Monthly Archives: August 2018

In the next 3 to 5 years, the IAF intends to have about 30 to 50 units of small to large UAVs for specific combat roles, says Air Commodore (Operations) Sandeep Singh

The move to put a structure to the scattered use of different kinds of drones is in sync with global development of unmanned air forces several countries are actively pursuing. 

Ukraine has gone ahead and established the world’s first Unmanned Systems Forces, a dedicated branch for unmanned and robotic warfare which it’s using decisively to sustain battle against Russia.

The IAF has also worked out an acquisition roadmap for the unmanned force. For the short term, the IAF will be procuring MALE (medium altitude long endurance) UAVs that fly at an altitude of 10,000 to 30,000 feet for extended durations of time. 

Likewise, for the medium term, the Force will go for HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) UAVs that operate at altitudes above 30,000 feet and have extended range. 

“We have already on paper envisioned Indian Air Force’s unmanned force plan, in which we are looking in the next three to five years, about 30, 40, 50 units of all nature, between small, medium and large UAVs,” said Air Commodore (Operations) Sandeep Singh at FICCI’s seminar on “Weaponised Drones: Opportunities and Challenges.”

This unmanned force paper was written by the IAF in 2013 before the UAVs emerged as strategic assets to redefine battle engagement, the Air Commodore stated in his speech delivered at the FICCI event on Friday. 

The IAF has opened a school of Unmanned Aerial Systems at Bhatinda. It will basically look into all domains, for carrying out R&D, interact with the academia and the industry, besides offering the test range and help handhold the industry to achieve what is needed, he said.

The operation requirements broadly would be to go off base, have long capability to reach deeper inside the enemy territory, Sandeep Singh told the gathering of armed forces personnel and industry representatives. 

He invited the industry to join hands with the IAF in its effort for indigenous procurement of different kinds of UAVs that operate in GPS denied or EW contested environments and for counter-UAV systems that can neutralise frequency hopping drones.

Like in other ongoing global conflicts — Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas and Iran-Israel and US — and in Operation Sindoor, drones were key to the offensive launched from both sides. 

Giving a sense of the proposed unmanned force, the Air Commodore also stated that the IAF is looking at flexibility to operate from anywhere and with minimum human resources. 

“I should have a flexible mobile system that goes and deploys anywhere, under a tree, mount, deploy and get back… So a small man team is what I’m looking at from the Air Force point of view, which delivers, remains concealed and deploys from anywhere and can be controlled from elsewhere ,” Singh informed.

A 100 km long drone corridor close to Hyderabad is also coming up that will offer every guidance and solution needed for it.

The roadmap aims at transforming Indian Army’s capabilities across multiple domains and prepare it for the challenges of future warfare.

Key Highlights of Modernisation Roadmap

• Advanced Weapon Systems: Development of ultra-fast and highly manoeuvrable weapon systems, including hypersonic glide vehicles, hypersonic air-breathing engines (HEBs), and advanced fourth, fifth, and sixth-generation missiles.
  • Highlights need to transition from conventional dump category ammunition to smart, precision-guided munitions such as loitering munitions. 
  • Advancing efforts in directed energy weapons, such as high-energy lasers and microwave systems, for counter-drone operations, missile defence, and anti-satellite capabilities.
• Cyber & Electronic Warfare (EW): Aiming spectrum dominance through developing next-generation cyber defence tools, autonomous EW solutions, and resilient satellite systems. 
• Soldier-Centric Modernization: Equip soldiers with exoskeletons, human augmentation systems, smart body armour, and augmented reality-based battlefield management systems.
  • Also includes integration of AI-powered helmets, smart apparel, and real-time health monitoring to enhance battlefield effectiveness.
• Logistics & Infrastructure: Modernizing supply chains through AI, blockchain, and IoT integration to create green, sustainable, cyber-resilient logistics systems.
• Synergy: Synergy between three key stakeholders: Military, which must clearly define operational needs; Policymakers, who must create enabling frameworks; and Industry, which must innovate and deliver tailored solutions.

The commemorative event honoured the legacy of the 13 JAK Rifles officer, whose bravery and sacrifice during Operation Vijay on July 7, 1999, remain etched in the nation’s memory

The Indian Army on Monday paid a heartfelt tribute to Captain Vikram Batra, the valiant Kargil war hero, at DAV College, Chandigarh, on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The commemorative event honoured the legacy of the 13 JAK Rifles officer, whose bravery and sacrifice during Operation Vijay on July 7, 1999, remain etched in the nation’s memory.

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The tribute ceremony began with Naib Subedar Ghanshyam Dass recounting Captain Batra’s fearless contributions during the war, which led to the recapture of crucial peaks in Kargil. In a poignant moment, Capt Batra’s father Girdhari Lal Batra and twin brother Vishal Batra were presented with a memento and a letter of gratitude from the Indian Army, in recognition of the family’s sacrifice and unwavering strength.

As part of the army’s broader outreach initiative to honour the families of fallen soldiers, the event served as a reminder that the sacrifices of martyrs will never be forgotten.

Addressing the gathering, Brigadier VS Chauhan, group commander of NCC Chandigarh, urged cadets to draw inspiration from Captain Batra’s life. “His courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice should guide and motivate every youth aspiring to serve the nation,” he said.

Mona Narang, principal of DAV College, expressed immense pride in Capt Batra being an alumnus of the institution. “His heroism continues to make this college proud.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Indian Navy and the industry involved in development and trials of the system.

New Delhi:

 India has tested an extended range anti-submarine rocket system that is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s fire power. The user trials of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) have been successfully carried out from warship INS Kavaratti from June 23 to July 7, officials said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Indian Navy and the industry involved in development and trials of the system.

“He has added that the successful induction of this system will boost the striking power of the Indian Navy,” Singh’s office said on ‘X’.

The rocket system is a totally indigenous anti-submarine weapon.

“It has twin-rocket motor configuration to meet a wide spectrum of range requirements with high accuracy and consistency,” the Indian Navy said.

A total of 17 ERASRs were successfully test evaluated at different ranges.

All the specified objectives of the trials such as range performance, electronic time fuze functioning and warhead functioning were successfully demonstrated, the Navy said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Drones are now potent weapons that can be exploited by state and non-state actors alike, says former major general

India’s growing drone industry may be racing ahead on the civilian front, but it faces serious national security risks that are yet to be fully addressed, warns retired Major General M Indrabalan. In an exclusive interview with Business Today Digital, he cites lessons from the Russia-Ukraine and Iran-Israel conflicts to underline how low-cost drones have evolved into potent offensive tools.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Controllers’ Conference of the Defence Accounts Department in New Delhi today, calling on the department to evolve from a controller to a facilitator and support India’s growing defence needs with efficiency, agility, and innovation. He also Stated that India is entering a new phase of re-armament, driven by capital-intensive investments and a shift from viewing defence as expenditure to economic investment.

The valour displayed during Operation Sindoor & the demonstration of domestic equipment, further increased the global demand for our indigenous products: Raksha Mantri at Controllers’ Conference 2025

“With increasing participation of the private sector, our responsibility is no longer that of a controller, but of a facilitator”

“Peace time is nothing but an illusion. Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational posture”

Defence Spending should be termed as Economic Investment with Multiplier Impact: RM

“Our effort is to ensure that decisions are taken swiftly so that we can begin manufacturing larger engines right here in India”

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Controllers’ Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) in New Delhi on July 07, 2025, emphasising the department’s critical role in strengthening the operational readiness and financial agility of the Armed Forces. Referring to the success of Operation Sindoor, he stated that the valour displayed and demonstration of the capability of domestic equipment has further increased the global demand for the indigenous products. “The world is looking at our defence sector with new respect. A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness,” he said.  He also called on the DAD to evolve from a ‘controller’ to a ‘facilitator’ in sync with increasing participation of the private sector in defence.

Shri Rajnath Singh credited the ongoing transformation in the defence sector to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, under whose guidance the country has moved towards Aatmanirbharta and structural reform in defence planning, finance, and innovation. “Most of the equipment we once imported is now being made in India. Our reforms are succeeding because of the clarity of vision and commitment at the highest level,” he added.

Addressing the larger geopolitical context, Raksha Mantri mentioned the rising global military expenditure reaching $2.7 trillion in 2024, as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and stated that this opens up tremendous opportunities for India’s indigenous defence industries. He stressed that with the Prime Minister’s focus on ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence’, India’s industries must be prepared for the global demand shift and play a larger role in exports and innovation. “Our effort is to ensure that decisions are taken swiftly so that we can begin manufacturing larger engines right here in India and that this journey begins with the hands of Indians,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building advanced indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

Highlighting the increasing strategic and economic significance of the defence sector, Shri Rajnath Singh called for a shift in perception from defence spending as mere expenditure to an economic investment with multiplier impact. “Until recently, defence budgets were not seen as part of the national economy. Today, they are growth drivers,” he added. He mentioned that India, along with the rest of the world, is entering a new phase of re-armament, marked by capital-intensive investments in the defence sector. He urged the department to incorporate Defence Economics in their planning and assessments, including social impact analysis of R&D projects and dual-use technologies.

The Raksha Mantri also referred to the recently launched Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with a budget of Rs 1 lakh crore, which prioritises defence sector innovation and procurement of high-end technology. He encouraged the DAD to become active enablers in ensuring smooth implementation and timely funding of such projects, particularly from start-ups, MSMEs, and the private sector. He highlighted the fact, for the first time, the Defence Acquisition Council has approved the acquisition of weapon systems through the capital route, and urged the Department to be prepared for financial activities related to this shift.

Shri Rajnath Singh praised the department’s new motto ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ and noted that these are not mere words, but a reflection of the work culture required in today’s rapidly evolving defence environment. He urged officials to undertake internal reform through self-introspection, rather than relying solely on external audits or consultants. “Improvements made through internal evaluation create living organisations. These reforms are more organic, with fewer barriers,” he stated.

“Peace time is nothing but an illusion. Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational posture. Whether it’s stepping up equipment production or adapting financial processes, we must be ready with innovative techniques and responsive systems at all times,” Raksha Mantri stated. He urged the DAD to incorporate this mindset into their planning, budgeting and decision-making systems.

Shri Rajnath Singh spoke extensively about the transformation in public procurement through Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which has facilitated transparency and private sector engagement. He noted that the Ministry of Defence has procured goods and services worth over Rs 2 lakh crore through GeM till FY 2024-25, and called upon Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) and Competent Financial Authorities (CFAs) to maximise its use to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The Raksha Mantri appreciated the rollout and impact of the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha) platform, which has integrated over 32 lakh defence pensioners under a transparent, faceless pension delivery system. “Crores of rupees are disbursed through SPARSH every month. When I see such systems working for our veterans, it reaffirms that our strength lies not just in budget figures, but in our gratitude towards their sacrifice,” he underlined while firmly stating that caring for veterans is a duty, not a favour.

Shri Rajnath Singh also referred to upcoming digital initiatives such as the Comprehensive Pay System and Centralised Database Management System, which will simplify pay & personnel data management and support faster, real-time decision-making across services. He welcomed the department’s work on the Vision Document and Roadmap for Defence Finance & Economics, while urging timely implementation and the ability to make course corrections, if required.

Raksha Mantri urged the department to move towards faceless and time-bound payment systems to encourage increased participation from private players in defence manufacturing. “The more efficient and transparent your processes, the greater the confidence in our system,” he stated.

Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that even small errors in the department’s processes can have significant consequences. “At the place where you are working, if you make even a small mistake, then the soldiers do not get the necessary resources on time. Due to our negligence, there can be a problem in budget allocation and it directly affects operational readiness,” he emphasized.

The Raksha Mantri also congratulated the Defence Secretary & CGDA for achieving full utilisation of the capital budget in the previous financial year, and expressed confidence that the department would maintain the same fiscal discipline going forward. He stressed that financial planning should focus not only on budget growth, but also on efficiency-led growth, ensuring the right deployment at the right time for the right objective.

“Let us all pledge to remain alert, agile, and adaptive so that our work remains relevant and impactful. Our responsibility is immense, and every decision we make contributes to the larger vision of national security and self-reliance,” Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted. He also commended the conference agenda, which includes sessions on Change Management, Budgeting, Internal Audit, Procurement, Industry Partnerships, and Capacity Building.

The key highlights of the event were the release of the Vision Document, Mission Statement, New Motto, second edition of the Market Intelligence Report 2025 and Revised Defence Accounts Code.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V Kamat, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) Shri S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Dr Mayank Sharma were also present on the occasion.

***

Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Ever wondered what really happens when pirates hijack a ship? Or how an oil tanker hit by a missile is saved in the middle of nowhere? Or who stands guard when storms, drones and missiles threaten the country’s lifelines?

This isn’t a movie – this is Operation Sankalp.
And Raksha Sutra brings you the Guardians of the Seas – the warriors who dive into the fire, hunt pirates in the dark, and carry out daring missions that deserve to be heard.

Tap on the links below to listen to how the Indian Navy’s bravest guard millions of miles of restless waves.

RODRA is a website created to act as an interface between the Veteran Officers / Dependents and Officers Record Office. It acts as a digital repository and facilitates all issues pertaining to documentation, pension and grievances.

Veteran Officers and their families can easily register on RODRA for seamless support. Click on the link above to register.

www.rodra.gov.in

#INSIDETHECAPITAL: India, despite spending almost $20 billion in purchases in the past decade and a half, has not gotten technology transfer on any major equipment like planes, drones or copters

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

India’s plan to produce more than 500 indigenous fighter jets over the next two decades hinges upon getting aero-engines – which it does not make.

Aspirations of becoming self-reliant in making fighter jets have two verticals: One, to get the US firm General Electric to speed up pending supplies of the contracted engines. Secondly, to get the US government to okay a joint venture for technology transfer that has been pending to make a powerful aero-engine in India.

This issue is now testing the strength and agility of the India-US military partnership – that, so far, has been a buyer-seller relationship. India, despite spending almost $20 billion in purchases in the past decade and a half, has not gotten technology transfer on any major equipment like planes, drones or copters.

The first test case of technology transfer is the proposed joint venture to make the General Electric’s F414 engine in India, in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The joint venture was announced in June 2023 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden met in the US.

In New Delhi, patience is running out. In the past one week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has twice mentioned engines. In a telephone call to his US counterpart Pete Hegseth, Rajnath sought a fast-track delivery of GE F404 engines needed for the Tejas Mark1-A fighter jets. He also suggested a quick signing of an agreement for the joint production of F414 engines between GE and HAL. The GE 414 is 35 per cent more powerful than its predecessor the F404.

India plans to use the F414 engine in the Tejas Mark2 jets — some 180 in number, the naval jets – about 100 – and the initial version of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Besides, the delay in supplies of contracted F404 engines has left a question mark on the reliability of supplies.

In 2021, GE signed a $716 million contract with the Ministry of Defence-owned HAL to supply 99 F404 engines for the Tejas Mark-1A jets. Supplies were to start in April 2023 at the rate of 16 engines a year, but that has not happened. The HAL is tasked to make 180 of the Tejas Mark-1A jets in two tranches of 83 and 97 jets. The order for additional engines hinges upon how fast the first contract moves.

The delay in supplies of F404 engines has set back the delivery schedule of the jet. Phased deliveries of HAL’s first tranche of 83 planes to the IAF were to start in March 2024, but have still not started.

The GE has given a revised timeline of 12 engines this year and 20 engines the year thereafter.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) presently has 31 squadrons (16-18 planes each) of fighter jets against the mandate of 42 to tackle a collusive two-front threat against Pakistan and China. The planes were needed as of yesterday, and engines were needed a day before yesterday.

Rajnath Singh has promised: “Our effort is to ensure that decisions are taken swiftly so that we can begin manufacturing larger engines right here in India.”

India already makes helicopter engines in a joint venture with French company Safran and has got the licence to produce the AL 31-F jet engines used in the Sukhoi 30-MKI jets.