Latest news with #ArmedForces'


Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
IIM hosts session on armed forces' role in nation-building
A thought-provoking session titled 'The Role of Armed Forces in Nation Building' was held at the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak. Addressed by Major General Sumit Rana, General Officer Commanding, Paschim Uttar Pradesh, the session offered deep insights into the multifaceted contribution of the Indian Armed Forces beyond conventional defence duties. Drawing from decades of military experience, Major General Rana shed light on how the Indian Armed Forces play a pivotal role not only in safeguarding the nation's borders but also in shaping India's internal resilience and development. The session traced the evolution of the military's involvement in various dimensions of national growth—from humanitarian aid and educational outreach to environmental protection and technological innovation. Major General Rana narrated several defining moments in India's military history, illustrating how victories in combat have reaffirmed India's sovereignty and humanitarian values. However, he emphasised that the Armed Forces' true strength lies in their commitment to nation-building during peacetime. Particular focus was given to the Army's educational initiatives. Citing examples from army-run programs, Major General Rana spoke about students from challenging regions successfully cracking national-level exams like NEET and JEE. He also underlined the transformative role of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in instilling discipline, service, and patriotism among India's youth.


Perth Now
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Sweden mulls extending military conscription age to 70
Sweden should raise former officers' upper conscription age limit to 70 from 47, a government-appointed review suggests, as part of the country's moves to strengthen its defence in the face of a deteriorating security environment. "The Swedish Armed Forces' need for officers justifies an extended military service duration that should apply, regardless of the state of alert, to those who were previously employed as professional officers or reserve officers," investigators said in their review. The change, if approved, would mean that former officers aged up to 70 could be recalled to military service in case of need. Sweden has rethought its security doctrine due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, joining the NATO military alliance in 2024. Having already doubled defence spending since 2020 to 2.4 per cent of GDP, it has launched a big push that will take it to 3.5 per cent by 2032. The country had already reintroduced partial conscription for men and women in 2017, due to a more uncertain security situation. It has said priorities will be expanding the size and capabilities of the army, air defence and increasing stocks of ammunition. A lack of personnel, above all army officers and specialists, has long been seen as a key bottleneck. "We are making very large investments now in military defence. Much of the focus has been on strengthened materiel supply, Defence Minister Pal Jonson told a press conference on Monday. "But we will also need to continue working to strengthen the Armed Forces' personnel supply," he said.

Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Sweden eyes extending military officers' conscription age to 70
STOCKHOLM - Sweden should raise former officers' upper conscription age limit to 70 from 47, a government-appointed review suggested on Monday, as part of the country's moves to strengthen its defence in the face of a deteriorating security environment. "The Swedish Armed Forces' need for officers justifies an extended military service duration that should apply, regardless of the state of alert, to those who were previously employed as professional officers or reserve officers," investigators said in their review. The change, if approved, would mean that former officers aged up to 70 could be recalled to military service in case of need. Sweden has rethought its security doctrine due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, joining NATO in 2024. Having already doubled defence spending since 2020 to 2.4% of GDP, it has launched a big push that will take it to 3.5% by 2032. The country had already reintroduced partial conscription for men and women in 2017, due to a more uncertain security situation. It has said priorities will be expanding the size and capabilities of the army, air defence and increasing stocks of ammunition. A lack of personnel, above all army officers and specialists, has long been seen as a key bottleneck. "We are making very large investments now in military defence. Much of the focus has been on strengthened materiel supply, Defence Minister Pal Jonson told a press conference on Monday. "But we will also need to continue working to strengthen the Armed Forces' personnel supply," he said. REUTERS


The Star
29-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Defence Minister reminds troops not to share sensitive information on social media
TAWAU: Those in the Armed Forces have been reminded to refrain from uploading sensitive information on social media, particularly related to security assets, to prevent hostile parties from identifying the nation's defence capabilities. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he was confident that armed forces commanders would issue firm instructions to their personnel to use social media responsibly and avoid compromising national security. "Sometimes in their eagerness to showcase training or equipment, personnel may unintentionally reveal where such assets are stored. This could expose our strengths to those with ill intent," he said after officiating the Tawau 2025 Civil-Military Cooperation Carnival at the Tawau Sports Complex on Sunday (June 29). His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on Saturday (June 28) had cautioned military personnel against sharing everything on social media, particularly sensitive information related to troop movements and operations. Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said the Defence Ministry would continuously acquire strategic assets to strengthen national security. He said these were not "off-the-shelf" purchases but custom orders tailored to the Armed Forces' operational needs across land, air and sea to ensure suitability and effective deployment. "We have already procured 18 FA-50 aircraft from South Korea, three littoral mission ships and are continuing construction of the littoral combat ships, alongside radar purchases to bolster national defence," he said. Mohamed Khaled added that the ministry is also in the process of replacing the static Tun Sharifah Rodziah forward operating base with a more modern and mobile base better suited to current operational demands, expected to be completed next year. Commenting on ongoing global conflicts, including in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran-Israel, and India-Pakistan, he said these developments highlight the importance of Malaysia prioritising the acquisition of technology-driven defence assets. "We are also aware of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, which remain a serious concern. The government is committed to ensuring balanced defence preparedness between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia," he added. – Bernama


Leaders
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Iranian Military Commanders Threaten US with Harsh Response
A day after the US struck three of Iran's key nuclear facilities, top Iranian military commanders issued strong warnings to Washington, vowing revenge. On Monday, the newly-elected Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi, said that the US has 'opened the door to retaliation' against its interests and forces, according to a statement carried out by Mehr news agency. He added that the US, by backing Israel in its war on Iran, 'openly and directly entered the war by violating Iran's sovereignty' and has become a 'direct party to the aggression.' Furthermore, Mousavi emphasized that the Iranian Armed Forces 'will never back down.' Similarly, the spokesperson for the Armed Forces' central command, Ibrahim Zolfaqari, warned that Iran's response will involve 'powerful and targeted operations that will inflict heavy, regretful, and unpredictable consequences,' reported CNN. The Iranian commander also addressed the US President: 'Gambler Trump, you can start this war, but we will be the ones who end it.' The stark warnings come as Iran is weighing its response to the US strikes on its nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. The conflict between Iran and Israel has been raging since June 13, 2025, when Israel launched a military operation to destroy Iran's nuclear program before Tehran builds a bomb. The two countries have been exchanging heavy air and missile strikes. Early on Sunday, the US intervened in the conflict by bombing Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran, in turn, said it has the right to defend itself with full force against the US aggression, raising fears of further escalation and a wider conflict. As a result, the US issued a Worldwide Caution Security Alert to Americans abroad, advising them to exercise increased caution amid the mounting tensions in the Middle East. Short link :