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The United States has invested significantly in expanding its strategic partnership with <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> and is pursuing a robust agenda to deepen the bilateral cooperation, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt <keyword id="20428643" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="campbell" source="keywords">Campbell</keyword> has said. Addressing the ongoing India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit in California on Monday, Campbell said successive administrations in Washington and New Delhi have invested time and political capital to bring the partnership to greater heights. "But in the last year, I like to say, our partnership has reached 'escape velocity'," he said. "The United States has invested significantly in expanding our strategic partnership with India, and we are pursuing a robust agenda to deepen cooperation for the rest of the year - not only diplomatically, but also through iCET ( initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology)," Campbell said. The third edition of the two-day INDUS-X summit began on Monday. It is organised by the <keyword id="20263494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="us-india-strategic-and-partnership-forum" source="keywords">US India Strategic and Partnership Forum</keyword> (<keyword id="20252677" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="usispf" source="keywords">USISPF</keyword>) at Stanford University in California. "Our defence establishments, research institutions, private industry, and startups possess a deep bench of talent and mutual thirst for innovation, which is why INDUS-X was designed to create the necessary ecosystem and partnerships for new ideas, research, and development to flourish," the top American diplomat said. Asserting that the two countries are "more closely aligned than ever before" today, Campbell said the US and India have pursued an "ambitious agenda" of summits, joint challenges, and exchanges in over a year since the launch of the INDUS-X. INDUS-X, which stands for enhanced strategic and defence partnership between India and the US, was launched on June 21 last year by the <keyword id="20331010" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="us-department-of-defence" source="keywords">US Department of Defence</keyword> and the <keyword id="22082092" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-ministry-of-defence" source="keywords">Indian Ministry of Defence</keyword> during Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword>'s state visit to Washington, DC. "I expect these efforts will continue, given the deep bonds that tie our countries together and the strategic challenges we both face. INDUS-X is now, and will be, a cornerstone of our continuing efforts to advance the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology - iCET," Campbell said. The iCET was launched by Prime Minister Modi and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the QUAD summit in Tokyo on May 24, 2022. Observing that technological leadership is increasingly at the heart of the strategic competition, Campbell said it is the great differentiator in the US foreign policy approach. "And India is in a very small group of countries with whom we work most intimately on tech. The iCET, which places technology at the very heart of the US-India partnership, has greatly accelerated our strategic cooperation," he said. Talking about the second iCET meeting that took place between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in June, Cambell said it "showed the immense progress we are making across a range of sectors including space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and clean energy". "Deepening defence cooperation is also a key pillar of iCET," said the top American diplomat. "Our work together driving innovation and developing cutting-edge technologies will help us maintain a critical advantage for our armed forces. We've taken unprecedented steps to increase operational coordination, information sharing, and defence industrial cooperation, including co-production," he said. "In fact, we've authorised an unprecedented level of technology transfer as part of the GE engine co-production arrangement, and our two governments have just finalised a Security of Supply Arrangement to reinforce our supply chain resilience," he said. Last year, GE Aerospace and <keyword id="19998363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindustan-aeronautics-limited" source="keywords">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</keyword> (HAL) inked a pact to jointly produce fighter jet engines for the <keyword id="19992067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="keywords">Indian Air Force</keyword>'s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk-II - Tejas. "Under INDUS-X, the US and Indian governments have also announced: awards of USD 1.2 million in seed funding to ten US and Indian companies under Joint IMPACT 1.0 Challenges; our intent to launch two additional joint challenges in other domains, including space; and the launch of a INDUSWERX Testing Consortium of industry, academia, and nonprofit organisations across the US and India to promote our companies' access to testing and experimentation facilities," Campbell said.

US invested significantly in expanding strategic partnership with India: Kurt Campbell

The <keyword id="19905108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-defence" source="keywords">Ministry of Defence</keyword> has sanctioned over Rs 300 crore through its <keyword id="20416767" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="technology-development-fund" source="keywords">Technology Development Fund</keyword> (TDF) to create an ecosystem aimed at enhancing capabilities in cutting-edge technology and promoting '<keyword id="20460685" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aatmanirbharta" source="keywords">Aatmanirbharta</keyword>' in defence, an official statement said on Thursday. The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Defence, executed by <keyword id="19948662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drdo" source="keywords">DRDO</keyword> under the '<keyword id="20018809" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-india" source="keywords">Make in India</keyword>' initiative. Under this initiative, the government provides grants-in-aid to Indian industries, including <keyword id="19910977" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="msmes" source="keywords">MSMEs</keyword> and <keyword id="19945815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="startups" source="keywords">startups</keyword>, as well as academic and scientific institutions, for the development of defence and dual-use technologies that are currently not available in the Indian defence industry. With these initiatives, the Ministry aims to engage private industries, especially MSMEs and startups, to foster a culture of design and development in military technology and support them with grants-in-aid. The TDF seeks to enhance the capacity and capability of Indian industries for the design and development of defence technologies in the country. It aims to create an R&amp;D ecosystem where industry and academia work together to meet the current and future requirements of the Armed Forces and the defence sector. The government aims to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence technology by building a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The <keyword id="19910956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-ministry" source="keywords">Defence Ministry</keyword> on Wednesday highlighted several successful startups benefiting from the scheme. Pune-based startup <keyword id="22281521" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Combat-Robotics" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Combat Robotics" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Combat Robotics">Combat Robotics</keyword>, with the help of the scheme, has successfully developed an innovative simulator for <keyword id="20146841" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="unmanned-vehicles" source="keywords">unmanned vehicles</keyword>. This multi-domain simulator supports unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), serving as an excellent development tool for agencies working on autonomous systems. Another Pune-based defence equipment startup, ChiStats Labs Private Limited, is developing virtual sensors for aero gas turbine engine health monitoring, which helps to increase the operational reliability and longevity of the engines. The system is built on modern artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) technologies. Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., under the project titled 'Autonomous Drone as First Responder for Search and Report Operations in Enclosed/Indoor Environments', has created a cutting-edge UAV capable of exploring indoor environments under various conditions, including zero light. The success of this project will open up various applications, including search and rescue operations, surveillance, industrial inspections, environmental monitoring, and hazardous environment exploration, contributing significantly to technological advancements in unmanned aerial systems, the Ministry added. The technology has been developed under the technical guidance and mentorship of CAIR, Bengaluru.

Defence ministry allocates Rs 300 cr for technology development fund to promote Make in India products

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s <keyword id="19938893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-exports" source="keywords">defence exports</keyword> have surged from Rs 15 billion in 2017 to Rs 210 billion in 2024, registering a CAGR of 46 per cent, highlighted a report on 'Defence Conference 3.0' by Antique Stock Broking. The report stated that the <keyword id="20861069" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-shift" source="keywords">global shift</keyword> towards a China+1 strategy and the impact of the <keyword id="20016971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russia-Ukraine-war" source="keywords">Russia-Ukraine war</keyword> offer India additional opportunities to fill supply chain gaps, potentially boosting its share in the <keyword id="23046732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-defence-industry" source="keywords">global defence industry</keyword>. The report noted that the country's long-term goal is to become a global defence manufacturing hub is driven by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private enterprises, start-ups, and MSMEs. "Indian defence exports have grown multi-fold from INR 15 bn in 2017 to INR 210 bn in 2024 at a CAGR of 46%. The China + 1 strategy and the Russia-Ukraine war provides an additional opportunity for India to fill the gap created in the supply chain and hence increase its contribution to the global defence industry," the report read. The report added that to achieve this target a well-developed domestic ecosystem is crucial as lower import content in products accelerates approvals by reducing international conflicts. The report added that the Ministry of Defence has taken key initiatives to attract Indian private players and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) include establishing aerospace parks and defence corridors, fast-tracking project approvals, and enhancing development and testing facilities. Highlighting the potential in India's Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) segment the report explained that it holds a significant potential for global aerospace companies due to its technical expertise and cost-competitive solutions. "India provides a huge opportunity in the <keyword id="23046733" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MRO-segment" source="keywords">MRO segment</keyword> for global aerospace leaders given the expertise the country provides as well as the cost efficiency solutions compared to its global competitors" the report added. India aims to increase domestic defence turnover to Rs 3 lac crore by 2029, Rs 500 billion targeted for exports. This growth will help reduce the Government of India's import bill as India remains the world's largest importer of defence equipment. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the government, 75 per cent of the defence capital outlay is now reserved for domestic players, up from 49 per cent in FY21. Given the geopolitical challenges and modernisation needs of its Armed Forces, the report added that India plans to invest Rs 8.3 lac crore in domestic procurement, offering substantial business opportunities for local companies. "India intends to place orders worth INR 8.3 trn through domestic procurement and thus it presents a massive business opportunity for local players" it added. As per the Ministry of Defence, India's defence manufacturing sector has witnessed an increase of 16.8 per cent in the fiscal year 2023-24. This significant increase marks the highest-ever growth in the country's defence production value. The total value of defence production reached Rs 1,26,887 crore this year, up from the previous year's figures.

India's defence exports surge to Rs 210 billion after global shift towards China+1, Russia-Ukraine war: Report

New Delhi: The decision of the <keyword id="20330004" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Defence-Acquisition-Council" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Defence Acquisition Council" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Defence Acquisition Council">Defence Acquisition Council</keyword> (DAC) to accept 10 <keyword id="22515789" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="capital-acquisition" source="keywords">capital acquisition</keyword> proposals worth Rs 1.4 trn will not only boost <keyword id="23034601" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="domestic-defence-manufacturing" source="keywords">domestic defence manufacturing</keyword> but will contribute to the growth of the <keyword id="20362868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PSU-companies" source="keywords">PSU companies</keyword> in the defence sector, highlighted a report by Antique Stock Broking. The report noted that the growth of domestic defence manufacturing in the country has picked up significantly over the last few years and is expected to grow further in the future. It added that the government's focus on enhancing domestic capabilities is evident from its initiatives in FY24, where Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded to proposals worth approximately Rs 3.61 trillion under various capital procurement categories. These initiatives are in line with the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which strongly promotes domestic manufacturing. "The government, in FY24, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to proposals worth approximately INR 3.61 trn under various categories of capital procurement, which promotes domestic manufacturing as per DAP-2020" said the report. A significant milestone highlighted in the report is the remarkable increase in the share of domestic procurement in India's defence sector. The share has improved from 54 per cent in FY19 to 75 per cent in FY24. The report noted that this trend is expected to strengthen further, driven by the fact that more than 99 per cent of the announced proposals are to be sourced from the domestic industry under the "Buy (Indian)" and "Buy (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured)" categories. "The total share of domestic procurement has seen a phenomenal improvement from 54% in FY19 to 75% in FY24 and is expected to improve further. The report stated that the DAC's (Defence Acquisition Council) approval of proposals worth Rs 1.45 trillion is aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. The report further emphasizes that with Rs 1.45 trillion worth of projects already approved in the year-to-date FY25, the <keyword id="20994345" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-PSUs" source="keywords">defence PSUs</keyword> are poised for strong growth in the near to long term. "With approval for Rs 1.45 trn worth of projects in YTDFY25, we believe defence PSUs have strong growth opportunities in the near to long term" the report added. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore. Of the total cost of AoNs, 99 per cent is from Indigenous sources under the Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories, the Ministry of Defence stated. For the modernisation of the tank fleet of the Indian Army, the proposal for procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) has been cleared. The FRCV will be a futuristic Main Battle Tank with superior mobility, all-terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision and lethal fires over and real-time situational awareness, the release stated. The AoN was also accorded for procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars, which will detect and track aerial targets and provide firing solutions. The proposal has also been approved for Forward Repair Team (Tracked) which has suitable cross-country mobility for carrying out in-situ repair during mechanised operations.

DAC capital acquisition of Rs 1.4 trn to boost defence PSUs: Report

New Delhi [India], April 24 (ANI): The <keyword id="19896088" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-Research-and-Development-Organisation" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Defence Research and Development Organisation" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Defence Research and Development Organisation">Defence Research and Development Organisation</keyword> (<keyword id="19948662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="DRDO" source="keywords">DRDO</keyword>) developed the lightest <keyword id="21407010" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bulletproof-jacket" source="keywords">bulletproof jacket</keyword> for protection against the highest threat level 6, an official statement said. Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has successfully developed the lightest Bullet Proof Jacket in the country for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API (Level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition. According to the <keyword id="19905108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Defence" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Defence" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Ministry of Defence">Ministry of Defence</keyword>, recently, this bulletproof jacket was successfully tested at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh as per BIS 17051-2018. This jacket is based upon a <keyword id="21410391" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-design-approach" source="keywords">new design approach</keyword>, where novel material along with new processes have been used. The front Hard Armour Panel (HAP) of this jacket defeats multiple hits (06 shots) of 7.62 x 54 R API (Sniper rounds) in both ICW (In-conjunction with) and Standalone design. The ergonomically designed front HAP is made up of monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing which enhances the wearability and comfort during the operation. The areal density of ICW Hard Armour Panel (HAP) and standalone HAP is less than 40 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2 respectively. Secretary Department of Defence R&amp;D and Chairman DRDO has congratulated DMSRDE for the successful development of this lightest bullet proof jacket for protection against highest threat level. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/best-smartphones-under-25000-in-india/slidelist/109529634.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/best-smartphones-under-25000-in-india/slidelist/109529634.cms" target="_blank">Best smartphones under ₹25,000 in India</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-8a-may-be-more-expensive-than-its-predecessor-as-per-a-new-leak/articleshow/109499394.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-8a-may-be-more-expensive-than-its-predecessor-as-per-a-new-leak/articleshow/109499394.cms" target="_blank">Google Pixel 8a may be more expensive than its predecessor, as per a new leak</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/telecom-companies-may-hike-tariffs-by-up-to-17-after-the-general-elections-as-per-analysts/articleshow/109240274.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/telecom-companies-may-hike-tariffs-by-up-to-17-after-the-general-elections-as-per-analysts/articleshow/109240274.cms" target="_blank">Telecom companies may hike tariffs by up to 17% after the general elections, predict analysts</a>

DRDO develops lightest bulletproof jacket for protection against highest threat level

New Delhi, The <keyword id="43909" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-Ministry" source="Orion">Defence Ministry</keyword> on Friday cleared procurement of various weapons systems and platforms including Dhruvastra short range air-to-surface missile and 12 <keyword id="18793242" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Su-30-MKI-fighter" source="Orion">Su-30 MKI fighter</keyword> jets at a cost of around Rs 45,000 crore. A total of nine procurement proposals were approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, officials said. "All these procurements will be made from Indian vendors under Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDMM)/Buy (Indian) category which will give substantial boost to the Indian defence Industry towards achieving the goal of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'," the defence ministry said. To enhance protection, mobility, attack capability and increase survivability of mechanised forces, the DAC accorded the approval for procurement of Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) and Integrated Surveillance and Targeting System (ISAT-S), the ministry said in a statement. The DAC cleared also cleared the procurement of High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Gun Towing Vehicles for swift mobilisation and deployment of artillery guns and radars. The DAC further approved procurement of next generation survey vessels for the Indian Navy, the ministry said. It said a proposal of the Indian Air Force to ensure avionic upgrade of Dornier aircraft to improve the accuracy and reliability for operations was also given Acceptance of Necessity (AoN). The AoN is the initial approval. "The procurement of Dhruvastra Short Range Air-to-Surface Missile as a potent Indigenous Precision Guided Weapon for indigenously built ALH Mk-IV Helicopters has been cleared by the DAC," the ministry said. "The AoN for procurement of 12 Su-30 MKI Aircraft with associated equipment from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was also accorded," it said.

Air-to-surface Missile and 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 45,000 crore approved by DAC

New Delhi, The <keyword id="43909" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="defence-Ministry" source="Orion">defence ministry</keyword> on Thursday approved the proposed procurement of 26 Naval variant of <keyword id="6381048" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rafale" source="Orion">Rafale</keyword> jets from France, people familiar with the development said. The project was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (<keyword id="456872" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="DAC" source="Orion">DAC</keyword>) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Paris. The DAC, which is the defence ministry's highest decision making body on procurement, also cleared a proposal for construction of three more Scorpene submarines in India. The mega <keyword id="75940" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-projects" source="Orion">defence projects</keyword> are expected to be announced after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday. The DAC's approval to the projects came around a week after they were cleared by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB). The Indian Navy is looking for procurement of 26 deck-based fighter jets for indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. After a lengthy process, the Navy had narrowed down on Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and French aerospace major Dassault Aviation's Rafale M aircraft for the procurement. Later, Rafale-M, the naval variant of the lethal jet, emerged as the winner in the tight race. India has already procured 36 Rafale jets from France for the Indian Air Force. The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. Another important project with France would be the follow on order of three Scorpene submarines. Under Project 75, six Scorpene submarines have already been made in India. PTi MPB DV DV

Procurement of 26 Rafale jets for Navy approved

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Russia and Ukraine are battling over strategic gas and oil platforms in the Black Sea.</li><li>The platforms are operated by the Chernomorneftegaz company, which was seized by pro-Russian authorities.</li></ul>Fighting has been breaking out around gas and oil platforms in the Black Sea, according to a new update on the Russia-Ukraine war from the <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1695669934699724819">UK Ministry of Defence</a>.The update, which was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, said that air and naval forces had been battling it out around strategic platforms between Crimea and Odesa."The platforms are operated by the Chernomorneftegaz company, which was seized by the pro-Russian occupation authorities in Crimea during the 2014 annexation," the report says."Ukraine has struck several Russian-controlled platforms. Both Russia and Ukraine have also periodically occupied them with troops," it adds.The platforms offer "valuable hydrocarbon resources" and could be used to hold missile systems, land helicopters, or as forward deployment bases.The Black Sea is a key spot in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and it has become a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/08/world/europe/black-sea-russia-ukraine.html">hotbed of military activity</a> in the war.The Ministry of Defence's update says one Russian fighter jet shot at a Ukrainian military boat that was close to a platform in the north-west of the sea last week.Ukraine has also struck several Russian-controlled platforms in the Black Sea, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-attacks-3-russian-gas-platforms-black-sea-used-garrisons-2022-6?r=US&amp;IR=T">including three gas platforms</a> that Russia had converted into "small garrisons."Last year, military expert Oleg Zhdanov said that the towers were like the "ears and eyes of the Russian Black Sea Fleet," according to <a href="https://www.offshore-energy.biz/after-missiles-hit-black-sea-platforms-reports-indicate-fire-still-burning/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Offshore Energy.</a>Ukraine has also used many of its hi-tech sea <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-sea-drones-paralyzed-russia-black-sea-fleet-spy-chief-2023-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">drones in the area</a>, with Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov saying they had successfully paralyzed Russia's Black Sea fleet using the drones.Budanov added that the naval drones were a highly effective "deterrent" despite 60-70% of them being destroyed by Russian forces.

Russia and Ukraine are battling it out over gas and oil platforms in the Black Sea, UK Ministry of Defence says

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fighting in Ukraine has given some of the ex-convicts Russia recruited their swag back.</li><li>These men are granted freedom after surviving their military service.</li></ul>Ex-convicts who fought for Russia in Ukraine are heading home with newfound wealth and swagger, <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/06/world/europe/russia-convicts-war-murder.html">The New York Times</a> reported on Saturday. Olga Romanova, who heads a Russian NGO focusing on prisoner issues, told The Times that around 15,000 ex-convicts have returned to Russia after fighting in Ukraine. The returning men, who are released without any rehabilitation, often go on to commit crimes once back home. Kirill Titaev, a Russian sociologist at Yale University, told The Times that the wave of "invisible violence" was a "big problem for the society." Experts The Times spoke to said some former prisoners gained confidence after their stints in Ukraine, and see their wartime service as a form of rehabilitation. Fighting in Ukraine has also left them financially well-off, as they were paid a base monthly salary of about $2,000 from The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, per The Times. That is also more than double the average salary of a Russian worker, who makes around $756 a month, Russia's statistics agency said in a <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/almost-half-russians-say-salary-does-not-cover-basic-spending-survey-2023-10-23/">survey</a> released in October. Romanova told The Times that even the local police officers are afraid of the returning convicts and their newly-attained veteran status. Russia's <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-losing-about-1000-soldiers-daily-not-stop-mass-attacks-2024-4">reliance on attrition warfare,</a> however, has seen the country <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-recruited-over-100-000-prisoners-to-fight-in-ukraine-report-2023-12">continually drawing on its prison population</a> to boost its military manpower. Wagner first started the practice of recruiting inmates to bolster its ranks, offering the convicts full pardons if they <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/prigozhin-russia-tells-ex-con-wagner-fighters-not-rape-free-2023-1">survived a six-month stint in Ukraine</a>. The practice was then <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-copies-wagner-prisoner-recruitment-10000-signed-up-april-uk-2023-5">adopted by Russia's defense ministry</a> in 2023. Sending prisoners to the battlefield, the UK's defense ministry said in May, would allow Russia "<a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1656535955338063873?s=20">to avoid implementing new mandatory mobilization, which would be very unpopular with the Russian public.</a>" The move, however, has not been without controversy. In November, <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.sibreal.org/a/vlasti-vypustili-na-svobodu-ubiytsu-4-chelovek-i-lyudoeda-s-sahalina/32696512.html">Russia</a><a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://76.ru/text/criminal/2023/11/21/72933266/"> media</a> reported that <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-frees-2-men-convicted-cannibals-fought-in-ukraine-reports-2023-11">two prisoners who were convicted of murdering and eating their victims</a> had been released after fighting in Ukraine. But even Russia's prison population is a finite resource. A local official told lawmakers last month that some prisons would be shut down due to "<a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-shutter-prisons-inmates-ukraine-war-2024-3">a one-time large reduction in the number of convicts</a>." Russia's need to recruit more troops could put further pressure on its economy. Besides dealing with <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-putin-ukraine-war-moscow-outlook-2024-3">crippling sanctions</a> from the West, Russia has had to grapple with <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-worker-shortage-ukraine-war-military-wages-unemployment-2024-1">severe labor shortages</a>. The <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-short-around-48-million-workers-2023-crunch-persist-izvestia-2023-12-24/">Russian Academy of Science's Institute of Economics</a> said in December that the Russian economy had a <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-lacks-workers-ukraine-war-labor-crisis-worker-shortage-2023-12">shortage of around 5 million workers</a>. "Unemployment is 3% and in some regions, it is even lower. This means there are practically no workers left in the economy," Russian Central Bank Governor <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russias-depleted-workforce-threatening-economic-growth-says-central-bank-2023-11-09/">Elvira Nabiullina</a> told lawmakers in November. "The situation with personnel is really very acute." Representatives for Russia's defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Russian convicts who earned their freedom fighting Ukraine are going home with swagger and a stash of money to burn: NYT

The <keyword id="32723" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="defence" source="Orion">defence</keyword> ministry has approved a fresh list of 928 components and subsystems which will only be procured from the domestic industry after a ban on their import kicks in under a staggered time-line of around five-and-half years. The ministry on Sunday said the aim of the move is in sync with the government's overall aim to promote 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence production. It is the fourth such "positive indigenisation list (PIL)" comprising line replacement units, sub-systems and components used for various military platforms, equipment and weapons. "To promote 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence and minimise imports by defence public sector undertakings, the <keyword id="6369097" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ministry-of-defence" source="Orion">Ministry of Defence</keyword> has approved fourth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 928 strategically-important line replacement units/sub-systems/spares and components, including high-end materials and spares, with import substitution value worth Rs 715 crore," the ministry said in a statement. The aim of the indigenisation list is also to minimise imports by the defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs). The defence ministry has set specific timelines for import ban of the items, spanning the period from December 2023 to December 2028. This list is in continuation to the three similar PILs that were brought out in December 2021, March 2022 and August 2022 "These lists contain 2,500 items which are already indigenised and 1,238 (351+107+780) items which will be indigenised within the given timelines," the ministry said. Of the 1,238, 310 items have been indigenised so far, it said. The items which were already indigenised comprised 262 from the first PIL, 11 from the second list and 37 from the third PIL, according to the ministry. "The DPSUs will undertake indigenisation of these items through different routes under 'Make' category and in-house development through the capabilities of MSMEs and private Indian industry, thereby providing impetus to the growth in economy, enhanced investment in defence and reduction in import dependence of DPSUs," the ministry said. "In addition, this will augment the design capabilities of the domestic defence industry by involving academia and research institutions," it said. In a tweet, Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rajnath-singh" source="Orion">Rajnath Singh</keyword> said the Narendra Modi government is committed towards indigenisation and ensuring self reliance in the defence sector. "Keeping this in mind, the 4th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 928 strategically-important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Spares and Components has been approved," he said. "The list includes high-end materials and spares, with import substitution value worth Rs 715 crore," Singh added. The ministry said DPSUs will soon initiate procurement action for these notified items. In the last few years, the government has taken a series of measures to promote domestic defence production. <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> is one of the largest importers of arms globally. According to estimates, the Indian armed forces are projected to spend around USD 130 billion in capital procurement over the next five years. The government now wants to reduce dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support domestic defence manufacturing. The defence ministry has set a goal of a turnover of USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing in the next five years which includes an export target of USD 5 billion worth of military hardware. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/govt-to-roll-out-lost-mobile-blocking-tracking-system-pan-india-on-may-17/articleshow/100224875.cms">Govt to roll out lost mobile blocking, tracking system pan-India on May 17</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/markets/news/fpi-bought-equity-worth-rs-18617-crore-in-may/articleshow/100225129.cms">FPI bought equity worth ₹18,617 crore in May</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/pm-modi-wants-us-to-start-building-rd-around-6g-technology-cisco-coo/articleshow/100224961.cms">PM Modi wants us to start building R&amp;D around 6G technology: Cisco COO</a>

Govt approves 4th 'positive indigenisation list' of sub-systems to promote domestic defence industry

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ukraine says it has destroyed a Russian minesweeper in the Black Sea.</li><li>The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine celebrated the loss of the Kovrovets minesweeper on X.</li></ul>Ukrainian forces destroyed Russia's Kovrovets sea minesweeper, the <a target="_blank" href="https://t.me/ukrainian_navy/6428">Ukrainian Navy reported on Telegram</a>."The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, together with their comrades, continue to bring us closer to victory," the Ukrainian Navy wrote on its Telegram channel.No information on where the attack took place or what weapons were used to target the Kovrovets, but Ukraine has had notable success in tormenting the Russian fleet with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-drone-dodges-fire-kills-russian-ship-fighting-black-sea-2024-5">exploding drone boats.</a>The <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1792110322028822560">Ministry of Defence of Ukraine took to X (formerly Twitter)</a> to celebrate the Russian Navy's latest loss.The Kovrovets, a Project 266M Natya class minesweeper, was used for mine-sweeping operations, reconnaissance, and control sweeping, <a target="_blank" href="https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/05/19/ukraine-says-it-destroyed-russian-black-sea-fleets-minesweeper-kovrovets/">Euromaidan Press reports</a>. It had also been deployed off the coast of in Syria.The Soviet-era minesweepers were built in the 1970s and 1980s and carried a crew of 68.In March, the <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-black-sea-navy-warships-8f614d856370a564ffee1e49f5313343">Ukrainian Navy told AP News</a> that Ukraine had destroyed or disabled one-third of all Russian warships that had been stationed in the Black Sea before the war.The latest sinking of a Russian warship follows attacks on Novorossiysk on Friday. The Russian port has become an important base for the Black Sea Fleet after repeated attacks on its traditional base in Crimea.It appears the attack on Novorossiysk was part of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-launched-largest-drone-attack-ever-russia-ports-uavs-report-2024-5?mrfhud=true">Ukraine's biggest drone attack ever.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-upgrading-black-sea-naval-base-after-ukraine-attacks-uk-2024-4">Satellite images from April</a> indicate that Russia was beefing up its defenses for its Black Sea Fleet naval base in Novorossiysk.However, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-bombs-port-where-russias-navy-took-refuge-crimea-attacks-2024-5">Novorossiysk was struck</a> by Ukrainian missiles and drones this weekend.As Ukraine maintains pressure on Russia in Crimea and the Black Sea region, its troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances along the eastern front, particularly near Kharkiv. Despite progress made by Russian forces,<a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-reports-no-shortages-artillery-shells-first-time-zelenskyy-2024-5"> </a>President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-reports-no-shortages-artillery-shells-first-time-zelenskyy-2024-5">Ukraine was not experiencing a shortage of artillery shells</a> for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Ukraine said it destroyed a Russian  minesweeper. 'Another bad day for the Black Sea fleet' — ministry.

New Delhi, <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="Orion">India</keyword> on Thursday accorded an initial approval to defence acquisition projects worth Rs 2.23 lakh crore that included procurement of 97 <keyword id="6376012" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tejas" source="Orion">Tejas</keyword> light combat aircraft and 156 Prachand combat helicopters, in a major move to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the armed forces. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the projects, at a time India is locked in a bitter military standoff with China at a number of friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years. The defence ministry said 98 per cent of the total procurement worth Rs 2.23 lakh crore will be sourced from the domestic industries and that the move will give a substantial boost to the Indian defence industry in achieving the goal of 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence industry. The DAC also approved a proposal of the Indian Air Force to upgrade its Su-30 fighter fleet by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (<keyword id="68124" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HAL" source="Orion">HAL</keyword>). The DAC further accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) or initial approval for procurement of two types of anti-tank munitions namely area denial munition (ADM) type-2 and type-3. The top body on procurement of military hardware also cleared acquisition and integration of automatic target tracker (ATT) and digital basaltic computer (DBC) for T-90 tanks besides approving another proposal to buy medium range anti-ship missiles (MRAShM) for the Indian Navy. The MRAShM is a lightweight surface-to-surface missile which will be a primary offensive weapon onboard various Indian naval ships. "The DAC accorded AoNs for procurement of Light Combat Helicopter for Indian Air Force and Indian Army and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A for IAF from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category," the ministry said. Though it did not mention the specific numbers, official sources said 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark 1A) are being procured for the IAF and 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) are being procured for the Army and the Air Force. In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the IAF. With the additional fleet, the number of indigenously-developed Tejas aircraft being procured by the IAF would go up to 180. "The AoNs have also been accorded by the DAC for upgradation of Su-30 MKI aircraft indigenously from HAL. "While procurement of these equipment will provide enormous strength to the IAF, acquisition from domestic defence industries will take the indigenous capability to a new height," the ministry said in a statement. "It will also reduce dependability on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) substantially," it added.

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US invested significantly in expanding strategic partnership with India: Kurt Campbell

PTI

Defence ministry allocates Rs 300 cr for technology development fund to promote Make in India products

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India's defence exports surge to Rs 210 billion after global shift towards China+1, Russia-Ukraine war: Report

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DAC capital acquisition of Rs 1.4 trn to boost defence PSUs: Report

ANI

DRDO develops lightest bulletproof jacket for protection against highest threat level

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Air-to-surface Missile and 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 45,000 crore approved by DAC

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Procurement of 26 Rafale jets for Navy approved

PTI

Russia and Ukraine are battling it out over gas and oil platforms in the Black Sea, UK Ministry of Defence says

Rebecca Rommen

Russian convicts who earned their freedom fighting Ukraine are going home with swagger and a stash of money to burn: NYT

Kwan Wei Kevin Tan

Govt approves 4th 'positive indigenisation list' of sub-systems to promote domestic defence industry

PTI

Ukraine said it destroyed a Russian minesweeper. 'Another bad day for the Black Sea fleet' — ministry.

Rebecca Rommen

India approves defence acquisition projects worth Rs 2.23 lakh cr

PTI

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