Lt Governor expresses gratitude to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh for 19 new roads & bridges under BEACON & SAMPARK in J&K. These infrastructures are strategically vital for both the Army and Civil Administration and will prove to be an economic lifeline for the people in far-flung areas: LG Sinha

Srinagar: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, today virtually dedicated to the nation 75 infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of ₹2,236 crore.

Of these, 19 are in Jammu & Kashmir. In his address, Raksha Mantri termed the projects as a testament to the Government’s unwavering resolve to keep strengthening the border infrastructure and ensuring socio-economic progress of these areas.

The Lieutenant Governor, J&K, Manoj Sinha expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh; BRO, BEACON, SAMPARK and everyone associated with the construction of the important roads and bridges in the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir.

These infrastructures are strategically vital for both the Army and Civil Administration and will prove to be an economic lifeline for the people in far-flung areas, he said.

“In the last few years, the road infrastructure and connectivity in Jammu Kashmir, especially in areas of strategic importance have been transformed. This reflects the commitment of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi towards inclusive and equitable development across Jammu Kashmir and ensuring ‘last mile connectivity’,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor said the much-awaited road and bridge projects inaugurated today will have a positive impact on the border tourism, creation of new employment opportunities, bringing economic prosperity in the society and enhancing quality of life in forward areas. These projects will improve operational capacity of the Indian Army and boost mobility and logistics support for the troops, he added.

The Lt Governor also lauded the important contribution of Border Roads Organisation to the socio-economic transformation and national integration in the border areas.

The road and bridges of J&K inaugurated today includes Mohura Baaz road; Tutmarigali Kaiyan Bowl road; Gurai Bridge, Bandipora-Gurez road; Garjun Bridge Tutmarigali Base to Top; Niru Nar, Dawar-Niru-Baraub-Chakwali-Kaobal Gali road; Bishnah-Kaulpur-Khojpur road; Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road; Galhar-Sansari road; Swan bridge, Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road; Sanu bridge, Domel-Jindra-Kharta road; Naigarh bridge, Dul-Galhar road; Channani bridge, Domel-Jindra-Kharta road; Natoo bridge, Galhar-Sansari road; Kogra Bridge, Domel-Jindra-Kharta road; Biyalu bridge, Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road; Dersu bridge, Dhar -Udhampur road and Sewa-II bridge, Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road.

(With Agency Inputs)

The month of September 2024 witnessed a series of significant defence procurement and development initiatives by the Government of India (GoI), aimed at bolstering the country’s military capabilities and enhancing its strategic position in the global defence landscape.

One of the key highlights of September was the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving 10 capital acquisition proposals worth ₹14,500 Crores.

The approvals include the procurement of Future-Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), which will significantly enhance the Army’s mobility and firepower.

In addition to the FRCVs, the DAC approved seven Project 17B stealth frigates for the Indian Navy, at an estimated cost of ₹70,000 Crores. The frigates will strengthen the Navy’s maritime defence capabilities and improve its surface warfare tactics.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 240 units of AL-31FP jet engines, valued at ₹26,000 Crores, for the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.

This deal, executed at a production rate of 30 engines per year, aims to ensure the fleet’s sustained operational readiness and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.

In a significant boost to India’s space ambitions, the government approved a budget of ₹22,550 Crores for upcoming space missions.

This includes the next lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4, a Venus exploration mission, and the establishment of an Indian space station.

Additionally, the government has given the green light for the development of a next-generation launch vehicle to support these ambitious projects, signalling a major step forward for India’s space capabilities.

Naval advancements also featured prominently in September, with Cochin Shipyard launching two anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft for the Indian Navy.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the construction of extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles for the Navy, with a budget of ₹2.5 Crores.

Strategic collaborations marked another aspect of the month’s defence activities. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) formed a new joint venture with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems in India.

Additionally, India has signed an implementing agreement with the South African Navy for submarine rescue assistance, ensuring a robust framework for mutual support in underwater emergencies.

An order was also secured by PTC Industries to supply titanium cast components to Israel Aerospace Industries, furthering India’s role in the global defence supply chain.

Several contracts and new orders were finalized in September, reflecting the ongoing modernization efforts.

Furthermore, Dassault Aviation announced plans to establish an MRO facility for Rafale and Mirage fighter jets near Noida, signifying a strategic move to support India’s air combat capabilities locally.

In another significant move, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) awarded a contract worth ₹15.4 Crores million to MTAR Technologies for the manufacture of full-scale and sub-scale combustors for air-breathing engines, underlining India’s focus on advancing propulsion technology.

Adding to the month’s developments, India overtook Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its growing economic and military influence in the region.

Domestic defence manufacturing also saw new milestones, with the Small Arms Factory securing a significant export order for 2,000 medium machine guns from a European country. The Indian Army also placed a substantial order for 700 Trinetra drones, underscoring the focus on indigenous drone technology.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

The Chinese Air Force is evolving its operational doctrine, missions, and roles, including concentrating on long-range precision strikes and giving higher importance to personnel development, yet the Indian Air Force has a clear advantage of a much larger number of airfields at much closer distances and at lower altitudes

by Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Amar Preet Singh during his ‘meet-the-press’ before Air Force Day underscored the delay in manufacturing of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and highlighted how China had pulled ahead in both technology and aircraft production capacity. But he clarified that China was significantly behind in combat experience and international training exposure.

Like the Americans and the Russians, the Chinese realised very early that one who controls the aerospace controls this planet. They began setting up aircraft building plants, initially with the help of the Soviet Union, and later during their honeymoon with the Americans, they could get better technologies. As they began becoming an economic power, they started aeronautical research and development in a big way. In parallel, they made leaps into space.

PLAAF Doctrinal Shift

Today, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is fast transiting from a tactical, army-centric force to an air force with a global reach. The state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is developing and producing state-of-the-art airborne platforms and is fast catching up with the best in the world. Three Chinese defence production companies are now within the top ten globally.

PLAAF is also trying to reorient its flying training and tactics. There is much greater emphasis on technological support, even for operations. As Xi Jinping drives to create the PLA into a “world-class” military, the PLAAF is evolving its operational doctrine, missions, and roles, including concentrating on long-range precision strikes and giving higher importance to personnel development. It is building specialisation for offensive operations, air defence, army support, reconnaissance, early warning, and surveillance, information operations, and strategic transport forces.

PLAAF also wants “integrated air and space capabilities and coordinated offensive and defensive operations”. Most PLAAF platforms now use space-based sensors and systems. The PLAAF is training for the hybrid nature of warfare, including precision and effect-based operations, using network-based operational planning. PLAAF has low exposure to military conflict and modern air exercise but is trying to compensate through state-of-the-art platforms, weapons, and joint training.

The PLAAF is the largest air force in the region and the third largest in the world, with more than 2,500 aircraft (not including UAVs or trainers), of which 1,700 are combat aircraft. PLAAF is closing the gap with Western air forces across a broad spectrum of capabilities, such as aircraft performance, command and control, and electronic warfare.

The PLAAF is shifting its focus from territorial air defence to forward-postured offensive defence. The PLAAF is boosting its capabilities for strategic early warning, long-range precision air strikes, air and missile defence, information countermeasures, airborne operations, strategic projection, and comprehensive support.

PLAAF Coming Out of Army Shadow

For China’s global ambitions, President Xi Jinping is driving air, space, and maritime capability. The Chinese Air Force now has service-specific strategies. The PLAAF primary missions now are air deterrence, air offensive, air blockade, and maritime and ground force support operations. Air offensives would entail large-scale strikes with the goal of rapidly gaining air superiority, reducing an adversary’s capacity for military operations, and creating conditions for early victory. It would entail attacks on airfields and seaports as well as air, land, and sea transportation routes with the goal of cutting the enemy supply lines by attacking logistics facilities and key choke points. It would also include battlefield close air support, strategic and theatre airlift, and airborne operations.

Fighters

With nearly 300 fifth-generation J-20 fighter aircraft built, China has a sizeable fourth-generation-plus aircraft fleet and is fast growing in numbers. The PLAAF’s nearly 1,200 modern fighters include the J-10, J-11B, J-16, Su-27, Su-30 MKK, and Su-35. It already is a fourth-generation-plus only force. The second fifth-generation fighter FC-31/J-31 is being revived for PLAAF and PLA Navy and for exports. China plans to have 1,000 J-20s in 2035 to match the US Air Force. They are designed with network-centric warfare technology. China has already managed to develop its own aero engines. The same is being refined further.

Bombers

China’s bomber force comprises variants of the H-6 Badger bomber, and the PLAAF has worked to maintain and enhance their operational effectiveness. The extended-range H-6K variant features more efficient turbofan engines, and can carry six ALCMs, providing long-range, standoff, precision-strike capability. The PLAAF is developing new medium-to-long-range H-20 stealth bombers to strike regional and global targets. It is targeted to reach initial operational clearance (IOC) by 2025. IAF has no dedicated bombers, but a group of fighters can deliver similar ordnance.

Transport Aircraft And Force Multipliers

China already has nearly 70 Y-20 large transport aircraft (66-tonne payload) to supplement the nearly 17 Russian Il-76 aircraft (40 ns). Y-20 can transport up to two Type 15 tanks or one Type 99A tank over a distance of 7800 km. It uses the same Russian engines as the Il-76. The Chinese equivalent WS-20 engine is nearly ready. Y 20 has flight refuelling and AEW&C variants. China currently has around 30 AEW&C of KJ-2000, KJ-200, and KJ-500 classes. The largest being IL-76-based. These aircraft extend the range of a country’s integrated air defence system network. But the numbers are still too few for its continental size and possible confrontation with the USA. Similarly, China has only 20 FRA, including eight Xian YY-20A. Numbers will go up soon. China also has nearly 25 dedicated electronic warfare aircraft.

Helicopters And Training Aircraft

The Z-10 attack helicopter has been co-designed with the Kamov design bureau of Russia, and is armed with an HJ-10 Air-to-Ground Missile (AGM) similar to the AGM-114 Hellfire. The Z-19 is the smaller variant. The Z-18 is a Chinese medium transport helicopter that can carry 27 troops or five tonnes of cargo. The Z-18J is the AEW variant. The Z-20 helicopter is the Chinese equivalent of the Sikorsky S-70.

Nanchang CJ-6 has been the basic training aircraft for many decades. Hongdu JL-8 is the Jet trainer. The Karakorum K-8 variant of the same is with Pakistan and is being exported to many countries in Asia and Africa. Hongdu L-15 is a supersonic lead-in fighter trainer. China has done well in indigenous trainer production.

UAVs, UCAVs, And Drones

China has a growing high-end military drone force backed by a large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry, including private start-ups. They produce all genres of UAVs, including stealth, VTOL, micro-UAVs, unmanned airships, flying wings, sailplanes, UFO-style flying discs, and even ornithopters (flapping wings). PLAAF’s current in-service Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone is the BZK-005 (Giant Eagle). The GJ-1 and GJ-2 are MALE UAVs capable of the strike role and are the variants of the export oriented Wing Loong I and Wing Loong II systems.

They are considered equivalents of MQ-1 and MQ-9, respectively. PLAAF high-altitude (HALE) UAV is a jet-powered WZ-7 (Divine Eagle). The GJ-11 (Sharp Sword) is the stealthy UCAV, and the WZ-8 is a supersonic reconnaissance UAV. GJ-11 could be used for autonomous missions, autonomous swarming, manned-unmanned-teaming (MUMT), loyal wingman, and other concepts. The Divine Eagle AEW variant will augment existing manned AEW&C platforms. The “Anjian” (Dark Sword) UCAV is a delta-winged platform similar to the American Global Hawk HALE UAV. The CH-4 is a U.S. General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper that looks alike. CH-3 has a semi-active laser and can carry an anti-radiation missile (ARM) and an air-to-surface missile (ASM). The Pakistani Burraq UAV is based on the CH3 UAV and has been supported by China. Clearly, China has a stable of home-made UAVs and is much ahead of India.

Aerial Weapons And SAMs

PLAAF is developing smart, intelligent, and precision ammunition with surgical strike capability. They have IR/TV-guided Air to Surface Missiles (ASM) for ground and sea targets with an estimated range of about 180 km. PLAAF has the supersonic Russian and Chinese made anti-radiation missiles (KH 31P, YJ-91). There is an inventory of laser-guided and satellite-guided bombs. The top-end Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air missiles (AAM) include the latest PL-12 and PL-21, which outrange the Western counterparts like AIM-120 AMRAAM and Meteor. China also has many Russian R-27, R-77, and R-73 AAMs. The extended-range radar-guided PL-15 and PL-21 are termed AWACS killers.

China has a significant inventory of DH-10 land-attack cruise missiles with a 2,000 km range and their air launch variants. PLAAF’s SAMs include Russian-sourced SA-20 (S-300PMU1/2) battalions and domestically produced CSA-9 (HQ-9) battalions. CSA-X-19 (HQ-19) is the domestically produced ballistic missile defence weapon. China has acquired six batteries of the Russian S-400 air defence systems.

Airborne Corps

The PLA Airborne Corps consists of six airborne brigades, a special operations brigade, an aviation brigade, and a support brigade and is under PLAAF. The airborne troops are envisaged for a preemptive attack on the enemy’s key military targets in the rear area to disrupt preparations for an offensive. Currently, the PLAAF can lift one division of 11,000 men with light tanks and self-propelled artillery. The Airborne Corps has demonstrated it can move a regiment plus paratroopers with light armoured vehicles to anywhere within China in less than 24 hours. This is a significantly bigger capability than India’s paramilitary regiments.

Joint Training And Exercises

The PLAAF regularly exercises with other PLA ground and naval forces. These include large force engagements. They do regular exercises in the Tibet region, and of late the frequency of exercises has increased even in winter. With Pakistan Air Force (PAF), PLAAF has been doing regular Shaheen series of exercises since 2011. The exercise helped the two sides for interoperability and also gave the PAF exposure to the SU-30 capabilities. The Americans had restricted the use of the F-16. However, the Chinese have had adequate inputs about the F-16s during interaction with Pakistani pilots. There are also reports that some PLAAF pilots are learning to speak English. Nearly 60 per cent of Pakistan Air Force aircraft and equipment is now of Chinese origin. Pakistan could offer some airbases to China during hostilities.

PLAAF Technology Vision 2035

China has achieved networking and information-led operational capability, and is working towards artificial intelligence (AI)-backed intelligent warfare. There is significant progress in the research and development of sixth-generation fighter aircraft, which will have artificial intelligence integrated systems and will fly in conjunction with drones. Aircraft is expected to be inducted by 2035. China is investing heavily to develop avionics and jet engines. China’s biggest strides are coming in air-to-air missiles. PLAAF believes that with a one or two million dollar weapon, they could destroy a few hundred million dollar AEW&C aircraft. China has already demonstrated and operationalised hypersonic weapons capability that could threaten American or Indian aircraft carriers. China is pushing ahead in cyber, electronic warfare, space, quantum computing, and some other technologies.

Clear Lead Over India

China has a clear lead over India in terms of the status of technologies and the number of high-end platforms and weapons. PLAAF has increased capability to cover vast airspace in TAR and is increasing capability to look deep into Indian airspace. China’s extensive constellation of surveillance satellites with short revisit cycles adds significant punch to target locating and tracking capability. China has a clear lead over India’s space program. In 2023, China had 67 space launches, compared to India’s seven. China’s 35 satellite-based global space navigation system is operational. India’s NavIC is a work still in progress.

The PLAAF’s increased focus on electronic warfare, cyber, and ‘base protection forces’ is meant to make the PLAAF a contemporary and modern force. Indian armed forces are just beginning to harness the space, cyber, and information warfare resources.

PLAAF believes in using high-tech weaponry for force projection that would allow quick victory in “limited wars”. China would execute integrated deep strikes and concentration of superior firepower to destroy the opponent’s retaliatory capabilities. This pro-active doctrine essentially seeks to take the battle into enemy territory. PLAAF doctrine also points towards the unification of air and space defence requiring integrated command and control.

Implications And Options India

The Indian Air Force has a clear advantage of a much larger number of airfields at much closer distances and at lower altitudes. Even though IAF is currently at an all-time low in numbers of fighter aircraft, it can currently field more missions across the Himalayas. China is building more airfields and will use long-range vectors. The IAF has much greater actual war exposure and is carrying out a large number of air exercises with all the major air forces of the world, which gives it a clear training edge.

India needs to rebuild IAF to 42 combat squadrons. While we need to accelerate development and production of indigenous fighters, the process of acquiring 114 fighters must be hastened. IAF also needs much more AWACS and FRA aircraft. Surface-to-surface missiles and Cruise missile inventories have to go up, and so has to be ammunition stocking. There is also a need to continue to strengthen infrastructure along the Himalayan border and at forward airfields. India also needs to increase cyber and electronic warfare capability.

The number of combat UAVs also needs to increase. India needs many more satellites to increase intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. India has to invest much in defence research and development and new technologies and get more ‘atmanirbhar’ in defence production. Considering that Chinese are literally sitting on our border, out-of-budget funding may be allotted to hasten purchases of critical capabilities. China is a closed society. A lot of what comes out of the Chinese-controlled media is part of information warfare and influence operations (IWIO) to make adversaries feel confident. India must guard against this. With the fastest-growing large economy and high level of determination and training, India is well placed to respond to any threat and must continue to be on guard.

The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. This piece first appeared on FirstPost

In terms of technology, the French offer to co-develop a new engine with India may be an important first step towards self-reliance further down the road

by GH Kumar

The collaboration between India and France for the development of an advanced turbofan jet engine presents several advantages over potential partnerships with other nations, particularly the United States. Here are the key reasons why the French partnership, specifically with Safran, would be a more beneficial option for India:

France has recently elevated its collaboration with India in the aerospace sector, particularly focusing on the development of advanced jet engines. This strategic move is seen as a potential game-changer for both nations, enhancing India’s defence capabilities and fostering technological self-reliance.

France has proposed to co-design and manufacture a new advanced aircraft engine with Indian partners, ensuring full technology transfer and significant proprietary rights. This initiative aims to bolster India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, particularly for its fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The French offer includes a complete transfer of technology (ToT) for the development of a new high-thrust engine intended for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This encompasses not just manufacturing capabilities but also design and development processes, which is crucial for building indigenous expertise in aerospace technology.

Under the proposed agreement, both Safran and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) would jointly own the intellectual property rights for the engine technology. This arrangement allows India to develop future engines independently or upgrade existing ones without reliance on foreign entities.

The proposed engine from Safran is expected to produce 110 kN of thrust, significantly more than the 98 kN offered by General Electric’s F-414 engine. This higher thrust capability is essential for advanced combat operations, including supercruise capabilities that enhance performance during missions.

Focus on advanced materials and metallurgy, France’s commitment extends beyond engine design to include collaboration on advanced materials and metallurgy. This focus is vital for developing key components in military and civilian engines, ensuring that India can absorb high-end technology effectively.

The ongoing discussions between Indian and French officials highlight a strategic partnership that goes beyond mere transactions. This relationship is characterized by shared goals in defence manufacturing, which could lead to further collaborations in various aerospace technologies.

Comparison With U.S. Deal

While the deal with General Electric involves transferring up to 80% of manufacturing technology for an existing engine, it lacks the comprehensive approach that the French partnership offers. The U.S. deal primarily focuses on manufacturing know-how rather than full-scale development capabilities, which may limit India’s future advancements in indigenous jet engine technology.

France has been a long-standing partner in India’s defence sector, supplying various military hardware since India’s independence. This new collaboration is part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s defence autonomy and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

The timing of this agreement is significant given the recent geopolitical shifts, including Australia’s withdrawal from a submarine deal with France in favour of an Anglo-American pact. Strengthening ties with India serves France’s interests in maintaining an independent military capability while supporting India’s strategic autonomy.

The proposed jet engine project is crucial as it involves cutting-edge materials and manufacturing techniques that are at the forefront of modern aerospace technology. Few countries possess the capability to develop such engines independently, making this collaboration vital for India’s military aspirations.

Finicky US Reactions To Geopolitical Dynamics

The U.S. Congress has cleared the way for a significant agreement involving General Electric (GE) Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce F-414 jet engines in India. This deal includes an unprecedented 80% technology transfer and aims to bolster India’s defence capabilities, particularly as tensions with China persist.

The agreement is valued at approximately $1 billion and marks a departure from past U.S. policies that restricted such technology transfers to allies.

Despite the positive aspects of the deal, some analysts speculate that the U.S. might be leveraging its position regarding engine supplies to influence India’s defence strategy. Delays in the delivery of F404 engines for India’s TEJAS fighter jets have been attributed to global supply chain issues, yet there are concerns that these delays could serve U.S. geopolitical interests by destabilizing India’s defence plans. However, official statements suggest that these delays are not part of a deliberate strategy but rather a result of external pressures affecting the aerospace industry.

The GE-414 deal is seen as a critical step in enhancing India’s domestic defence production capabilities under its Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 

However, India’s heavy reliance on foreign technology be it the French, the American or even the Russians underscores vulnerabilities in its defence supply chains, raising concerns about future dependencies if geopolitical tensions escalate. Only time will tell if the govt’s choice to go with the U.S. is a wise move or a step backwards toward US traditional employment of arm-twisting tactics to fulfil its national interests.

Will reach Dehradun on October 14

Amid thousands of spectators, IAF’s Vayu Veer Vijeta Car Rally was flagged off by Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Jammu, Air Commodore Sagar Singh Rawat on Sunday morning.

Before flagging off the vehicles, a small religious ceremony was conducted. Thereafter, the team visited Balidan Stambh War Memorial and a wreath was laid by team leader Wg Cdr Vijay Prakash Bhatt.

Defense spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said, “Rally is fast speeding to Chandigarh and will reach Dehradun on October 14 afternoon. It will be welcomed by Uttarakhand Science and Technology Council in Jhajhra for a reception and a brief interaction with scientists on science and technology role in national defence, led by Council’s Director General Prof ( Dr) Durgesh Pant.”

On October 15, the rally participants will lay wreath at an unknown soldier’s statue at Uttarakhand War Memorial, Shaurya Sthal, in the presence of state’s top dignitaries, the spokesperson said.

Students from Northeast India, particularly from Arunachal Pradesh, where rally will reach finally, will welcome rally in their traditional tribal attire.

Why US is acting in tandem with Israel to carry out missile attacks against Iran

Shyam Saran

ON October 11, Iran launched its third missile strike on several targets in Israel, including on the capital city of Tel Aviv. According to an Israeli Defense Forces statement, nearly 300 ballistic missiles were involved in the attack but most were reportedly intercepted and neutralised by Israel and US forces based in Qatar, working together.

We will now increasingly see the US acting in tandem with Israel to carry out devastating aerial and missile attacks against Iran.

The first missile strike took place on April 13, in retaliation for the targeted killing of Iranian diplomats in an Israeli bombing attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria. However, Iran gave advance warning of the attack and avoided causing major damage. It also announced that it did not want to escalate the conflict beyond this retaliatory attack. Nevertheless, this missile attack was the very first direct attack from Iranian soil on Israel and therefore a significant departure from the past.

The proxy war against Israel conducted hitherto through Iranian proxies such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen, had now graduated to a direct clash of arms between the two major adversaries in West Asia and the Gulf.

Israel did not respond directly to the Iranian attack, but it chose to inflict damage on Iran by targeting both the Hamas and Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon. It carried out the brazen assassination of the Hamas chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in the Iranian capital, Tehran, just hours after he had attended the inauguration of the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 31. This was a humiliating blow to Iran, demonstrating Israel’s ability to strike at will at targets within Iran, leveraging its superior intelligence capabilities. More importantly, Iran’s attempt at deterrence by launching its April missile attack on Israel had failed.

Israel then upped the ante with the bold assassination of the Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah, on September 27 in a suburb of the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Not just Nasrallah but several other senior leaders of this Shia militia were also killed in the targeted bombing of their headquarters. This was a prelude to the start of a major Israeli ground offensive into southern Lebanon with the objective of flushing out Hezbollah forces spread across southern Lebanon.

Iran’s second missile barrage against Israel came soon thereafter on October 1. Like the April attack, this, too, reportedly caused little damage. Assisted by the US, Israel was able to intercept and shoot down most of the missiles. Unlike the April attack, however, Iran gave no advance warning about the attack. Nor did it declare its intent to avoid further escalation.

As anticipated, Israel declared its intention to retaliate against Iran and promised that it would be “painful.”

While in April, US President Biden had urged restraint on Israel, this time there was no such advice from Washington. On the contrary, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, promised severe consequences for Iran and said the U.S. would “work with Israel to make that the case.”

This change in US stand has not been fully appreciated. This is no longer just an Iran-Israel conflict. It is now a US-Iran conflict and that changes the nature of the confrontation unfolding in the region with serious consequences.

It is against this backdrop that Iran chose to launch yet another missile barrage against Israel on October 10, reportedly using hypersonic missiles which it may have developed itself or may have obtained from Russia. There may have been greater damage inflicted on Israel than in the earlier attacks but it is difficult to assess the scale of such damage. The US announced that it had worked together with Israel to shoot down most of the missiles. This time President Biden declared that the US was “fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel.”

One should now jettison the view of the US acting as a restraint on Israel, in favour of avoiding escalation and a wider regional war. We will now increasingly see the US acting in tandem with Israel to carry out devastating aerial and missile attacks against Iran. Three categories of targets are being mentioned: Iran’s nuclear facilities, its oil and gas facilities and terminals and military targets, including the command-and-control centres of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

The longstanding effort of Benyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli leader, to drag the US into a war against Iran, has finally succeeded.

It may be noted that a wider war in the region will have relatively less impact on the US since it is no longer dependent on energy supplies from the region. It would be less worried about an Iran lashing out by attacking oil and gas facilities of the Gulf countries or blockading the Hormuz Straits, through which most of oil and gas supplies are exported to markets both in Europe and Asia. It would be prudent to plan for another era of very high oil prices. India will be seriously impacted.

Iran may be seriously weakened and face a debilitating economic crisis. Its proxies may also be weakened even if they are not neutralised. They will respond as such groups always do — by engaging in asymmetrical warfare. There will likely be an uptick in international terrorism. Even a weakened Iran may finally cross the nuclear threshold and acquire a nuclear arsenal despite the immense sacrifices this may entail. It will be convinced that it is only as a nuclear weapon state that it could ensure its survival. This could have a cascading effect in the region, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt choosing to embrace the nuclear option.

None of the countries of the region can escape a negative fallout from a war against Iran. They have tried to shield themselves by pretending that they do not have skin in the game, but they always did. If they had intervened early in the day to impose some penalty on Israel to stop its brutal war against Gaza and now in Lebanon, the trajectory of events may have been different. But their silence meant that Israel saw no downside to its aggressive policies.

We may be on the threshold of another major war and one on our western flank where nine or more million Indians live and work. Our energy supplies may be significantly disrupted. That India has so few levers to influence events in its strategically critical neighbourhood is a sobering thought.

Defence Minister Rajanth Singh on Friday expressed “full confidence” in the Army saying the force was capable of tackling any contingency. Addressing via video-conference the “Army Commanders’ Conference” being conducted in Sikkim capital Gangtok, the Defence Minister’s remarks came in…

Defence Minister Rajanth Singh on Friday expressed “full confidence” in the Army saying the force was capable of tackling any contingency.

Addressing via video-conference the “Army Commanders’ Conference” being conducted in Sikkim capital Gangtok, the Defence Minister’s remarks came in reference to the present situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He said the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution (of pending issues with China) would continue at all levels. India and China have been locked in a military standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since April 2020 and there have been multiple rounds of talks.

The minister said the present situation across the world was “complex and ambiguous”. “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war, will be part of future conventional wars. This has been evident in recent conflicts happening in various parts of the world,” he said.

War preparedness should be a continuous process and the Army needed to be always ready for unpredictable scenarios that may crop up any time, he said. At the event, the Army’s top leadership deliberated on various aspects of the existing security scenarios, situation along borders and the challenges for the security apparatus.

Due to adverse weather, Rajnath could not reach Gangtok and he addressed the Army commanders virtually from the Sukna military station near Darjeeling. He is slated to visit a forward location to celebrate Dasehra with troops tomorrow.

Rajnath also virtually inaugurated a memorial in Sikkim’s Burdang dedicated to the 22 soldiers who lost their lives in last year’s flashfloods in the northeastern state.

A team of Agniveers was firing a field gun when one of the shells exploded at Deolali Field Firing Ranges in Nashik

Two Agniveers were killed during a field firing exercise in Maharashtra, an official said on Friday, adding the Army has initiated a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.

Gunner Gohil Vishvarajsinh (20) and Gunner Saikat (21) from Artillery Centre Hyderabad died during a field firing exercise at Deolali Field Firing Ranges in Nashik district, the official said.

A team of Agniveers was firing a field gun when one of the shells exploded, the official said, adding the duo sustained injuries and were taken to the military hospital at Deolali, where they were pronounced dead.

Based on a complaint by Havildar Ajit Kumar, a case of accidental death has been registered with the Deolali Camp police, and further investigations are on, he said.

The Army has ordered a court of inquiry to find out the exact cause of the accident, it said.

The Army offers deepest condolences and stands firm with the bereaved families in this hour of grief, it added.

In a landmark moment for the Navi Mumbai International Airport, an Indian Air Force C-295 aircraft completed the first landing at the site. The Indian Air Force transport carrier landed at the Southern runway 26 of the airport at 12.14 pm, news agency PTI reported citing the airport operator.

The landing trial was witnessed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with several Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Following the successful aircraft landing, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, “It is a historic day. IAF’s C-295 aircraft landed here and there was a flypast by Sukhoi fighter aircraft. This is a huge achievement. Before March, regular and commercial flights will begin from here (Navi Mumbai airport). It will reduce the load on Mumbai airport. We will connect Mumbai airport and Navi Mumbai airport by metro.”

The first phase of the airport, being developed jointly by the Adani Group and the CIDC is expected to be completed by March 2025. The Airport is set to revolutionize air travel in India with its state-of-the-art facility spanning 1,200 hectares. Designed to accommodate four terminals and two runways, the airport to serve an impressive 90 million passengers annually upon full operation.

In a statement, the Adani Group said, “In a landmark moment for the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA; Airport Code: NMI), an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft successfully touched down on its South runway. The inaugural landing of the IAF C-295, a large multi-role tactical airlift, represents a significant milestone in the Adani Group’s development of the greenfield international airport, which started in August 2021, during the pandemic and is scheduled to be operational in early 2025.”

Agencies