October 2018 - India Special Weapons News

Top Court Gives Indian Gov't 10 Days to Reveal Rafale Deal Details Sputnik 31 Oct 2018 -- Petitioners including two former Indian ministers termed the Supreme Court's direction as a substantial step towards revealing the truth of the controversial deal which was signed in 2016. Under the deal, 36 Rafale fighter jets are to be purchased in fly-away condition from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation.
India to Add More Firepower to Soviet Era M-46 Field Guns Sputnik 31 Oct 2018 -- A government official told Sputnik that the field guns that were acquired in the 80's from the then Soviet Union will become 300% more lethal than the present form. The upgraded gun will be delivered to the Indian Army by 2022.
India to Augment Underwater Defense Capability With 4 New Survey Vessels Sputnik 31 Oct 2018 -- In the last two years, India's arch-rival in the region China has launched several naval survey vessels for gathering oceanographic and geophysical data for defense applications.
Russian-Indian Deal on S-400 Supplies Signed in Rubles - Deputy Prime Minister Sputnik 31 Oct 2018 -- The Russian-Indian contract on supply of S-400 air defense systems has been signed in the Russian national currency, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said on Wednesday.
China, India Reported Set To Keep Buying Iranian Oil As U.S. Sanctions Loom RFE/RL 30 Oct 2018 -- With just days to go before U.S. sanctions take effect on Iran's oil sector on November 5, Tehran's top two customers – India and China -- are resisting Washington's call to reduce purchases to zero, arguing there are not sufficient supplies worldwide to replace them, media are reporting.
India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-I Ballistic Missile - Reports Sputnik 31 Oct 2018 -- India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) has successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable Agni-I ballistic missile, local media reported on Tuesday, citing defense industry sources.
India Makes $4 Bln Down Payment for Rafale Jets Despite Controversy– Sources Sputnik 30 Oct 2018 -- India's main opposition party has accused the Indian government of corruption claiming that the price of each Rafale Jet under the current deal has gone up significantly without proper justification as compared to the previous deal during their tenure.
India, Japan Sign Maritime Pact to Monitor Chinese Warships in Asia-Pacific Sputnik 29 Oct 2018 -- This agreement will shore-up the monitoring wherewithal of the two countries against the backdrop of the increased presence of Chinese warships in their respective waters. The two countries have also instituted Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) on the line of a similar kind of arrangement between India and the US.
Fear of Deportation Drives Some Rohingya Refugees from India VOA 29 Oct 2018 -- India's recent deportation of seven Rohingya men to Myanmar has triggered a panic among the country's Rohingya Muslim refugee community.
India Finalizes the Deal for Two Russian Frigates Off the Shelf for $950 Million Sputnik 29 Oct 2018 -- Sputnik had reported on 4 October that India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had approved the procurement of four frigates from Russia at a cost of around $2 billion. While two of them are being purchased directly from Russia for $950 million, the other two will be built in India under a separate deal, which is expected later this year.
US Understands India's Need to Purchase S-400 - Defense Minister Sputnik 25 Oct 2018 -- Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has indicated that the US may not impose sanctions on India for the purchase of Russian S-400 Triumf air defense and missile systems.
Rafale Deal Takes Center Stage in Intense Infighting in India's Top Probe Agency Sputnik 24 Oct 2018 -- Rahul Gandhi, President of India's main opposition party Indian National Congress has alleged that the head of the country's top investigating agency, the CBI, was removed from his post because he was raising questions over the Rafale fighter jet deal. CBI plays a similar role as that of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
India signs $777 million deal with Israel for Barak 8 missile systems Press TV 24 Oct 2018 -- Israel's main firm in developing military and commercial aerospace technology says it has won a $777 million contract to supply Barak 8 long-range surface-to-air missile system (LRSAM) air and missile systems to seven ships in the Indian navy.
Israel Bags $777 Million Air Defense Systems Contract With Indian Navy Sputnik 24 Oct 2018 -- The Barak 8 air defense system, with a range of 70 kilometers, makes use of several high-tech, state-of-the-art systems such as digital radar, command and control launchers, interceptors with modern RF seekers, a data link and system-wide connectivity, according to the Israel Aerospace Industries.
Pakistani prime minister vows to hold peace talks with India Press TV 23 Oct 2018 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to hold peace talks with arch-rival India following next year's nationwide elections in the neighboring country.
Pakistani PM Hopes For Peace Talks With New Delhi After India's 2019 Elections RFE/RL 23 Oct 2018 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to try to extend a hand of peace to archrival India following elections in the neighboring country, after a similar offer was "rebuffed."
India, Japan to Sign Maritime Pact to Monitor Chinese Warships in Asia-Pacific Sputnik 23 Oct 2018 -- The Indian Navy had earlier said that at any given time, China has six to seven warships, including submarines, deployed in the Indian Ocean. Earlier this month, the Indian Navy reported it had spotted a Type 039A Yuan class Chinese submarine in the ocean for the first time in over a year.
India Denies Reports of Discussion to Buy F-16 for CAATSA Waiver on S-400 Deal Sputnik 23 Oct 2018 -- The US administration has been pressurizing India for long to buy its F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft but the Indian government has clarified on several occasions that it has no such intention to buy it in spite of an offer for setting up a production facility in India.
Indian Shipyard Seeks Foreign Partner for $1.3 Bln Naval Fleet Support Project Sputnik 22 Oct 2018 -- The fleet support ships, capable of carrying ballistic weapons will deliver fluids such as low speed and high-speed diesel, aviation fuel, fresh water, and feed water ships, will be crucial to the Indian Navy in boosting warfare capabilities in the southern Indian Ocean Region including the Mediterranean Sea.
India-Russia Military Cooperation to Soar Higher With New Technical Wing Sputnik 22 Oct 2018 -- The new department under the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Co-operation will be headed by a high-level official of the integrated defense staff. The integrated defense staff acts as a single point organization for jointmanship in defense ministry which integrates policy, doctrine, warfighting and procurement.
Gunfights, clashes claim 14 lives in Kashmir Press TV 21 Oct 2018 -- At least fourteen people, including six civilians, have been killed in a series of gunfights and clashes in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
US Hints India Might Get Sanctions Waiver Over S-400 Deal if Buys F-16 – Reports Sputnik 20 Oct 2018 -- India is pursuing an independent security policy despite US threats to introduce sanctions over its decision to purchase the advanced S-400 air defense system from Russia.
Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' bilateral engagement with India Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman at the 2018 ADMM-Plus DoD 19 Oct 2018
Pakistan Blasts India Over Purchase of Russian Air Defense System VOA 19 Oct 2018 -- Pakistan has criticized and downplayed rival India's acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 Triumph air defense system, claiming Islamabad can counter the threat.
UAE Shows Keen Interest in India's Homegrown Fighter Jet Tejas Sputnik 17 Oct 2018 -- Tejas has around 50% locally developed content, while the engines are American, radar, helmet display and laser pod of Israeli make and Russia has supplied the missiles.
India police say four killed in Kashmir shootout Press TV 17 Oct 2018 -- A gun battle has reportedly erupted between Indian troops and suspected militants in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, killing at least four people.
India, Iran to Speed Up Port Construction Ahead of US Sanctions – Reports Sputnik 15 Oct 2018 -- India and Iran will rush to complete the first berth in the Iranian coast city of Chabahar to make the port there operational before US sanctions on Tehran kick in next month, The Economic Times reported Monday.
'It's Not Helpful': US Warns India Against Buying Iran Oil, Russian S-400s Sputnik 13 Oct 2018 -- On Thursday, US President Donald Trump promised that India will soon see his decision on punitive measures after New Delhi moved to purchase advanced S-400 air defense systems from Russia.
Indian troops kill top militant leader, associate in Kashmir Press TV 11 Oct 2018 -- A Kashmiri scholar-turned-militant leader and an associate have been killed during a fierce gunbattle with Indian troops in the disputed Himalayan region.
India, Russia to Soon Conclude Deals on Frigates, Kalashnikovs - Russian Envoy Sputnik 11 Oct 2018 -- The statement comes a day after US President Donald Trump said that India "will soon find out" his decision on the punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) over India's decision to purchase the S-400 missile defense systems from Russia.
India Not to Cut Ties With Russia as Trump Vows 'Swift' Response to S-400 Deal Sputnik 11 Oct 2018 -- India has signed a $5.4 billion deal to buy five S-400 air defense systems despite the looming threat of US sanctions on countries that trade with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors.
BrahMos Scientist Arrested for Spying, Was Honey-Trapped on Internet – Police Sputnik 10 Oct 2018 -- The arrested scientist, Nishant Agarwal, had been working at the production facility that makes propellants for the nuclear-capable BrahMos missiles and houses sensitive information on the program.
Indian Defense Minister Heads to France as Court Seeks Details of Rafale Deal Sputnik 10 Oct 2018 -- India's main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, claims that the price of each Rafale jet negotiated under the erstwhile government led by Manmohan Singh was INR 526 crore ($79 million) but has gone up to INR 1,670 crore ($251 million) under the present deal struck with France by the Modi government, which came to power in 2014.
India to Continue Buying Iranian Oil Despite Possible US Sanctions - Minister Sputnik 09 Oct 2018 -- Indian companies will continue buying Iranian crude oil in November even despite the possible US objections and sanctions, Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.
India, Japan Resume Submarine-Hunting Drill After Five Years Sputnik 08 Oct 2018 -- The current policy of the Indian government dictates that the Indian Navy may not enter into any kind of a collaborative operation or joint patrolling of the South China Sea with the Japanese naval force. However, the two navies intend to augment the maritime capacity of countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Indian Scientist Arrested on Suspicion of Leaking BrahMos Details to Pakistan Sputnik 08 Oct 2018 -- BrahMos is a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia and is considered the world's fastest missile to date.
India to Pursue Independent Policy Despite US Sanctions Threat Over S-400 - Army Sputnik 08 Oct 2018 -- India will purchase the Russian S-400 Triumph air defense systems and pursue an independent security policy despite the US threats to introduce sanctions over the deal, Chief of Army Staff of Indian Army Gen. Bipin Rawat said.
India to Pursue Independent Policy Despite Sanctions Threat Over S-400 – General Sputnik 08 Oct 2018 -- The $5.4 billion deal to supply Russian S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missiles to India was signed by the two countries in New Delhi on Friday. The delivery of the S-400s is reportedly due to begin in October 2020.
Russia to Help India in its First Manned Space Mission Sputnik 05 Oct 2018 -- India's first manned spacecraft Gaganyaan is designed to carry three people and will be placed in low earth orbit, 300-400 km above the surface of the planet. India has set an ambitious deadline of 2022 to complete the mission.
Iran, India to launch satellite navigation system: Russia IRNA 07 Oct 2018 -- The Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos, announced on Sunday Iran and India plan to launch satellite navigation systems.
India Agreed to Buy S-400 Despite US Sanctions Threat - Russian Minister Sputnik 07 Oct 2018 -- The contract between Russian and India on supplies of S-400 air defense systems is based on long-term cooperation between the two countries, which was not undermined by the threat of sanctions from the United States, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said Sunday.
India inks missile deal with Russia People's Daily 06 Oct 2018 -- India Friday inked a multi-billion dollar defense deal with Russia to acquire S-400 Triumf missile systems from Moscow, government sources here said.
US on India's S-400 Deal: CAATSA Not Intended to Damage Allies' Capabilities Sputnik 05 Oct 2018 -- India has signed a $5.4 billion deal to buy five S-400 air defense systems despite the looming threat of US sanctions on countries that trade with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors.
India and Russia to Jointly Set up Six New Nuclear Reactors in India at 2nd Site Sputnik 05 Oct 2018 -- For the new nuclear projects in India, Russia has agreed to implement "3+ generation" water-water energetic reactor technology and will increase the level of localization, working jointly with local businesses.
Indian Air Force to Use Biofuel-Blended ATF to Curb Import Bill Sputnik 05 Oct 2018 -- India, which imports up to 80 percent of its oil needs, will spend $1.5 billion on setting up biofuel refineries that are expected to employ around 15,000 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on August 10 that ethanol blending could help the country save $1.7 billion a year on import bills.
Indian Air Force Aircraft Crashes, No Casualties Reported Sputnik 05 Oct 2018 -- According to initial reports, the two-seater ML-130 microlight aircraft crashed moments after it took off from Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad.
India, Russia Formally Ink $5.4 billion S-400 Air Defense System Deal - Kremlin Sputnik 05 Oct 2018 -- The delivery of the five advanced S-400 Triumf squadrons will begin in October 2020, despite the threat of US financial sanctions.
India Seals Deal for Russian Air Defense Systems During Putin Visit VOA 05 Oct 2018 -- India has signed a deal worth more than $5 billion to buy five sophisticated air defense missile systems from Russia that could trigger sanctions by the United States.
India Completes Developmental Trial of BVR Air-to-Air Missile Astra Sputnik 04 Oct 2018 -- Astra will be integrated with the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI and Mirage 2000 since both aircraft have powerful airborne radars to leverage its beyond visual range capability.
Indian Government Puts Final Stamp on Purchase of $2 Billion Russian Frigates Sputnik 04 Oct 2018 -- The approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is considered the final nod for any defense procurement ahead of the signing of the final commercial contract. The CCS approval that comes just a day before the annual bilateral summit indicates that the final contract is in the offing.
India Risks US Sanctions Over $5Bln S-400 Delivery Deal – Reports Sputnik 04 Oct 2018 -- India is seeking a US waiver for its planned purchase of S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia.
India, Russia Expected to Seal Arms Deal During Putin Visit VOA 04 Oct 2018 -- As Russian President Vladimir Putin visits India, the most high profile item on the agenda will be a deal for New Delhi to buy a multi-billion-dollar air defense system and other weaponry. If concluded, the deal will be in violation of American sanctions against Russia.
Kremlin confirms: Russia to sign India S-400 deal shortly Press TV 03 Oct 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will on Thursday visit India to personally oversee the signing of an important deal between Moscow and New Delhi for the purchase of five Russian S-400 missile defense systems, the Kremlin has confirmed.
Kremlin Says Putin Will Seal $5 Billion Missile Defense Deal On Trip To India RFE/RL 03 Oct 2018 -- A key achievement of Russian President Vladimir Putin on a trip to India this week will be the signing of a $5 billion deal to supply India with S-400 air-defense systems, a top Kremlin aide has said.
India Hopes for Early Conclusion of $19 Billion Contract for 110 Fighter Jets Sputnik 03 Oct 2018 -- The Indian Air Force is waiting for the government's nod before formally inviting a tender for 110 fighter jets. The tender would be open for both single-engine and twin-engine aircraft. Approximately 16-17 (15 percent) are to be bought in fly-away condition, whereas the rest are to be built in India, according to Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa.
U.S. and Indian armies complete exercise Yudh Abhyas 18 Army News 01 Oct 2018 -- Soldiers from the United States and India
completed a two-week training exercise Sept. 29, 2018, at Chaubattia Military Station, India. The closing ceremony marked the 14th year of the bilateral training exercise known as Yudh Abhyas.

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October 2018 - India Special Weapons News