#SecurityScan 60: IAF enhances fleet with new Dornier Do-228 & much more
Jaishankar recently stated that there has been a significant expansion in the size of the Chinese navy, which has implications for regional security
NewsBharati 03-Oct-2023 17:04:49 PM
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This article is a summary of important events that have taken place in last one week affecting, India's national security
Pakistan - A Failed State
Lashkar activist's killing in Karachi keeps ISI guessing in Pakistan
The striking similarity between these two killings of terror operatives has prompted Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, often accused of orchestrating terror activities against India, to take precautionary measures. Sources closely monitoring these developments suggest that the ISI has relocated nearly a dozen of its "assets" to "safe houses" deep inside the country.
At least 56 killed, scores injured as suicide blasts rock Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakthunkhwa
At least 56 people were killed and scores injured as multiple bombings rocked Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces during Friday's prayers. The first blast took place in the restive Balochistan province, where a suicide bomber targeted a crowded mosque during the celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The explosion left at least 52 people dead and dozens injured. Hours later, two back-to-back blasts were reported from the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu city, in which at least four people were killed and five others injured. Balochistan suicide bombing In southwestern Balochistan, a suicide bomber detonated a device as rallies from neighbourhood mosques converged on a meeting point in Mastung, around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the provincial capital, Quetta. The blast occurred near Madina Mosque on Al Falah.
Pakistan Army acquires desert land three times size of Delhi to grow fruits and vegetables
Pakistan's military is venturing into agriculture to address the country's economic struggles.
Through a food security initiative, the military will cultivate government-owned lands to produce food for the impoverished masses. They plan to acquire 1 million acres of land in Punjab province, with the aim of increasing crop yields and efficient water usage.
Proactive Muscular Diplomacy
Could India-Canada row mark an 'Israel Moment' for India's diplomacy?
The ongoing tensions for Canada over the Khalistani issue could be a turning point in India's diplomatic relations.
Ayesha Siddiqa, a Pakistani author, draws a parallel between this situation and instances where the US overlooked assassinations linked to Israel due to its strategic significance.
India's response to Canada's accusations has been relatively composed, possibly because of its newfound status as a key player in America's pivot to the Indo-Pacific region.
India-China relations have been in 'abnormal state' since Galwan clash: Jaishankar
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, stated that relations between India and China have been in an abnormal state since the 2020 Galwan clash. He emphasized that this tension between the two largest countries has consequences for everyone else. Jaishankar pointed out the difficulty of dealing with China, as they do not provide clear explanations for their actions.
EAM Jaishankar raises concern over "steady increase in Chinese naval presence" in Indian Ocean
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, expressed concern about the increasing presence of Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. He stated that there has been a significant expansion in the size of the Chinese navy, which has implications for regional security. Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of monitoring Chinese port activities, such as Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota in Sri Lanka.
Securing Indian External & Internal Security
Northern Army commander visits forward areas in Ladakh, reviews operational preparedness
The Army commander appreciated the professionalism exhibited by the troops and complimented them for their relentless efforts in maintaining the highest standards of operational effectiveness under challenging conditions.
31 terrorists killed in joint operations so far in 2023
A total of 31 terrorists have been killed in operations in Jammu and Kashmir this year by the Army. In addition, 47 terrorists were killed and 204 apprehended in multiple operations conducted by the security forces. The data also reveals that there are currently 111 active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, including 40 locals and 71 foreigners.
Next Army Day Parade to be held in Lucknow
The annual Army Day parade, traditionally held in Delhi, will be hosted in Lucknow next year as part of the government's effort to decentralize major events. The decision follows the successful parade held in Bengaluru earlier this year.
Rajnath Singh inaugurates Bharat Drone Shakti show at Hindon airbase
Singh opened the mega drone show and also watched a few aerial demonstrations of the drones. Later, he also visited the exhibition area and some of the stalls. An officials Drone Federation of India said around 75 drones are on static display and over 50 will be displayed aerially during the course of the show.
Anti-drone system to be deployed on borders: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that an anti-drone system will soon be deployed on India's borders to enhance security. This move comes as a response to the increase in the use of drones for smuggling arms and narcotics, particularly along the border with Pakistan. During the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council, various issues were discussed, including river water sharing, banking services in villages, and the implementation of social sector schemes.
Army looking for lighter, versatile Made in India artillery guns
The Indian Army is seeking lighter and more advanced towed artillery guns to replace the current DRDO-developed Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGS). The new Towed Gun System (TGS) is expected to be more versatile and have higher automation and accuracy. The Army has engaged in discussions with manufacturers for suggestions on features for the future artillery weapon. The Indian Army has proposed a ₹6,000 crore plan to acquire next-generation guns from domestic companies. The new towed gun system (TGS) will be lighter, more versatile, and feature-packed compared to current artillery guns. The army aims to acquire 400 advanced 155mm/52 calibre guns, with a total requirement estimated to be 1,200 guns. Companies such as Larsen and Toubro, Tata Defence, and Bharat Forge are expected to compete for the order once approved by the defense ministry.
GalaxEye, ideaForge join hands to build foliage penetration radar for armed forces
Galax Eye, a space start-up based in Bengaluru, has partnered with drone manufacturing company idea Forge to develop a customized radar for the armed forces. The radar, called the UAV FOPEN Radar, will allow the armed forces to see through dense foliage and fog, enabling seamless monitoring in challenging operational scenarios.
India carrying out lot of construction activities at China border
BRO Director General Lt General Rajeev Chaudhry said the government of India is fully supporting the BRO for carrying out infrastructure development projects by way of increasing the budget and new technology.
The government of India has "increased our budget by 100 per cent in the last two years.
Newly-inducted C295 aircraft likely to take part in Air Force Day celebrations in Prayagraj
The Indian Air Force inducted its first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft, enhancing its logistics capabilities. The aircraft has the ability to perform various missions, including special operations, disaster response, and maritime patrol duties. India will join a group of countries capable of producing the C-295 once it begins manufacturing the planes.
IAF enhances fleet with new Dornier Do-228 aircraft from HAL
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the first of six new Dornier Do-228 aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The upgraded aircraft features new engines, advanced avionics, and a modern glass cockpit. The versatile aircraft is well-suited for short-haul operations and can be used for various purposes, including utility transport and maritime surveillance. This addition will enhance the IAF's operational capability, particularly in remote areas.
Indian Navy gets 3rd missile-cum-ammunition barge
With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this barge is a proud flag bearer of the “Make in India” initiatives of the ministry of defence.
Predator drones help Navy keep a close watch over Maritime & coastal Region
The Indian Navy has utilized Predator drones to conduct over 13,000 hours of missions in the Indian Ocean Region. The drones, leased from American firm General Atomics, have the capability to cover the entire region in one go, with a range of 4,000-8,000 km and a flight time of over 30 hours. The Navy plans to acquire 15 more advanced drones equipped with weapons and detection kits under a tri-services deal with the US.
The drones have been effective in monitoring the movement of Chinese warships and vessels in Indian areas of interest.
No country's warships or vessels can pass through the Indian Ocean without being detected by the Indian Navy's P-8I anti-submarine and surveillance planes.
There is always at least one P-8I aircraft airborne to monitor the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.
Future wars won't be fought only on borders, will impact every citizen:
Future wars will not only be confined to borders but will impact every citizen. The evolution of long-range missile systems, drones, and cyberattacks has reshaped warfare, making it more far-reaching and impactful. The displacement of people in regions like Ukraine due to the use of missile systems and drones is an example.
Countering Chinese Multi domain War
US Army Chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India
US Army chief Randy George said the region was "critically important", speaking to reporters alongside his Indian counterpart Manoj Pande, and vowed to boost cooperation to "maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific". Generals from Japan and Australia, which make up the "Quad" defence cooperation forum alongside Washington and New Delhi, also took part, as did Britain and France.
Partnership between US, India vital for stability in Indo-Pacific: US Army Chief General Randy George
The US Army chief said: "Our soldiers are sharpening their skills, mastering their craft and learning from each other. They are building trust and deepening the friendship between our armies. We all know how important trust and friendship are in a challenging global security environment. Having great allies and partners is more important than ever before."
PM Modi gave mantra for Indo-Pacific, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region at the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference in New Delhi. He praised the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration and highlighted the complex security challenges faced by the region, including boundary disputes and piracy.
India's vision for Indo-Pacific emphasises peaceful resolution of disputes: Army chief
Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande on Tuesday said that India's outlook for Indo-Pacific emphasises respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. The remark came amid growing global concerns over China's aggressive military muscle-flexing in the region. "While efforts by countries are converging towards a free Indo-Pacific, yet we are witnessing manifestations of interstate contestations and competitions," the Army chief added.
The Army Chief of India, Gen Manoj Pande, emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Indo-Pacific region during the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference. He highlighted the significance of the region, which accounts for a large portion of the world's population, GDP, and maritime trade.
"We're here to build relationships from Army to Army...": Canada's Deputy Army Chief on India-Canada row"
Canadian Deputy Army Chief Major General Peter Scott is currently attending the 13th biannual Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC).
China will oppose 'wanton expansion of military alliances'
China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, stated that Beijing will oppose the expansion of military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. He emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and consultation.
France concerned about Indo-Pacific safety, says French Army Chief
French Army Chief, General Pierre Schill, expressed concern about the safety of the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between India and France. He emphasized the importance of free movements and open space in the Pacific and the need for multilateral coordination between nations.
China says aim of its drills near Taiwan is to combat 'arrogance' of separatists
China has stated that its recent military drills near Taiwan are aimed at combating the "arrogance" of separatist forces. Taiwan has reported an increase in military activity in recent weeks, including exercises on land facing the island. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has been conducting drills to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The increased frequency of these activities has raised concerns about the risk of accidental clashes. Taiwan's defense ministry has reported further Chinese military movements, including aircraft entering its air defense identification zone.
Huawei Takes Revenge as China Catches Up on Semiconductors
Export controls haven’t stopped China from developing surprisingly advanced semiconductors for smartphones, increasing American anxieties about the country’s military capabilities amid significant uncertainty.
By the standards of the gadget business, everything about Huawei’s release of its Mate 60 Pro smartphone in late August was unusual. Instead of talking up the device in a splashy marketing event, the company quietly started selling it online.
Huawei didn’t even reveal several key technical specifications, yet burned through its inventory in hours. Within China, this inspired a wave of celebration.
The debut is easier to understand if the Mate 60 Pro is seen less as a mobile device and more as a message from one global superpower to another.
Huawei Technologies Co. has been at the center of US attempts to undercut Chinese tech development for years. In 2019 the Trump administration added the company to the so-called Entity List, curtailing its access to US technology and effectively destroying its huge smartphone business. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have since ratcheted up pressure on China’s tech industry, most recently with export controls that the US Department of Commerce outlined in October 2022.
China Spends Billions on Global Disinformation, The State Department report comes even as the US continues a process of diplomatic re-engagement with China.China spends billions of dollars each year to enhance its image around the world, including by sponsoring online influencers and bolstering authoritarian governments through the export of “smart cities” technology, the US government says in a new report.The State Department’s Global Engagement Center, which works to counter foreign disinformation and propaganda, labeled China a “leading concern” in an 81-page report released Thursday that argues Beijing has worked to spread false information around the world, amplify its propaganda and suppress and censor dissenting voices.
The Philippines Is Taking On China, One Fishing Boat at a TimeA minor kerfuffle over a floating barrier in the South China Sea is indicative of Washington’s new relationship with Manila.Tensions are rising in the South China Sea, but this time it’s not the US and China squaring off. The disagreement is between the Philippines and China, countries with deeply conflicting claims over chunks of the massive body of water.The problems stem from China’s long-standing assertion of sovereign control over essentially the entire South China Sea, which stretches from the coast of mainland China, north to Taiwan, east to the Philippines, south to Malaysia and Indonesia, and west to Vietnam. It contains vast fishing grounds and large oil and gas reserves.
Over a third of the world’s commercial shipping goes through the South China Sea. The US, the United Nations, countries on its shores and most of the world object to Beijing’s insistence that it a Chinese lake.
At 2+2 dialogue, US-India emphasise transformative momentum in ties for Indo-Pacific security
The officials underscored the transformative momentum in US-India relations and reaffirmed that a strong US-India partnership is essential to upholding security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan launches the island's first domestically made submarine for testing
Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen, launched the country's first domestically made submarine for testing. If successful, it will be a major achievement for Taiwan in shipbuilding and design. The submarine, named Hai Kun, took seven years to design and construct.
Taiwan plans to build another submarine if this one passes the tests, with both to be deployed by 2027. Taiwan began building its own submarines after Beijing prevented it from purchasing them from abroad.
Ukraine War
Russia to hike defence spending by almost 70 per cent in 2024
The document said defence spending was set to jump by over 68 percent year-on-year to almost 10.8 trillion rubles ($111.15 billion), totalling around 6 percent of GDP -- more than spending allocated for social policy.
Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike on Crimea naval HQ
Moscow on Wednesday said Washington and London helped Ukraine strike the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea last week.
Seven countries order ammunition under EU scheme to aid Ukraine
The orders - placed under contracts negotiated by the European Defence Agency (EDA) - are for 155mm artillery rounds, one of the most important munitions in the intense war of attrition between Ukraine's troops and Russia's invading forces.
Russia strikes Odesa, damaging port, grain infrastructure and abandoned hotel
A Russian drone and missile strike near Odesa in Ukraine has caused damage to port infrastructure, a grain silo, and an abandoned hotel. One person was injured in the attack. Ukrainian officials reported that four civilians were killed and 13 others were wounded in attacks on Ukraine over the past day. Russia has been targeting port and grain storage facilities in Odesa, destroying critical infrastructure for storage and shipping.
Wagner mercenary group back again
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with a former commander of the Wagner mercenary group, Andrei Troshev, to discuss the use of "volunteer units" in the Ukraine war. The meeting demonstrated the Kremlin's control over the group following a failed mutiny in June and the subsequent death of its boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in August. Putin emphasized the importance of these units in combat tasks and expressed his desire to address social support for those involved in the fighting.
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BRIG Hemant Mahajan
Passionate writer on National Security related issues, Brig Hemant Mahajan YSM (Retd) is M Sc, M Phil in Defence Studies. He joined IMA Dehradun in July 1973 and passed out as a Commissioned Officer on 15 June 1975. He was commissioned into 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY. He has served extensively in Counter Insurgency Operations in Insurgency and Terrorist prone areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and North East and has taken part in all important operations undertaken by the Army since 1975.
Brig Hemant Mahajan served in Jammu & Kashmir, in the deserts of Rajasthan, in Super High Altitude areas of Kargil and Leh, forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He was deployed in Punjab in ‘Operation Avert’. He was also involved in maintaining peace post ‘Operation Bluestar’ days in Punjab in the worst affected district of Gurdaspur, Taran Taran and Amritsar.He served in the areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Sikkim. He commanded his battalion 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY in Operation Rakshak in the most difficult areas of Poonch and Rajouri during the times of highest militancy. His unit was responsible for stopping terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. His unit was awarded Unit Citation, 18 gallantry awards including YSM (gallantry) for the officer.