Monthly Archives: August 2018

The militaries of India and China are implementing the resolutions to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh in a “comprehensive and effective manner”, the Chinese Defence Ministry has said. Ready to work jointly for peace We are ready to work…

The militaries of India and China are implementing the resolutions to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh in a “comprehensive and effective manner”, the Chinese Defence Ministry has said.

Ready to work jointly for peace

We are ready to work with the Indian side to jointly preserve the peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Senior Col Wu Qian, chinese defence ministry spokesperson

“At present, the Chinese and Indian militaries are implementing the resolutions related to the border areas in a compressive and effective manner,” Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Senior Col Wu Qian said at a media briefing on Thursday, replying to a question on the status of the normalisation of the situation in eastern Ladakh sector.

“We are ready to work with the Indian side to jointly preserve the peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” he said.

India and China completed the disengagement process late last year after firming up a pact for withdrawal of troops from Depsang and Demchok, the last two friction points in eastern Ladakh ending over four years of freeze in ties.

After finalisation of the pact, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Kazan in Russia on October 23. In the meeting, the two sides decided to revive the various dialogue mechanisms.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi later held the 23rd Special Representative (SR) dialogue in Beijing on December 18 last year.

On January 26, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to the Chinese capital and held talks with his Chinese counterpart Sun Weidong under the framework of ‘Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister’ mechanism.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited the French Army’s 3rd Division at Fort Ganteaume in Marseille as part of his four-day official visit to France. The visit aimed to strengthen military collaboration between India and France, exploring new avenues of cooperation and enhancing strategic partnerships between the two nations’ armed forces.

During his visit to Marseille, General Dwivedi was briefed on the mission and role of the 3rd Division, the bilateral Exercise SHAKTI, India-France training cooperation, and the French Army’s modernisation program known as the Scorpion programme.

Exercise SHAKTI is a significant biennial military drill between India and France, focusing on counter-terror operations, joint command and surveillance, and the use of drones and anti-drone technology.

The discussions on Exercise SHAKTI are expected to expand its scope in future editions, emphasising deeper collaboration in joint combat strategies and tech-driven warfare.

General Dwivedi also visited Carpiagne to witness a dynamic demonstration of the Scorpion Division’s capabilities, which included live firing exercises and high-tech battlefield simulations.

The Scorpion programme is a key modernisation effort by the French Army, designed to enhance mobility, real-time battlefield intelligence, and firepower—elements that India is keen to integrate into its own military doctrine.

Prior to his visit to Marseille, General Dwivedi met with senior French military officials in Paris, including General Pierre Schill, to foster stronger military ties and discuss advancements in AI, cyber warfare, and autonomous systems.

His visit concluded with a tribute to Indian soldiers at the Neuve Chapelle Indian War Memorial and a talk at the École de Guerre, focusing on modern warfare and India’s strategic vision.

ANI

On February 25, 2025, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the critical importance of integrating India’s air and naval power to safeguard national interests and ensure deterrence in the region.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Synergising Air and Naval Forces: Enhancing Combat Power in the Indian Ocean Region,” General Chauhan highlighted India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean, which makes its maritime domain a pivotal area of interest.

He stressed that technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and joint operational exercises will be crucial in enhancing India’s defence posture.

The seminar, hosted by Headquarters Southern Air Command in collaboration with the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), brought together senior officers from various defence branches to discuss synergizing maritime air operations and enhancing combat power.

Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, underscored the need for real-time intelligence sharing and seamless coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force to address emerging threats.

The discussions covered modern air-sea battle strategies, the role of unmanned systems in maritime security, and the impact of evolving geopolitical dynamics on defence preparedness.

Experts provided recommendations on optimising force readiness and resource allocation to maintain a strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean Region.

The event reaffirmed the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to fostering inter-service cooperation and advancing India’s strategic posture in the region, serving as a platform for defence professionals to exchange ideas and best practices aimed at ensuring robust maritime security.

General Chauhan’s remarks align with broader efforts to transform India’s military structure through the integration of theatre commands, which aim to combine the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance combat effectiveness.

This integration is part of a broader vision to create an all-domain force capable of responding across the full spectrum of conflict by 2047.

Two Iranian warships, IRIS Boushehr and IRIS Lavan, are currently on a goodwill and training visit to Mumbai, India, from February 25 to 28, 2025. This visit aims to enhance maritime cooperation and strengthen mutual friendship between the two nations. The flotilla is part of a training mission in the Indian Ocean and carries nearly 220 officer cadets.

The ships were warmly welcomed by the Indian Navy, with a band in attendance. The deployment is led by Captain Mohammad Saberi as Mission Commander, with Senior Captain Seyed Ali Madani commanding the Lavan and Commander Hamed Bahramian commanding the Boushehr.

During their visit, several activities have been planned to strengthen Navy-to-Navy interactions, including sports and training visits to the Naval Dockyard for officer cadets. The Mission Commander and the Commanding Officers of the two ships met with Rear Admiral Vidyadhar Harke, Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Headquarters Western Naval Command, to discuss mutual interests and training curricula.

This visit reflects the growing diplomatic ties between India and Iran, particularly in defence-related fields. Recently, the Indian Navy also provided medical assistance to a trainee officer from the IRIS Boushehr, further highlighting the strong cooperation between the two navies.

The visit of the Iranian warships to Mumbai is a significant step towards enhanced cooperation in the maritime domain. It underscores the ongoing collaboration between India and Iran in areas such as maritime security and interoperability training, which is crucial for maintaining stability in the Persian Gulf—a critical region for global energy markets.

Over the years, India and Iran have strengthened their defence ties, with both countries engaging in various naval exercises and port visits to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

PTI

The Indian Army has recently signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ltd worth ₹80.43 Crores for the procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems. This strategic acquisition falls under the ‘Buy Indian (IDDM)’ category, aligning with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision by promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

The ACADA system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marks a significant milestone in India’s self-reliance initiative in the CBRN defence domain.

Over 80% of the system’s components and subsystems will be sourced locally, furthering the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The ACADA system plays a crucial role in detecting Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) and specific Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) by continuously sampling ambient air. It operates on the principle of Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), featuring two highly sensitive IMS cells that provide real-time detection and simultaneous monitoring of hazardous and toxic substances.

This advanced technology ensures swift and accurate identification of threats, enabling prompt countermeasures to mitigate risks.

The deployment of ACADA systems in field units will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s defensive CBRN capabilities. These systems will be critical not only for military operations but also for peacetime disaster response, particularly in cases of industrial accidents involving chemical leaks or toxic exposure.

The ability to detect harmful agents swiftly will improve the Army’s response time, ensuring better safety for both personnel and civilians in emergency situations. By integrating ACADA into its operational framework, the Indian Army is reinforcing its commitment to modernizing defence technology with home-grown innovations, highlighting the increasing role of Indian defence firms in producing high-tech solutions tailored to the Army’s specific needs.

As CBRN threats continue to evolve globally, the Indian Army’s proactive approach in acquiring cutting-edge detection and protection systems ensures that troops remain well-equipped to handle any potential risks.

The successful induction of ACADA will not only strengthen national security but also provide a strong impetus to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, further reducing dependence on foreign technology.

This procurement underscores India’s continuous efforts to build a self-sufficient and technologically advanced defence sector, safeguarding the country’s interests against emerging threats.

In a significant move, the Trump administration has released $397 million to support Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet as part of a broader $5.3 billion unfreezing of previously halted foreign aid. This decision prioritizes security and counter narcotics programs under the administration’s national security framework, despite an initial 90-day freeze on foreign aid.

Purpose of The Funding

The primary purpose of this funding is to sustain Pakistan’s F-16 fleet for counter-terrorism (CT) and counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. The funds will be used through a U.S.-backed program that ensures strict adherence to end-use monitoring rules. These rules mandate that the F-16s, particularly the newer F-16C/D Block-52 models, are used exclusively for CT and COIN operations and not against neighbouring countries, such as India.

Technical Security Team (TST)

The funding will support the Technical Security Team (TST), a contingent of U.S. contractors stationed in Pakistan. The TST is responsible for overseeing the use of F-16s under strict end-use monitoring rules. This oversight ensures that Pakistan complies with the conditions set by the U.S. for the use of these aircraft.

This decision marks a reversal in Trump’s stance on Pakistan’s security aid. In his first term, Trump halted security assistance to Islamabad in 2018, citing insufficient action against terrorism. However, the Biden administration later reinstated this aid, approving $450 million in September 2022 to sustain Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.

The funding provides crucial support for Pakistan’s ageing F-16 fleet, which consists of around 80 aircraft. However, it does not fully address the fleet’s maintenance and modernisation needs. The insufficient funding might push Pakistan closer to China for military support, as it seeks more comprehensive assistance.

India views this U.S. decision as potentially undermining its regional dominance and security interests. Historically, Pakistan has used F-16s against India, raising concerns about future conflicts. The Indian government has expressed concerns about the U.S. decision, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveying these concerns to his U.S. counterpart.

Broader Implications

The Trump administration’s decision to unfreeze $5.3 billion in aid, with a significant portion allocated to security and counter narcotics programs, reflects a prioritization of military assistance over humanitarian aid. While countries like Israel and Egypt have received substantial exemptions, humanitarian organisations have seen limited approvals, with USAID receiving only about $100 million in waivers.

Legal And Political Challenges

The foreign aid freeze has faced legal challenges, with uncertainty surrounding future exemptions. The administration’s approach has been criticized for its impact on humanitarian efforts, while military and security concerns have been emphasised.

Conclusion

The release of $397 million for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet is part of a broader strategy to support counter-terrorism efforts while ensuring compliance with strict end-use rules. This move highlights the complex dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, balancing national security priorities with international relations and humanitarian needs.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy carried out successful flight-trials of first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship missile (NASM-SR) from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on February 25, 2025. The trials demonstrated the missile’s capability against ship targets while launched from an Indian Naval SeaKing Helicopter.

The trials have proven the missile’s Man-in-Loop feature and scored a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The missile uses an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance. The mission also has demonstrated the high bandwidth two way datalink system, which is used to transmit the seeker live images back to the pilot for in-flight retargeting.

The missile was launched in Bearing-only Lock-on after launch mode with several targets in close vicinity for selecting one among them. The missile initially locked on to a large target within a specified zone of search and during the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller hidden target resulting in its being hit with pinpoint accuracy.

The missile uses an indigenous Fibre Optic Gyroscope-based INS and Radio Altimeter for its Mid-course guidance, an Integrated avionics module, Electro-Mechanical actuators for Aerodynamic and Jet vane control, thermal batteries and PCB warhead. It uses solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials have met all the mission objectives.

The missile is developed by different labs of DRDO including Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. The missiles are currently being produced by Development cum Production Partners with the help of MSME’s, start-ups and other production partners.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and the industries for the successful flight tests. The tests for Man-in-Loop features is unique as it gives the capability of in flight retargeting, he said.

The Indian Army has signed a contract to procure a system that detects traces of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals by sampling air from the environment. This will help identify the effects of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear…

The Indian Army has signed a contract to procure a system that detects traces of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals by sampling air from the environment. This will help identify the effects of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons.

Called the ‘Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm’ (ACADA) system, the Army will procure 223 units from L&T at a cost of Rs 80.43 crore. The Ministry of Defence said today that ACADA, designed and developed by DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenisation efforts in the niche CBRN domain.

The system detects chemical warfare agents (CWA) and programmed toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) using Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS). It features two highly sensitive IMS cells for continuous detection and simultaneous monitoring of harmful substances.

The MoD said inducting ACADA into field units will significantly enhance the Army’s defensive CBRN capabilities, both for operations and peacetime. More than 80 per cent of its components and sub-systems will be sourced locally.

In a fresh ambush attempt, an Army vehicle came under fire from terrorists hiding in the dense forest area of Sunderbani, Rajouri, on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred in Phal village, located on the Sunderbani Malla road, when one or…

Arjun Sharma

In a fresh ambush attempt, an Army vehicle came under fire from terrorists hiding in the dense forest area of Sunderbani, Rajouri, on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred in Phal village, located on the Sunderbani Malla road, when one or two rounds of bullets were fired at an Army truck moving through the narrow road surrounded by a thick pine forest. The fire reportedly came from an adjacent hill as the vehicle was passing through the area.

There were no reports of injuries to the driver or any other occupant of the vehicle. While the Army did not issue an official statement about the incident, an official confirmed, “Today at 1 pm, near the water tank at village Phal, Sunderbani Malla road, one or two rounds were fired at the 9 JAK vehicle while it was patrolling the area.”

This is not the first time that Army vehicles and soldiers have been ambushed in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in recent years. The area where the attack took place is located relatively close to the Line of Control (LoC), which has witnessed several incidents of cross-border firing in recent months. Interestingly, troops stationed in the neighbouring Akhnoor sector also opened fire on suspicious movement during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

Following the attack, reinforcements were immediately sent to the area and a search operation was launched in the surrounding forest. The CRPF and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police joined the operation, but no terrorists were found by evening.

Senior Army and police officials have made several visits to the Akhnoor sector along the LoC in recent weeks following intelligence inputs suggesting that terrorists might attempt to infiltrate into Indian Territory.

On February 21, Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, GOC-in-C of Northern Command, visited the Akhnoor sector to review the operational readiness of the formation. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, also conducted a comprehensive review of the security and border management situation in the Akhnoor sub-division.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in collaboration with operatives in Bangladesh, is working to re-establish training camps of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) near the border areas, signalling an escalation in efforts to destabilise India’s Northeast region. Highly placed…

Animesh Singh Tribune News Service

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in collaboration with operatives in Bangladesh, is working to re-establish training camps of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) near the border areas, signalling an escalation in efforts to destabilise India’s Northeast region. Highly placed sources indicate that the ISI has even met ULFA leader Paresh Baruah, who reportedly travelled to Bangladesh in recent weeks.

Bid to destabilise NorthEast region

• Intel sources reveal ULFA training camps reopened in Bangladesh close to Assam, other northeastern states
• Sources say ISI has even met ULFA leader Paresh Baruah, who reportedly travelled to Bangladesh in recent weeks
• The revival of ULFA camps signals an escalation in efforts to destabilise India’s Northeast region

Amid these threats, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma last month expressed hope that Baruah, who is in exile, would not destabilise his home state. During a media interaction in Kokrajhar, Sarma stated, “My personal view is that he wants peace. I keep talking to him and I have no information or idea that he wants to destabilise Assam. He may not come to the negotiating table, but I believe he does not want to disrupt peace in Assam. After all, he is also an Assamese. Who would want to bring bloodshed to their own state?”

However, intelligence sources reveal that several ULFA training camps have been reopened in Bangladesh close to Assam and other northeastern states over the past few months. These camps had been shut down during the Sheikh Hasina’s regime. The revival of these camps coincides with political unrest in Bangladesh, which led to Hasina fleeing the country on August 5, 2024, and the interim Mohammad Yunus-led government taking charge.

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The sources further indicate that Baruah, who was reportedly in China and Myanmar earlier, visited target India’s Northeast region. Adding to these concerns, the Bangladesh High Court last month commuted Baruah’s life imprisonment to 14 years in a case under the country’s arms Act. Baruah was sentenced to death in absentia in 2014 for his alleged involvement in smuggling 10 truckloads of weapons to ULFA hideouts in Assam. His name also features on the most-wanted list of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) .

Intelligence agencies suspect that Baruah may soon be released, given recent developments in Bangladesh. They fear that his extensive knowledge of the Northeast could be exploited by the ISI to destabilise the region.

These unsettling developments come amid reports by The Tribune, which highlighted intercepted wireless communications in Arabic, Urdu and Bengali from across the Bangladesh border. This has raised concerns about ISI presence in regions bordering West Bengal.