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China is helping Pakistan to boost its firepower by selling it state-of-the-art defence items, including <keyword id="627045" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="armed-drones">armed drones</keyword>, even as it is engaged with India at the borders in eastern Ladakh. Intelligence sources said Pakistan is procuring medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) -- Cai Hong-4 (CH-4) -- from China in bulk. Sources said that a 10-member team of Pakistan Army led by Brigadier Mohammad Zafar Iqbal has visited China to review the procurement process. "The Pakistan Army team went to China for factory acceptance test for items procured from Aerospace Long-March International Trade Company (ALIT), China. Then was led by Brigadier Mohammad Zafar Iqbal," a source said. It was also revealed that Iqbal has earlier visited China in December 2019 for the factory acceptance test of the first tranche of Cai Hong-4 for which delivery was to commence in 2020. The CH-4 has a take-off mass between 1,200-1,300 kgs depending on the variant. It can also carry a wide range of payloads. The UAV is now in service with military forces including the Iraqi Army and the Royal Jordanian Air Force. Sources also stated that ALIT has offered Pakistan command and control options, including direct line-of-sight and satellite communications. Pakistan has planned to deploy these UAVs at the Line of Control in Jammu &amp; Kashmir to create further unrest in India. "China is helping Pakistan to do so," said the source. India and China are locked in an over three-month-long stand-off at multiple points, hitherto unprecedented along the border. China had changed the status quo on the Line of Actual Control at various places, moving inside Indian territory. India has objected to it and is taking up the matter with China at all levels. The troop disengagement happened only at patrolling point-14 in Galwan Valley, the site of the June 15 clashes, and patrolling point-15 in Hot Springs. On June 15, as many as 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed in a violent clash in the Galwan Valley. Both the countries have engaged in military and diplomatic talks however nothing has materialized so far. The dispute remains unresolved and both the countries have started deploying troops and materiel at the disputed points. India has directed its armed forces to prepare for a long haul as the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops are not moving back from the disputed points. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tech-mahindra-hcl-tech-wipro-and-likes-are-hoping-global-5g-race-resumes-next-year-bringing-some-large-deals-before-that/articleshow/77583638.cms">Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Wipro and likes are hoping global 5G race resumes next year⁠ — bringing some large deals before that</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/gaza-strips-only-power-plant-may-run-out-fuel-in-the-next-24-hours-following-israel-border-shut-warns-expert/articleshow/77584765.cms">Gaza Strip's only power plant may run out fuel in the next 24 hours following Israel border shut, warns expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/the-heat-is-on-mark-zuckerberg-in-india-as-facebook-and-whatsapp-incur-the-ire-of-modis-rivals/articleshow/77575358.cms">The heat is on Mark Zuckerberg in India as Facebook and WhatsApp incur the ire of Modi's rivals</a>

Pakistan buys armed drones from China in bulk amid border tensions with India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>India is trying to modernize its military of 1.5 million people with lessons from Ukraine.</li><li>Until recent years, Russia supplied India with many weapons such as tanks and jets.</li></ul>As India boosts defense spending amid tensions with China and Pakistan, it is closely studying the Ukraine conflict for clues to the future of warfare and how to thwart its neighbors.Some lessons that Indian experts have already drawn: India needs lots of artillery, drones and cyberwarfare capabilities.Comparing Ukraine to India is tricky. Ukraine faces one major enemy — Russia — while India must contend with its old enemy Pakistan to the west, and an increasingly powerful China on its northwest frontier. The Russo-Ukraine war is mostly being fought over an Eastern European landscape of plains and forest, with a moderately good road network suitable for mechanized warfare. India must prepare for combat in a variety of terrain and climate conditions, including desert, jungle and some of the tallest mountains on Earth.India is also trying to modernize and standardize equipment for its armed forces, which comprise about 1.5 million personnel armed with a potpourri of equipment from several nations, as well as indigenous Indian gear. Until recent years, Russia supplied many weapons such as tanks and jets, but India is increasingly acquiring arms from Western nations, including American howitzers, French jet fighters, and Israeli drones.The Indian Army's artillery, for example, includes more than 3,000 weapons and multiple rocket launchers, including Russian, American, Swedish and South Korean designs. Indian observers believe Ukraine shows the importance of having plentiful and modern artillery. Artillery has arguably become the decisive combat arm in that war, with Russian firing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/ukrainian-army-suffers-from-artillery-shell-hunger/">10,000 shells per day</a> and advancing, while a munitions shortage has limited Ukraine to around 2,000 shells per day. This deluge of firepower has forced both armies to dig in, and turned the conflict into trench warfare."Looking at the demonstration of artillery fire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, two lessons are available to the Indian Army," wrote Amrita Jash, an assistant professor at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, in a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.orfonline.org/public/uploads/upload/20240118114645.pdf">report</a> for the Observer Research Foundation, an Indian think tank. "First, that firepower can be a 'battle-winning factor,' and second, that the time between acquiring the target to shooting has drastically reduced: where it once took five to 10 minutes, it now takes only a minute or two."Indeed, India already planning to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-draws-lessons-from-ukraine-war-revises-its-artillery-requirements/article67315823.ece">modernize</a> its artillery arsenal, including switching to 155-mm howitzers — the standard NATO caliber — and developing longer-range shells and rockets.<div type="image" title="Ukrainian servicemen fire an artillery in the direction of Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on April 01, 2024." height="3000" width="4500" msid="109704222" hostid="261" sizebytes="757078"></div>The air war over Ukraine has proven to be a surprise, especially given Russian superiority in numbers of aircraft and technology. Anti-aircraft missiles have deterred the air forces of both sides from venturing into enemy airspace, with Russian aircraft limited to firing stand-off missiles at Ukrainian cities rather than providing air support for its ground troops. <a target="_blank">Drones</a> have become the stars and workhorses of the air war, with both sides deploying — and losing — drones in the hundreds of thousands.There are lessons here for Indian airpower, according to Arjun Subramaniam, a retired Indian Air Force air vice marshal who helped write the ORF report. India must prepare for "gaining control of the air in limited time and space conditions in a short, high-intensity limited conflict as well as in a longer, protracted conflict." The Air Force must also ensure that its plans are synchronized with ground and naval forces. India should also continue to focus on suppressing enemy air defenses, "particularly against an adversary that is more interested in denying rather than controlling the airspace."Not surprisingly, Subramaniam wants the Indian military to increase drone development and production. But he is also concerned about the possibility of a mass drone attack on India. "Of greater importance is the need to rapidly develop counter-drone capabilities that would be essential in responding to large-scale surprise attacks and retain effective second-strike capabilities," he wrote.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/03/20/the-cyberwar-in-ukraine-is-as-crucial-as-the-battle-in-the-trenches">Cyberwarfare</a> has also emerged in Ukraine as a crucial tool in everything from hacking into military computers and critical infrastructure to purveying propaganda and deepfakes in global media. ORF researcher Shimona Mohan noted "the increasing role of largely civilian organizations like big tech in conflict situations and the deepening interplay of civil-military partnerships around dual-use technologies like AI."Mohan recommends that India invest in cyberwarfare, as other nations are doing. "However, if this is not feasible for socio-political or economic reasons, it should be a priority for countries to ensure that their strategic geopolitical allies are formidable tech powers—for instance in this war, Ukraine received much support from its more tech-savvy partners like the US and private tech companies."Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.twitter.com/@mipeck1">Twitter</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mipeck/">LinkedIn</a>.

India is drawing lessons from Ukraine to counter China's military might 

<ul><li>"Action has been initiated" against <keyword id="8181189" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistani-drones-smuggling-arms">Pakistani drones smuggling arms</keyword> and ammunition into India, said <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) Chief — Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria. </li><li>He stated that the drone smuggling is a space violation issue and the necessary steps will be taken. </li><li>Three consignments of weapons, ammunition, narcotics and counterfeit currency were seized by the Punjab police in September. </li></ul>Drones smuggling arms and ammunition across the border is the new threat that India faces from its neighbour Pakistan, according to the new Indian Air Force (IAF) chief — Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria. "Small drones are a new threat and some procurements are already in process to tackle the issue. It is a space violation issue and necessary action has been initiated in this aspect," stated Bhadauria at the annual Air Force Day press conference. The heightened security on the Indo-Pak border means that terrorists have had to shift their smuggling routes to Punjab to deliver weapons, ammunition, narcotics and counterfeit currency. So far, three such consignments have been caught by the Punjab police. They believe that the packages are being airdropped into the state by Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF) and Khalistan Zindabad Force terrorists, with help from the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) this side of the border. <div type="image" title="drones" msid="71440585" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Drones recovered near the Indo-Pak border over the last around one month&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 Inquiry by the <keyword id="6362387" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-investigation-agency">National Investigation Agency</keyword> (NIA) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is already looking into the multiple cases of drones being used by Pakistan to smuggle arms into India. According to Pakistani Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, these drones are GPS-enabled and can carry upto 10 kilograms. The first consignment was caught on 12 September 2019 where the police seized four AK 56 rifles, two AK 47 rifles with 180 rounds, six magazines and 11,000 bullets. The second consignment was much larger. On 22 September 2019, the police recovered five AK 47 rifles with 16 magazines and 472 rounds, four Chinese-made point 30 bore pistols with eight magazines and 72 rounds, nine hand grenades, five satellite phones, two mobile phones and two wireless sets along with ₹1 million (₹10 lakh) in counterfeit currency. They were found in the possession of KZF terrorists. The latest consignment which was seized on 24 September 2019, consisted of four AK 47 rifles, 10 magazines and 200 cartridges. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/article/a-nuclear-war-between-india-and-pakistan-would-result-in-125-million-deaths-global-cooling-and-mass-starvation/articleshow/71417075.cms">A nuclear war between India and Pakistan would result in 125 million deaths, global cooling and mass starvation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/military-defense/news/india-has-called-paks-nuclear-bluff-twice-ex-army-officers/articleshow/71427011.cms">India has called Pak's nuclear bluff twice: Ex-Army officers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pakistan-issued-its-most-explicit-threat-of-war-against-india-yet-as-the-2-nuclear-powers-clash-over-kashmir/articleshow/71296226.cms">Pakistan issued its most explicit threat of war against India yet as the 2 nuclear powers clash over Kashmir</a>

Action initiated against Pakistan for using drones to smuggle arms, says Indian Air Force Chief

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Relations between the US and <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> and between <keyword id="11892748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword> and <keyword id="11893449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword> are growing closer.</li><li>India and Pakistan are looking to boost their military capabilities, while the US and China are looking for support of their regional and global ambitions.</li></ul>In the final months of 2021, Pakistan <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/11/pakistan-navy-commissions-1st-type-054-a-p-frigate-pns-tughril/" target="_top">commissioned</a> the first of four Chinese-built Tughril-class frigates and <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2022/01/03/pakistan-confirms-chinese-firebird-fighter-acquisition/" target="_top">confirmed</a> its intentions to buy 25 of China's <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/j-10/" target="_top">J-10C</a> fighter jets.Those are only the latest high-profile defense projects between Beijing and Islamabad, and they are emblematic of the growing relations between two countries with a common goal: countering the threat they see in India.At the same time, India has increasingly turned to the US to meet its defense needs. The US has become a large supplier of arms to India over the past decade, and the two countries have deepened <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_top">their defense cooperation</a> as well.The moves add another geopolitical layer to what was already one of the world's most intense rivalries.<h2>Old rivals seek new friends</h2><div type="image" title="Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Chinese J-10C jet" height="683" width="1024" msid="90400022" hostid="261"></div>Before China became Pakistan's chief arms supplier in the 1990s, Islamabad relied on the US for higher-end defense equipment and assistance — a partnership borne out of cooperation to oust the Soviets from Afghanistan in the 1980s.China and Pakistan's military relationship dates to the 1960s, but in recent years, the Pakistani military's hardware has increasingly come from China or through joint Pakistani-Chinese ventures.Virtually all of <a href="https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/11/19/pakistan-resumes-armor-modernization-as-terror-threat-recedes/" target="_top">Pakistan's main battle tanks</a> are exported Chinese models or variants of Chinese tanks developed in Pakistan, like the <a href="https://www.army-technology.com/projects/alzarrarmianbattleta/" target="_top">Al-Zarrar</a>. Pakistan has fielded upgraded variants of the <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/pakistan_pakistani_army_tanks_heavy_armoured_uk/al_khalid_al-khalid_main_battle_tank_technical_data_pictures.html" target="_top">Al-Khalid</a> tank, developed jointly with a Chinese firm and in production since 2001, and <a href="https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/pakistan-army-holds-induction-ceremony-for-vt4-mbt" target="_top">begun acquiring</a> Chinese-made <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_heavy_armoured_vehicle_tank_uk/vt4_mbt-3000_norinco_mbt_main_battle_tank_data_pictures_video.html" target="_top">VT-4</a> tanks.The workhorse of Pakistan's Air Force is the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund/" target="_top">JF-17</a>, a fighter developed jointly with China and meant to replace Pakistan's aging Chinese-made J-7s. The PAF also <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/satellite-image-reveals-chinese-predator-drones-armed-with-hellfire-type-missiles-stationed-at-pakistani-airbase/" target="_top">operates</a> a number of Chinese-made drones capable of strike missions.As the PAF's use of its US-made F-16s is <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/world-report/articles/2019-12-11/state-department-reprimanded-pakistan-in-august-for-misusing-f-16s-document-shows" target="_top">limited</a> by the terms of their sale, buying J-10Cs may be an attempt to substitute or even replace the American fighter with one Pakistan can actually use against India.<div type="image" title="Pakistan Zulfiqar-class frigate Shamsheer" height="1337" width="2000" msid="90400023" hostid="261"></div>At sea, three of the Pakistani navy's four <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/sword-f22p/" target="_top">Zulfiquar-class</a> frigates were built in China like the Tughril-class frigates, the fourth of which was <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/chinese-shipyard-launches-two-type-054-frigates-and-one-type-071e-lpd/" target="_top">launched</a> in December.China is also helping Pakistan <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/12/pakistan-cuts-steel-for-5th-hangor-class-submarine-pns-tasnim/" target="_top">build</a> eight Hangor-class submarines — a variant of China's <a href="https://news.usni.org/2015/08/31/essay-inside-the-design-of-chinas-yuan-class-submarine" target="_top">Type 039A</a> diesel-electric sub — splitting production between Chinese and Pakistani shipyards. They are expected to be delivered between 2022 and 2028 and will <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/10/pakistans-new-chinese-aip-submarines-image-shows-karachi-site/" target="_top">double</a> the size of Pakistan's submarine fleet.The defense relationship <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/China-and-Pakistan-ink-military-MOU-to-counter-US-India-pact" target="_top">goes beyond</a> weapons sales. China and Pakistan <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1646630" target="_top">regularly</a> conduct <a href="https://cscr.pk/explore/themes/defense-security/importance-of-shaheen-exercises-for-pakistan-air-force-and-indian-concerns/" target="_top">joint</a> and multinational <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/east-asia-pacific_chinas-warships-hold-joint-naval-drill-pakistan/6182310.html" target="_top">military exercises</a>. Officials from both countries speak of their relationship in glowing terms, describing it as <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Pakistan-China-and-terrorism" target="_top">"close as lips and teeth"</a> and <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/10161516/China-Pakistan-friendship-sweeter-than-honey-says-Nawaz-Sharif.html" target="_top">"sweeter than honey."</a>As its two fiercest rivals have deepened their defense ties, India has deepened its own military partnerships, in particular with Russia, which has for decades supplied India with advanced hardware.The US has historically been reluctant to sell arms to India because of New Delhi's ties with Moscow and fears that those weapons may be used in a war in <keyword id="11893424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="south-asia" source="Orion">South Asia</keyword>. But in recent years India has increased its purchases of defense equipment from the US and other Western countries.<div type="image" title="India Australia US Navy P-8" height="1125" width="1500" msid="90400024" hostid="261"></div>Since the signing of the <a href="http://library.rumsfeld.com/doclib/sp/3211/2005-06-28%20New%20Framework%20for%20the%20US-India%20Defense%20Relationship.pdf" target="_top">New Framework for the US-India Defense Relationship</a> in 2005, India has purchased <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/c-130j-super-hercules-lands-on-national-highway-heres-a-look-at-past-landings-on-expressways/730942/" target="_top">dozens</a> of US-made <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2019/08/india-takes-delivery-of-11th-c-17-globemaster-from-united-states/" target="_top">cargo</a> aircraft and <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-gets-final-batch-of-apache-attack-helicopters-amid-ongoing-standoff-with-china/articleshow/76896252.cms" target="_top">attack</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZXNXX1aS08" target="_top">transport</a> helicopters — including <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-aircraft-boost-india-efforts-to-counter-china-at-sea-2021-7" target="_top">MH-60R Seahawk</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-more-us-made-sub-hunting-planes-2018-1" target="_top">P-8I maritime patrol planes</a>, both of which are important for Indian efforts to keep an eye on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/after-himalayan-clash-india-prepares-navy-to-take-on-china-2021-6" target="_top">increasing Chinese activity</a> in the <keyword id="13267637" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="indian-ocean" source="Orion">Indian Ocean</keyword>.The F/A-18, the F-15EX, and the F-21 (an F-16 variant made just for India by Lockheed Martin) are all <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-20b-multi-role-fighter-aircraft-mrfa-contract-junk-us-fighters/" target="_top">in the running</a> to fill an Indian order for 114 new fighter jets. The F/A-18 is also <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/india-closing-fa-18-super-hornet-its-carrier-fighter-200384" target="_top">a contender</a> to be used aboard India's first domestically built aircraft carrier, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-first-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-ins-vikrant-sea-trails-7714755/" target="_top">INS Vikrant</a>.The US has also sold India lethal weaponry such as <a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-mk-54-lightweight-torpedoes-0" target="_top">torpedos</a>, anti-ship <a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-agm-84l-harpoon-air-launched-block-ii-missiles" target="_top">missiles</a>, <a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-mk-45-gun-system" target="_top">naval guns</a>, an anti-aircraft <a href="https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/india-integrated-air-defense-weapon-system-iadws-and-related-equipment" target="_top">system</a>, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-to-get-firepower-boost-in-mountains-with-more-m777-guns-101636896249075.html" target="_top">M777 howitzers</a>, and 144,000 US-made <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/indian-army-to-order-second-batch-of-72000-sig-716-assault-rifles-from-us/459438/" target="_top">SIG716</a> rifles.India's military participates in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-indian-soldiers-yudh-abhyas-exercise-alaska-amid-china-tension-2021-12" target="_top">land</a> and <a href="https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2021-10-14/quad-malabar-naval-drills-india-us-australia-japan-3237200.html" target="_top">naval</a> exercises with the US, and the two sides have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-intelligence-sharing-with-india-helps-monitor-chinese-military-2020-12" target="_top">expanded their intelligence-sharing</a> amid tensions along India's disputed border with China.<h2>Geopolitical realities</h2><div type="image" title="India China border guards" height="1648" width="2464" msid="90400025" hostid="261"></div>The developments in the China-Pakistan and US-India relationships reflect the geopolitical realities in South Asia and across the Asia-Pacific region.India and Pakistan have looked to the US and to China to boost their military capabilities, while the US and China are looking to India and Pakistan to support their regional and global ambitions.Pakistan's <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/the-implications-of-deepening-economic-ties-between-pakistan-china-/6443711.html" target="_top">reliance on China</a>, in particular Chinese investment in the <a href="https://www.cfr.org/blog/china-pakistan-economic-corridor-hard-reality-greets-bris-signature-initiative" target="_top">China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a>, will only increase in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The withdrawal is also likely to reduce the US's commitment to Pakistan, as they are aligned on few other issues."The China-Pakistan relationship is deeper because China's goals are more aligned with what Pakistan wants, which is the ability to counter its main rival, India," Timothy Heath, a senior <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="international" source="Orion">international</keyword> and defense researcher at the Rand Corporation think tank, told Insider.<div type="image" title="Pakistan Gwadar port China Kashgar trade" height="1331" width="2000" msid="90400027" hostid="261"></div>"China hopes to keep a strong, relatively well-equipped and well-armed Pakistan as a partner, because from Beijing's perspective, that helps keep a potential rival — namely India — distracted and unable to cause more problems for China," Heath added.Some in Pakistan <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/opinion/pakistan-united-states-china.html" target="_top">are wary</a> of going all-in on China and may seek rapprochement with the US, particularly if China grows reluctant to invest further in Pakistan's struggling economy. Beijing has also stopped short of making a military commitment to Pakistan — largely because it fears getting dragged into a full-blown conflict between Pakistan and India."They have a good deal where they use Pakistan to box in India and they stay outside and allow those two to bleed each other and beat each other up a little bit," Heath said.While Beijing wants to avoid "extreme escalations," Heath said, "tensions of a low simmering type are useful for China."For India, the US has emerged as a prime partner as Delhi grows more concerned with Chinese ambitions and the potential for conflict along its borders with both China and Pakistan.<div type="image" title="India Pakistan MiG-21 missiles" height="1331" width="2000" msid="90400028" hostid="261"></div>The US-India relationship is "primarily driven by a strategic convergence," said Rahul Bhatia, a research analyst at Carnegie India."New Delhi and Washington essentially want multipolarity in the Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order, which very loosely translates to containing China," Bhatia said, adding that "they need each other for that."But despite a deepening defense relationship, India doesn't seek a full-fledged alliance with the US for a variety of political and economic reasons."When the US wants to sell a country arms, they are looking at building up a strategic partnership and interoperability. What India looks at when it's buying arms is building its own defense industrial base and the transfer of technology," Bhatia said.Moreover, India does not want to break from its traditional stance of non-alignment."They want to maintain their strategic autonomy," Heath said. "That's a very deeply rooted tradition vigorously alive in India today."

The US and China are picking sides in one of the world's most dangerous rivalries

India plans to ink a major defence deal with the US to procure 30 <keyword id="10903374" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="armed-drones-worth">armed drones worth</keyword> $3 billion (approximately ₹22,000 crore) to enhance <keyword id="834532" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="military-capabilities">military capabilities</keyword>, sources said. As per plans, India will be acquiring 30 MQ-9 Reaper -- 10 each for the three services. The procurement is being done as India is facing war-like situation on two fronts -- Pakistan and China. The approval to take these armed drones could be finalised during Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting lead by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. To further cement the deal, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to visit India later this month. India is becoming a strategic defence partner for the US, especially countering Chinese influence in the <keyword id="12350" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Ocean">Indian Ocean</keyword>. These MQ-9B Predator drones are manufactured by San Diego-based <keyword id="834093" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="General-Atomics">General Atomics</keyword>. The MQ-9B has an endurance of 48 hours and a range of over 6,000 nautical miles. It carries maximum payload of 2-tonne. It comes with nine hard-points, capable of carrying sensors and laser-guided bombs besides air-to-ground missiles. <keyword id="1799114" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="last-year">Last year</keyword>, the <keyword id="6355100" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian Navy</keyword> took on lease two Sea Guardian drones to enhance surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The two non-weaponised MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones were leased for one year with an option of extending the period by another year. Last month, <keyword id="78682" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-army-chief">Indian Army Chief</keyword>, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, highlighted the role of drones in military warfare. Speaking during an webinar organised by Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) about multi-domain operations and the future of warfare, the <keyword id="6354416" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> Chief had said that everyone has seen how the very imaginative and offensive use of drones in Idlib and then in Armenia-Azerbaijan, challenged the traditional prima donnas: the tanks, the artillery and the dug-in infantry. He also talks about a showcase of swarm drone offensive striking multiple targets during the Army Day Parade in January that sent a strong message to India's adversaries. Naravane said that the swarm drone demonstration was a message to India's adversaries that "the Indian Army is steadily inducting niche capabilities to enhance our combat proficiencies in Multi-Domain Operations". He said that swarm drones can overwhelm and effectively suppress an enemy's Air Defence Capability, creating windows of opportunities for strike elements. "It is also no longer necessary to score a physical hit to destroy a target. "Offensive capabilities in the digital domain can effectively neutralise satellites and networks, denying them at critical juncture to decisively alter the course of the conflict," he had stated. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/checkout-review-of-oppo-fitness-band-related-to-design-performance-price-and-battery-life/articleshow/81423414.cms">Oppo Band Style review – getting the basics right with a twist of flair</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/narendra-modi-joe-biden-yoshihide-suga-and-scott-morrison-are-set-to-meet-for-the-first-ever-quad-leaders-summit-on-march-12/articleshow/81424117.cms">The first-ever leaders summit of the QUAD may be another signal that it's ready for something more formal</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-share-allotment-status-of-mtar-technologies-ipo/articleshow/81424102.cms">MTAR Technologies IPO: Here is how to check share allotment status</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/tcs-cfo-explains-how-the-role-of-a-finance-head-has-been-changed-by-the-pandemic/articleshow/81423884.cms">EXCLUSIVE: TCS CFO explains how the role of a finance head has been changed by the pandemic</a>

India plans to buy 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones for $3 billion from US company General Atomics

<ul><li>The Pakistani government is all set to import 48-high end Wing Loong II aerial drones from <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>, according to local media reports. </li><li>The deal is meant to presage the eventual co-production of the strike drones between China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group, and <keyword id="1188469" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan-Aeronautical-Complex">Pakistan Aeronautical Complex</keyword> Kamra. </li><li>The news of the agreement comes at a fraught time for the supposed “all-weather” allies. <keyword id="3001" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> is currently assessing the feasibility of a number of CPEC projects. </li></ul>The ink has barely dried on the S-400 air defense agreement struck between <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and Russia last week, but already another large military deal is taking place on the Indian subcontinent- this time between China and Pakistan. As per local media reports on 9 October, the Pakistani government is all set to import 48-high end Wing Loong IIs aerial drones from China. The unmanned combat aerial vehicle is envisioned as a high-end reconnaissance technology. China has reportedly signed agreements in the recent past to sell the strike drones to UAE and Saudi Arabia. The deal, which is said to be the largest of its kind, comes at a fraught time for the supposed “all-weather” allies. Amid fears of falling into a Chinese debt trap (something that a large military deal will no doubt alleviate), the Pakistani government is assessing the feasibility of a number of projects under the China-Economic Pakistan Corridor (CPEC). Last week, Pakistan decided to curb Chinese investment in a large railways project from $8.2 billion to $6.2 billion. The country has also sidestepped China and entered into talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout. While the financial and delivery details of the transaction weren’t revealed, it has been in the works for some time. And it is meant to presage the eventual co-production of the Wing Loong II drones in Pakistan. Officials in the Pakistani air forces have said that the manufacturer of the drones, China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group, and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra, a state-backed air force equipment contractor, will collaborate on the domestic production of the drones. Interestingly, the Wing Loong II deals comes as India engages in talks with the US to buy the latter’s Sea Guardian drones to add to its existing arsenal of weaponised drones sourced from Israel. Additionally, with its new Russian air defense system, the stage could be set for some potentially unnerving war games in the near future.

China is all set to sell 48 military drones to Pakistan

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="11893746" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="Orion">Indian air force</keyword> is in the midst of a massive modernization and expansion effort.</li><li><keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> has focused on archrival <keyword id="11893449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword> for decades, but it is now contending with a much larger foe: <keyword id="11892748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword>.</li></ul>Earlier this month, at the end of India's annual Independence Day parade in New Delhi, the Indian Air Force showed off its aircraft inventory in multiple flyovers of the Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard in the capital.The flyovers included transport aircraft, helicopter gunships, fighters, and fighter-bombers. It was the latest show of force for a military branch that, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/after-himalayan-clash-india-prepares-navy-to-take-on-china-2021-6" target="_top">like its naval counterpart</a>, is in the midst of a massive modernization and expansion effort.Focused for decades on the threat from archrival Pakistan, India is now preparing its air force to fight another much larger foe: China.With roughly 2,000 combat aircraft from its air force and navy, China has the largest aviation force in Asia and the third largest in the world. Worse for India, China's increasingly close relationship with Pakistan is <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/the-china-pakistan-partnership-continues-to-deepen/" target="_top">resulting in closer military cooperation</a>, including joint development of fighter jets.Faced with the potential for an air war against two enemies, the IAF is increasing its size and capabilities.<h2>A significant inventory</h2><div type="image" title="Indian MiG-29 fighter jet" height="1116" width="2000" msid="85853169" hostid="261"></div>With well over 1,000 aircraft itself, the IAF is by no means small. Since India's independence, it has mostly fielded Russian aircraft made entirely in Russia or licensed for local production.Even today, the biggest fleets in the IAF inventory are those of the <keyword id="12004876" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mig-21" source="Orion">MiG-21</keyword>, MiG-29, and the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su-30mki-multirole-fighter-aircraft-india/" target="_top">Su-30MKI</a> - a version of Russia's Su-30 made specifically for and by India. (India signed a contract for the Su-30MKI in the 1990s and has built more than 200 of them domestically since the mid-2000s.)The service also has some European models, such as SEPECAT Jaguars and Mirage 2000s, which are the IAF's <a href="https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0912kargil/" target="_top">primary strike platforms</a>. But those aircraft, which were acquired in the 1980s, are showing signs of age, and the IAF plans to retire them by 2030.India's MiG-21s, first introduced in the 1960s, are also expected to be retired by 2030 - even the modernized MiG-21 Bison models. The jet has <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/11-down-in-5-yrs-3-in-2021-but-many-in-iaf-still-swear-by-mig-21s-despite-its-safety-record/663813/" target="_top">a poor safety record</a>; as of 2013, more than 480 of India's MiG-21s had been involved in accidents that had caused over 200 deaths.<h2>Threats on two fronts</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI" height="800" width="1200" msid="85853174" hostid="261"></div>The Su-30MKI purchase was more than just a general upgrade. It came after the Pakistan Air Force in 1982 accepted the first of 28 US-made F-16s, which seriously increased the PAF's capabilities a decade after it <a href="http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/1971-air-war-battle-for-air-supremacy/" target="_top">last fought</a> the IAF.The US <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/pakistan%E2%80%99s-long-controversial-love-affair-f-16-fighting-falcon-47682" target="_top">paused</a> F-16 deliveries in 1990 because of Pakistan's nuclear program, but they resumed in 2005, and the PAF now has some 75 F-16s. Their use is <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2020/08/how-americas-experience-with-pakistan-can-help-it-deal-with-turkey/" target="_top">conditional and closely monitored</a> by the US, but Pakistan would likely have no qualms about using them in an all-out war.In 2019, a <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26836/we-cut-through-the-conflicting-claims-and-misinformation-surrounding-indias-strikes-on-pakistan" target="_top">series of skirmishes</a> between India and Pakistan included airstrikes on each other's territory and resulted in one MiG-21 Bison being shot down by PAF fighters, possibly by an F-16. It was the first time since 1971 that air attacks had been conducted across the Line of Control.During the Cold War, China sold Pakistan its J-6 and J-7 fighters, which were Chinese copies of Russia's MiG-19 and MiG-21. The PAF has also benefitted from Pakistan's closer ties with China in recent years.<div type="image" title="India Kashmir MiG-21 Bison crash" height="998" width="1400" msid="85853179" hostid="261"></div>Their air forces <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-and-Pakistan-conduct-joint-air-drills-with-eye-on-India" target="_top">re</a><a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-and-Pakistan-conduct-joint-air-drills-with-eye-on-India" target="_top">gularly</a> conduct joint <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1211811.shtml" target="_top">exercises</a>, and they have even jointly developed a fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft, the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund/" target="_top">JF-17</a>, of which Pakistan has over 100.China and Pakistan are now <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-pakistan-upgrading-fighter-aircraft-used-against-indian-air-force-report/story-BS87X5ux3Xaj8QqS6jtssN.html" target="_top">planning</a> upgrades to Pakistan's JF-17 fleet, and China has <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chinese-pla-tries-to-psyche-indian-army-by-supplying-armed-drones-to-pak/story-tySb4UnKimFUYIxJdP3xGL.html" target="_top">announced</a> the sale of 50 <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/wing-loong-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav/" target="_top">Wing Loong II combat drones</a> to Pakistan. Pakistan may also <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/is-the-chinese-jh-7-an-answer-to-the-pakistan-air-forces-deep-strike-needs/" target="_top">acquire</a> Chinese strike aircraft.China's own air force also poses a threat to the IAF. Particularly worrying for India are the <a href="http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j10.htm" target="_top">J-10</a> and <a href="http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j11.htm" target="_top">J-11</a> fighters and the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/08/17/chinese-stealth-fighters-head-west-to-confront-india/?sh=5f36556a1b85" target="_top">J-20</a> stealth fighter.The aerial threat from China was abundantly clear after last year's deadly standoff along its disputed border with India.India has a longer history of air operations in the area, but China is <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41065/tracking-chinas-sudden-airpower-expansion-along-its-western-border" target="_top">rapidly building and expanding</a> air bases and defenses along its western borders.<h2>A major modernization</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet" height="1333" width="2000" msid="85853182" hostid="261"></div>Appreciating the threats, the IAF has committed to modernization.In 2016, India signed a contract with French firm Dassault Aviation four 36 Rafale multirole fighters. Twenty-six of them have been <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-has-received-26-rafale-aircraft-till-date-govt/article35585665.ece" target="_top">delivered</a> so far, and some have <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/indian-air-force-deploys-first-rafales-in-east-to-counter-china-121072900013_1.html" target="_top">already been deployed</a> to counter possible Chinese aggression.The IAF has also purchased 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 22 AH-64 Apache gunships, both of which have also been <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/iaf-deploys-apache-attack-helicopters-and-chinooks-in-ladakh-increases-combat-air-patrols/445072/" target="_top">deployed</a> to the border region.India has developed its own lightweight <keyword id="12004878" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fighter-jet" source="Orion">fighter jet</keyword>, the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/tejas/" target="_top">HAL Tejas</a>, and has about 20 in service. The original order for 40 fighters was supplemented by <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-48000-crore-landmark-deal-india-clears-purchase-of-83-tejas-jets-for-iaf/articleshow/80251469.cms" target="_top">an additional order</a> of 83 improved Tejas Mark 1A variants, with a second production line <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/govt-clears-rs-48000-cr-deal-for-83-tejas-mk-1a-all-you-want-to-know-about-the-aircraft/584743/" target="_top">built</a> to speed up production.To meet its needs in the near-term, India is <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-tejas-india-moves-ahead-to-procure-more-mig-29s-sukhois/articleshow/80320199.cms" target="_top">buying</a> another 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs. It is also <a href="https://tass.com/defense/1316503" target="_top">upgrading</a> its MiG-29 fleet and modifying its Su-30MKIs to be able to fire Brahmos cruise missiles.<div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet" height="1326" width="2000" msid="85853185" hostid="261"></div>The IAF is also seeking 114 medium multirole combat aircraft.The US-made F/A-18E/F and F-15, the French-built Rafale, the European-made Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russia's MiG-35 and Su-35 - all twin-engine jets - are in the running, as are the single-engine Swedish-built JAS 39 Gripen and US-built F-21, a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lockheed-martin-unveils-f21-fighter-jet-to-compete-for-india-contract-2019-2" target="_top">version of the F-16</a> designed specifically for India.India also has a number of high-profile domestic projects in development. It plans to fly a prototype from its own <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-5th-gen-aircraft-iaf-to-model-its-amca-on-us-f-35s-instead-of-j-20-or-su-57-jets-experts/" target="_top">fifth-generation stealth fighter program</a> by 2025 and recently <a href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/hal-announces-unmanned-fighter-jet-207899" target="_top">unveiled</a> an unmanned fighter jet program.India has relied on foreign suppliers for much of its military hardware - especially <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/07/21/russia-sees-india-as-prospective-buyer-for-checkmate-jet-but-will-iaf-want-it.html" target="_top">Russia</a>, with which it has a longstanding but <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-s400-purchase-risks-us-sanctions-amid-competition-with-china-2021-5" target="_top">increasingly fraught</a> relationship - but many of the new acquisition efforts will require some degree of local production as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" program aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.Amid ongoing tensions with China and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china-pakistan-india-jockey-position-afghanistans-new-great-game-2021-08-23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewed uncertainty</a> about the future in Afghanistan, India's efforts to expand and modernize its air force show how serious it is about countering the threat from its two most contentious neighbors.

India is updating its air force for a modern war, and China isn't its only concern

<ul><li>‘Regulation 1.0’, India’s new rules and regulations for flying drones in the country, went live on December 1. </li><li>While flying drones may be legal, they can’t be used for e-commerce deliveries. </li><li>The Indian government’s agenda includes using drones for health care-related emergency situations such as when road congestion is a huge obstacle. </li><li>The country’s army chief has also stated that drones may be used to safeguard India’s borders against <keyword id="3001" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. </li></ul>Announced in August earlier this year, the rules and regulations for legally flying drones in India went live on December 1. It's important to note that unlike the United States and other countries where flying drones is legal, the use of drones doesn't yet apply to e-commerce. That means that you won't be getting <keyword id="6358351" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pizza">pizza</keyword> and online orders delivered to your doorstep. So why did India choose to legalise drones? The move seems to, more or less, to placate the public where the 'recreational use' of drones is now feasible. But there are applications for agricultural data collection, insurance and infrastructure asset maintenance, among others, that could benefit the larger public. Not-so-recreational Currently, the implementation plans of drones seem to be in the realm of facilitating drones from transporting organs and other emergency medical supplies. Drones will also be likely be used by the Indian military. The Indian army chief has stated that India may use 'armed drones' to protect the borders of Jammu and Kashmir, one of India's most volatile states. He added that this form of 'Hybrid Warfare' would also be used across the line-of-control (LoC) on the Pakistani side. 'Regulations 1.0' may make flying drones in India feasible, but it's not as easy as just buying a drone and setting it loose in the sky. In fact, there are a bunch of regulatory formalities that come into play like applying for digital permits called the Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), limitations on high drones can fly, and adhering to 'no-fly' zones -- that are all seen as reasonable regulation. The government has also clarified that if there's a new application for how drones should be used, they would relax the rules on a case-by-case basis. Simon Johnson, the Vice President of the Drone Association of <keyword id="103" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Switzerland">Switzerland</keyword>, said, "Regulations are absolutely necessary to ensure accountability. Integrating autonomous systems into society has its own challenges. And for India, I think the new set of regulations is a great step forward," at the Game of Drones conference in Bengaluru. Melanie Guittet doesn't see the regulations as obstacles at all saying that, "I think it’s is an enabler, a catalyser for the growth of drone industry. Else, it’ll shrink to small scale without regulations." The country still seems divided on whether the legalisation of drones is progressive or a security concern, but either way, the drones are here and it seems as though rather than be vary, it's time to responsible to ensure that they bring about positive change. 
 <div type="Youtube" id="OmoIY0EjtTg" title="Flying drones is finally legal in India" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OmoIY0EjtTg/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

Flying drones in India may be 'legal' — but that doesn’t mean you’re getting doorstep deliveries

<ul><li>Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauri asserted that the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) is ready for a two-front war. </li><li>Over the last couple of months, India has been facing off against China as well as Pakistan along its northern borders. </li><li>“The IAF is well-positioned to take on China across all theatres,” said the IAF chief.</li></ul>Amid rising tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Pakistan’s repeated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria asserts that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is ready for a two-front war. <div type="twitter" handle="ANI" handlename="ANI" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1497864299/ani_mic_logo_normal.jpg" favoritecount="281" retweetcount="56" status="#WATCH The emerging threat scenario in our neighbourhood &amp; beyond mandates need to have a robust capability to figh… https://t.co/UZqY1QppdU" createdat="1601882195000" id="1313015209791905792"></div> “The IAF is ready for any possible conflict, including a two-front war,” he said during a press briefing ahead of the National Air Force day 2020 on October 8. “The IAF is well positioned to take on China across all theatres,” Bhadauria added. According to him, the recent addition of the Rafale fighter jet into the Indian Armed Forces’ arsenal gives India an edge over its adversaries. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="78162853" title="India-China decide ‘early date’ needed for military talks on border issue — but stalemate continues" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> “We have operationalised the recently acquired Rafales, Chinooks and Apaches in record time,” said the IAF chief. He also highlighted that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will remain the IAF’s ‘mainstay’ for at least the next decade or so. “Processes have been set of 6th generation technologies like directed energy, swarm drones, hypersonic weapons and others,” Bhadauri explained. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77743778" title="Experts explain India’s 'military options' against China" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> According to him, the IAF’s position as a credible combat-ready force is critical towards ensuring victory in any future conflict. Last week, Bhadauri also indicated that India’s northern frontiers’ precarious situation is currently <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-china-border-at-no-war-no-peace-status-says-iaf-chief/articleshow/78380509.cms">‘uneasy,’ giving it a ‘no war, no peace’ status.</a> SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/supreme-court-defers-loan-moratorium-case-hearing-to-october-13-gives-rbi-and-the-government-another-week-to-file-additional-affidavits/articleshow/78487586.cms">Supreme Court defers loan moratorium case hearing to October 13 — gives RBI and the government another week to file additional affidavits</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/tcs-shares-hit-record-high-board-to-mull-over-share-buyback-and-earnings-on-october-7/articleshow/78486980.cms">TCS rallies nearly 5%, shares hit fresh high — board to mull over share buyback and earnings on October 7</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/indusind-icici-rbl-axis-hdfc-kotak-mahindra-bank-share-price-and-other-stocks-surge-on-loan-moratorium-case/articleshow/78486360.cms">Relief rally in bank stocks continues as Supreme Court defers loan moratorium hearing to October 13</a>

The Indian Air Force is ready for a two-front war, says Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria

<ul><li>On Tuesday, Pakistan claimed that an ‘Indian spy quadcopter’ was shot down by its army troops that was flying along Line of Control (LoC) in Bagh sector in Pakistan. </li><li>The <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian army</keyword> strongly denied the claim by saying that ‘they keep lying on such issues’. </li><li>According to Times Now, the spy quadcopter in question is not a ‘<keyword id="6359526" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="military">military</keyword> grade’ drone, but is the one that is easily available and may be used to cover public events. </li><li>A few days prior to this, the Indian army used <keyword id="1605674" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Quadcopters">quadcopters</keyword> to locate dead bodies of Pakistan’s army troops.</li></ul>Indian army strongly refuted Pakistan’s claim that said it <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pakistan-claims-to-have-downed-indian-spy-quadcopter-along-loc-indian-army-rejects-claim/articleshow/67347594.cms">shot down ‘Indian spy quadcopter’</a> flying along their (Pakistan border) Line of Control (LoC) in Bagh sector. In fact, the Indian army reportedly condemned Islamabad of ‘lying on such issues’ and said that the incident has not happened. The Indian army’s response came after Major General Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan’s director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Army wing, posted a tweet on Tuesday that had a picture of the flying drone, which spied Pakistan. The tweet said “Not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross LOC, In Shaa Allah.” 
 
 
 
 
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 On Wednesday, Ghafoor also <a href="https://tribune.com.pk/story/1879985/1-army-downs-another-indian-spy-drone-along-line-control/">claimed</a> that the Pakistan army troops have shot down yet another drone along LoC in Satwal sector. 
 
 
 
 
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 The military deploys Quadcopters for surveillance and silent observations on attackers. However, <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/pakistan-army-news-spy-drone-quadcopter-indian-army-bagh-sector-line-of-control-amazon-online-purchase-imran-khan-naya-pakistan-narendra-modi-pakistan/340644">according to</a> Times Now, the quadcopter in question is not a ‘military grade’ drone, but is the one that is easily available and may be used to cover public events. However, Pakistan has also said that it shot four Indian <keyword id="94769" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword> last year. A few days prior to this, on 31 December, Indian army <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pak-bat-action-foiled-army-used-quadcopters-to-locate-attackers-corpse/articleshow/67321632.cms">reportedly</a> shot down Pakistani troops in Naugam sector of Kashmir and used drones to locate the bodies of the troops while on a mission to obstruct Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT), ANI reported through its official twitter handle. 
 
 
 
 
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 On the flip side, in 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the <keyword id="2893215" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="surgical-strike">surgical strike</keyword> that was carried out by Indian troops that happened to kill nearly 50 terrorists — including Pakistan <keyword id="148618" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Army-soldiers">army soldiers</keyword>. Pakistan strongly denied the claim back then. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-chinese-soldiers-break-into-bhangra-twitter-has-a-field-day/articleshow/67072517.cms">Indian, Chinese soldiers break into ‘Bhangra’ —Twitter has a field day</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/flying-drones-in-india-may-be-legal-but-that-doesnt-mean-youre-getting-doorstep-deliveries/articleshow/66932352.cms">Flying drones in India may be 'legal' — but that doesn’t mean you’re getting doorstep deliveries</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/police-admit-that-some-drone-sightings-during-gatwick-closure-crisis-may-have-been-of-their-own-surveillance-drones/articleshow/67299898.cms">Police admit that some drone sightings during Gatwick closure crisis may have been of their own surveillance drones</a>

Indian army strongly denies Pakistan’s claim of shooting down its ‘spy drone’ along LoC

<ul class="summary-list"><li>At least three people are dead after fuel trucks exploded in <keyword id="12424480" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="abu-dhabi" source="Orion">Abu Dhabi</keyword> airport on Monday, police said.</li><li>It may have been a drone attack, and six more people are injured, police added.</li></ul>At least three people are dead after fuel trucks exploded near Abu Dhabi airport on Monday in a suspected drone attack, police said.The city's police said that six people were also injured in the <keyword id="11955830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="explosion" source="Orion">explosion</keyword>, which happened after a fire broke out near oil company ADNOC's storage facilities, <a href="https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303011840">United Arab Emirates news agency WAM reported</a>.Police said those killed were two people from India and one from Pakistan, according to WAM.Abu Dhabi police said in a statement that "initial investigations found parts of a small plane that could possibly be a drone at both sites that could have caused the explosion and the fire," Reuters reported.The police added that there was no "significant damage," according to Reuters.The Houthi movement claimed responsibility, Reuters reported.The Houthi rebels overthrew the government in Yemen in 2015, and Iran is accused of supporting the group.

3 killed after suspected drone attack near Abu Dhabi airport that blew up fuel trucks

In yet another embarrassment to Islamabad, the Chinese firm, which apparently manufactured the drone shot down by Pakistan along the LoC, said the aircraft was not sold to any government. 
 
The Pakistani army had downed an unmanned aircraft along the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=line+of+control">LoC</a> on July 15, saying it was a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=spy+drone">spy drone</a> from India. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=jaishankar">Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar</a> had who refuted <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>'s claims of shooting down an Indian drone, adding that it was not in the inventory of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=indian+army">Indian defence forces</a>. 
 
On Wednesday, a news report in The Global Times read that Chinese drone maker, DJI, said that governments are not their direct customers, reinforcing India's stand. 
 
Earlier, Chinese official media, People's Daily Online, reported that the phantom 3 drone was made in China by DJI. 
 
Pakistan had summoned Indian High Commissioner to Islamabad TCA Raghavan to protest over it. 
 
The Global Times report also quoted DJI as saying that it is not difficult to purchase their drones through its website or through any vendors. 
 
DJI, headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, was founded in 2006. 
 
(Image: ISPR)

Pakistan faces another embarrassing moment. Read how

Three alumni of the <keyword id="55119" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Institute-of-Technology">Indian Institute of Technology</keyword> (IIT) have developed a drone equipped with infrared camera which can help in thermal screening of groups without human intervention and identify suspected COVID-19 cases at an early stage once the lockdown is lifted. The drone also has a loudspeaker which can be used by personnel to monitor places especially with high disease prevalence and give appropriate instructions. The alumni team from IIT Guwahati, which has founded a start up called Marut Dronetech, is already conducting trial runs in coordination with state governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh besides Trichy Municipal Corporation. "Once the lockdown is eased, and people start gathering it will be difficult to ensure social distancing and hence enhanced risk of virus spread till the time situation is completely in control," Prem Kumar Vislawath, an electronic and communications engineering graduate, told . "<keyword id="94769" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">Drones</keyword> are being made for lot of other activities including delivery of foods and medicines and spraying disinfectants, we realised that to limit the risk of the personnel getting infected while conducting temperature checks, drones equipped with infrared cameras to test temperature measurements can be used," he said. "Any abnormalities can be marked as suspects for COVID-19. This information can be used by health workers and officials to take further measures. This will help in the identification of infection in a person at a much early stage and can prove to be vital in the present scenario," he added. According to another team member, Suraj Peddi, the group tested different ways to calibrate airborne infrared cameras to measure body temperature. "Results showed that by installing a cotton swab within the field of view of the thermal camera, the camera can get an accurate reading. The calibrated drone camera can then be used to measure body temperatures while the officer remains at a safe distance away. While the results are encouraging, it is essential to mention this solution is not designed to be used for standard medical procedures," he added. Elaborating on the development, another team member <keyword id="9000268" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="sai-kumar-chinthala">Sai Kumar Chinthala</keyword>, said, "At a time when countries across the world are submitting to mass lockdowns owing to the ongoing pandemic, drones have emerged as a fresh breath of air, by proving to be an alternative and plausible lifeline for stranded populations advised social-distancing". According to the Union Health Ministry, the number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,301 in the country on Wednesday while the death toll rose to 56, The number of active COVID-19 cases stands at 2,088, while 156 people were either cured or discharged and one migrated to another country, the ministry stated The figure of 2,301 includes 55 foreign nationals. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/topic/coronavirus">Coronavirus News and Updates</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/world-bank-approves-1-billion-funding-for-india-200-million-for-pakistan-to-fight-coronavirus/articleshow/74957213.cms">World Bank approves $1 billion funding for India, $200 million for Pakistan to fight coronavirus</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/narendra-modi-speech-and-highlights-on-april-3/articleshow/74959547.cms">Indian Prime Narendra Modi urges people to light candles, torches, and mobile flashlights on April 5 at 9 pm⁠— as a symbol of a unified fight against novel coronavirus</a>

You Searched For "india pakistan drones" and got 13 results

Pakistan buys armed drones from China in bulk amid border tensions with India

IANS

India is drawing lessons from Ukraine to counter China's military might

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The US and China are picking sides in one of the world's most dangerous rivalries

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India plans to buy 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones for $3 billion from US company General Atomics

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China is all set to sell 48 military drones to Pakistan

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India is updating its air force for a modern war, and China isn't its only concern

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Flying drones in India may be 'legal' — but that doesn’t mean you’re getting doorstep deliveries

Prabhjote Gill

The Indian Air Force is ready for a two-front war, says Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria

Prabhjote Gill

Indian army strongly denies Pakistan’s claim of shooting down its ‘spy drone’ along LoC

BI India Bureau

3 killed after suspected drone attack near Abu Dhabi airport that blew up fuel trucks

Sinéad Baker

Pakistan faces another embarrassing moment. Read how

BI India Bureau

IIT alumni develops drone with infrared camera for thermal screening to identify Coronavirus suspects

PTI

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