave dangers inherent in exposing sensitive data, especially when the stakes involve national security.

As the IAF evaluates its partnership with Uber, it is imperative that the organization prioritizes the protection of its personnel and their families by implementing stringent safeguards. The promise of convenience and cost-effectiveness cannot come at the cost of exposing critical security vulnerabilities. In a climate where technological advancements can easily turn into liability, military entities must remain vigilant to avoid repeating the mistakes of history.

The Indian Army has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting a patrol in the Depsang area of eastern Ladakh, marking its first such exercise since the aggressive clashes in 2020 that resulted in a prolonged standoff. This development comes in the wake of an agreement reached between India and China aimed at disengagement and the resumption of patrolling efforts around the region.

In a statement via Twitter, the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps announced, “Following the consensus reached between the Indian and Chinese sides for disengagement and resumption of patrolling in Depsang and Demchok, the Indian Army patrol to one of the patrolling points in Depsang was successfully conducted today. This is yet another positive step towards maintaining peace and tranquility on the LAC.”

Reports indicate that a contingent of approximately 10 to 12 Indian soldiers, accompanied by ponies, made their way to the bottleneck area that provides access to the vast Depsang Plains, patrolling up to Patrolling Point 10. This patrol covered a distance of around five kilometers, emphasizing the measured approach being adopted.

India’s patrolling capability in this sensitive region permits access to points 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13. Nevertheless, the decision has been taken to limit the Indian Army’s patrols to only one or two points initially. This strategy aims to foster trust and gradually restore the patrolling status to pre-April 2020 levels.

Moreover, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, previously noted that in accordance with the disengagement agreement with China, verification patrols were initiated based on mutually agreed terms in both the Demchok and Depsang areas.

This latest development signals a cautious yet optimistic step toward de-escalation in a region that has seen rising tensions in recent years, reflecting both nations’ commitment to maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In a significant event for the Indian Navy, President Droupadi Murmu is set to embark on the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to observe naval operations at sea on Thursday. This momentous occasion marks the first time that the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces will be onboard the newly commissioned aircraft carrier, where she will witness a comprehensive demonstration of various naval capabilities.

The Indian Navy has organized a series of operations that will showcase the full spectrum of multi-domain naval activities. These operations will include maneuvering of surface ships, tactical battle actions, submarine exercises, and a demonstration of air power. A highlight of the event will be the take-offs and landings conducted by deck-based fighter aircraft and helicopters, alongside a flypast by naval aircraft, all designed to illustrate the advanced operational capabilities of INS Vikrant.

Upon her arrival in Goa, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, will personally welcome President Murmu at INS Hansa, the Naval Air Station. The President will be honored with a Ceremonial Guard of Honour comprising 150 personnel before she boards the INS Vikrant for her maritime excursion.

INS Vikrant, representing a landmark achievement in India’s shipbuilding capabilities, stands as the largest vessel ever constructed in the country’s maritime history. With an impressive 76 percent indigenous content, the carrier features machinery and equipment developed by prominent Indian industrial houses as well as contributions from over 100 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The keel for this vessel was laid in February 2009, and it was officially commissioned into service in September 2022. The name “Vikrant” pays tribute to its historic predecessor, India’s first aircraft carrier, which was instrumental during the 1971 war.

Designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, INS Vikrant integrates state-of-the-art automation features into its design. The carrier measures 262.5 meters in length and 61.6 meters in width, with a displacement of approximately 43,000 tonnes, enhancing its operational effectiveness in modern naval warfare. This event not only highlights the capabilities of the Indian Navy but also symbolizes India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The Indian Navy is setting ambitious goals for the future, with plans to expand its fleet to over 200 ships by 2035 and achieve approximately 90 percent indigenisation. This vision was articulated by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, who currently serves as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. During his keynote address at THE WEEK Maritime Conclave 2024 held in Chennai, Pendharkar emphasized the Navy’s aspiration to be completely self-reliant—termed “Aatma Nirbhar”—by the year 2047.

Reflecting on the Navy’s growth since India’s independence, Pendharkar highlighted a significant increase from a modest fleet of just 35 ships to approximately 130 operational vessels today, supported by two capable fleets. He observed how the post-9/11 era has transformed maritime security priorities, focusing on anti-piracy efforts and collaborative missions with regional navies. The Vice Admiral noted that since 2015, enhancements in the Navy’s capabilities have increased by around 20 percent, reinforcing its strategic role in securing India’s maritime interests.

He pointed to a paradigm shift in India’s maritime policy from “look east” to “act east,” indicating an expansion of operational areas reaching as far as the Gulf of Guinea on the western coast and the Pacific Ocean to the east. This broadening of interests includes the Southern Ocean for surveillance, joint exercises, and combating piracy.

Pendharkar underscored the Navy’s crucial function amidst the growing significance of maritime trade and transportation, emphasizing that 95 percent of India’s trade by volume and 70 percent of its energy needs transit through the Indian Ocean. This places the Navy at the forefront of national security efforts concerning the nation’s strategic well-being.

Looking ahead, he predicted that India’s ocean economy could surpass one trillion dollars by 2025. This growth, he argued, would significantly impact job creation, boost exports, enhance food security, and uplift coastal communities. To harness this potential, he called for the modernization and development of the shipbuilding industry and trans-shipment hubs, leveraging India’s lengthy 7,500-kilometer coastline to elevate the country’s status as a maritime power.

During the conclave, Pendharkar also reflected on India’s rich maritime heritage, tracing it back to ancient texts that reference naval trade and exploration. He cited the Rig Veda, which dates back to approximately 1500 BC, as a foundational document that establishes the significance of maritime activities in Indian culture, from which the Indian Navy’s motto ‘Sham no Varunah’ is derived.

The Vice Admiral also acknowledged the historic contributions of various Indian kingdoms and dynasties to the maritime industry, which once played a pivotal role in India’s GDP during the 16th century. However, he noted that the decline began with colonial rule. By taking lessons from its past, Pendharkar is optimistic about India’s potential to reclaim its maritime supremacy.

On November 5, 2024, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Kolkata-based Defence Public Sector Undertaking, marked a significant milestone in naval engineering with the keel laying ceremony of the first two of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being constructed for the Indian Navy. This ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, alongside senior officials from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and GRSE.

The NGOPVs, which represent a new class of larger and more advanced ocean-going patrol vessels, promise to enhance India’s naval capabilities significantly. GRSE officials detailed that these ships will vastly outperform previous models supplied to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, positioned as the most sophisticated vessels of their kind currently developed for the nation’s maritime security forces.

As Mr. Hari, an official from GRSE, highlighted during the ceremony, the contract for the construction of these ships was signed on March 30, 2023. With production already underway, the vessels whose keels were laid have reportedly reached an advanced stage of development. Each NGOPV will measure approximately 113 meters in length and 14.6 meters in width, with a displacement capacity of 3,000 tons. The ships are expected to achieve speeds of up to 23 knots and possess an impressive operational range of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots. The crew complement is designed to include 24 officers and over 100 sailors, ensuring a robust operational capability.

These next-generation warships are designed to undertake a variety of missions, enhancing India’s maritime security framework. Their intended roles will include executing Out of Area Contingency Operations, conducting non-combatant evacuations, convoy operations, anti-piracy initiatives, and counter-infiltration tactics. Additionally, the NGOPVs will also be equipped for anti-poaching efforts, support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and conduct search and rescue missions. They are further poised to function as hospital ships and for communications intelligence (COMINT) operations, alongside providing essential fleet maintenance support.

During the keel laying ceremony, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose expressed national pride in the progress of the Indian navy, remarking, “This is a proud moment for the entire nation… We are the third largest military power in the world,” as he emphasized India’s growing capabilities in the competitive arena of shipbuilding.

In addition to the NGOPV project, GRSE is involved in a diverse array of projects. Currently, the company is working on twelve additional initiatives, which include constructing 17 more warships for the Indian Navy, one warship for the Government of Bangladesh, and a combination of 13 hybrid and one fully electric ferry for West Bengal. Furthermore, an oceanographic research vessel is being developed for the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Among these twelve projects are also an acoustic research vessel, autonomous platforms for DRDO, two export orders directed at Bangladesh, and five multipurpose vessels commissioned by a German client.

The developments at GRSE underscore India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities through advanced shipbuilding technology, setting a clear path towards greater self-reliance in the defence sector.

The Indian Navy held the third edition of its high-level virtual interaction series, known as ‘MAHASAGAR,’ which took place on November 5. This significant forum featured Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, who engaged with prominent leaders from various maritime agencies and naval forces across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Participants included senior representatives from countries such as Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

The focal theme of this edition was ‘Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR.’ This theme underscores the pressing need for enhanced training collaboration among IOR nations to effectively address shared maritime security concerns. The discussions emphasized the importance of quality training and developing skilled manpower as critical factors in building the capacity to combat common threats in these waters.

MAHASAGAR, which translates to “vast ocean” in Hindi, serves as a key initiative by the Indian Navy to foster high-level dialogue and cooperation among maritime leaders. Launched in early 2023, this program has been conducted bi-annually and has received positive responses and acceptance from participating nations. The interactions aim to bolster security and promote regional growth while laying a foundation for collaborative training mechanisms to address maritime challenges.

During this virtual meeting, the participants openly discussed various strategies for capacity building through training partnerships, acknowledging that a concerted approach is essential to navigate the complexities of maritime security in the IOR effectively. The second edition of this interaction series has set a precedent for ongoing dialogue and cooperation among nations that share maritime interests in the region.