“Some are destined to succeed, and some are determined to succeed.”
Lt Sumit Kumar with his determination achieved his dream of becoming an officer in the Indian Army. Lt Kumar who hails from Ghaziabad cracked Services Selection Board (SSB) in the 19th attempt. He gave his first attempt on January 8, 2012, but had to wait for five years to achieve success. Lt Kumar cleared his SSB interview on July 15 2017. He gave interviews for all the entries to join the defence forces. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Lt Reza Khalid Rejects IIT, Prefers to Serve Nation by Joining Indian Army.
On June 08 the Passing Out Parade (POP) of of 144 Regular Course, 127 Technical Graduate Course and 27 UES Course was held at Indian Military Academy’s (IMA) Drill Square. a total of 459 GCs including 77 cadets from friendly foreign countries joined passed out from the IMA. General Officer Commanding in Chief South Western Command Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson, PVSM, VSMSM, SM reviewed the parade. Maximum number of 72 officers were commissioned from Uttar Pradesh.
Indian Military Academy is the premium training institute imparting military training to the future leaders of Indian Army. 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 07 Jun 2019 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 Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson, PVSM, SM, VSM GOC-IN-C, South Western Command, the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade. IMA POP Spring Term 2019: Commandant Parade Held at Chetwode Drill Square; 382 GCs to Join Indian Army on June 8.
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 showcased dare devil acts on horse back, which included tent pegging, trick riding and show jumping. Further, a scintillating performance was put up by the Gentleman Cadets showcasing their physical prowess through their gymnastic agility and acrobatic skills. “DARE DEVILS” Motor Cycle Display Team of Indian Army led by Lady Officer Capt Shikha Surbhi surprised the audience by the Display of their extraordinary skills on Motor Cycle. The spectacular show of physical agility, quality horsemanship, riding and gymnastics mesmerized the august gathering.
The second event of the day was the Continuity Drill and “Son-et-Lumiere’’ (Sound and Light show) for the parents of the passing out course and the visiting dignitaries. Held at the historic Chetwode Drill Square which provided the pristine environment for the conduct of the event, the spectacular show commenced with exquisite drill movements of Continuity Drill by the Gentlemen Cadets. A contingent comprised of sixty four Gentlemen Cadets bidding farewell to the senior colleagues, conducted a masterly display of drill movements synchronized with an accompanying band. IMA Award Ceremony Spring Term 2019: Lt Gen SK Jha Bestows Recognition & Awards on Outstanding GCs.
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.
The Indian Army will induct 464 Russian-origin T-90 MS battle tanks between 2022 and 2026, at the cost of Rs 13,448, reported The Times of India. The T-90MS are upgraded version of T-90 family. Soon, an order to produce these tanks will be placed on the Avadhi Heavy Vehicle Factory (HVF) under Ordnance Factory Board. The cabinet committee on security had already cleared the licence acquisition from Russia last month. Arjun Mark 2 – The Beast with upgraded technology, 3rd Generation Tank.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army already has 18 regiments of T-90 tanks. Currently, T-90 are deployed in Rajasthan and Punjab on the western front with Pakistan. The India Army has over 4,000 tanks including over 1,000 T-90 tanks. The Army also has 2,400 older T-72 tanks in its 67 armoured regiments and 124 Arjun Mark-1 tanks. India Successfully Test Fires Nirbhay, Supersonic Cruise Missile From Integrated Test Range in Odisha.
Last year, India also signed a $5 billion deal with Russia to procure S-400 advanced air defence system. The deal was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India to take part in the 19th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit. Meanwhile, in 2018, India also finalised two deals of $500 and $950 million with Russia for procurement of four advanced stealth frigates. Out of these four, two frigates will be procured directly from Russia, while other two will be built at a shipyard in Goa with the transfer of technology.
ISRO launched communication satellite GSAT-7A from Sriharikota (Picture Courtesy: http://www.isro.gov.in)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today launched its military communication satellite GSAT-7A from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It is the 35th Indian communication satellite. The weight of GSAT-7A is 2,250 kg. The satellite is expected to enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force (IAF) by adding a new space-based dimension to the way it interlinks, operates and communicates with its aircraft.
With the aim to expand the communication capabilities of the IAF, the GSAT-7A will be the first satellite built primarily designed to improve combined, common intelligence during operations. It will connect many of the ground radar stations, airbases and aircrafts operated by the force. The satellite is also expected to boost network-dependant warfare and drone capabilities. Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa hailed the launch. He said that the communication to aircraft through the satellite will be made possible with this launch.
The satellite is using Ku-band which can enable superior real time aircraft-to-aircraft communication between fighter jets while in flight and their commanders on the ground. He satellite will be released into geostationary orbit equipped with solar panels and reflectors by the GSLV-F11 space vehicle. GSLV-F11 is the 13th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and its 7th flight with indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS).The launch vehicle will release the satellite around 36,000 Km away from the earth. The GSAT-7A is the 17th successful space mission of the ISRO in 2018.
The Indian Army lost a brave officer, Col Govardhan Gopal Gudur last week. Col Gudur, Commanding officer of the Sikh Li Regiment was born on October 23, 1977 in Bangaluru. He cleared his 10th and 12th boards from Kendriya Vidylaya (KV) Kanpur and KV Chandigarh. Even after clearing IIT Entrance Exam he preferred to join the National Defence Academy (NDA). He joined the 96th Course of the academy in Kilo Squadron and passed out from the Mike Squadron as Battalion Cadet Captain.
On May 13, 2000 Col Gudur commissioned into the Sikh Li Regiment as Lieutenant. He immediately became Ghatak Platoon Commander. With his hard work and dedication he lifted the Divison Trophy as platoon commander. He also achieved top 10 position in the JC course at Infantry School Mhow. He also held the prestigious appointment in Armoured Brigade at Jaisalmer.
Exactly nineteen years back India defeated Pakistan in a war which was fought on the mountains of Kashmir in Kargil at an altitude more than 15,000 feet. The Kargil war was fought from May-July 99. It was generally an untold tradition that the armies of both the sides leave their bunkers at high altitude places move downwards and later during summers they reoccupy their bunkers. But in 1999, Pakistan took undue advantage of India’s trust and when Indian soldiers vacated their bunkers during the winters, mujahideens and Pakistan army soldiers occupied the bunkers.
The Kargil war was an example of betrayal of Pakistan as just three months before in February, the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Yajpayee visited Pakistan with a message of peace and with a firm determination to solve the Kashmir issue peacefully. A bus service was also started between New Delhi and Lahore. According to reports, the then Pakistani Army chief General Parvez MUsharaf without any consultation with the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif started the infiltration into the Indian Side along the Line of Control.
India came to know about the Pakistan’s plan in May, when the Indian Army’s patrol party led by Captain Saurabh Kalia, who went to the area did not report back to headquarters. The army realized the gravity of the situation launched ‘Operation Vijay’ to wipe out the infiltrators. Later, Pakistan sent back mutilated bodies of the captain and his four soldiers. The Indian Army then launched a massive operation to wipe out the Pakistani army soldiers of 12 Northern Light Infantry and terrorists. The war was fought at regimental and battalion level. The main aim of Pakistan was to cut the connectivity of Leh with rest of India by controlling NH 1 D highway, which connects Srinagar and Leh.
The Indian Air Force also launched ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ in the war zone to provide a support to the Indian Army. The army captured the highest and the most significant peak, Tiger Hill on the morning of July 8. Later in the war, the army also used Bofors artillery guns to provide cover fire to the troops. On July 26, The Indian government declared Operation Vijay a success and from then on, every year it is celebrated as ‘Vijay Diwas’.
Shaheed Capt. Vikram Batra, PVC (9 September 1974 – 7 July 1999) was posthumously awarded with the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest and most prestigious award for valour, for his actions during the 1999 Kargil War. Batra joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehradun, in June 1996 in the Manekshaw Battalion. The brave officer captured the Peak 5140 in Drass sector, without any casualties. He sacrificed his life while capturing the Point 4875 on July 7.
Shaheed Captain Manoj Pandey, PVC
Shaheed Lt. Manoj Pandey, PVC (25 June 1975 – 3 July 1999): He was also posthumously awarded with the Param Veer Chakra. On the night of 3 July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective, it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Captain Pandey was tasked to clear the interfering enemy positions to prevent his battalion from getting day lighted. He got a fatal burst on his forehead while achieving his objective.
Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC: Yadav was awarded with Param Veer Chakra for his 4 July 1999 action during the Kargil War. He was part of the Ghatak team of 18 Grenadiers who launched an offensive after climbing the Tiger Hill from the rear side, taking the enemy by surprise. In spite of being grievously injured he kept on fighting.
Subedar Sanjay Kumar, PVC
Subedar Sanjay Kumar, PVC: On 4 July 1999, as a member of the 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, he was the leading scout of a team tasked to capturing Area Flat Top, during the Kargil War. Having scaled the cliff, the team was pinned down by machine gun fire from an enemy bunker, about 150 meters away. He kept advancing towards te enemy and in a close fight killed three enemy soldiers. He was awarded the Param Veer Chakra for his bravery.
Captain Anuj Nayyar, Captain Vijayant Thapar, Major Rajesh Adhikari also fought bravely and sacrificed their lives for the Mother India. As per official data India lost 537 soldiers during this war and 1363 wounded.
India and Russia are on the verge of signing Rs 40,000 crore defence deal. Senior Defence official told The Hindu that the two countries could be just weeks away of signing one of the biggest defence deals.
The deal for the purchase of S-400 Triumf, long range air defence systems is expected to get closed by 31st March.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an intergovernmental agreement for the acquisition of five regiments of S-400s in October 2016 during the eighth BRICS summit.
According to the report published in The Hindu, Russia is not in favour of any offset clause because S-400 Triumf air defence System is very strategic in nature.
Acquiring S-400 will boost India’s air defence system as it can track and shoot down the incoming enemy aircraft upto the range of 400 km. Indian Air Force will operate this system.
China is the first country to procure six battalions of S-400 air defence systems.
The much awaited naval exercise ‘Milan – 2018’ hosted by the Indian Navy begins in Port Blair on Tuesday. In this week long naval exercise 38 contingents from 16 navies will display their skills. The theme of ‘Milan- 2018’ is ‘In Pursuit of Maritime Good Order – Need for Comprehensive Information Sharing Apparatus’, so the main focus will be to create a cordial environment in the region to check unlawful activities and to strengthen the ties
For the first time Oman is taking part in this exercise. The main aim of this exercise is to enhance regional cooperation and to check unlawful activities.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Naval Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba will visit Port Blair for this international event.
Arjun Mark 2 is an upgraded version of Arjun Mark 1 India’s indigenous built 3rd generation main battle tank. it is built in coordination with Israeli Defence companies. On the recommendation of the Indian Army 93 changes were made in the Arjun Mark 1 out of which 13 were major improvements. Trials of Arjun Mark 2 began in 2012 and it was publicly revealed in 2014.
Arjun Mark 2 has more fire power capability, protection and better mobility than Arjun Mark 1. This tank has better armour with 360 degree night vision capability. It can also plough out the anti-tank mines with the ploughs attached to its front. It has laser warning control system which detects the missiles fired towards the Arjun and in return it fires the aerosol grenades to befog the incoming missiles. Design of this beast with upgraded technology is similar to the western tanks like Leopard 2A5 of Germany. During its trials it has outclassed Russian built T-90 tanks.
More than 120 Arjun Mark 2 tanks will be soon inducted in The Indian Army.
Col. Govardhan Gopal Gudur 
