Latest news with #Turkish-origin
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Spy planes, minesweepers: Nod for 1L crore purchases
AI generated image for representation NEW DELHI: The defence ministry gave preliminary nod Thursday to three major acquisition projects and seven smaller ones, collectively worth over Rs 1 lakh crore, ranging from specialised spy aircraft and advanced minesweepers to quick-reaction air defence missiles and underwater autonomous vessels. The biggest project to get "acceptance of necessity" (AoN), which is just the first step in the long-winded procurement process, was for the indigenous construction of 12 mine countermeasure vessels for around Rs 44,000 crore, which will take almost a decade, sources told TOI. These specialised warships, each with a displacement of 900-1,000 tonne, will be capable of detecting, tracking and destroying underwater mines laid by enemy forces to choke harbours and ports, disrupt shipping and maritime trade. QRSAMs designed to intercept hostile fighters These specialised warships are crucial amid the expanding maritime collaboration between China and Pakistan. At present, the Navy makes do with just "clip-on mine countermeasure suites" mounted on some ships to plug the major capability gap. The second big project was the Rs 36,000 crore procurement of the new quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) systems developed by DRDO , with three regiments for the Army and three squadrons for IAF. Overall, the Army Air Defence has projected a requirement of 11 such regiments. These highly mobile QRSAMs, designed to intercept hostile fighters, helicopters and drones at ranges up to 30km, will add to the country's multilayered air defence network that played a crucial role in thwarting multiple waves of Turkish-origin drones and Chinese missiles launched by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor May 7-10 hostilities. The third major project was for three ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition & reconnaissance) planes, designed to identify and help target high-value enemy targets on ground with greater precision and accuracy by fighter jets & missiles, for around Rs 10,000 crore. These aircraft will be equipped with a wide array of indigenous sensors & systems developed by DRDO, like synthetic aperture radars, electro-optical and infrared sensors, for gathering "actionable intelligence" in real time on enemy infrastructure, build-ups and movements. Another project granted AoN was for semi-submersible autonomous vessels for ISR missions. They will be acquired under 'Make-II' category project, where prototype development is funded by the industry. AoNs were accorded for procurement of armoured recovery vehicles, electronic warfare systems and tri-Service integrated common inventory management system for better supply chain management.
India Today
16-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Modi's historic Cyprus visit: Why it matters more than you think
The significance of Modi's Cyprus visit extends far beyond ceremonial diplomacy. During his stay, the Prime Minister engaged in substantive discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia and addressed business leaders in Limassol, setting the stage for enhanced bilateral cooperation across multiple his remarks during the visit, Modi emphasised the development of "a complete roadmap to give strategic direction for the partnership between the two nations." This comprehensive approach signals India's intention to deepen ties with Cyprus across defence, security, trade, and technological Strategic geography and regional dynamics Cyprus occupies a unique position in the eastern Mediterranean, serving as a crucial bridge between Europe, Asia, and West Asia. Despite its geographic location in Asia, Cyprus maintains strong ties with Europe as a European Union member state, making it an invaluable partner for India's expanding engagement with the island nation's complex history, marked by the division between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and the 1974 Turkish military intervention, provides important context for understanding regional dynamics. The northern portion of the island remains under Turkish control as the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey—a situation that influences broader Mediterranean Mediterranean strategyCyprus has emerged as one of India's dependable friends in the Mediterranean region. The island nation has consistently supported India's bid for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council and backed India's civil nuclear cooperation agreements within international visit comes at a time when India seeks to counter growing Turkish-Pakistani cooperation, particularly in defence and security matters. Recent conflicts have highlighted the use of Turkish-origin military equipment by Pakistan, marking what Indian officials consider a concerning escalation in regional and security cooperation frameworkA key outcome of Modi's Cyprus visit was the commitment to strengthen defence and security cooperation through enhanced bilateral programs. The Prime Minister outlined plans to emphasise defence industry collaboration under existing bilateral frameworks while initiating separate dialogues on cyber and maritime specifically thanked Cyprus for its continued support in India's efforts to combat cross-border terrorism, announcing the establishment of real-time information exchange mechanisms between security agencies of both countries. This cooperation framework represents a significant step in India's broader counter-terrorism and economic connectivityBeyond security considerations, Cyprus plays a vital role in India's ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project. This infrastructure initiative aims to boost trade and connectivity between India and Europe through West Asian transit points, with Cyprus serving as a crucial Mediterranean timing of Modi's visit is particularly strategic, as Cyprus is scheduled to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026. This positioning makes Cyprus an invaluable ally as India seeks to strengthen trade and security relationships across cooperation and global challengesDuring discussions with Cypriot leadership, Modi addressed shared concerns about ongoing conflicts in Europe and West Asia, emphasising that "this is not an era of war." Both nations expressed similar views on the need for UN reforms to address contemporary global challenges, reinforcing their alignment on multilateral Prime Minister's visit also provided an opportunity to express gratitude to partner countries for their steadfast support in India's fight against cross-border terrorism and to build global consensus on tackling terrorism in all its forms.A strategic partnership in the makingModi's Cyprus visit represents more than bilateral engagement—it signals India's broader Mediterranean strategy and commitment to building diverse partnerships that support its growing global influence. The comprehensive roadmap discussed during the visit encompasses defence cooperation, economic connectivity, technological collaboration, and multilateral diplomatic India continues to expand its international partnerships and counter emerging security challenges, Cyprus emerges as a strategically positioned ally that offers both geographic advantages and consistent diplomatic support. This historic visit sets the foundation for enhanced cooperation that could serve as a model for India's engagement with other Mediterranean and European success of this diplomatic initiative will be measured not just in immediate agreements, but in the long-term strategic benefits it provides for India's expanding global presence and its efforts to build a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean region.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Army to get new air defence boost with Rs 30,000 crore QR-SAM deal
NEW DELHI: The defence ministry will soon take up the case for a preliminary nod to a Rs 30,000 crore proposal to procure three regiments of the new indigenous quick reaction surface to air missile (QR-SAM) systems for the Army. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Rajnath Singh-led defence acquisitions council will consider granting acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the highly-mobile QR-SAM systems, which are designed to intercept hostile fighters, helicopters and drones at a range up to 25-30 km, later this month. The move comes soon after India's existing multi-layered air defence network played a crucial role in thwarting multiple waves of Turkish-origin drones and Chinese missiles launched by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor - the May 7-10 hostilities. The and the Army have over the last three-four years tested the QR-SAM systems against high-speed aerial targets mimicking various types of threats to evaluate their capability under different day and night operational scenarios. Defence PSUs Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics will co-produce the QR-SAM systems. "The QR-SAM systems can operate on the move with search and track capability and fire at short halts. They are tailor-made to move along with tanks and infantry combat vehicles to provide them air defence in the tactical battlefield," an official said. The Army Air Defence (AAD), which performed exceedingly well during Operation Sindoor, in fact, requires 11 regiments of the QR-SAM, even as it progressively also inducts regiments of the indigenous Akash system, which has an interception range of about 25-km at present. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The induction of the QR-SAM systems will add to the existing air defence network of the IAF and the Army, which ranges from the long-range Russian S-400 'Triumf' surface-to-air missile systems (380 km interception range) and Barak-8 medium range SAM systems (70 km), jointly developed with Israel, to the Russian shoulder-fired Igla-S missiles (6 km), the upgraded L-70 anti-aircraft guns (3.5 km) and the indigenous integrated drone detection and interdiction systems (1km-2 km). While the DRDO is also readying the very short-range air defence missile systems (VSHORADS), which have a 6 km interception range, the real game-changer will be an air defence system with a 350 km range being developed under the ambitious Project Kusha. India plans to operationally deploy this long-range system by 2028-2029, with the defence ministry in Sept 2023 approving the AoN for procurement of five of its squadrons for the IAF at a cost of Rs 21,700 crore, as was first reported by TOI. Also read:
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BMC's 4,000cr waste collection tender bars fgn companies, JVs
Mumbai: In the wake of the row over Turkish-origin robotic life buoys that were to be deployed at six city beaches and the political backlash from BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) over Turkiye's support for Pakistan, BMC's Rs 4,000-crore waste collection and transport tender has barred joint ventures with foreign firms, reports Richa Pinto. Last month, BMC, after almost 15 years, floated the tender to replace 1,000 waste collection vehicles. It also plans to phase out community waste bins over the next 3 years. While civic officials denied political backlash had led to barring of foreign firms, a BMC document accessed by TOI says, "International companies cannot bid directly or through their subsidiaries or in JV." Recently, a pre-bid meet was held for the tender where there were discussions on the Çelebi case. BMC's Rs 4,000-crore waste collection and transport tender, which was floated last month, has barred joint ventures with foreign firms. When contacted, additional municipal commissioner Ashwini Joshi, in charge of the solid waste management department, said it being a labour-intensive work, wherein a large quantum of labourers is required, it has been decided not to allow foreign firms. "Also, as it is a seven-year work, we want to ensure that labourers are available throughout the project period," she said. But recently, a pre-bid meet was held for the tender where there were discussions on the Çelebi case. "The recent challenges being faced in Turkish company Celebi's case is a classic example which teaches that essential public services should not be made open to international firms," states BMC's pre-bid document. Centre has revoked the security clearance of Celebi and its associated companies at airports citing national security concerns. BMC's tender follows a service-based model, where a single agency will manage both wa-ste collection and transport us-ing high-capacity, colour-coded vehicles, 10–15% of which will be electric. Currently, contracts are of two types: service-based, where the contractor owns the collection system; and hiring-based, where vehicles are provided by the contractor and the infrastructure is BMC-owned. Managing multiple systems has posed coordination challenges, said BMC, adding that service-based contracts are estimated to be 25% more cost-effective than hiring-based ones. Hence, service-based contracts are being proposed across all wards except L (Kurla), M-East (Govandi), and M-West (Chembur), all of which are areas closer to Kanjurmarg and Deonar dumping grounds. There are also plans to phase out community bins, which officials said would be done over a period of time through education and awareness activities, which are also part of the contract.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bayraktar busted: Pakistan's drone fiasco-How Indian radars exposed Turkish tech
Turkey's much-hyped Bayraktar TB2 drones, hailed as revolutionary weapons in conflicts from Ukraine to Libya, have suffered a devastating reputational blow after Pakistan's Turkish-origin drone fleet failed spectacularly during Operation Sindoor. Indian forces, using indigenous Akashteer air defense systems, shot down every single Turkish-origin drone in the May conflict, leaving the Turkish defense industry scrambling to defend its once-prized exports. Why it matters Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long touted Turkish-made drones as a symbol of his 'Islamist vision' and a centerpiece of Turkey's defense ambitions. The drones were not only instruments of hard power but also a diplomatic tool for Turkish influence in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. But as India's Akashteer system intercepted Pakistani drones with 100% accuracy, Turkey's arms export ambitions took a direct hit. Also read: Turkish drones to Chinese missiles, India beat them all This collapse of performance-described by a senior Indian officer as 'not a single drone achieving its objective'-has raised fresh doubts about Turkish drones' battlefield credibility and the broader promise of Turkey's defense industry. The big picture Pakistan's military imported hundreds of Turkish drones, hoping to overwhelm Indian air defenses and showcase Turkish technology as a regional power equalizer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Todos os idosos deveriam ter um desse no banheiro! Veja só! Evite quedas e escorregões Saiba Mais Undo Instead, the attack ended in humiliating defeat. Indian Air Defence officers confirmed that 300-400 Turkish drones, including Byker YIHA III kamikaze drones and Turkish-origin micro-drones like Songatri and eYatri, were neutralized in mid-air before they could even scratch Indian defenses. A Pakistani source told Reuters that Turkish drones were meant to provide cover for manned aircraft and artillery strikes, but 'the drones failed to reach targets' as India's integrated air defenses, from legacy L70 guns to cutting-edge Akashteer radars, kicked in. What they are saying Michael Rubin, an analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, minced no words: 'Erdogan may offer a hard sale to promote his Islamist vision or simply to enrich his family, but the product he is selling is now subpar. Just as socialism stymies development as bureaucrats fail to adjust for competition, so too does nepotism ruin industries. Baykar, knowing it had full state support, simply stopped innovating effectively. ' Pakistani officials have tried to downplay the losses, insisting they are re-evaluating drone deployment strategies. But the magnitude of the failure is hard to hide: Indian Air Defence sources say they recovered hundreds of drone parts along the border-clear evidence of Turkey's failure to deliver. Zoom in The real star of this clash? India's homegrown Akashteer system. Developed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Akashteer integrates seamlessly with Indian Army and Air Force radars. It automates threat detection, tracks targets, and assigns weapons in real time-a feature that proved decisive in the face of Pakistan's drone swarm. 'It didn't roar or flash - it listened, calculated and struck with precision,' an official told PTI. 'Every threat was intercepted, every target neutralised.' This level of precision is no fluke. Indian officers compared Akashteer's performance to Israel's Iron Dome, noting that while Iron Dome specializes in missile defense, Akashteer has shown exceptional versatility against low-flying drones and loitering munitions. Between the lines For Turkey, the reputational hit goes beyond this one conflict. The Bayraktar TB2 had become the face of Turkish defense sales, with celebrated success stories in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and early phases of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. But cracks were already showing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted last year that 'those or other drones can help, but do not affect the result,' as Russia's electronic warfare systems jammed Bayraktar drones. The India-Pakistan clash has underscored these vulnerabilities, exposing Turkish drones as poorly adapted to modern electronic and radar-dense battlefields. Historical echoes This is not the first time that battlefield performance has shattered weapons myths. In 1982, Israeli Air Force F-15s and F-16s downed over 80 Soviet-built Syrian MiGs without losing a single plane-an outcome that punctured the myth of Soviet invincibility in Arab states. Analysts say Turkey is facing a similar reckoning now. 'Any African despot or Central Asian country still purchasing Turkish hardware should recognize they risk wasting hundreds of millions of dollars,' Rubin warned. What's at stake for Turkey For President Erdogan and his son-in-law's company Baykar, the India-Pakistan conflict is more than just a marketing setback. It's a blow to Turkey's entire narrative of self-sufficiency and regional influence. Analysts are already warning that countries in Africa and Central Asia that relied on Turkish drones may now look elsewhere. China and the US remain key players in the global drone market, and Turkey's stumble has opened the door for rivals to push their systems as more reliable and battle-proven. What's next As Pakistan rebuilds its airfields and grapples with the aftermath of this clash, Turkey's defense industry is facing questions that go well beyond the battlefield. In Africa, Somali and Libyan leaders had turned to Turkish drones to prop up their regimes. In Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed used Bayraktar drones to devastating effect against Tigray forces. But after this fiasco, prospective buyers may pause-fearing that the Turkish drones they once saw as cost-effective alternatives to Western systems may be little more than paper tigers. Meanwhile, India's success with Akashteer has emboldened its push for indigenous defense technology. Smit Shah of the Drone Federation India said that India plans to triple its drone investments in the next two years-leveraging the lessons of Operation Sindoor to build a robust domestic drone and counter-drone ecosystem.
