Current Events :
To be deployed in high-altitude areas
After the success of the indigenous Akash missiles during Operation Sindoor, its next version, capable of deployment in high-altitude areas, was successfully tested today.Called Akash Prime, its navigation, flight path and accuracy have been fine-tuned for the Army’s needs to tackle airborne threats from either Pakistan or China.
The successful test was carried out at an altitude of 15,000 feet in Ladakh today, sources said.
The trial was carried out by the Army Air Defence along with senior officials of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which has developed the system.
During the trial, the Akash Prime —- a surface-to-air missile — registered a direct hit against a very fast-moving airborne target in a high-altitude area in a rarefied atmosphere.
The need to develop the Akash Prime arose as the firing parameters and trajectory of the missile change when launched at high altitudes. The lack of oxygen pressure has to be factored into the trajectory of the missile.
The Army already has Akash missiles in its arsenal which were used with success in Operation Sindoor. The Indian Air Force uses the Akash-NG (New Generation), which offers a significantly extended range (70-80 km).
The focus of the Akash Prime is on enhanced precision and operational capability in specific, difficult terrains and extreme cold weather conditions, while maintaining a range of 30-35 km, consistent with the existing Akash variant of the Army.
Bats for having in place indigenous tech for drones
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan today said India could not win modern wars with outdated weapons, underscoring the need to adopt future-ready technology, primarily through indigenous development.
“Modern warfare has evolved, with weapons and combat equipment becoming smaller, faster, more efficient and cost-effective. The old, bulky rifles have been replaced by compact, lightweight weapons with extended range. This trend extends to tanks and aircraft, which are now faster and offer enhanced protection,” said General Chauhan. He was addressing a workshop on ‘Indigenisation of critical components’, hosted by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with think-tank Centre for Joint Warfare Studies.
In another significant development, the General offered new insights into how Pakistani drone attack was countered during Operation Sindoor on May 10. “The enemy deployed drones and loitering munitions, but couldn’t harm our military or civil infrastructure. Most of their weapons were neutralised through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means, with some even recovered almost intact,” the CDS said.
Stressing the need for self-reliance in warfare technology, the General asked domestic drone manufacturers to stop using foreign software or hardware. “We cannot rely on imported technologies that are crucial for our offensive and defensive missions. We must invest, build and safeguard ourselves,” he said.
General Chauhan said foreign weapons, sensors and their capabilities were known to all and adversaries could “predict tactics and doctrinal concepts based on the capabilities of these systems”.
“Dependence on foreign technologies weakens preparedness, limits our ability to scale up production and often leads to a shortfall of critical spares, he said.
Sources said the CDS had been working on plans to ensure indigenous hardware and software for controlling drones. The armed forces want three crucial technologies in future drones: secure communication using software-defined radios, GPS-free operations and the ability to beat the jamming of radio signals by the enemy.
Also, a comprehensive framework has been set up to filter out any software or hardware of Chinese origin in drones being supplied to the armed forces.
“Drones can shift tactical balance disproportionately and self-reliance in the field is a strategic imperative for India. Asymmetric drone warfare is making large platforms vulnerable and driving militaries to rethink the conceptual aspects of air doctrines,” the General said.
The event, which was aimed at developing a “strategic roadmap” for indigenisation, was attended by military leaders, defence experts, scientists, policymakers and private industry stakeholders.
All State Police Forces are same . Any one who hoped that Chandigarh Police would do justice to Col Pushpinder Singh Bath and his family were mistaken .
Col Bath’s family approached P & H High Court to day ( 14 Jul ) stating that in last three and half months Chandigarh Police has not done a wee bit . Accused Punjab Police Officials have neither been arrested nor summoned .
Once High Court Judges asked Chandigarh Police Lawyer to tell as to what has been done in three and half months , lawyer tried to beat around the bush , the Court came heavy as to why accused have NOT been arrested so far .
Court has directed Chandigarh Police SP Manjit Sheoran,IPS , who is heading the Inquiry to appear personally along with his team on 16 Jul and explain as to why accused have NOT been arrested so far and as to why the Enquiry should not be handed over to CBI.
Read more: https://lawtrend.in/punjab-haryana-high-court-seeks-report-from-chandigarh-police-on-assault-probe-involving-colonel-bath-questions-delay/
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday directed Chandigarh Police to submit a report on the progress of its investigation into the alleged assault