Indian Defense
Israel Did Right Thing: Ambassador Naor Gilon On Banning LeT To Mark 15th Year of 26/11 Attacks
![Israel Did Right Thing: Ambassador Naor Gilon On Banning LeT To Mark 15th Year of 26/11 Attacks Israel Did Right Thing: Ambassador Naor Gilon On Banning LeT To Mark 15th Year of 26/11 Attacks](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RDqj3Dpr3lbltWIhWHz9az5CK6ax9MGpay-o33ZL_N9jQHAO8coj3hplv5vbqjcHXYK6qMc7JCW1zDpnG69uhDwqYhOpEtY1niDHx4xZDw1GdJC5h_S5rDMOH91iz_CO84b10havCROc-PCYSQ_hZSGnlNK9yDsbYTfwmZPU75LzWDCGjzb2hG_-i0w/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/Terrorists_Hafiz_Saeed.jpg)
New Delhi: Calling Israel’s ban on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) “right thing,” Israel’s Ambassador to India Naor Gilon said that Tel Aviv had a few months back decided to ban LeT after his deputy found that it was not listed as a terrorist organisation in Israel.
On Israel banning Lashkar-e-Taiba to mark the 15th year of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Gilon said, “When it comes to Lashkar-e-Taiba, it started a few months ago when my deputy found out that we never, designated them as their organization. It was done, by the way, less relevant, I would say even designating them because they have no footprint in Israel. And if India would come, any country with another terror organization would come and tell us, look, this terror organization is funnelling money through Israel or recruiting people, you know, whatever. We will go against it because it’s terrorism.”
Multiple terrorist attacks were witnessed on November 26, 2008 in Mumbai. As many as 166 people, including 20 security force personnel and 26 foreign nationals, were killed and over 300 people were injured.
Speaking to ANI, he said, “Regardless, if it’s in our list or not our list, then, you know, something happened, and we aimed it at, anyhow, upfront to the 15 years to the horrible Mumbai attack. So, it was a few months ago, we decided, then came October 7th, and, the designation of Hamas. Of course, we are speaking of it very openly, but the two are not connected. I think it’s doing the right thing regardless. We don’t, you know, we don’t need to tie things in order to do the right things. Israel did the right thing. Now symbolically because of the factor, as I said, we would have treated them as terror organizations regardless.”
Fifteen years ago, Pakistan carried out one of the most heinous terror attacks perpetrated anywhere in the world. The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, was named after the date in 2008. The targets were carefully chosen after being surveyed for maximum impact, viz. the Taj and Oberoi Hotels, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Jewish centre at Nariman House, and the Leopold Cafe, since these places were frequented by Europeans, Indians and Jews.
Gilon also spoke about former Hamas chief Khaled Mashal’s recent address at an event. Earlier in October, Mashal virtually addressed the event, which was organised by Solidarity Youth Movement, the youth wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala. The former Hamas chief addressed the gathering in Arabic.
He reiterated his call on India to designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
He also highlighted terror financing and financing of terrorist groups like Hamas and how they motivate fighters to rape, kill, murder, cut limbs, of children, women, the hostages, and kidnapping 240 people.
Speaking about terrorist attacks faced by India and the US in the past and the recent October 7 attack on Israel, he said that each country has its own watershed event. He emphasised that these terror attacks change the thinking of the nation in dealing with terrorism.
Naor Gilon said, “Each country has I think, you know, each country has its watershed event. We all suffered terrorism for ages and we still suffered before and after India, Israel, US, and 9/11 for the US, 26/11 for India and probably 7 October, for us. So it’s a watershed meaning in the sense that it’s not like other terror acts. This is the thing that changed your DNA in thinking about how you have to treat terror and the terrorists.”
He said that after India, Jews had the most number of casualties in Mumbai terror attacks. He said that six Israeli nationals and two American Jews were among the casualties in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
He said, “So, you know, the second target I believe after the Leopold Cafe was the Chabad House that they reached. They targeted upfront. They knew where they were going. They were going to also not only after the big places like the Taj Hotel where that was I guess that famous place, and where the most died and hostages and everything, but they went also after the Jews, and this is very symbolic.”
“It’s another thing that puts us together. I think also the second population with the most casualties after Indians were Jews and Israelis, so they were six Israeli citizens and, another two American Jews. So, you know, it’s something else that connects us and, I think makes our bonds even stronger,” he added.
Highlighting the bond between the two nations, Gilon said that India is always on Israel’s side. He asserted that there are no ifs and buts when you fight terrorism. He recalled PM Narendra Modi’s recent speech where he called terrorism a global phenomenon.
Asked about his message of solidarity on the Mumbai attacks, he said, “First of all, it’s a horrendous phenomenon when people come into your safe haven, to your houses, in Mumbai to disrupt the life to create panic, they wanted to panic. They wanted to transmit it. Exactly like Hamas, you know, their aim is not only to kill. It’s also to kill to create panic with the surviving to make them afraid. And, we are telling the Indians, like India is always standing with Israel, and especially recently, but always, since I have been here for more than 2 years, India, on most occasions, especially when we need India, India’s on our side. That’s the feeling.”
“And Indians have to know we are on your side. When it comes to fighting terrorism, there are no ifs and no buts. We are working together. We will eliminate terrorists as Prime Minister Modi also said, rightly so that terror is a global phenomenon. You have to join hands globally. Countries and free people of the world have to join hands and efforts in order to fight it. And I think that India and Israel, we demonstrate in our actions and friendship and what we do together the joining of these hands to eliminate terrorism,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Naor Gilon said that Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7 show that the fight against terrorism continues. He called on people to tie yellow bands on their wrists to showcase joint commitment to fight terrorism. He thanked the people of India for their unwavering support for Israel.
In the video posted on X, Gilon said, “This week, we mark the fifteenth anniversary of
the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. I’d like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of India and salute their unbreakable spirit. The 26/11 attack also took a toll on Israel. The recent events of October 7th remind us that the fight against terrorism continues, highlighting the importance of our solidarity.”
“I invite each of you to join me by tying this yellow band on your hand and share with us here your picture. This simple act symbolizes our joint commitment to stand together against terrorism. The yellow band represents our shared values, resilience, and determination to build a world free from terror. Together, we can make a difference. I thank the people of India for their unwavering support. Let’s continue, stand strong, shoulder to shoulder, remembering the past, facing the present, and building a safer future for all.”
While posting the video on X, Gilon stated, “This week, we commemorate 15 years of the horrific #MumbaiTerrorAttack. The tragic events of #Mumbai2611 and the recent #Oct7Massacre underscore the urgency of standing together against terrorism. Join us in wearing the yellow band, a symbol of our unwavering commitment to stand together against terrorism. Tag us and share your photo using #UnitedAgainstTerrorism.”
Indian Defense
INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’
![INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’ INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZma1qWeuxixzWQNFcr4E4SAi5H75pCMZo9JakaQJiVRexORL1lXrVoTdk5qG1ZDkW-5fVJWE_6fplkC26hngBLsrFykHim9DHPap9wRCkdY_N749Uwptd47uWs05vhF6gG2R0rXxDyTUddYLuUH9busYEaBLNDmJXJB8Izz9Z5EOpYw7OAPC62TlOJLY/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/K-4_Submarine_Launched_Missile.jpg)
The solid-fuelled K-4 missile is being developed by DRDO to arm the country’s nuclear-powered submarines in the shape of INS Arihant and its under-development sister vessels. INS Arihant, which became fully operational in November 2018 to complete India’s nuclear triad, is currently armed with the much shorter K-15 missiles with a 750 km range.
“The K-4 is now virtually ready for its serial production to kick-off. The two tests have demonstrated its capability to emerge straight from underwater and undertake its parabolic trajectory,” said a source.
![](https://i0.wp.com/blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19SGuw5MDtceMDoa0iWWc6lzi_A9iQxNxQL85xBe_cjW19y1MJH_m0JQ6re1ywjpNTyBFKdBQ1cjAHGjteRJrEPDtiAPFF-PKnijwEJh4DyiJ0hcmhl2qzNMeyknnFjFoZlJF4ldSscTnJ67yEy9G1O_gsd9vkL3I9rg19smXdVkwIddBSPQJV9Y3QaQ/s16000/K-4_Submarine_Launched_Ballistic_Missile_SLBM.jpg?w=740&ssl=1)
India has the land-based Agni missiles, with the over 5,000-km Agni-V inter-continental ballistic missile now in the process of being inducted, and fighter jets jury-rigged to deliver nuclear weapons. But INS Arihant gives the country’s deterrence posture much more credibility because nuclear-powered submarines armed with nuclear-tipped missiles are considered the most secure, survivable and potent platforms for retaliatory strikes.
Once the K-4 missiles are inducted, they will help India narrow the gap with countries like the US, Russia and China, which have over 5,000-km range SLBMs. The K-4 missiles are to be followed by the K-5 and K-6 missiles in the 5,000-6,000 km range class.
The 6,000-ton INS Arihant, which is propelled by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor at its core, in turn, is to be followed by INS Arighat, which was launched in 2017. The next generation of nuclear submarines, currently called S-4 and S-4*, will be much larger in size.
Indian Defense
After Upgradation, Sukhoi Su-30MKI Indigenisation To Reach 78%
![After Upgradation, Sukhoi Su-30MKI Indigenisation To Reach 78% After Upgradation, Sukhoi Su-30MKI Indigenisation To Reach 78%](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gqEMaVLWzwfWoT_TYd9Nq6l_8hzGBwBcYv73-7NyZhMMOVESTbGDkgJ3-och4WjuFOk_g77IqZ4X6X0w9rasItBPQV8nZJXEL4XLy-DjFQbSXdhAkkJnJ3LDFF89t6DWWfsoaB0lH44jZtimqJ1gcelysqmbPAMJE5dRUMhjbOYBH2TG5D8BUPiwQHU/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/Sukhoi_Su30MKI_Fighter_1.jpg)
India has received clearance to upgrade 84 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, which will result in 78% indigenization after the upgrade
In a significant step towards bolstering its military might with indigenously developed technology, India is poised to witness its Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets evolve into a domestic platform. Speaking at a recent lecture.
The upgrade program is being led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in partnership with the Indian Air Force and other partners. The upgrade is expected to cost US$7.5 billion.
This initiative is a part of a larger effort by the Indian Air Force to modernize its ageing fleet. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari asserted the critical role of an offensive air force as demonstrated in current global conflicts and emphasized India’s move towards an indigenized arsenal. To this end, the IAF has been proactive, from upgrading its Mirage 2000 to enhancing its MiG-29 fleet.
In summary, the IAF’s commitment to updating their combat forces with the latest technology, including shifting to fifth-generation fighter jets, ensures operational preparedness and a strong deterrence capability. The gradual indigenization of its air fleet marks a pivotal shift in India’s defence landscape, reducing dependency on foreign imports and fostering technological sovereignty.
Indian Defense
Akash Weapon System Exports For The Armenian Armed Forces Gathers Pace
![Akash Weapon System Exports For The Armenian Armed Forces Gathers Pace Akash Weapon System Exports For The Armenian Armed Forces Gathers Pace](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DIV1319opVfF8xXfP0sNkvUWwmHz1_Z_uMnNlj6rmFdhUAIsZ3TlJ-SweWhTSzvDmv3bGOZBeWERJE6U8S2Va_JDYmX2_SVcIpjshN1r7OE_efYIvjPOmD0npIS3qa1DhofPsHi41veOUyKwhAGftQmO3iSnldJoWS-JOaTYn8iUKxo4JC7XcN-AZpI/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/Akash_Air_Defence_Missile_1.jpg)
According to unconfirmed reports, Armenia is a top contender for an export order for Akash SAM system manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
The Akash export version will also be slightly different from the one inducted by the armed forces. The 100-km range air-to-air Astra missiles, now entering production after successful trials from Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, also have “good export potential”, said sources.
Akash is a “tried, tested and successfully inducted systems”. Indian armed forces have ordered Akash systems worth Rs 24,000 crore over the years, and MoD inked a contract in Mar 2023 of over Rs 9,100 crores for improved Akash Weapon System
BDL is a government enterprise under the Ministry of Defence that was established in 1970. BDL manufactures surface-to-air missiles and delivers them to the Indian Army. BDL also offers its products for export.
Akash Weapon System
The AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In order to meet aerial threats, two additional Regiments of AWS with Upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders. Improved AWS has Seeker Technology, Reduced Foot Print, 360° Engagement Capability and improved environmental parameters.
The project will give a boost to the Indian missile manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as a whole. The project has overall indigenous content of 82% which will be increased to 93% by 2026-27.
The induction of the improved AWS into the Indian Army will increase India’s self-reliance in Short Range Missile capability. This project will play a role in boosting the overall economy by avoiding outgo of precious foreign exchange to other countries, increasing employment avenues in India and encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing. Around 60% of the project cost will be awarded to the private industry, including MSMEs, in maintaining the supply chain of the weapon system, thereby creating large scale of direct and indirect employment.
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