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India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Major Military Buildup? Why Is India Rushing To Buy Rs 67,000 Crore Worth Of War Equipment?
New Delhi: India has taken a major step to sharpen its military edge. The Ministry of Defence has cleared the purchase of weapons and defence systems worth Rs 67,000 crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The decision came on August 5, during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Senior military leadership attended the meeting. The Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with the Defence Secretary, were all present. Their agenda was to strengthen combat readiness across land, air and sea. BrahMos for Navy, Combat Drones for All Forces After the successful showcase of the BrahMos missile in Operation Sindoor, the Defence Ministry approved the procurement of additional BrahMos Fire Control Systems and launchers for the Indian Navy. Alongside this, the green signal was given to acquire combat-capable drones for all three services. These unmanned aerial systems fall under the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) category. The ministry's official statement did not disclose specific models but confirmed that these drones would carry payloads and weapons. Their long-range capabilities are expected to boost India's surveillance and strike power significantly. Backup Plan Amid U.S. Drone Supply Delays India had signed a deal to buy 36 MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States. However, delivery has been delayed. To bridge this gap, the Defence Ministry has approved the purchase of alternate remote-piloted aircraft (RPAs). Meanwhile, Pakistan has already inducted similar drones, such as the Turkish Bayraktar UAVs. Boost to Naval and Aerial Defences The Navy will also receive Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, sea-based drones designed for detecting and neutralising enemy submarines. An upgrade to the Barak-1 Point Defence Missile System has also been cleared. For the Air Force, the ministry has sanctioned mounted radar systems. There is also an upgrade in the pipeline for two major defence platforms, Saksham and SPYDER weapon systems. These upgrades will integrate them into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), enhancing battlefield coordination. Maintenance and Night Combat Gear The Air Force's C-17 and C-130 transport fleets will undergo essential sustainment and maintenance. Annual upkeep of the S-400 missile systems has also been cleared. On the ground, the Army's mechanised infantry will get a technological boost. Thermal imaging sights for BMP vehicles will soon be part of their night combat toolkit. This fresh round of acquisitions marks a strategic push toward high-tech warfare. The armed forces are preparing for today's threats and tomorrow's challenges.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
MALE drone better than Predator, Brahmos, radar: Indian armed forces to get Rs 67,000 crore booster. Here's what's coming
Synopsis India's defence ministry has approved ₹67,000 crore in modernisation proposals, including the acquisition of 87 armed heavy-duty drones and over 110 BrahMos missiles. These procurements aim to bolster strike and surveillance capabilities across the armed forces. The domestically produced drones and missiles will enhance India's defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. AI generated image used for representation The defence ministry on Tuesday approved modernisation proposals worth ₹67,000 crore, including the procurement of 87 armed heavy-duty drones and over 110 air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The weapons cleared under the 'acceptance of necessity' (AoN) by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, are aimed at strengthening strike and surveillance capabilities across all three armed forces. The Indian Air Force had used BrahMos missiles and Israeli-origin kamikaze drones during recent hostilities with Pakistan in May under Operation Sindoor. The 87 new drones, capable of returning to base after strike missions, are intended to speed up induction compared to the 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, which will only be delivered in 2029–30. According to defence ministry officials and reports from the Times of India: 87 armed medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) remotely-piloted aircraft Equipped with air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs To be produced in India with 60% indigenous content via a foreign partnership Estimated cost: ₹20,000 crore, plus ₹11,000 crore for 10-year logistical and OEM support Over 110 air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles Range: 450 km, speed: Mach 2.8 Estimated cost: ₹10,800 crore Operated in combination with Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets Eight BrahMos fire control systems and vertical launchers for older Indian warships Estimated cost: ₹650 crore Intended for warships not yet fitted with the BrahMos system Around 20 frontline warships, including the latest destroyers and frigates, are already armed with the BrahMos missiles New thermal imager-based driver night-sights for BMP infantry combat vehicles To enhance night driving and mobility of mechanised infantry Compact autonomous surface crafts for the Navy For detection, classification and neutralisation of underwater threats during anti-submarine warfare missions Upgrade of older Israeli Barak-1 point defence missile systems on warships Specialised mountain radars for the Indian Air Force To improve air surveillance along northern borders with China Upgrade of the Saksham (Israeli-origin Spyder) anti-aircraft missile system Current range: 15 km Aimed at enhancing air defence capabilities Sustenance support for US-origin C-17 and C-130J aircraft fleets Comprehensive annual maintenance contract for Russian S-400 long-range air defence missile systems The MALE drones, which come with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike capabilities, are expected to be inducted faster than the MQ-9B Predator HALE (high-altitude, long-endurance) drones ordered from the US for ₹32,350 crore in October last year, which will be delivered only in the 2029–30 timeframe. Officials said the need for such systems was evident during Operation India had previously used Israeli-origin Harop and Harpy drones as kamikaze systems during cross-border operations, the new drones will offer reusable strike capability and long-range endurance. The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, has become the primary conventional precision-strike weapon for the armed forces. The missile has been deployed on warships, aircraft and mobile launchers, with cumulative contracts exceeding ₹58,000 crore to March 2023, the ministry signed a ₹19,519 crore deal for over 220 BrahMos missiles for frontline warships. About 20 frontline Indian warships, including the latest destroyers and frigates, are already equipped with the system.(With inputs from TOI)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
MALE drone better than Predator, Brahmos, radar: Indian armed forces to get Rs 67,000 crore booster. Here's what's coming
Weapons cleared for procurement 87 armed medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) remotely-piloted aircraft Equipped with air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs To be produced in India with 60% indigenous content via a foreign partnership Estimated cost: ₹20,000 crore, plus ₹11,000 crore for 10-year logistical and OEM support Over 110 air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles Range: 450 km, speed: Mach 2.8 Estimated cost: ₹10,800 crore Operated in combination with Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets Eight BrahMos fire control systems and vertical launchers for older Indian warships Estimated cost: ₹650 crore Intended for warships not yet fitted with the BrahMos system Around 20 frontline warships, including the latest destroyers and frigates, are already armed with the BrahMos missiles New thermal imager-based driver night-sights for BMP infantry combat vehicles To enhance night driving and mobility of mechanised infantry Compact autonomous surface crafts for the Navy For detection, classification and neutralisation of underwater threats during anti-submarine warfare missions Upgrade of older Israeli Barak-1 point defence missile systems on warships Specialised mountain radars for the Indian Air Force To improve air surveillance along northern borders with China Upgrade of the Saksham (Israeli-origin Spyder) anti-aircraft missile system Current range: 15 km Aimed at enhancing air defence capabilities Sustenance support for US-origin C-17 and C-130J aircraft fleets Comprehensive annual maintenance contract for Russian S-400 long-range air defence missile systems Focus on faster indigenous production Live Events BrahMos continues to be a key weapon (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The defence ministry on Tuesday approved modernisation proposals worth ₹67,000 crore, including the procurement of 87 armed heavy-duty drones and over 110 air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The weapons cleared under the 'acceptance of necessity' (AoN) by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , are aimed at strengthening strike and surveillance capabilities across all three armed Indian Air Force had used BrahMos missiles and Israeli-origin kamikaze drones during recent hostilities with Pakistan in May under Operation Sindoor . The 87 new drones, capable of returning to base after strike missions, are intended to speed up induction compared to the 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, which will only be delivered in 2029– to defence ministry officials and reports from the Times of India:The MALE drones, which come with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike capabilities, are expected to be inducted faster than the MQ-9B Predator HALE (high-altitude, long-endurance) drones ordered from the US for ₹32,350 crore in October last year, which will be delivered only in the 2029–30 timeframe. Officials said the need for such systems was evident during Operation India had previously used Israeli-origin Harop and Harpy drones as kamikaze systems during cross-border operations, the new drones will offer reusable strike capability and long-range BrahMos missile , jointly developed by India and Russia, has become the primary conventional precision-strike weapon for the armed forces. The missile has been deployed on warships, aircraft and mobile launchers, with cumulative contracts exceeding ₹58,000 crore to March 2023, the ministry signed a ₹19,519 crore deal for over 220 BrahMos missiles for frontline warships. About 20 frontline Indian warships, including the latest destroyers and frigates, are already equipped with the system.(With inputs from TOI)
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Al Udeid Air Base: A strategic asset for US power in the Gulf
Military planning is built on preparing for worst-case scenarios, but occasionally, a best-case scenario emerges. The U.S. has long sought military installations that offer both strategic positioning and operational capability without excessive financial burdens. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar represents just that: a modern, fully operational hub that supports U.S. military operations across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Yet, despite its strategic value, some critics have suggested relocating CENTCOM's forward headquarters. No clear alternative has been proposed, and such a move would carry enormous financial and operational costs at a time when regional stability is increasingly fragile. Al Udeid is the largest U.S. military base in the region, hosting nearly 11,000 American troops and more than 100 aircraft, including strategic bombers, tankers and surveillance assets. Its long, well-maintained runways enable rapid deployment, making it a critical component of U.S. force projection. The base has played a pivotal role in counterterrorism operations, air campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions, including the 2021 evacuation of Kabul. Qatar's investment in Al Udeid has kept the base at the forefront of military readiness while saving U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars. Over the years, Qatar has spent more than $8 billion upgrading infrastructure, including $1.4 billion on troop housing and airfield improvements. Beyond hosting the base, Qatar remains a key regional partner, collaborating with the U.S. on counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing and weapons procurement. Qatar's purchase of F-15s from Boeing alone has generated tens of thousands of American jobs. In addition to hosting Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar has significantly enhanced its military capabilities through substantial investments in U.S. defense systems. A notable example is the U.S. State Department's approval for Qatar to purchase eight MQ-9B Predator drones, a deal valued at nearly $2 billion. This acquisition includes advanced munitions and equipment, bolstering Qatar's surveillance and strike capabilities. These procurements not only strengthen Qatar's defense infrastructure but also deepen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Qatar. By integrating advanced U.S. military technology, Qatar enhances its role as a stabilizing force in the Gulf region. Furthermore, these defense deals contribute to the U.S. economy by supporting American jobs and fostering industrial collaboration. The ongoing military cooperation exemplified by these acquisitions underscores the mutual commitment to regional security and opens avenues for further collaboration in defense and beyond. More broadly, Qatar's role in the Gulf Cooperation Council is an asset to U.S. interests. As the region faces growing security challenges — including tensions in the Red Sea, ongoing conflicts in Yemen and concerns over Iranian influence — the stability of key partners like Qatar is essential. The country's diplomatic efforts, including mediation in hostage negotiations and ceasefire talks, further bolster its importance as a security partner. Finding a viable alternative to Al Udeid would not only be prohibitively expensive but would also risk weakening U.S. regional influence at a time when competitors are expanding their presence in the Gulf. The base is more than just a military facility; it is a cornerstone of U.S. strategy in the Middle East and a vital link to regional security efforts. The U.S. must remain committed to maintaining strong partnerships in the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Al Udeid represents a tangible, cost-effective and strategically invaluable component of that approach. Disrupting it would undermine America's ability to respond to future crises in one of the world's most volatile regions. Christopher C. Miller, a former acting U.S. secretary of Defense, is an adviser to Highlander Partners, a private equity firm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
02-04-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Al Udeid Air Base: A strategic asset for US power in the Gulf
Military planning is built on preparing for worst-case scenarios, but occasionally, a best-case scenario emerges. The U.S. has long sought military installations that offer both strategic positioning and operational capability without excessive financial burdens. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar represents just that: a modern, fully operational hub that supports U.S. military operations across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Yet, despite its strategic value, some critics have suggested relocating CENTCOM's forward headquarters. No clear alternative has been proposed, and such a move would carry enormous financial and operational costs at a time when regional stability is increasingly fragile. Al Udeid is the largest U.S. military base in the region, hosting nearly 11,000 American troops and more than 100 aircraft, including strategic bombers, tankers and surveillance assets. Its long, well-maintained runways enable rapid deployment, making it a critical component of U.S. force projection. The base has played a pivotal role in counterterrorism operations, air campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, and humanitarian missions, including the 2021 evacuation of Kabul. Qatar's investment in Al Udeid has kept the base at the forefront of military readiness while saving U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars. Over the years, Qatar has spent more than $8 billion upgrading infrastructure, including $1.4 billion on troop housing and airfield improvements. Beyond hosting the base, Qatar remains a key regional partner, collaborating with the U.S. on counterterrorism efforts, intelligence sharing and weapons procurement. Qatar's purchase of F-15s from Boeing alone has generated tens of thousands of American jobs. In addition to hosting Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar has significantly enhanced its military capabilities through substantial investments in U.S. defense systems. A notable example is the U.S. State Department's approval for Qatar to purchase eight MQ-9B Predator drones, a deal valued at nearly $2 billion. This acquisition includes advanced munitions and equipment, bolstering Qatar's surveillance and strike capabilities. These procurements not only strengthen Qatar's defense infrastructure but also deepen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Qatar. By integrating advanced U.S. military technology, Qatar enhances its role as a stabilizing force in the Gulf region. Furthermore, these defense deals contribute to the U.S. economy by supporting American jobs and fostering industrial collaboration. The ongoing military cooperation exemplified by these acquisitions underscores the mutual commitment to regional security and opens avenues for further collaboration in defense and beyond. More broadly, Qatar's role in the Gulf Cooperation Council is an asset to U.S. interests. As the region faces growing security challenges — including tensions in the Red Sea, ongoing conflicts in Yemen and concerns over Iranian influence — the stability of key partners like Qatar is essential. The country's diplomatic efforts, including mediation in hostage negotiations and ceasefire talks, further bolster its importance as a security partner. Finding a viable alternative to Al Udeid would not only be prohibitively expensive but would also risk weakening U.S. regional influence at a time when competitors are expanding their presence in the Gulf. The base is more than just a military facility; it is a cornerstone of U.S. strategy in the Middle East and a vital link to regional security efforts. The U.S. must remain committed to maintaining strong partnerships in the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Al Udeid represents a tangible, cost-effective and strategically invaluable component of that approach. Disrupting it would undermine America's ability to respond to future crises in one of the world's most volatile regions.
