India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in 2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.
62 indigenously-manufactured vehicles are set to reach Lebanon as part of a wet-lease. Move ‘meant to showcase India's commitment to self-reliance, defence manufacturing capabilities’.
SSS Defence not only bags contract to supply .338 Lapua Magnum calibre sniper rifle, but also deals to deliver nearly USD 50 million worth of ammunition to multiple friendly countries.
Such has been the growth in the defence sector that companies are spending billions of dollars on buying back their own shares with record number of orders in pipeline and counting.
As part of Adani Group's defence push, the Kanpur facility has started rolling out small calibre ammunition, starting with 150 million rounds which will be scaled up in time.
India now exports to 'more than 80 countries'. Narendra Modi govt had in 2020 set target of Rs 35,000 cr export in aerospace and defence goods & services for next 5 years.
While govt has opened up the sector to private players & FM in budget speech said quarter of govt R&D spending would go to private sector, procurement system remains a stumbling block.
During the past 10 years, around 15 Chetak and Cheetah helicopters have crashed, killing several pilots even as it remains the workhorse of the armed forces.
As we bid good riddance to 2021, let’s not forget positives and steady progress in many areas, from Olympics to enterprise to welfare schemes and infrastructure.
Like Turkey and Egypt, Pakistan is one of a handful of powers with the human resources and infrastructure to help secure the Persian Gulf as Trump’s America draws down its military presence.
ACM Katre was 2nd IAF chief to die in harness. It was at a memorial lecture in his honour where IAF chief AP Singh revealed that India shot down 6 Pakistani aircraft in Op Sindoor.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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