Prime Minister Narendra Modi experienced significant travel disruption on Friday, as his Indian Air Force (IAF) plane encountered a technical snag shortly after his return from Bihar, leading to an unexpected delay at Deoghar Airport in Jharkhand. Officials confirmed that the Prime Minister had to shift to a different aircraft after waiting for over two hours, as the issues with his original plane could not be resolved.

The Prime Minister’s original itinerary included addressing a rally in Jamui, Bihar, to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, an event recognized as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.’ Following his speech, PM Modi was scheduled to return to New Delhi, but the malfunction left him stranded at the airport. Local officials reported the situation, stating, “The PM has been at the Deoghar airport for more than an hour now. What would be the alternative arrangement for his return to Delhi is being discussed.”

In light of the circumstances, authorities declared a ‘no flying zone’ over the area to manage the situation safely, underscoring the security implications surrounding high-profile Figure movements.

Simultaneously, another political figure faced transport difficulties. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition, found himself stuck in Godda after his helicopter was unable to take off, coinciding with the airspace restrictions triggered by PM Modi’s delay. Reports indicated that Gandhi addressed a rally but was unable to leave the area for nearly two hours. The Congress party expressed strong dissatisfaction with the situation, alleging that the restrictions on Gandhi’s helicopter were orchestrated by the administration for political purposes. State minister Deepika Pandey Singh claimed, “Our leader Rahul Gandhi’s helicopter was not allowed to take off for about two hours, posing a grave threat to his life. This was a security lapse at the behest of the Centre.”

These incidents highlight the complexities and challenges of political travel in India, particularly when multiple leaders operate within close proximity and unexpected technical issues arise. The situation has led to inquiries and discussions regarding the management of air space and the protocols in place during such high-profile events.

The 15th Airshow of China, taking place in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, has become a showcase for China’s military advancements, with the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter taking center stage. Developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, the J-20, often referred to as the “Mighty Dragon,” is a twin-engine aircraft designed for air superiority and precision strike missions. It features advanced stealth capabilities and utilizes cutting-edge technology, which has garnered significant attention from defense analysts and military personnel, particularly from India.

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots have expressed their admiration for the J-20’s specifications. Sameer Joshi, a retired pilot known for his experience with the Mirage-2000, remarked on the impressive appearance and build quality of the aircraft displayed at the airshow. Another former IAF official lauded the manufacturing quality, stating that it reflects “top-notch manufacturing” and indicating that production of the J-20 is now at scale.

China’s pursuit of self-reliance in military production has been identified as a key factor in the improved standards of its fighter jets. Analysts suggest that these advancements position the J-20 to potentially outperform the iconic F-16 fighter jet developed by the United States. The collective assessments from former IAF pilots highlight the strategic investments China has made in its military aviation sector, asserting that enhancements over the last two generations have yielded significant benefits. The J-20 is increasingly being integrated into operations across strategically contested areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, replacing older platforms like the J-11s and Su-27s.

Satellite imagery analysis conducted by Janes, a recognized open-source intelligence firm specializing in military and national security matters, has revealed that, as of July 2023, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) had established at least eight air brigades equipped with the J-20. This indicates a substantial commitment to upgrading its air combat capabilities, further solidifying the significance of the J-20 within the PLAAF’s operational framework. With military observers and analysts keenly monitoring these developments, the J-20’s performance and deployment will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions about regional air power dynamics.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to revive operations at its Nashik facility in Maharashtra to manufacture the Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a significant boost for the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This strategic move follows a substantial deal approved in September 2023, valued at $1.3 billion, which entails the production of 12 new Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets.

The upcoming production at the Nashik facility aims to address the increased demand from the IAF. This revival is expected to enhance the combat readiness of the Air Force, aligning with India’s broader ambitions for self-reliance in the defense sector under the ‘Make in India’ program.

In conjunction with the new production order, the Indian Air Force is also gearing up to undertake a comprehensive upgrade of 84 existing Su-30MKI aircraft through the ‘Super Sukhoi’ program. This initiative aims to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the current fleet by integrating cutting-edge Indian technology and advanced stealth features.

The ‘Super Sukhoi’ program will incorporate a variety of upgrades, including advanced radar systems with ranges 1.5 to 1.7 times greater than that of the current models, infrared search and track (IRST) sensors developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), cutting-edge mission computers, enhanced electronic warfare suites, and modernized cockpit layouts. Additionally, new weapon systems will facilitate manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technology, allowing upgraded jets to coordinate with both combat and surveillance drones.

While the Defence Acquisition Council has approved the Super Sukhoi deal, it is still pending final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security. The initiative, totaling INR 63,000 crore, aims to ensure that the Su-30MKI jets are capable of operating in high-threat environments, elevating their performance to the level of fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Production at the Nashik facility is projected to commence within the next few years, with the initiative anticipated to stimulate local economic development, create job opportunities for the regional workforce, and contribute to the establishment of a robust research and development (R&D) infrastructure in the country.

Western Australia’s Parliament recently hosted a special felicitation ceremony for the all-women crew of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, Tarini, currently on a global circumnavigation expedition. The event celebrated the achievement of the two-member crew, comprising Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, who were present at the ceremony. Their vessel is a part of the expedition named Navika Sagar Parikrama II, which has made Fremantle, a prominent port city in Western Australia, its first port of call.

The High Commission of India in Canberra commemorated the occasion through a post on social media platform X, highlighting the significance of the crew’s journey. This ambitious expedition was officially launched from Goa on October 2 this year, under the leadership of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.

During the ceremony, Sue Ellery, a member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia, praised the crew, calling them “true trailblazers.” She expressed hope that their remarkable journey would inspire young girls and women to explore opportunities within the Indian Navy. Ellery extended her congratulations to both crew members for their impressive undertaking and conveyed her best wishes for the remainder of their voyage.

As of now, the vessel has covered an impressive distance of 4,900 nautical miles, successfully crossing the Equator on October 24 and the Tropic of Capricorn on October 27. Throughout their 38-day non-stop journey, Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa have navigated a variety of weather conditions, from calm seas to severe storms, bravely facing winds reaching up to 40 knots. Despite the challenges, the crew has maintained good health and high spirits, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of demanding circumstances.