DEFENCE

J&K Lt Gov Manoj Sinha, terminated the services of three government employees, including a police constable for their alleged connections with terrorism.

The main Ordnance needs to be Indian and ultra-reliable, unlike the 125 mm gun system in use currently in medium tanks. It may be a good idea to integrate a re- engineered 105 mm gun in the interim and an optimized 120 mm low recoil gun system later, both are Indian systems and have proven to be effective.

WCVs are capable of self-deploying over long distances and the crew arrives in the operational areas relatively less fatigued, while TCVs look for tank transporter for deployment, making them vulnerable during moves.

During the last few years 119 contracts involving Rs 1,16,523 crore have been signed with Indian vendors and 68 contracts involving Rs.1,24,291 crore have been signed with foreign vendors for procurement of aircraft, helicopters, artillery guns, missiles, radars, rockets, simulator, ammunition, and component-level repair facility for tanks.

The Government has to decide the optimum allocation for defence, given the existing security scenario and competing demands of health, education and infrastructure segments

A nation can only be strong if its defence against threats that challenge its national interest and sovereignty have the resilience to deter and defend.

It is time the armed forces get a continuously enhancing capital accounts budget so that modernisation can move apace in a deliberate manner, in accordance with the five-year plans

In a democracy, the people have the right to know how the defence services are being administered and how their money is being spent. They have a right to know everything-- except the war plans.

Why do we need to hand over the 8 Army Base Workshops to Defense PSUs and private sector companies? Is this the only option? The Army Base Workshops have hundreds of acres of land, in prime locations all over the country. Why is it being ‘offered’ to the civilian management in the private sector on the platter as a ‘free gift’?

The Chinese dream appears to have taken shape in 2012 with focus on three major dimensions of war - public opinion, psychological and legal warfare. The planning for the present incursions in Ladakh started as early as 2018 with the Chinese increased reference to training, India as the identified enemy, and references on how to strengthen Pakistan in military writings.

From AMX 13 to the amphibious PT 76 - Light Tanks never let us down. Rather they provided the cutting edge in all past wars where they were deployed. It hence belies reason why India has T-72, T-90 and Arjun tanks - but no light tank in her inventory?

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL)’s advanced manufacturing facility eventually hopes to become the sole producer of AH-64 fuselages in the world, with 90% parts sourced from Indian suppliers.