New Delhi:

In a huge boost to local defence manufacturing, the Centre on Tuesday approved 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore, including for the modernisation of the Indian Army’s tank fleet with a futuristic Main Battle Tank.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore.

Of the total cost, 99 per cent is from indigenous sources under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ and ‘Buy (Indian-indigenously designed, developed and manufactured)’ categories, the ministry said in a statement.

The move clears the path for the procurement of future-ready combat vehicles (FRCVs), air defence fire control radars, Dornier-228 aircraft, next-generation fast patrol and offshore patrol vessels.

The FRCV will be a futuristic Main Battle Tank with superior mobility, all-terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision & lethal fires over and real-time situational awareness, the Ministry of Defence said.

The government also approved a proposal for the procurement of air defence fire control radars, which will detect and track aerial targets and provide firing solutions.

“The proposal has also been approved for Forward Repair Team (Tracked) which has suitable cross-country mobility for carrying out in-situ repair during mechanised operations,” the ministry said.

This equipment is designed and developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd, and is authorised for both Mechanised Infantry Battalions and Armoured Regiments.

Three AoNs have been accorded to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ministry said that Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels having high operational features in rough weather conditions, and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels with advanced technology and enhanced long-range operations, will enhance the capability of ICG to carry out surveillance, patrolling of the maritime zone, search and rescue and disaster relief operations.

The Defence Minister also honoured late Indian Coast Guard (ICG) DG Rakesh Pal, who was also a member of the DAC and passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai on August 18.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir):

One Indian Army soldier was injured on Monday at Jammu’s Sunjwan military station after terrorists opened fire, officials said.

As per Defence officials, terrorists fired from a stand-off distance from outside the base.

More details are awaited.

On Thursday, Indian Army successfully eliminated three terrorists attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC) in Machhal and Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Credible inputs were received from intelligence agencies, which was further corroborated by J-K Police regarding likely infiltration attempts from these areas. Based on the inputs, troops of the Indian Army, JKP and BSF laid ambushes on likely infiltration routes in both Machhal and Tangdhar sector,” an official release said.

On the evening of August 28, suspicious movement was detected following which firing commenced that went on till early August 29 morning.

Notably, this is the 6th operation in the Kupwara district this year, which has now resulted in the killing of 10 terrorists including foreign infiltrators.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Imphal/New Delhi:

Amid the situation in Manipur, women from the valley areas such as Bishnupur and Imphal East and hill areas of Kakching, Ukhrul, Kangpokpi and Leimakhong found a culturally inspiring way to express their solidarity and trust in the Indian Army and Assam Rifles by celebrating Raksha Bandhan, the army said in a statement.

This traditional festival, which symbolises the bond of trust and protection between brothers and sisters, took on a deeper meaning this year as women tied rakhis to soldiers, underscoring their belief in the role of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles as protectors, the army said.

The celebration of Raksha Bandhan in Manipur, particularly against the backdrop of the recent incidents, highlights the resilience of women in the region, the army said, adding the women have chosen to reaffirm their faith in the Indian Army and Assam Rifles. The act of tying rakhis to soldiers serves as a powerful testimony to the fact that the soldiers will safeguard all the communities and uphold peace, the army said.

Women in Manipur have historically played significant roles in their communities, often emerging as leaders during any crisis. Their participation in the Raksha Bandhan celebrations reflects not only cultural traditions but also a collective desire for security and stability, the army said.

The gesture of tying rakhis symbolises a deep bond and a reaffirmation of trust in the security forces.

This celebration of Raksha Bandhan in the current situation shows sentiments for peace and inclusiveness. By celebrating this festival, women are not only preserving their cultural identity but also asserting their legacy and their active role in the society and in preservation of peace and security, the army said.

Today’s celebrations and the rakhis tied by women signify a bond of trust that is transcendental, and it is a positive reminder that the population believes in the commitment of Indian Army and Assam Rifles in ensuring peace and stability.

The celebration of Raksha Bandhan by women of Manipur serves as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience and reflects their unwavering trust in the Indian Army to protect them. This act not only reinforces cultural ties but also embodies a collective aspiration for a peaceful future in Manipur, where the bonds of sisterhood and solidarity can thrive in all situations, the army said.

Jammu:

Firing exchanges took place on Sunday between the security forces and the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.

Officials said the firing exchanges happened in the Paddar Batam Bridge area in the Kishtwar district. The search operation is currently underway there.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and All Ranks of the Indian Army saluted the supreme sacrifice of Bravehearts Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma, who laid down their lives in the line of duty, in Anantnag.

In an encounter between the security forces and the terrorists in the Ahlan Gandole area of Kokernag in Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday, two soldiers were killed. Five other persons, including three soldiers and two civilians, were injured.

The Army said the terror antecedents of the two injured civilians are being established.

All the injured, including the two civilians, were shifted to a hospital for treatment on Saturday.

The Army stated on Saturday evening on the Kokernag gunfight, which said, “It had been earlier confirmed through Human and Electronic means on 05 August 2024 terrorists responsible for atrocities and incidents in the Doda region in the month of July 24, had sneaked across the Kishtwar range into the Kapran Garol area in South Kashmir. Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police have ever since relentlessly tracked these terrorists and precise operations were launched on the night of 09 & 10 Aug 2024 in the area East of Kapran, in the mountains, where these terrorists were reportedly holed up.”

“Suspicious movement was observed at approximately 1400 hours on 10 August, on challenging, was immediately responded to by indiscriminate, desperate and reckless firing from terrorists in which two Army personnel and two civilians, in the vicinity, were injured. The terror antecedents of the injured civilians are being ascertained,” the Army said.

The area where the encounter erupted is above 10,000 feet in high altitude and has thick undergrowth, large boulders and nallahs that pose a serious challenge to operations.

“The security forces are in the process of hunting down the terrorists,” said the Army

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jammu:

Security forces and terrorists exchanged fire twice briefly within a span of four hours in a forest area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, officials said on Wednesday.

They said the firing was first reported at Kalaan Bhata at 10.45 pm on Tuesday and then near Panchan Bhata at 2 am during the ongoing anti-terrorist operation in the Desa forest area, where four Army personnel were killed in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.

There are no reports of any casualties in the latest exchanges of fire. Taking advantage of the darkness, difficult terrain and thick foliage, the terrorists managed to slip away, the officials said.

Troops of Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police had launched a joint cordon and search operation at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in the Desa forest belt, some 55 km from Doda town, late on Monday evening following information about the presence of terrorists.

Despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions, efforts are underway to track down and neutralise the militants who have links with the banned Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), the officials said.

The Army, along with para commandos and aerial support from drones and helicopters, is intensifying its search operation to eliminate the terrorists who have infiltrated from across the border and taken refuge in the forest area.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Army had said it had been conducting a series of joint and coordinated operations with the Jammu and Kashmir Police to eliminate foreign terrorists who had infiltrated from across the border and were moving in the upper reaches of Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar districts in the Jammu region and thereafter to Kashmir.

“All formations of the Northern Command are committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for which the relentless operations will continue,” the Army had said. 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Four Indian Army soldiers, including an officer, have been killed in action during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Monday.

A Jammu and Kashmir police personnel is also said to have been injured when the encounter broke out in the Desa area of the Doda district on Monday night. 

A joint operation by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched based on specific information about the presence of terrorists.

“Contact with terrorists was established at about 9 pm in which heavy firefight ensued. Initial reports suggest injuries to our bravehearts,” the Army had posted on X on Monday night.

Op KOTHI – 2

Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by #IndianArmy and JKP was in progress in General area North of #Doda.

Contact with terrorists was established tonight at about 2100h in which heavy firefight ensued. Initial reports suggest injuries to our…

— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) July 15, 2024

At least five soldiers were critically injured in the encounter, officials had said.

Second Major Attack In Jammu Region

This was the second major encounter in the Jammu region after five soldiers were killed in action in Kathua last week.

The attack, in which five soldiers were also injured, was a coordinated strike on two trucks carrying at least 12 troops.

The terrorists targeted the trucks, which were around 500 metres apart, with grenades and, in worrying signs, used armor-piercing bullets (those tipped with hardened steel) and an M4 assault rifle.

Terrorist attacks, which started in Poonch and Rajouri districts, have now spread across Jammu, the region that was free from terrorism till a few years ago.

Over the last 32 months, more than 40 soldiers have been killed in action in the Jammu region. 

There are reports over 60 foreign terrorists – trained in jungle warfare – may be operating in the Jammu region alone, even as the shadow of fear has spread across all 10 districts of the province.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked the Army to deploy the full spectrum of its anti-terrorist capabilities to eliminate terrorism in the Jammu region.

Srinagar:

Three unidentified terrorists were killed on Sunday as army foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The army said the anti-infiltration operation was going on till last reports.

“03x Terrorists have been eliminated in the ongoing anti-infiltration operation on the #LoC in Keran Sector, alongwith recovery of weapons and other war-like stores,” Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army posted on X.

OP DHANUSH II, KERAN #Kupwara

03x Terrorists have been eliminated in the ongoing anti-infiltration operation on the #LoC in Keran Sector, alongwith recovery of weapons and other war-like stores.
The operation is continuing #Kashmir@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA

— Chinar Corps – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) July 14, 2024

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

A retired army officer has explained why it took over nine months to retrieve the bodies of three soldiers who died after their mountaineering expedition team was struck by an avalanche in October 2023 at a height of over 18,300 feet in Ladakh.

Brigadier Hardeep Singh Sohi (retired) in a post on X thanked and congratulated soldiers of the Gulmarg-based High-Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) for retrieving the bodies.

The bodies of Havildar Rohit Kumar, Havildar Thakur Bahadur Ale, and Naik Gautam Rajbanshi were trapped deep within a crevasse and lay buried under thick layers of ice and large volumes of snow for the last nine months.

“He is not heavy, he is my brother. A big salute to HAWS Gulmarg for retrieving the bodies of three Havaldar instructors who were buried in snow in October last year while undertaking an expedition to Mount Kun,” Brigadier Sohi said in the post.

On queries by some people on social media seeking to know why the bodies lay buried in snow for the last nine months, the retired army officer said the team this time went with proper tools and even then took nine days of digging to recover the bodies.

“Some people are questioning as to why the bodies of the three soldiers [were] buried for over nine months and efforts were not made to retrieve them earlier. To set the record straight, when four soldiers were lost on October 8, 2023, after six days of digging only one body was recovered,” Brigadier Sohi said.

“This time the team went with chainsaws and GREF grade shovels using RECCO radar and after nine days digging successfully recovered [the] balance three. The bodies were buried under a 70-feet crevasse covered with snow,” he said.

#OperationRTG
Some people are questioning as to why were the bodies of three soldiers buried for over 9 months and efforts were not made to retrieve them earlier. To set the record straight:-

1 When four soldiers were lost on 8 Oct 23, after 6 days of digging one body was… pic.twitter.com/XAPw5c34fe

— Brigadier Hardeep Singh Sohi,Shaurya Chakra (R) (@Hardisohi) July 11, 2024

The body of Lance Naik Stanzin Targais was recovered soon after the incident last year.

In July 2023, a 38-member expedition team from the HAWS had set out to conquer Mount Kun in Ladakh. The expedition started on October 1 and the team hoped to reach the peak by October 13.

The treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather in this glaciated region posed immense challenges. While fixing ropes on a snow wall, the team was struck by a sudden avalanche on October 8 at a height of over 18,300 feet, trapping four members, news agency PTI reported.

In the army’s spirit of “leave no man behind”, a team of mountaineers of the HAWS then undertook a mission to recover the bodies. Operation RTG (Rohit, Thakur, Gautam) that sought to retrieve their bodies was launched on June 18.

Brigadier SS Shekhawat, the Deputy Commandant of HAWS, personally led the search operation, emphasising the mission’s importance.

The bodies have been handed over to their families with “full military honours”, bringing closure for the loved ones.

New Delhi:

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Thursday said the form of war is transforming rapidly due to technological advancements and the country’s armed forces will have to be ready to accept this change.

He made the remarks while addressing a gathering of Army officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and soldiers drawn from 18 Grenadiers to mark 25 years of the battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill fought during the Kargil war in 1999.

Tiger Hill top was captured by the Indian Army on July 4, 1999. The 18 Grenadiers battalion played a pivotal role in the Kargil conflict. ‘Vijay Diwas’ is celebrated on July 26 every year to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil war.

“People of the country have faith in our capabilities and due to that, we have this immense prestige. The legacy that has been bequeathed to you has been earned by our ancestors. We may not have made a direct contribution but we are reaping its fruits,” Gen Chauhan told the gathering.

This also “entrusts on us responsibilities”, both individually and as a community, he said. One cannot make a mistake as a soldier and as a community, the trust can never be lowered, the chief of defence staff (CDS) added.

In his address, Gen Chauhan said, “We are going through an age of transformation. In today’s era, the form of a war is rapidly changing. Therefore, we will always have to be ready to accept this change.” “We want to become a professional armed force and a superpower… India. It is our desire. This can happen only if we work with new energy, new zeal and new thoughts”.

Quoting scientists and philosophers, the CDS underlined that change is the only constant and the Indian armed forces “cannot stay away from this change” “Due to rapid technological developments, the form of the war is changing rapidly. In the past, it was found that valour was an essential element in winning a battle. But in future wars, valour alone is not enough… We will have to be flexible and imaginative and keep an open mind,” he added.

As many weapons get upgraded with better technology, tactics and strategies also change and it is very rapid now, the CDS told the gathering.

“Today we are talking of a multi-domain warfare. Instead of just conventional domains like land, sea, maritime and air, the cyber, electromagnetic spectrum and space domains are also added to augment our military strength,” he said.

The CDS said that people love and trust the armed forces and if “we have to maintain it, we will have to bring change. “We cannot fail in a war,” he asserted, adding that unlike sports, there are no runners-up in war as winner takes it all.

“To maintain that trust, you will have to understand and adapt to these new things. This is the main reason why the government has made the post of a CDS and it is part of reforms that we are endeavouring to implement,” Gen Chauhan said.

He said that as CDS, his mandate is to bring jointness and integration among the three Services, that all must work in consonance. “A unit works like a human body where any ailment impacts overall health,” he said.

Gen Chauhan extended his greetings to members of the 18 Grenadiers battalion and also the Veer Nari, whose sons or husbands made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Indian army has inducted the first-ever indigenous chip-based 4G mobile base station, which it procured from Bangalore-based firm Signaltron through the government e-marketplace portal, a top company official said.

Signaltron founder Himamshu Khasnis told PTI that the chip used in the Sahyadri LTE base stations has been developed by Signalchip.

Earlier in 2010, Mr Khasnis and his team founded a fabless semiconductor company Signalchip to make chips for 4G and 5G networks.

“Signaltron has built the entire system indigenously using India’s first chips for 4G and 5G networks developed by Signalchip. This is the first time an Indian system running on an Indian chip for complex communication technology has been inducted into the army. Using indigenous chips gives a high degree of control on the security of the system in its operation,” Mr Khasnis said.

He said the Indian Army had posted a bid on GeM (Government e-Marketplace) for the supply of 4G LTE NIB (Network In a Box) solution last year.

“Signaltron proposed the Sahyadri NIB solution and came out successful in stringent technical trials. Subsequently, Signaltron also won the competitive bid to supply the equipment. Weighing just 7 kgs, Sahyadri Network In a Box (NIB) systems provide high-quality secure wireless communication for audio, video and data applications,” Mr Khasnis said.

He said the Sahyadri NIB is capable of working in both standalone and cellular modes and capable of seamless inter-operation with legacy analogue and IP telephony systems.

The majority of the base stations deployed in India are not made in India. Even the few that are made in India do not have indigenous chips inside, which is the most strategic and important component of modern electronic devices and equipment.

Signaltron has supplied 20 units to the army and the deployment of the base stations depends on their strategic requirement, Mr Khasnis said.

“We have supplied 20 units to the army. The Army takes its own call on when and where to deploy base station. Since they are light and mobile units, it gives them the flexibility to change the location as per their requirement,” he added.

At present, there is no fabrication facility in India for modern semiconductor chips. Signalchip has designed the chip indigenously and owns the entire technology that the chips deliver. In a model similar to leading semiconductor companies like Nvidia, Qualcomm, Mediatek etc, Signalchip also gets its chips fabricated through third-party wafer fabs.

Mr Khasnis said the Indian base station market is expected to be about USD 24 billion by 2029.

“With the use of indigenous systems, there could be significant savings to forex and also boost GDP. There are sizeable market volumes available in India and worldwide. Modernisation targets of different sectors like defence, railways etc. are excellent opportunities for indigenous solutions,” he said.

Mr Khasnis said that the CNPN (Captive Network-Private Network) 4G/5G market worldwide is expected to cross USD 30 billion by 2030, which will enable large possibilities for the local chip-based base stations, thereby providing economies of scale. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)