Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said technology had changed the ways wars are fought.
He listed hypersonic weapons, very long range radars and artificial intelligence-backed decision as key factors.
He was addressing an industry body on the subject ‘India’s Aerospace Capabilities and Technology Requirements’, here.
He said path-breaking technologies like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems are knocking at the
doors. The application of these technologies in the aerospace industry has the potential to entirely transform the way wars would be fought.
Intelligent military ecosystems are the future of the battlefield, he added.
The Air Chief Marshal said these systems need to be highly mobile and interconnected, supported by communication and operating across domains.
AI-assisted military options will take the form of multi-domain integration, cross-domain attack and interfacing between manned and
unmanned systems.
In the future, artificial intelligence and quantum computing in tandem may prove to be a game-changer providing quick and accurate inputs and enabling time-critical decisions, he said.
Advanced technologies in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones have increasing applications and practical relevance today as well as
in the future. This will lead to a much higher demand of armed drones. Research is already progressing in drone-related technologies,
Development of UAV technology within the realm of quantum computing would enhance concepts like joint operations of ‘manned jets and
unmanned jets’, he said.
The IAF, he said, is looking forward to inducting the next version (Mark 1A) of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the HTT-40 trainers,
indigenous weapons and a wide array of radars.
The light combat helicopter had been inducted and it would add teeth to the IAF’s strike capability, he added.
The IAF, he said, is fully committed to the development of LCA Mark-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, adding that there is a need to develop both offensive and defensive space capabilities to safeguard assets.
Block named after a ROOM BOY in Air Force Station Ambala.
China and India will have to face the “difficulties” arising out of the border situation but none of the two countries want war or confrontation, Charge D’affaires at the Chinese embassy Ma Jia said on Wednesday.
Addressing a media briefing here, Ma described the situation along the border areas as “very complicated” and said it was not easy to reach an agreement which was the reason the two countries were holding discussions through the established Working Mechanism for Consultation and Cooperation and the senior commander-level meetings.
She said the situation with regard to the Ukraine issue had “intensified” since the consensus at the G20 Summit at Bali and it was now “more difficult to reach the accommodation”.
Her remarks come against the backdrop of a joint statement issued following a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping indicating that the two sides will oppose the use of multilateral platforms to take up “irrelevant issues”.
China is yet to name its Ambassador to India after Sun Weidong completed his tenure in October last year. Senior diplomat Ma has been in-charge of the mission in New Delhi.
Earlier, in her suo moto remarks, Ma has said the current situation on the border was stable and China and India were in maintaining communication through the established channels – Working Mechanism for Consultation and Cooperation and the senior commander level meetings.
“There are difficulties, I have just said that. But, we have to face it. We are also confident that China and India do not want war. Neither of us want a war. Neither of us want confrontation along the border areas,” the top Chinese diplomat in India said, giving her assessment of the border situation.
She said the border issue has lived through the history of many years and it was not easy to reach an agreement.
“That is why we keep on talking about it. We have to face the problems and we have to talk. I think the intention on both sides is to improve relations. Our two leaders already have consensus on that and I think we can find a way out,” Ma said.
Amid indications that Russia and China will oppose raising of the Ukraine issue on multilateral platforms, the Chinese diplomat said reaching a consensus at the G20 could be difficult if “prominent security issues” were raised at a forum established to deliberate on economic and financial matters.
“As long as you are out of the track and discussing prominent security issues on economic and financial platforms, it is very difficult to reach consensus. In G20, we have this consensus principle. Even if one country does not agree, it is not a consensus,” she said.
FINAL DELIBERATIONS IN SC ON OROP WP(C) 419/2016 UPDATE ON MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION (MA) OF IESM FOR OROP CASE
MA for OROP case was listed in Supreme court in court in court of CJI Dr DY Chandrachud, HMJ Mr PS Narsimaha HMJ Mr JB Pardiwala
IESM was represented by Mr Hujefa Ahmadi Sr lawyer Mr Balaji Srinivasan AOR Mr Rohan Dewan Mr Arunava Mukherjee Mr Rohan Sharma M/s Garima Jain
In attendance MAJ Gen Satbir Singh SM GP CAPT VK Gandhi VSM
MOD was represented by Mr R Venkatramani and his team
Our turn came for hearing at 11.30 hrs.
Govt had submitted an affidavit by Sec DESW explaining reasons for issuing Govt letter dated 4.01.23 and 20.1.23 for payment of arrears in four instalments. The affidavit clearly stated that Govt did not mean to disobey HSC order dated 15.3.22 and 09.01. Government submitted an affidavit that letter dated 20.1.23 is being withdrawn.
Attorney General made a strong plea for making payment of arrears in four instalments and submitted an affidavit in closed envelope to Honourable SC. Honourable judges asked whether this affidavit has been give to petitioners lawyer. AG confirmed that Govt cannot share this information with public. Honourable judges remarked that this could have been shown to petitioners lawyer by calling him to your chamber. Since the affidavit has not been shared with petitioners lawyers, SC refused to take it on record and returned the affidavit. CJI also commented that he is personally against information in sealed envelope in courts. All the deliberations in the courts are supposed to be transparent and open to all. AG made stronger plea that keeping in mind the fiscal responsibility of Govt to maintain and fund other welfare services, request of Government to make payment of arrears in four instalments till July 24 may be accepted. He further confirmed that Govt is committed to make payment of arrears as per prescribed timeline given below.
Arrears payment to family pensioners and gallantry award winners and disabled soldiers by 30.6.23.
Arrears to past pensioners, above 70 yrs of age, by 30.9.23
Arrears to remaining veterans in three instalments, last being in July 2024.
AG further elaborated that releasing of Rs 28000/ crores as arrears of OROP in one go will result in delay of other welfare schemes of Govt and request of Govt timeline may be accepted.
CJI and bench refused to accept this time line and said that while they understand fiscal difficulties of Govt but they cannot delay the arrears to ex servicemen as proposed by the Govt.
Our lawyers Mr Hujefa Ahmadi very strongly argued
That Govt was supposed to pay these arrears on 1.07.2019 as per their own letter dated 7.11.2015. Govt has failed to follow their own order.
Govt also could not abide by the order of this honourable court dated 15.3.2022 that all arrears of ex servicemen should be paid by 15.6.2022.
Govt filed a MA and requested for extension of time for payment of arrears by three months. HSC granted six month extension till 15 Dec 22 as against three months ex extension asked by Govt to make payment of full arrears. Mr Ahmadi asserted that Govt failed to make payment of arrears to valiant ex servicemen even by 15.12.2022 and Govt had then filed another MA for further extension. This MA came up for hearing on 9 Jan 23 and court granted further extension and ordered that payment of all arrears to be completed by 15 Mar 23 as per order dated 15 Mar 22.
Govt issued a letter dated 20.1.23 for payment of arrears to ex servicemen in four half yearly instalments. This letter is being withdrawn.
IESM filed MA that Govt has wilfully disobeyed orders of this honourable court and payment of arrears for OROP must be completed by 15 Mar 23 as ordered by HSC vide their order dated 15.3.22 and 9.1.23.
On 27.2.23 HSC ordered that Govt letter dated 20.1.23 must be withdrawn completely before any other submission.
Mr Hujefa further argued that argument of shortage of funds by Govt is not correct as Govt issued a letter on 27.2.23 that full arrears of OROP must be paid by 15.3.23 by Govt. Further CGDA had also issued circular 667 for payment of arrears by 15.3.23. Honourable judges read the letters and took note of the contents.
In view of above Mr Hujefa Ahmadi IESM senior lawyer strongly opposed any extension for payment of arrears of OROP.
After hearing arguments Honourable court opined that Rs 28000/ crores in one go may be a huge fiscal burden on Govt.
Mr Hujefa Ahmadi sensed that honourable court is inclined to grant extension for payment and accept the request of Govt. He once again very strongly argued that
Govt has no shortage of funds as all schemes of Govt are being implemented without any restrictions.
Ex servicemen have served our country valiantly and sacrificed their life and limbs for security of country. They are not demanding even a single paisa more than their due pensions. Hence their legal and rightful dues should not be delayed.
However if the HSC still feels that further extension is justified because of fiscal difficulties of the Govt then the gallant ex servicemen should be granted interest on their delayed payments for delayed periods. He further stressed that this honourable court had been granting interest on delayed payments to many petitioners and approval of interest on delayed payments to ex servicemen will be recognition of their sacrifices and the respect.
After listening to the arguments HSC ruled that arrears on account of OROP to ex servicemen will be paid as per following timeline.
OROP arrears payment to family pensioners, gallantry award winners and disabled soldiers is to be paid by 30.4.23
OROP arrears payment to ex servicemen above 70 yrs age is to be paid by 30.6.23.
Remaining pensioners are to be paid balance three equal instalments on 31.8.23, 30.11.23 and 28.2.24.
All arrears are to be cleared positively by 28.2.24.
On the request of Mr Hujefa Ahmadi HSC ordered that equalisation of OROP due on 01.07.2024 will not be delayed because of the deferred payment of OROP equalisation of 2019.
IESM recognises the guidance and encouragement given by SH Ram Jethamalani for fighting the OROP with Govt and getting the OROP approved from Govt. IESM also thanks unrelenting support of Mr Ram Jethmalani and his offer to fight OROP case for IESM PRO BONO. IESM on behalf of all ex servicemen and their families pray for shanti of his soul.
Procurement of fighter jets must not be delayed: Parliamentary committee
The procurement of additional fighter jets should not be delayed any further and a final decision needs to be taken on having a third aircraft carrier, said the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence in its report tabled in the House today.
The committee said, “In no uncertain words, (we) recommend that Ministry of Defence may take a final decision, chalk out a trajectory and start the planning process for the third aircraft carrier which would eventually enhance India’s maritime capabilities.”
The committee said requests of the Navy in regard to manufacturing a third aircraft carrier have been brought up several times. Two aircraft carriers are consistently required for meeting threat perceptions and for preparedness and striking capabilities during war. The third is needed as carriers have long maintenance schedules.
The induction of an aircraft carrier is a long gestation exercise and the entire budget for a carrier is not required in a particular year but in a staggered manner which may be spread out over a decade
The committee said it found “considerable delay” in the supply of 40 LCA Tejas jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. “The government should consider buying state-of-the-art fifth generation fighter aircraft over the counter without losing time to keep the force in a comfortable position,” the committee said.
Russian drones swarm Kyiv in display of force as Xi leaves Moscow
Russia launched a swarm of drones into Ukraine overnight, killing at least four people near Kyiv in a display of force as China’s President Xi Jinping left Moscow with promises of friendship but little public mention of the war.
Sirens blared across the capital and swathes of northern Ukraine and the military said it had shot down 16 of 21 Iranian-made Shahed suicide drones. Two accommodation blocks and an educational facility in the riverside town of Rzhyshchiv south of the capital had been partially destroyed, the State Emergency Service said on the Telegram messaging app.
Four people were killed there and others buried under the rubble. More than 100 workers and 28 vehicles were deployed to the scene, and that the search for survivors was continuing.
“Over 20 Iranian murderous drones, plus missiles, numerous shelling incidents, and that’s just in one last night of Russian terror against Ukraine,” President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Twitter.
In an apparent reference to the Chinese leader’s visit, he added: “Every time someone tries to hear the word ‘peace’ in Moscow, another order is given there for such criminal strikes.” Hosting Xi this week was Putin’s grandest diplomatic gesture since he launched the war a year ago and became a pariah in the West. Xi and Putin referred to each other as dear friends, promised economic cooperation and described their countries’ relations as the best they have ever been.
The two leaders “shared the view that this relationship has gone far beyond the bilateral scope and acquired critical importance for the global landscape and the future of humanity,” said a statement released by China.
As Xi departed he told Putin: “Now there are changes that haven’t happened in 100 years. When we are together, we drive these changes.”
“I agree,” Putin said, to which Xi responded: “Take care of yourself dear friend, please.”
Xi did not specify the changes and had little to say in public about the Ukraine war beyond saying that China’s position was “impartial”.
The White House urged Beijing to pressure Russia to withdraw from Ukraine to end Europe’s biggest conflict since World War Two. Washington also criticised the timing of the trip, just days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin on war crimes charges for deporting Ukrainian children. Moscow says it has taken in children for protection.
China proposed a peace plan for Ukraine last month, which the West has largely dismissed as vague at best, and at worst a ploy to buy time for Putin to regroup his forces.
“A ceasefire right now, freezing the lines where they are, basically gives him the time and space he needs to try to re-equip, to re-man, to make up for that resource expenditure,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said.
Putin praised Xi for the plan, and blamed Kyiv and the West for rejecting it. Kyiv, for its part, has cautiously welcomed the Chinese proposal while urging Beijing to consider Ukraine’s own peace plan. Zelenskiy has called on Xi to speak to him.
Ukraine says there can be no peace unless Russia withdraws from occupied land. Moscow says Kyiv must recognise territorial “realities”, referring to Russia’s claim to have annexed a fifth of Ukraine.
Major waves of Russian air strikes on targets far from the front like Wednesday’s took place roughly weekly in late 2022, but have become less frequent in recent weeks, with Western countries saying Moscow is running low on missiles and drones.
After Ukraine recaptured territory throughout the second half of 2022, Moscow has launched a massive winter offensive using hundreds of thousands of freshly called-up reservists and convicts recruited as mercenaries from jail.
Despite the bloodiest fighting of the war, which both sides describe as a meat grinder, the front line has barely moved for four months.
Russia’s only notable gains have been around the small city of Bakhmut in the east, but Kyiv has decided in recent weeks not to withdraw there, saying its defenders were inflicting enough losses on the Russian attackers to justify holding out.
In an intelligence update, Britain’s ministry of defence said Moscow’s Bakhmut assault could be running out of steam. A Ukrainian counterattack in recent days west of Bakhmut was likely to relieve pressure on the threatened supply route to the city, the Wednesday update said.
There was still a risk the Ukrainian garrison could be surrounded, but there was now “a realistic possibility that the Russian assault on the town is losing the limited momentum it had obtained”.
Britain also rejected accusations from Moscow that supplying Ukraine with ammunition made from depleted uranium created a risk of “nuclear collision”. Britain on Monday confirmed it was supplying Ukraine with such shells, used by many militaries to penetrate armour due to the metal’s high density.
“There is no threat to Russia, this is purely about helping Ukraine defend itself,” Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said. Reuters
Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Jagmohan Nath, who was twice awarded Mahavir Chakra (MVC), died due to age-related issues in Mumbai. He was over 90.
Nath was awarded the MVC for his role in reconnaissance over Tibet during 1960-1962 and for the valour shown in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. On both occasions, he was with the 106 Strategic Photo Reconnaissance Squadron.
During the 1965 war, the pilot led his unit several times over the hostile territory to obtain vital information about Pakistan.
The Indian Army is reintroducing millets flour in the rations of soldiers in a bid to promote consumption of coarse grains, almost half a century after these were discontinued in favour of the wheat flour.
The Army said in a statement on Wednesday that the decision has been taken to ensure that troops are supplied with native and traditional grains.
“With a view to promote consumption of millets in light of the UN declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, the Indian Army has steered introduction of millets flour in the rations of soldiers. This landmark decision will ensure troops are supplied with native and traditional grains after over half a century, when these were discontinued in favour of wheat atta,” the Army said.
“Traditional millet foods with proven health benefits and suited to our geographical and climatic conditions would be a vital step in mitigating lifestyle diseases and enhancing satisfaction and morale of the troops. Millets would now form an integral part of the daily meal for all ranks,” it said.
A government sanction has been sought to procure millets flour not exceeding 25 per cent of the authorised entitlement of cereals (rice and wheat atta) in rations for troops commencing from the year 2023-24.
The procurement and issue will be based on option exercised and quantity demanded. Three popular varieties of millets flour — Bajra, Jowar and Ragi — will be issued to troops duly considering preference.
Millets have the benefit of being a good source of proteins, micronutrients and phyto-chemicals thus boosting the nutritional profile of a soldier’s diet.
Advisories have been issued for millets to be extensively used in organised functions, barakhanas, canteens and in home cooking. Centralised training of chefs is being undertaken to prepare wholesome, tasty and nutritious millet dishes. Special emphasis for introducing value added millet items and snacks to troops deployed along the northern borders have been given.
“Millet foods are being introduced through CSD canteens as well as dedicated corners are being set up in shopping complexes. ‘Know your Millet’ awareness campaigns are also being conducted in educational institutions,” the Army said.
