India Defence News

Chinese government mouthpiece, the 'Global Times' highlighted how President Xi Jinping's recent statements had galvanised the armed forces and boosted their morale. Xi had recently remarked that only nations that have the capability to fight can stop battles, and only those who are prepared for war do not have to fall into a war.

Flight Lieutenant Advitiya Bal lost his life while flying a MiG-21 trainer aircraft during a training sortie near Barmer on Thursday.

According to reports, the plan to phase out the remaining four MiG-21 squadrons is part of the IAF's modernisation drive and it not related to the accident of a MiG-21 in Rajasthan's Barmer last night.

"A twin-seater MiG-21 trainer aircraft of the IAF was airborne for a training sortie from Utarlai air base in Rajasthan this evening. Around 9:10 pm, the aircraft met with an accident near Barmer. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries," the IAF said.

The aircraft carrier is 262 meter-long with a full displacement of around  45,000 tonnes. It is much larger and more advanced than her predecessor. The ship is powered by four gas turbines totalling 88 MW power and has a maximum speed of 28 knots. It has been constructed at an overall cost of around Rs 20,000 crore.

This is the first major induction of helicopters by the Indian Navy in decades for deployment on ships. Incidentally, the Indian Navy will also get the indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant next month. These helicopters will be deployed on this carrier. 

Under the Agnipath scheme, the government has kept a minimum height for male aspirants of 157.5 cm in the Indian Army, 152.5 cm in the Indian Air Force and 157 cm in the Indian Navy. However, the CAPFs require a minimum of 170 cm of height in the general category for male cadets while 157 cm for woman cadets.

The 12 Squadron has been involved in most major operations since independence. Maybe there is a case for affiliation if one does not already exist -- a gallant unit to whom the nation will owe forever, writes Air Force historian Anchit Gupta

Expressing grief over the incident, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said: "Deeply grieved at the loss of lives of two valiant Indian peacekeepers of the BSF in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They were part of the MONUSCO. The perpetrators of these outrageous attacks must be held accountable and brought to justice."

The approvals for Capital Acquisition proposals worth Rs 28,732 crore under Buy (Indian IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories is aimed at further boosting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in the defence sector and modernise the armed forces amidst the changing scenario of warfare.