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Indian Army won’t be using the much-touted indigenous Akash missiles anymore, as they are likely to make way for the Israeli quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles (QR-SAMs). 
 
Sources from the Defence Ministry say that the Army is very clear about not wanting any more Akash regiments after it gets the first two that it had already ordered for Rs 14,180 crore. These regiments would come with six firing batteries and hundreds of missiles each. 
 
This move is detrimental to the 'Make in India' policy, especially after the Indian Navy has turned to France for similar requirements, having dumped the Akash missiles. 
 
"The Army holds Akash area defence missile systems do not meet its operational requirements for defending its strike corps against enemy air attacks in forward areas. Instead, it wants the global route for procurement of four QR-SAM regiments," a source told TOI. 
 
Indian Army is said to have done extensive research and field trials on missile systems from Israel, Russia and Sweden, after which the Israeli Spyder QR-SAMs emerged as the winner. 
 <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> is also preparing to induct four Spyder units from February 2017 onwards, even as it is progressively inducting 15 <keyword id="112404" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Akash-missile">Akash missile</keyword> squadrons, worth around Rs 10,900 crore. TOI reports suggest that six of these squadrons would be sent to the northeast to counter China's build-up of military infrastructure across the Line of Actual Control. 
 
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Akash_SAM.jpg">Image source</a>

Blow to Make In India: Indian Army to discard Akash and buy Israeli missiles

<ul><li>India is gearing up its missile defense shield over the national capital region of Delhi with a combination of indigenous, Russian, Israeli and US missile systems.</li><li>The <keyword id="7740159" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-advanced-surface-to-air-missile-system-ii">National Advanced Surface to Air Missile system II</keyword> (<keyword id="7734797" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="NASAMS-2">NASAMS 2</keyword>), will form the fifth layer of a multilayered missile defense shield for NCT.</li><li>Combined with indigenous Prithvi interceptor missiles, Russian S-400, INDO-ISRAELI joint venture Barak-8 long range SAM, Akash area defense <keyword id="42531" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Missile-system">missile system</keyword>, the NASAMS 2 is set to make the capital impenetrable.</li></ul>India's ministry of defense is moving swiftly at acquiring the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System II (NASAM II) from the US,<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-acquire-us-air-defence-system-for-multi-tier-missile-shield-over-delhi/articleshow/69717946.cms"> Times of India reported.</a> Defence ministry sources <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-acquire-us-air-defence-system-for-multi-tier-missile-shield-over-delhi/articleshow/69717946.cms">told TOI</a> that the US is likely to send the final draft of “letter of acceptance” for sale of NASAMS 2 worth ₹ 6,000 ($1 billion) under its foreign military sales programme to INDIA, by July-August. Shielding of NCT of Delhi The proposed multi layered shield for the security of the NCT of Delhi is expected to have five layers. The first being equipped with two tier of AAD (advanced <keyword id="431465" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-defence">air defence</keyword>) and PAD (Prithvi Air Defence) interceptor missile system. The second layer is to be equipped with the Russian made triumph surface to air S 400 missile system. The third layer is to be equipped with the Barak-8 medium &amp; long range surface to air missile system jointly developed by Israeli Aerospace Industries and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India. The fourth layer is to be equipped with the indigenous area defence missile system AKASH. The fifth layer of missile shield is to be equipped with the NASAMS 2 missile system. NASAMS 2 Geared to track and destroy small incoming targets and shoot around buildings, NASAMS 2 is a quick reaction networked system of Stingers, gun systems, AMRAAM missiles along with the MPQ64 Sentinel Air Defense radar and indigenously developed Battle management C4I system that works as Fire Distribution System. Counter to China and Pakistan As a secret deal is underway between China and Pakistan for the development and manufacturing of advanced fighter jets in Pakistan,<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-acquire-us-air-defence-system-for-multi-tier-missile-shield-over-delhi/articleshow/69717946.cms"> India’s claims of BRI </a>being an initiative typically for the expansion and advancing of Chinese military goals has surfaced again. Pentagon’s 2019 Missile Defence Review (MDR) has termed China as having the most active land-based ballistic and cruise missile programme in the world. This is an indication for India to work on securing its vital military and non military assets, like major population centres. The Indo in the Indo-pacific The US, in 2018 termed India as its major defense partner and soon after named its Pacific command as Indo-Pacific command, considering the vital role India can play in the region’s stability and in the South China sea as well. The deal for NASAMS 2 is not to be merely looked as just another of such deals. It projects to the world, the very core role India is going to play to keep stable not only south east asia but also the indo-pacific, south china sea and the middle east, <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/research/where-would-india-fit-in-a-missile-defense-partnership-in-the-indo-pacific-47582/">say</a> experts.

India will add a fifth layer of missiles to protect its national capital region

The Indian Army has posed a requirement for a fast reaction air defence cover against enemy aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, and the probable solution has been found in the form of Israeli Spyder system, which has emerged as the frontrunner in this quest. 
 
It was in 2011 that the Indian Army had started a short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) programme, and it is now nearing final selection, for a contract valued at over Rs 18,000 crore. 
 
As per sources, the Israeli Spyder system, which has been manufactured by Rafael Advanced Systems, has come up as the frontrunner, given that its competitors, SAAB (Sweden) and Rosoboronexport (Russia), were not able to perform during technical trials that the Indian Army carried out last year. 
 
This could mean a possible go ahead for the Israeli system to reach the the opening of the price bid, which is the next stage of procurement. 
 
The winning company would need to transfer the technology to India, so that the system can be locally manufactured. 
 
 
The Indian Air Force has already ordered Spyder, which has been inducted to protect sensitive air fields along the border. 
 Talking of ‘Make in India,’ the Indian Army has already ordered the Indian-made <keyword id="2071339" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Akash-SAM">Akash SAM</keyword> systems, however, these have been assigned the task of protecting static or defensive units, given that they carry limited mobility and take a larger reaction time to an incoming attack. 
 
Anyway, the SRSAM project was launched with a 'global buy' clause, so that the Indian private industry could also be given a chance to invest in it. As per sources, the project is valued at close to Rs 6,000 crore and would need investment from joint ventures and production facilities in India. 
 
<a href="http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/6/1196.jpg">Image source</a>

Israel beats Sweden and Russia to become the frontrunner in Indian Army's quest for air defence system

<ul class="summary-list"><li>India has long been one of the world's biggest arms buyers, relying on others to equip its forces.</li><li>But New Delhi is investing heavily in domestic production to arm itself and export to the world.</li></ul>India has long been the world's largest arms importer, relying on other countries to supply it with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-buying-new-light-tanks-for-himalayan-mountain-warfare-2023-6">tanks</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/first-jet-landing-on-vikrant-reflect-indian-aircraft-carrier-ambitions-2023-2">warships</a>, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indian-air-force-modernization-not-only-because-of-china-2021-9">fighter jets</a>. But it has been investing heavily in its domestic arms industry with the goal of equipping its own forces and increasing its arms sales around the world.New Delhi has made headway toward that goal with its "Make in India, Make for the World" initiative, launched in 2020, and by forging closer defense relationships with other countries.India's need to wean itself off its heavy dependency on arms imports became more apparent after Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022. New Delhi still has close ties with Moscow but the war has made the Russians less dependable suppliers.Recent arms sales and exercises illustrate how India seeks to turn that domestic arms production into foreign sales and perhaps even take some of that market away from its biggest supplier.<h2>Shopping around</h2><div type="image" title="India army soldier Pinaka rocket launcher parade" height="1333" width="2000" msid="104092852" hostid="261" sizebytes="141000"></div>In September 2022, India agreed to sell its powerful Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers to Armenia — the first foreign export of the Pinaka — along with anti-tank missiles and assorted ammunition in a $260 million deal.That sale came two and a half years after Armenia bought four of India's Swathi counter-battery radars, which track incoming artillery and rockets and plot return fire, for $40 million, choosing the Indian option over equivalent Polish and Russian systems in what was considered <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-pips-russia-and-poland-for-40m-armenia-defence-deal/articleshow/74432148.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a big achievement</a> for the then-nascent Make in India program.New Delhi's aspirations for <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centres-new-plan-to-boost-exports-of-made-in-india-weapons-to-africa-middle-east/articleshow/100054640.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a foothold in the African and Middle East arms markets</a> would undoubtedly get a boost from a sizable arms deals with Egypt. Over the past decade, Egypt has spent large sums on high-end weapons systems, primarily from France and Russia. Between 2015 and 2019, <a href="https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/egypt-and-allure-military-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Egypt was the world's third-largest arms importer</a>.India has been improving its ties with Egypt, as seen in their expanded military exchanges.<div type="image" title="India Narendra Modi Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Cairo" height="1479" width="1977" msid="104092853" hostid="261" sizebytes="91154"></div>India's air force and navy participated in Egypt's Bright Star-23, a multilateral military exercise, in September. It was the first time India had joined, and during the drills, an Indian air force Il-78 tanker <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/exercise-bright-star-23-indian-air-force-refuels-egyptian-rafale-fighters/articleshow/103603060.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refueled</a> Egyptian MiG-29M and Rafale fighters — Russian- and French-made jets, respectively.That refueling underscored the degree of interoperability the militaries have developed and illustrated the countries' rapidly growing defense ties — ties that may translate into arms sales, particularly of India's domestically developed weapons.In January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited New Delhi and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-25/india-hosts-egypt-s-sisi-as-it-looks-to-increase-defense-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discussed</a> "defense platforms" and "equipment-related linkages" and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-egypt-will-seek-deepen-military-co-operation-foreign-secretary-2023-01-25/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deepening cooperation</a> between their militaries and defense industries.In June, Modi visited Egypt, the first visit to Cairo by an Indian leader <a href="https://www.newarab.com/analysis/why-india-and-egypt-are-forging-new-strategic-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">since 1997</a>, where the two leaders decided to boost cooperation in several fields, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-meets-egypt-s-sisi-to-deepen-bilateral-ties-101687718543603.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including security and technology</a>. During Modi's visit, a former Indian Air Force chief <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-egypt-can-cooperate-in-field-of-military-rd-manufacturing-former-iaf-chief-on-pm-modis-state-visit/articleshow/101245090.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Indian media</a> that the countries were eager to cooperate on military research, development, and manufacturing.<div type="image" title="Egypt air force fighter jet India tanker refueling" height="1000" width="1500" msid="104092854" hostid="261" sizebytes="39568"></div>"There is a very significant possibility of exporting weapon systems, sensors and platforms and also supporting Egypt" in its efforts to "building up their own industrial complex," the former air force chief was quoted as saying, noting their "commonalities of equipment, and thinking."There have been reports that India is interested in <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/02/14/hal-pushing-for-lca-tejas-deal-with-malaysia-argentina-and-egypt-show-interest.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selling Egypt about 20</a> its Tejas light multi-role combat jets and in setting up production lines for that aircraft and for Indian-made helicopters in Egypt.In February, the chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which makes the Tejas, <a href="https://www.egyptdefenceexpo.com/news/hal-egypt-tejas-aircraft-contract-works" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the company was in talks to supply 35 Tejas Mk-1As to Egypt alongside a complete technology transfer that would enable Cairo to build the aircraft locally. (Egypt and India collaborated on development of the Helwan HA-300 light supersonic interceptor in the 1960s, but that project was ultimately canceled.)India has also shown interest in exporting its domestically developed Akash medium-range air-defense system and the BrahMos cruise missile to a number of countries, <a href="https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/02/egypt-india-russia-made-brahmos-missile-system-weapons.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">including Egypt</a>. Brahmos is a joint Indian-Russian venture and officials are now <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-russia-joint-venture-hopes-5-bln-supersonic-missile-exports-by-2025-2022-10-18/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">angling for billions</a> in foreign sales of it.<h2>Cashing in on the value market</h2><div type="image" title="India Narendra Modi helicopter factory" height="1157" width="2000" msid="104092855" hostid="261" sizebytes="138288"></div>While some of these deals could undoubtedly boost India's defense exports, it is still early days. After all, Indian defense exports in recent years were negligible compared to heavyweights like the US and France, and New Delhi remains heavily reliant on imports.In the coming years, India could carve out a sizable place for itself in the <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2022/05/helping-india-replace-russia-in-the-value-arms-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">growing market for "value arms,"</a> which caters to countries looking for a better deal on older or slightly less capable hardware.With a bigger share of that market, India could replace Russia and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-arms-sales-may-get-boost-from-russia-war-ukraine-2023-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete with China</a> for exports, profits from which would also help Indian firms develop indigenously made equipment to fulfill domestic requirements.While selling arms to Armenia may eventually be seen as the start of the Make in India initiative's ambitious effort to take New Delhi from the being the world's largest arms importer to a significant exporter, making that transformation is much easier said than done.Securing even bigger deals with Egypt and other countries, and sweetening the pot with technology transfers and other incentives, might get that effort farther off the ground, helping India stand out in a crowded marketplace.Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history. His articles have appeared in a variety of publications focused on the region.

India is a growing defense powerhouse, and now it's looking to cash in on it

<ul><li>India’s <keyword id="9490244" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defense-exports" source="Orion">defense exports</keyword> hit ₹13,000 crore during the fiscal year 2021-22.</li><li>50% of India’s defense exports from 2017 to 2021 were to Myanmar, followed by Sri Lanka at 25%.</li><li>Defence Ministry is gearing up to launch 75 products in the domains of unmanned, robotics systems, intelligent monitoring systems, and more.</li></ul>India's efforts to become self-reliant in the defense sector are showing positive signs. During the fiscal year 2021-2022, India's defense exports touched a record ₹13,000 crore, said Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. This is an increase of 54.1 percent as compared to the financial year 2020-21. The private sector accounted for 70 percent of the total exports, while the public sector companies did only 30 percent of the exports. In addition, Defence Ministry said the US was the principal buyer, following nations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and West Asia. The defense official said India exports <keyword id="214289" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="military-hardware" source="Orion">military hardware</keyword>, including advanced light helicopters, missiles, offshore patrol vessels, surveillance systems, personal protective gear, and various radars. Besides this, light combat aircraft, air-to-air missiles, sonars, and Akash surface-to-air missile systems hold export potential for India. In January, India signed a $374.96-million deal with the Philippines to supply three batteries for the BrahMos cruise missile. This deal emerged as the biggest defense export order for India. Sources said the majority of India’s defense export is in the aerospace sector, in which Indian companies have been manufacturing fuselage for foreign companies. For example, all fuselages of the American helicopter Apache sold worldwide are made in India and developed by a joint venture between Tata and Boeing. Similarly, Lohia Group and Adani Defence are making fuselages for Israeli drones. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="₹35,000 crore export in next five years" comment="subhead" text="₹35,000 crore export in next five years">₹35,000 crore export in next five years</cmsannotation> Back in 2020, Prime minister Narendra Modi's government had set a target of ₹35,000 crore export in the aerospace sector and defense services and goods in the next five years. In addition, over 100 products are in the pipeline, including infrastructure to process and store data for classified applications of AI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-to-safe-my-smartphone-from-security-threats-and-data-leaks-in-2022/articleshow/92848396.cms">Five apps to keep your smartphone safe from security threats and data leaks in 2022</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/cios-may-be-the-answer-to-the-data-problem-in-esg-implementation/articleshow/92844908.cms">CIOs may be the answer to the data problem in ESG implementation</a>

India's defense exports surge to ₹13,000 crore — private companies beat govt

<ul><li>US President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> finalised two arms deals worth $3 billion today with India today.</li><li>One is for six Apache attack helicopters worth $800 million and the other is for 24 MH-60 Romeo anti-submarine warfare helicopters worth $2.6 billion.</li><li>However, he made no mention of NASAMS-III, an anti-missile air defence for New Delhi.</li></ul>The US and India just signed three key pacts and a $3 billion arms deal. The Indian Armed Forces will be acquiring six Apache attack helicopters worth $800 million and 24 MH-60 Romeo anti-submarine warfare helicopters worth $2.6 billion from the US. "Earlier today we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than $3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache and MH-60 <keyword id="8829778" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="romeo-helicopters">Romeo helicopters</keyword> — finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities," said US President Donald Trump during a joint statement today afternoon. Defence has always been a significant part of the bilateral ties between India and the US. India has the most number of defence exercises with the US. According to Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>, this has led to "unprecedented growth" in the interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations. Modi also announced that the two countries will be using the same approach to cooperate on counter-terrorism and the <keyword id="667205" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="war-on-drugs">war on drugs</keyword>. "A decision has been made to hold agents of terror responsible for their actions. President Trump has also presented a way better our chances in the fight against the drugs and opioid crisis. Drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and organised crime are grave concerns in today’s world. Earlier today, we have settled on a new mechanism to track such activity," said Modi. Things still left undecided It’s still uncertain whether India will buy NASAMS-III — an anti-missile air defence system that acts as an invisible shield over the country’s national capital, New Delhi. In the past, India has expressed concerns over its high cost. There is also uncertainty whether the new US system will be able to communicate with the systems that are already in place including India’s own Akash. "The increasing defence and security ties between the US and India are an integral part of the strategic partnership between the two countries." Sources told <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-us-to-outline-pacific-plan-today/articleshow/74293928.cms">ET</a> a new Indian Ocean Cooperation and Training exercise — based on the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise — may also be announced. India is a market and the US wants to strike a bargain Between 2013 to 2017, arms imports from the US to India grew by over 550% according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-arms-imports-from-us-up-by-550-report/article23166097.ece">SIPRI</a>). India was one of the top five military spenders in 2018 and the US recognises it as a big market. The Trump administration continues to heavily promote the sale of defence systems to India. Today too, Trump made it clear that the US makes the best weapons in the world. "We make the greatest weapons ever made: planes, missiles, rockets, ships. We make the best. And we're dealing now with India. But this includes advanced air defence systems and armed and unarmed aerial vehicles," he said. Neelam Deo, the director and co-founder of <a href="https://www.gatewayhouse.in/trumps-visit/">Gateway House</a>, believes India needs the technology. The armed forces are in dire need of modernisation that the domestic arms industry isn’t able to keep up. However, more arms deals aren’t necessarily the ideal solution for the domestic defence industry. Instead, it would benefit the Indian market more if the US could share its expertise instead for India to build more arms technology indigenously. The Indo-US relationship is also integral to the concept of the Indo-Pacific. The quadrilateral grouping of US, Japan, India and Australia hit a new high last year when it was upgraded to a ministerial-level last year. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/news/narendra-modi-and-president-donald-trump-india-visit-joint-conference-detailed-transcript/articleshow/74298096.cms">Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump announce 'comprehensive global strategic partnership' in a joint conference</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/from-army-helicopters-to-trade-deal-donald-trumps-holding-out-carrots-for-india/articleshow/74286418.cms">From army helicopters to trade deal — Donald Trump's holding out carrots for India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/full-text-of-donald-trumps-speech-at-ahmedabads-motera-stadium/articleshow/74278783.cms">Namaste Trump: Full text of Donald Trump's speech at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium</a>

India's $3 billion defence deal with the US — everything we know so far

New Delhi, Dec 5 () The defence ministry on Thursday said it has signed more than 180 contracts worth over Rs 1.96 lakh crore with the Indian industry since 2014.
 In a statement, the ministry also released some details of a number of major defence contracts signed in the last five years.
 The statement by the ministry came in the wake of criticism that 'Make in India' in defence sector has not been successful as envisaged by the government.
 The ministry said a contract worth Rs 45,000 crore was signed in 2015 with Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) to manufacture frigates for the Indian Navy under Project P-17A.
 Another project to build two frigates at a cost of Rs 14,100 crore was finalised with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in October 2018.
 It said contracts for manufacture of 41 advanced light helicopters (ALH) for Indian Air Force and 32 ALH for Indian Navy have been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2017 at a combined value of Rs 14,100 crore.
 "This is in addition to procurement of 14 Dornier 228 aircraft from HAL at a cost Rs 1,100 crore under a contract signed in February 2015," the ministry said.
 It said seven squadrons of Akash Missile system are being procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at a cost of Rs 6,300 crore. Separately, an Integrated Advanced Command and Control System is being procured under a Rs 7,900-crore contract.
 The ministry said the Ordnance Factory Board has been tasked with supplying 464 T-90S/SK tanks worth Rs 19,100 crore for which indent has been placed last month.
 "Also 100 155x52mm calibre self-propelled guns are being procured under the 'Make in India' initiative from Ms/ L&amp;T at a cost of Rs 4,300 crore," the ministry said.
 It said the three services have also placed a number of contracts with the private sector vendors.
 The ministry said 44 projects have been given approval.
 It said the process to acquire 114 fighter jets for the IAF and to procure a batch of naval utility helicopter is moving forward. MPB SMN

Defence Ministry says it signed contracts worth Rs 1.96 lakh crore with Indian firms since 2014

India's military might and rich cultural diversity were in full display during the dazzling 68th <keyword id="6416557" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Republic-day">Republic Day</keyword> celebrations in the national capital which had Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the Chief Guest. 
 
Light rains and overcast skies failed to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators who witnessed the nearly one-and-half hour-long parade that marched down the majestic Rajpath, India's ceremonial boulevard, amid unprecedented security cover. 
 
 major highlight of the parade was 149-member marching contingent from UAE comprising personnel from Presidential Guards, the Air Force, the Navy and Army. They were led by a band comprising 35 musicians from that country. 
 Al Nahyan, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, was seated next to Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> who wore a pink color 'safa' (turban). The two leaders were seen sharing some light moments. 
 
 For the first time a contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG), popularly known as the Black Cat Commandos, was part of the march past. 
 
The parade also saw the fly-past of three LCA Tejas Aircraft flying at a height of 300 metres in 'Vic' formation and the Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&amp;C) developed by DRDO. 
 
 The Indian Army's missile firing capability T-90 'Bhishma' tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Weapon Locating Raddar 'Swathi' and Akash Weapons System and Dhanush Gun System were among the main draw in the mechanised columns. 
 Alongside the Crown Prince, the ceremonial parade was watched by Vice President <keyword id="6491214" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hamid-Ansari">Hamid Ansari</keyword>, former Prime Minister <keyword id="6359397" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manmohan-Singh">Manmohan Singh</keyword>, Congress chief <keyword id="689" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonia-Gandhi">Sonia Gandhi</keyword> and the country's top political and military brass, besides the diplomatic community. 
 
Tableaux from 17 states and Union Territories and six central ministries and departments showcased the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of the country. Goods and Services Tax (GST) was the the theme of the tableau of Central Board of Excise and Customs. 
 
21 of the 25 children who won the National Bravery Award also participated in the parade. Four children have received the award posthumously. 
 
 The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force which displayed various formations like 'Chakra' and 'Vic' leaving the spectators spell-bound. The 'Hercules' formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft also drew loud cheers. 
 The theme of IAF tableau was "Air Dominance Through Network Centric Operations" and it displayed the scaled down models of Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, AWACS, UAV, Apache and Communication <keyword id="6358065" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Satellite">Satellite</keyword>. 
 
 The Indian Navy's tableau showcased the lethal Marine Commandos proceeding for action, the indigenously built Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class next generation attack submarines. It also showcased a model of the P-8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft. 
 
As per tradition, after unfurling the National Flag, the National Anthem was played followed by a 21 gun salute. 
 
Read more at: 
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/56792712.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst

Here's how India celebrated its 68th Republic Day

Since the launch of ‘<keyword id="6354869" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-India">Make in India</keyword>’ program, considerable thrust has been given to <keyword id="2377476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-manufacturing">defence manufacturing</keyword>. Transformation from being one of the largest importers of arms into a credible defence equipment manufacturer takes a lot. 
 
Country’s defence spending is expected to go beyond USD 600 billion by 2022 and every private company indulged into defence manufacturing wants a pie of that, especially when USD 150 billion of contracts are there to be awarded within a few years. 
 
Current scenario of Imports: 
 
 
 
 
Some of the Indian Companies in Defence Sector: 
· Mazagon Dock Ltd 
· Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd 
· Mahindra Defence Systems with Bae Systems &amp; Seabird Aviation (Private Player) 
· Rolta ( A Private Player) 
· Tata Advanced Systems with Boeing,Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation &amp; Israeli Aerospace Industries 
· Ashok Leyland ( Private Player) 
· Bharat Dynamics Ltd 
· Bharat Earth Movers Ltd 
· Bharat Electronics Ltd ( BEL) 
· Bharat Forge 
· Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) 
· Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers Ltd 
· Goa Shipyard Ltd 
· HCL with Boeing &amp; Circore Aerospace Inc (Private Player) 
· Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd ( HAL) 
· Reliance Defence 
 
Defence Manufacturing, Exports and its future: 
 
Indian exports are negligible when it comes to the total market share on a global level. India has exported defence equipment to 22 countries over last one year, including UK, US, Israel and Russia. India exported forging equipment, electronic assemblies, flight panel controls to the US. 
 
India exported transmitting tubes to UK and MIG &amp; Sukhoi 30 aircraft spares and services to Russia. India’s major exports included Cheetal helicopters to Afghanistan, Dhruv helicopters and bulletproof jackets to Nepal, Sukhoi avionics and MIG spares to Malaysia, offshore petrol vessels and ammunition to Mauritius and Jaguar aircrafts and spares to Oman. 
 
Indian private players are looking for foreign partners as the foreign direct investment in defence sector is pushed up to 49%. Reliance defence had signed a manufacturing and maintenance deal potentially worth $6 billion with Russia's Almaz-Antey, the maker of an air defence system. Apart from the Akash air defence system, the government had cleared the purchase of five S-400 air defence systems that are estimated to cost about $4.5 billion. 
 
Similarly kalyani group tied up with Rafael of Israel to make Spike Anti-tank missiles for the Indian military. 
 
Indian private players are still far away from accessing the key sensitive technologies related to fighter aircrafts and nuclear submarines however they are approaching fast by the virtue of transfer of technology and domestic manufacturing set-up under the make in India program. What must is to invest heavily in R&amp;D facilities along with the collaboration of key government institutions like DRDO with the private partners. Incoming demands for defence equipment is heavy and it should only be fulfilled by boosting the manufacturing process along with minimum government interference and a feasible policy framework. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

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