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Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq Receives 4 Thales Radars and Anticipates the Arrival of 6 Caracal Drones
Baghdad – INA The Ministry of Defense announced today, Friday, Iraq's most significant contracts in the fields of armament, air defense, and cybersecurity. While indicating the receipt of 6 Caracal drones in the middle of next month, it also confirmed the receipt of French Thales radars that cover wide areas of Iraqi airspace. The Director of the Ministry's Media and Moral Guidance Directorate, Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Caracal drones, which were contracted as part of plans to strengthen the Iraqi Air Force, will arrive in the middle of next month," indicating that "Iraq will receive six aircraft this year, while 14 others will arrive during the next year." He added, "Three advanced boats were received from Turkey this year, which represents a significant development in our naval capabilities," noting that "work is also continuing in the field of cybersecurity, particularly with regard to the anti-drone system, in cooperation with Spain." He continued, "This system specializes in countering drones, as it monitors their hertzian frequencies and electronically shoots them down. It is part of modern cyber defense technologies." Regarding military manufacturing, Al-Khafaji emphasized that "military manufacturing is witnessing tangible growth, especially in meeting the needs of ground forces for binoculars and weapons. Contracts have been signed with advanced entities in this field, which have proven highly efficient and provided the security forces with what they need." He noted that "Iraq has extensive experience in the form of engineers and officers, and we have advanced international relationships that have enabled us to learn about the latest global systems in armament and organization." Regarding air defense, Al-Khafaji confirmed that "Iraq has obtained four French-made Thales radars that cover large areas of Iraq. Additional low-altitude radars have also been acquired, with three of them received so far as part of a larger batch awaiting delivery. This will contribute to meeting national air defense requirements." He pointed out that "the armament process in Iraq is carried out according to integrated planning between the Air Force, Air Defense, Army Aviation, and the Ground Forces, to ensure the integration of the weapons system and to meet the needs of each military branch." He stated that "the fundamental issue in armament is the availability of a financial budget, as armament is expensive and requires infrastructure and continuous maintenance, especially with the diversity of armament sources, which requires careful planning and an appropriate environment." He explained that "the availability of funds allows us to keep pace with the times and keep pace with changing challenges, and develop the necessary plans to confront them and mitigate their impact." He explained that "the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, during an important meeting held recently that included the Ministers of Defense and Interior and a number of security agencies, emphasized the importance of a strategic vision for future armament, in line with Iraq's defense and security requirements."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Indian police chief accused of spying for Pakistan before terror attack
An Indian police inspector has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan before a deadly terror attack. Moti Ram Jat of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was detained for 'espionage activities' and allegedly 'sharing classified information relating to national security' with Pakistani intelligence officers. Mr Jat worked at Pahalgam in Kashmir, where gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, on April 22. The attack sparked a brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan, the neighbouring nuclear-armed states that contest Kashmir. A security official speaking anonymously told The Telegraph that Mr Jat was based at Pahalgam until six days before the incident. The official said: 'The site of the terror attack falls under his battalion's area of responsibility. An ASI [assistant sub inspector] rank official plays a significant role in operations and internal security.' Mr Jat was charged with a slew of terror and conspiracy offences and dismissed from CRPF after his arrest. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) claimed that he had been spying for, and receiving funds from, Pakistan since 2023. A Pakistani official was reported to have approached Mr Jat via social media posing as a woman and later extracted information, including on the movements of Indian security forces and the locations of key military bases. During internal monitoring, Mr Jat was found to have been receiving 3,000 rupees monthly into his bank account from abroad, which raised suspicions, an NIA spokesman said. Mr Jat was found to have 'acted in violation of established norms and protocols' in regard to his social media activity, a CRPF spokesperson said. The CRPF is an armed police force that uses military-style tactics and training, and often supports the Indian army during counter-insurgency and internal security operations. Indian security agencies have recently intensified anti-espionage operations and arrested 13 people from across the country for allegedly working with Pakistan's spy agencies. Among these was Jyoti Malhotra, a popular video blogger who posted multiple videos on her social media accounts about a trip to Pakistan and meetings with Pakistani diplomats. Pakistan has denied having any role in the April 22 attack, which was the worst terror incident in Kashmir in decades. The massacre led to India launching aerial strikes on Pakistan, and Islamabad retaliating in kind, before the two sides were pulled back from the brink by a US-brokered ceasefire on May 10. Between May 7 and the ceasefire, both sides fired missiles and drones into each other's territories, killing dozens of civilians. Pakistan claimed it shot down six Indian warplanes including three French-made Rafale jets, which India has not yet confirmed. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Asia Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Europe-Japan GCAP fighter racing against China's rising air power
The UK, Japan and Italy are turbocharging their sixth-generation Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) stealth fighter ambitions in a race to outpace China's fast-rising and now battle-proven airpower. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) recently reported that GCAP's acceleration reflects growing concern over China's growing edge in military technology. That was on display in the recent India-Pakistan skirmishes, where Pakistan's Chinese-made fighters reportedly downed at least one of India's French-made Rafales. Brigadier General Edoardo de Santo of Italy's Leonardo SpA, the lead Italian partner in the tri-national venture, defended the decade-long project at the Defence and Security Equipment International conference held this month near Tokyo, stating it was essential for confronting future threats. Formalized in 2023, GCAP is set to deliver a fighter by 2035 that surpasses fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 in stealth, sensor integration and battlefield coordination, effectively serving as an airborne command hub for drones and networked assets. With each partner, Leonardo, BAE Systems (UK), and Japan's JAIEC (Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co.), holding equal stakes in a new UK-based joint firm, the program is positioned to replace both the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan's F-2 jets. While specific costs remain undisclosed, the UK has already committed 14 billion pounds (US$19 billion). Recent reports indicate Saudi Arabia may join the program, with Australia and India viewed as potential export markets. De Santo emphasized the dual-use nature of the fighter's advanced technologies, underscoring its strategic and economic significance. To outpace China and remain relevant in the Indo-Pacific, the GCAP must deliver a survivable, long-range sixth-generation fighter without falling prey to past procurement failures, export pitfalls and geopolitical risks. As to why sixth-generation aircraft would be essential in the Indo-Pacific, Justin Bronk mentions in a March 2025 article for the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) that such aircraft are essential in the theater due to the vast operational distances and the vulnerability of aerial refueling assets. Bronk emphasizes that such aircraft need to operate securely beyond missile threats, thereby reducing reliance on susceptible tankers. He says that their significant fuel capacity and weapons bays enable longer missions and sophisticated munitions use. Additionally, he says their robust electronic warfare suites are built to counter network disruptions, ensuring effectiveness in contested environments. Adding urgency to GCAP's timeline, some reports speculate that China may already be testing sixth-generation designs, such as the three-engine J-36 and tailless lambda-wing J-50. However, much remains unknown about these aircraft. GCAP still faces significant hurdles. A January 2025 UK House of Commons report warns that the program must avoid pitfalls that plagued past efforts, particularly the Eurofighter Typhoon, and that expanding international participation must not jeopardize the ambitious 2035 timeline. The report highlights that exportability would be the key to GCAP's success while acknowledging the need to transition the Eurofighter Typhoon workforce and prevent the cost-death spiral and delays associated with previous multilateral defense projects. In an April 2023 RUSI article, Bronk argues that if GCAP's financial support proves inadequate, the UK should scale down its ambitions and instead pursue a smaller, more affordable fleet of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). In terms of exportability, Bronk points out that the GCAP program is unlikely to produce a viable competitor to the F-35 for export markets, considering US defense giant Lockheed Martin's vastly larger funding and successful stealth aircraft programs such as the F-22 and F-117. Bronk argues that despite its flaws, the F-35 still holds a significant edge in capability. He contends that even if GCAP succeeds, it will likely face competition from upgraded 'fifth-generation-plus' variants of the F-35. While GCAP is firmly rooted in UK-Japan-Italy cooperation, the consortium has explored opportunities to broaden its base. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Australia and India have emerged as potential partners or future customers, each with different motivations, strategic priorities and integration challenges. As for letting Saudi Arabia into the GCAP program, Bilal Saab argues in a January 2025 Breaking Defense article that access to Saudi capital could cover costs, shorten export timelines, generate revenue through sales and ease the financial burden on the UK, Italy and Japan. In line with that, Shigeto Kondo writes in a September 2023 Afkar article that Saudi Arabia, given its large defense budget, is sure to place a large order for the GCAP if the project pushes through. Such sales, Kondo notes, would secure the fighter market in the Middle East and prevent competitors like China and Russia from gaining a foothold in the region through fighter sales. However, Alessandro Marrone warns in a March 2025 article for the Institute of International Affairs (IAI) that allowing Saudi Arabia to join GCAP poses several risks that could undermine the delicate trilateral balance between the UK, Italy and Japan. Marrone notes that as the program's current governance structure relies on equal footing and shared sovereignty over core technologies, Saudi Arabia's inclusion, even as a junior partner, could strain decision-making and dilute existing industrial and strategic equities. He observes that politically, Saudi Arabia's controversial human rights record and unpredictable strategic behavior could raise reputational concerns and complicate export controls, especially for Japan, which recently revised its restrictive arms export laws with great caution. In addition, he says the integration of Saudi-specific requirements could complicate GCAP's design and delay its already ambitious 2035 deadline. Beyond Saudi Arabia, other countries have expressed varying degrees of interest in GCAP. For instance, National Defense Magazine reported in March 2025 that senior Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) officers requested information about the aircraft as its F/A-18 Super Hornets and EA-18G Growler fleet ages and next-generation capabilities mature. However, the report notes that there are still too many unknowns about the GCAP, and it wouldn't be possible to present the Australian government with a list of options at this time. Also, Australia is already heavily integrated with the US defense industrial base, with a fifth-generation-plus F-35 being a feasible option over the GCAP. Meanwhile, Japan has also reached out to India about potential participation in GCAP. According to an April 2025 The Mainichi report, Japanese officials proposed India's involvement in GCAP during a February visit. The report notes that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration expressed interest, viewing the proposal as consistent with its 'Make in India' policy aimed at strengthening domestic arms production. However, India's longstanding weapons dependency on Russia would likely hinder its participation in the GCAP program. India operates Su-30MKI fighter jets and S-400 air defense systems, which pose a threat to the GCAP's classified technologies, especially if Russian-origin systems must interoperate within a shared architecture, an issue that could risk inadvertent technology leakage. Ultimately, GCAP's success will hinge not only on technical breakthroughs but also on lessons learned from past failures, political will and the strength of its partnerships. In an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific, the GCAP's success and relevance may prove to be less about technology and more about alignment.
News18
22-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
India Achieved 100% Of Its Objectives In Operation Sindoor, Says Russian Report
Last Updated: The report highlights that the most significant aspect of Operation Sindoor was India's restrained strategy A report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a leading global defence think tank, has shed light on the disinformation that followed India's Operation Sindoor. The report notes that just hours after India launched precision strikes targeting nine terrorist hideouts across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), international media began circulating Pakistan's unverified claims. Pakistan claimed that it had downed five Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafales, using its Chinese J-10 aircraft during the precision strikes by India on May 7. The report emphasised that in modern military operations, shaping the narrative is as crucial as achieving success on the battlefield. India's measured silence initially created an information vacuum, which was quickly filled with inaccurate and technically flawed reporting, it added. As a result, public discourse shifted away from India's strategy, objectives, and operational control, and instead fixated on aerial combat and aircraft comparisons, it said. This diversion inadvertently gave Chinese arms manufacturers an opening to capitalise on false propaganda. Quiet But Successful Operation According to the report, the false narrative surrounding the downing of Indian jets overshadowed the real success of Operation Sindoor. In reality, India achieved 100 percent of its operational objectives. The Indian Air Force, using precision-guided weapons, successfully destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK on the very first day. The scope of the operation expanded in the following days, marking the first strikes on Pakistani air bases since the 1971 war—inflicting substantial damage and losses on Pakistan, it added. The report highlights that the most significant aspect of Operation Sindoor was India's restrained strategy. On the first day of the operation, Indian pilots operated under strict rules of engagement that prohibited them from targeting Pakistani aircraft or air defence systems. While this was a risky decision, it served a clear strategic purpose: India's objective was not to wage war against the Pakistani state, but to dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the border. According to the report, this calculated restraint played a key role in preventing the escalation into a full-scale war. Controlled Stress The report addresses widespread speculation about a potential nuclear conflict during Operation Sindoor, including US President Donald Trump's warning that it could lead to catastrophic outcomes if the operation escalated. However, it states that such fears were largely exaggerated. Neither India nor Pakistan issued nuclear threats or initiated large-scale military mobilisations. In fact, it mentioned that both countries exercised notable restraint—India avoided targeting Pakistani air defences or aircraft in the initial phase, while Pakistan did not deploy its troops extensively. According to the report, this mutual caution was instrumental in preventing the operation from spiralling into a full-scale war. According to the report, Operation Sindoor should not be seen as a prelude to an air war or a source of regional instability, but rather as a calculated move to dismantle terrorist networks, assert India's strategic intent, and demonstrate its military capability. The report concludes that the operation has significantly redefined India's defence posture in South Asia. Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, lasted four days and highlighted India's swift, strategic military response. Pakistan's attempted retaliation was met with strong counterattacks, forcing it onto the defensive. The operation ended with a ceasefire announced by both sides on May 10. First Published: May 22, 2025, 16:45 IST
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA condemns deadly attack on school bus in Khuzdar
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday strongly condemned a deadly attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, in which children from the Army Public School were targeted by terrorists. Speaking in National Assembly, the lawmakers across party lines blamed India for sponsoring the assault through proxy groups and called it a deliberate act of terrorism. The terrorist attack, which took place on Wednesday morning, led to a somber session in Parliament, with Members of Parliament from all sides of the political divide expressed grief and outrage. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar informed the House that the incident was a result of India's failure to confront Pakistan militarily. 'Innocent schoolchildren were targeted in Khuzdar. This is a day of national mourning,' Tarar said. 'After suffering defeat on the battlefield, the enemy is now resorting to cowardly proxy warfare.' He added that an investigation was under way and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. He described the attackers as Indian-backed proxies and reaffirmed government's resolve to eliminate such threats. 'The enemy lacks the courage to face our armed forces openly,' he stated, highlighting that the military, under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, had demonstrated strategic dominance. Tarar also maintained that Pakistan had destroyed Indian airbases and French-made Rafale jets during recent military engagements and dismissed groups like 'Fitnat-ul-Khwarij' as 'insignificant.' The ex-prime minister Raja Parvaiz Ashraf echoed these sentiments, condemning the attack as a heinous act of terror and blaming India. He emphasised that the attack violated international norms, particularly the prohibition of targeting civilians. Ashraf revealed that one of the victims, a 17-year-old girl who died in the attack, belonged to his constituency in Gujar Khan and two of her siblings were also injured. 'Pakistan has lost over 80,000 civilians to terrorism. Instead of acknowledging this, India accuses us while it sponsors terrorism in our country,' he said. 'The international community must take notice of India's state-sponsored terrorism, which now threatens global peace.' Aasia Ishaque of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act and said that targeting children was particularly shameful. 'The smallest coffins are the heaviest,' she remarked. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat stressed that protecting children was the government's foremost responsibility and praised the armed forces for their recent performance in clashes with India. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said the Khuzdar attack was part of a broader campaign of subversion backed by India. 'Our forces handed India a crushing defeat in conventional warfare,' he stated. 'Now, they are resorting to covert acts like these to spread instability.' Chaudhary also pointed out that Indian officials and analysts had made public threats to retaliate from Balochistan, which he called 'well-documented.' He confirmed that several security personnel had been martyred in the attack and others critically injured. 'We salute the bravery of our martyrs,' he said. The minister praised the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu for their strategic vision and operational successes, calling recent military operations a landmark in modern warfare. Science and Technology Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi added that Pakistan's international image had improved after recent military confrontations, and the global community now viewed Pakistan as capable of defending its sovereignty. 'Terrorism that targets children can never be tolerated. Such attackers must face the full force of the law,' he said. Other lawmakers also denounced the attack, calling it further evidence of India's alleged role in destabilising the region. They urged the international community to respond to what they called a growing threat to regional and global peace. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
