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** CHANAKYA 55th YEAR ** DECEMBER 2024 INDIAN NAVY DAY SPECIAL ISSUE ** EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: INDIAN NAVY CHIEF; EURONAVAL 2024 SHOW REPORT (MEDIA PARTNER) ** AUSA 2024 SHOW REPORT **         INDIA’s Leading & Oldest DEFENCE & Aerospace Magazine - 55th Year in Defence Publishing: 50th Year of Monthly Publication       

LATEST ISSUES

Top Stories

EMBRAER C-390 MILLENNIUM

Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of jointly fulfilling the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Tactical Aircraft by the Indian Air Force in its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) Procurement Project.

Embraer and Mahindra Announce Collaboration on the C-390 Millennium Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for Indian Air Force
To date, the C-390 Millennium has been selected by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Aust
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AIRBUS C295 TACTICAL AIRLIFTER

The Airbus C295 Medium Tactical Transport Aircraft has reached 300 orders. From the Pacific Ocean to the Arabian desert, from the tropical jungle to the Sahel and the Kazakh steppe, the C295 and its market share have become a success story for the European and Spanish Aerospace Industry. Here are some interesting facts and figures about the C295 Aircraft.

Airbus C295 Hits 300 Orders: The Story of a Global Leader
The Airbus C295 has reached 300 orders following the Republic of Kazakhstan’s acquisition of a thir
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GA-ASI MQ-9B RPAS

India is acquiring 31 GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian & SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), with 15 SeaGuardians for the Indian Navy and 8 each SkyGuardians for the Indian Air Force & Indian Army. Chanakya profiles the mega acquisition of the MQ-9Bs, while outlining the HALE RPAS’ outstanding characteristics.

U.S. Approves US$ 4 Billion FMS Deal to Sell India 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian & SeaGuardian RPAS
The Next-Generation MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) manu
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PM OPENS BOEING CAMPUS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially commemorated the opening of the New State-of-the-Art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) Campus in Bengaluru. Built with an investment of Rs. 1,600 crore, the 43-acre campus is Boeing’s largest such investment outside the U.S.

Prime Minister Modi Opens New State-of-the-Art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) Campus in Bengaluru
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announces Two Landmark Boeing Initiatives to Advance the Future of Avi
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MBDA Missiles Systems

MBDA is ready to consider integration of Brimstone Missiles onto the MQ-9B Predator, which are to be procured by India, according to an MBDA official, speaking to a select group of journalists from India visiting the Missile Leaders’ Facilities in UK’s Bolton and France.

MBDA Missiles Systems for Indian Armed Forces
A select group of journalists from India visited the MBDA Missile Systems’ Facilities in UK’s Bolto
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: GENERAL MANOJ PANDE, CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF (COAS)

Chanakya Interviewed GENERAL MANOJ PANDE, CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF (COAS), who briefly covered some ARMY programmes of Modernisation, including Emergency Weapons Procurements, Air Defence, Drones & Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UAS); Automation, Digitization, Networking, including ACCCS, SAMA (Situational Awareness Module), ANUMAAN and Battlefield Surveillance System, etc. On the occasion of the 76th Army Day 2024, we feature the Exclusive Interview of the Army Chief with Chanakya:

“The Military Role of Unmanned Weapon Systems is Growing at Unprecedented Rates”
Indian Army is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Weapon Platforms a
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF

ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of Indian Navy in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to CHANAKYA said “The Navy is steadfastly striving for rapid modernisation of the force through indigenous route and is committed to becoming fully AtmaNirbhar by 2047.” He spoke about the future plans of the Indian Navy and the various Air Operations integration trials undertaken on the deck of INS Vikrant Aircraft Carrier.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF “Towards Capacity & Capability Building of the Navy, 67 Ships & Submarines are Under Construction”
For Indian Navy Day 2023, CHANAKYA Interviewed CNS ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR covering Indian Navy’s Mod
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Prime Minister Modi Flies Sortie in LCA Tejas

On 25th November 2023, in a historic milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew a sortie in the indigenously designed, developed and manufactured Tejas Twin-Seater Light Combat Fighter Aircraft at Bengaluru. During the 30-minute sortie, capabilities of Fighter Aircraft Tejas were demonstrated to the PM.

Prime Minister Modi Flies in the Indigenously-Manufactured Twin-Seater Fighter LCA Tejas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew a sortie in the Tejas Twin-Seater Light Combat Fighter Aircraft a
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NAVANTIA S-81 SUBMARINE

On the 30th of November, 2023, the S-81 Isaac Peral Submarine has been commissioned to the Spanish Navy. It is the first boat of the series of 4 that have been designed and built entirely by Navantia for the Spanish Navy.

SPANISH NAVY’S NAVANTIA S-80 SUBMARINE, IN SERVICE
After this key milestone of the S-80 Programme, the Spanish Navy will have in service one of the mo
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MBDA NAVAL MISSILES

MBDA is proud to celebrate Indian Navy Day 2023, and to mark a long history supporting the Indian Navy with the highest performing Missile Systems. From Anti-Ship Missiles, to Air Defence Systems, and the latest in Naval Aviation Weaponry, MBDA has supported the Indian Navy for decades and is committed to continuing to do so today and into the future, says Ludovic Dumont, General Delegate, MBDA India Private Limited.

MBDA Celebrates Indian Navy Day 2023 by Ludovic Dumont, General Delegate, MBDA India Private Limited
MBDA well understands the importance of operational capability and sovereignty to the Indian Navy a
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Embraer C-390 Millennium Medium Military Transport Aircraft

The Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic announced the start of negotiations on potential acquisition of the New-Generation Multi-Mission Embraer C-390 Millennium, a Tactical Military Transport Aircraft. The Czech Republic's Ministry of Defence has identified the C-390 as the most suitable solution for meeting the requirements of the Army of the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic Selects the Embraer C-390 Millennium as its Next Medium Military Transport Aircraft
The Embraer Defense & Security's New-Generation Multi-Mission Embraer C-390 Millennium, a Tactical
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1st Airbus C-295MW Inducted into IAF

“C-295 Will Bolster the Medium Lift Tactical Capability of IAF”: RM Rajnath Singh

The formal induction of the First Airbus C-295MW Transport Aircraft into the IAF took place on 25th September 2025 in an Induction Ceremony held at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. This Medium Lift Tactical Aircraft, which is capable of taking off and landing from unprepared landing grounds, will replace the HS-748 Avro Aircraft.

First Airbus C-295MW Transport Aircraft Inducted into the Indian Air Force
While the first 16 of the 56 contracted Airbus C-295MW aircraft will be delivered to the IAF in a '
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V. R. CHAUDHARI, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF

“Procurement of Six AEW&C Mk-II
is Underway”

Indian Air Force is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Platforms and Systems, and through Upgrades, to boost India’s Air Dominance Capabilities, with 36 New Rafales, 51 Upgraded Mirage 2000s, DARIN-III Jaguars, LCA Tejas Mk-1A, C-17s, C-130J-30s, Do-228s, Avro replacement with 56 C-295MW MTAs, ALH Rudra Mk-IV, Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH); Mi-17V5s; Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters & Apache Attack Helicopters, AEW&Cs/AWACS, FRA, etc. and various types of Radar & Air Defence Weapons Systems and SAGW, SAAW, etc. either have been inducted or are in final stages of procurement.

AIR CHIEF INTERVIEW
Chanakya Interviewed AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V. R. CHAUDHARI, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF (CAS), who briefly c
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INTERVIEW: WILLIAM L. BLAIR, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE, LOCKHEED MARTIN INDIA

At Aero India 2023, Lockheed Martin presents the C-130J Super Hercules, of which the IAF operates a fleet. The Lockheed Martin F-21 Fighter Jet, an impressive Multi-Mission Platform, for which Lockheed Martin announced the future potential production in India in Partnership with Tata Advanced Systems; and its’ Multi-Mission Rotorcraft, like Sikorsky’s MH-60R, S-92, CH-53K & S-76; the Javelin - the world’s most versatile Precision Weapon System, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

“F-21 Would Serve As a Force Multiplier for the Indian Air Force”
The MH-60R SEAHAWK Helicopter is one of the world’s most advanced Maritime Helicopters for ASW/ASuW
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INTERVIEW: LUDOVIC DUMONT, COUNTRY HEAD MBDA & MBDA INDIA GENERAL DELEGATE

MBDA is a World Leader in Missiles & Missile Systems, which designs & produces Missiles & Missile Systems for the three Armed Forces - Land, Sea & Air. The MBDA Group offers a range of 45 Missile Systems & Counter-Measures products already in operational service, including MBDA’s Range of Missiles for IAF’s Rafale Fighters, and over 15 missiles in development stage. Chanakya Interviews LUDOVIC DUMONT, Country Head MBDA & MBDA India General Delegate, who articulates on MBDA’s Range of Missiles for the IAF’s Rafale, & Rafale-M Fighter, including the Meteor BVRAAM & SCALP Missiles; MICA IR & RF Missiles for the Rafale & Upgraded Mirage 2000s of the IAF; Mistral ATAM for the ALH Rudra WSI & LCHs; ASRAAM Missiles for the Jaguar Fighter Upgrade & for the Tejas LCA Mk.1A.

“Tejas LCA Mk.1A to be Armed with MBDA ASRAAM Missile”
Ludovic Dumont also informs about the MBDA Brimstone & new AKERON MP Missiles; and MBDA’s Naval Mis
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INTERVIEW: JAJATI MOHANTY, CEO, SCHIEBEL INDIA

Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air System is a proven capability for Military & Civilian Applications. The Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAS needs no prepared area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and night, under adverse weather conditions, with a range out to 200 km, both on Land and at Sea. The S-100 navigates automatically via pre-programmed GPS waypoints or can be operated directly with a Pilot Control Unit. Missions are planned and controlled via a simple point-and-click graphical user interface.

“Camcopter S-100 is a Mission-Proven Asset”
High-definition Payload Imagery is transmitted to the Control Station in real-time. Using "fly-by-w
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INTERVIEW: ASHISH SARAF, VICE PRESIDENT & COUNTRY DIRECTOR, THALES IN INDIA

For almost decades, Thales has been Partnering the Indian growth story by sharing its technologies and expertise in Defence, Aerospace, Transport and Digital Identity & Security markets. Over the years, it has developed a mature industrial footprint in the country's Defence Sector via a diverse range of high-tech products, services, and collaborations, supporting the Indian Armed Services' Modernisation efforts.

“BDL is Progressing Well to Bring STARStreak MANPAD System to India”
Thales provides several State-of-the-Art Equipment & Systems aboard the Rafale Fighter - ‘Game-Chan
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: BHANU PRAKASH SRIVASTAVA, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL)

BEL, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, is India’s leading Defence & Strategic Electronics Company, having the capabilities & expertise in Defence Electronics Domain. BEL produces Radar and Fire Control Systems, Weapon Systems, Communication, Network Centric Systems (C4I), Electronic Warfare Systems, Avionics, Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems & Sonars, Electro-Optics, Tank Electronics, Gun Upgrades, etc.

“BEL is Fast Expanding its Global Presence”
BEL has also been addressing the Non-Defence market by offering high quality products & solutions,
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AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE

With PM Modi laying the foundation stone of C295 Transport Aircraft Manufacturing Facility to manufacture C295 Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) through collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain, the project is now underway in Gujarat. Out of 56, 40 C295 MTAs will be manufactured in India by the TATA Consortium. Interest is now shifting towards the C295 MPA - Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which is to be acquired by the Indian Navy, and is one of the multiple C295MW Variants manufactured by Airbus.

Airbus Remains Committed to Developing India’s Defence Industry
The focus is also back on the pending acquisition of the New-Generation A330 MRTT Multi-Role Tanker
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ATUL DINKAR RANE, DG BRAHMOS, DRDO and CEO & MD, BRAHMOS AEROSPACE

BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian Joint Venture is capable to fulfil any export requirements, if the Government decides, while serving the Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force requirements, for which the company has received new missiles orders. There is interest in BRAHMOS in South-East Asia, Middle East & Latin America, after an order from Philippines.

“Top-Most Priority is the Design and Development of BRAHMOS-NG”
In this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, ATUL DINKAR RANE, Outstanding Scientist, Director General
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V. R. CHAUDHARI, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF

Indian Air Force is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Platforms and Systems, and through Upgrades, to boost India’s Air Dominance Capabilities, with 36 New Rafales, Upgraded Mirage 2000s, DARIN-III Jaguars, LCA Tejas Mk.1A, C-17s, C-130J-30s, Do-228s, 56 C295MW MTAs, ALH Rudra Mk.IV, Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH); Mi-17V5s; Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters & Apache Attack Helicopters, AEW&Cs/AWACS, FRA, etc. and various types of Radar & Air Defence Weapons Systems and SAGW, either been inducted or in final stages of contract negotiations.

“IAF Plans to Induct Six Squadrons of the MRFA in a Phased Manner”
Chanakya Interviewed AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V. R. CHAUDHARI, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF (CAS), who briefly c
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INDIAN NAVY CHIEF EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff of Indian Navy in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to CHANAKYA said “Considering the indigenous expertise available with respect to design and construction of IAC-1, a repeat order of IAC-1 with suitable modifications to incorporate lessons learnt from IAC-1 and future capabilities envisaged is being explored.”

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF: “AoN has been Accorded for Acquisition of 49 Ships & Six Submarines”
On the larger IAC-II, he said “The AoN for the project would be progressed in due course of time.”
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Navantia, Reliable Partner for India

Spain’s Navantia has a long success story in the international market, as the result of the National Programmes for the Spanish Navy. Regarding the LPD programme, Navantia is Partnering with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with a solution based on the Spanish Navy Juan Carlos I Class LPD, a superior design when it comes to perform an Expeditionary Force Deployment in a delicate scenario. It is an outstanding design trusted by the Spanish Navy, the Turkish Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy, where the ships play a major role in the international activity.

Navantia Is Currently Participating in Several International Cooperation Programmes
Navantia is also participating in the Submarine competition P-75(I) for the Indian Navy, with the S
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KONGSBERG NAVAL STRIKE MISSILE - NSM

KONGSBERG Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of KONGSBERG, is Norway's premier supplier of Defence & Aerospace-related Systems & Solutions, including products & systems for Command & Control, Information, Data Handling, Surveillance, Communications Solutions, Space Technology, Missiles and Remotely Controlled Systems. In an Exclusive Interview to Chanakya, JOHNNY STØA, Regional Marketing Director, Missile Systems, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, elaborated on the NSM & JSM success story.

INTERVIEW: JOHNNY STØA, Regional Marketing Director, Missile Systems, KONGSBERG Defence & Aerospace AS
In an Exclusive Interview to Chanakya, JOHNNY STØA, Regional Marketing Director, Missile Systems, K
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GARDEN REACH SHIPBUILDERS

Indian Navy Day is also proud moment for GRSE as the organisation has been associated with the Indian Navy for long and over the last six decades, we have primarily been building Warships and other Vessels for the country's Navy and Coast Guard. From Frigates, Corvettes, Fleet Tankers, Landing Ship Tank, Landing Craft Utility to Survey Vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Attack Craft - the repertoire is rich and varied, says Cmde P. R. Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, in this Special Guest Contribution.

GRSE: Creating New Horizons in Maritime Security by Cmde P. R. Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited
Over last 61 years, GRSE has built 788 Platforms including 107 Warships for Indian Navy, Indian Coa
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DASSAULT AVIATION RAFALE-M FOR INDIAN NAVY

With the Deliveries of all 36 IAF Rafale Fighters of Dassault Aviation having been completed, and the Indian Navy having already tested the Rafale-Marine Carrier-Borne Fighter in Goa for evaluation in the Indian Navy’s Carrier-Fighter Tender, there is scope for additional Rafales to be purchased by India for the Indian Navy as well, which is soon starting its trials of the Rafale-Marine Carrier-Borne Variant on its Aircraft Carrier, and can go for 26 Rafale-Marine Variants, in a competition with Boeing’s F/A-18, which has heated up now.

RAFALE - MARINE Force Multiplier at Sea
While 325 Rafales Fighters have been ordered (133 for export) and 239 delivered by the end of 2021,
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IAI's DEFENCE SYSTEMS

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a world-class Aerospace and Defence Company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in Space, Air, Land, Naval, Cyber & Homeland Security for Defence and Commercial markets. In India, IAI’s Weapon Systems & Unmanned Systems are in Service with the Indian Defence Forces, with IAI opening new Subsidiaries in India and signing MoUs with HAL.

IAI’s Strategic & Tactical Systems
IAI provides customers with tailor-made, cutting-edge solutions to the unique challenges they face
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SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES

Recently, the CEO of French Aircraft Engine Maker SAFRAN called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and briefed the RM on Safran’s Mission in India. A World-Leading Military Aircraft Engine Manufacturer, No. 1 in Europe, Safran Aircraft Engines powers some 20 types of Military Aircraft in 30 countries, including the M88 Engine for Rafale Fighters. Safran Military Engines for Rafale & Mirage 2000 Fighters are global benchmarks

French Aircraft Engine Maker SAFRAN Group CEO Meets Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Chanakya features the Safran M88 Engine powering the Rafale Fighters and Safran’s plans to ‘Make-in
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Navantia, Reliable Partner for India

Navantia is attending Defexpo 2022 with the commitment of strengthening ties with the Indian Industry, finding ground for collaboration and for developing further the promising future of the Naval Industry in India. The company is confident in bringing its best endeavour and commitment in order to meet both the Indian Navy needs and the Government’s AtmaNirbhar Bharat strategy in the Defence Sector.

Navantia, Reliable Partner for India
Navantia is attending Defexpo 2022 with the commitment of strengthening ties with the Indian Indust
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INTERVIEW: ARUN RAMCHANDANI, DIRECTOR, L&T MBDA MISSILE SYSTEMS LIMITED (LTMMSL)

MBDA is a World Leader in Missiles & Missile Systems, which designs & produces Missiles & Missile Systems for the three Armed Forces - Land, Sea & Air. Chanakya Interviews ARUN RAMCHANDANI, DIRECTOR, LTMMSL, who articulates on MICA IR & RF Missiles for the IAF’s Upgraded Mirage 2000s; alongwith Naval Missiles like Sea Ceptor & Exocet MM40 Block 3 Anti-Ship Missile, which is on offer for the Indian Navy, and ATGM5 for Indian Army. L&T MBDA Missile Systems is a Joint Venture in India between MBDA & L&T.

“L&T MBDA is Focused on Winning New Flagship Missile Programmes”
Chanakya Interviews ARUN RAMCHANDANI, DIRECTOR, LTMMSL, who articulates on MICA IR & RF Missiles fo
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: A. D. RANE, DG BRAHMOS, DRDO and CEO & MD, BRAHMOS AEROSPACE

BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian Joint Venture is capable to fulfil any export requirements, if the Government decides, while serving the Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force requirements, for which the company has received new missiles order. There is interest in BRAHMOS Missiles in countries like Vietnam & Indonesia, after an order from Philippines. In this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, ATUL DINKAR RANE, Outstanding Scientist, Director General BRAHMOS, DRDO & Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace, said that BRAHMOS Weapon has “Steep Dive & Deep Penetration” Capability. He articulated on the success achieved by various BRAHMOS Variants’ proven capabilities, including the Block-III LACM. On future plans of BrahMos Aerospace, he elaborated on the BRAHMOS NG Variant, their top-most priority, and on the successful BRAHMOS-A tests of the Airborne Cruise Missile for IAF’s Su-30MKI Fighter, and on the BrahMos ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives.

“BRAHMOS Stands Out as an Ultimate Weapon System for Multiple Platforms”
In this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, ATUL DINKAR RANE, Outstanding Scientist, Director General
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: C. B. ANANTHAKRISHNAN, Chairman & Managing Director, HAL

One of the largest Aeronautics Companies in Asia, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is involved in manufacturing of Military & Civil Aircraft, Navigation & related Equipment, and also Designs, Fabricates & Assembles Aircraft, Jet Engines, Helicopters and Spare Parts. In an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, C. B. ANANTHAKRISHNAN, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Updates us on most projects that HAL is currently undertaking like LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000 Upgrade, Jaguar Darin-III Upgrade, HTT-40 BTA, IJT, LCH, LUH, ALH Dhruv Variants, UAS/RPAs, etc.

“Deliveries of 83 Mk-1A Aircraft Would Commence from February 2024”
In an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, C. B. ANANTHAKRISHNAN, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindust
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INTERVIEW: Venkat Katkuri, Head of Defence & Space, Airbus India & South Asia

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C295MW Transport Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) on September 24th, 2021, along with an Offset Contract. The induction of Airbus C295MW Airlifters will be a significant step towards Modernisation of the IAF’s Transport Fleet. Out of 56, 40 MTAs will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. Chanakya Interviews VENKAT KATKURI, Head of Defence & Space, Airbus India & South Asia, covering the C295MW Variants and the New-Generation A330 MRTT Multi-Role Tanker Transporter on offer for IAF’s FRA Project.

“A330 MRTT Carries Upto 111 Tonnes of Fuel, Highest Capacity of All Tanker Aircraft”
Chanakya Interviews VENKAT KATKURI, Head of Defence & Space, Airbus India & South Asia, covering th
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INTERVIEW: ALAIN GARCIA, Vice President, India Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Global Services

Boeing Defense, Space & Security has supplied C-17s, Apaches & Chinooks to the IAF, and P-8Is with Harpoon Missiles to the Indian Navy. Apaches for the Indian Army are to be delivered. In an Interview to Chanakya, Alain Garcia, Vice President, India Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Global Services, highlighted some capabilities of the F-15EX, which is participating in the Indian Air Force MRFA Fighter competition; and elaborated on Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet Block-III, which is participating in Indian Navy’s Carrier-borne Fighter competition. F/A-18 Super Hornets participated in the Operational Demonstration test flights in May & June 2022 in Goa, performed at India's Shore-Based Facility, where conditions similar to that on the indigenously-developed Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant were simulated. Soon, the INS Vikrant Carrier trials will commence. Alain also covered Boeing’s India activities.

“Super Hornet Proved its Ability to Take-Off Within INS Vikrant Ski-Jump Parameters”
In an Interview to Chanakya, Alain Garcia, Vice President, India Business Development, Boeing Defen
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad, IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL)

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), the oldest Shipyard in India, has now become one of the premier Warshipbuilding Yards in India, producing Warships for the Indian Navy, which include Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes, Missile Boats, OPVs, etc. MDL has built about 800 Vessels, including 26 Capital Warships and 6 Conventional Submarines. In this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, MDL, elaborates on MDL’s various activities.

“MDL is Building 4 P-15B Missile Destroyers”
In this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, Vice Admiral Narayan Prasad, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managin
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V. R. CHAUDHARI, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF

Indian Air Force is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Platforms and Systems, and through Upgrades, to boost India’s Air Dominance Capabilities, with 36 New Rafales, 34 out of 51  Upgraded Mirage 2000s, DARIN-III Jaguars, LCA Tejas Mk.1A, C-17s, C-130J-30s, Do-228s, Avro replacement with 56 C295MW MTAs, ALH Rudra Mk.IV, Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH); Mi-17V5s; Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters & Apache Attack Helicopters, AEW&Cs/AWACS, FRA, etc. and various types of Radar & Air Defence Weapons Systems and SAGW, either been inducted or in final stages of contract negotiations. Chanakya Interviewed AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V. R. CHAUDHARI, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF (CAS), who briefly covered many IAF programmes of Modernisation, including Fighters & Weapons, Upgrades, AEW&Cs, FRA, Transporters, Trainers, Air Defence, S-400, Missiles, UAS/RPAS, CUAS, UAVs, Upgrading Combat Helicopters, etc. We feature the Exclusive Interview of the Air Chief with Chanakya:

“Work is Underway for the Development of Armed Drone Technology by DRDO”: CAS
Chanakya Interviewed AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V. R. CHAUDHARI, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF (CAS), who briefly c
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Navantia S81 'Isaac Peral' Submarine Completes Initial Sea Trials

Navantia has just introduced Jose Porto, a Naval Architect with 19 years of experience in Military Programmes, who is taking over the Navantia India Liaison Office, which is located in New Delhi. Mr. Jose Porto has filled up different positions across the S80 Submarines Programme, and over the last four years he was working for the DDG TSP Programme for the Australian Navy as Platform Systems Engineering Manager focused on increasing Australia Defence Capabilities and transferring knowledge.

Navantia S81 'Isaac Peral' Submarine Completes Initial Sea Trials
“The S80 Submarines integrate cutting-edge technologies and innovate solutions, validating that all
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Boeing Focused On Expanding India’s Supply Chain Capabilities

It is Boeing’s honour and privilege to have been a strong partner of Indian Aerospace for more than 75 years now. On the completion of 75 Years of India’s Independence, we remain dedicated to the Nation’s inspiring progress. This Partnership has only deepened with time and continues to grow, says Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India, in this Guest contribution.

India@75: Boeing Focused On Expanding India’s Supply Chain Capabilities, by Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India
The world as we knew it is changing and India will play an important role in the new emerging world
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MBDA and India, Longstanding Partners

MBDA is proud to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence Day. India and MBDA share a long history of Partnership in equipping the Indian Armed Forces going back to the early days of India’s Independence, says Ludovic Dumont – General Delegate, MBDA, in this Guest contribution.

MBDA and India, Longstanding Partners, by Ludovic Dumont– General Delegate, MBDA
MBDA today has two focuses providing the highest performing Missile Technologies to India, and seco
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Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Solutions

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of High-Tech Defence Systems for Air, Land, Sea, and Space Applications for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Defence Establishment, as well as for customers around the globe. Rafael offers its customers a diversified array of Innovative Solutions at the leading-edge of global technology, from Underwater Systems through Naval, Ground and Air Superiority Systems to Space Systems.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Solutions
Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide r
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR, CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF

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News



News

Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, Chief of the Air Staff Visits France


Marking the continuity of growing bilateral Defence Cooperation with the French Air and Space Force, Air Chief Marshal R. K. S. Bhadauria, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force was in France on an official visit. The CAS visited France  from 19th to 23rd April 2021 enhancing potential avenues for strengthening the level of interaction between the two Air Forces.


The CAS held meetings and discussions with Senior Military leadership of France and visited operational facilities and Air Bases in France. The visit was after General Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff, French Air and Space Force (FASF) visited India in February 2020.


The two Air Forces have seen significant operational interaction in the recent past. IAF and FASF engaged in the bilateral Air Exercise Series ‘Garuda’, as well as hop exercises, the last being Ex Desert Knight 2021 held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in January 2021. IAF and FASF also participated in Ex Desert Flag 2021 hosted by the UAE Air Force, along with other friendly countries in March 2021. The visit of the CAS to France was a significant step in further enhancing mutual cooperation between the two Strategic Partner Countries.


On 20th April, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria held talks with General Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff of French Air and Space Force (FASF), on ways to further expand cooperation between the two sides.


IAF Chief Flags Off New Batch of Four Rafale Fighter Jets for India from France’s Merignac Air Base
On 21st April 2021, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria flagged off a new batch of four Rafale Fighters from the French Air Base to India. The IAF Chief, who was  on an official visit to France, also visited the Rafale Fighter Training Facility on the third day of his trip, and thanked the French Aerospace Industry for ensuring timely delivery of the jets.


“Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria on an official tour to France lauds Pilots and sees off the next batch of Rafales on a non stop flight to India with Mid-Air Refueling by French Air Force & UAE,” the Indian Embassy in France said on Twitter.


In his brief remarks, the IAF Chief said some of the Rafale Aircraft have been delivered a 'little bit' ahead of time and it has contributed to the overall combat potential of the Indian Air Force.


“This ferry, which is fifth from here, marks the end of the third batch of our Pilots and all our Maintenance Crew. The Rafale Training Centre has provided world-class training and it is because of the level and quality of training that we were able to operationalise the aircraft quickly,” the Air Chief said.


He also thanked the French Government, the French Air & Space Force for providing the required support for the Rafale Training Programme, despite the COVID situation, as well as for ferrying of the aircraft to India.


With Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria flagging off four Rafale Fighters from the Merignac-Bordeaux Air Base, this was the fifth ferry of Rafale Fighter Jets from France to India and their arrival in India took the total number of French-origin Dassault Aviation Rafale Fighters in the IAF inventory to 18.


The arrival of the new batch of the aircraft  paves the way for the IAF to raise a Second Squadron of the Rafale Fighters. The new Squadron will be based in Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal. The first Rafale Squadron is based in Ambala Air Force Station. Each IAF Squadron generally comprises around 18 aircraft.


India ordered 36 Rafales from France (equivalent of two Squadrons) in September 2016 at a cost of around Rs. 59,000 crore under the Government-to-Government deal, which includes the Rafale Fighters and some Fighter-Trainers. The arrival of this batch of four jets enabled the completion of the first Squadron of these fighters in Ambala and set the stage for raising the Second Squadron at Hasimara AFS in West Bengal. All the 36 Rafale aircraft are likely to join the IAF’s Fighter Fleet by the year-end.


IAF Chief Bhadauria Visits Rafale Conversion Training Center, Bordeaux-Merignac
On 22nd April, 2021, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria on the invitation from General Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff, FASF, visited the Rafale Conversion Training Center (CTC), Bordeaux-Merignac and interacted with the IAF Contingent at the CTC Facility. This was his second day in France.


"In the latter part of the day, CAS along with General  Lavigne, Chief of Staff, FASF, visited Saint-Dizier Air Base. They were received by the Base Cdr, Col Julien Fourneret who conducted the Chiefs on a tour of the resident Fighter Sqns and other Op and Maintenance Units," the IAF had tweeted.


This fifth batch of Rafale Fighters arrived in India on 21st April after flying a distance of 8,000 km from Merignac Air Base in France. The Indian Air Force thanked the French and UAE Air Forces for their Refuelling Support to complete the ferry journey.


IAF Chief Bhadauria Holds Talks With French Air & Space Force Chief
On 20th April, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria held talks with General Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff of French Air and Space Force (FASF), on ways to further expand cooperation between the two sides.
The Indian Air Force said General Lavigne and Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria in their talks noted the steady growth of operational exchanges between the two Air Forces and explored ways to expand the cooperation further. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria's visit was a significant step in further enhancing mutual cooperation between the two Air Forces.


Chief of the Air Staff, ACM R.K.S. Bhadauria received the next batch of four Rafales at the Merignac Air Base in the French port city of Bordeaux, and flagged off the IAF Pilots for India. Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafales, was scheduled to send about six Rafale aircraft to India by the end of April.


Fifth Batch of Rafale Jets Arrive in India From France Air Base
The fifth batch of Rafale Fighters arrived in India on 21st April, from the Military Air Base in France. The Rafales flew a distance of almost 8,000 km non-stop with Air-to-Air Refuelling support by France and UAE's Air Force. "After a direct ferry from MerignacAir Base, France, the 5th batch of Rafales arrived in India on 21st April. The fighters flew a distance of almost 8,000 Kms with Air-to-Air Refuelling Support by Armee_de_lair (French Air & Space Force) and UAE AF. IAF thanks both the Air Forces for their co-operation," the Indian Air Force (IAF) tweeted.


The fourth batch of three Rafale Fighter Jets landed on Indian soil on 31st March, after a direct ferry from Istres Air Base France. On 29th July 2020, India received its first batch of five Rafales from France after signing the Inter-Government Agreement to procure 36 aircrafts. The second batch of three Rafale Combat Aircraft arrived in India on 4th November 2020, and the next lot arrived on 27th January 2021.


The Rafale Combat Aircraft, manufactured by French company Dassault Aviation, is a 4.5 Generation Fighter and has the latest weapons, superior sensors and fully integrated architecture. It is an Omni-Role Aircraft, which means it can carry out at least four missions in one sortie.


The IAF Rafale Fighters will be armed with the new Safran HAMMER Missiles/PGMs, besides also being armed with the Beyond-Visual Range Missiles, like MBDA’s Meteor, SCALP and MICA, increasing its ability to take on incoming targets from a stand-off distance.


The IAF has operated the fighter jets in the Eastern Ladakh theatre where the military is on high alert amid the Border Stand-Off with China, where both sides are negotiating disengagement of troops at friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).


IAF Receives Sixth Batch of Three Rafale Fighters from France
The Indian Air Force (IAF) later received the sixth batch of three Rafale Fighters  from France, said the Embassy of India in France. "Next batch of three Rafales leave from France to India today; wished the Pilots smooth flight and safe landing," Indian Embassy in France wrote in a tweet on 5th May 2021.


Earlier, on April 22nd, the fifth batch of Rafale Fighter Aircraft with four planes arrived in India after flying a distance of 8,000 km from the Merignac Air Base in France. India had ordered 36 of these fighter aircraft from France in September 2016.


The Twin-Engine Rafale Jets are capable of carrying out a variety of missions: Ground and Sea Attack, Air Defence and Air Superiority, Reconnaissance, and Nuclear Strike Deterrence.


The Rafales carrying the long-range Meteor Air-to-Air Missiles have given an edge to Indian Fighters over their Chinese and Pakistani rivals. The Rafales equipped with the Hammer Missiles have enhanced their capability to carry out Air-to-Ground Strikes as well.


4 More Rafale Jets to Arrive in India by May 20th, IAF All Set to Resurrect '101 Squadron' at Hashimara Air Base
With another batch of four Rafale Fighters expected to arrive at Ambala Air Base from France around May 20th, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to resurrect the 101 “Falcons of Chamb” Squadron at West Bengal’s Hashimara, even as advance units have already moved into the new Air Base.


The exact date of arrival in India will be determined after the confirmation from UAE Air Force, which would be utilised for Mid-Air Refuelling and weather conditions. It is more likely that the full deliveries of 36 Rafale Fighters will be completed before April 2022, which was announced by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Parliament. By the end of May 2021, the IAF was expected to have 24 Rafale Fighters, with another seven kept for training purposes in France and only five more will be left to be handed over before the two IAF Squadrons are completed.


The fifth batch of four Rafales and the sixth batch of three Rafale aircraft arrived in India recently from France. The last five aircraft are expected to be delivered in the second-half of this year as Egypt has also placed an order of 36 Rafale Fighters with Dassault Aviation of France.


IAF Raising Second Squadron of Rafale Fighters in Hasimara AFS
The Indian Air Force is now set to raise the Second Squadron of the Rafale Combat Aircraft, which is based in Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal. The Second Rafale Squadron is being raised at the next Main Operating Base (MOB) at Hasimara, which will be completed this year. India is expected to get more Rafale Jets from France later by the end of this year.


The home base of IAF’s Second Rafale Squadron is reportedly getting readied now at Hashimara Air Base with repaved extended runways, ammunition depots, blast pens and personnel accommodation, apart from the Maintenance Bays. The Hashimara Air Base has been reportedly totally revamped and should be operational by end of May 2021. This will be the peace time location of the aircraft, but in war times, the fighters will be able to operate from anywhere in the country.


The first Rafale Squadron is based at the Ambala Air Force Station. The IAF’s formal Induction Ceremony of the Rafale Fleet had taken place at Ambala AFS on September 10th, 2020. The Rafale Jets are India's first major acquisition of Fighter Aircraft in 23 years after the Sukhoi Fighters from Russia.


The Commanding Officer of the first Rafale Fighter Squadron based in Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana had been transferred to the headquarters of the Eastern Air Command in Shillong. The First Rafale Squadron is known as 17 Golden Arrows. He is reportedly most likely to oversee the raising of the Second Rafale Squadron at the Eastern Air Command.


The Rafale Combact Aircraft are capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European Missile Major MBDA's Long-Range Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), SCALP Long-Range Cruise Missile, and MICA Air-to-Air Missiles are the mainstay of the Weapons Package of the Rafale Jets.


The IAF later cecided to procure the New-Generation Medium-Range Modular Air-to-Ground Weapon System Hammer to integrate with the Rafale Fighters, a capability the IAF Rafales did not earlier have. The Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a Precision-Guided Missile developed by French Defence Major Safran. The PGM Range was originally designed and manufactured for the French Air Force and Navy.


Dassault Aviation Rejects Fresh Allegations in Rafale Deal

French Aerospace Major Dassault Aviation on 8th April 2021 rejected fresh allegations of corruption in the Rafale Fighter Jet deal with India, saying no violations were reported in the frame of the contract, days after French online journal 'Mediapart' alleged that the jet manufacturer had paid nearly one Million Euros to an Indian middleman.

According to the French media, the report was based on an investigation by the country's anti-corruption agency Agence Francaise Anticorruption (AFA), which claimed money was paid for 50 replicas of Rafale Jets and the order was given to an Indian Defence Company.


Faced with certain allegations reported in the press about the contract signed in 2016 with India for the supply of 36 Rafale Combat Aircraft, a Dassault Aviation spokesperson pointed out the following:


- Numerous controls are carried out by official organizations, including the French Anti-Corruption Agency. No violations were reported, notably in the frame of the contract with India for the acquisition of 36 Rafales.


- Dassault Aviation wishes to reiterate that it acts in strict compliance with the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and national laws, in particular the law of December 9, 2016 known as Sapin 2.


- Since the early 2000s, Dassault Aviation has implemented strict internal procedures to prevent corruption, guaranteeing the integrity, ethics and reputation of the company in its industrial and commercial relations. In the context of the Sapin 2 law, the company has completed and strengthened its system for the prevention and detection of corruption and influence peddling, both at the level of the parent company and its subsidiaries.


- The contract with India for the acquisition of 36 Rafales has been established on a Government-to-Government basis. This contract, as well as the Offsets corresponding contract, meet the criteria established by these regulations and are being executed in full transparency between the various Government and Industrial Partners. The aircraft were delivered in respect of the schedule, despite the COVID-19 health crisis, and fully meet the security needs of the Indian Authorities.


- Dassault Aviation and the Reliance Group established the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) Joint Venture in 2017 and built a plant in Nagpur that has been producing numerous Falcon parts and pieces since 2018. Dassault Aviation and its Partners are working with 60 companies in India and negotiations are underway to establish potential new cooperations.


With over 10,000 Military and Civil Aircraft (including 2,500 Falcons) delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, development, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale Fighter, to the high-end Falcon Family of Business Jets, Military Drones and Space Systems.