Latest news with #C130J
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Defence corridors in Karnataka will bolster ‘Make in India' mission: CM Siddaramaiah
BENGALURU: The Karnataka Government on Wednesday requested the Centre to approve two defence corridors to enable the state to leverage its expertise and drive further growth in the defence sector. The state also asked for the Defence Ministry lands in Bengaluru for Bengaluru Metro Rail and Tunnel Road projects, and requested the Indian Air Force (IAF) to hold an aerial display during Mysuru Dasara starting from September 22. Speaking to media persons in New Delhi after meeting Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Union Minister has accepted the request for IAF's participation in Dasara and gave a positive response to the other two demands. The CM was accompanied by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Industries Minister MB Patil, and ministers KJ George and Byrati Suresh. In a memorandum submitted to the Union Minister, the CM sought support for establishing two Defence Industrial Corridors, one each in North Karnataka and South Karnataka. 'This initiative will bolster the Make in India mission, enhance indigenous production, and generate skilled employment,' the CM stated. The CM stated that North Karnataka region, covering Belagavi, Hubbali-Dharwad, and Vijayapura districts, boasts a vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem, while South Karnataka region, particularly Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and Bangalore Rural, has a rich history of Aerospace and Defence excellence. 'With HAL headquartered here, TASL establishing final assembly line for C130J, and Air India and Indigo ramping up MRO operations, South Karnataka is poised to be the epicenter for Aerospace and Defence manufacturing for India,' the CM stated. Siddaramaiah stated that the proposed corridors will leverage this existing ecosystem and infrastructure, further cementing Karnataka's reputation as the Defence Capital of India. The CM also informed Singh that the Global Investors Meet Invest Karnataka 2025 had secured commitments of approximately Rs 10.27 lakh crore, of which Rs 4.34 lakh crore (42%) have already been converted. Air show during Dasara The CM requested the Ministry of Defence to consider the participation of the Indian Air Force in the form of an aerial display by Surya Kiran, Sarang, and other aerobatic teams during the upcoming Mysuru Dasara 2025 celebrations, from September 22 to October 2. In 2017, 2019, and 2023, the IAF conducted air shows in Mysuru. 'These shows not only captivated the audiences but also instilled a sense of pride and admiration among the people about the advanced capabilities and technological excellence of the Indian Armed Forces,' the CM stated.
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
NZDF Hercules not needed to assist NZers stranded in Iran and Israel
The RNZAF C-130J Hercules Aircraft departs RNZAF Auckland Base for the Middle East. Photo: NZDF/Jalesa Normani The NZ Defence Force (NZDF) plane sent to the Middle East to assist any stranded New Zealanders in Iran or Israel has returned to Aotearoa, because it was not needed. The C130-J Hercules was sent to the region two weeks ago , as a contingency for when airspace in the region reopened. A NZDF spokesperson said as regular commercial flights resumed in Israel, and were starting to become available from Iran, the defence force began to "draw down the contingent" in the region. "It was positioned in the Middle East region to provide an alternative means of evacuation for New Zealanders, but was not required," the spokesperson said. "Other personnel deployed to support New Zealand's consular efforts have also returned to New Zealand." The spokesperson said the NZDF was proud of its personnel for deploying at short notice and being ready to respond, in case they were needed to assist New Zealanders in leaving Israel and Iran. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
New Zealanders in Israel not taking assistance to leave
RNZAF C-130J Hercules Aircraft departs RNZAF Auckland Base for the Middle East. Photo: NZDF/Jalesa Normani New Zealanders in Israel are not taking up the opportunity to leave, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The message to New Zealanders in Iran and Israel has been to do everything they can to leave, if they can find a safe route. But a MFAT spokesperson said the ministry was not receiving requests from New Zealanders in Israel seeking to depart. "We arranged a land evacuation option for New Zealanders in Israel yesterday, however, no New Zealanders took up that option," they said. A New Zealand Defence Force C130-J is enroute to the Middle East to assist New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel. Where the plane will be based is not being disclosed for security reasons, but it is expected to arrive by Friday local time. The plane is a contingency for when airspace in the region reopens. The number of New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in Iran is 139, while 110 are registered in Israel. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said there were "more coming out of the woodwork in Iran". "But then [in] Israel, we're seeing a lack of desire to move, so we maybe should be focused far more on Iran's circumstances," Peters said. Peters said New Zealanders in Israel wanted to "stay in situ" but noted their circumstances had changed. Defence Minister Judith Collins reiterated the message for people to leave if they could. "If people don't want to leave, they have to understand that we can't go in and get them out," she said. Acting Prime Minister David Seymour said it was currently "very challenging" to get people out of Iran. There were also ongoing disruption to phone and internet connectivity, although MFAT would continue to attempt to contact people registered with SafeTravel by phone, email, and WhatsApp. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Defence Force to send plane to assist New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel
The Defence Force is sending a plane to the Middle East to assist any New Zealanders stranded in Iran or Israel. The C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, will leave Auckland on Monday. Airspace is still closed in the region, but Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment was part of New Zealand's contingency plans. "Airspace in Israel and Iran remains heavily restricted, which means getting people out by aircraft is not yet possible, but by positioning an aircraft, and defence and foreign affairs personnel in the region, we may be able to do more when airspace reopens," she said. The government was also in discussions with commercial airlines to see what they could do to assist, although it was uncertain when airspace would reopen. A C-130J Hercules at Whenuapai RNZAF base. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealanders should do everything they can to leave now, if they can find a safe route. "We know it will not be safe for everyone to leave Iran or Israel, and many people may not have access to transport or fuel supplies," he said. "If you are in this situation, you should shelter in place, follow appropriate advice from local authorities and stay in touch with family and friends where possible." Peters re-iterated New Zealand's call for diplomacy and dialogue. "Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying and it is critical further escalation is avoided," he said. "New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. "We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action." Judith Collins and Winston Peters address media. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel It will take a few days for the Hercules to reach the region. New Zealanders in Iran and Israel needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry's Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20. New Zealand hoped the aircraft and personnel would not be needed, and diplomatic efforts would prevail, Collins re-iterated. The ministers would not say where exactly the plane and personnel would be based, for security reasons. Peters told reporters the number of New Zealanders registered in Iran had jumped since the escalation of the crisis. "We thought, at a certain time, we had them all counted out at 46," he said. "It's far more closer to 80 now, because they're coming out of the woodwork, despite the fact that, for months, we said, 'Look, this is a danger zone', and for a number of days we've said, 'Get out if you possibly can'." There were 101 New Zealanders registered in Israel. Again, Peters said the figure had risen recently. He indicated people from other nations could be assisted, similar to when the NZDF assisted in repatriations from New Caledonia last year. Labour defence spokesperson Peeni Henare supported the move. "I acknowledge the news that the New Zealand Defence Force will soon begin a repatriation mission to the Middle East, and thank the crew and officials on this mission for their ongoing work to bring New Zealanders home safely," he said. While he agreed with the government that the attacks were a dangerous escalation of the conflict and supported the government's calls for dialogue, he said United States' bombing of Iran was a breach of international law and the government should be saying it. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
22-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
NZ may help Pacific Islanders in the Middle East 'where feasible' says Peters spokesperson
A C-130J Hercules at Whenuapai RNZAF base. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel A spokesperson for New Zealand's minister of foreign affairs says where feasible, they may assist Pacific Islanders in the Middle East. The Defence Force is sending a plane to the Middle East to assist any New Zealanders stranded in Iran or Israel. This was decided before the US A spokesperson for Winston Peters said in a statement that New Zealand is working with partner countries and will be coordinating with other consular operations. "The Minister has said New Zealand will play its part as a good international citizen, and where feasible, that may involve assisting other nationals including those from the Pacific Islands." The foreign affairs ministry (MFAT) is providing SafeTravel advice on overland evacuation and border routes, the spokesperson said. This includes how MFAT will support New Zealanders to receive travel authorisation for border crossing from Iran. "It is important to note that nationals of the Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue have the rights of New Zealand citizens - and if nationals from those countries are in Iran or Israel, they're urged to follow the advice from MFAT to all New Zealanders to depart overland, if it is safe to do so." New Zealanders in Iran and Israel needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry's Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20. The C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, left Auckland on Monday morning but will take a few days to reach the region. Its exact destination in the Middle East was not disclosed for security reasons. Airspace is still closed in the region, but New Zealand's defence minister Judith Collins said on Sunday the deployment was part of New Zealand's contingency plans. The government was also in discussions with commercial airlines to see what they could do to assist, although it was uncertain when airspace would reopen. Foreign minister Winston Peters has reiterated New Zealand's call for diplomacy and dialogue. World leaders have reacted to the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites . Israeli Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump in a recorded statement. "History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons." Iran's foreign minister Araghchi wrote on X that the US had "committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations". "In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest and people." Meanwhile, US bombers sent into the Pacific on the weekend were a decoy, a US official said. International media had reported that B-2 bombers had been deployed to a US military base on the Pacific island of Guam. In a press conference at the Pentagon, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said the strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities involved sending B2 bombers to the Pacific as a decoy. The Marianas Press reported General Caine saying this 'deception effort' was known only to an extremely small number of planners and key leaders.
