Indian Military Academy Celebrates Its 89th Raising Day

The Indian Military Academy celebrated its 89th Raising Day on October 1, 2021. On this momentous occasion, Lt Gen Harinder Singh, Commandant, Indian Military Academy, conveyed his appreciation to the IMA fraternity for their dedication and contribution towards transforming the Academy into a world class military institution.

He reminded that the IMA had rendered outstanding service to the Nation by nurturing thousands of well trained, all rounded officers. He urged the Service and Civilian employees to work with the same zeal and synergy to bring even greater laurels to the Academy. MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt Visits Indian Military Academy, Interacts With GCs Undergoing Pre-Commissioning Training At IMA.

Images of IMA 89th Raising Day Celebrations:

IMA 89th Raising Day (Picture Courtesy: IMA)
IMA 89th Raising Day (Picture Courtesy: IMA)

The IMA came into existence on October 1, 1932. In the last 88 years, the Academy has grown in its training capacity from 40 GCs to 1650 GCs. Till date, 63,381 Gentlemen Cadets have passed out from the proud portals of the Academy as officers, including 2656 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets from 34 Friendly Foreign countries.

The Academy has a rich history and its Alumni have excelled in all spheres of military and sports activities. They have etched stories of heroic valour and outstanding leadership in numerous battlefields, winning many gallantry awards. 889 brave alumni have made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.

On this special day, all members of the staff, Gentlemen Cadets, Service and civilian employees rededicated themselves to uphold the glorious legacy of this great institution… ‘Veerta aur Vivek’.

(Article Source: IMA Press Release)

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari Takes Over Command Of IAF As 27th Chief

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari took over as The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) at a ceremony at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) on Thursday. An alumnus of NDA, the CAS was commissioned in December 1982 in the fighter stream of the IAF. He has flown more than 3800 hours on multiple fighter and trainer aircraft.

During his career spanning almost four decades, the CAS has tenanted many significant command and staff appointments. He has commanded a MiG-29 Squadron, two Air Force Stations and Western Air Command. His staff appointments include Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Air Defence), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers), Deputy Commandant of Air Force Academy and Air Assistant to Chief of the Air Staff. IAF To Acquire 24 Second Hand Mirage 2000 Fighter Jets: Report.

Tweets By IAF:

A Cat ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, he has served as an instructor at Flying Training Establishments and has also been an Air Force Examiner. He was a pioneer member of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Display Team. An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he has served as a Directing Staff there. He has also served as Directing Staff at DSCSC in Zambia. Prior to assuming the present appointment, he was the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

The CAS is a recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM) and is honorary ADC to the President of India.  In his address to the IAF, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said that he was honoured and privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Air Force. Extending greetings to all Air Warriors, Non Combatants (Enrolled), DSC personnel, civilians and their families, CAS expressed absolute faith and confidence in their ability to accomplish all assigned tasks with resolute dedication while maintaining IAF’s operational capability at an all-time high.

Outlining the focus areas for Commanders and personnel, CAS said, “Protection of our Nation’s sovereignty and integrity is to be ensured at any cost”.  He added that enhancement of operational capability through integration of newly inducted platforms, weapons and equipment with existing assets and dovetailing the same in concepts of operations would remain a priority area. He spoke on aspects of acquisition of new technology, promotion of indigenization and innovation, strengthening of cyber security, rapid adaptation of training methods to meet future demands and sustained work to nurture human resources. CAS urged all to “always uphold the ethos and credo of the ‘Air Warrior’, and strive to be an asset to the IAF in any role tasked for”.

Defence Ministry Places Order For 118 Indigenous Main Battle Tanks Arjun Mk-1A for Indian Army

Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed an order with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, Chennai for supply of 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A for the Indian Army on September 23, 2021. The order, worth Rs 7,523 crore, will provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in defence sector and is a big step towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It may be recalled that the Prime Minister had handed over the MBT Arjun Mk-1A to Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane in Chennai on February 14, 2021.

The state–of-the-art MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun Tank designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability. Infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant, the tank would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night. It has been designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) by incorporating numerous upgrades on Arjun MBT, the in-service main battle tank with the Indian Army.

Video Of MBT Arjun Mk-1A In Action:

The MK-1A is equipped with accurate & superior firepower, all-terrain mobility and an invincible multi-layered protection provided by an array of advanced technology systems. It can take on the enemy during day & night conditions and in both static & dynamic modes. By virtue of these capabilities, this indigenous MBT proves to be at par with any contemporary in its class across the globe. This tank is particularly configured and designed for Indian conditions and hence it is suitable for deployment to protect the frontiers in an effective manner.

This production order to HVF, Avadi opens up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 200 Indian vendors including MSMEs, with employment opportunities to around 8,000 people. This will be a flagship project showcasing the indigenous capability in cutting edge defence technologies. IAF Signs Rs 300 Crore Emergency Contract With Russia To Procure 70,000 AK-103 Assault Rifles.

Tweet By MoD Spokesperson:

The MBT Arjun Mk-1A has been designed & developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), along with other laboratories of DRDO within two years (2010-12). The development activities commenced from June 2010 and the tank was fielded for user trials in June 2012. It took only two years to develop and field the MBT Arjun Mk-1A for user trials from the user requirement. Extensive trial evaluation was conducted in various phases covering 7000+ kms (both in DRDO and user trials) of automotive and substantial firing of various ammunitions during 2012-2015.

(Article Source: PIB)

Air Marshal VR Chaudhari Appointed Next Chief of Indian Air Force, Will Take Charge on October 1

Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari has been named as the next Chief of Air Staff. Air Marshal VR Chaudhari is currently serving as the Vice Chief of Air Staff. He will take charge as the IAF chief on October 1, 2021. Notably, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria will retire on September 30, 2021.

Air Marshal Chaudhari is an alumnus of National Defence Academy. He is also a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. Air Marshal Chaudhari has earlier served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Western Air Command. Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari Assumes Charge As Vice Chief Of The Air Staff.

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He was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on December 29, 1982. He is a qualified flight instructor, and Instrument Rating Instructor and examiner. He has a flying experience of over 3800 hours on various fighter aircraft including MiG-21, MiG-23MF, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI.

He served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers) and later as Deputy Chief of Air Staff at air headquarters, VayuSena Bhawan in New Delhi. He also served as Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command from October 2019 to July 2020.

IAF To Acquire 24 Second Hand Mirage 2000 Fighter Jets: Report

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to procure Dassault Aviation’s 24 second-hand Mirage 2000 fighters to strengthen its ageing fleet of fourth-generation fighters, reported Hindustan Times. The IAF will also reportedly acquire parts for its two existing Mirage 2000 squadrons. A contract worth 27 million euros has been initiated by the force. India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Named INS Vikrant Sets For Sea Trials.

Per-aircraft acquisition cost will be 1.125 million euros. These aircraft will be shipped to India in containers, claimed the HT report. Out of the total aircraft to be procured by the IAF, almost eight are in ready to fly condition and 13 have engine and airframe intact. Meanwhile, 11 fighters are partially complete. These aircraft will reportedly be used to secure parts for IAF’s two existing squadrons of Mirage 2000. Agni Prime Missile Successfully Test Fired by DRDO Off Odisha Coast.

Notably, the IAF procured around 50 Mirage 2000 C and B fighters jets in 1985 and had a maintenance contract for 20 years, which got expired in 2005. The force then signed another contact in 2015-2016 with the French original equipment manufacturer, reported the media house. Mirage 2000 are fourth generation fighter jets. Before Rafale jets, Mirage 2000s were IAF’s front-line fighter jets. The force used these aircraft for the Balakot airstrikes. From Rafale Jets to Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Here Are Aircraft That Bolster IAF’s Capabilities.

The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engined fighter jet.  The aircraft was designed in the late 1970s as a lightweight fighter to replace the Mirage III for the French Air Force. The Mirage 2000 evolved into a multirole aircraft. Mirage 2000C, Mirage 2000B, Mirage 2000N, Mirage 2000D, Mirage 2000EG, Mirage 2000BR and Mirage 2000-9 are some of the variants of the aircraft.

Trainees From Central Academy For State Forest Service Visit Indian Military Academy

Indian Military Academy and Forest Research Institute are two prestigious training establishments of India located at Dehradun adjacent to one another. These institutions have a rich heritage and have traditionally maintained strong functional relations. MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt Visits Indian Military Academy, Interacts With GCs Undergoing Pre-Commissioning Training At IMA.

In keeping with these traditions, 33 State Forest Service (SFS) Trainees attending a two year course in Central Academy for State Forest Service, Dehradun visited the Indian Military Academy on September 16, 2021. They were briefed on the training regime being followed in the academy, which has till date commissioned 60725 Officers into the Indian Army along with 2,656 Foreign Gentlemen Cadets from 34 Friendly Foreign Countries.

The trainees were given a windshield tour of the entire Academy to give an insight into the rich heritage of the Indian Military Academy and the transformation being progressed by the academy towards further evolving into a “State of Art” training institution for our ‘Warrior Leaders’.

MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt Visits Indian Military Academy, Interacts With GCs Undergoing Pre-Commissioning Training At IMA

Minister of State For Defence Ajay Bhatt on visited Indian Military Academy, Dehradun on September 2 and 3, 2021. The Minister interacted with Commandant, Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the Gentlemen Cadets undergoing pre-commission training at the academy in Dehradun. He was briefed on the training aspects and was conducted around the training facilities and infrastructure of IMA.

Bhatt conveyed his deep appreciation for the stellar training standards established at the Indian Military Academy and lauded the overall training imparted to the Gentlemen Cadets, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 environment. He also appreciated the training of large number of Gentlemen Cadets from our Friendly Foreign Countries. Major General Alok Joshi Assumes Charge Of IMA’s Deputy Commandant And Chief Instructor.

In a solemn ceremony at the IMA War Memorial, the minister laid a wreath in remembrance of the brave alumni of this Academy, who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the Nation and whose acts of bravery continue to inspire our future leaders.

IAF Signs Rs 300 Crore Emergency Contract With Russia To Procure 70,000 AK-103 Assault Rifles

The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed a deal to procure 70,000 AK-103 assault rifles from Russia. The contract signed by the IAF is emergency provisions to replace INSAS rifles. AK-103 rifles are expected to come within the next few months into the service. As per reports, the force has a requirement of 1.5 lakh rifles. The entire contract reportedly is around Rs 300 crore. It was signed last week. IAF Inducts Rafale Aircraft Into 101 Squadron at Air Force Station Hasimara, Second After ‘Golden Arrows’.

“The contract worth around Rs 300 crore was signed last week under emergency provisions to buy 70,000 AK-103 assault rifles from Russia. The weapons would be first provided to troops in field areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar along with sensitive air bases,” reported news agency ANI quoting government sources as saying.

As per reports, India is likely to sign another contract with Russia to procure more advanced AK-203. This contract will be processed under the Indian Army. The Army has requirement of 6.5 lakh rifles. Notably, AK-13 rifles are in service with the Indian Navy. Marine Commandos, deployed at Jammu And Kashmir’s Wular Lake, use AK-103. IAF Inducts Light Bullet Proof Vehicles to Strengthen Airbase Security Against Terrorist Attacks.

Notably, after the standoff with China at the Eastern Ladakh sector, India has increased the speed of modernisation of the defence forces. Soldiers serving at the border areas with China have already been provided with 1.5 lakh American Sig Sauers. The Centre has also provided over 16,000 Negev Light Machine Guns to the troops deployed at forward areas.

Indian Army Grants Time Scale Colonel Rank to Five Women Officers After Completion of 26 Years of Service

In a step forward towards, gender-neutrality in the armed forces, a Selection Board of the Indian Army cleared the way for the promotion of five women officers to Colonel (Time Scale) rank, post completion of 26 years of reckonable service. This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel. First Batch Of 83 Women Soldiers Inducted Into Military Police Of The Indian Army.

Previously, promotion to the rank of Colonel was only applicable for women officers in the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps (AEC). The widening of promotion avenues to more branches of the Indian Army is a sign of increasing career opportunities for women officers. Changing role of Women Officers in Indian Defence Forces.

Combined with the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers from a majority of branches of the Indian Army, this step defines the Indian Army’s approach towards a gender-neutral Army. The five women officers selected for Colonel Time Scale rank are Lt Col Sangeeta Sardana from the Corps of Signals, Lt Col Sonia Anand and Lt Col Navneet Duggal from the Corps of EME and Lt Col Reenu Khanna and Lt Col Ritcha Sagar from the Corps of Engineers.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court passed interim order allowing women to take the admission exam on September 5 to National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune. At present only boys can join the NDA. The interim order was passed by a division bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy while hearing a petition filed by Kush Kalra.

(Article: With Inputs From PIB)

Supreme Court Allows Women To Take NDA Exam on September 5, Says Policy Decision Is Based on ‘Gender Discrimination’

In a major development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday passed interim order allowing women to take the admission exam on September 5 to National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune. At present only boys can join the NDA. The interim order was passed by a division bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy while hearing a petition filed by Kush Kalra. In the plea, the petitioner has sought   permission for women candidates to appear for the NDA exam. Meanwhile, the admissions will be subject to the final orders of the top court. Changing role of Women Officers in Indian Defence Forces.

The Centre was represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati. She argued that allowing only men to join the NDA is a policy decision of the government. However, the bench called it a “gender discrimination”.” This is a policy decision based on gender discrimination…respondents (Centre), must take a constructive view,” reported The Times of India quoting the bench as saying. Lady Officers in Indian Army to Get Permanent Commission

The Supreme Court also pulled up the Indian Army for not giving enough opportunities for women. It added that the force should not wait for judicial orders to be passed in these matters. The petition said that the notice issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is in complete violation of Article 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution. First Batch Of 83 Women Soldiers Inducted Into Military Police Of The Indian Army.

The plea pointed out that in the notice it was mentioned that the candidate must be an unmarried male. The petition added that the notice excluded eligible and willing female candidates. Women officers are allowed to undergo training at the Officers Training Academies (OTAs) – at Gaya and Chennai, the Air Force Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. However, only men allowed to join the Indian Military Academy, directly through CDS or after passing out through the NDA.

Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that women could serve as army commanders and should be granted permanent commission and promotions equal to their male counterparts. n 2015, then defence minister Manohar Parrikar told Parliament that the armed forces had given PC to 340 women officers. Notably, till February this year, there were 6.5 percent of women employed in the Indian Navy, while 1.08 percent in the Indian Air Force only and 0.56 percent in the Indian Army.

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