1. Integrated Himalayan Drills: Tri-Service Exercise "Prachand Prahaar"
The Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy concluded a rigorous three-day integrated multi-domain exercise, "Prachand Prahaar," in the challenging high-altitude terrain of the Himalayan region along the nation's northern borders. This exercise showcased the seamless integration of unmanned aerial vehicles, space resources, and advanced surveillance assets from all three services. Elite special forces from the Indian Army participated, utilizing these resources to achieve comprehensive domain awareness and effectively detect simulated targets.
2. Strategic Deployment: New Infantry Division Bolsters Ladakh Defenses
In a strategic move to fortify its presence along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army is establishing a new 72 Infantry Division under the Fire and Fury Corps. This division, comprising approximately 10,000 to 15,000 personnel organized into three to four brigades, will operate alongside the existing 3 Division. This "Order of Battle" (ORBAT) initiative involves restructuring and redeploying existing troops to enhance military readiness in the demanding Ladakh terrain. The new division will replace the currently deployed Uniform Force (Division level), which will subsequently return to its original base in Reasi, Jammu.
3. Counter-Insurgency Success: Arms Cache Recovered in Rajouri Forest
Security forces in the Rajouri district of Jammu successfully uncovered a militant hideout during a search operation in the Manyal Gali forests of Thannamandi. Acting on intelligence, a joint operation by the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group (SOG) led to the recovery of five live rounds of ammunition, a grenade, a gas cylinder, a small solar panel, and various food supplies. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat militant activity in the region.
4. Defense Procurement: Army Acquires NAMIS and Light Vehicles
The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth approximately Rs 2,500 crore for the procurement of critical military equipment. These contracts include the acquisition of the tracked version of the Nag Anti-Tank Missile System (NAMIS), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), for Rs 1,801.34 crore. Additionally, contracts have been finalized with Force Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra for the supply of around 5,000 light vehicles to the armed forces. NAMIS is a fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system equipped with advanced sighting capabilities.
5. HAL Under Scrutiny: Project Delays and Operational Concerns
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) faces renewed criticism in Parliament, following delays in Tejas fighter production and the grounding of Dhruv helicopters. A parliamentary panel on public undertakings has raised serious concerns regarding prolonged project timelines, cost overruns, and missed strategic opportunities. The panel highlighted "systemic inefficiencies" that impede HAL's ability to meet the operational demands of the armed forces. This critique follows recent public statements by the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who expressed a lack of confidence in the defense PSU, emphasizing the urgent need for the IAF to induct at least 40 fighters annually to maintain combat readiness.
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