MILITARY EFFICIENCY
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.
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.
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.
J-K: Army commander reviews operational preparedness of military formations in Udhampur
Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar, Northern Army Commander, visited various military formations in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district to review operational preparedness, officials said on Thursday. His visit on Wednesday evening aimed to assess readiness for the forthcoming Amarnath yatra and the region's security situation. The Northern Command posted on X that Lt Gen Kumar was briefed on the formations' efforts to integrate technology for improved operational efficiency. He is currently visiting different corps, divisions, and formations across the union territory to review security and operational preparedness.
Army unleashes 'silent killer' indigenous Nagastra-1 suicide drones along Pakistan, China borders: Key features revealed
Solar Industries delivered the first batch of Nagastra-1 Loitering Munitions to the Indian Army. These UAV-based munitions can hover, perform precision strikes, and be safely recovered, marking a significant advancement in India's defense capabilities. Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd, Nagastra-1 reduces reliance on foreign suppliers with over 75% indigenous content. The weapon offers operational flexibility and cost efficiency, capable of operating in extreme conditions, and is a testament to India's growing military technology expertise.
Rajnath Singh retains Defence Minister portfolio with major reforms on the horizon, here are some key issues that are expected to be addressed
Rajnath Singh will continue as India's Defense Minister, focusing on self-reliance in defense and boosting women's roles in the armed forces. Amidst tensions with China, India is increasing defense imports from the US. The Agnipath recruitment scheme, criticized for job security, is under review. Theater command unification aims to enhance joint operations, with progress made. Indigenous military production is a priority to reduce reliance on imports. Singh faces the immediate task of appointing a new Army Chief, influencing future military reforms.
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Despite war needs, Israel's military should not get a 'blank check' -cenbank chief
Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron supported forming a committee to scrutinize Israel's defense budget, emphasizing that the ongoing war doesn't justify unchecked military spending. Since January, Yaron has advocated for fiscal adjustments to prevent budget deficits from escalating due to war costs. Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to increase defense spending by 20 billion shekels annually, despite a rising budget deficit. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant agreed to establish the committee, aiming to balance security needs with economic stability, given the projected 250 billion shekels war cost from 2023 to 2025.
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.
Andrei Belousov says Russia must win in Ukraine while minimising troop losses
Andrei Belousov, Putin's nominee for defence minister, prioritizes victory in Ukraine with minimal troop losses using advanced tools and efficient defense spending. He aims to maximize efficiencies in Russia's war economy amid a bribery scandal at the defence ministry.
US aims to stay ahead of China in using AI to fly fighter jets, navigate without GPS and more
The recent dogfight between two Air Force fighter jets in California showcased the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with one jet being piloted by AI. This development reflects the military's focus on AI and its potential use in weapon systems, amid competition with China. From machine learning to AI-enabled autonomy, the military has been pioneering various AI applications. Projects like Vista, an AI-controlled F-16, and AI-based GPS alternatives demonstrate the breadth of ongoing efforts.
Aiming for integration, India's Tri-Service Act notification sets stage for theatre commands
The Indian government has enacted the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, facilitating the creation of unified theatre commands, a major military reorganization. This move follows the BJP's manifesto promise to establish military theatre commands for more efficient operations. With the Act in force, military commanders will have administrative and disciplinary powers over personnel from all three services. The creation of integrated theatre commands aims to streamline planning, logistics, and operations, replacing the current 17 single-service commands.
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.
China's PLA undergoes major restructure as it emphasises information capabilities for war
Xi Jinping replaces PLA's Strategic Support Force with Information Support Force in a significant overhaul. The move aims to enhance military efficiency and political oversight, with direct CMC control over the new force. Former SSF's functions, including cyber and space operations, are divided among the four arms, emphasizing centralized command.
Military strength, capabilities necessary to prevent wars, says Army chief
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande emphasized the importance of military strength and capabilities in preventing wars and protecting national interests in the face of recent geopolitical changes. He highlighted the need for self-reliance in defense, citing the impact of supply chain disruptions and external dependencies. The Army's transformation efforts focus on modernization, technology infusion, and capability development to create a future-ready force. The Army is pursuing new technologies and building a robust defense-industry ecosystem to achieve self-reliance and enhance its operational capabilities across all domains of warfare.
Ukraine ramps up spending on homemade weapons to help repel Russia
Ukraine is boosting its defense industry to fight Russia, investing heavily in local weapon production. The government budgeted nearly $1.4 billion in 2024 for homemade weapons, 20 times more than before. Private factories are now crucial, making thousands of shells monthly. This shift aims to counter Russia's dominance. However, Ukraine faces challenges like bureaucracy and manpower shortages. Despite this, its drone industry has thrived. The conflict hinges on resources and how well Ukraine uses them, as massive Western support remains crucial for its defense.
"Our import dependencies need to be near zero": Army Chief General Manoj Pande lays thrust on self-reliance in military production
Army Chief General Manoj Pande emphasized the importance of self-reliance in military production, stating that India should be able to source equipment like ammunition domestically to reduce import dependency. He highlighted the need to develop indigenous capabilities, stating that importing technology would keep India behind. General Pande mentioned Exercise Bharat Shakti in Pokhran as a demonstration of India's efforts towards self-reliance. He also noted the importance of technology in future wars, stating that conventional combat will no longer determine victory.
US, Japan plan to strengthen security pact inked over 60 years ago
The US military is enhancing its command headquarters in Japan to improve cooperation with Japan's self-defense forces against security threats from China and North Korea. Japan plans to establish a joint headquarters for its ground, maritime, and air forces by March 2025 to deepen cooperation with the US military. The move comes amid growing concerns over North Korea's missile tests and China's military activities. Japan and the US will discuss further details ahead of talks between their leaders next month.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un drives new tanks in military drill
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un participates in a military exercise featuring new tanks, aiming to assess combat readiness. Kim's personal involvement, driving one of the tanks, boosts soldier morale. The drills coincide with US-South Korea military exercises, viewed by North Korea as provocative. Tensions escalate as both sides display military capabilities, with North Korea denouncing the joint drills as reckless. The regional powers continue to engage in displays of military readiness, perpetuating the cycle of strategic posturing.
China maintains defence budget growth despite economic travails
China's defence budget for 2024 increases by 7.2% to CNY 1.66554 trillion ($231.4 billion), prioritizing the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Premier Li Qiang aims to achieve Xin Jinping's goal of creating a modern military by 2027, with a focus on Taiwan and improving strategic capabilities.
China increases defence budget by 7.2% to accelerate military modernisation; Here's how India's preparedness holds up
China has announced a significant 7.2% increase in its defence budget, surpassing $230 billion, which is more than three times India's military expenditure. This increase comes despite China's economic slowdown and refusal to de-escalate tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China aims to modernize its two-million-strong armed forces to deter US interference, especially regarding Taiwan. This includes strengthening conventional military and nuclear forces and strategic moves in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), such as a military assistance pact with the Maldives.
US military aircraft airdrop thousands of meals into Gaza in emergency humanitarian aid operation
U.S. military C-130 cargo planes conducted an emergency airdrop of food in Gaza following a deadly incident where over 100 Palestinians were killed during a scramble for aid. The airdrop, coordinated with the Royal Jordanian Air Force, delivered 38,000 meals in southwest Gaza. This action, authorized by President Joe Biden, aims to provide humanitarian assistance to starving Gazans. While airdrops are not ideal, they are used due to restricted aid access imposed by Israel, exacerbating the dire situation in Gaza.
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.
The logistics of war: How Washington is preparing for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan
As worries about a Taiwan contingency rise, the U.S. military is addressing vulnerabilities, considering Australia as a secure location for equipment storage. However, critics argue that more urgency and funding are needed to enhance the dispersed logistics approach in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
Global Firepower Ranking 2024: India has the fourth most powerful military behind China; Pakistan on 9th
Global Firepower's 2024 rankings reveal the United States as the world's strongest military, trailed by Russia, China, and India. Assessing 145 nations on 60 factors, the rankings offer nuanced insights into military prowess. South Korea rises to the fifth spot, while Bhutan claims the least powerful position. Power Index scores and defense budgets are scrutinized, emphasizing a holistic approach. Despite being a useful benchmark, Global Firepower advises a critical evaluation, considering broader contexts for a comprehensive understanding of global military landscapes.
China's military and government acquire Nvidia chips despite US ban
Chinese military bodies, state-run artificial intelligence research institutes, and elite universities in China have been purchasing Nvidia semiconductors that are banned from export to China by the U.S.
Scheme to hire Agniveers will ensure youthful profile of armed forces: Army chief
Indian Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande lauds the 'Agnipath' scheme as revolutionary, emphasizing its role in rejuvenating the armed forces with tech-savvy, youthful recruits. Introduced in 2022, the scheme enlists soldiers as Agniveers for four years before they venture into civilian careers. Pande highlights its merit-based approach, aiming to retain the finest talent. Speaking at a military engineering college event, he urges graduates to lead units effectively.
Army developing military-grade 5G & 6G apps; focuses on rolling out emerging technologies
"The Indian Army has established 5G labs and the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering in Madhya Pradesh is poised to be a 6G test bed," said a source." The development of military-grade 5G and 6G applications is being undertaken which meets the future warfare requirements," it said.
Europe's defence sector seeks EU clarity, greater efficiency
Europe intensifies defense spending post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but challenges persist for battle readiness. Issues encompass financing, research, and interoperability, despite record military budgets. The EU aims to bolster capabilities, yet faces gaps, spending discrepancies, and reluctance among member states to increase contributions. Efforts include proposals for European defense bonds and heightened investments, emphasizing the need for long-term commitments to address evolving security demands amid a changing geopolitical landscape.
Pentagon's AI initiatives accelerate hard decisions on lethal autonomous weapons
Yhe Pentagon is intent on fielding multiple thousands of relatively inexpensive, expendable AI-enabled autonomous vehicles by 2026 to keep pace with China.
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