News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Navy

  • As Part Of South China Sea Deployment, INS Kiltan Arrives In Brunei | India News

    MUARA: Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived at Muara, Brunei and was accorded a warm welcome by the Royal Brunei Navy. The visit is part of Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. This visit is poised to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two maritime nations, the Ministry of Defence informed a press release.

    The visit by Indian Naval Ship Kiltan is focused on professional interactions, sports fixtures, social exchanges and community outreach reflecting the shared values ​​of both nations and navies. The visit will conclude with a Maritime Partnership Exercise at sea between the Indian Navy and Royal Brunei Navy. The two navies will undertake tactical evolutions which will bolster interoperability and exchange of best practices.

    INS Kiltan is the third of four P28 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Corvettes indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the Ministry of Defence also said. Earlier on May 20, INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan arrived in Manila, Philippines, to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and maritime cooperation between the two countries. Moreover, the visit was part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea.

    During the visit, personnel from both navies engaged in a wide range of professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), sports fixtures, cross-deck visits, cultural visits, and collaborative community outreach programmes. Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated over the Scarborough Shoal as Manila has taken a more assertive approach in disputed areas.

    Approximately 220 kilometres off the coast of the Philippines and within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the shoal is a traditional fishing ground used by multiple nations and located close to important shipping channels. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an EEZ extends about 370 km from a country’s coast.

    China has claimed almost the entire South China Sea rejecting claims from other nations, including the Philippines, and an international ruling that states that these claims have no legal basis, according to an Al Jazeera report.

    Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam also claim the parts of the sea. India and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations in November 1949, shortly after both countries gained independence.

    The relations between the two countries have been cordial and muted. Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships regularly visit the Philippines. The participation of officers of the armed forces of both countries in various specialized training courses in each other’s countries has intensified as have visits by National Defence College delegations.

  • Amid Chinese `Spy` Vessel`s Movement Towards Maldives, Indian Navy Sends Its Submarine To Sri Lanka

    INS ‘Karanj’ – a submarine of the Indian Navy arrived at the port of Colombo yesterday on a formal visit. The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in the precision of naval traditions.

  • US Says Iranian Drone Struck Ship In Indian Ocean; Coast Guard To Escort Distressed MV Chem Pluto To Mumbai |

    The Pentagon has said that an Iranian drone on Saturday struck a chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean, Reuters reported. “The motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker, was struck at approximately 10 am local time (6 am GMT) today in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India, by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran,” a Pentagon spokesperson told Reuters. The incident comes as the latest illustration of the growing regional tensions after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

    The Pentagon said this was the “seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021”. An India-bound merchant vessel, MV Chem Pluto, with 20 Indian and one Vietnamese crew member on Saturday caught fire after it was attacked by a suspected drone. It was later secured by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the ICG said in an official statement.

    DRONE ATTACK ON MV CHEM PLUTO-Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre,Mumbai received information regarding fire onboard MV Chem Pluto. The Merchant ship with 20 Indian &01 Vietnamese Crew was reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike on aerial platform.(1/6) pic.twitter.com/CpioW9MfT9
    — Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) December 23, 2023

    The merchant vessel reportedly commenced its voyage from the UAE on December 19 and was bound for New Mangalore port with an arrival date of December 25. According to the official statement, on December 23, the Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai received information regarding a fire onboard MV Chem Pluto, reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike or aerial platform.

    The Indian Coast Guard Maritime Coordination Centre (MRCC), which established real-time communication with the vessel’s agent, ascertained no loss of life and assured all assistance. It was also learned that the vessel fire had been doused by the crew. To augment the vessel’s safety, MRCC Mumbai has activated ISN and immediately diverted other merchant vessels in the vicinity of Chem Pluto for assistance. The ship is being escorted to Mumbai.

    “The Indian Coast Guard also pressed Offshore Patrol vessel Vikram and Coast Guard Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft into action for rendering assistance to Chem Pluto. The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitised the area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making its way towards Mumbai after undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems,” the statement further read. 

  • Kin of naval veterans on trial in Qatar hopeful of their repatriation after upcoming judgement

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The judgement in the ongoing trial of eight Indian naval veterans in Doha will be announced on Thursday. The families of the eight naval veterans are hopeful that their repatriation is round the corner.

    “We are hoping to have them back by Diwali. There is optimism in our houses and we are presuming that they will be back,” said a relative of one of the veterans.

    The eight veterans are Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh.

    They were picked up by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior on August 30, 2022 for questioning and never returned home. They were kept in solitary confinement and were later charge sheeted (details of which have not yet been made public).

    In October 2022, they were asked to go back home and pack their bags to return to India, but by the time they returned with their bags there was a change of heart and they were sent back to their solitary confinement cells. The bags that these veterans had brought with them are in their possession in their cells. They have been living under twin sharing basis for the past few months.

    The eight worked for Dhara Consultancies which had to down its shutters earlier this year.

    “The seventh hearing on the charges that have been levelled against officers was held on October 3. On October 1, India’s Ambassador in Doha and Deputy Head of Mission met the eight naval veterans. We have also been in touch with their families on a regular basis, extending all possible assistance,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said earlier.

    ALSO READ | Fearing arrest over story on jailed naval veterans, Indian journalist and husband flee Doha Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: The judgement in the ongoing trial of eight Indian naval veterans in Doha will be announced on Thursday. The families of the eight naval veterans are hopeful that their repatriation is round the corner.

    “We are hoping to have them back by Diwali. There is optimism in our houses and we are presuming that they will be back,” said a relative of one of the veterans.

    The eight veterans are Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta and Sailor Ragesh.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    They were picked up by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior on August 30, 2022 for questioning and never returned home. They were kept in solitary confinement and were later charge sheeted (details of which have not yet been made public).

    In October 2022, they were asked to go back home and pack their bags to return to India, but by the time they returned with their bags there was a change of heart and they were sent back to their solitary confinement cells. The bags that these veterans had brought with them are in their possession in their cells. They have been living under twin sharing basis for the past few months.

    The eight worked for Dhara Consultancies which had to down its shutters earlier this year.

    “The seventh hearing on the charges that have been levelled against officers was held on October 3. On October 1, India’s Ambassador in Doha and Deputy Head of Mission met the eight naval veterans. We have also been in touch with their families on a regular basis, extending all possible assistance,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said earlier.

    ALSO READ | Fearing arrest over story on jailed naval veterans, Indian journalist and husband flee Doha Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • President Murmu to launch technologically advanced warship Vindhyagiri

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indigenously manufactured Vindhyagiri, a Project 17A Frigate for Indian Navy, will be launched by President Droupadi Murmu, at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Kolkata on 17 Aug 23.

    Vindhyagiri, named after the mountain range in Karnataka, is the sixth ship of the Project 17A Frigates. These warships are follow-ons of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems.

    Age old saying is that “Old ships never die, they fade away to be resurrected in another avatar.”

     ‘Vindhyagiri’, a technologically advanced Frigate, pays a befitting tribute to the distinguished service of its predecessor, the erstwhile INS Vindhyagiri, the Leander Class ASW Frigate.

    The old Vindhyagiri in its nearly 31 years of service from 08 Jul 81 to 11 Jun 12, had witnessed various challenging operations and multinational exercises. The newly christened Vindhyagiri stands as a symbol of India’s determination to embrace its rich naval heritage while propelling itself towards a future of indigenous defence capabilities.

    Under the Project 17A program, a total of four ships by Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) and three ships by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) are under construction. The project’s first five ships have been launched by MDL and GRSE, between 2019-2022.

    Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the pioneer organisation for all warship design activities. Aligning with the country’s resolute commitment to ‘Atma Nirbharta’ (self-reliance), a substantial 75% of the orders for equipment and systems of Project 17A ships are from indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The launch of Vindhyagiri is an apt testament to the incredible progress our Nation has made in building a self-reliant naval force.

    NEW DELHI: The Indigenously manufactured Vindhyagiri, a Project 17A Frigate for Indian Navy, will be launched by President Droupadi Murmu, at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Kolkata on 17 Aug 23.

    Vindhyagiri, named after the mountain range in Karnataka, is the sixth ship of the Project 17A Frigates. These warships are follow-ons of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems.

    Age old saying is that “Old ships never die, they fade away to be resurrected in another avatar.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

     ‘Vindhyagiri’, a technologically advanced Frigate, pays a befitting tribute to the distinguished service of its predecessor, the erstwhile INS Vindhyagiri, the Leander Class ASW Frigate.

    The old Vindhyagiri in its nearly 31 years of service from 08 Jul 81 to 11 Jun 12, had witnessed various challenging operations and multinational exercises. The newly christened Vindhyagiri stands as a symbol of India’s determination to embrace its rich naval heritage while propelling itself towards a future of indigenous defence capabilities.

    Under the Project 17A program, a total of four ships by Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) and three ships by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) are under construction. The project’s first five ships have been launched by MDL and GRSE, between 2019-2022.

    Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the pioneer organisation for all warship design activities. Aligning with the country’s resolute commitment to ‘Atma Nirbharta’ (self-reliance), a substantial 75% of the orders for equipment and systems of Project 17A ships are from indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The launch of Vindhyagiri is an apt testament to the incredible progress our Nation has made in building a self-reliant naval force.

  • Defence Bill in Parliament set to grant disciplinary, administrative powers to inter-services heads

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Aiming to devolve disciplinary and administrative powers to the head of inter-services Organisations (ISO), a parliamentary panel on defence has recommended that the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, be passed and enacted as a statute, without any amendments.

    “In summation, the committee, while agreeing with the provisions of the bill, in no uncertain words recommend that the bill without any amendments be passed, enacted as a statute and the committee’s observations/recommendation be considered,” the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report.

    The Panel’s Report (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on the bill was presented to Lok Sabha on Friday and also laid in Rajya Sabha.

    The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Defence by the Speaker on April 24 for examination and report. It is a significant move as India has begun the process to re-organise and integrate its Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) into theatre commands.

    The restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands in which the personnel of the three forces will serve together.

    Currently, personnel of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force are governed in accordance with the provisions contained in their specific governing or regulatory Service Acts — the Army Act, 1950; the Navy Act, 1957; and the Air Force Act, 1950.

    “At the time of enactment of these respective Acts, most of the service organisations were largely comprised of personnel from a single service i.e. Either Army, Navy or Air Force. However, now there are numerous inter-services organisations such as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Strategic Forces Command, Defence Space Agency etc. And joint training establishments like National Defence Academy and National Defence College, where personnel of the armed forces and other forces serve together,” the committee added.

    Currently, the commander-in-chief or officer-in-command of the inter-services organisations is not empowered to exercise disciplinary/administrative powers over the personnel belonging to other services. Only officers of the respective services are empowered to exercise disciplinary powers over the service personnel under their respective Service Acts, the report said.

    “Accordingly, the officers serving in these organisations need to be reverted to their respective parent service units for exercising any disciplinary or administrative action,” it said.

    In view of the above, the Ministry of Defence has proposed to enact new legislation that is the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023.

    “The Bill seeks to empower the commander-in-chief and officer-in-command of inter-services organisations with all disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in or attached to such organisations/establishments,” it said. 

    The members of the committee have been mandated to present their report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the ensuing Monsoon session. The session began on July 20 and is scheduled to end on August 11. 

    The committee found that “as per the Objects and Reasons of the Bill, the proposed bill will essentially be an enabling legislation, which will empower the heads of the inter-services organisations to exercise effective command, control and discipline on all personnel of regular Air Force, Army and Navy and to persons of other forces as notified by the central government, who are serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation, without amending the respective Acts.”

    Service personnel when serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation will “continue to be governed by their respective Service Acts”, it added.

    The panel prepared this report based on the background brief provided by the Ministry of Defence, the oral examination of the representatives of the ministry held on May 29 and post-evidence replies sought by the committee.

    NEW DELHI: Aiming to devolve disciplinary and administrative powers to the head of inter-services Organisations (ISO), a parliamentary panel on defence has recommended that the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, be passed and enacted as a statute, without any amendments.

    “In summation, the committee, while agreeing with the provisions of the bill, in no uncertain words recommend that the bill without any amendments be passed, enacted as a statute and the committee’s observations/recommendation be considered,” the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report.

    The Panel’s Report (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on the bill was presented to Lok Sabha on Friday and also laid in Rajya Sabha.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Defence by the Speaker on April 24 for examination and report. It is a significant move as India has begun the process to re-organise and integrate its Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) into theatre commands.

    The restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands in which the personnel of the three forces will serve together.

    Currently, personnel of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force are governed in accordance with the provisions contained in their specific governing or regulatory Service Acts — the Army Act, 1950; the Navy Act, 1957; and the Air Force Act, 1950.

    “At the time of enactment of these respective Acts, most of the service organisations were largely comprised of personnel from a single service i.e. Either Army, Navy or Air Force. However, now there are numerous inter-services organisations such as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Strategic Forces Command, Defence Space Agency etc. And joint training establishments like National Defence Academy and National Defence College, where personnel of the armed forces and other forces serve together,” the committee added.

    Currently, the commander-in-chief or officer-in-command of the inter-services organisations is not empowered to exercise disciplinary/administrative powers over the personnel belonging to other services. Only officers of the respective services are empowered to exercise disciplinary powers over the service personnel under their respective Service Acts, the report said.

    “Accordingly, the officers serving in these organisations need to be reverted to their respective parent service units for exercising any disciplinary or administrative action,” it said.

    In view of the above, the Ministry of Defence has proposed to enact new legislation that is the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023.

    “The Bill seeks to empower the commander-in-chief and officer-in-command of inter-services organisations with all disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in or attached to such organisations/establishments,” it said. 

    The members of the committee have been mandated to present their report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the ensuing Monsoon session. The session began on July 20 and is scheduled to end on August 11. 

    The committee found that “as per the Objects and Reasons of the Bill, the proposed bill will essentially be an enabling legislation, which will empower the heads of the inter-services organisations to exercise effective command, control and discipline on all personnel of regular Air Force, Army and Navy and to persons of other forces as notified by the central government, who are serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation, without amending the respective Acts.”

    Service personnel when serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation will “continue to be governed by their respective Service Acts”, it added.

    The panel prepared this report based on the background brief provided by the Ministry of Defence, the oral examination of the representatives of the ministry held on May 29 and post-evidence replies sought by the committee.

  • Indian armed forces likely to get their first Integrated Theatre Command in August

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces are in for their biggest reorganisation since Independence as preparations to roll out the first Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) are in advanced stages. “The Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command (SWC) will be the first theatre command, followed by Lucknow-based Northern Theatre Command,” a defence source said.

    An announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the Independence Day. 

    The South Western Command will initially function as the test-bed ITC in order to iron out the shortcomings and implement the commensurate amendments. The Lucknow-based ITC will be the next in line followed by the Maritime Theatre Command, based out of Karwar in Karnataka, entrusted with the responsibility of the coastal and maritime operations.

    The commands are being worked out as per the concept of ‘One Border One Force.’ The Western Integrated Theatre Command will be responsible for defence and security concerning Pakistan. Lucknow, which currently is the headquarters of the Central Command of the Indian Army, is to become the headquarters of the Northern ITC, having the entire northern border with China under its area of responsibility.

    The proposed ITCs will be created with no liabilities towards the creation of additional posts or ranks, as the structure will be created from the existing command structure of each Service. At present, the three armed forces function with 17 independent commands: Army and Air Force have seven commands each and the Navy has three commands.

    China, in 2016, reorganised its seven military regions into five theatre commands with Indian borders falling into the operational responsibility of its Western Theatre Command. 

    The ITC will reorganise the complete war-waging machinery comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force.  Discussions continue to identify the first Lieutenant General rank officer to be elevated as the first Theatre Commander. The warfighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    According to sources, if the appointment goes by the seniority principle, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in 1984 and the present GoC-in-C of Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will be the seniormost officer in line for appointment to the post.

    If the continuity of service of an officer in the same place comes into consideration, Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, the serving SWC Commander, will be chosen. The SWC was formally raised on April 15, 2005, and operationalised on August 15, 2005, at Jaipur Military Station. Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju assumed the charge of SWC on 1 March this year. Lt Gen Raju was commissioned in the Jat Regiment in 1984.

    Once appointed, the retirement age of the Theatre Commander will get pushed to 61 years, sources said. While the Services chiefs including the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) serve for three years as chiefs or till 62 years of age, whichever is earlier. For all the Lieutenant General rank officers it is fixed at 60 years.

    The major reform at the Higher Defence Management level was initiated with the government forming the Department of Military Affairs in 2019 and General Bipin Rawat appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. Formulation of the Theatre Command is the mandate of the CDS along with integration and synergy of the armed forces.

    The mandate of the Department of Military Affairs includes the facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands. The present plans are the result of the studies entrusted to the Commands of the three services on issues related to the organisation and structures.

    While in the case of the Army South Western Command and Central Command have carried out the study. Central Command of the Air Force and Eastern Command of the Navy have carried out the studies. The theaterisation process was initiated by CDS General Rawat who was killed in an unfortunate accident in December 2021. This led to a delay in the process.

    NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces are in for their biggest reorganisation since Independence as preparations to roll out the first Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) are in advanced stages. “The Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command (SWC) will be the first theatre command, followed by Lucknow-based Northern Theatre Command,” a defence source said.

    An announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the Independence Day. 

    The South Western Command will initially function as the test-bed ITC in order to iron out the shortcomings and implement the commensurate amendments. The Lucknow-based ITC will be the next in line followed by the Maritime Theatre Command, based out of Karwar in Karnataka, entrusted with the responsibility of the coastal and maritime operations.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The commands are being worked out as per the concept of ‘One Border One Force.’ The Western Integrated Theatre Command will be responsible for defence and security concerning Pakistan. Lucknow, which currently is the headquarters of the Central Command of the Indian Army, is to become the headquarters of the Northern ITC, having the entire northern border with China under its area of responsibility.

    The proposed ITCs will be created with no liabilities towards the creation of additional posts or ranks, as the structure will be created from the existing command structure of each Service. At present, the three armed forces function with 17 independent commands: Army and Air Force have seven commands each and the Navy has three commands.

    China, in 2016, reorganised its seven military regions into five theatre commands with Indian borders falling into the operational responsibility of its Western Theatre Command. 

    The ITC will reorganise the complete war-waging machinery comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force.  Discussions continue to identify the first Lieutenant General rank officer to be elevated as the first Theatre Commander. The warfighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    According to sources, if the appointment goes by the seniority principle, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in 1984 and the present GoC-in-C of Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will be the seniormost officer in line for appointment to the post.

    If the continuity of service of an officer in the same place comes into consideration, Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, the serving SWC Commander, will be chosen. The SWC was formally raised on April 15, 2005, and operationalised on August 15, 2005, at Jaipur Military Station. Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju assumed the charge of SWC on 1 March this year. Lt Gen Raju was commissioned in the Jat Regiment in 1984.

    Once appointed, the retirement age of the Theatre Commander will get pushed to 61 years, sources said. While the Services chiefs including the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) serve for three years as chiefs or till 62 years of age, whichever is earlier. For all the Lieutenant General rank officers it is fixed at 60 years.

    The major reform at the Higher Defence Management level was initiated with the government forming the Department of Military Affairs in 2019 and General Bipin Rawat appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. Formulation of the Theatre Command is the mandate of the CDS along with integration and synergy of the armed forces.

    The mandate of the Department of Military Affairs includes the facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands. The present plans are the result of the studies entrusted to the Commands of the three services on issues related to the organisation and structures.

    While in the case of the Army South Western Command and Central Command have carried out the study. Central Command of the Air Force and Eastern Command of the Navy have carried out the studies. The theaterisation process was initiated by CDS General Rawat who was killed in an unfortunate accident in December 2021. This led to a delay in the process.

  • L&T joins hands with Spanish firm Navantia to bid for Rs 43,000 crore Indian Navy submarine project

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and Spanish ship building company Navantia on Monday have joined hands to submit a techno-commercial bid for the Indian Navy’s P75 (India) submarine programme. They will now compete with Mazagon Dock and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the bid that is likely to be invited soon. Valued at Rs 43000 crore (approximately), this is one of India’s largest defence projects.

    L&T and Navantia signed an MoU for the programme on April 11 in Madrid, which has now culminated in this bid. Mazagon signed the MoU with ThyssenKrupp on June 7. Five companies had evinced interest and these two qualified.

    “Spain supports completely the idea of make in India and this agreement will take that forward,” said Jose Maria Ridao, Spain’s Ambassador to India, after the signing of the agreement, adding that the Spanish government is engaged with the idea of transferring technology to its ally India.

    The six stealth submarines will be built for the Indian Navy under the Strategic Partnership model of the Ministry of Defence that mandates foreign companies to partner with domestic builders.

    The Naval project requires the Indian bidder to tie up with a foreign collaborator (FC) and execute the programme for delivery of six conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), while achieving the targeted indigenous content.

    Once the bidder is announced, it would be followed by a 30-year lifecycle sustenance contract of similar value.

    “Our presence here today is important not just because it is commercial issue but also a diplomatic issue. Even though Spain is geographically far from India, our hearts are close. This agreement is an opportunity to have a long-term association with India,” Ambassador Ridao added.

    Meanwhile, L&T which is India’s largest private sector defence company, has an association with Spanish companies across various sectors that include railways, water and solar.

    “Navantia’s glorious 300-year-old track record in naval construction and technical expertise gives us a competitive advantage in this programme and offers the bio-ethanol stealth technology (BEST) and environmentally green AIP solution,” said L&T CEO SN Subrahmanyan.

    Navantia would carry out the design of P75(I) submarines based on its S80 class of submarines, the first of which was launched in 2021 and is undergoing sea trials prior to its delivery to the Spanish Navy at the end of 2023. Apart from the S80 class, Navantia has been involved in the design and construction of the Scorpene class of submarines together with DCNS (Now Naval Group) of France, which have been exported to Chile and Malaysia. Navantia has also been involved in the Scorpene submarines (Kalvari class) built in India, including handholding of the Indian yard.

    “It gives us great joy to be in a position to be the design and technology partner for P75(I). We are also in collaboration with L&T for the Landing Platform Dock (LPD) programme whose tender is eagerly awaited,” said Naval Construction Vice-President and Member of the Navantia Board Augustin Alvarez Blanco.

    L&T and Navantia are also seeking cooperation in other military programmes as well as in green energy opportunities, including offshore wind through Navantia Seanergies division.

    NEW DELHI: Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and Spanish ship building company Navantia on Monday have joined hands to submit a techno-commercial bid for the Indian Navy’s P75 (India) submarine programme. They will now compete with Mazagon Dock and Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the bid that is likely to be invited soon. Valued at Rs 43000 crore (approximately), this is one of India’s largest defence projects.

    L&T and Navantia signed an MoU for the programme on April 11 in Madrid, which has now culminated in this bid. Mazagon signed the MoU with ThyssenKrupp on June 7. Five companies had evinced interest and these two qualified.

    “Spain supports completely the idea of make in India and this agreement will take that forward,” said Jose Maria Ridao, Spain’s Ambassador to India, after the signing of the agreement, adding that the Spanish government is engaged with the idea of transferring technology to its ally India.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The six stealth submarines will be built for the Indian Navy under the Strategic Partnership model of the Ministry of Defence that mandates foreign companies to partner with domestic builders.

    The Naval project requires the Indian bidder to tie up with a foreign collaborator (FC) and execute the programme for delivery of six conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), while achieving the targeted indigenous content.

    Once the bidder is announced, it would be followed by a 30-year lifecycle sustenance contract of similar value.

    “Our presence here today is important not just because it is commercial issue but also a diplomatic issue. Even though Spain is geographically far from India, our hearts are close. This agreement is an opportunity to have a long-term association with India,” Ambassador Ridao added.

    Meanwhile, L&T which is India’s largest private sector defence company, has an association with Spanish companies across various sectors that include railways, water and solar.

    “Navantia’s glorious 300-year-old track record in naval construction and technical expertise gives us a competitive advantage in this programme and offers the bio-ethanol stealth technology (BEST) and environmentally green AIP solution,” said L&T CEO SN Subrahmanyan.

    Navantia would carry out the design of P75(I) submarines based on its S80 class of submarines, the first of which was launched in 2021 and is undergoing sea trials prior to its delivery to the Spanish Navy at the end of 2023. Apart from the S80 class, Navantia has been involved in the design and construction of the Scorpene class of submarines together with DCNS (Now Naval Group) of France, which have been exported to Chile and Malaysia. Navantia has also been involved in the Scorpene submarines (Kalvari class) built in India, including handholding of the Indian yard.

    “It gives us great joy to be in a position to be the design and technology partner for P75(I). We are also in collaboration with L&T for the Landing Platform Dock (LPD) programme whose tender is eagerly awaited,” said Naval Construction Vice-President and Member of the Navantia Board Augustin Alvarez Blanco.

    L&T and Navantia are also seeking cooperation in other military programmes as well as in green energy opportunities, including offshore wind through Navantia Seanergies division.

  • Mission Gaganyan: Indian Navy, ISRO release Recovery Training Plan

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Moving a step closer towards India’s foray into space, the Indian Navy and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Gaganyaan Recovery Training Plan at Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF) INS Garuda, Kochi recently.

    The Indian Navy on Friday said, “The document outlines the training plan for recovery of the Crew Module of the mission. It defines overall requirements wrt training of various teams participating in recovery operations incl Divers, MARCOs, Medical Specialists, Communicators, Technicians & Naval Aviators.”

    The training document was jointly released by VAdm Atul Anand, Director General of Naval Operations, Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, (VSSC) and Dr Umamaheshwaran R, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO

    The Recovery training is planned in incremental phases starting from unmanned recovery to manned recovery training in the harbour and open sea conditions. The recovery operations are being led by the Indian Navy in coordination with other Government agencies.

    The Crew Module Recovery Model was also formally handed over to the Indian Navy at its state-of-the-art Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF) at INS Garuda, Kochi. The mass and shape simulated mockup will be used for familiarisation and training of Gaganyaan recovery teams.

    The Indian Navy will also assist ISRO by undertaking a series of trials to fine-tune the Standard Operating Procedures for training the crew and recovery teams of Gaganyaan.

    The Gaganyaan Programme envisages undertaking the demonstration of human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in the short term and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. The objective of the Gaganyaan programme is to demonstrate the indigenous capability to undertake human space flight missions to LEO.

    As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission are approved by the Government of India (GoI).

    The uncrewed ‘G1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the last quarter of 2023 followed by the second uncrewed ‘G2’ mission in the second quarter of 2024, before the final human space flight ‘H1’ mission in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The astronauts designated for human space flight missions are currently undergoing mission-specific training in Bengaluru. The first semester of Astronaut training has been completed wherein they have undergone course modules on Theoretical basics, Space medicine, Launch vehicles, spacecraft system and ground support infrastructure.

    Regular physical fitness sessions, aeromedical training and flying practice are also part of crew training. Corresponding evaluation and assessment activities have also been completed. The second semester of crew training is currently in progress.

    NEW DELHI: Moving a step closer towards India’s foray into space, the Indian Navy and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the Gaganyaan Recovery Training Plan at Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF) INS Garuda, Kochi recently.

    The Indian Navy on Friday said, “The document outlines the training plan for recovery of the Crew Module of the mission. It defines overall requirements wrt training of various teams participating in recovery operations incl Divers, MARCOs, Medical Specialists, Communicators, Technicians & Naval Aviators.”

    The training document was jointly released by VAdm Atul Anand, Director General of Naval Operations, Dr Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, (VSSC) and Dr Umamaheshwaran R, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISROgoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Recovery training is planned in incremental phases starting from unmanned recovery to manned recovery training in the harbour and open sea conditions. The recovery operations are being led by the Indian Navy in coordination with other Government agencies.

    The Crew Module Recovery Model was also formally handed over to the Indian Navy at its state-of-the-art Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF) at INS Garuda, Kochi. The mass and shape simulated mockup will be used for familiarisation and training of Gaganyaan recovery teams.

    The Indian Navy will also assist ISRO by undertaking a series of trials to fine-tune the Standard Operating Procedures for training the crew and recovery teams of Gaganyaan.

    The Gaganyaan Programme envisages undertaking the demonstration of human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in the short term and will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. The objective of the Gaganyaan programme is to demonstrate the indigenous capability to undertake human space flight missions to LEO.

    As part of this programme, two unmanned missions and one manned mission are approved by the Government of India (GoI).

    The uncrewed ‘G1’ mission is targeted to be launched in the last quarter of 2023 followed by the second uncrewed ‘G2’ mission in the second quarter of 2024, before the final human space flight ‘H1’ mission in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The astronauts designated for human space flight missions are currently undergoing mission-specific training in Bengaluru. The first semester of Astronaut training has been completed wherein they have undergone course modules on Theoretical basics, Space medicine, Launch vehicles, spacecraft system and ground support infrastructure.

    Regular physical fitness sessions, aeromedical training and flying practice are also part of crew training. Corresponding evaluation and assessment activities have also been completed. The second semester of crew training is currently in progress.

  • Navy carries out maiden night landing of MiG-29K on indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The country’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant has moved one step closer to becoming fully operational as the Indian Navy crossed another important milestone by undertaking the maiden night landing of a MiG-29K aircraft on board the ship.

    The Indian Navy on Thursday said, “This challenging night landing trial demonstrates the resolve, skill and professionalism of the Vikrant crew and the Naval pilots.”

    The whole process of establishing the compatibility between aircraft and ship along with the night landing within one year makes it a significant achievement.

    INS Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier and the most complex warship ever built in the country by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on September 2, 2022.

    ALSO READ | Har Shikhar Tiranga: Unique expedition launched to hoist tricolour at highest points of all states

    The carrier is presently undergoing Air Certification and Flight Integration Trials with Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft for achieving ‘combat ready’ state at the earliest. As part of the trials, the maiden day landing of MiG-29K and the indigenous LCA (Navy) was achieved on February 6, 2023. Since then, day and night landing trials of all helicopters of the Indian Navy have progressed. This night landing on Wednesday is in continuation with the impetus on the aviation trials.

    “This challenging accomplishment, within three months of maiden day landing demonstrates the resolve, skill and professionalism of the Indian Navy, Vikrant crew and naval pilots,” said a defence source.

    This entire process has been carried out indigenously by Indian Navy pilots and personnel on board the ship.

    The 45,000 ton INS Vikrant with 76% indigenous content is the biggest warship ever designed and manufactured indigenously. It is 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment/systems, designed for a crew of around 1,600 officers and sailors.

    The carrier is capable of operating an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft.

    Aircraft carriers are floating air bases which extend the combat capability of the country. The Indian Navy has been pushing for three aircraft carriers so that India has at least one operational for both the east and west seaboards while the third goes for maintenance and repair.

    Currently, the Indian Navy has two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant — in its inventory. But INS Vikrant is yet to get fully operationalised.

    An aircraft carrier adds to the surge capability as fighter jets operating from land will always have their limitations.

    As reported earlier by The New Indian Express, keeping in mind the increased Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean, the country will have to extend air power into far-off areas like the Malacca Strait on one side and the Gulf of Aden on the other.

    With one aircraft carrier still under maintenance and one yet to be inducted, the Indian Navy will be operating without one for some more time.

    This is the state of affairs when China has been successfully beating deadlines in adding to its military might. It started manufacturing its first aircraft carrier in 2012 and commissioned its third indigenous one, Fujian, in June 2022.

    China has become the biggest Navy with 355 warships and submarines while India’s total fleet strength is 130. “Keeping in mind our pace, even if we take a decision on the carrier today, it will take over a year to begin the process of manufacturing,” said a defence source.

    NEW DELHI: The country’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant has moved one step closer to becoming fully operational as the Indian Navy crossed another important milestone by undertaking the maiden night landing of a MiG-29K aircraft on board the ship.

    The Indian Navy on Thursday said, “This challenging night landing trial demonstrates the resolve, skill and professionalism of the Vikrant crew and the Naval pilots.”

    The whole process of establishing the compatibility between aircraft and ship along with the night landing within one year makes it a significant achievement.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    INS Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier and the most complex warship ever built in the country by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on September 2, 2022.

    ALSO READ | Har Shikhar Tiranga: Unique expedition launched to hoist tricolour at highest points of all states

    The carrier is presently undergoing Air Certification and Flight Integration Trials with Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing aircraft for achieving ‘combat ready’ state at the earliest. As part of the trials, the maiden day landing of MiG-29K and the indigenous LCA (Navy) was achieved on February 6, 2023. Since then, day and night landing trials of all helicopters of the Indian Navy have progressed. This night landing on Wednesday is in continuation with the impetus on the aviation trials.

    “This challenging accomplishment, within three months of maiden day landing demonstrates the resolve, skill and professionalism of the Indian Navy, Vikrant crew and naval pilots,” said a defence source.

    This entire process has been carried out indigenously by Indian Navy pilots and personnel on board the ship.

    The 45,000 ton INS Vikrant with 76% indigenous content is the biggest warship ever designed and manufactured indigenously. It is 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment/systems, designed for a crew of around 1,600 officers and sailors.

    The carrier is capable of operating an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft.

    Aircraft carriers are floating air bases which extend the combat capability of the country. The Indian Navy has been pushing for three aircraft carriers so that India has at least one operational for both the east and west seaboards while the third goes for maintenance and repair.

    Currently, the Indian Navy has two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant — in its inventory. But INS Vikrant is yet to get fully operationalised.

    An aircraft carrier adds to the surge capability as fighter jets operating from land will always have their limitations.

    As reported earlier by The New Indian Express, keeping in mind the increased Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean, the country will have to extend air power into far-off areas like the Malacca Strait on one side and the Gulf of Aden on the other.

    With one aircraft carrier still under maintenance and one yet to be inducted, the Indian Navy will be operating without one for some more time.

    This is the state of affairs when China has been successfully beating deadlines in adding to its military might. It started manufacturing its first aircraft carrier in 2012 and commissioned its third indigenous one, Fujian, in June 2022.

    China has become the biggest Navy with 355 warships and submarines while India’s total fleet strength is 130. “Keeping in mind our pace, even if we take a decision on the carrier today, it will take over a year to begin the process of manufacturing,” said a defence source.