NASAMS-II Missile System (Picture Courtesy: Twitter/@defenseworld)
India is set to join the United States of America and Russia in providing advanced missile shield to its important cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Nirmarla Sitaraman, has approved the plan to procure the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-II (NASAMS) through a government-to government deal with US. The entire deal would be close to $ 1billion. Nasams-II is manufactured by Kongsberg and Raytheon.
The new missile system will replace aging Russian Pechora air defense systems. NASAMS-II will be armed with 3-D sentinel radar and short and medium-range missile launchers. It can also track and shoots down multiple airborne threats such as cruise missile, drones and fighter jets. This missile
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also developing two-tier ballistic missile defence (BMD) shield. The missile system of DRDO will be capable of tracking and destroying nuclear missiles both inside and outside the earth’s atmosphere. Once developed the BMD shield will be deployed to protect cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, whereas NASMAS-II will be used to intercept cruise missiles and aircraft. India is likely to issue letter of request to the US by the end of this year.
NASAMS II – a highly adaptable mid-range air defense system. Its battery consists of 12 missile launchers carrying six missiles each. The missile system employs the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) as the primary weapon. The RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile can also be fired by the NASAMS-II.
457 GCs of 142 Regular Course, 125 Technical Graduate Course and 25 UES Course, including 74 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets (GC’s) from seven friendly foreign countries passed out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun on 09 Jun 2018. General Rajendra Chhetri, AWC, CGSC, MSS, Chief of Army Staff, Nepal Army, reviewed the parade. The GOC-in-C, ARTRAC Lt Gen MM Naravane, AVSM, SM, VSM, delegation members and Defence Attaches also witnessed the Parade. The GCs displayed tremendous enthusiasm, vigour and zeal, putting up an excellent show, marching to Military tunes of `Col Bogey’ and `Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with pride and élan.
Nepalese Army Chief General Rajendra Chhetri taking Guard of Honour (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)
Congratulating the GCs on successful completion of their training at IMA, the Reviewing Officer complimented all cadets for the excellent parade, immaculate turnout as well as the crisp and energetic drill movements indicating the high standards of training and discipline imbibed by the young Gentlemen Cadets.
General Chhetri along With Commandant of IMA Lt.Gen. SK Jha reviewing the Parade (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)
He also congratulated the award winners on their commendable achievement which is a reflection of their hard work and toil that they have put in while undergoing training here in IMA. He expressed his felicitations to the Gentlemen Cadets of friendly foreign countries who were also getting commissioned.
General Chhetri addressing media briefing (Picture courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)
At the end he said that IMA’s world class reputation and the achievements of its Officers are attributed to the outstanding quality of its instructors and staff. He acknowledged the commitment of the instructors and staff of the IMA and their dedication to the Gentlemen Cadets. Complimenting the effort, he said, that the IMA has instilled in the GCs a sense of duty, loyalty and service to the Nation. Finally, he congratulated the parents and the families once again for the accomplishment of the vibrant, energetic young men, which is a result of their support and encouragement.
Reviewing Officer presenting awards to the winners (Picture Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun)
The Reviewing Officer presented the following awards:-
Winner of ‘Sword of Honour’ Sachin Kumar Chahar with his grandmother (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
The coveted award of the Sword of Honour was presented to ACA SACHIN KUMAR CHAHAR.
Gold Medalist Aaditya Neekhara with his family (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
Gold Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was presented to BUO AADITYA NEEKHARA.
Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Second in the Order of Merit was presented to BUO AATISH SEHGAL.
Bronze Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing Third in the Order of Merit was presented to SUO KULDEEP NANASAHEB PAWAR.
Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Technical Graduate Course was presented to JUO ROHIT DILIP PATWARDHAN.
Best Foreign GC BUKHORI SAYDULLOEV (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
Silver Medal for the Gentleman Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit from Foreign GCs was presented to SUO BUKHORI SAYDULLOEV.
Chief of Army Staff Banner was awarded to MIEKTILA COY, THIMAYYA BN for standing Overall First amongst 16 companies for the Spring Term 2018.
Oldest Instructor of IMA Subedar Major Sultan SIngh Shekhawat (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)Newly Commissioned officers celebrating after Piping Ceremony (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
This time around 63 officerss have commissioned from Uttar Pradesh, 33 from uttrakjand, Haryana has given 49 officers where as 29 officers are commissioned from Punjab. Till date 58282 officers have been commissioned into the Indian Army, where as 2181 foreign officers have successfully completed their training from the academy.
PRO of IMA Lt. Col. Dinesh Sharma (Extreme Left) (Picture Courtesy: Sumit Sharma)
The Commentators enthralled audience with their magic of their words. The commentary team of the IMA included GC Dogra, Col Jiwan Kumar Singh, Mrs Aaditi Sharma, Maj Preeti Yadav. Lt. Col Dinesh who is instructor at IMA also handles an additional responsibility of public relations.
Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
On the eve of the Passing Out Parade, Indian Military Academy organized a Continuity Drill and “Son-et-Lumiere’’ (Sound and Light show) for the parents of the passing out course and the visiting dignitaries on 08 Jun 2018. The distinguished guests included the Reviewing Officer Gen Rajendra Chhetri, AWC, CGSC, MSS, Chief of Army Staff, Nepal Army, the GOC-in-C, ARTRAC Lt Gen MM Naravane, AVSM, SM, VSM, delegation members, Defence Attaches, parents and family members of the GCs of the passing out course.
Video Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun
Held at the historic Chetwode Drill Square which provided the pristine environment for the conduct of the event, the spectacular show commenced with exquisite movements of Continuity Drill by the Gentlemen Cadets (GCs). A contingent comprised of ___ participating cadets bidding farewell to the senior colleagues, conducted a masterly display of drill movements synchronized with an accompanying band. Following the continuity drill was the spectacular “Son-et-Lumiere” show, a multimedia, audio-visual presentation on the theme “Indian Military Academy Through the Ages” which took the audience on a nostalgic journey of the Academy from its inception to its present status. The spectacular show combined with the effects of brilliant light and sound mesmerized the august gathering.
Here is the state-wise list of Gentlemen Cadets to be commissioned today
Picture Courtesy : Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
Showcasing the high standards of the training and physical excellence achieved by the Gentlemen Cadets of Indian Military Academy, a Multi Activity Display was conducted at Somnath Stadium on 08 Jun 2018 as a prelude to the Passing out Parade. The Display was witnessed by a large gathering of spectators, which included the Passing out Course, their parents and relatives. The show was graced by General Rajendra Chhetri, AWC, CGSC, MSS, COAS Nepal, the Reviewing Officer for the Passing out Parade.
Video Courtesy: IMA, Dehradun
The aim of training at the Academy includes developing physical fitness and a robust mind with a sense of adventure amongst the Gentlemen Cadets. The Gentlemen Cadets showed dare devil acts on horse back, which included tent pegging, trick riding and showjumping. Further, a scintillating performance was put up by the Gentleman Cadets showcasing their physical prowess through their gymnastic agility and acrobatic skills. A Motorcycle display team from Army Adventure Cell, “ASC TORNADOES” thrilled the audience by display of their skills at manoeuvring motorcycles and daredevil acts.
The Award Ceremony of Passing Out Course of 142 Regular, 125thTGC & 25thUES courses was held at the Khetrapal Auditorium, IMA on 06 Jun 2018. Lt GenSK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Commandant, Indian Military Academy bestowed recognition and awards on outstanding Gentlemen Cadets who excelled in various fields during their pre-commission training at the Academy.
(Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
Gentlemen Cadets during their training at this premier institute are exposed to multifarious activities such as Weapon Training, Service and Academic Subjects, Drill, Physical Training, Sports, Outdoor Camps and extracurricular activities. These are aimed at making them battle ready and teach them necessary skills to execute various responsibilities and operational tasks with utmost professionalism during their service career.
Gentlemen Cadets are also encouraged to achieve excellence at individual level and contribute constructively in team effort to infuse a sense of comradeship amongst them. Accordingly, Medals and Rolling trophies have been instituted at IMA, which mark the highest standards achieved at the Individual and Company levels.
On the occasion the following Gentlemen Cadets and Foreign Gentlemen Cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries were felicitated :-
(Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)(Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
IMA Commandant Lt. Gen SK Jha addressing gentlemen cadets (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
At the end, the Commandant in his address mentioned that it was important for an officer to maintain a competitive streak within the parameters of sportsmanship and fair play at all times. He mentioned that the urge to win and excel as a team should always be there. In the profession of arms, it is always a collective and a team effort that is important and there are no runners up in war.
Lt General Ranbir Singh, who informed the media about surgical strikes in Pakistan, has assumed the charge of Northern Army commander. He replaced Lt. Gen. Devraj Anbu, who is now Vice Chief of Army Staff. The 58-year-old Lt. Gen. will be the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command. The command is stationed at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lt.Gen. Singh was the Director General Military Operations (DGMO) when Indian Army commandos conducted the surgical strikes against insurgent camps in Myanmar in June 2015 and also when India carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan to destroy terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 29, 2016. He briefed the media about the operations. The Northern Army Commander is likely to be in the race of the Army Chief’s post after General Bipin Rawat. He has also served as a Colonel and Brigadier in the military operations directorate.
Lt. Gen. Singh was commissioned into the 9th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment in 1980. He has also commanded a Mountain Brigade, an Armoured Division and a Strike Corps. As part of his international assignments, he served in United Peace Keeping missions at Rwanda and Chief Operations Officer at Sudan.
Lt. Gen Devraj Anbu (Picture Courtesy: Twitter/@PIB_India)
Lt. Gen. Devraj Anbu also assumed the charge of Vice Chief of the Army Staff on Friday. He succeeded Lt.Gen.Sarath Chand. The baton was handed over to Lt.Gen. Anbu by Lt. Gen. Chand in a ceremony at South Block in Delhi.
Lt.Gen. Anbu is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla. He was commissioned into the 14 Sikh Light Infantry on June 7, 1980. Lt. Gen. Anbu has served in all types of operational environment including Siachen Glacier, counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast. He also served in‘OP PAWAN’ in Sri Lanka.
During his 37-year military career, the General Officer commanded his unit during ‘OP PARAKRAM’, an Infantry Brigade on the Line of Control in the Kashmir Valley,. He also commanded a Mountain Division in Sikkim, the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan and Gajraj Corps in the Eastern Theatre. The General has been awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) for operations in ‘OP Meghdoot’, Yudh Seva Medal during command of the Brigade, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal during command of the Division and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal during the command of an elite operational Corps.
Lt. Gen. Anbu was the Instructor at the National Defence Academy. As part of his international assignments he served as an International Military Observer with UN Peacekeeping Mission at Namibia.
The United States is concerned over India’s plans to sign a deal with Russia to procure the S-400 air defence system. The deal is worth Rs 40,000. Chairman of the US House Armed Services Committee Mac Thornberry said that India’s move would hinder the military ties between the two countries. According to Thornberry, concerns about India’s potential purchase of the S-400 have been conveyed to different levels of the US government.
Members of US House Armed Services Committee in India were of the opinion that procuring the Russian system would also make it difficult for the US to share sensitive technology with India in the future. “There is a lot of concern in the US administration and Congress with the S-400. There is concern that any country that acquires the system will complicate the ability of interoperability (with US forces),” reported Economic Times quoted Mac Thornberry as saying.
Thornberry also said that India should consider the decision to purchase the Russian missile system. India is likely to Ink the deal for procuring S-400 Triumf missile system before October’s annual summit between Prime Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The US had announced sanctions against Russia for its alleged involvement in meddling in the US presidential elections. Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) came into effect in January. Many US lawmakers and experts are of the opinion that India should be exempted from CAATSA.
In April this year, India has issued a Request of Information for the purchase of 110 fighter jets worth $15 billion. The two US-based companies Lockheed Martin and Boeing are pitching their respective fighter jets. Both the companies have agreed to transfer the technology to India. The US is planning to shift entire production line of Lockheed Martin F-16 jet in India. It will be interesting to see whether the US will put under CAATSA after India inks deal with Russia to acquire the most advanced air defence system.
S-400 is an advanced version of S-300. The missile system is capable of travelling at a rate of 4.8 kilometres per second (17,000 km/h; Mach 14). The missile system can destroy incoming enemy fighter jets, missiles and even drones up to the range of 400 km. This missile system is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and is serving Russian Military since 2007.
IMA Commandant Lt GenSK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM with the winners (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
The glittering and most awaited social event for the Spring Term 2018, the ‘IMA Ball’, was held on 26 May 2018 at the Indian Military Academy (IMA). The IMA Ball is held towards the end of each term to mark the culmination of the rigorous training schedule of the Passing Out Course. The event marked with fun and frolic can also be termed as the ‘Break Up Party’ for the Third Termers. The IMA Ball is a precursor to the final event – The Passing Out Parade of the IMA, which is on 09 June 2018.
Miss IMA 2018 Asmita Jagwani (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
The evening of joy, merriment and nostalgia commenced with the Commandant IMA, Lt GenSK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, who set the ball rolling. The Gentleman Cadets in evening military attire and the ladies in their dazzling best graced the gala event.
Mr IMA Gentleman Cadet Shitij Sharma (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)IMA Commandant Lt GenSK Jha, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM arriving at IMA Ball Night (Picture Courtesy: Indian Military Academy)
The highlight of the evening was the selection of Mr IMA and Miss IMA, in which the Gentleman Cadets and their lady guests participated whole-heartedly with great zeal and enthusiasm. Miss Asmita Jagwani was adjudged as Miss IMA and Gentleman Cadet Shitij Sharma was declared as Mr IMA. The proud winners won exquisite gift hampers.
S-400 Truimf missile system (Picture Courtesy: Twitter)
India has finally concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force. Both India and Russia now have to find a way to evade the United States’ Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). It is a law formulated by the US to punish countries and entities involved in defence transactions with Russia.
A Russian official confirmed that the final price negotiations had been concluded, reported PTI. Both the nations are likely to announce the deal before an October’s annual summit between Prime Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both the leaders met in Sochi last week and supposedly the both might have discussed the deal.
The US had announced sanctions against Russia for its alleged involvement in meddling in the US presidential elections. CAATSA came into effect in January. Many US lawmakers and experts are of the opinion that India should be exempted from CAATSA. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged the Congress to provide necessary waiver to exempt India from the law. Similarly, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis last month appealed to the Congress to urgently provide India the national security waiver.
India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the nearly 4,000-km-long Sino-India border. In 2016 an agreement was signed between India and Russia on ‘Triumf’ interceptor based missile system. S-400 is an advanced version of S-300. The missile system can destroy incoming enemy fighter jets, missiles and even drones up to the range of 400 km. This missile system is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and is serving Russian Military since 2007.
Air Cavalary tested by the Indian Army in Rajasthan (Picture Courtesy: ndtv.com)
The Indian Army has tested the military concept of ‘Air Cavalry’ in the desert terrain of Rajasthan. This concept was used by the US Army to locate and assault enemy ground forces during the Vietnam War.
Weaponised helicopters carry out combined action against the enemy in coordination with tanks and mechanised ground forces during the exercise to enhance its defence capabilities. The Indian Army is looking forward to procure attack helicopters to strengthen its combat air assets. The concept of launching air attack in coordination with tanks will reshape the way the Indian Army will suppress the enemy attack.
The concept of ‘Air Cavalry’ was tried by the South Western command during recently concluded exercise ‘Vijay Prahar’. Detailed deliberation, sand-model discussions and war gaming were held before carrying out the concept.
In normal battle scenario, attack helicopters are called in only when required by the land forces to repulse the enemy attack if they found it difficult due to difficult terrain or for any other reason. Under the ‘Air Cavalry’ concept, attack helicopters are by default integrated with tanks and mechanised ground forces.
Apart from performing attack role, a fleet of armed helicopters usually carries out troop insertion in forward areas and performing on the spot aerial reconnaissance. The forces achieve more flexibility and fluidity, which enhance their combat capabilities. Under this concept, attack helicopters can hit targets efficiently in the shortest possible time. ‘Air Cavalry’ can be executed in different kind of terrains depending upon the feasibility.
As the Army is inducting helicopters equipped with ultra-modern sensors and high-precision weapons which will give a great boost to the Air Cavalry concept for protecting both eastern and western borders of the country.
The attack helicopters will be used as force multiplier and will increase the potency of ground forces to engage the targets, defence sources said. The concept will be crucial in the land battles in desert along the western front as well as in the eastern front where the terrain is mountainous.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is developing Light Combat Helicopter for the Army which can operate at high altitude. The Defence Ministry in August last year had approved the procurement of the army’s first fleet of Boeing’s six most advanced Apache helicopters. According to PTI, The ministry is purchasing these attack helicopters along with weapons systems at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore.
