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India Offers ALH Helicopters To Philippines

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India Offers ALH Helicopters To Philippines


The Philippines, facing increasing tensions in the South China Sea, has embarked on a military modernization drive

In a significant move to enhance its maritime security and search-and-rescue capabilities, India has offered to supply seven Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MKIII helicopters to the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG). The offer was officially extended during the maiden visit of the Philippines Coast Guard Chief to India in August this year.

President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. confirmed the proposal on November 5, stating that the discussions on the offer would involve the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and PCG. The potential deal marks a milestone for India’s defence exports, with the Philippines becoming the first country to consider purchasing the DHRUV MK-III.

The DHRUV MK-III, a variant of the indigenous Dhruv Helicopter, has been in service with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. President Marcos expressed the importance of building up the country’s Coast Guard capabilities, particularly in the context of search and rescue operations and maritime security.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Indian aircraft manufacturer, conducted a Customer Demonstration Flight onboard the DHRUV MK-III for Filipino Coast Guard Chief Admiral Artemio M Abu in August 2023, showcasing the helicopter’s capabilities.

Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran confirmed that discussions are progressing well between the Indian government, PCG, and DOTr regarding the supply of seven DHRUV MK-III helicopters. Kumaran emphasized that these helicopters could play a crucial role in more active security operations, including personnel and cargo transport.

The DHRUV MK-III is equipped with modern surveillance radar with a range of up to 120 nautical miles, enhancing the Coast Guard’s maritime surveillance capabilities. It also features an electro-optical sensor for monitoring vessels at a distance of up to 30 nautical miles. In addition to maritime reconnaissance, these helicopters can conduct long-range search and rescue operations and constabulary missions, being fitted with a heavy machine gun.

The Philippines and India’s Coast Guards signed their first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in August 2023, facilitating information sharing in the maritime domain. The Philippines has shown a keen interest in India’s military hardware, including the DHRUV MK-III helicopters and indigenously built warships. The delivery of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines, manufactured under a joint venture with Russia, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, further enhancing the country’s defence capabilities.

The Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands has become a symbol of the Philippines’ resolve against Chinese expansion in the South China Sea. The marooned World War II era ship, Sierra Madre, has stood in the shallow waters, deliberately grounded as a military outpost. China’s blockade has made its repair impossible, but it remains strategically crucial for the Philippines and other sea-faring nations.

Despite challenges, the Philippines continues to deliver supplies to a small Marine detachment stationed on Sierra Madre. China’s aggressive actions, such as using water cannons against a Philippines Coast Guard vessel and vessel collisions, have escalated tensions in the region. Logistical complexities, including a narrow entrance to Second Thomas Shoal and China’s proximity at Mischief Reef, occupied since 1995, make it challenging to bring construction materials to repair Sierra Madre.

In response, the Philippines is actively modernizing its military capabilities, including the acquisition of new fighter jets for the Air Force. The country is also exploring the possibility of acquiring submarines for the Navy, a move aimed at strengthening its defence posture in the face of growing security challenges in the South China Sea.





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INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’

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INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’


NEW DELHI: India tested its nuclear capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), designed to have a strike range of 3,500 km, for the second time in six days on Friday. The missile test, as the one conducted on January 19, was undertaken from an undersea platform in the shape of a submersible pontoon off the coast of Andhra Pradesh according to a report by Rajat Pandit of TOI.

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.





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After Upgradation, Sukhoi Su-30MKI Indigenisation To Reach 78%

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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.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the upgrade. The upgrade is part of India’s efforts to improve the capabilities of its primary fighter aircraft, it refers to as the “Super Sukhoi”.

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.





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Akash Weapon System Exports For The Armenian Armed Forces Gathers Pace

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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).

While there is no official confirmation because of the sensitivities involved, documents suggest that the order for the same has already been placed the report further added.
There are nine countries, in turn, which have shown interest in the indigenously-developed Akash missile systems, which can intercept hostile aircraft, helicopters, drones and subsonic cruise missiles at a range of 25-km. They are Kenya, Philippines, Indonesia, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam and Algeria reported TOI.

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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