MILITARY CAPACITY
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.
North Korea says its recent missile tests involved new ballistic missile with 'super-large warhead'
North Korea announced Tuesday the successful test-firing of a new tactical ballistic missile, named Hwasongpho-11Da-4.5, capable of carrying a 4.5 ton-class "super-large warhead." The test aimed to verify flight stability and accuracy, with a range from 90 to 500 kilometers. South Korea reported two missiles launched, with differing flight paths: one reaching 600 kilometers and the other 120 kilometers. North Korea plans further tests in July. These developments follow heightened North Korean military activities since 2022, focusing on expanding its nuclear-capable arsenal amid regional tensions with the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
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.
US says it supports direct discussions between India, Pakistan
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US values its important relationships with both India and Pakistan. Miller said US is in regular communication with Pakistani leaders and it will continue to discuss regional security in detail, including through our annual counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations.
US President Biden says not ruling out using military force to defend Taiwan
In an interview published on Tuesday in Time magazine, Biden said he has made clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the United States will not seek independence for Taiwan as Washington had agreed with Beijing, Focus Taiwan reported.
India's helicopters being flown with Maldives defence personnel onboard: media report
Weeks after India withdrew its military personnel from the Maldives, the two helicopters gifted by New Delhi are still operational, flown with a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) soldier on board. President Mohamed Muizzu, who pledged to remove Indian military presence, saw the repatriation of the last personnel by May 10. India replaced its military staff with civilians to continue operating the donated helicopters and Dornier aircraft, used for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions, maintaining defense ties despite local political changes.
- Go To Page 1
Satellite images show China's J-20 stealth fighters near Indian border in Sikkim
Satellite images reveal China's deployment of J-20 stealth fighters near the Indian border in Tibet. This strategic move places the advanced aircraft within proximity to India, raising regional tensions. India counters with its Rafale fighters and upgraded air defenses, including the S-400 system. Both nations are enhancing their military capabilities along the border, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the region.
Xi Jinping exposes cracks in China's governance model
President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia and China's commitment to a more democratic multipolar world order during his visit to China. Critics point to Xi Jinping's concentration of power, erosion of norms, and struggles in maintaining control over the PLA, raising concerns about China's governance model.
What is OPEC+ and how does it affect oil prices?
OPEC+, a coalition of OPEC and its allies, is set to meet on June 2 to discuss their joint oil production policy. OPEC was founded in 1960 by Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela to coordinate petroleum policies and secure fair prices. It now includes 12 countries, mainly from the Middle East and Africa, accounting for about 30% of the world's oil. OPEC+ crude output represents about 41% of global oil production and aims to regulate the supply of oil to the global market.
Taiwan president pledges to stand with military, safeguard nation despite Chinese 'external threats'
China's military drills near Taiwan prompted President Lai Ching-te to pledge to stand with the military and protect Taiwan's freedom and democracy. He visited a Marine base, emphasizing the need to defend against external threats and ensure national security. While not directly addressing China's exercises, Lai expressed confidence in the military's ability to maintain security. The Chinese PLA's drills included fighter jets conducting mock strikes, with a focus on deterring Taiwan independence and external interference.
Iran's president accident: All about the crashed Bell helicopter that killed Ebrahim Raisi
A Bell 212 helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister crashed in heavy fog on Sunday, with all feared dead, according to state media. The Bell 212, developed for the Canadian military in the late 1960s, is widely used for various purposes, including government transport. The crash's wreckage has been located by search teams.
Joint military exercise 'Shakti': Indian, French armies share drills, expertise in jungle survival techniques
During the ongoing 7th edition of Joint Exercise Shakti, the Indian and French armies are sharing expertise in jungle survival and mountain self-preservation. The exercise, held biennially in India and France, focuses on enhancing joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in sub-conventional scenarios. With tactical drills including response to terrorism and establishing command posts, Exercise Shakti aims to improve inter-operability and camaraderie between the armed forces of both nations, fostering bilateral relations.
What we know about the crashed helicopter carrying Iran's president
A Bell 212 model helicopter, developed by Bell Helicopter for Canadian military, crashed in Iran, killing top officials. The aircraft, known for its versatility, is used globally for various purposes. Non-military organizations like Japan's Coast Guard operate it. Iran, a major buyer of Bell and Agusta helicopters, has a history of aviation competence.
New star wars plan: US rushes to counter Chinese and Russian threats in orbit
US Defense Department is looking to acquire a new generation of ground- and space-based tools that will allow it to defend its satellite network from attack and, if necessary, to disrupt or disable enemy spacecraft in orbit, Pentagon officials have said in a series of interviews, speeches and recent statements.
India's defence capabilities boosted under Modi government, relying on imports only for immediate needs: NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat
India has significantly enhanced its defense capabilities over the past decade, with a focus on indigenous manufacturing and reducing reliance on arms imports. VK Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog and former chief of the DRDO, highlighted that 60% of India's arms and ammunition are now domestically produced, with major corporations like Adani, Tata, and L&T contributing to radar systems and gun manufacturing. Saraswat also assured that India's power capacity is sufficient to meet its needs, minimizing the risk of significant power cuts. Companies like Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Bharat Electronics are poised to benefit from these trends.
Myanmar in talks with Russia to build deepsea port & oil refinery upsetting Chinese
The Myanmar junta is keen for Russians to invest in the port project along with a special economic zone including an oil refinery, ET has learnt.
Germany considers drafting teens as Putin boosts nuclear readiness
Germany is considering reintroducing compulsory military service for all 18-year-olds, a move fueled by heightened geopolitical pressures, particularly from Russia. Defense minister Boris Pistorius, reflecting on past decisions, believes reinstating conscription is necessary given the current threat landscape. The proposed plans include mandatory military service for men and potentially women, or a selective process. These discussions align with increasing militaristic rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about broader conflict.
India-France joint military exercise 'Shakti' commences in Meghalaya
The 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise "Shakti" is starting on May 13 at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. It aims to boost the joint military capabilities of both nations for Multi-Domain Operations in sub-conventional scenarios. The exercise, from May 13 to 26, was inaugurated by Thierry Mathou, France's Ambassador to India, and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi. It involves 90 personnel from each side, focusing on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain to enhance tactical skills and share best practices.
MEA confirms withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives, deputation of competent persons to nation
"So, both Maldives and India have engaged quite some time to see how best they can continue the operation of aviation platforms. And in that regard, you have seen developments in first and second batches of people who were providing their support there, they had come back," MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing.
India-France to hold 7th edition of Exercise 'Shakti' from May 13-26
India and France are set to conduct the 7th edition of the Joint Military Exercise 'Shakti' from May 13-26 in Meghalaya's Umroi region. The exercise aims to enhance joint military capacity for Multi-Domain Operations in a Sub Conventional scenario. It will also promote interoperability and camaraderie between the armed forces of both nations. The previous edition of the exercise was held in France in 2021. This upcoming exercise highlights the strengthening defence ties between India and France.
Maldives and India look to move forward, give direction to ties
Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer has expressed the Muizzu government's willingness to work with India, despite external affairs minister S Jaishankar's emphasis on mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity. The two sides discussed India-funded projects in the Maldives during a meeting. Zameer's visit amid anti-India rhetoric in the Maldives is a signal that the Muizzu administration is trying to establish a working relationship.
Shot by shot, Indian military is getting atmanirbhar
The government aims to increase India's annual defense production to nearly three times its current level, reaching Rs 3 lakh crore by 2028-29. Additionally, the target for defense exports is set to more than double, reaching Rs 50,000 crore compared to the current Rs 21,083 crore. For the fiscal year 2024-25, the goal is to achieve a total annual defense production worth Rs 1,75,000 crore, including exports valued at Rs 35,000 crore.
Talks between India and China going on "well": Rajnath Singh on possible resolution of Eastern Ladakh row
Under the theaterisation model, the government seeks to integrate the capabilities of the Army, Air Force and Navy and optimally utilise their resources for wars and operations. "The theaterisation process has started. There has been progress on it. Consensus is emerging on it among the three services as it will ensure better utilisation of resources and enhance the military's overall capabilities," the defence minister said.
New Delhi, Male review withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives
India and the Maldives are transitioning Indian military personnel with civilians by May 10. The bilateral discussions involve various aspects such as defence cooperation, development projects, and trade initiatives, with ties facing challenges since President Muizzu's election.
Swiss Military to invest Rs 56.5 crore on new manufacturing unit in Haryana
A global lifestyle brand with a 30-year legacy, Swiss Military, offers premium and innovative products across 26 countries and has over 3,000 products across various verticals.
Army gives 'no objection' if soldier accused of spying dealt under Official Secrets Act
The Indian Army has approved the use of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) in the case of a soldier accused of spying, allowing for legal action under the act. The accused allegedly leaked secret information to Pakistan through individuals connected to the Pakistan High Commission. The army has taken corrective actions to prevent future leaks. The case is ongoing, with arguments on charges scheduled for July. The accused soldier, a Naik from Agra Cantt., Uttar Pradesh, is under military law and faces charges related to national security.
"The world gained from a peace dividend after USSR’s decline— that calm is shrinking now...": Kenneth Rogoff
Kenneth Rogoff, former chief economist of the IMF and Maurits C. Boas Chair of International Economics at Harvard University, discusses the record rise in military expenditure worldwide. He argues that military spending is not good for growth or consumption because it is destructive. The US and Europe are facing pressures today due to Ukraine, the Middle East, and potentially Taiwan, but the defense budgets of the West are tuned to a different era. The US has not prepared its people for greater military expenditure, and voters are talking about universal income, increased transfers, more social spending, etc., but realistically, defense spending will need to increase.
RTX beats estimates on military demand, aviation strength
RTX, a major aerospace and defense company, surpassed first-quarter earnings expectations due to demand for missile defense systems and a strong commercial aftermarket business. The aftermarket business benefited from airlines extending the service life of aircraft amid the recovery in air travel and limited availability of new planes. Pratt and Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, reported a sales increase of 23%, despite ongoing inspections for potentially flawed components in its GTF jet engines.
India opens new Naval base at Minicoy, near Maldives
India has inaugurated a new naval base, "INS Jatayu," on Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep islands. This base, the second on the island chain, will enhance India's military capacity in the region, being the nearest major military installation to the Maldives. Co-located with a joint airfield planned for the future, INS Jatayu will host more assets, bolstering India's surveillance capabilities. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard has plans to upgrade its infrastructure in Lakshadweep, including new jetties, radar stations, and an air enclave.
Load More
