STRATEGIC AIR ASSETS
India's Rudram-1 Missile: How does it stack up against global competitors?
Rudram 1 Missile: India has successfully tested its first indigenous anti-radiation missile, the Rudram-1, developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force. Integrated with Sukhoi-30MKI jets, it targets radiation sources with INS-GPS navigation and a Passive Homing Head, crucial for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD). Compared globally, Rudram-1 enhances India's SEAD capabilities against adversaries like the US (AGM-88 HARM), Russia (Kh-58), UK (ALARM), China (FT-2000), Iran (Hormoz-2), and Brazil (MAR-1). This milestone strengthens India's defense against regional threats, showcasing its technological prowess and commitment to indigenous defense innovation.
Budget 2024: What is a strategic sale? How is it different from disinvestment?
Budget 2024: In the Interim Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revised India's divestment target for FY24 to Rs 30,000 crore, down from the previously budgeted Rs 51,000 crore. Looking forward to FY25, the target has been set at Rs 50,000 crore. Despite privatizing Air India and NINL, the government has consistently missed divestment targets for five years. So far this fiscal year, only Rs 10,051.73 crore has been raised, with major contributions from CPSEs' IPOs and OFS'.
Enemy within? China is buying land around American military bases
China's proximity to military bases within the US, including a nuclear missile base in Wyoming, raises national security concerns. The US government blocked a Chinese-backed cryptocurrency mining firm from owning land near Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, citing it as a 'national security risk'. The order required the divestment of property operated as a crypto mining facility near the base.
Russia fires more missiles and drones at Ukraine ahead of diplomatic efforts to stop the war
Russian forces launched a nighttime missile and drone attack on Kyiv and five other Ukrainian regions, injuring several people. Ukraine's air force intercepted 29 of 30 air targets. President Zelenskyy praised the defense efforts and urged for more Western air defense systems, with the US agreeing to send another Patriot missile system. Upcoming international meetings, including a G7 summit, will focus on supporting Ukraine. Despite Russian advances, Ukrainian forces continue to resist, seeking more Western military aid and preparing for a future counteroffensive.
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.
China's third aircraft carrier heads to sea for the first time
China's third aircraft carrier, Fujian, showcases advanced technology with catapults for aircraft, aiming for a fleet of six carriers for operational maturity. Collin Koh highlights the strategic plan for China's carrier fleet expansion, emphasizing the significance of Type 003 carriers.
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hBits forays into Pune property market, acquires asset in CyberCity Magarpatta
Fractional ownership platform hBits is looking to raise over Rs 55 crores for a pre-leased commercial asset it has acquired in Pune marking its foray in the second largest city in Maharashtra.
Red Sea crisis reaches the skies: Indian businesses battle high air freight cost & cargo space shortage
The Houthi attacks on ships have forced many Indian businesses to turn to air cargo to move their goods. This rise in demand and limited capacity has made air freight more expensive, causing troubles on multiple fronts.
Militarisation, weaponisation of space inevitable reality: IAF chief
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari emphasized the increasing significance of space in military operations, stating that as nations rely more on space-based assets, the militarization and weaponization of space have become inevitable realities. Speaking at a seminar on "Aerospace Power in Future Conflicts," he highlighted the transformation in the military operational environment towards simultaneous and independent operations across multiple domains. He also stressed the importance of gaining and maintaining information and decision superiority, citing the need for developing critical capabilities like CMOS sensors and robust C2 networks.
Balakot like operations have shown that, given the political will, aerospace power can be effectively carried out beyond enemy lines: IAF Chief
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief VR Chaudhari highlighted the effectiveness of aerospace power in operations like Balakot, emphasizing its potential in no-war, no-peace scenarios. He spoke at the 15th Jumbo Majumdar International Seminar on Aerospace Power, stating that aerospace power will remain crucial in future warfare. Chaudhari noted the importance of aerial superiority in shaping the destiny of nations and the role of aerospace power as a symbol of national strength and a tool for peace. He discussed the complexities of future conflicts, including the need for reimagining conventional war fighting methods and the inevitability of space militarization.
Given political will, aerospace power can be effectively used beyond enemy lines: IAF chief
IAF Chief Chaudhari said that future conflicts will be characterised by a blend of simultaneous application of kinetic and non-kinetic forces, high-levels of battle space transparency, multi-domain operations, a high-degree of precision, enhanced lethality, a compressed sensor-to-shooter cycle, and of course, all under intense media scrutiny.
Maharashtra govt gets iconic Air India building for ₹1,601 crore
State-run AIAHL, a special purpose vehicle (SPV), holds the non-core assets that were not part of the government's strategic sale of Air India to the Tata group for ₹18,000 crore, which was completed in early 2022.
Centre sanctions transfer of Air India Mumbai building to Maharashtra govt for Rs 1,601 crore
The Air India building in Mumbai has been transferred from AI Assets Holding Company Ltd to the Maharashtra government for Rs 1,601 crore. Maharashtra will waive DIPAM dues of Rs 298.42 crore owed by AI Assets Holding Company Ltd.
After Sukhoi upgrade, IAF to also get high-tech radars and air defence guns worth Rs 13,000 crore soon
The Indian Air Force is set to acquire new high-power radars and close-in weapon systems from Larsen and Toubro, with deals worth approximately Rs 13,000 crore approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security. These acquisitions aim to enhance surveillance capabilities along the borders with China and Pakistan and protect vital assets. The projects, part of the government's 'Make in India' initiative, will boost indigenous manufacturing and create jobs in the defence sector. The approval reflects the government's focus on strengthening India's defence capabilities through indigenous projects.
Next-Gen Defence: India's military strategy transformed with approval of $3.99 billion MQ-9B Sea Guardian sale
The US State Department has approved the sale of 31 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones to India, marking a significant step in enhancing the country's defense capabilities. The drones, equipped with advanced technology, are designed for high-altitude, long-endurance missions and armed with Hellfire missiles and smart bombs. This move aligns with India's modernization efforts and will significantly boost its unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The deal, valued at $3.99 billion, underscores the strategic partnership between the US and India and is expected to strengthen India's security apparatus.
Mission Ready: Cos scale up hiring of ex-service personnel
Hiring of veterans is picking up pace across India Inc as companies focused on diversity intensify efforts to identify, train and onboard ex-servicemen, recognising the value they bring to the table. Skills such as leadership, teamwork, integrity, risk management, and problem-solving, which are intrinsic to armed forces officers, are prized by companies including Flipkart, Vedanta, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, GE Aerospace, Marsh McLennan Global Capability Centre, and Optum.
Will Yemen air strikes stop the Red Sea attacks?
US and British strikes on rebel-held Yemen on Friday marked a sharp escalation after weeks of attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed Huthi insurgents. "It seems very likely that the Huthis will continue attacking ships with whatever capabilities they have left.
Disinvestment fetches over Rs 4.20 lakh cr in 10 years but target to be missed again in FY24
Big ticket privatisation plans such as that of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and CONCOR are already on the backburner and analysts feel meaningful privatisation can happen only after April/May general elections.
EoI for RINL strategic sale to be invited after discussing broad contours with stakeholders: Govt
"EoI for strategic disinvestment requires broad contours of the transaction, including core and non-core land and assets, which would form part of transaction. These issues are to be settled after discussion with various stakeholders before the EoI for this transaction can be issued. The EoI (for RINL) has not been issued," Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Karad said.
Maharashtra govt to buy iconic Air India building in SOBO for Rs 1,601 crore
The marque property at Nariman Point is strategically located and is in close proximity to the Maharashtra government’s administrative office.
View: Uncanny link to Pakistan violence & its action against Afghans
Pakistan had believed that all its woes on the internal security front would be over once its “proxies” took control of Afghanistan after the hasty withdrawal of the US and its allies more than two years ago. That is why, except for a handful of sane voices, the “victory” of the Taliban was celebrated by the Pakistan security establishment and its voices in TV studios and print media, and most importantly, the then prime minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).2ex
South Korea, US, Japan hold first joint air drills
South Korea, the United States, and Japan conducted their first joint aerial drills as part of their defense cooperation against North Korea's missile and nuclear threats. The exercise involved a US B-52 bomber, which can travel long distances without refueling. The drill took place south of the Korean peninsula and aimed to enhance the three countries' response capabilities.
IAF lines up mega projects to boost combat prowess, constantly monitoring situation along LAC
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is prepared to deal with challenges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through better tactics and training, said Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari. He stated that the IAF will remain deployed along the frontier in the region until complete disengagement takes place in contested areas. The IAF is also planning to procure 97 Tejas Mark 1A aircraft and is looking to induct military platforms and equipment worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore to Rs 3 lakh crore in the next few years.
BRO to construct airfield at strategic Nyoma belt of eastern Ladakh
The Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground has been used for the transportation of men and materials during the ongoing stand-off with China since 2020 and witnessed operations of Chinook heavy-lift choppers and the C-130J special operations aircraft.
IAF to host mega multilateral air exercise next year
Tarang Shakti, the biggest air exercise in India, has been postponed until mid-2024 as a number of participating air forces conveyed to the IAF that they will not be able to join the wargame if it is held this year. The exercise is expected to involve 12 air forces. In the last few months, the Indian Air Force has participated in a number of major overseas exercises.
Next stage in strategic ties to be unveiled during PM Modi's France visit, says envoy
Paris and New Delhi are ready to open new chapters of cooperation, reinforce already outstanding political coordination, jointly tackle global issues, co-develop technologies of the future including fighter aircraft engines and strengthen strategic autonomy.
US, South Korea hold air drills involving B-52H strategic bomber amid tensions with Pyongyang
South Korea and the US resumed joint air drills, including at least one US nuclear-capable B-52H strategic bomber, which North Korea views as a rehearsal for an invasion. In response to other recent drills, North Korea has tested a series of provocative banned weapons. In recent weeks, it has tested an underwater nuclear-capable drone and an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Small PMS fund's value strategy delivers chart-busting returns to HNI investors
Our portfolio was invested in manufacturing, cap goods, pharma/CDMO and finance sectors, and fortunately, the markets have favoured our holdings over the past year. While we continue to hold these positions, we acknowledge that performance should be evaluated over a 5-10 year time frame.
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