Author
Manish Kumar Jha is an Associate Editor, BW BUSINESSWORLD & BW DEFENCE. He writes on the Foreign affairs, International Trade & Defence. His global coverage-on the ground- spans more than 25 countries worldwide. Received International Press Fellowship award.
K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO & Secretary, Department of Science, says the space agency is ready to embrace a new chapter in space -- to build/ launch satellites & payloads in collaboration with Indian space startups. It aims to have clusters of small satellites for precision observation. In the wide ranging conversation with BW Businessworld’s Manish Kumar Jha, Sivan talks about the space draft policy, Chandrayaan 2 payloads (new findings), Gisat1, Mission Gaganyaan (unmanned), NavIC, SAR and collaboration with other leading space agencies like US space Agency NASA & Russia’s Roscosmos.
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Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) arrived in Kochi on a two-day farewell visit to the Southern Naval Command (SNC). Admiral Karambir Singh retires from the Navy on 30 Nov 21 after over four decades of distinguished service. He led the Navy during one of the most challenging phases that the Navy has seen in several decades – the combination of the Galwan Crisis and COVID Pandemic and ensured that the frontline naval assets remained Mission Deployed to meet all challenges in the maritime domain.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has an order basket of Rs 1 lakh crore, even as its sole preserve of manufacturing aircraft and equipment for the Indian defence forces gets invaded by private sector competitors. HAL is leveraging on its depth and confidence from LCA Tejas to Combat helicopters to Unmmaned systems. In a freewheeling chat, HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director R. Madhavan, talks to BW Businessworld’s Manish Kumar Jha of the many new projects on the anvil. Madhavan throws light on crucial projects: LCA Tejas Mk1a, Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), AMCA, Tejas Mk 2, Trainer aircraft (HTT 40) and UAVs among others. Excerpts:
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Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has been driving policies and reforms in aerospace and defence to transform what is potentially marked as the most promising areas for industrial growth. In an exclusive interaction with Manish Kumar Jha of BW Businessworld, the Defence Secretary outlines his key policy direction, that is, ‘Make in India’ in Defence. He talks about the major acquisition plans and strategic partnerships on crucial projects – 75I submarine, AK 203-joint production line, light tank and the critical aero-engine technology. He also clarifies the key policy aspects on offset and FDI in defence and is forthcoming about the need to create a more level-playing field, testing labs, certification processes and systems for other players.
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The lead ship of Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyers being built at Mazgaon Docks Limited was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 Oct 21. The contract for four ships of Project 15B, as the Visakhapatnam class ships are known, was signed on 28 January 2011. This project is a follow-on of the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers commissioned in the last decade. The destroyer is installed with major indigenous weapons, including MRSAM BrahMos and Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers which is developed by Larsen &Toubro.
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Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff takes over the baton in the midst where the combat readiness of IAF is of the highest degree. IAF is playing the unprecedented role and leading critical missions in the conflicts. The next generation technological breakthroughs in aerial warfare are already unfolding in sheer magnitude and in the shape of unmanned systems, hypersonic combat aircraft and laser energy weapon. It is almost redefining the concept of modern warfare in air and in space. In an exclusive interaction, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari speaks with Manish Kumar Jha of BW Businessworld on building and acquiring such capabilities. He spells out his thoughts on such national projects—LCA Tejas, AMCA, MRFA, HTT-40, and LCH—projecting the sheer commitment of 450 aircrafts.
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Boeing has made significant inroads in India. The IAF operates fleets of C-17s, AH-64 Apaches and CH-47 Chinooks. Boeing's P-8I aircraft has indeed played a crucial role in building India’s Maritime Reconnaissance Capabilities in the IOR. Indian Armed Forces are gearing up for the modernization, embracing next generation capabilities. India is also striving to develop aerospace industrial base and achieve technological breakthroughs with projects like AMCA, TEDBF and MRFA under strategic partnership. Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security opens up with BW Businessworld’s Manish Kumar Jha on such partnership and possibilities with India. She outlines her vision for India by offering advance military hardware.
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Australia is embarking on its most significant change of defence and strategic direction, aiming to make the Navy's next submarine fleet nuclear-powered. It does herald a sweeping change in Australia’s defence and foreign policy. Towards subcontinent, with security partnership unfolding, It is the moment of breakthrough in the indo Australian bilateral relations. In an exclusive interview with BW Businessworld's Manish Kumar Jha, Australia's Defence Minister Peter Dutton speaks on the such definitive turn. He spells out the Australian security framework on AUKUS and QUAD.
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The Navy’s top commanders gathered for their biannual meeting to discuss the force’s operational, logistical and material preparedness and future plans. The Commanders will discuss the combat readiness in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. It is to be noted that China is building a permanent Indian Ocean squadron and it has already been breaking norms and rules of the international maritime. While Indian Naval ships on Mission Based Deployments across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) have remained poised for quick response, the Navy needs to fortify its capability for wider access and further operational deployments across the Ocean. Commanders will deliberate and find the way out for the timely acquisition of warships and submarines, including the Project P75 I to take off.
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Modernization is an inescapable and inexorable need of the defence forces in India. The thrust on technology and innovation is an imperative for both the establishment and industry. Instead of adopting a lead role in technological innovation in drone and anti- drone capability by virtue of the available expertise in IT, the country scrambled to hastily acquire even basic equipment. In the face of each crisis, the Armed Forces end up looking far and beyond and yet again initiate a complex cycle of procurement with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), mostly foreign. What is the way out then? The Indian Armed Forces must step into the role of the soldiers- scientist, taking ownership of the weaponry and technology that they depend on, to defend our country, writes Manish Kumar Jha.
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