<ul><li>Defence minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> announced that India and South Korea may be singing some new deals during the <keyword id="8154465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="DefExpo-2020">DefExpo 2020</keyword>. </li><li>He also emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and its military applications. </li><li>Hanwha Defence, one of the South Korean companies which will present at DefExpo 2020, plans to bag $2.5 billion in new deals.</li></ul>Defence minister Rajnath Singh hinted that India and South Korea may partner to develop AI-enabled military technology at the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020</a>. The expo is set to kick off tomorrow in Lucknow. Although he didn't mention what expertise will be exchanged, he claims that the agreement will "leverage mutual strengths and digital application and other advanced technologies." <div type="twitter" handle="rajnathsingh" handlename="Rajnath Singh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1135878027466817536/3CgrOBQw_normal.png" favoritecount="1027" retweetcount="145" status="We recognise the influence of Artifical Intelligence and digital technology in defence sector. The theme of DefExpo… https://t.co/ecdxT2plr2" createdat="1580798123000" id="1224582202937102337"></div>

 Singh met with South Korea's defence minister, Jeong Kyeongdoo-Doo in New Delhi earlier today. The countries exchanged a list of possible areas for defence cooperation. At the time of writing this article, the Korea Defence Industry Association, <keyword id="714632" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Korea-Aerospace-Industries">Korea Aerospace Industries</keyword> and Hanwha are the three South Korea defence manufacturers confirmed at the 5-day event. However, <a href="http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=40691">Business Korea</a> claims that ten companies, including LIF Nex1, will be present at the DefExpo. <div type="twitter" handle="rajnathsingh" handlename="Rajnath Singh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1135878027466817536/3CgrOBQw_normal.png" favoritecount="889" retweetcount="144" status="I look forward to investment by RoK companies in Indian defence corridors. The Defence Corridors present excellent… https://t.co/sBiWozh67G" createdat="1580798077000" id="1224582008661168129"></div>

 "The outlook for Korea's defence industry has been murky for immediate and long-term. The Indian deal can be an impetus," a South Korean industry official told <a href="https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?year=2020&amp;no=40999">Pulse News</a>. For South Korea, India is the world's second-largest buyer of weapons having spent $13.9 billion in 2018 — and the DefExpo 2020 is the perfect opportunity for them to try and crack that shell. Not only is the expo the biggest defence industry event in Asia, but it's also the biggest one for India till date. <div type="image" title="rajnath1" msid="73933669" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh meets South Korea&amp;#39;s defnce minister Jeong Kyeongdoo-Doo in New Delhi on Tuesday&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 Hanwha aiming for $2.5 billion Currently, Hanwha collaborates with Larsen &amp; Toubro and the Indian Army to produce the K9 Vajra-T. As much as 80% of the tank is manufactured and produced in India. According to <a href="https://indiandefenceindustries.in/index.php/interview-hanwha-defexpo">Indian Defence Industries</a>, Hanwha is looking to more opportunities for collaboration — especially in ammunition and defence electronics. At DefExpo, Hanwha's main attraction will be its self-propelled Air Defence Gun Missile System along with other products like artillery systems K9/K10 and the K200 armoured personnel carrier. "We are planning to showcase Hybrid Biho at the exhibition for the first time to impress the Indian army officials," a <keyword id="8716513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="hanwha-defense">Hanwha Defense</keyword> official told <a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/01/693_281858.html">Korea Times</a>. "We hope it gets recognition for its excellent quality and brings a positive effect to the delayed contract process," he said. According to the local publication, the Korean defence giant is aiming to bag deals worth $2.5 billion at the exhibition. KAI is looking to the Indian Air Force Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is also looking to bag some new deals at the DefExpo 2020. It plans on putting its KT-1 basic training aircraft center stage in hopes of wooing the Indian Air Force. "Currently, the Indian air force is changing its basic trainers and we want to supply our planes there," a KAI official told <a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/01/693_281858.html">Korea Times</a>. "We will showcase the FA-05, a light attack aircraft, and Korean Utility Helicopter named Surion too, but the KT-1 will be our main item at DefExpo 2020," he added. South Korean companies won't be the only ones competing for attention from the Armed Forces. The exhibition will feature international majors like Airbus, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin and Thales. This will also be the first DefExpo to host an India-Africa Summit. Overall, there will be over 1.000 defence firms from over 40 countries present at the DefExpo 2020. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India's defence sector for partnerships</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-defence-expenditure-in-2020/articleshow/72822974.cms">India's ready to spend on defence — just not on modernisation</a>

India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020

The single engine Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) got wings at Defexpo-2020 on Friday after Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation's initial operational clearance to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for its production. HAL CMD R. Madhavan received the initial operational clearance certification from G. Sateesh Reddy, Chairman, DRDO, at the 'Bandhan' programme held at the ongoing <keyword id="8154465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="DefExpo-2020">DefExpo 2020</keyword> in the presence of Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and others. The move will help armed forces to replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. HAL will be manufacturing indigenously designed and developed helicopters that will meet the operational requirements of armed forces. "This is a momentous occasion for HAL. It reinforces our commitment towards indigenous R&amp;D programmes on self-reliance and enhancing operational effectiveness of the Indian armed forces. HAL is fully geared to fulfil the requirements of its customers in a time-bound manner," said R Madhavan. Arup Chatterjee, Director, Engineering &amp; R&amp;D, HAL, said the performance of basic configuration of LUH in all terrains and under all weather conditions is satisfactory and that HAL is moving towards the next phase. One LUH Prototype is part of flying display and another is part of static display at the <keyword id="6400946" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="defexpo">DefExpo</keyword> 2020. "Till now three prototypes have been built and cumulatively completed over 550 flights under various terrains and climatic conditions like cold and hot weather, at sea-level and high altitude complying with stringent certification and user requirements," HAL said. HAL said the helicopter's endurance and reliability were established during the hot weather and high-altitude trials wherein LUH was ferried from Bengaluru, covering over 7000 km and continuously flying for 17 days without any abnormality. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/defexpo-2020-will-be-an-opportunity-for-domestic-defence-companies-to-prove-their-might-to-woo-foreign-firms/articleshow/73936870.cms">DefExpo 2020 will be an opportunity for domestic defence companies to prove their might to woo foreign firms</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-will-be-picking-up-ai-enabled-military-tech-from-south-korea-at-the-defexpo-2020/articleshow/73933364.cms">India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India’s defence sector for partnerships</a>

India's indigenous Light Utility Helicopter to meet the requirement of Armed Forces

DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India’s defence sector for partnerships

<ul><li>The DefExpo kicks off tomorrow and it will be teaming with 1,000 companies from 40 countries around the world. </li><li>It will be an opportunity for domestic firms to find international partners to boost their technological capabilities. </li><li>According to Sameer Patil, an international security expert with GatewayHouse, India’s Armed Forces prefer to import equipment because domestic products either don’t meet their requirement or are of inferior quality. </li></ul>As <keyword id="8154465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="DefExpo-2020">DefExpo 2020</keyword> is all set to kick off tomorrow, the many foreign players who will arrive for it, will bank on Indian love for imported equipment. Despite the push for ‘Make in India’, <keyword id="112134" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Armed-Forces">Indian Armed Forces</keyword> prefer to purchase high-quality products from global majors. “The DefExpo 2020 would provide a unique platform for defence industry OEMs, exhibitors and private industry to display their latest innovations and capabilities,” said defence minister <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh">Rajnath Singh</a>. According to him, over 1,000 companies from 40 different countries are scheduled to be present at the five-day event. However, the theme of the event is ‘Digital Transformation of Defence’ — an area where domestic firms don’t excel. “We have defence industrial capacity but our defence industrial capacity is not geared towards high-tech items but low-tech items, which doesn’t require complex expertise,” Sameer Patil, an international security expert with Mumbai-based think tank Gateway House told Business Insider India. An opportunity for foreign players to bag big deals India’s short-term requirements are mostly off-the-shelf items that foreign defence firms are already producing. The Armed Forces don’t favour picking up these items at home because homegrown products normally don’t live up to the hype. “The armed forces are saying that they would prefer imports rather than rely on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop the equipment because sometimes it's of inferior quality and sometimes it doesn’t meet the requirements of the Armed Forces,” explained Patil. For instance, the Navy rejected the Naval Light Combat Aircraft — or Tejas — developed by the DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) because it was ‘overweight’. It’s size made it difficult to operate the aircraft from a carrier. However, the Tejas took nearly four decades to make in India. Regardless of the rejection, HAL is pursuing the project. The government’s military equipment manufacturing arm also saw tough times when the Dhruv helicopter crash instigated return-and-refund requests from Ecuador and the Maldives. The Navy also wanted an upgrade over the Dhruv helicopter. It applied to buy new naval utility helicopters with foldable rotor blades. However, HAL <a href="https://www.defencenews.in/article/MoD-expert-rejects-foreign-helicopter,-HAL-says-Dhruv-is-suitable-808920">argued</a> that its own design was robust enough and that it could develop foldable blades on its own over the next two to three years. An opportunity for domestic firms to tie up with foreign players When HAL first partnered with United Aircraft Corporation to manufacture the Sukhoi Su-57, the government expected a transfer of technology. “But because there was no planning or management culture in defence at that time, no one bothered to absorb those technical skills,” explained Patil. However, history is trying to correct itself. Tata, for example, already has a tie-up with Lockheed Martin to build F-16 wings and the F-21 fighter jet. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Larsen &amp; Toubro (L&amp;T) have also signed a pact to develop and manufacture defence products. “Because the private sector is more efficient, there is an expectation that they will absorb those tech skills. Given a chance, they can come up with indigenous equipment,” said Patil. However, defence indigenisation doesn’t happen overnight. According to Patil, it takes at least two decades to get the ball rolling and see visible results. Its realisation will mean catering to India’s medium and long term requirements for weaponry that isn’t available off the shelf — like robotic technologies. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India’s defence sector for partnerships</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-will-be-picking-up-ai-enabled-military-tech-from-south-korea-at-the-defexpo-2020/articleshow/73933364.cms">India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020</a>

DefExpo 2020 will be an opportunity for domestic defence companies to prove their might to woo foreign firms

The <keyword id="8154465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="DefExpo-2020">DefExpo 2020</keyword> will be hosted in Lucknow for the very first time and the city is going all-out to prepare for the big exhibition. During the event, the government plans to woo over 40 countries who have confirmed their attendance. Aside from Indian Armed Forced hosting live demonstrations and having their security systems on display, India’s Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> is hoping for “mutually beneficial” partnerships with friendly countries. More than 1,000 stakeholders are expected to be present at the DefExpo 2020, and Singh’s intention to get them to help India achieve its target $26 billion in turnover from aerospace and defence by 2025. Foreign players, on the other hand, are also trying to woo the Indian government for partnerships. Here’s what they have planned for the <keyword id="8458730" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-Expo-2020">Defence Expo 2020</keyword>:

(Eds: Recasts overnight story) Lucknow, Feb 5 () With the aim to showcase India's potential as a global defence manufacturing hub, the biennial DefExpo will kickstart in Lucknow on Wednesday.The 11th edition of DefExpo promises to bring new technologies and solutions on a single platform for defence manufacturing firms from India and abroad. The main theme of the Expo is 'India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub' and the focus will be on 'Digital Transformation of Defence'.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the event, which will be followed by a live demonstration of naval systems, aero systems and land systems.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said delegates from 70 countries and 172 foreign military manufacturers will attend the five-day mega exhibition. As many as 856 Indian defence firms will also showcase their products."We want to make India a hub of defence manufacturing. The DefExpo is a step in this direction," Singh said.Reflecting on the government's focus on 'Make in India', the DefExpo 2020 would offer an opportunity for the Indian defence industry to showcase its capabilities and promote its export potential.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government has been encouraging defence manufacturing in the state. He said two Dornier aircraft of aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be used by the state government for civil purposes on two routes.It will be for the first time that the 19-seater aircraft will be used by a state government for civilian purposes.Ministers from over 40 countries will take part in this edition of DefExpo, making it an important opportunity for countries to further strengthen defence ties with India, the defence minister said.The fifth India-Russia Military Industry Conference will also be held on the sidelines of DefExpo with over 100 Russian and over 200 Indian industry leaders expected to participate. MPB NAV SMI ASK RDM ABHABH

DefExpo to focus on showcasing India's potential to become manufacturing hub

Lucknow, Feb 6 () Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India and the US were moving towards a collaborative approach in the defence sector from the traditional 'buyer-seller' arrangement and asserted that this relationship could become the "biggest collaboration of this century".Speaking at an event at the DefExpo-2020, Singh also referred to several key agreements signed during the "2+2 Dialogue" he had held with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper in December.During the Dialogue, India and the US signed an industrial security agreement that will allow the transfer of defence technology."The Indo-US relationship will move towards collaboration approach from the traditional 'buyer-seller'. I am confident this relationship will be more dynamic and vibrant in the future," the defence minister said."The US is one of the largest defence exporters for India and the world. At the same time, the defence manufacturing sector in India is growing at a rapid pace. In such a situation, our collaboration can prove to be the biggest collaboration of this century," Singh said.Assuring investors that the government is reforming the defence sector and would continue to do so, he urged them to take the maximum advantage of the reforms and invest in India.He appreciated the US-India Business Council for its role in improving the bilateral trade ties.Vising the UP pavilion at the DefExpo, he said the investment opportunities would increase in the state with the establishment of a defence corridor.The five-day expo was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.It is being attended by 38 defence ministers and top executives of 172 foreign defence majors and 856 Indian companies. ABN SMI ABHABHABH

US, India moving towards collaboration in defence: Rajnath

Lucknow, Feb 7 () The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the Initial Operational Clearance for production of the Light Utility Helicopter, which is set to replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of the Indian armed forces, the company said on Friday. R Madhavan, CMD, HAL, received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) document from G Sateesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R &amp; D, and Chairman, DRDO, at the Bandhan programme held during the ongoing DefExpo 2020 here on Friday, a statement issued by the HAL said. The document was handed over in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and others, it added. Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a single-engine, lightweight and highly agile three-ton utility helicopter, indigenously designed and developed to meet the operational requirements of the Army and the Indian Air Force. The LUH will soon replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. Madhavan said the development was a momentous occasion for the HAL. "It reinforces our commitment towards indigenous R&amp;D programmes on self-reliance and enhancing operational effectiveness of the Indian armed forces. The HAL is fully geared up to fulfil the requirements of its customers in a time-bound manner," he said. Arup Chatterjee, Director, Engineering and R&amp;D, HAL, said the performance of basic configuration of the LUH in all terrains and under all weather conditions was satisfactory. "The HAL is moving towards the next phase of integrating and flight testing of mission and role equipment on the LUH," he said. The statement said one LUH prototype is part of flying display and another is part of static display at the DefExpo 2020. Three prototypes have been built and cumulatively completed over 550 flights under various terrains and climatic conditions like cold weather, hot weather, sea-level and high-altitude, complying to stringent certification and user requirements, it said. The LUH's endurance and reliability was established during the hot weather and high-altitude trials where it was ferried from Bengaluru, covering over 7,000-km distance and continuously flying for 17 days without any abnormalities, the statement said. NAV AQS

HAL says received IOC for Light Utility Helicopter

Lucknow, Feb 6 () HAL on Thursday received the modification document from the Director General of Civil Aviation for its Dornier-228 civil aircraft after reducing its gross weight below 5,700 kg.The document was handed over to the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd by Joint DG of the DGCA, G Rajshekhar, during the ongoing DefExpo-2020 in Lucknow.Two civil Do-228 aircraft were produced by the aeronautical agency for launch under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN. But to meet the prospective operator's requirement of a transport aircraft flyable under Commercial Pilot Licence, their maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) had to be reduced from 6,200kg. HAL undertook efforts to reduce the weight below 5,700 kg, the agency said in a statement.Apart from that, HAL Do-228-201 (Upgraded) civil aircraft will also be equipped with a digital cockpit to ensure more accurate readings, precise information and ergonomic data displays with feedback loops and capability for self-check to alert pilot in emergencies, according to the statement.The glass cockpit architecture-enabled aircraft will be the most sought-after "new age aviation technology", it added.Also, the incorporation of civil-certified turboprop minus 10 engine ensures more reliable torque sensing system, higher component life, lighter in weight and higher time between overhaul as compared to previous minus 5 engine.The integration of the five blade propeller to the aircraft will significantly reduce the noise levels, aid faster engine start, less lubrication and better damping characteristics, HAL said.The five-day DefExpo, that began on Wednesday, is being attended by 38 defence ministers and top executives of 172 foreign defence majors and 856 Indian companies.The main theme of the biennial exhibition of military platforms and weapons is 'India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub' and the focus is on 'Digital Transformation of Defence'. ABN SMI ABHABH

HAL gets modification document from DGCA for upgraded Dornier-228 civil aircraft

Lucknow, Feb 6 () Airbus India and Adani Defence signed an agreement on Thursday to leverage synergies in aerospace and aircraft services, a fast-growing sector that is estimated to generate annual business worth USD 6.3 billion in the country by 2025. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Anand Stanley, president and managing director of Airbus India and South Asia, and Ashish Rajvanshi, the head of Adani Defence and Aerospace. Airbus and Adani Defence will explore opportunities for collaboration in the area of aircraft services for Indian and South Asian market, the Airbus said after signing of the pact at the DefExpo2020 in Lucknow. Airbus' global services forecast envisages the Indian aircraft services market to grow to USD 6.3 billion by 2025. "Airbus is not only the world's leading civil aviation company, but also a major innovator and provider of aircraft services. This MoU demonstrates our commitment to support the development of India as a world-class services hub for aerospace products," Stanley said. With Adani's recent foray into airports, this potential collaboration will leverage the synergies between the product and services excellence of Airbus and infrastructure, engineering and mega-project execution capabilities of Adani, the Airbus said. "India is at the cusp of transformational growth in aircraft services market," Rajvanshi said. "Our collaboration with Airbus is aligned to our vision of nation building and to indigenise critical technologies and services, thus creating a vibrant ecosystem in aerospace capabilities in India." The Airbus showcased its best-in-class military products and cutting-edge defence technologies at the expo. Models of the highly-versatile C295 aircraft, as well as the H145M and the H225M helicopters, were among its top exhibits. MPBHMB

Airbus, Adani Defence join hands to explore aircraft services market

Lucknow, Feb 7 () French defence firm Thales and Kanpur-based defence manufacturer MKU announced on Friday that they will jointly develop ELFIE night vision devices (NVD) for the armed forces in India and across the world.With this, both companies have further solidified a MoU signed in 2018 for strategic co-operation on developing optronic devices. This co-operation involves co-development of these devices at MKU's facility in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a joint statement issued by the companies on the sidelines of DefExpo 2020 here said.A lightweight monocular with the widest field of view, ELFIE provides unprecedented mobility and night combat capability, the statement said. Whether hands-free (on a face mask or helmet mount) or weapon-mounted, ELFIE is suitable for left or right eye use and provides stereoscopic vision in binocular configuration, it added.ELFIE is ideal for vehicle-driving and for paratroopers and special forces operators. When mounted on a weapon, it provides a red dot sight or laser pointer to the user, the statement said.The integration of the first pre-series of ELFIE at MKU's facility in Kanpur is expected to be completed in the first trimester of 2020. A true model of the made in India ELFIE night vision device is expected to be available in the first trimester of 2021, it said.Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president, International Development, Thales, said, "We are enthusiastic about taking our strategic association forward with MKU with the co-development of ELFIE. This embodies the government's Make in India initiative. Coming up in the Defence Industrial Corridor of Uttar Pradesh, this versatile night vision device will be offered to the armed forces in India as well as across the world. Together with MKU, we look forward to strengthening the industrial ecosystem while also contributing towards job creation in the country."Neeraj Gupta, managing director, MKU Limited, said, "We are delighted about this partnership with a global technology leader like Thales. This association will combine Thales expertise with the manufacturing abilities of MKU and boost local manufacturing for the defence industry. We will develop the entire supply chain and the devices will be manufactured to exacting international standards." NAV IJT

Thales, MKU to co-develop night vision device for armed forces in Kanpur

<ul><li>Indian <keyword id="6366153" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-minister">Defence Minister</keyword> Rajnath Singh is on his way to the Russia-India-China (RIC) meeting. </li><li>He is reportedly going ask for a rush delivery of the S-400 anti-missile system amid tensions with China. </li><li>Here’s why India’s in such a rush to get the S-400 anti-missile system — other than the fact that China already has it. </li></ul>India’s Defence Minister — Rajnath Singh — is reportedly on his way to Russia to convince them to rush delivery of the $5.2 billion S-400 anti-missile system amid tensions with China. The kicker is that China already has this system. In fact, it was the first foreign buyer to make a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014. By <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/russia-is-reportedly-shipping-its-advanced-s-400-anti-aircraft-missile-system-to-china/articleshow/62572983.cms">August 2018</a>, they had the S-400 anti-missile system in place and conducted its first test firing, according to Russian news agency <a href="https://tass.com/defense/1015016">TASS</a>. <div type="image" title="1024px-96L6E_radar_radar_-_100th_Anniversary_VVS-R_-01" msid="76508765" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;S-400&amp;#39;s long range radar&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The contract between India and Russia was inked on the sidelines of the Indo-Russia annual summit in 2019. The delivery of the first batch of the Triumf-made air defence system was scheduled to reach India by the end of 2021. However, sources told <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/delivery-of-russian-s-400-triumf-air-defence-missile-systems-for-india-not-to-be-hit-by-covid-19/1927888/">FE</a> that the delivery may be delayed to as far as 2025 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Some thought <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/the-next-few-days-are-going-to-stormy-for-india-and-china-says-a-former-diplomat-and-retired-lieutenant-general/articleshow/76438507.cms">India would delay the Russia-India-China (RIC)</a> meet scheduled for June 23 as a diplomatic tactic after the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the border. However, that is no longer the case. Here’s why India wants S-400 anti-missile system, and it wants it soon: <ol><li>The S-400’s anti-missile system’s radar has a range of at least 600 kilometres for surveillance. And, it can track a large number of targets simultaneously.</li><li>It also detects and tracks stealth fighter jets like the F-22 and F-35, which are a part of China’s arsenal.</li><li>Its missiles can aim for a target up to <a href="https://tass.com/defense/1026630">400 kilometres away</a>. </li><li>During China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) test, it shot down a ‘<a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/china-successfully-tests-russias-s-400-missile-air-defence-system/articleshow/67267551.cms?from=mdr">simulated ballistic target</a>’ that was 250 kilometres away.</li><li>It’s a one-size-fits-all missile system that can be configured to long-range, semi long-range, medium-range and short-range systems depending on an individual’s preference.</li><li>According to experts, this will help India form an interlocking grid of missiles to cover all its bases.</li><li>It’s cheaper to operate than other air defence systems. It reportedly costs <a href="https://www.stimson.org/wp-content/files/file-attachments/Theater_1.pdf">$400 million per fire unit</a>. This includes 9 launchers, 120 missiles, command and support vehicles.</li><li>The S-400 anti-missile system won’t only be deployed in the National Capital Region but also along the <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/india-likely-to-clinch-the-s-400-triumf-deal/1334359/">Mumbai-Baroda Industrial Corridor</a>. </li></ol>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/not-only-india-hong-kong-taiwan-vietnam-and-japan-also-facing-chinese-army-aggression-on-border-issue/slidelist/76418800.cms">China’s aggression isn’t only aimed at India — but at least four other countries in the region</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/foreign-policy/news/three-reasons-why-china-showed-aggression-against-india-on-border-according-to-a-former-diplomat/articleshow/76462632.cms">China wants India to stay in its lane — three reasons why China is puffing its chest, according to a former diplomat</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-will-be-picking-up-ai-enabled-military-tech-from-south-korea-at-the-defexpo-2020/articleshow/73933364.cms">India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020</a>

India wants to rush delivery of S-400 anti-missile system — here’s why it doesn’t want any delays

Lucknow, Feb 7 () US defence giant Lockheed Martin on Friday inked an agreement with the state-run Bharat Electronics Limited to explore opportunities in the F-21 fighter jet programme. Lockheed Martin has exclusively offered its F-21 military aircraft to India, with an eye to bag the Indian Air Force's USD 18 billion dollar deal to procure 114 jets. "Lockheed Martin signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to explore industrial opportunities in the F-21 programme today at DefExpo 2020," the company said in a statement. Lockheed Martin said it is strengthening and growing its partnerships with the Indian industry to support the company's F-21 proposal for the IAF. "We are excited to begin exploring F-21 opportunities with BEL, one of India's leading aerospace and defence companies," said Dr Vivek Lall, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. He said if India goes for F-21, then it will be plugging into the world's largest fighter plane ecosystem. "An F-21 partnership with India integrates Indian industry, including BEL, into the world's largest and most successful fighter aircraft ecosystem and demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to India," Lall said. In April last year, the IAF issued an RFI (Request for Information) or initial tender to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around USD 18 billion, which is billed as one of the world's biggest military procurement in recent years. The top contenders for the deal include Lockheed's F-21, Boeing's F/A-18, Dassault Aviation's Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Russian aircraft MiG 35 and Saab's Gripen. "We are happy to collaborate with Lockheed Martin which is a global major in the aerospace sector. We are eagerly looking forward to cash in on this co-operation to address domestic and international market needs in this sector," said Anandi Ramalingam, Director (Marketing), BEL. Lockheed Martin has projected F-21 as the ideal aircraft to address the IAF's capability needs and deliver unparalleled industrial opportunities in India. It said the single-engine F-jet will have the most optimal life cycle cost for the Indian Air Force, besides ensuring longest service life of 12,000 flight hours. "In concert with India's Rafale and Tejas, the F-21 will fill a critical operational role for the Indian Air Force," the company said. It said the F-21 programme will also provide unmatched opportunities for Indian companies of all sizes, including micro, small &amp; medium enterprises (MSMEs) and suppliers throughout India, to establish new business relationships with Lockheed Martin. MPB SMN

Lockheed Martin inks pact with BEL to explore opportunities in F-21 fighter jet programme

<ul><li>Tesla CEO <keyword id="6355315" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk">Elon Musk</keyword> is inviting coders and engineers to participate in the hackathon or the ‘AI party’ at his place. </li><li>The event is expected to take place in four weeks from now. </li><li>And all it actually needs is a deep understanding of <keyword id="107950" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</keyword> and its implementation. "Don’t care if you even graduated high school,” he said. </li></ul>Tesla CEO Elon Musk is opening doors to all AI enthusiasts across the globe to push the pedal on his autonomous driving vehicle plans. The tech billionaire took to Twitter to invite coders and engineers to participate in the hackathon or the ‘AI party’ at his place. The event is expected to take place in four weeks from now. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="elonmusk" handlename="Elon Musk" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1223183340171415552/XQcxk5Zb_normal.jpg" favoritecount="108177" retweetcount="5951" status="Tesla will hold a super fun AI party/hackathon at my house with the Tesla AI/autopilot team in about four weeks. Invitations going out soon." createdat="1580680133000" id="1224087317364854785"></div>



 “This shouldn’t be thought of as USA only,” he added in the tweet. The recruitment drive is set to hire diverse and AI-skilled professionals from all countries — to hire for its offices across the Bay Area, Austin or other Tesla Gigafactories. Skills not degree All it actually needs is a deep understanding of artificial intelligence and its implementation. Clarifying further, Musk also mentioned the eligibility criteria for the hackathon. “PhD is definitely not required. All that matters is a deep understanding of AI and ability to implement NNs in a way that is actually useful (latter point is what’s truly hard). Don’t care if you even graduated high school,” he said. Musk, who is also a critic of AI technology, has been actively talking about AI adoption. He had recently invited people to join Tesla’s Autopilot Test team. This spreads across areas like hardware, autonomy algorithms and neural networks. “Join AI at Tesla! It reports directly to me and we meet/email/text almost every day. My actions, not just words, show how critically I view (benign) AI,” he said stresing how ‘benign’ tasks are also evaluated by him directly. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="elonmusk" handlename="Elon Musk" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1223183340171415552/XQcxk5Zb_normal.jpg" favoritecount="42448" retweetcount="4867" status="“At Tesla, using AI to solve self-driving isn’t just icing on the cake, it the cake” - @lexfridman Join AI at Tes… https://t.co/jQkNAReWlb" createdat="1580669694000" id="1224043531951583233"></div>



 The company is adopting AI for its self driving cars as well. Those hired may be a part of the autopilot project. As of now, the autopilot feature allows the car to navigate within the lane and apply brakes. However, it still requires human intervention. “Tesla will soon have over a million connected vehicles worldwide with sensors and compute needed for full self-driving, which is orders of magnitude more than everyone else combined, giving you the best possible dataset to work with,” Musk tweeted. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-will-be-picking-up-ai-enabled-military-tech-from-south-korea-at-the-defexpo-2020/articleshow/73933364.cms">India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/ai-and-machine-learning-jobs-are-in-demand-but-hiring-is-difficult/articleshow/72879872.cms">Indian CEOs are having a tough time retaining AI, ML, and data science experts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/heres-how-artificial-intelligence-changed-the-way-we-eat-write-drive-and-talk/articleshow/71846412.cms">Here's how artificial intelligence changed the way we eat, write, drive and talk</a>

You Searched For "DefExpo 2020" and got 14 results

India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020

Prabhjote Gill

India's indigenous Light Utility Helicopter to meet the requirement of Armed Forces

IANS

DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India’s defence sector for partnerships

DefExpo 2020 will be an opportunity for domestic defence companies to prove their might to woo foreign firms

Prabhjote Gill

DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India’s defence sector for partnerships

Prabhjote Gill

DefExpo to focus on showcasing India's potential to become manufacturing hub

PTI

US, India moving towards collaboration in defence: Rajnath

PTI

HAL says received IOC for Light Utility Helicopter

PTI

HAL gets modification document from DGCA for upgraded Dornier-228 civil aircraft

PTI

Airbus, Adani Defence join hands to explore aircraft services market

PTI

Thales, MKU to co-develop night vision device for armed forces in Kanpur

PTI

India wants to rush delivery of S-400 anti-missile system — here’s why it doesn’t want any delays

Prabhjote Gill

Lockheed Martin inks pact with BEL to explore opportunities in F-21 fighter jet programme

PTI

Elon Musk invites techies to his 'AI party' — Indian high schoolers can also apply

Prerna Sindwani