PM Modi urges for 'self-reliance' amid US tensions, focuses on national security amid backdrop of terrorism
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with NCC cadets during the 79th Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort, in New Delhi
Credit: PTI Photo
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India.com
14 minutes ago
- India.com
Bad news for China, Pakistan as India to become self-reliant in defence, Modi govt approves purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for Rs...
Tejas MK1A is India's homegrown 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. (File) Tejas MK1A: In a significant development that would provide a major boost to indigenous defence manufacturing, the Narendra Modi government Tuesday approved the purchase of an additional 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for Rs 62,000 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to aid efforts by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in phasing out its MiG-21 fleet. Why Tejas MK1A deal is a major boost of homegrown defence tech? The approval, which will allow HAL to start manufacturing, was cleared at a high-level meeting on Tuesday, defence officials said, according to news agency ANI. Notably, this is HAL's second major order for the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets, the first being the Rs 48,000 crore order for 83 aircraft, placed a few years ago. Notably, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a vocal supporter of HAL and boosting India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The Tejas fighter jet program, backed by the Ministry of Defence and Air Force Headquarters, is seen more than as a military upgrade, but a major push forward for the ambitious Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, that aim to make the country self-reliant in defence manufacturing. Additionally, the HAL's Tejas program will create thousands of jobs in numerous small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are involved in manufacturing defence components across India. How powerful is Tejas MK1A fighter jet? The Tejas MK1A fighter jet is equipped with a wide array of offensive and defensive armaments, including the the indigenously-built Astra Mk1 BVR air-to-air missile with 100+ km range, the ASRAAM missile for close aerial combat, the Rudram anti-radiation missile, SAAW Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, in addition to laser-guided bombs for precision ground strikes. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F404-IN20 engine, which churns out 84 kN thrust, enabling the Tejas MK1A to reach a speed of up to Mach 1.8 and altitude of 52,000 feet. The warplane also has mid-air refuelling capability, which increases its flight duration and range. Tejas MK1 has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kg, and is capable of carrying up to 8-9 tons of weapons. Story highlights The Narendra Modi govt has approved the purchase of 97 Tejas MK1A fighter jets from HAL. The latest Tejas MK1A fighter jet deal is worth Rs 62,000 crore. This is HAL's second major order for the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets. The Tejas MK1A powered by a General Electric F404-IN20 engine. According to details, the Tejas Mark 1A has advanced radars and avionics than its predecessor, and the latest batch will have over 65 indigenous components compared to the earlier 40 jets.
Mint
26 minutes ago
- Mint
India, Saudi Arabia agree to deepen maritime relations, form joint working group
New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen bilateral maritime relations, an official statement said on Wednesday. Both countries have formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) on maritime cooperation in the shipping and logistics sectors, marking a new chapter in the strategic partnership, the statement said. This decision was taken during a high-level virtual meeting between Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. According to the statement, Sonowal underscored the historic and growing relationship between the two nations. 'India and Saudi Arabia share centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties, he said. The establishment of the strategic partnership council, co-chaired by the leaders of both countries, has elevated bilateral cooperation to new heights. Sonowal pointed to recent developments, including the launch of the Jeddah–Mundra/Nhava Sheva route by Saudi Arabia's Folk Maritime Services, which is expected to cut down transit times and costs. He also proposed collaboration on India's MAITRI digital platform for the harmonisation of maritime trade. Saudi Arabia is India's fifth-largest trading partner, while India stands as the Kingdom's second-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade in FY 2024–25 stood at approximately USD 42 billion. During the talks, Sonowal highlighted complementarities between India's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 with Saudi Vision 2030. India invited Saudi Arabia to explore investment prospects across its port and shipping ecosystem.
News18
34 minutes ago
- News18
India successfully test-fires Agni 5 ballistic missile
Agency: New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the 'Agni 5' intermediate range ballistic missile, in a demonstration of its strategic military capabilities. The defence ministry said the test-firing of the missile from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur validated all operational and technical parameters. 'Intermediate range ballistic missile 'Agni 5' was successfully test-fired from the integrated test range, Chandipur in Odisha on August 20," it said in a brief statement. 'The launch validated all operational and technical parameters. It was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command," it said. PTI MPB MPB KVK KVK First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
