Indian Defense
Centre Pushes All-Weather Road Connectivity To Ladakh
Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inspects the Zojila Tunnel, in Kargil on Sunday
Srinagar: Racing against time, engineers and workers are fast-tracking the construction of the strategic Zojila tunnel, which would be an engineering marvel in such harsh terrain. Recently, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari not only met engineers in Sonamarg, but also inspected the alternative tunnel which is ready for controlled traffic to Sonamarg even during the winters. Gadkari expressed satisfaction over the construction work of the Zojila tunnel and said that he has directed the authorities to complete the approaching tunnels before the 2024 parliamentary elections.
Gadkari, who was in Ganderbal district and was one of the ministers who visited Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past, told media that he is confident that Ladakh Union Territory will get all-weather connectivity within the stipulated timeline. “It would be a game-changer for our socio-economic development. The BJP government is showing seriousness for all-weather road connectivity to Ladakh and we will benefit in a huge way,” Asgar Ali from Kargil told this newspaper, as the people of Kargil, along with Leh, are eagerly waiting for this winter connectivity.
At present, the Srinagar-Ladakh highway is closed for at least six months during the winters as the Sonamarg and Zojila areas witness heavy snowfall and the road is cleared only in April every year. While briefing Gadkari, Brigadier GS Kambo, executive director, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), said that the tunnel which is now complete will not only reduce the distance between Srinagar and Sonamarg, but also will reduce the distance 40 km to 13 km from Baltal to Minamarg; thus, it would be the first winter when Sonamarg can host tourists during the snow.
Although the Centre is focusing on the completion of the Zojila tunnel project, it has a lot of constraints which are being fought by the engineers on the ground as the completion of the tunnel will be an achievement. According to the engineers on the ground, it would be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. Several bridges are being constructed in this route and work is picking up pace with more men and machinery even during these days of autumn.
It is in place to mention that the Zojila tunnel is being constructed at the cost of Rs 4,600 crore (contracted cost), along with a 13.5-km approach road.
The project also has three major bridges and minor bridges which are within the contracted cost. Megha Engineering Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) is constructing this tunnel which would be a game-changer for tourism both in Ladakh and in the health resort of Sonamarg in Kashmir on this side of Zojila.
Indian Defense
INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’
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.
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%
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
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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