Latest news with #Yuan-class
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
China and Thailand boost strategic ties with new military cooperation plans
Senior military officials from China and Thailand reached an 'important consensus' on strategic cooperation when they met on Thursday, according to the defence ministry in Beijing. The meeting was held between China's chief of joint staff, Liu Zhenli, and Thailand's top defence official, Songwit Noonpackdee, during his visit to the Chinese capital. The two military leaders 'reached an important consensus on strengthening strategic communication and deepening cooperation in joint exercises and training', according to a statement on Thursday. They also 'exchanged views on issues of common concern, such as relations between the two countries and their militaries and the international and regional situation'. Liu is a member of the Central Military Commission, the highest decision-making body of the People's Liberation Army. In a separate meeting with Songwit, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun said ties between the two countries had endured 'the change of winds and clouds'. Songwit replied that the Thai side was willing to closely coordinate with China in multilateral affairs and 'jointly safeguard' the security and stability of the region, according to the Chinese defence ministry. The high-level meetings followed a series of diplomatic activities between China and the Southeast Asian country, which is also a traditional US ally in the region. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Thai counterpart last month and said Thailand was a high priority for Chinese diplomacy in the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also met in February. The two countries have also deepened defence cooperation in the past decade, especially since the 2014 military coup in Thailand, with China replacing the US to become Thailand's top arms supplier. Their joint exercises have appeared to include more comprehensive combat elements since last year, as highlighted by their joint air drill, 'Falcon Strike 2024'. Most recently, the navies of the two countries concluded an exercise last month that focused on counterterrorism tactics and anti-submarine warfare. While joint exercises and arms sales between the US and Thailand have been scaled back, Washington has ramped up its strategic and defence dialogue with Bangkok in the past few years as Beijing's influence has expanded in the region. Thailand has imported a range of weapon systems from China, from armoured vehicles to air-defence systems. The two countries signed a deal in 2017 for Thailand to buy the first of three Yuan-class submarines from China for 13.5 billion baht (US$412 million). Bangkok has paid an instalment of 7 billion baht, but production has been stalled since 2022 due to China's inability to acquire a German engine because of Berlin's defence export limits. According to news site Khaosod English, Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Tuesday that he would decide by the end of this month whether to accept the submarine with Chinese engines or cancel the contract and lose '80 per cent of the costs of the submarines which has already been paid'. Citing Wechayachai, the Thai news site also reported that the Thai government had been asked several times by the Chinese ambassador to Bangkok about when it would proceed with the remaining payment for the purchase of the Chinese-made submarines. Bangkok had previously asked Berlin to reconsider the embargo of its submarine engine, but Germany has rejected the request.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India revives Rs 44,000 crore plan to build warships that can detect and destroy underwater mines
India has restarted its plan to build 12 specialized warships that can detect and destroy underwater mines . These ships are critical to protect ports and maritime trade from enemy forces. The defence ministry is likely to present the proposal, worth around ₹44,000 crore, to the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for approval, a TOI report stated. Tender to be issued soon for Indian shipyards According to defence ministry sources, the procurement will move ahead once the 'acceptance of necessity (AoN)' is granted. An open tender or request for proposal (RFP) will then be issued, inviting Indian shipyards to submit their technical and commercial bids. 'It will take at least 7-8 years, if not more, for the first MCMV to roll out after the contract is inked,' a source said. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo Urgent need due to rising submarine activity These mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) are considered urgent due to the regular movement of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean Region. Chinese nuclear and conventional submarines can lay underwater mines quietly. Pakistan is also expanding its submarine fleet and is expected to receive eight new Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines from China. Live Events India's Navy currently has no dedicated MCMV in service. Earlier ships, including six Karwar-class and two Pondicherry-class minesweepers, have been retired. As a temporary solution, the Navy uses 'clip-on mine countermeasure suites' on other ships. However, the Navy needs at least 24 MCMVs to secure India's 7,516-km coastline, which includes 13 major ports and over 200 minor ones. Mines pose threat from state and non-state actors Underwater mines are low-cost and easy to deploy. Both state and non-state actors can use them to damage or destroy warships, merchant vessels, and tankers by blocking access to harbours and ports. The plan to acquire 12 MCMVs started in 2005. Goa Shipyard had partnered with South Korea's Kangnam to build the vessels. But the project, worth ₹32,000 crore, was cancelled by the Ministry of Defence in 2017-18 after disagreements over cost, technology transfer, and build strategy. New ships to include advanced mine detection systems Each MCMV will weigh around 900-1,000 tonnes and feature a non-magnetic hull. The ships will use high-definition sonar, acoustic and magnetic sweeps to locate mines. Remote-controlled underwater vehicles will then detonate the mines from a safe distance. Part of larger naval expansion plan The Indian Navy , which has over 130 warships, recently played a key role in Operation Sindoor by forward-deploying the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, other warships, and submarines in the northern Arabian Sea to deter Pakistan. Currently, 60 warships and vessels are being built in Indian shipyards. The Navy will also commission INS Tamal, its second 3,900-tonne multi-role frigate built in Russia, next month in Kaliningrad. The Navy has also received initial approvals for 31 more warships, including seven new-generation frigates, eight corvettes, and six stealth submarines. However, due to delays in shipbuilding and retirement of older vessels, the Navy is expected to reach a fleet size of only around 160 warships by 2030.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
China-Thailand meeting yields agreement on strategic cooperation and military exercises
Senior military officials from China and Thailand reached 'important consensus' on strategic cooperation when they met on Thursday, according to the defence ministry in Beijing. The meeting was held between China's chief of joint staff, Liu Zhenli, and Thailand's top defence official, Songwit Noonpackdee, during his visit to the Chinese capital. The two military leaders 'reached important consensus on strengthening strategic communication and deepening cooperation in joint exercises and training', according to a readout on Thursday. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. They also 'exchanged views on issues of common concern, such as relations between the two countries and their militaries and the international and regional situation'. Liu is a member of the Chinese Central Military Commission, the highest decision-making body of the People's Liberation Army. The high-level meeting followed a series of diplomatic activities between China and the Southeast Asian country, which is also a traditional US ally in the region. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Thai counterpart last month and said Thailand was a high priority for Chinese diplomacy in the region, following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in February. The two countries have also deepened defence cooperation in the past decade, especially since the 2014 military coup in Thailand, with China replacing the US to become Thailand's top arms supplier. Their joint exercises have appeared to include more comprehensive combat elements since last year, as highlighted by their joint air drill, 'Falcon Strike 2024'. Last month, the navies of the two countries concluded their most recent exercise which focused on counterterrorism tactics and anti-submarine warfare. While joint exercises and arms sales between the US and Thailand have been scaled back, Washington has ramped up its strategic and defence dialogue with Bangkok in the past few years as China's influence expands in the region. Thailand has imported a range of weapon systems from China, from armoured vehicles to air-defence systems. The two countries signed a deal in 2017 for Thailand to buy the first of three Yuan-class submarines from China for 13.5 billion baht (US$412 million). Bangkok has paid an instalment of 7 billion baht, but production has been stalled since 2022 due to China's inability to acquire a German engine because of Berlin's defence export limits. On Tuesday, Thailand's defence minister Phumtham Wechaychai said he would decide whether to accept the submarine with Chinese engines or cancel the contract and lose 80 per cent of the costs paid by the end of this month, according to Khaosod English. The Thai news site also reported that the Thai government had been asked by the Chinese ambassador to Thailand several times about when it would proceed with the remaining payment for the purchase of Chinese-made submarines, citing Wechayachai. Bangkok had previously asked Berlin to reconsider the embargo of its submarine engine, but Germany has rejected the requests. More from South China Morning Post: For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
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First Post
02-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pahalgam: India intensifies live drills at sea as forces respond to Pakistan's gunfire at LoC
The Indian Navy is demonstrating its strength at sea, as New Delhi intensifies pressure on Pakistan with another warning for ships to avoid certain areas in the northern Arabian Sea. This comes amid Pakistan's ongoing 'unprovoked' firing along the LoC for the eighth straight day. read more Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol near the India Pakistan border fencing at Garkhal in Akhnoor, about 35 kilometers west of Jammu, August 13, 2019. File Photo/AP The Navy is showcasing its capabilities at sea as New Delhi increases pressure on Pakistan, issuing another warning for ships to avoid certain areas in the northern Arabian Sea due to ongoing mock drills, the Times of India reported. This development follows India's response to Pakistan's continued 'unprovoked' fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, now extending into the eighth consecutive day. The 'NavArea' warning for the specified zone off Gujarat, valid until May 3, is incidentally situated about 80-85 nautical miles from where the Pakistan Navy is conducting its own drills in the Arabian Sea. 'We have made it clear that if any warship or ship enters that zone, it will do so at its own peril,' an officer told the Times of India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi assessed his force's operational readiness during a visit to the Western Navy Command in Mumbai on Thursday. This review comes as the Navy has deployed several warships in the Arabian Sea, which conducted multiple firings of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and other weapon systems last week. China, with the world's largest Navy, is helping Pakistan strengthen its maritime force. Pakistan has already received four advanced Type 054A/P multi-role frigates and other platforms from China, and it is set to receive eight Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines with air-independent propulsion, which will significantly boost its naval capabilities. This comes amid rising tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi following the killing of 26 innocent people, mostly tourists, by Pakistan-based terrorists. Pakistan opens fire at LoC for 8th consecutive day Pakistani troops continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control for the eighth consecutive night, firing unprovoked in the Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Naushera, and Akhnoor areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian military responded in a measured and appropriate manner. This follows India's stern warning to Pakistan over these repeated violations, which are exacerbating tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries held a hotline conversation on Tuesday to discuss Pakistan's unprovoked ceasefire violations. This is a developing story.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Navy intensifies muscle-flexing against Pakistan even as small arms fire continues across LoC
NEW DELHI: Navy has further intensified its muscle-flexing against Pakistan by issuing another warning for ships to stay away from specified coordinates in the northern Arabian Sea due to its firing drills, as the exchange of small arms fire continues unabated between the rival armies along the Line of Control in J&K. The "NavArea' warning for the specified zone off Gujarat till May 3, incidentally, is just around 80-85 nautical miles from where the Pakistan Navy is undertaking its own drills in the Arabian Sea. "We have made it clear that if any warship or ship enters that zone, she will do so at its own peril," an officer said. Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi took stock of his force's operational readiness during a visit to the Western Navy Command in Mumbai Thursday. The review came even as Navy has deployed several warships in the Arabian Sea, which conducted multiple firings of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and other weapon systems last week. China, which has the world's largest Navy with over 370 warships and submarines, is assiduously helping Pakistan build a strong maritime force. Pakistan has already inducted four latest Type 054A/P multi-role frigates and other platforms from China. It's slated to soon get eight Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines, with air-independent propulsion, in a major capability jump for India's western adversary. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Find Out About Seized Vehicles and Urgent Car Sales in the Philippines LocalPlan Search Now Undo Amid the heightened tensions with Pakistan, IAF is undertaking long-range day and night fighter sorties, while also keeping its air defence network with a variety of surface-to-air missile systems in full alert mode. While IAF has increased the number of ORPs (operational readiness platforms) at its air bases, especially in the western sector, the force is also slated to practice operations of supersonic fighter jets like Rafales, Jaguars and Mirage-2000s, transport aircraft and helicopters on an emergency landing facility (ELF) on the Ganga Expressway in UP on Friday. This will be the fourth such ELT on expressways in UP, and the first to support day and night landings. Such ELT airstrips being established in different parts of the country, with reinforced cement concrete construction on national highways or expressways, can provide operational flexibility during conflicts. If an adversary bombs air bases, for instance, such ELTs can be used for unhindered air operations using mobile air traffic and radar control, refueling and armament-loading facilities, say officers. Pakistan and several other countries like Germany, Sweden, South Korea, Taiwan, Finland, Switzerland, Poland and Singapore also have dedicated stretches on their highways and expressways for aircraft to land and take off in emergencies or war-like events. The ceasefire along the 778-km LoC and 198-km international boundary in J&K has frayed since the Pahalgam attack, with Army Thursday saying Pakistan army posts had opened unprovoked small arms fire across LoC in Kupwara, Uri and Akhnoor sectors.
