THE DEFENCE MINISTRY

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.

Pakistan hands over to India a list of missing defence personnel from 1965 and 1971 wars

Pakistan handed over a list of missing defence personnel to India from the wars of 1965 and 1971 while exchanging lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen. The Foreign Office reported that Pakistan provided a list of 254 Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails, while India shared a list of 452 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. Both countries exchanged these lists through diplomatic channels as per the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008.

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

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels conducted operations around Taiwan over the weekend. From Saturday 6 am to Sunday 6 am local time, five People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft entered Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in various sectors. Additionally, seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were active in the region. Taiwan's armed forces monitored these activities closely and responded appropriately. This incident is part of China's increasing military maneuvers near Taiwan amid ongoing tensions over sovereignty.

High-speed expendable aerial target 'ABHYAS' successfully completes development trials

ABHYAS, designed by DRDO, is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an auto pilot, a laptop-based Ground Control System for aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and autonomous flight.

'ABHYAS': DRDO's High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target successfully completes developmental trials

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.

Russian navy frigate conducts drills in Atlantic, defence ministry says

Russia's Admiral Gorshkov navy frigate, which visited Cuba earlier in June, conducted anti-submarine drills in the Atlantic Ocean using a helicopter, the defense ministry announced on Tuesday. The helicopter's crew practiced tactical techniques for locating and tracking submarines more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the ship, making a total of five landings on the frigate's deck. The drills followed the frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan's training in the Atlantic, including high-precision missile weapons exercises, before their arrival in Havana harbor on June 12.

Ousted in Rs 12,000 crore bid to supply Carbines to Indian Army, alleges vendor

A vendor of an Indo-Russian company in Amethi has filed a petition in Delhi HC over an unfair ouster from a bidding process for a ₹12,000-crore contract to supply close-quarter battle carbines to the Indian Army.

MDL in advanced talks with Defence Ministry for Rs 35,000 crore Kalvari submarine deal

MDL in advanced talks for a potential ₹35,000-crore deal to acquire three larger, modern Kalvari-class submarines with advanced electronics and propulsion for the Navy, ensuring 60% indigenous content.

Taiwan detects 15 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval ships around nation

The Ministry of National Defense reported 15 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels near Taiwan over the weekend. Eight aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the activity. This adds to a pattern of increased Chinese military presence around Taiwan, with 301 aircraft and 183 naval/coast guard vessels tracked this month alone. China's actions are part of its strategy to assert sovereignty over Taiwan.

Defence ministry issues RFP for procurement of 156 light combat helicopters

The Indian defence ministry has initiated the procurement process for 156 light combat helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The initial tender has been issued, with 90 for the Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force. The 5.8-tonne twin-engine LCH helicopter is capable of destroying enemy assets in high-altitude regions and has modern stealth characteristics.

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan releases joint doctrine for cyberspace operations

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan has unveiled a joint doctrine for conducting cyberspace operations by the three services of India, aiming to streamline operations in the key domain. The doctrine emphasizes understanding military aspects of cyberspace operations and provides conceptual guidance for military planning and achieving desired objectives.

Taiwan keeping watch after Chinese submarine surfaces in Taiwan Strait

The narrow strait that separates Taiwan from China is a frequent source of tension. Taiwan reports Chinese warplanes and warships operating there on a daily basis, as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims against the democratically governed island.

Defence Ministry places tender for attack choppers worth Rs 50,000 cr to HAL

Defence ministry awards Rs 50,000 crore tender to state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), the largest single order to an Indian company.

HAL receives RFP from Defence Ministry for procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters worth Rs 45,000 crore

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced on Monday that the Defence Ministry has issued a request for proposal to procure 156 Light Combat Helicopters from the company, in line with the 'Make in India' initiative. According to HAL's statement, 90 of these helicopters are earmarked for the Indian Army (IA), with the remaining 66 intended for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

India-US advance talks on joint production of Stryker armoured combat vehicles

India and the US are in advanced negotiations to co-produce the latest generation of Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs). This three-phase project includes initial purchases, joint production in India, and co-development of future versions, supporting India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" mission. Customization for Indian terrain, high-altitude areas, and significant technology transfer are key aspects. This collaboration, promoted by the US as part of their strategic defence partnership, aims to modernize India's mechanized infantry, replacing over 2,000 outdated BMP-II vehicles. The Stryker offers advanced capabilities, enhancing India's defence industry and military readiness.

Armed forces ready to face every challenge: Rajnath Singh after taking charge of defence ministry for second term

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined the new government's focus on bolstering national security by modernizing the armed forces and enhancing domestic defence production. He aims to increase defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-29. Singh praised the armed forces for their readiness and commitment amid challenges, including the border row with China. The government will also focus on boosting India's defence production and welfare of soldiers. Singh conducted a meeting on the ministry's first 100 days' Action Plan, emphasizing self-reliance in defence and welfare of veterans.

Indian Navy gets first woman helicopter pilot

A passing out parade was held to celebrate the graduation of the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC) and the completion of stage I training of the 4th Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC) at Naval Air Station - INS Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu. 21 officers, including three from 03 BHCC, were awarded the prestigious "Golden Wings" by VAdm Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

MoD inks MoUs with 4 banks to onboard them as SPARSH service centres across 1,128 branches

The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) of the Ministry of Defence has signed MoUs with Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank to onboard 1,128 branches as SPARSH service centres. SPARSH (System for Pension Administration (RAKSHA)) is a web-based system for direct pension processing. These centres will assist pensioners in remote areas with services like profile updates, grievance registration, and digital identification. SPARSH services are now accessible at over 26,000 branches of 15 banks, enhancing pension management efficiency and transparency.

Maldives and China discuss further bolstering defence ties

After Maldives and China signed a defence agreement on March 4, President Mohamed Muizzu, who is perceived to be pro-China, announced that Beijing would supply military equipment and train soldiers under the agreement but offered no details, the portal said. Two days later, Muizzu announced that the Maldives would get free "non-lethal" military equipment and training from China's military under the agreement and underlined that it would further strengthen the Indian Ocean island nation's independence and autonomy.