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Rafale to widen arch of operations

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MoD working on multiple options, next 5-6 yrs crucial for Air Force to induct technology

Rafale to widen arch of operations
The first of the Rafales will start coming in by September 2019 and the full fleet shall be operational by April 2022. File photo

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 24

Equipped with the latest missiles which widen the arch of offensive operations, the Rafale fighter will be a potential game-changer for India’s airborne capability on several fronts.India has signed a contract with France to buy 36 such jets at a cost of Rs 58,828 crore, a huge sum but modern technology does not come cheap.Chiefly the Rafale will provide: dependability of having the very latest technology-backed air-strike platform; ability to hit enemy targets which are further away due to its flight radius of some 1,000 km; be available for five sorties per day instead of three of the Sukhoi 30 MKI; a new set of onboard radars to help pilots navigate and also strike; a new set of missiles that hit targets further away; and infusion of new technology in the Indian Air Force that is presently operating at its lowest level of fighter jets in the past decade.The Rafale will bridge the shortfall of the fast-dwindling fighter squadrons. India needs 45 fighter squadrons to counter a combined threat from Pakistan and China. Currently, it has only 33, where each squadron has 18-20 jets. Of these, the vintage MiG-21 and MiG-27 form 11 squadrons. The Sukhoi 30-MKI populates 10 squadrons, the 1970s design British Jaguar six, followed by French Mirage 2000 and Soviet Union’s MiG-29 in two and three squadrons, respectively. The last three are being upgraded with better missiles and avionics.Rafale will be in some ways be superior to what the Chinese presently have in their arsenal, but Beijing is producing its own platforms and weapons and with the next generation J-20 fighter jet getting established, India will need to carry forward its plans rapidly and catch up with Beijing over the next five-six years by widening its ‘make in India’ footprint.The first of the Rafales will start coming in by September 2019 and the full fleet shall be operational by April 2022. In the intervening period, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) led by Manohar Parrikar, needs to focus on a multi-pronged approach to meet future needs. The Rafale deal was negotiated for 18 months – ‘lightning fast’ going by MoD’s record. As the good news filters in, the MoD is already working on multiple options – at least four of which are known – to bridge the technology gap of the IAF and add newer planes.The first is to quickly induct the 106 Tejas “Mark-1A”. The MoD has set a 2018 deadline for the first aircraft to be ready with a target to complete its production by 2022-23.  The second is to have an additional assembly line of Indian-made fighter jets. This could be a joint venture with a US or European company setting up a plant in collaboration with an Indian partner. The third is completion of the production schedule of 272 of the Sukhoi 30-MKI, expected by 2020. The fourth is to ink an agreement with Russia to co-develop and produce a fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) with stealth features and the works.The Sukhois were ordered in phases since 1997, the IAF wants 272 of these in its fleet by 2020. The agreement for the FGFA is expected to be inked when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet next month.Make deal details public: AntonyNew Delhi: The Opposition Congress on Saturday expressed concern over the “diluted” Rafale aircraft agreement reached between India and France yesterday and demanded that details of the deal be made public.Former Defence Minister AK Antony raised several question marks on “sufficiency” of the deal asking the BJP-led government how it planned to arm the IAF with a mere 36 aircraft deal.“During the UPA’s tenure, it was decided to purchase 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft to meet the IAF’s urgent operational requirement. As per the IAF, 126 was the minimum operational need then. Today, the scenario is even more critical. What is the plan of the government?” said Antony, addressing reporters on Saturday.The former minister cited the sanctioned strength of the Air Force as 42 squadrons and said in the current volatile situation, the country needed more, and not less, jet strength. “The sanctioned strength is 42 squadrons and the available strength is 32 squadrons. By 2022, this strength will be reduced to 25 squadrons. How will the government equip the IAF with more aircraft,” asked Antony. Antony asked how the government would bridge the gap with respect to China and Pakistan who were augmenting their air strength. — TNSBoeing to supply Harpoon missiles to IndiaWashington: The US Department of Defence has given a $81 million contract to Boeing for the supply of all-weather, over-the-horizon Harpoon anti-ship missiles to India. According to the contract details, Boeing has been awarded $81,271,024 for firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract to exercise an option for the procurement of 22 Lot 89 Harpoon missiles, associated containers and components for the Government of India under the Foreign Military Sales programme. The missiles are expected to be ready in June 2018. PTI

Hisar ex-serviceman duped of `25 lakh

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HISAR: A fake insurance agent has duped an ex-serviceman of Singhran village in this district of `25 lakh.

Rajender Kumar, a retired army man, on Wednesday submitted a complaint to inspector general of police (IGP), Hisar range, OP Singh, alleging that he received a call last month from an unknown person, posing as an insurance agent, who offered him “good insurance plans and fix-deposit schemes.”

Kumar said the caller asked him to provide his bank account number, ATM card number and other details. He said, “Within a week, the caller withdrew `25 lakh from my account and asked for more money. When I talked to my brother about the matter, he told me that I have become victim of a fraud. I approached the Mangali police post, but no action was taken.”

IGP Singh assured Kumar that he would get the matter properly investigated.

When contacted, the IGP said, “The matter has been forwarded to sadar police station for proper investigation.

Why Pakistan’s Deep State Chose Uri And How We Should Respond::::Syed Ata Hasnain –

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Why Pakistan’s Deep State Chose Uri And How We Should Respond

SNAPSHOT

Lieutenant General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, who once commanded the Uri brigade, explains why Pakistan chose to up the ante along the LoC belt and what needs to be done in response— militarily and diplomatically.

There is public furor over the failure of the Army to prevent an attack on its forward Brigade HQ garrison at Uri shortly after a similar attempt was foiled at Poonch, very close to another high profile formation HQ. There are demands for immediate retribution against Pakistan which has sponsored this attack. This is justifiable for such heavy losses of life— 17 soldiers were killed, mostly by secondary effect of the fire which engulfed tents and shelters. The detail of the operation is irrelevant. Finding the reason why Pakistan chose to up the ante along the LoC belt and what needs to be done in response is important. Intelligence inputs or none, it doesn’t require rocket science to deduce that it is the LoC belt and the installations there that which would be struck by the planners of the Deep State.

The reasons are hardly far to ascertain. For the last 18 months or so, there had been repeated unsuccessful attempts at Tangdhar because it is far easier to infiltrate a determined group of terrorists 10-odd kilometers and strike at the softer elements in the depth of the LoC which itself is manned by frontline troops. The Pakistan-based terror groups have to keep themselves relevant and their inability to conduct large strikes in the hinterland for quite some time had forced them to resort to this strategy. Such actions in depth requires infiltration through multiple layers, move to reception areas, holing up in safe houses (which have to be changed every night) and only then can a possible strike be launched and be successful. Nearer the LoC, it is far simpler as long as the first layer of counter-infiltration is breached.

Why was it necessary to strike at the LoC belt? Primarily to display relevance, as already stated; and, secondly, to sync these attacks with the ongoing street turbulence in the hinterland, to give the so-called “azadi movement” greater weightage. Ideally, the strikes should have been in the hinterland itself but the terrorist boots on ground there are limited, as are resources due to the proactive and systematic dilution of terrorist capability by the Army, J&K Police and the Central Reserve Police Force. Two ambushes on Army convoys in recent weeks failed to make the relevant impact.

With the Army inducting two of its brigades into South Kashmir, for stabilisation efforts, the intent of the adversaries was to delay the Army’s effectiveness and divert attention— besides keeping the ongoing street movement on track. Usually, the Deep State is careful in the calibration of its operations so as to remain within the ambit of India’s threshold of tolerance. Probably it did not even contemplate the kind of success it achieved at Uri. Yet, clearly one of the largest losses for the Army in a long time is inching it towards losing patience well beyond the threshold of tolerance.

The implications of the Uri attack on the Army’s operations in South Kashmir will be almost negligible except for an enhanced level of security. However, it is not the last operation of the so-called fedayeen kind which we have witnessed. There may be repeats for cumulative effect. Each of these will aim to add to the confidence of the street demonstrators to continue the stir as the Pakistan-backing will be seen to be fully in place. If the reported infiltration (thus far only speculation) in the last few weeks has actually taken place, then some of the infiltrating elements may well be awaiting orders for more such sneak attacks. These sneak attacks, which are suicidal in nature, began in 1999 in the wake of the Kargil operations and lasted in high intensity till about 2004. The Deep State is once again realising the military value of such operations which keep a disproportionately large ratio of troops pegged to defending secure installations.

Much more important is how to deal with a recalcitrant Pakistan whose intent was to time such an event with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly to garner attention for the cause of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian diplomats will probably seek more ways than one to corner, name and shame Pakistan during this session of the UN General Assembly itself. Pakistan has already chosen to go vocal on human rights violations and will employ every way to wriggle out of the position India will place it in. The importance lies in securing full U.S. backing against Pakistan and declaring it a state sponsoring terrorism. Diplomatic victory will also be achieved if we can prevent China from blocking the inclusion of some Pakistani terror groups under the ambit of trans-national terrorists.

A military response is what will be under deep consideration and the range of actions from the spectrum of options will need mix and match. From air strikes against camps in depth to raids by Special Forces teams and abrogation of the ceasefire, we can add many. The Prime Minister (PM) tweeted his opinion, expressing his desire that no perpetrator would get away with this. The opinion of the PM is a desire which the government and the Armed Forces will need to take into consideration while planning a response. Knee-jerk reactions of a tactical nature have been largely shunned by all. The response may be tactical or operational but its final message must be fully strategic, calibrated and sustained over some time.

There is a segment of thought that the time is now ripe to throw caution to the winds and take action. Most who hold this view have normally not considered the response from Pakistan. This is not to perceive that we are in any way incapable of defeating Pakistan’s intent. Air strikes against possible terrorist camps would also invite a response in kind.

The international community would be sensitive to the possibility of escalation but its control over Pakistan’s actions would still be negligible in the face of credible denial—behind which Pakistan has conducted all its actions so far. It would have the diplomatic backing of China and some countries from the Islamic world. It is time, perhaps, to put to test our emerging strategic partnership with the U.S. We may as well examine the extent to which the U.S. will go to support India politically.

The suggestion by former Army Chief General Shankar Roychowdhury that it is time India fought Pakistan the “Pakistan way” by employing non-state actors for retribution, along with full deniability, cannot be simply brushed aside. The world is unwilling to support India’s genuine efforts to peacefully force Pakistan to retract from this dangerous path. If that be the case, all aspects of international image and standing needs to be set aside in order to secure our interests. This is a hybrid war that we are being subjected to and we need to respond in the hybrid domain.

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Lt. Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) is the former Corps Commander of the Srinagar based 15 Corps, and is currently associated with Vivekanand International Foundation and the Delhi Policy Group, two major strategic think tanks of Delhi

 

 

URI TERROR ATTACK India’s response will be a ‘well thought-out’ strategy

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India’s response will be a ‘well thought-out’ strategy
Top security brass briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing ground situation in the Kashmir Valley. Photo courtesy: Twitter handle of @PMOIndia

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 19

India’s reaction to the attack by Pakistan-based terrorists on a military establishment in Uri on Sunday will be a “well thought-out strategy” rather than a knee-jerk reaction driven by emotions. Indications to this effect were given after a high-level security review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.During the meeting, the Prime Minister discussed with his senior Cabinet colleagues and top security officials all options available to India for a response to the attack in Uri.

After two rounds of high-level meetings through the day, the Prime Minister also met President Pranab Mukherjee.

According to sources, the Prime Minister was also likely to call an all-party meeting to build a consensus on India’s response.Minister of State for External Affairs Vijay Kumar Singh, who is a former Army chief, told the media that a well thought-out strategy was being worked out, and India’s response to the attack would not be driven by emotions.Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, besides other senior officials, attended the meeting.The top security brass briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing ground situation in the Kashmir Valley in the wake of the terror attack at a Brigade Headquarters in Uri in which 17 soldiers were killed, official sources said.Earlier on Monday, the Home Minister, too, chaired a high-level meeting attended by the Defence Minister and top security brass of the country to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the border areas.The Defence Minister and the Army Chief had visited Kashmir after the terror attack yesterday.Heavily armed militants, suspected to be from the Pakistan-based JeM, had yesterday stormed an Army base in Uri in Kashmir, killing 17 jawans.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

India had reacted strongly to the deadliest attack on the Army in Jammu and Kashmir in a quarter-century-old insurgency that sparked an outrage with the Prime Minister strongly condemning it.“We strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Uri. I assure the nation that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished,” Modi had said.The Home Minister, who had yesterday called an emergency meeting in Delhi, had pointed a finger directly at Pakistan, saying it is a “terrorist state” and should be isolated, while BJP leader Ram Madhav said days of strategic restraint are over and suggested that “for one tooth, the complete jaw” should be the policy after the attack.

Army presents options to Modi

The Army has presented a clutch of military options to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is an action plan in place. Designated spots across the Line of Control (LoC) have been ‘war gamed’ for possible action in view of the Sunday morning attack on a military camp at Uri in northern Kashmir.Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag briefed the Prime Minister while the Director General Millitary Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh was at the meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh.War gaming is an act that militaries do to assess enemy positions and tactics.  The action, if any, is being kept under wraps. The DGMO has been asked to tell his Pakistan counterpart about the details of Pakistan-made equipment and weapons that were used by the terrorists. — With PTI and TNS inputs

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Pakistan may be building new nuclear site: Western analysts

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Pakistan may be building new nuclear site: Western analysts
Pakistani military personnel stand beside the long-range ballistic Shaheen-II missile during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad. — AFP file photo

Islamabad, September 16

Pakistan, estimated to have the world’s fastest-growing nuclear stockpile, could be building a new uranium enrichment complex according to commercial satellite imagery analysed by Western defence experts.

The construction of a new site, based in the town of Kahuta some 30 km east of Islamabad, provides fresh evidence of how Pakistan is seeking to boost its atomic arsenal — a goal that is inconsistent with the principles of the Nuclear Suppliers Group the country is seeking to join, said the analysis.

The analysis was conducted by IHS Jane’s Intelligence review using satellite images taken by Airbus Defence and Space on September 28, 2015, and then again on April 18, 2016.

Pakistan, which conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998, is believed to have around 120 nuclear weapons, more than India, Israel and North Korea.

A 2015 report written by scholars at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Stimson Center said Pakistan could increase its stockpile by 20 warheads a year and have the world’s third largest in a decade.

“The area of interest is approximately 1.2 hectares and is located within the secure area of the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), in the southwestern part of the complex,” said the statement.

Karl Dewey, a proliferation analyst at IHS Jane’s added: “It is sited within an established centrifuge facility, has strong security and shows some of the structural features of a possible new uranium enrichment facility. This makes it a strong candidate for a new centrifuge facility”.

The structure of the site also bears strong resemblance to facilities built by nuclear fuel company URENCO, which also operates several nuclear plants in Europe, it said.

“This may be more than coincidence as AQ Khan, considered by many to be the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, worked at URENCO before stealing centrifuge designs and returning to Pakistan,” said Charlie Cartwright, an imagery analyst for IHS Jane’s.

Pakistan is currently seeking to join the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group that seeks to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture atomic weapons.

“It is difficult to see how these actions are consistent with the principles of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a group of responsible nuclear exporters which Pakistan is seeking to join,” said Ian Stewart, head of research group Project Alpha at King’s College London.

Pakistani physicist AH Nayyar told AFP if the site was indeed a centrifuge, “then primarily because they are being built inside KRL I would conclude they are being for weapons,” adding that the country’s nuclear power plants were supplied by imported uranium from China.

He however cautioned it was not possible to be definitive about the site’s purpose based on imagery alone. — AFP

Solidarity March to Punjab Governor’s House successful Event: Memorandum Submitted

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Dear Veterans
The Solidarity Rally of yesterday was a grand success , the veterans from different political affiliations and organisation were seen to gather to prove beyond doubt that ESMs have Unity in Diversity . This was the first Solidarity Rally in India after the Three Chiefs rejected the 7CPC.
This has become a role model and we will see such Solidarity Rallies through out the country. If some is to be congratulated for this it is ” The Spirit of Unity of every ESM participated and those who are extending their support. Please keep alive this spirit which will solve our issues .

Lt Gen  SS Brar  lead the March and  walked 2 Km to governors house in hot weather .

Captain Amrinder was there in support along with Ambika Soni w/o Naval Officer of 5 NDA and Asha Kumari Daughter-in-law  16 Dogra officer having two brother in armed corps and 10 family members in defence forces. The other Veteran lady who participated was Mrs Ranjit Dayal w/o late  Lt Gen Ranjit dayal and many more ladies accompanied their husbands..

अम्बिका सोनी के पति NDA से 5 कोर्स से नेवी में कमिशन लिया।
आशा कुमारी के ससुर 16 डोगरा से हैं। उनके दो भाई आर्मर्ड कोर में और परिवार के 10 सदस्य फ़ौज में हैं
इस लिए दोनो  फ़ौजी परिवार  से जुढ़े हैं और हमारे साथ चले

The total Strength was approximately 250  including 100 officers at Boat club but only 40 ESM were permitted to enter Governor’s  residence.

The Governor was very warm in welcoming all ESM.

He was briefed about the purpose  of Solidarity  March and later about the  anomalies and 7th CPC downgrading of defence forces status by Lt Gen Brar.

The Governor gave a patient hearing to all the Speakers.

The Memorandum was handed over to the governor by Lt Gen Brar.

All was followed by cup of Tea with the governor.

This was in nutshell for those well wishers who had reservations about the entry.

The Print media and electronic media was in full support.

The march also included number of ladies who walked along with ESM.

No slogans or display of  banners were carried except the main Banner in front.

Col Ranjit Singh Boparai  efforts of calling Sanjha Morcha members JCO/ORS  paid in spite of few ESM who termed it as a congress Rally should feel ashamed like veterans ell wishesr Col S S Sohi,Col BS Dhillon andBrig SS Gill.

Col RS Boparai conveys special thanks to Sanjha Morchard team members who brought ESM from Banur..Morinda. .Kharar..Kurali and Zirakpur approx 150 Nos.

Special thanks to Brig Indermohan and col Bhag Singh and the followings of sanjha Morcha team leaders

1.Capt Harbajan Singh Banur.
2.Capt Nirwan Singh
3. Have Balderton Singh Bagga Morinda.
4. Jaswant Singh Kumbra.
5. Capt NS Multani
6. Col Angad Singh.

As they cannot visualise beyond the petty politics without any support of their own.

Few egoistic who told ESM not to attend need to feel the same.

LIST OF OFFICERS, JCOs & NCOs MEETING GOVERNOR.

1. Lt Gen SS Brar.    COS Eastern Command,  Signal Officer in Chief
2. Lt Gen TS Shergill. Commandant Indian Military Academy & GOC                 3 Corps.
3. Lt Gen AS Sekhon. Director General Military Operations.
4. Lt Gen SR Ghosh. GOC in C Western Command.
5. Lt Gen JP Singh. DCOAS (P&S)
6. Lt Gen RS Sujlana. GOC 10 Corps.
7. Lt Gen JS Dhaliwal. DG Infantry
8. Lt Gen Baljeet Singh. COS Western Command.
9. Lt Gen Iqbal Singha. Additional Secy UN Mission
10. Maj Gen Tarlochan Sg. Commander Senior Command Wing
11. Maj Gen KMKS Barach DG Mech Forces
12. Maj Gen SPS Vains. ADG MT
13. Maj Gen GS Grewal.
14. Maj Gen JS Sidhu. Dy Comdt Army War College
16. Maj Gen HS Mallhi.
17. Maj Gen SPS Grewal.
18. Brig HS Lamba.
19. Brig Sukhdev Singh
20.  Brig Inder Mohan Singh
24. Brig HPS Bedi.
25. Brig IJ Singh.
26. Brig Balbir Singh
27. Col JS Nakai
28. Col SS Bajwa.
29. Col Bhag Singh
30. Col HS Boparai.
31. Col BS Rangi.
32. Col MS Bajwa.
33. Col Romesh Ghai.
34. Col CJS Khera.
35. Col Iqbal Singh Dhesi.
36. Col Mohan Singh.
37. Col Balbir Singh Toor.
38. Col Suraj Bhan
39. Col JP Narayan.
40. Col JS Balhara.
41. Col GS Dhaliwal
42.. Capt Amar Jeet.
44. Hony Capt NS Multani.
45. Hony Capt Joginder Singh.
46. Cpl(IAF) JS Kumbra-ex Pradhan of PBOR Association of Pb.

44. Col Pushpinder Singh

45. Col Gurdial Singh

46. Col CPS Warich.

47. Col Tejinder Singh Sandhu.

48. Maj PS Ghuman.

49. Col KN Puri

50. Col KS Virk.

51. Col TS Gill.

52. SubMaor Harbans singh.

53. Cpl Sher Gill

54. Sub Karnail Singh

55. Hav Baldev Singh

56. Capt Harbhajan Singh.

57. Capt Pal Singh.

60. Air Comodore BS Brar.

61. Col BK Sharma.

62. Col YK Behl.

63. Sub Major Gurmeet Singh.

64. Sub Major fathejit Singh

65. Col Ss Bhinder.

66. Col AS bajwa.

67. Sqn Ldr BS Rawat.

68. Brig MS Kalra.

69. Lt Col Angad Singh.

70. Col Joginder singh

71. Col HS Gill

72. Col BS Sidhu

73. Col RS Gill.

74. Col Nasib Singh

75. Col Chanan

76.Col US Rana SM.

77. Cdr Jagbir Singh

Many more officers and JCO/ORs  who reached directly or followed as late comers. The above names that I could recollect

PUNJAB ESM have taken the lead now to be followed by Uttrakahand and in South and many more States.

Regards
Col Charanjit Khera Gen Secy
Sanjha Morcha.

First Army counselling opens to jam-packed session

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Officers from Ambala Cantonment answer queries of students in armed forces at PGGC, Sector 11

First Army counselling opens to jam-packed session
An officer explains opportunities in armed forces at a job fest at Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11, in Chandigarh on Saturday. Photo:Manoj Mahajan

Aarti Kapur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 10

“What is the age limit to get a job in the Army? How can I apply for the officer’s post directly in the Army and what is the qualification required?” these were the queries which students of various colleges raised before a team of the Indian Army from Ambala Cantonment today during a special counselling and guidance session at Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11.This is for the first time that such a session has been conducted at the city government college during a joint placement drive for the youth to get an idea about the opportunities in the Army.In a jam-packed seminar room, a presentation was given by the team of three officials who were in the college to guide students about the opportunities in the field of defence with graduate and post-graduate courses.“I am a student from commerce background, will I be eligible for a job in the Army? I am a student of biology and want to join the Army, is there any scope for me in this field? These are the questions which were raised in the counselling session, not by boys but by the girls, who were attending the session.As many as 200 students from different colleges who had come to attend the job fest showed interest in joining the Army and attended the session.Suresh Pandey, Naib Tehsildaar, said the Army conducted such sessions across the country whenever there were opportunities in any of the wings of the armed forces. He said this was for the first time that he was conducting the session in a city college. Through the session, they were guiding the students and resolving their queries related to defence, he said.He added that the team also created a database of students who had shown interest and participated in the session during the joint placement fest. The students asked questions on the procedure to be followed if there was an opening.The students were apprised of the educational qualification required and the age limit for different posts in the Army. The students were also apprised of the facilities that the Army provided.

200 students attend

  • As many as 200 students from different colleges who had come to attend the job fest showed interest in joining the Army and attended the session.

Some questions asked…

  • I am a student from a commerce background, will I be eligible for a job in the Army?
  • I am a student of biology and want to join the Army, is there any scope for me in this field?
  • How can I apply for the officer’s post directly in the Army and what is the qualification required?

Army organises lecture on poultry farming

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Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 6

The Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Talwara in Reasi district conducted a lecture on poultry farming at Talwara and Chakalsalta to create awareness on rural self-employment.As many as 186 youth from the region attended the lecture presentation on the systems of poultry farming in India and strategies for investments in the poultry industry.The endeavour by the Battalion is a part of a series on vocational skills and entrepreneurship development programmes being conducted for youth with an aim to reduce poverty through development of small-scale industries.Officers from the Army exhorted the youth to avail opportunities provided through various courses to learn and earn. The sarpanch of Chakalsalta village thanked the Army and said projects under the Army’s operation Sadbhavna had helped youths to set up their own businesses, besides gaining employment in various industries.

PoK would have been ours had we opted for military solution: IAF chief

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PoK would have been ours had we opted for military solution: IAF chief
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. — File photo

New Delhi, September 1

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Thursday indicated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have been India’s had the country gone for a military solution rather than taking a “moral high ground”.Raha also rued that air power had not been fully utilised by the Indian government till the 1971 Indo-Pak war.In unusually candid remarks, the Air Force chief termed PoK as a “thorn in our flesh” and said India did not follow a “pragmatic approach” to security needs.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)He said India’s security environment is vitiated and aerospace power, as part of the military power, would be required to deter a conflict in the region and also ensure peace and tranquillity.”Our foreign policy was enshrined in the charter of the UN, charter of the Non-Alignment Movement as well as Panchseel doctrine.”We have been governed by high ideals and we really did not follow a very pragmatic approach, to my mind, to security needs. To that extent, we did ignore the role of the military power to maintain conducive environment,” Raha said at an aerospace seminar here.He said India as a country was “reluctant” to use military power, especially air power, in deterring adversaries, in deterring a conflict and when involved in conflict the country has been drawn into several times in the past.He said when hordes of raiders attacked Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, it was the transport planes of the IAF which helped Indian soldiers and equipment to reach the battleground.”And when a military solution was in sight, taking moral high ground, I think we went to UN for a peaceful solution to this problem. The problem still continues. PoK remains a thorn in our flesh today,” he said.Raha said that in 1962, air power went under-utilised because of the fear of a skirmish.”In 1965 conflict, we did not use air power against East Pakistan because of political reasons despite Pakistani Air Force operating from East Pakistan attacking our air bases, infrastructure, aircraft on ground. We had severe setbacks but we never retaliated,” he rued.The IAF chief said the only time when air power was fully utilised was in 1971 war and the three forces blended completely resulting in the creation of Bangladesh.”But the situation has changed. We are ready to use air power to defend ourselves and deter a conflict,” he said. — PTI