Latest news with #Bhargavastra
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Rising defence prowess key to Viksit Bharat goal
The recent military entanglement between India and Pakistan, apart from showing India's defence sector as the new fulcrum of sovereign assertiveness, also reflects a tectonic reorientation in the strategic doctrine and economic philosophy of a new, Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat. India's defence exports have risen 33 times in the past 10 years, from $113 million in FY16 to $2.8 billion in FY25, positioning India as an important player in the international defence supply chain and as a credible contender for a place in the stratified hierarchy of global arms export. India's share in global defence exports, as per the World Bank's SIPRI trend indicator, has risen from 4% in FY14 to 10% by 2023. This quantum leap reveals a structural recalibration of India's military-industrial complex into a globally competitive entity, with supply chains extending across 80 partner nations. This reconstitution of India's martial-industrial complex has been undergirded by a dual-front approach. The proliferation of strategically positioned defence corridors such as the Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu nodes, encompassing 11 high-potential nodes, has already yielded ₹8,658 crore in realised investments, with 253 MoUs facilitating a pipeline of ₹53,439 crore as of February 2025. And, a deliberate pivot toward high-velocity platforms including precision-guided munitions, supersonic cruise missile systems such as BrahMos, and autonomous counter-drone frameworks such as the recently test-fired Bhargavastra system signal India's foray into fifth-generation, asymmetrical warfare capabilities. Furthermore, if India sustains its current growth momentum, its defence exports are poised to cross $5 billion by 2030. The confluence of this industrial build-out with the Centre's allocation of ₹1.12 lakh crore towards domestic defence production, with more than ₹27,000 crore earmarked for the private sector, signals a transition from buyer-seller asymmetries to a collaborative co-development paradigm. This shift can elevate India's position in the global defence value chain, particularly for aerospace platforms, unmanned systems, and advanced electronics. India's FY26 defence budget registered a robust 9.53% year-on-year increase and accounts for 13.45% of the total Union budget for the fiscal year. This marks a strategic realignment towards comprehensive military modernisation and national security preparedness. The capital outlay of ₹1.80 lakh crore reflects a deliberate pivot towards indigenous defence manufacturing, bolstered by a 43% surge in the capital budget of the Indian Coast Guard and a significant ₹7,146 crore allocation to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Notably, defence R&D witnessed a 12% increase, with enhanced support for innovation through schemes like iDEX and Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI). This recalibrated fiscal trajectory underscores a paradigm shift in India's defence sector outlook, one defined by technological infusion, strategic autonomy, and economic multiplier effects. Amidst this, China's martial-industrial edifice, long vaunted for its scale and spectacle, appears increasingly encumbered by the weight of its own contradictions. Like a giant with feet of clay, Beijing's defence establishment has showcased its technological feats with dramatic flair, yet beneath the surface lie cracks of overreach, secrecy, and rigid strategy. It is no wonder that following the cessation of India-Pakistan conflict for the time being, Chinese defence equities are coming under serious correction, with serious doubts now being raised about the capability of their defence systems. China's share of global arms exports, at 5.9% between 2020–24 (this is as per SIPRI), is down from earlier periods. This betrays a deeper malaise: An export profile shackled by political dependency. Over 63% of these exports flow to a narrow set of clients, with Pakistan as the fulcrum, rendering Beijing's ambitions of becoming a global defence hegemon contingent on a single, often unstable, axis. While China remains ensnared in the logic of gigantism projecting strength through the mass and momentum of platforms — India's emerging model privileges resilience overreach, credibility over choreography, and co-development over coercive export pipelines. India's recalibration also manifests in the reconstitution of its geopolitical partnerships. While historical dependence on Russian platforms remains substantial, India is increasingly pursuing joint development and licensed production arrangements with technologically advanced yet strategically non-aligned states such as Armenia, the UAE, and Indonesia, thereby insulating its defence supply chains from great power entanglements and rendering its strategic autonomy both more credible and operationally viable. Meanwhile, policy instruments such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and sectoral Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) liberalisation to up to 74% via the automatic route have converged to establish a facilitative investment architecture that is simultaneously protectionist in vision yet liberal in execution. As global defence budgets continue their secular ascent in response to escalating multipolar frictions, India finds itself not just a passive observer but a participatory actor in the emerging security-industrial continuum, where defence is no longer a revenue draining exigency but a profit generating, employment intensive, and diplomatically potent sector capable of reshaping trade alignments and security cartographies. India's defence sector is transcending its historical shackles and assuming a pivotal role in anchoring macroeconomic stability, technological innovation, and global strategic relevance in a volatile, uncertain, and increasingly securitised world order. As the government operationalises its vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the defence apparatus is not only being fortified against contemporary security threats but also positioned as an engine of innovation-driven growth, seamlessly integrating geostrategic imperatives with industrial advancement. This perhaps could be the most fitting tribute to Indian defence forces. Soumya Kanti Ghosh is member, 16th Finance Commission, and group chief economic advisor, State Bank of India, and Falguni Sinha is economist, State Bank of India. The views expressed are personal. Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines to 100 year archives.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
China to launch new drone 'mothership' Jiu Tian
China is preparing for the launch of drone carrier Jiu Tian. As per state media reports, this "drone mothership" is expected to take off for its first mission by the end of June. The June mission was confirmed by state broadcaster CCTV on Monday. As per media reports, the first mission flight will mark the start of a series of tests before the People's Liberation Army deploys the long-range unmanned aerial vehicle. As per a report by the South China Morning Post, Jiu Tian, which translates to 'high sky,' made its debut at China's premier Zhuhai air show in November 2024. It was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology. The drone mothership has a maximum range of 7,000km and an altitude of 15,000 metres. As per The Telegraph UK, the long-range UAV can carry a take-off weight of 16,000kg and has a transporting capacity of 6,000 kg, i.e., the vehicle can be used to carry supplies ranging from surveillance technology to ammunition. The most striking feature of this UAV, however, is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once. Reports add that this "drone mothership" can launch around 100 kamikaze drones at the same time. As per a video released on Chinese state media, the aircraft will also be able to carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles such as the PL-12E. According to the manufacturers of the drone mothership, the Jiu Tian has a rapid reconfiguration system which allows it to change based on the mission - be it military strike operations, border defence, public security, maritime surveillance or emergency rescue. As China prepares to launch Jiu Tian, India has successfully tested its new counter-drone system called Bhargavastra. This test, which took place last week, came after escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched a series of drone attacks along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and the International border along northern and western sates. These drone attacks were foiled by the Indian air defence systems. After this, India test fired the new low-cost counter-drone system Bhargavastra from Odisha's Gopalpur.
India Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
14 May 2025: Justice Gavai Takes Oath as India's First Buddhist CJI, India Blocks TRT World
India Today Podcasts Desk UPDATED: May 15, 2025 17:49 IST In today's top stories on News at 7, Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai takes oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, becoming the first Buddhist and only the second Dalit to hold the post. India strongly rebukes China's latest attempt to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh. BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw returns from Pakistan's custody. Meanwhile, India bans Turkish broadcaster TRT World on X over misinformation and rising tensions post-Operation Sindoor. And in a technological leap, India successfully test-fires Bhargavastra, an indigenous counter-drone system with global-first capabilities. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo
India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Historic decision in the favour of social justice": Dharmendra Pradhan praises Odisha government
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 15 (ANI): Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday emphasised that the BJP government in Odisha has taken a historic decision in favour of 'social justice'. On Wednesday, the Odisha government approved 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in higher secondary, higher educational institutions and universities from 2025-26. He asserted that the Other Backward Caste (OBC) community have been awaiting fair national representation through affirmative action. The Union Minister added that the previous governments showcased their attention on the issue but did not take any concrete steps into the matter. 'In the previous times, BJP Cabinet took a historic decision in the favour of social justice. At the national level, the OBC have long awaited fair representation through affirmative action. Previous governments in Odisha showed little commitment to implementing social justice and did not take concrete steps in this direction', he told reporters. He also drew attention towards the decision of the Odisha government, which has introduced 11.25% reservation for the OBC community of the 50 per cent ceiling, which has been set up by the Supreme Court of India. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi for the decision. 'Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Odisha government, led by CM Mohan Charan Majhi, made a decision. Based on the population data of SCs and STs in the state, Odisha had a total reservation of 38.75%. For the first time after 1990, the leftover 11.25% reservation has been introduced for OBCS, of the 50% ceiling set up by the Supreme Court', Dharmendra Pradhan said. The Union Minister also expressed gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces on behalf of the nation for the success of Operation Sindoor. Pradhan emphasised that no one can raise a question on the sovereignty of India and asserted that the security of citizens of India cannot be compromised. 'On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the Indian military power for the success of Operation Sindoor. Today the world has witnessed the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. No one can tamper with the land of this country. The security of citizens cannot be compromised and the sovereignty of the country cannot be questioned', Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters. He further mentioned the successful test of the anti-drone missile system 'Bhargavastra', which was conducted in the Ganjam district on Wednesday. Pradhan expressed his happiness over the success of the Indian Army and asserted that the world is seeing India's ability to develop 'fortless pinpoint accuracy'. 'A new achievement has been added to our state Odisha. Yesterday, the Bhargavastra anti-drone missile system was successfully tested at the missile test point of the Air Defense College located at Gopalpur in Ganjam district of Odisha. This time the world is praising the capability of our army to develop fortless pin point accuracy. Taking a step forward in that, being a resident of a state in Odisha, I express my gratitude to the Army for the test that was done yesterday', Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters. (ANI)
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Hans India
India tests drone-killer ‘Bhargavastra' successfully
New Delhi: India has taken a significant step in its counter-drone warfare capabilities with the successful testing of Bhargavastra, a low-cost anti-drone system developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited. Tested recently at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, the system is being hailed as a game-changer in addressing the growing challenge of drone swarms, particularly in the wake of modern conflicts like Operation Sindoor. Developed by the Economic Explosives Ltd, a subsidiary of Solar Group, the Bhargavastra system uses guided micro-munitions capable of destroying small and incoming drones at a range of up to 2.5 km, with radar detection extending up to 6 km. In its recent field trials, the system successfully executed single and salvo-mode launches, achieving all target parameters. Bhargavastra is engineered for deployment across India's diverse geographies, from desert plains to high-altitude mountain regions up to 5,000 meters. It is effective against autonomous drone swarms, which are often resistant to electronic jamming or spoofing. Bhargavastra is not just a single-layer response but a multi-layered counter-drone platform. Its integrated Command-and-Control Centre comes with advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems, offering real-time situational awareness. It can be linked to India's broader defence networks, making it viable for network-centric warfare. Its radar system can detect medium to large UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) up to 10 km away, while its Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) capabilities allow precise detection of low RCS (Radar Cross-Section) targets, often used in stealth drone attacks.
