India’s DRDO develops lightweight HMDS helmet for Indian Air Force
DRDO has developed a lightweight HMDS helmet for Indian Air Force pilots flying Sukhoi 30 MKI, Mig 29, Mig 21, LCA Tejas and Mirage 2000 aircrafts.
Author Defence Star
Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems registers 3.9% growth
Defence News: Israel’s leading missile manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd achieved the sale of $2.7 billion (9.7 billion Shekels) in 2019, an increase of 3.9% over the corresponding period of 2018, according to the financial results released by the company on Thursday. According to the financial data released by Rafael on March 26, the…
Coronavirus: French defence exhibition Eurosatory postponed
Organisers of prestigious French defence exhibition Eurosatory 2020 have decided to postpone the event due to outbreak of global pandemic of novel coronvirus.
Athens Defence Exhibition 2020 deferred to next year
Defence News: Global outbreak of novel coronavirus has disrupted defence industry with most of the military exercises and defence exhibitions being cancelled. The organisers of Defence Exhibition Athens (DEFEA-2020) have decided to postpone the prestigious event to the next year. The DEFEA which was scheduled to be held at Athens in Greece in June this…
COVID-19: Indian military, defence companies wage war against corona virus
India’s defence ministry has roped in Indian Army, IAF, Indian Navy and also DRDO and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to wage an all out war against Corona virus that has killed 16 people in the country and over 25,000 across the globe.
COVID-19: Indian Air Force lends helping hand to civil authorities as India fights corona virus
Indian Air Force said that it is fully committed and ready to help civilian authorities in the country’s war against the deadly corona virus. IAF has designated Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) its first lab for COVID-19 testing.
War against COVID-19: Indian Army quarantines 277 more people rescued from Corona-hit Iran
Indian Army Wednesday received 277 more people rescued from corona-hit Iran and housed them at its Jodhpur quarantine facility. These included 273 pilgrims, of them149 are women and 6 children.
COVID-19: Indian Army issues fresh instructions to battle the coronavirus
COVID-19: Indian Army has decided to work with bare minimum staff following the call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a complete 21 day lockdown in the country. It also closed its headquarters for a day on Wednesday.
Msta-S 155mm Howitzer: Russia offers new self propelled artillery gun
Msta-S 155mm howitzer: Rosoboronexport for the first time demonstrated the capabilities of new howitzer gun developed by UralVagonZavod to foreign customers.
COVID-19: Indian Army Headquarters to work with bare minimum staff
COVID-19: Indian Army has decided to drastically reduce staff at its headquarters at South Block in New Delhi to contain the outbreak of novel coronavirus. Now it will work only with 15% of the staff deployed at the headquarters.
War against Coronavirus: India’s state owned Defence PSUs create isolation wards
India’s state owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has set up a 285 bed facility across several states to help civil administration in their bid to augment the health facilities to treat corona virus patients.
India unveils new defence procurement policy, permits leasing of equipments
To reduce the high cost of acquisition, Defence Procurement Policy 2020 adds a new category for leasing of equipment not used in the actual warfare.
India-Israel sign deal for supply of Negev Light Machine Guns to Indian Army
India today signed a contract with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) for purchase of more than 16,000 ‘Negev‘ light machine guns (LMGs), for the Indian Army at a cost of Rs 880 crores.
195 Indian citizens rescued from Iran kept at Indian Army’s Jaisalmer military base
India has rescued 195 more citizens from coronavirus-hit Iran and these people have been kept at Indian army’s quarantine facility in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
India’s light combat aircraft Tejas tested in full operational clearance configuration
This maiden flight of Tejas in full operational clearance version lasted for forty minutes and it was flown by Air Commodore KA Muthana (Retd) from the HAL’s Bengaluru airport.
India’s Tata Group begins work on new defence factory
The new Nova facility will be used in design, development & production of command posts, combat management systems, radars and electro-optic products.
India supplying bulletproof jackets to 18 countries: Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh said bullet proof jackets are being exported to 18 countries but in view of the strategic requirement names will not be disclosed.
Pie in the sky: Modi faces tough challenge to attract FDI in defence sector
Total FDI inflows in the defence sector in the last five years remains at a low of just $2.48 million and total FDI inflows in the last two decades (April 2000 to December 2019) too remain at abysmally low level of just $8.82 million (Rs 52 crore)
Pratt & Whitney’s new India website showcases country specific products & services
The Pratt & Whitney India website offers a better representation of our engine portfolio and its capabilities,” said Ashmita Sethi, Managing Director of Pratt & Whitney India
Rolls-Royce signs MoU with IIT Madras for joint research, higher studies
Rolls-Royce India has signed an MoU with the IIT Madras to promote and explore opportunities for joint research programs. Rolls-Royce will also send its engineers to IIT Madras for higher studies but they will have to qualify for the programme.
Indian Army seeks 100 man-portable loiter munition systems, full details here
Indian Army has initiated the procurement process for 100 loiter munition systems. It is expected to issue the final tender by September 2020 with the delivery of loiter munition systems to be completed within 18 months from the date of contract.
Slovakia selects Rafael’s Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles
The contract includes dismounted launchers, signifying that the SPIKE LR2 will now be used by both the infantry and cavalry of Slovak Army.
Pratt & Whitney partners with Air India unit AIESL to repair Turbofan engines in India
Pratt & Whitney Thursday announced that AIESL, a subsidiary of India’s national carrier Air India, would perform the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for its latest Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines in the country,
India’s state owned missile company Bharat Dynamics pays dividend to government
The BDL manufactures ballistic missile Agni (Fire), surface-to-air missile Akash (Sky), Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, Counter Measure Dispensing Systems, Milan 2T and Konkurs anti-tank missiles for Indian military.
Army brainstorms how to fight & win hybrid, sub-conventional wars
The first session of the seminar focused on two issues – Evolving Warfare: an insight into the changing realm where the speakers discussed emerging trends of warfare.
India’s DRDO and top Science University unveil new explosive detection device RaiDer-X
The RaiDer-X is also capable of detecting explosives in pure form and it can also detect explosives when they are mixed with other contaminants to conceal them.
ICG Varad: L&T delivers fifth offshore patrol vessel to Coast Guard
Indian Coast Guard ICG Varad: Private sector defence major Larsen & Toubro Friday delivered the fifth offshore patrol vessel ICG Varad to India’s coastal guarding force. The 2100 tonne class ship has been built by L&T Shipbuilding Limited at its Kattupalli shipyard in Tamil Nadu.
Space Mission: HAL delivers key components for GSLV rockets to ISRO
Apart from the Integrated L-40 stages, HAL has been manufacturing the riveted structures, propellant tanks, feed-lines of PSLV, GSLV MKII & GSLV MKIII rockets.
Ready to roll: HAL offers its light combat helicopter to Indian Air Force
LCH is a 5.5 ton class combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL. It is powered by two Shakti engines with similar features of Advanced Light Helicopter.
India’s defence export set to double in next four years to $4.86 billion
India’s defence export is growing. In the last two years, our export has been Rs 17,000 crore but by 2024 it can reach Rs 35,000 crore, said the defence minister.
Balakot Air Strike: India doesn’t hesitate to cross border, says defence minister
India Defence News: In a strong message to Pakistan based terror groups, Indian defence minister Wednesday said that the country’s forces now don’t hesitate in crossing the border to protect the country against terrorism. The Surgical Strikes of 2016 and Balakote Air Strikes of 2019 are testimony to this change. This is certainly a New…
India-US sign $3 billion deal to acquire Seahawk & Apache helicopters
While six Romeo Seahawks helicopters are expected join Indian within 12 months, the rest 18 helicopters will be delivered over the next two years after that.
Indian Army to move its headquarters, key offices in a new Green building
The new Army House complex will be spread over an area of 39 acres, It has been designed as a multi-storey green building and it will follow Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) norms.
Indian Navy to focus more on indigenous equipment in its repair and refit work
Vice Admiral GS Pabby emphasised on the need to ensure quality refits of ships and submarines while maintaining the safety of personnel and material.
India honours the leader who gave befitting reply to Pakistan backed terrorism
During Parrikar’s tenure, the army launched a surgical strike across the Line of Control to destroy terror camps to avenge the killing of 19 soliders in Uri.
IAF to procure 83 Tejas fighters from HAL in $5.45 billion deal
The file to procure Tejas fighters could be cleared before March 31 and HAL could start deliveries three years after signing the contract.
Make in India for the world: India’s defence export jumps seven fold in two years
Permission for exporting defence equipment worth Rs 5,883 crore ($822 million) in the first 9 months of the current financial year has already been granted.
Delay in supply of equipment from Russia affected delivery of India’s aircraft carrier
Shripad Naik said the ships targeted delivery was affected due to delay in supply of aviation equipment from Russia.
Airbus, Adani group sign pact to cooperate in civil aviation, aerospace sector
Airbus estimates that the country’s aircraft services market – maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) – will grow to over $6.3 billion in next five years.
Thales & MKU’s Elfie night vision device to be available by next year
Thales said the lightweight monocular night vision device has the widest field of view and provides unprecedented mobility and night combat capability.
Lockheed Martin inks MoU with BEL to strengthen its fighter jet offer to IAF
After scrapping the initial tender to procure 126 medium sized fighter jets, India issued a fresh tender in April 2019 to procure more than 100 fighter jets.
F/A 18 Super Hornet fully compatible with Indian Navy’s requirement: Boeing
Boeing said: F/A 18 will boost the growing maritime and defence relationship between the United States and Indian navies.
Make in India in Defence: Kalyani Group partners with Bulgaria’s Arsenal to manufacture small arms
Defence News India: Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defence arm of Kalyani Group and Arsenal Joint Stock Company, Bulgaria Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a strategic alliance for manufacturing small arms and ammunition in the country. KSSL and Arsenal will develop manufacturing capability AR 7.62 x 39mm Assault Rifle and…
Bharat Forge, General Atomics team up to develop power storage solutions for Indian Navy
General Atomics’ Scott Forney said the pact will bring advanced power, energy, and weapon system capabilities to India.
Kalyani group signs MoU with Dastan Corp for upgrading Indian Navy’s torpedoes
In September 2019, Kyrgyzstan’s DASTAN Corp and Bharat Forge inked pat to for joint testing of homing system for Indian Navy’s CET65 and TEST71 torpedoes.
Thales to showcase its digital prowess at Defence Expo as India aims digital transformation of military
Thales will showcase its digital solutions in four categories which will over Land, Naval and Air, Digital Transformation and Security.
Jindal Defence forays into small arms manufacturing with this Brazilian firm
The JV agreement was signed at the first Brazil-India Defence Industry Dialogue of the India-Brazil Business Forum (IBBF), organized by MEA.
Defence Expo 2020: Lockheed Martin to explore tie-ups with Indian defence companies, suppliers
William Blair said: We can showcase our commitment to Make in India directly to the largest gathering of defence and aerospace partners in the country.
Defending Peninsular India: IAF opens new airbase in South India, deploys Sukhoi fighters
This is for the first time that the country has deployed its frontline fighters in peninsular India to assert its influence in Indo-Pacific region.
Top defence officer reviews the progress of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier ahead of crucial basin trials
The 40,000 tonne ship which has been designed and developed in the country will have an air complement of up to 26 Mig 29 K fighter jets.
Defence Expo 2020: MBDA offers Sea Ceptor missile to Indian Navy
DefExpo 2020: European missile manufacturer MBDA has offered its Sea Ceptor missile to Indian Navy in partnership with private sector defence manufacturer L&T.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh flags off 51st homemade K9 Vajra Gun ahead of schedule
L&T Defence & Hanwha Tech Win (HTW) are currently executing the K9 VAJRA-T program contract awarded to the company by the Ministry of Defence.
Video: Defence Star celebrates successful landing of Tejas on INS Vikramaditya
India is the 6th country in the world after the USA, Russia, UK, France and China to have developed an indigenous fighter jet for aircraft carrier operation.
Big success: India’s indigenous fighter Tejas lands on aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya
While the aircraft was flown by Cdr Jaideep Maolankar, Captain Dahiya was the Landing Safety Officer and Cdr Vivek Pandey was the Test Director.
PoK part of India, Indian Army ready to take action: Indian Army Chief
In response to a question whether the task will be fulfilled during his tenure, General MM Narawane quipped: “If this is the mandate then so be it.”
Indian Army will train and equip to fight conventional wars of future: Army Chief
Gen Narawane said acquisition of towed artillery and ultra light howitzers were aimed at building army’s conventional war fighting capabilities
US-Iran tensions: Indian Navy intensifies maritime security operation in gulf region
Indian Navy warships & aircraft were deployed to establish presence, provide a sense of reassurance to the merrchant ships & monitor the ongoing situation.
Now get online approval for aerial photography and remote sensing surveys in India
Defence ministry’s No Objection Certificate web portal www.modnoc.ncog.gov.in will provide online NoC for undertaking aerial surveys in the country.
HAL-Wipro sign MoU to collaborate in the field of 3D printing for aerospace sector
MoU between HAL & Wipro 3D will create a unique synergy that can accelerate the adoption of metal additive manufacturing in Aerospace in India.
General Bipin Rawat hits the ground running; pushes for greater synergy between three forces
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat also directed that a proposal to create Air Defence Command be prepared by June 30, 2020.
Alok Verma takes over as Director Human Resource at HAL
HAL: Alok Verma earlier worked as General Manager (HR) and played key role in employee-management negotiation to settle the issue of wage-revision.
Air Marshal Vibhas Pande takes charge of maintenance of Indian Air Force
Air Marshal Vibhas Pande has flown nearly 1200 hours on helicopters as Flight Engineer and has also been Air Force Examiner for Rotary Wing aircraft.
Air Marshal MSG Menon takes charge as head of administration of IAF
Air Marshal Menon is a Cat ‘AYE’ Air Traffic Controller and has commanded an operational radar unit at a major flying station.
Kargil fame Mig-27 fighter flies into history after 35 years of glorious service
Mig 27 Aircraft: All the other variants, such as MiG-23 BN & MiG-23 MF and the early MiG 27 have already retired from Indian Air Force.
Indian government clears the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff
Defence planners have long advocated creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff that will act as a single point of advice to the government.
Building Bridges: Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh visits Sri Lanka
Indian Navy regularly interacts with Sri Lanka Navy through the medium of Staff Talks, Annual Defence Dialogue and other operational interactions.
India-China joint military exercise Hand-in-Hand 2019 concludes in Meghalaya
India-China Military Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2019: It involved firing of each other’s weapons, lectures & demonstration on counter terrorism operations.
Watch: DRDO successfully tests upgraded version of Pinaka Missile System
First trial which was conducted on Thursday was able to achieve the full range of 75 kilometers, second test conducted on Friday fired in salvo mode.
India tests long range Pinaka Missile System in salvo mode; rockets use Indian navigation satellite IRNSS
The Navigation system of Pinaka Missile System is also aided by the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
India-US 2+2 Dialogue: Both countries pledge to work for a peaceful and open Indo-Pacific region
The India-US 2+2 dialogue provides for a review of the security, defence and strategic partnership between India and the United States.
Firepower: DRDO tests advanced Pinaka missile system with twice the range
Pinaka Mark-II Rocket is modified to work as a missile by giving it a Navigation, Control and Guidance System to improve the accuracy and enhance the range.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh visits Naval Air Station Oceana & Naval Station Norfolk
Rajnath Singh said the visit reflects on the strong defence ties between India and the United States and it will strengthen futher in future.
Indian Navy, Coast Guard conduct anti hijacking exercise off Kerala coast
The Exercise code named Apharan (Abduction) saw participation of multiple agencies, including more than 12 ships and helicopters of the Indian Navy.
Saving Lives: Indian Coast Guard holds National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting
Coast Guard Chief K Natarajan also advocated the need for collaborative approach with capacity building of stakeholders
Lethal Punch: India validates accuracy of land and air versions of Brahmos missiles
The first launch from land had most of the indigenous components including the missile’s airframe, fuel management system and DRDO designed seeker.
Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane to succeed Army Chief General Bipin Rawat
Lt General MM Naravane brings with him enormous experience of serving in the most challenging areas, said the ministry of defence.
IAF testfires air version of Brahmos missile from Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter
The air launched version of BrahMos missile is a 2.5 ton supersonic air to surface cruise missile with ranges close to 300 km.
IAF, Russian Air Force test each other’s mettle in tri-service military exercise Indra-2019
The first-ever joint tri-services military exercise Indra was held in the eastern military district of Russia in Oct 2017.
Air Marshal D Choudhury assumes charge as Commandant of National Defence College
Air Marshal D Choudhury has vast flying experience on all variants of the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30 MKI aircrafts.
Air Marshal RJ Duckworth takes charge of crucial air command at Pakistan border
Air Marshal Duckworth was commissioned in Air Force in 1983 and he has more than 3,000 hours of flying experience.
Big boost! Govt clears purchase of AWACS for IAF, P8I for Navy, heavy helicopters for coast guard
The Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Rajnath Singh also approved procurement of Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters (TEHH) for the Indian Coast Guard.
Indian-Sri Lankan Armies to conduct joint military exercise Mitra Shakti 2019 in Pune
India and Sri Lanka have collaborated on anti-terror operations over the years. The two sides have a long history of military cooperation.
Make in India in Defence: 42 joint ventures in defence sector cleared, Russian companies emerge as preferred choice
India and Russia have formed 3 joint ventures – Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd, Indo-Russian Helicopters Ltd and Indo Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd.
Defence PSUs order book tops Rs 2.3 lakh crore; these 3 PSUs, including HAL, are top performers
HAL which produces Sukhoi 30 MKI frontline fighters and indigenously developed light combat aircraft – LCA Tejas – has orderbook worth Rs 59,832 crore.
India US tri-services disaster relief exercise Tiger Triumph begins
This 9 day long joint military exercise being held at Vishakhapatnam will hone humanitarian assistance and disaster relief skills of Indian forces.
Opportunity for private defence companies: Rajnath Singh launches third round of Defence Start-up challenge
Defence minister Rajnath Singh launched the third phase of defene startup challenge that provides platform for showcasing their innovations and ideas.
Army commanders conference to brainstorm the future course of Indian Army
Indian Army’s Commanders conference will brainstorm critical issues and future road map for the force. The discussion will be followed by policy level decisions.
Make in India in Defence: FICCI organizes army-industry conclave
Focused and dogged pursuance of Make programmes alone can differentiate our war fighting abilities, said Jayant D Patil of L&T Defence.
India, Bangladesh Navies conduct joint patrolling in Bay of Bengal
The second edition of India-Bangladesh coordinated patrol (CORPAT) will be followed by the maiden naval exercise at Vishakhapatnam.
India-France annual defence dialogue: New Delhi-Paris agree to deepen military relations
Defence News: Rajnath Singh said strong cooperation between India-France will continue to grow & contribute to global peace, prosperity and environmental sustainability.
Rajnath Singh receives first Rafale aircraft; performs Shastra Puja in France
Rafale Deal: Rajnath Singh said Rafale will make India stronger and will give a boost to its air dominance exponentially to ensure peace and security in the region.
Rajnath Singh meets Emmanuel Macron; reviews bilateral defence partnership
Rajnath Singh said France is India’s important strategic partner and its special relationship with India goes far beyond the realm of formal ties.
Rajnath Singh to receive first Rafale jet in Paris; perform ‘Shastra Puja’ of the weapon system
Defence minister Rajnath Singh will also perform Shastra Puja in France before taking the delivery of first Rafale fighter aircraft.
India Maldives kickstart joint military exercise Ekuverin in Pune
Defence News India: Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces have been conducting Exercise Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language since 2009.
Govt enhances monetary assistance for battle casualties by four times; read full details here
Defence minister Rajnath Singh Saturday gave in-principle approval for enhancing army battle casualty welfare fund (ABCWF) by four times, from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.
Goa Maritime Conclave 2019: Maritime challenges in Indian Ocean region discussed
Goa Maritime Conclave 2019: Discussions focused on capacity building among the navies of Indian Ocean Rim countries to tackle the emerging maritime threats.
India Kazakhstan conduct joint military exercise Kazind-2019
This is the fourth edition of KAZIND-2019 military exercise which is conducted alternatively in Kazakhstan and India.
Air Marshal VR Chaudhary takes charge as Senior Air Staff Officer of IAF’s Eastern Air Command
A fighter pilot, Air Marshal VR Chaudhary has been decorated with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
India Mongolia conduct Nomadic Elephant military exercise
Nomadic Elephant Military Exercise: Indian and Monoglian Armies have been conducting joint military exercise for last 14 years.
Lt General IS Ghuman takes charge of Indian Army’s central command
Indian Army Postings: Lieutenant General IS Ghuman assumed the charge of Army Commander of India’s Army’s Central Command on Wednesday (October 01 2019). After taking the charge, he laid a wreath at Smritika War Memorial. ALSO READ: India tests low weight man portable anti-tank missile The event was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour. ALSO…