In a groundbreaking development for India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, the Carl Gustaf M4, a versatile and widely utilized multi-role rocket system, is set to be produced domestically.

The move comes as the Swedish defence giant Saab has been granted 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approval by the Indian government, paving the way for the establishment of Saab FFVO India Private Limited in Haryana’s Jhajjar.

The Carl Gustaf system, a staple in the arsenal of the Indian Army since 1976, is renowned for its role in counter-terrorism and insurgency operations. The portable, shoulder-fired rocket system is capable of engaging tanks and fortified positions, making it a pivotal asset in urban warfare scenarios.

Gorgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Dynamics sector, expressed pride in constructing the company’s first facility outside of Sweden, particularly for a product with such a longstanding relationship with the Indian Armed Forces.

“We look forward to starting production of our excellent product, now engineered and made in India,” Johansson stated.

This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral ties between Sweden and India, with Hakan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade of Sweden, highlighting the factory as the first wholly foreign-owned defence production facility in India.

The Carl Gustaf M4, the system’s latest variant, incorporates state-of-the-art sighting technology and advanced carbon fibre winding techniques. Saab’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative is evident as it plans to collaborate with Indian suppliers to fulfill the domestic requirements for the defence sector.

The production of Carl Gustaf M4 in India is not just a testament to the evolving defence partnership between India and Sweden but also aligns with the Indian government’s Aatmanirbhar (self-reliance) project, aimed at establishing a robust domestic defence infrastructure with the involvement of both public and private sectors.

The Carl Gustaf system’s adaptability to various munitions types, including High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT), High Explosive (HE), and High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP), alongside its effectiveness in built-up areas, underscores its significance in modern urban combat scenarios.

Its proven efficacy in diverse operational contexts, from the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza to the internal security challenges within India, reaffirms its status as a critical asset for urban warfare and beyond.

The scenic hills of Shimla, nestled in the Himalayas, echoed with the enthusiastic cheers of rafting enthusiasts as Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOCinC) of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), officially inaugurated the much-awaited 1st Asian Rafting Championship in March 2024.

With a customary paddle gesture, Lt Gen Manjinder Singh marked the commencement of this thrilling event that promises to showcase the best of rafting talent from across the continent.

Teams hailing from diverse corners of Asia, including Bhutan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, and the host nation India, have converged in Shimla to participate in this exhilarating championship.

Each team brings with them a unique blend of skill, determination, and teamwork, ready to navigate the challenging rapids and vie for the coveted title of Asian Rafting Champions. The atmosphere at the venue is electric, as participants and spectators alike anticipate the adrenaline-pumping action that is set to unfold on the gushing waters.

With the backdrop of Shimla’s breathtaking landscapes, the championship promises not just a thrilling sporting spectacle but also a celebration of camaraderie and sportsmanship among nations.

“Let the rafting begin!” declared Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, encapsulating the spirit of adventure and competition that defines the Asian Rafting Championship.

As the teams gear up to tackle the raging currents and navigate through the twists and turns of the river, all eyes are on Shimla as it transforms into the epicenter of rafting excellence in Asia.

Over the coming days, participants will demonstrate their prowess, resilience, and teamwork as they maneuver their rafts through challenging courses, testing their limits and pushing the boundaries of adventure sports.

The championship serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage while fostering bonds of friendship and collaboration across borders.

As the first-ever Asian Rafting Championship kicks off in Shimla, it heralds a new era of competitive rafting in the region, promising unforgettable moments of triumph, camaraderie, and sporting excellence.

With participants ready to brave the rapids and embark on this adrenaline-fueled journey, all eyes are on Shimla as it hosts this historic event that celebrates the spirit of adventure and unity across Asia.

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), recently paid a visit to the prestigious Army War College located in Mhow. His visit was marked by an address to the Tri-Services Student Officers and Faculty who were attending the Joint Capsule (JOCAP).

This significant event saw the convergence of military minds from various branches of the armed forces, aiming to enhance their understanding of joint operations and strategic planning.

During his address, General Manoj Pande commended the organizers and participants of the JOCAP for their exemplary conduct and dedication to learning.

He emphasized the importance of functional aspects of jointness and integration in the planning and execution of military operations, highlighting the critical role played by collaborative efforts across different branches of the armed forces.

In line with the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare, General Pande underscored the necessity of embracing transformative changes in military strategies and tactics.

He urged all officers present to actively engage with emerging and disruptive technologies, recognizing them as essential tools in maintaining operational superiority and achieving mission success.

Furthermore, General Pande emphasized the significance of effective change management within the armed forces. As the landscape of warfare continues to evolve, it is imperative for military leaders to adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities.

By fostering a culture of innovation and agility, armed forces can remain at the forefront of technological advancements and strategic developments.

The COAS’s visit to the Army War College and his address at the Joint Capsule serve as a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to excellence in professional military education and training.

By providing platforms for cross-service collaboration and knowledge-sharing, institutions like the Army War College play a crucial role in preparing military leaders for the complex challenges of the modern battlefield.

General Manoj Pande’s words resonate with a call to action for military officers to continuously strive for excellence, both in their professional development and in their contributions to national security.

As India continues to strengthen its defense capabilities, the insights gained from events like the JOCAP will undoubtedly shape the future of joint military operations and strategic planning.

In a significant step towards fostering synergy between the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Armed Forces, the second batch of 57 IPS Officer Trainees, accompanied by three Faculty Members from the prestigious Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, embarked on a visit to the hallowed grounds of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.

The visit, themed under “Nation Building: Fostering & Strengthening Synergy”, was aimed at facilitating greater understanding, collaboration, and cooperation between the IPS and the Indian Army, two vital pillars of India’s national security architecture.

This initiative, organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, seeks to promote cross-domain understanding and collaboration among different branches of the Indian government responsible for safeguarding the nation’s interests.

During their visit, the IPS Officer Trainees were given a comprehensive tour of the sprawling campus and state-of-the-art training infrastructure of the Indian Military Academy. From the iconic Chetwode Hall to the picturesque Drill Square, the Officer Trainees were acquainted with the rich legacy and traditions that define the ethos of the Indian Armed Forces.

Furthermore, the IPS Officer Trainees had the opportunity to interact closely with Officer Cadets undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy.

These interactions facilitated the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in the realm of nation-building, security management, and law enforcement. Discussions ranged from counter-terrorism operations to disaster management, emphasizing the importance of coordination and collaboration in addressing contemporary security challenges.

The visit also provided a platform for the IPS Officer Trainees to gain insights into the training methodologies, leadership principles, and values instilled in future officers of the Indian Army. Through seminars, presentations, and interactive sessions, the Officer Trainees delved into topics such as leadership, discipline, and ethics, which are integral to both the IPS and the Indian Armed Forces.

In addition to the academic and training aspects, the visit underscored the camaraderie and spirit of brotherhood that binds members of the uniformed services together. It served as a reminder of the shared commitment towards the greater cause of national security and public service, transcending organizational boundaries and affiliations.

The interaction between the IPS Officer Trainees and the Officer Cadets at the Indian Military Academy was not only educational but also inspirational. It exemplified the spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and unity in diversity that are essential for building a strong and resilient nation.

As the IPS Officer Trainees bid farewell to the Indian Military Academy, they carried with them valuable insights, experiences, and memories that will shape their future roles as guardians of law, order, and national security.

The visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and coordination, paving the way for a safer, more secure, and prosperous India.