DEFENCES

Three Theatre Command bases identified, Military Affairs Dept working to integrate forces for future wars

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed progress on creating Theatre Commands as the Defence Ministry selected Lucknow, Jaipur, and Thiruvananthapuram as headquarters locations. The Department of Military Affairs, led by Chief of Defence Staff Genral Anil Chauhan, is working on over 150 integration points among the services for future multi-domain warfare. The plans include setting up Western Theatre in Jaipur, Northern Theatre in Lucknow, and Maritime Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram to address threats and enhance joint culture and work ethic.

Indian Army propels towards zero-emission by introducing 113 electric buses

The Indian Army has acquired 113 electric buses for troop transportation, aligning with the government's green initiatives. These 40-seater buses, with a range of 250 kilometers, are meant for plains and semi-hilly areas and are in the trial stage. This procurement supports India's zero-carbon emissions directive and highlights the military's commitment to eco-friendly solutions. The initiative reflects India's leadership in sustainable practices and innovation, encouraging other sectors to follow. The Indian Armed Forces are now blending national security with environmental stewardship for a greener future.

After a stop in Cuba, 2 Russian ships dock in Venezuelan port as part of 'show the flag' exercises

Two Russian naval ships, the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the oil tanker Akademik Pashin, have docked in Venezuela's La Guaira port after conducting exercises in the Atlantic Ocean and a previous stop in Cuba. The visit, part of Russia's efforts to assert its naval presence in remote oceanic regions, underscores the strong ties between Moscow and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government. This move follows a pattern of close relations established by Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chavez, and comes ahead of upcoming elections in Venezuela. The presence of Russian vessels has drawn attention amidst ongoing global geopolitical tensions.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi calls on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi met Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his visit, discussing India's support in Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. The visit aims to strengthen defense ties and explore naval cooperation. Admiral Tripathi will also meet Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and review a Passing Out Parade at the Bangladesh Naval Academy. The meeting reflects the deep partnership and historical bonds between the two nations, highlighted by recent high-level defense exchanges.

Russia's Novorossiysk authorities limit beach access after sea drones attacks

The mayor of Novorossiysk, Andrei Kravchenko, announced that beach access in the Russian Black Sea port city would be restricted until 09:00 (0600 GMT) on July 3 due to ongoing operational activities following a reported sea drone attack. Kravchenko urged residents and visitors to avoid beach areas, embankments, and recreational zones along the water's edge during this period. The city has been on alert amid tensions, with accusations from Russia of attacks by Ukraine on its Black Sea ports and the annexed Crimean Peninsula, although details and damage assessments are often not fully disclosed by Russian officials.

MoU signed to set up 3 testing facilities in Chennai under Defence Testing Infra Scheme

The Ministry of Defence revolutionizes defence infrastructure with state-of-the-art facilities in Chennai. With a massive investment of Rs 400 crore under the DTIS scheme, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the MoU exchange in New Delhi sets the stage for cutting-edge testing facilities. Keltron, Bharat Electronics Limited, and India Optel Limited spearhead the initiative towards self-reliance in defence technology.

IAF chief inaugurates Weapon Systems School to recalibrate Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) inaugurated a Weapon Systems School (WSS) in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The school's aim is to recalibrate and transform the IAF into a future-oriented force. The ceremony was led by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.

India-Mongolia joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant' to begin in Meghalaya tomorrow

The 16th edition of Joint Military Exercise 'Nomadic Elephant' between India and Mongolia will be held in Umroi, Meghalaya from July 3-16. This annual exercise aims to enhance interoperability for semi-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. The previous edition was conducted in Mongolia in 2023. The recent 12th Joint Working Group meeting between the defense ministries of India and Mongolia reviewed bilateral defense cooperation and identified ways to enhance it, highlighting the potential for a fruitful partnership.

Russia says it destroys five Ukraine's SU-27 jet fighters at Myrhorod airfield

Russia's defence ministry announced on Tuesday that it had destroyed five Ukrainian SU-27 fighter jets and damaged two more at the Myrhorod airfield in Ukraine's Poltava region using Iskander-M missiles.

We got Rs 1.08 cr aide from govt: Kin of deceased Agniveer

Singh was speaking after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, while referring to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, claimed the government regards Agniveers as "use-and-throw labourers" and does not even give them the status of a "shaheed (martyr)".

India and Bangladesh strengthened defence ties with new naval contracts

India and Bangladesh have strengthened their defence ties through a new deal signed after Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's visit to India. The Bangladesh Navy contracted India's Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers (GRSE) for an 800-tonne oceangoing tug, funded by Indian credit. GRSE also recently signed a deal for a dredger. The tug will aid in towing, berthing, and rescue operations, and can handle harsh sea conditions. The nations also agreed on further cooperation in maritime security, space, and counterterrorism.

Indian defence firms need to invest more in innovations and R&D to keep pace with global standards: Report

According to India Infoline Finance Limited (IIFL) report, these firms allocate only 1.2 per cent of their revenue to R&D, markedly lower than the global average of 3.4 per cent. This gap highlights a need for increased investment in innovation to keep pace with global standards.

What is SEBEX 2, India's new explosive that is one of the most powerful bomb?

India has introduced SEBEX 2, a high-performance explosive with a TNT equivalence of 2.01. Developed under the Make in India initiative by Economic Explosives Limited, SEBEX 2 enhances the effectiveness of various munitions without increasing weight. Certified by the Indian Navy, SEBEX 2, alongside SITBEX 1 and SIMEX 4, demonstrates India's growing capabilities in military technology, offering significant export potential and enhancing global security efforts.

SEBEX 2: India gets one of the most powerful non-nuclear bombs that's two times more lethal than TNT

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani assumes charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Gen Upendra Dwivedi. With over 37 years of military experience, Subramani has held various positions, including a brigade major, assistant military secretary, Colonel General Staff, and deputy director general of Military Intelligence.

Lt Gen Manjinder Singh assumes charge of South Western Command

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh assumed command of the Sapta Shakti Command after paying tribute at Prerna Sthal. He is marked by an illustrious military career with commands and staff roles in Jammu and Kashmir and the Western Front, including counter-insurgency operations. Recognised with prestigious medals for leadership, he received congratulations from the Army Commander upon taking charge of the South Western Command.

Russia Ukraine war: Russia says it downed 36 Ukraine-launched drones over several Russian regions

Russia Ukraine war: Russia's air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 36 drones launched by Ukraine overnight, targeting various regions in Russia's southwest, as announced by the Russian defense ministry on Sunday via the Telegram messaging app. Drones were destroyed over Kursk, Lipetsk, Voronezh, Bryansk, Oryol, and Belgorod regions. The incident caused no injuries or significant damage according to local governors. Ukrainian attacks continue in response to Russia's invasion.

Reforms in armed forces should be continuous to maintain supremacy during wars: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the government's efforts to boost domestic defence production. She claimed that nearly 70 per cent of defence procurement was sourced from Indian manufacturers in the last year, and reforms resulting in India manufacturing over Rs one lakh crore of defence equipment. She emphasised upon modernisation of the armed forces, the importance of continuous reforms for military supremacy, and India's increasing defence exports, including the BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines.

Big Boost to Rudra and Prachand helicopters: Adani Defence and Thales Group to manufacture 70mm rockets in India

Adani Defence & Aerospace has partnered with Thales Group to produce 70mm rockets in India, supporting the "Make in India" initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance India's defence capabilities with locally produced rockets for HAL Rudra and Prachand helicopters, while also boosting the country's defence manufacturing sector and creating employment opportunities.

Taiwan detects 35 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels near its territory

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting 35 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels near Taiwan from Wednesday to Thursday morning. Among these, 33 aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan's ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems. This incident is part of a pattern of increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan, with 371 aircraft and 204 vessels detected so far in June. Additionally, Taiwan's Coast Guard monitored four Chinese vessels near the Kinmen Islands, reflecting ongoing tensions and China's assertive policies towards Taiwan.

Defence Ministry signs 350th iDEX contract with SpacePixxel Technologies for miniature satellite development

The Ministry of Defence signed its 350th iDEX contract with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for developing a miniature observation and imaging satellite for the Indian Air Force. This initiative aims to innovate in space electronics by miniaturising payloads that were previously deployed on large satellites. The new satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads, offering benefits like faster deployment and lower environmental impact. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane praised the commitment of defence innovators and assured them of continued support.

350th iDEX contract: MoD, SpacePixxel to work on design, development of miniaturised satellite

iDEX has significantly impacted the defence ecosystem by fostering start-ups, creating job opportunities, and facilitating procurement worth over Rs 2,000 crore, showcasing a commitment to innovation and technology advancement.

Estonia promotes tech sharing, joint production with Indian defence companies

NATO member Estonia, known for its expertise in IT and cyber security, is seeking closer cooperation with India to jointly develop defence technology. Indian companies are invited to partner with Estonian startups and tech players to explore specific areas of interest.