Latest news with #HindustanAeronautics
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asia boosts weapons buys, military research as security outlook darkens
An employee of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. walks inside a workshop of Jaguar fighter planes in Bangalore January 29, 2007. The UAE now operates a diversified network of collaborators, such as China's NORINCO weapons giant and rival India's Hindustan Aeronautics. - Reuters HONG KONG: Spending on weapons and research is spiking among some Asian countries as they respond to a darkening security outlook by broadening their outside industrial partnerships while trying to boost their own defence industries, a new study has found. The annual Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment released on Wednesday (May 28) by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said outside industrial help remains vital even as regional nations ultimately aim for self-reliance. "Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, coupled with worsening US-China strategic competition and deterioration of the Asia-Pacific security landscape, may lead to a rising tide of defence-industrial partnerships," it read. "Competitive security dynamics over simmering flashpoints... feed into the need to develop military capabilities to address them." Spending on defence procurement and research and development rose US$2.7 billion between 2022 and 2024, it showed, to reach US$10.5 billion among South-East Asia's key nations of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The spike comes even as the nations spent an average of 1.5 per cent of GDP on defence in 2024, a figure that has kept relatively constant over the last decade. The study, released ahead of this weekend's annual Shangri-La Dialogue defence meeting in Singapore, said Asia-Pacific nations still rely on imports for most key weapons and equipment. Such items range from submarines and combat aircraft to drones, missiles and advanced electronics for surveillance and intelligence gathering. The informal Singapore gathering of global defence and military officials is expected to be dominated by uncertainties stemming from the protracted Ukraine conflict, Trump administration security policies and regional tension over Taiwan and the disputed busy waterway of the South China Sea. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are increasingly active and making inroads, the study said, though European companies have a prominent and expanding regional presence, via technology transfer, joint ventures and licenced assembly deals. The UAE now operates a diversified network of collaborators, such as China's NORINCO weapons giant and rival India's Hindustan Aeronautics. Joint development operations are not always easy, the study said, offering lessons from India's two-decade collaboration with Russia to produce the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile. While the feared weapon is fielded by India, exports have been hampered by lack of a clear strategy, with deliveries to its first third-party customer, the Philippines, starting only in 2024, the study added. Closer Russia-China ties could further complicate the weapon's development, particularly if Moscow chooses to prioritise ties with Beijing to develop a hypersonic version of the missile. - Reuters
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
India approves stealth fighter programme amid tensions with Pakistan
Hindustan Aeronautics has been criticised for slow delivery of light combat Tejas aircraft, a 4.5 generation fighter. - Reuters NEW DELHI: India's defence minister has approved a framework for building the country's most advanced stealth fighter jet, the defence ministry said on Tuesday (May 27), amid a new arms race with Pakistan weeks after a military conflict between the neighbours. Indian state-run Aeronautical Development Agency, which is executing the programme, will shortly invite initial interest from defence firms for developing a prototype of the warplane, envisaged as a twin-engine 5th generation fighter, the ministry said. The project is crucial for the Indian Air Force, whose squadrons of mainly Russian and ex-Soviet aircraft have fallen to 31 from an approved strength of 42 at a time when rival China is expanding its air force rapidly. Pakistan has one of China's most advanced warplanes, the J-10, in its arsenal. Militaries of nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan faced-off in four days of fighting this month, which saw use of fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery by both sides before a ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump. It was the first time both sides utilised drones at scale and the South Asian powers are now locked in a drones arms race, according to Reuters' interviews with 15 people, including security officials, industry executives and analysts in the two countries. India will partner with a domestic firm for the stealth fighter programme, and companies can bid independently or as a joint venture, the defence ministry said in a statement, adding that the bids would be open for both private and state-owned firms. In March, an Indian defence committee had recommended including the private sector in military aircraft manufacturing to shore up the capabilities of the Indian Air Force and reduce the burden on state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which makes most of India's military aircraft. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has previously criticised Hindustan Aeronautics for slow delivery of light combat Tejas aircraft, a 4.5 generation fighter, which the firm blamed on slow delivery of engines from General Electric due to supply chain issues faced by the US firm. - Reuters
The Print
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Operation Sindoor won't hurt Indian economy: BJP spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal
Agarwal emphasised the strength of India's defence capabilities, underlining that 65 percent of the country's defence requirements are met through domestic procurement. India's PSUs—long seen as a liability—have shown exemplary market performance and profitability, especially in the defence sector, with defence exports also rising rapidly, he said. 'There will be no negative impact, as India has never had significant economic relations with Pakistan,' the BJP leader said. 'On the other hand, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday, if Pakistan does not stop terrorism, its economy will be completely destroyed.' New Delhi: Operation Sindoor will not have any adverse effect on the Indian economy, BJP national spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal said on Friday. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Agarwal sought to dispel fears in some quarters that India's military response to Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam would impact the economy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and a global tariff war. 'You will find companies like Hindustan Aeronautics and Mazagon Dock have orders booked years in advance,' Agarwal said. 'The BrahMos missile and the HAL Tejas combat aircraft have acquired a global reputation.' He also highlighted India's growing global engagement and strengthening diplomatic ties with the United States and European nations. Agarwal referred to PM Modi's statement during the Russia-Ukraine war, in which he tweeted, 'This is not the era of war.' 'This assertive message echoed globally, urging both nations to resolve their issues through dialogue. His call for peace received significant international praise and support,' Agarwal added. The BJP spokesperson also referenced External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserting that India seeks equal partners, not 'preachers.' 'India's global confidence is growing' He noted that growing global confidence in India is mirrored in domestic stability. Despite rising inflation worldwide, India has managed to keep price inflation under control—at 4.4 percent, lower than the RBI's target band. While fiscal deficit levels have reached alarming levels in countries like the United States, India has kept its deficit under control. Agarwal also noted that India's foreign exchange reserves stand at $700 billion, even as the country continues to attract significant foreign direct investment. He also pointed to global praise for India's Digital Public Infrastructure, especially at the G20 summit held in 2023. This includes the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, which directly transfers welfare benefits into beneficiaries' bank accounts. He highlighted the exponential growth of India's capital markets, citing Morgan Stanley reports that project India's capital market—currently at 81,000—to reach 1,00,000 by 2026. The BJP leader acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly due to the ongoing global tariff war and its disruptions. However, Agarwal suggested that this may offer India an opportunity to present itself as an alternative global manufacturing hub, referencing Apple's recent substantial investment in Bengaluru. 'Compared to our competitor countries, our reciprocal tariffs remain low. We will take advantage of this,' Agarwal said. He also noted that, according to the RBI's May bulletin, India's manufacturing sector is expected to remain strong even if the country does not become a global manufacturing hub—thanks to its robust domestic consumption base. The BJP leader also referenced the recent HSBC composite PMI index for India, which stood at 61.2, indicating expansion in both the services and manufacturing sectors. Agarwal cited other reports, including those by Moody's and Fitch, highlighting India's strong growth potential. 'The economy is driven by perception, and the sentiment around India is very positive,' he said. The press conference underscored the Modi government's ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth through strategic reforms and policy initiatives. The creation of the Deregulation Commission aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve the ease of doing business, aligning with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent warning against overregulating enterprises and the role of the Competition Commission of India. Efforts are also underway to implement labour law reforms at the state level and to accelerate the finalisation of trade agreements, thereby enhancing India's global trade prospects. At the same time, significant initiatives are being rolled out to expand the country's renewable and nuclear energy capacities. (Edited by Prashant)
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Singapore Airlines turbulence 1 year on, China pushes Pakistan dam: SCMP's 7 highlights
We have selected seven stories from this week's news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing China has said it was accelerating work on a 'flagship' dam in Pakistan in the wake of India's recent threats to cut off water supplies. The HAL Prachand is an Indian multi-role light attack helicopter designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under Project Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). Photo: Handout India's new Prachand combat helicopter would be 'a walkover' for China's Z-10 attack counterpart, a Chinese military magazine has claimed, dismissing the aircraft New Delhi might use in high-altitude operations against its neighbours.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Will drone stocks continue to soar after recent military conflict?
Mumbai: Drone makers have caught the fancy of Dalal Street punters, spurred by the extensive use of these aerial systems in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Shares of companies that make drones, such as Hindustan Aeronautics , Bharat Electronics , Paras Defence and Space Technologies , Ideaforge Technology and Zen Technologies , have jumped as much as 50% since May 7 - the day India launched its military response, dubbed Operation Sindoor , in response to a terrorist attack at Pahalgam on April 22. "Some stocks in the listed space are directly engaged in defence related drone manufacturing which are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries; however, others have moved up largely due to the sentimental push," said Bhalchandra Shinde, associate fund manager, Motilal Oswal AMC. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cara Membantu Orang Terkasih Menghadapi Limfoma Limfoma Pelajari Undo Since the Pahalgam attack on April 22, Paras Defence and Space Technologies, Ideaforge Technology and Zen Technologies have soared 30-50%, amid a broader euphoria among defence-related stocks. Ambareesh Baliga, a Mumbai-based independent analyst, said the momentum is strong in drone stocks and can move 15-20% higher from the current levels. In Operation Sindoor, drones were used for surveillance and combat. Investors expect the government to spend more over the next five years to boost the use of drones. According to Grand View Research, the India military drone market generated a revenue of $1,527.1 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $4,082.1 million by 2030. The domestic market is expected to grow at 17.9% on a compounded basis from 2025 to 2030, it said. Live Events Agencies Albeit the steady growth estimates, fund managers and analysts advise caution while riding the bullish momentum in these stocks, as recent gains have already baked in expectations of increased orders for drones in the near future. "Drone usage has come to the fore in the recent conflict and government focus is expected to remain on the companies which could lead to expansion in order books however, these positive are significantly priced in the stocks already," said Ashwini Shami, EVP & Portfolio Manager, OmniScience Capital. Shami said the outlook from a valuation perspective is not exciting any more since drone stocks are trading in a high P/E range. PSU names within the segment such as Hindustan Aeronautics and Bharat Electronics are preferred picks given the stronger moat and larger order books and are reasonably valued relative to the other peers, said Shami. The Nifty India Defence Index jumped 17.9% and 15.4% since the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, respectively, while benchmark Nifty has moved 2.1% and 1.1% higher in the same period.
