November 2019 - India Special Weapons News

India Conducts Maiden Night Trial of Nuke-Capable Agni 3 Missile Sputnik 30 Nov 2019 -- India and Pakistan have conducted a series of missile tests in the past few weeks amid border escalations against the backdrop of tensions over the disputed Kashmir region.
India Fires Salvo Against Israeli Manufacturer for 'Snubbing' Its Domestic Anti-Tank Guided Missile Sputnik 29 Nov 2019 -- Israeli manufacturer Rafael faced a major setback in 2018 after the Indian Defence Ministry cancelled a $500 million Spike deal in favour of a domestically manufactured anti-tank guided missile. New Delhi previously bailed on a Spike purchase in 2011, and again in 2017 – both times under the DRDO's pressure.
Indian Army Set to Deploy 200 Armoured Fighting Vehicles With Guided Missiles Along Pakistani Border Sputnik 29 Nov 2019 -- India and Pakistan have been engaged in a serious border escalation since a cross border aerial strike by the Indian Air Force in February. The two arch-rivals have deployed their troops and military equipment at forward bases to retaliate in case of a misadventure by either side.
India Cuts Purchase of P-8 Spy Planes From US in Half Sputnik 29 Nov 2019 -- The Indian Navy had originally asked for 10 P-8I aircraft in a bid to deploy more spy planes to crucial points in the Indian Ocean region under "Mission Based Deployment". However, the Defence Ministry has now decided to cut the request in half due to budget constraints.
India, Sri Lanka Reset Relationship As Sri Lankan Leader Visits New Delhi VOA 29 Nov 2019 -- India has offered to lend $400 million to Colombo for infrastructure development as it reaches out to build ties with Sri Lanka's newly elected president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is visiting New Delhi.
India Successfully Tests Supersonic BrahMos Cruise Missile in Arabian Sea Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Indian has tested a supersonic missile with a greater number of domestic components including its propulsion system, airframe, and power supply. The test was conducted against the backdrop of a growing escalation in tension between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
India Approves Purchase of More P8 Spy Planes from US Amid Chinese Hegemony Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- The requirement of more spy planes comes against a backdrop of a mounting number of Chinese warships, including submarines, in the Indian Ocean.
Indian Government Claims Chinese Troops Transgress Over 700 Times in Two Years Sputnik 27 Nov 2019 -- The agreed to resolve the border dispute after the 73-day Doklam stand-off at the crossroads between China, India and Bhutan in 2017, which began after Indian troops objected to road construction by the Chinese PLA in Doklam.
India's Electric Eye: ISRO Successfully Launches Cartosat-3 Satellite into Space Sputnik 27 Nov 2019 -- Cartosat-3 is a third generation agile advanced satellite which features a high-resolution imaging capability. The satellite will provide an edge to Indian armed forces to locate any troops and detect the movement of adversaries' military hardware along the border.
India Opts for Advanced Akash Prime Missile to 'Protect' Its Airspace From China, Pakistan Sputnik 27 Nov 2019 -- The Indian defence ministry claimed that by introducing the basic version of the Akash missile system, the country had saved $5.3 billion with more orders in the pipeline from the army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Indian Minister Contradicts Its Army Chief Claiming Balakot 'Terror Camps' Reactivated in Pakistan Sputnik 27 Nov 2019 -- On 27 February, the purported terror camp in the Balakot area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province was bombed by Indian Air Force fighter jets in a predawn aerial strike.
India Equips All its Aircraft with Underwater Beacon After Failed Attempt to Locate AN-32 Sputnik 27 Nov 2019 -- The underwater locator beacon provides an electronic signal at a particular frequency for up to a month. This locator feature was not equipped in the AN-32 transport aircraft that went missing over the Bay of Bengal in 2016.
India to Set up New Defence Agency to Tackle Emerging Cyber Threats Sputnik 27 Nov 2019 -- The agency will be established in order to protect the Indian defence establishment from becoming vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Overlooking India' Objection, China-Made Crucial Bridge Opens in Pak Side of Kashmir Sputnik 26 Nov 2019 -- New Delhi is concerned that the $50 billion economic corridor passes through parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which it believes are illegally occupied by Pakistan.
Indian Army Inducts Israeli-Made Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missile Along Pakistani Border - Report Sputnik 26 Nov 2019 -- India and Pakistan had been firing anti-tank guided missiles earlier this year. In its bid to dominate the western border, the Indian army has enhanced its capabilities to destroy enemy posts and bunkers as part of its retaliation against Pakistan.
Indian Air Force Seeks More Assets to 'Deter Misadventures from Adversaries' Sputnik 25 Nov 2019 -- The statement comes against a backdrop of a severe shortage of fighter jets, unmanned air vehicles, trainer jets, helicopters and air defence capabilities. The IAF wants to enhance its capabilities in the short-term but a scarcity of funds is holding it back.
India to Host 41 Nations Including Russia, US during Largest Indian Ocean Naval Exercise Sputnik 25 Nov 2019 -- India hopes to pursue joint defence-related initiatives with "friendly" countries during the biennial Naval Exercise "Milan" in the Indian Ocean. The naval drills will also include structured interactions involving staff and steering groups.
U.S. Says It Supports India's Continued Involvement In Afghanistan RFE/RL 22 Nov 2019 -- The United States says it supports India's continued involvement in Afghanistan, including its "substantial" investment and aid to the war-ravaged country.
US Wants India to Keep Contributing to 'Stability' in Afghanistan Sputnik 22 Nov 2019 -- New Delhi (Sputnik): India has so far committed over $3 billion in aid and assistance to Afghanistan, taking up several infrastructure and humanitarian projects.
India's Top Anti-Graft Agency Files Case Against Ex-State Chief of 'Militancy-Infested' Region Sputnik 22 Nov 2019 -- The governing Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2017 on the plank of fighting corruption and promised the people of Manipur to destroy the network of government officials and leaders which had ruined the state for years under Congress governance.
Militant Group Vows Retaliation Following Indian Court Ruling VOA 21 Nov 2019 -- Following a ruling by India's Supreme Court over a land dispute between the country's majority Hindus and minority Muslims, a Kashmir-based militant group, with alleged ties to al-Qaida, has vowed retaliation and urged Muslims in the country to stand up against the decision.
India's Space Minister Reveals Reason Behind 'Failed' Chandrayaan-2 Moon Mission Sputnik 21 Nov 2019 -- India's ambition to soft-land on the Moon crash-landed when the Chandrayaan-2 failed to touch-down on the lunar surface as planned on 7 September. Its orbiter, however, continued to perform "as per the design providing valuable scientific data".
Fund Shortage Issue Looms Large Over Sale of $1 Billion US Naval Guns to India - Analyst Sputnik 21 Nov 2019 -- The Indian Navy has been pressing for additional funds to strengthen its capabilities in terms of additional warships and other equipment for the last few months. With the limited resources available, it will not be enough for the services to fund the contracts signed during the past few years, an analyst says.
India Claims Situation in Kashmir Completely Normal Since Revocation of Special Status Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- India imposed restrictions and took hundreds of political leaders and activists into custody in Jammu and Kashmir prior to stripping the restive state of its special constitutional status in early August.
New Delhi: Indian-Kashmir is Back to Normal; Opposition, Residents Dispute Claim VOA 20 Nov 2019 -- Indian authorities say normalcy has returned in most areas in Indian Kashmir where New Delhi imposed a widespread clampdown after scrapping the Himalayan region's semi-autonomous status in August.
India – MK 45 Gun System DSCA 20 Nov 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of up to thirteen (13) MK 45 5 inch/62 caliber (MOD 4) naval guns and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.0210 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 19, 2019.
Three Rafale Fighter Jets Handed Over to Indian Air Force: Defence Ministry Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The Rafale will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and give it an edge over Pakistan and China, Chief Air Marshal R.K.S Bhadauria claimed last month.
Missile Hegemony: India Test Fires Two Rounds of Nuclear Capable Missile Amid Pakistan Tensions Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The missile would be crucial in any limited war scenario with Pakistan and comes a day after Islamabad completed the test launch of its own surface-to-surface ballistic missile, the Shaheen-1.
Indian Navy Ramps Up Its War Capabilities in Contested Indian Ocean Region Sputnik 20 Nov 2019 -- The Indian Navy has re-oriented its fleet patterns after it found a number of Chinese warships, including submarines, venturing into the Indian Ocean.
Malaysia Reportedly Shortlists Indian Light Combat Aircraft Tejas for Likely Purchase Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- Malaysia has shown an interest in the Tejas in the past too, but now its air force is likely to issue a request for proposal, soliciting competing bids for a new contract next year.
India's Space Agency to Launch Three Satellites to Boost Border Security Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- A third-generation Earth-imaging satellite Cartosat-3 and 13 commercial nanosatellites from the US will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Andhra Pradesh.
India, China to Hold Joint Military Anti-Terror Exercise Next Month Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The armies of China and India will hold a joint military drill in December in India to improve their capabilities in fighting terrorism and to promote mutual understanding.
Roar of the Sea: India, Qatar Begin Maiden Tactical Exercise Involving Rafale, P8 Spy Plane Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Named "Za'ir-Al-Bahr" or, roar of the sea, the exercise ranges from surface action to air defence, maritime surveillance and anti-terrorist operations.
India plans to purchase 'armed version' of Israeli drone: Report Press TV 18 Nov 2019 -- India is reportedly weighing a deal to buy 10 drones with missile-launching capabilities from Israel, a report says.
India Probes Theft of Hardware from Aircraft Carrier Vikrant Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- India's first homegrown aircraft carrier Vikrant has been under-construction since 2015 and it is expected to join the Indian Navy within the next 24 months. It will be capable of operating with Russian MiG-29K aircraft.
Russia to Fulfill Contract on Delivering S-400 Systems to India in 2025 - Rostec CEO Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Under the contract, signed in 2018, Russia should deliver five S-400 systems worth over $5 billion to India.
Nepal's Prime Minister Vows To Remove India Troops From Border Region Sputnik 17 Nov 2019 -- Protests erupted in the Himalayan nation after New Delhi released a political map on 31 October that placed the region of Kalapani inside the Indian border. Nepal claimed that Indian border forces have been illegally occupying Nepali territory since the 1962 India-China War.
Readout of the Bilateral Engagement With India Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh DoD 17 Nov 2019
India Accuses Pakistan of Running a 'Terrorist Industry' Sputnik 17 Nov 2019 -- The move comes just days after India accused Pakistan of having 'terrorist DNA' during a UNESCO conference. The nuclear armed nations have been embroiled in a serious conflict since February when Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 42 Indian soldiers.
Iran FM chides India for giving in to US 'bullying': Report Press TV 16 Nov 2019 -- Iran's foreign minister says India has actually put itself "on the receiving end" of US "bullying" caving in to illegal sanctions and ending oil imports from country.
Iran Disappointed with India's Lack of 'Resilience' in the Face of US Pressure Sputnik 16 Nov 2019 -- Iran has expressed disappointment with India for adhering to US sanctions, saying it expected its long standing ally to be more resilient in the face of Washington's bullying. Iran has also voiced concerns on the slow development of the Chabahar port that India is constructing.
India Test-Launches Nuclear-Capable Missile With Range of Over 3,000 Km Sputnik 16 Nov 2019 -- The Agni missile series is the country's main strategic weapon capable of delivering a wide variety of warheads, including nuclear ones, to hit targets ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 kilometres away.
MiG-29K Fighter Aircraft Crashes in Goa - Indian Naval Sources Sputnik 16 Nov 2019 -- The aircraft involved in the crash was a training version of the fighter jet. Both pilots have managed to eject safely.
No Deal on 'Spy' Kulbhushan Jadhav with India - Pakistan Sputnik 15 Nov 2019 -- Former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadav has been in Pakistan's custody for the past several years on charges of espionage. India has rejected the allegation and raised the matter at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
UK Pitches its State-of-the-Art Super Aircraft Carrier to Make it in India Sputnik 15 Nov 2019 -- The statement comes days after Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh highlighted the requirement of three aircraft carriers for the Navy to overcome critical capability voids during a naval commanders' conference in New Delhi.
Indian Home Minister Hits Out at Opposition Over Rafale Verdict by Top Court Sputnik 15 Nov 2019 -- The Supreme Court of India on Thursday dismissed a review petition seeking a criminal probe into the controversial $8.7 billion Rafale fighter jet deal between the Indian government and French company Dassault Aviation.
Indian Space Research Agency Will Reportedly Attempt Another Moon Landing by November 2020 Sputnik 14 Nov 2019 -- In July 2019, India attempted to be the first country to land a robotic mission at the moon's South Pole. The lunar mission, named 'Chandrayaan 2', failed when engineers lost contact with the "Vikram" lander in September.
India's 'Failed' Moon Mission Still Active; Sends 3D Images of Lunar Surface Sputnik 14 Nov 2019 -- Although India's ambitious Moon Mission – Chandrayaan-2 – failed in an attempt to soft-land, it continues to map the topography of the lunar surface. The lander of the mission did not succeed in its planned landing on the South Pole, but the rover continues to orbit Moon with all its payloads completely functional.
Supreme Court dismisses pleas seeking review of Rafale judgment - Rajya Sabha TV Rajya Sabha TV 14 Nov 2019 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the review petitions against its verdict in the Rafale deal on grounds that they lacked merit, reiterating its clean chit to the Modi government in the fighter jet agreement with French firm Dassault Aviation.
Verdict Allowing Hindus to Build Temple Heightens Indian Muslims' Insecurity VOA 14 Nov 2019 -- It is business as usual in New Delhi's biggest Muslim neighborhood days after a landmark Supreme Court verdict gave Hindus permission to build a temple on a site contested for decades with Muslims in Ayodhya town in northern India.
Indian Army to Use 'All-Weather' Robots for Munitions Delivery to Avoid Human Casualties in Kashmir Sputnik 13 Nov 2019 -- Amid several incidents of casualties among troops during counter-terror operations, the Indian Army has decided to use robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help hundreds of thousands of soldiers deployed in restive areas of Kashmir.
Indian Defence Minister Hints at Unification of Uniform Civil Code After Ayodhya Verdict Sputnik 10 Nov 2019 -- Under the proposed plan, India's Uniform Civil Code would serve as a set of laws which would be used to govern the personal matters of all citizens, irrespective of religion.
India's Supreme Court Paves Way for Hindus to Build Temple on Disputed Spot VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- India's Supreme Court Saturday handed a disputed plot to Hindus, paving the way for the construction of a temple in the town of Ayodhya in northern India, where a Hindu mob tore down a 16th century mosque more than 25 years ago.
India top court rules in favor of Hindus in dispute over mosque land Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- India's top court has ruled in favor of the construction of a Hindu temple at the site of a mosque that had been demolished by Hindu mobs three decades ago.
Indian Newspaper Casts Doubt on S-400's Capabilities Owing to Its 'Untested' Status Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- Russia and India penned a $5.43 billion deal for the delivery of five regiments of the S-400 air defence system in October 2018, with Delhi recently reportedly asking Moscow for deliveries to be expedited, notwithstanding the threat of US sanctions.
India's Pullout Deals Setback to Asia-Pacific Nations' Trade Talks VOA 08 Nov 2019 -- Officials in more than a dozen Asian and Pacific nations are struggling to move forward with a major regional trade pact, days after India announced that it was not willing to sign on.
Kashmir Remains Tense Three Months After India Tightens Control VOA 08 Nov 2019 -- Three months after India's central government abruptly stripped Indian-administered Kashmir of its autonomy, cut off internet service and censored media coverage of the situation, isolated reports from the northern territory indicate residents say the situation remains tense with a continuing heavy military presence.
Suspected North Korean Hackers Took Aim at Indian Space Agency – Report Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- The attack allegedly occurred during the much-awaited Chandrayaan-2 moon mission that was launched in September. However, one of the officials claimed the mission's failure had nothing to do with purported North Korean hackers.
Indian Troops Use Israeli Drones to Combat Smuggling on Border with Bangladesh - Reports Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- Checking illegal cross-border activities and preventing cattle smuggling has been a challenge for Indian security forces. The use of drones is seen as vital to countering this menace, media reports said.
Pakistan Set to Open New Border Crossing for Indian Sikh Pilgrims VOA 07 Nov 2019 -- Pakistan is set to open a new dedicated border crossing with rival India on Saturday, giving Indian Sikh pilgrims year-round, visa-free access to one of their holiest shrines in Pakistan.
Russia to Assist India in Developing Country Specific Super Sukhoi Prototype Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- While terming India an "exclusive strategic defence partner", Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu reaffirmed his country's commitment to extending all possible support in enhancing India's defence capabilities, including cooperation in advanced and cutting-edge technology.
Russia, India Working on Defence Industry Cooperation Program Until 2030 Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Russia and India are coordinating a program of defence industry cooperation until 2030, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov said Wednesday. India is one of the largest buyers of Russian weaponry.
Indian Space Agency Was Alerted to Cyber Attack Ahead of Failed Lunar Mission - Reports Sputnik 06 Nov 2019 -- The lander of India's second lunar probe, Chandrayaan-2 lost contact with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s earth station minutes before its scheduled soft-landing on the Moon's South Pole on 7 September, crushing the country's hope of making space history.
India Reportedly Wants Russia to Expedite S-400 Missile Delivery Schedule Sputnik 06 Nov 2019 -- Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, leading an official delegation which includes over 50 businessmen, is expected to hold discussions with his Russian counterpart General Sergei Shoigu in Moscow, on all areas of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation.
Amid Border Tension, Pakistan, India Now Take to Missile Hegemony Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- The Pakistani Navy successfully launched a land-to-sea anti-ship missile from a fast attack craft in the North Arabian Sea on Tuesday, Pakistan military's media wing said.
After Three Presidential Rejections, Indian State Passes Controversial Anti-Terror Law Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- Two key features of the anti-terror law -- intercepted telephone conversations and admissibility of confession made before a police officer investigating a case -– will now be considered as evidence.
South Korean Firm Claims North Korean Hackers Behind Cyber Attack on Indian Nuclear Plant Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- With the recent controversy over an alleged Israeli spyware-attack via WhatsApp on several Indian political leaders, social activists and journalists still in the news, speculation about a malware attack on an Indian nuclear plant has come to the forefront, raising questions about cybersecurity in India.
Grenade attack kills one, injures 34 in India-controlled Kashmir Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- A grenade attack has reportedly left one dead and at least 34 people injured in Indian-administered Kashmir's main city of Srinagar.
At Least One Dead, 18 Wounded in Grenade Attack in Jammu and Kashmir Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- It's been three months since India stripped the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, thereby escalating tensions with Pakistan.
Kartapur Corridor: Indian Intel Reportedly Issues Alert on Alleged Terror Training in Pakistan Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Local media reports suggests that Indian security agencies are discussing border issues in Punjab amid growing concerns over the existence of alleged terrorist training camps in Pakistan.
Islamabad Rejects New Delhi's Map Showing Pakistan-Administered Kashmir as Part of India Sputnik 03 Nov 2019 -- A day after New Delhi issued the map, Islamabad dismissed it as "incorrect, legally untenable and void."
Indian Air Force Set to Retire Its Remaining MiG-27 Fighter Jets Sputnik 02 Nov 2019 -- First introduced into the Soviet Air Force in 1975, the MiG-27 ground attack aircraft began to be delivered to India in 1984, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited starting domestic production a year later and continuing to build the planes until 1996. In all, the Indian Air Force is thought to have amassed some 210 MiG-27s in several variants.
Beijing criticizes jurisdictional moves by New Delhi in boundary region People's Daily 01 Nov 2019 -- Beijing slammed on Thursday New Delhi's inclusion of part of China's territory into its administrative jurisdiction, saying the move is unlawful.
India Presses for US Sanction Waiver As Washington Bids to Tighten Noose Around Tehran Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has been on a regional tour since 25 October, which is taking him to Saudi Arabia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, India and Qatar to find support for sanctions against Iran in response to Tehran's alleged nuclear programme.
India Sends Contingent for First-Ever Military Exercise with Uzbekistan Sputnik 01 Nov 2019 -- Uzbekistan is one of the 85 countries in the world where the Indian defence ministry appointed defence attaches to boost military and defence relations including exports.

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November 2019 - India Special Weapons News