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India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Flying up to 21 thousand feet height, speed of 235 KM/hour, 126 LUH will join the Indian Army fleet, Ladakh and Siachen will now be….
HAL Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) HAL Light Utility Helicopters: In a significant development for the Indian Armed Forces, the Indian Army is planning to replace its aging fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters with 126 newly developed Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). As per the recent update, the Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) procurement deal is in its final stages and is expected to receive official approval soon. Here are all the details you need to know about HAL's newly developed Light Utility Helicopters (LUH). Why are Light Utility Helicopters helpful? Marking a major step toward modernization of the Army's aerial capabilities, these LUHs are fully designed and manufactured in India by HAL and are specially built to perform in mountainous and high-altitude terrains. The helicopters can operate at elevations up to 6,500 metres (21,300 feet), have a top speed of 235 km/h, and a range of 350 km per flight. Why India requires Light Utility Helicopters? Due to to the advanced features, the HAL LUHs will significantly enhance the Army's operational readiness in difficult areas such as Ladakh and Siachen. HAL receives first set of wing assemblies for LCA Mk1A In another significant update relating to HAL and Indian Air Force, the first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro, was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement. As per a report by news agency ANI, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar attended the event virtually, as General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) M Abdul Salam received the assemblies on behalf of HAL from the Precision Manufacturing and Systems Complex unit of L&T. In his address, the Secretary (Defence Production) commended the efforts of HAL and L&T towards achieving self-reliance. He hailed HAL for spearheading collaboration with different private sector partners, nurturing them and ensuring enhanced capability. (With inputs from agencies)
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
From 'India Out' to red carpet for Modi: How Delhi turned Maldives around
About two years ago, when Mohamed Muizzu defeated Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to become the President of the Maldives, the prospect of diplomatic warmth between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, such as seen on Friday, seemed improbable. Muizzu's "India Out" campaign had strained ties with New Delhi. But in less than two years, the Maldivian President, in a rare break from protocol, made a grand gesture by personally receiving Prime Minister Modi upon his arrival in observers said the "hug" between the two leaders symbolised a reset in the strained ties. Some analysts also added that Muizzu may be "two-timing" by also leaning towards China. Still, the red carpet treatment and the 21-gun salute for PM Modi were no ordinary gestures, especially amid strained ties for about two development underscores India's understated diplomacy that constantly provided support to the Maldives despite its hostile approach towards India under DEMAND TO REMOVE INDIAN TROOPS FROM MALDIVES The issue dates back to 2023, when Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of approximately 90 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives for medical evacuations and maritime surveillance, framing their presence as an infringement on the Maldives' pivot towards China, including a state visit in January 2024 and the signing of 20 MoUs to deepen bilateral ties, raised concerns in New Delhi about a potential strategic shift in the Indian Ocean Maldives, under Muizzu, inked a pact with China for "non-lethal" weapons at no cost. Beijing also agreed to train Maldivian soldiers – another signal of the island nation distancing itself from India, which previously, along with the US, conducted such complied by withdrawing its military personnel, and did not sever ties with the Maldives. Instead, it continued, and even expanded, its development assistance and aid to the island fact, following the withdrawal, India replaced its personnel with civilian technical staff from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft gifted to the EXTENDED FINANCIAL AID TO MUIZZU GOVERNMENTOver the following months, this continued support bore fruit, contributing to what now appears to be a resetting of about a week after withdrawing the troops, in May 2024, India extended vital budgetary support by rolling over a $50 million Treasury Bill for an additional year through the State Bank of India in Male, helping the Maldives manage its fiscal Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer publicly thanked India for the gesture, emphasising the longstanding friendship between the two October 2024, India provided a $400 million emergency financial package and a Rs 3,000 crore (approximately $360 million) currency swap agreement to stabilise the Maldivian economy, which was under strain from a high debt-to-GDP ratio and maturing also agreed to explore debt relief measures for the Maldives' $400.9 million debt to India, as requested by support didn't end there. In 2025, India increased its aid to the Maldives by 28%, allocating Rs 600 crore to support economic stability and development projects, signalling a renewed commitment to bilateral SAW PROMOTION OF LAKSHADWEEP AS A THREATHowever, India's promotion of Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination, urging citizens to visit the western archipelago, was perceived in the Maldives, which has been a favourite destination for Indian celebrities, challenge its tourism Minister Modi in January last year posted a photo of himself from a Lakshadweep Indians might have cancelled their Maldives plan, but the island nation continued to feature in the social media posts of Indian FUNDING CRITICAL INFRA PROJECTS IN MALDIVESDespite the pushback on the tourism front, India continued funding critical infrastructure projects in the Maldives, including the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which aims to enhance economic mobility by connecting $500-million project, funded through a $100-million grant and a $400-million line of credit from India, is constructing a 6.74-km bridge and causeway network to connect the capital, Male, with three neighbouring islands – Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi – enhancing connectivity for nearly half of the Maldivian other investments in the Maldives include housing, sanitation, clean energy installations, and capacity-building the welcome extended to PM Modi in Male was not a sudden thaw. It was a result of India's quiet and consistent diplomacy which endured even as the Maldives tilted towards provocations and shifting allegiances, India chose engagement over escalation. Now, the geopolitical tides have again shifted in the strategic Indian Ocean Region.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
From ‘India out' to ‘21-gun salute' for PM Modi: Downs and ups of India-Maldives ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome on the first day of his visit to Maldives, with a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial welcome. Children danced as Modi met with Maldivian ministers and officials at Republic Square. Even his giant photo was displayed on the ministry of defence building in the Maldivian capital Male. Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a ceremonial welcome & Guard of Honour at Republic Square, in Malé on Friday.(DPR PMO) All these grand gestures point to the turnaround of diplomatic ties between the two countries, because Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was not so welcoming of India when he was elected to the office in 2023. Also read: 'As ancient as history, as deep as ocean': PM Modi on India-Maldives relations He came to power on the back of an 'India Out' campaign in late 2023. Later, he sought to get close to China. Later, some members of his government made disrespectful remarks against India and Modi. That snowballed into Indians boycotting Maldives, otherwise a very popular travel destination. They cancelled bookings in Maldives and made calls to choose Indian islands such as Lakshadweep for tourism. Indian troops were also asked to leave the island country. Also read: 'Our friendship will remain bright and clear': PM Modi in Maldives However, things again changed when both the countries decided to make a reconciliation and restart diplomatic dialogue in 2024. Here is a timeline of how India-Maldives diplomatic ties turned around since 2023- November 2023: Mohamed Muizzu elected as Maldivian President with his 'India Out' campaign. He makes his first foreign visit to Turkey in December 2023, breaking the tradition of the new Maldivian Presidents visiting India first after taking office. December 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Mohamed Muizzu on December 1, 2023, on the sidelines of COP-28 Summit in the UAE and congratulates him on his assumption of office. January 2024: Mohamed Muizzu visits China, in a show to reduce dependency on India. Three deputy ministers of Muizzu's cabinet also made derogatory remarks about Modi and India and were suspended by the Maldives government. However, their remarks sparked backlash in India and led to a boycott campaign, causing a sharp decline in Indian tourist arrivals. January 2024: India-Maldives ties took a hit after PM Modi visited Lakshadweep, a trip that three Maldivian lawmakers had mocked. May 2024: India withdraws its troops from Maldives, which were replaced with civilian technical personnel from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to operate aviation platforms gifted by India. The troops were withdrawn by May 10, 2024 - the deadline set by Maldives. During this time, on May 9, 2024, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India and met his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. June 2024: Mohamed Muizzu attends Modi's oath ceremony on June 9 in New Delhi as he became India's Prime Minister for the third time. August 2024: Foreign minister S Jaishankar makes an official visit to Maldivian capital Male from August 9-11, 2024. During this visit, Muizzu appreciated India's continued developmental assistance provided to Maldives. The two countries also enhanced bilateral and defence ties and several MOUs were signed. October 2024: Mohamed Muizzu comes to India on his first bilateral visit from October 6-10 and receives a ceremonial welcome by President Droupadi Murmu and Modi. The two countries boost economic ties with the inauguration of a new runway in Maldives' Hanimadhoo International Airport, built under an airport redevelopment project assisted by India, and the official launch of the RuPay card in Maldives. India also agrees to provide financial support of more than ₹6,300 crore to the Maldives to tide over a foreign exchange crisis July 2025: Modi visits Maldives is the first foreign leader to be hosted by Mohamed Muizzu's government since his election in 2023. He said that India is Maldives' closest neighbour and lauded the bilateral relations between the two countries.
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First Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
The story of Tejas Mk-1A that will replace IAF's MiG-21s set to phase out in September
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is ready to bid adieu to its MiG-21 fighter jets after over 60 years of service. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A aircraft will replace the ageing planes. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the new version of Tejas is an indigenous 4.5 generation, multi-role combat aircraft powered by the American GE F404 engine read more India is retiring its MiG-21 fighter jets after 62 years of service. These aircraft are being replaced by the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to phase out MiG-21s by September this year and replace them with the indigenously developed newer Tejas fighter jets. Currently, there are only two MiG-21 squadrons – 36 warplanes – in operation, both at the Nal Air Base in Rajasthan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's a look at the Tejas fighter jets replacing India's longest-serving fighter plane. MiG-21s to fly no more First inducted in 1963, MiG-21 is a single-engine, single-seater multi-role fighter/ground attack aircraft. Designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet Union, the fighter jet bolstered the Indian Air Force over the years. It was deployed during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, 1999 Kargil War and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. MiG-21 was also used during the 2019 Balakot air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. The then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, piloting a MiG-21, had shot down a F-16 fighter jet of Pakistan during an aerial combat. An Indian Air Force MIG-21 aircraft Dornier flies during the inaugural day of the five-day Aero India 2019 airshow at the Yelahanka Air Force station, in Bangalore on February 20, 2019. File Photo/AFP While MiG-21 was the IAF's backbone, it came to be infamously known as 'widow-maker' or the 'flying coffin' due to several crashes over its decades of service. About 500 MiG-21s have crashed in the last 60 years, resulting in the death of 170 pilots, as per government data. Over 20 aircraft have crashed since 2010. Now, the IAF will phase out its ageing MiG-21s that remain in service. 'Indian Air Force to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jet by September this year. The squadrons operating the aircraft are currently in Nal air base in Rajasthan. The LCA Mark 1A aircraft would be replacing the MiG-21s in the IAF,' a defence official was quoted as saying by ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tejas Mk-1A to boost India's defence The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A is an indigenous 4.5 generation, all-weather and multi-role combat aircraft. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), these fighter jets are designed for deployment in high-threat aerial environments. The Tejas Mk-1A has several upgrades over the Tejas Mk-1 version, including Israel EL/M-2025 AESA Radar, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite with a jammer, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities. A homemade digital fly-by-wire flight control computer has been integrated into the Tejas jet. These fly-by-wire systems replace mechanical flight controls in an aircraft with an electronic interface. 'In a significant development towards Tejas Mk1A programme, the digital fly-by-wire flight control computer (DFCC) was integrated into prototype LSP7 and successfully flown on February 19,' the defence ministry said earlier. The combat aircraft has about nine hard points to carry different types of weapons, including the Israeli-built Derby missiles and the indigenous ASTRA missile. 'The Tejas Mk1A will have an advanced electronic RADAR, warfare and communication systems, additional combat capability and improved maintenance features,' according to HAL. The aircraft is capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In February 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for procuring 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. It said it is also in the process of procuring 97 more of these warplanes for around Rs 67,000 crore. However, the delay in the delivery of Tejas MK-1A has frustrated the air force. Even Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flagged the issue. In August 2021, HAL placed an order with America's GE Aerospace for 99 F404 engines worth Rs 5,375 crore to power the Tejas Mk-1A. The first of these jet engines finally delivered to HAL in April, after a delay of over a year. The US company is running behind schedule to provide the engines for the Tejas fighter jets by two years. 'We are working with our partner HAL and suppliers to resolve constraints and deliver F404-IN20 engines for the LCA Mk1 programme,' GE Aerospace said, as per Financial Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Twelve Tejas Mk-1A are expected to be rolled out this year. The US firm will deliver 10 engines by the end of 2025. 'It takes about a month to integrate the engines and do the tests. The process first involves building the fuselage, then getting the lobing and piping done, followed by combining the landing gear,' a government official told Indian Express. 'After integrating the engines, the ground runs, including the high-speed runs, are carried out for all thorough checks,' the official added. The IAF is counting on the advanced Tejas jets as the number of its fighter squadrons has plunged to 31 from an official sanctioned strength of 42. With inputs from agencies
India.com
7 days ago
- India.com
Bad news for Pakistan, China as India to get ‘flying warrior', name is CATS warrior, it will complete mission without…
Home News Bad news for Pakistan, China as India to get 'flying warrior', name is CATS warrior, it will complete mission without… Bad news for Pakistan, China as India to get 'flying warrior', name is CATS warrior, it will complete mission without… It can be launched from an airbase and go deep into the enemy's territory and complete the mission. New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has designed a special drone called Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior. According to sources, this unmanned combat aircraft (UCAV) is ready for its first low-speed taxi trial soon. CATS Warrior has been designed in such a way that it can attack the enemy in conjunction with fighter jets. This drone will be able to gather information about the enemy, keep surveillance and carry out strike missions on its own. When was this UCAV displayed? This drone was first shown at Aero India 2025 this year. It is expected that it will also take its first flight by the end of 2025. NewSpace Research and Technologies is also working with HAL in this project. Big countries of the world like America, China and Russia are also making similar drones. Now India is also moving rapidly towards making its Air Force more powerful with this technology. What are the features of CATS Warrior? The CATS Warrior UCAV is an unmanned fighter drone which can complete the mission remotely or on its own. It can support a piloted aircraft by dodging the enemy's radar or attacking in advance. It is fitted with Swarm technology in which many such drones can fly together in a swarm, and mislead the enemy's system. It can do both espionage (ISR), surveillance and precision bombing. It has a stealth design hence it's very difficult to detect it by enemy's radar. According to initial information, its operation range is up to 700 kilometers, which can be increased further. High precision It can be launched from an airbase, and it can go deep into the enemy's territory and complete the mission. Its range will depend on which missile or bomb it will be equipped with. CATS Warrior is capable of carrying 100 (44 kg) to 150 pounds (68 kg) of bombs or electronic warfare (EW) pods. This means that apart from jamming enemy's radar system, it can also bomb with precision. What weapons can it carry? This drone will have an internal weapon bay, in which weapons like Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and Next Generation Close Combat Missile (NGCCM) will be fitted. It will attack the enemy with hidden weapons while avoiding radar in the air. It will be fitted with light weight smart bombs and stand-off missiles capable of hitting the target even from a distance of 100-200 kilometers. Staying away from the fighter jet, this drone can destroy the enemy's target without going close. India's 'flying companion' CATS Warrior UCAV will be operated by connecting it with modern fighter aircraft like India's Tejas LCA and Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. This technology will provide the ability to carry out precise and deep attacks on enemy targets without endangering the life of the pilot. It is being called India's 'flying companion'. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on
