COMBAT TESTED MILITARY HARDWARE
Army veterans worried about Agniveer scheme, say it will 'degrade' combat power and add to threats by China and Pakistan
Military experts express concerns about the Agnipath scheme impacting combat effectiveness and operational efficiency. The scheme demobilizes 75% of Agniveers after four years, affecting the Navy and Air Force. Suggestions for retention rate increase and tweaks to address shortage of combat-ready soldiers. Former military chiefs criticize the scheme's focus on reducing pension bill over national security.
Poised along the Indian border, Chinese troops are there for the long haul
The Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College published an in-depth report examining PLA activity along the mountainous border in Aksai Chin opposite India in 2020-21. It considered how the PLA rapidly moved troops into the region as violence flared between Chinese and Indian troops in Galwan Valley on 15-16 June 2020. However, Blasko, a former US defence attache in Beijing and Hong Kong, also provided a useful assessment of current and future conditions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
India expressed interest in co-production of Stryker combat vehicle: US
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell emphasized the importance of frank dialogue with India regarding New Delhi's ties with Russia, particularly in the technology sector, including defense. Despite US concerns about potential technology leakage to Russia due to India's use of Russian defense equipment, Campbell expressed trust and confidence in India's capabilities. He noted that while there are disagreements, both countries maintain respectful discussions. Campbell also highlighted discussions on the Quad initiative during recent meetings between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and India's NSA Ajit Doval, affirming strong commitment to hold the Quad summit by year-end.
Biden apologizes to Ukraine's Zelenskyy for monthslong holdup to weapons that let Russia make gains
In Paris, U.S. President Joe Biden publicly apologized to Ukraine for a months-long delay in military aid caused by conservative Republicans in Congress, which allowed Russia to gain ground. Biden assured continued American support while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged bipartisan backing akin to World War II. Biden and Zelenskyy attended D-Day anniversary events, with Biden emphasizing unwavering support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy highlighted the significance of Ukraine's struggle, drawing parallels with World War II sacrifices. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the transfer of Mirage-2000 jets to Ukraine.
Telecom gear makers seek 2-year extension for security testing of customers' WiFi
Telecom gear manufacturers are pushing to delay the mandatory security testing deadline for WiFi CPE and IP routers, requesting a two-year extension and voluntary certification. They cited high costs and limited accredited labs. The Department of Telecommunications had previously extended the application start date to January 1, 2024, and then to July 1, 2024, with further extensions for certified models.
'Taiwan independence' means war, warns Chinese military
The Chinese military issued a stern warning against Taiwan's pro-independence actions, declaring that "Taiwan independence" equates to war. In response to Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te's pro-independence stance, PLA spokesperson Sr. Col. Wu Qian emphasized China's readiness to thwart foreign interference and separatist activities. Lai, from the Democratic Progressive Party, maintains Taiwan's sovereignty but urges peace with China. Following Lai's inauguration, China conducted extensive military drills around Taiwan, demonstrating its capability and resolve to counter any moves towards independence and foreign support.
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Ukraine's Zelenskyy gets more air defence missiles from Spain to fight deadly Russian glide bombs
Two Patriot systems are needed to protect the northeastern Kharkiv region, where the Kremlin's forces launched a cross-border offensive on May 10 that left Ukrainian troops reeling, Zelenskyy said. The death toll from a glide bomb attack on a Kharkiv shopping mall Saturday rose to 18, regional Gov Oleh Syniehubov said Monday, with five people still missing.
Army chief highlights rapidly changing nature of warfare
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande emphasized the need for NDA cadets to enhance technical competencies for future battlefields during the passing out parade of the 146th course.
China starts 'punishment' drills around Taiwan days after new president takes office
China's military has begun two days of "punishment" drills around Taiwan in response to "separatist acts" following the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. Lai, labeled a "separatist" by China, has repeatedly sought dialogue with Beijing, which has been rebuffed. The drills, involving multiple branches of the PLA, are conducted around Taiwan and its controlled islands. China views the exercises as a warning against Taiwan's independence efforts and external interference, reminiscent of the 2022 drills following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.
North Korea's Kim accelerates production to shore up nuclear force, KCNA says
Kim Jong Un orders accelerated production at an arms factory to strengthen North Korea's nuclear force, overseeing a test of tactical ballistic missiles with new guidance technology to bolster nuclear war deterrence, making the enemy fear North Korea's nuclear combat posture. North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast on the same day.
Ukraine says it has checked Russia's offensive in a key town, but Moscow says it will keep pushing
Ukrainian forces have halted a Russian advance in Vovchansk, a key northeastern town near the Russian border, according to Kyiv. However, Moscow insists it has sufficient resources to continue its offensive. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficult situation and is bolstering defenses in Kharkiv. Russia aims to create a buffer zone to prevent Ukrainian strikes on Russia. Amid ongoing battles, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a $2 billion arms deal for Ukraine, while NATO urged increased military support for Kyiv.
Pyongyang to deploy new multiple rocket launcher this year: KCNA
North Korea announced plans to equip its military with a new 240mm multiple rocket launcher, marking a "significant change" in its artillery combat capabilities. Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a live-fire test of the updated rocket system, which Pyongyang says underwent technical upgrades for enhanced defense capabilities. The rocket launcher will be deployed to military units as replacement equipment between 2024 and 2026. This announcement comes amid speculation that North Korea could be ramping up production of artillery and cruise missiles for potential use in Ukraine, where it has bolstered ties with Russia.
An AI-controlled fighter jet took the Air Force leader for a historic ride. What that means for war
AI marks one of the biggest advances in military aviation since the introduction of stealth in the early 1990s, and the Air Force has aggressively leaned in. Even though the technology is not fully developed, the service is planning for an AI-enabled fleet of more than 1,000 unmanned warplanes, the first of them operating by 2028.
AI-controlled F-16 fighter jet completes successful test flight with Air Force Secretary onboard
An experimental AI-controlled F-16 fighter jet completed a successful test flight with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall onboard, marking a milestone in military aviation. The U.S. Air Force aims to deploy over 1,000 unmanned warplanes by 2028, highlighting its aggressive pursuit of AI integration. Despite concerns about autonomous decision-making, Kendall emphasized the importance of AI for security. The shift towards AI-enabled aircraft offers enhanced security and strategic advantages, driven by factors such as cost efficiency and the vulnerability of manned fighter jets to electronic warfare.
An AI-powered fighter jet took the Air Force's leader for a historic ride
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall flew in an AI-controlled F-16 jet, showcasing its combat potential. The AI's performance at Edwards Air Force Base impressed Kendall, leading to his confidence in entrusting it with weapon-launching decisions.
Missile defence successes in Gulf, Ukraine fuel global urgency to acquire systems
Experts predict that the successful use of ballistic missile defenses in recent high-stakes combat scenarios in Israel, the Red Sea, and Ukraine will lead to increased global investment in these systems. The U.S. SM-3 and Israeli Arrow interceptors, as well as the MIM-104 Patriot batteries, have demonstrated effectiveness against missile attacks, encouraging more countries to invest in similar defense systems. This trend is expected to intensify missile arms races, particularly in regions like Asia, where countries are already heavily investing in missile technology.
US imposes sanctions on over a dozen companies, three from India for trade and ties with Iran
The United States imposes sanctions on companies, individuals, and vessels, including three from India, for aiding Iranian military's illicit UAV transfers. Sahara Thunder, linked to Iran's military, utilizes India-based companies like Zen Shipping and Port India Private Limited for its operations. These sanctions target entities involved in facilitating clandestine sales of Iranian UAVs to Russia for its war in Ukraine. The US Treasury emphasizes the need to counter Iran's destabilizing actions, coordinating efforts with allies to combat such financing activities.
What is AI dogfight? Know how AI and human pilot got engaged in aerial combat
In the first ever AI dogfight conducted by the US military, one fighter was manned, while the other jet was a modified version of the F-16, called the X-62A, or VISTA, Variable In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft.
US-China competition to field military drone swarms could fuel global arms race
The planners envision a scenario in which hundreds, even thousands of the machines engage in coordinated battle. A single controller might oversee dozens of drones. Some would scout, others attack. Some would be able to pivot to new objectives in the middle of a mission based on prior programming rather than a direct order.
HAL bags biggest-ever indigenous military hardware order; to supply 97 LCA Mark 1As @Rs 65,000 cr
The indigenous fighter aircraft programme, fully backed by Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters is set to be a big boost for promoting indigenisation as well as give major business to the small and medium enterprises engaged in defence business across the country, officials said.
Guns N' Growth: Inside defence sector's explosive Make-In-India story
India's 'Make in India' defence production success story is evident in record-breaking defence exports, reaching Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24, a growth of 32.5% from the previous fiscal. With a focus on indigenisation, India aims to triple annual defence production by 2028-29 and double defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore.
Mighty 'flawed' Dragon: IAF Rafales outclass 'overhyped' Chinese J-20 fighter jet
The Chinese J-20 fighter, known as the "Mighty Dragon," faces scrutiny over its stealth capabilities and market appeal. Despite being operational since 2017, concerns remain about its technological maturity and combat readiness. In comparison, the Rafale fighter, with proven stealth characteristics, has a more established operational history. The debate over the J-20's classification as a 5th-generation fighter highlights the importance of objectively assessing each aircraft's capabilities.
Transformative moment: BEML successfully test fires indigenous 1500 HP engine for military tanks
India's public sector BEML has achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing its indigenous 1500 HP engine for military vehicles. The engine, equipped with advanced technologies, represents a paradigm shift in military propulsion systems. The project, inaugurated by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, signifies a step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The project, initiated in 2020, is expected to be completed by mid-2025, with the production of 20 such engines in the next year for further trials.
Top PLA general calls for crackdown on 'fake combat capabilities' in Chinese military
In a surprising turn of events, General He Weidong, the second-ranked vice-chairman of China's powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), has raised doubts about the effectiveness of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) combat exercises, calling them "fake combat capabilities." This comes at a time when Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for the PLA to prepare for "maritime military struggles" to secure victory in wars.
Big gain for IAF: Govt clears next-gen fighter prototypes and development
The government has approved the development and prototype production of next-generation fighters for the air force, aiming to bolster the domestic manufacturing ecosystem and enhance the armed forces' combat capabilities. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) greenlit the estimated Rs 15,000 crore proposal, advancing the project to the prototype production stage. The Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter jet, is slated to take flight by 2028, featuring cutting-edge technologies like stealth capabilities, AI integration, long-range targeting, and compatibility with unmanned systems.
Vladimir Putin's address to Russia's parliament: Highlights on Ukraine war and military capabilities
In his state-of-the-nation address, President Vladimir Putin reiterated Russia's commitment to the war in Ukraine, highlighting the importance of unity and responsibility among its citizens. He also addressed concerns about an arms race with the West, emphasizing the need to develop the defense-industrial complex efficiently. Putin praised the increased combat readiness of Russia's armed forces and highlighted the use of advanced missile systems, including hypersonic weapons, in the conflict. His speech comes ahead of a presidential election where he is expected to secure another term.
Israel's military exports to top buyer India unaffected by Gaza war
Despite Israel's military campaign in Gaza, its defense exports to India remain unaffected. Over the past decade, India has imported military equipment worth $2.9 billion from Israel, including radars, drones, and missiles. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began after militants killed 1,200 people in Israel, has not disrupted Israel's defense supplies to India. Israel has ensured a steady supply of weapons to India, including drone components, amid its operations in Gaza, focusing on maintaining its defense exports.
North Korean President Kim Jong-un oversees test of new surface-to-sea missiles
North Korean President Kim Jong-un oversaw the test firing of a new surface-to-sea missile and ordered heightened defense near the western maritime border. The missile, Padasuri-6, was launched the day after South Korea reported multiple North Korean cruise missile launches. This marked North Korea's fifth cruise missile test this year. Kim also ordered a stronger defense posture in waters near South Korean border islands, criticizing South Korea for defending the maritime border, which North Korea does not recognize.
India-Russia defence coop remains unprecedented with full transfer of tech: Denis Alipov
“we are working on joint development and manufacturing of the most sophisticated systems, ensuring a significant contribution to the “Make in India” and “Self-reliant India” initiatives,” Denis Alipov said at a session earlier this week in New Delhi at VIF-Valdai Club.
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