Context:
India has recently undertaken major defence upgrades across its Army, Air Force, and Navy, reinforcing its military capabilities amid regional security challenges.
Army Strengthens T-72 Tank Fleet with Russian Engines
- Contract Signed: India has inked a $248 million deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport (RoE) for the procurement of 1,000 HP engines for its T-72 tanks.
- Technology Transfer: The deal includes local integration and licensed production at Armoured Vehicles Nigam (Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi, Chennai) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Upgraded Mobility & Firepower:
- Current T-72 tanks are fitted with 780 HP engines; the new 1,000 HP engines will significantly boost battlefield mobility and offensive capability.
- India has 2,400 T-72 tanks and is also inducting 1,300 T-90S ‘Bhishma’ tanks (out of 1,657 being produced under Russian license).
- Indigenous tank projects:
- 118 Arjun Mark-1A tanks (with major upgrades) ordered for ₹7,523 crore in 2021.
- 354 light tanks under Project Zorawar (₹17,500 crore) to enhance high-altitude warfare capabilities, especially for the Ladakh standoff with China.
IAF’s C-17 Globemaster Lands at Kargil for the First Time
- Strategic Airlift Milestone: The Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster-III aircraft made its first-ever landing at Kargil airfield, near the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan.
- Trial Run:
- Took off from Hindon airbase (Delhi NCR) and successfully landed at Kargil’s 9,700-feet-high airstrip (surrounded by mountains).
- Next step: Conducting night landings at Kargil.
- Significance: Enhances logistical and operational capabilities in forward areas, crucial for rapid troop and equipment deployment in conflict scenarios.
Indian Navy Wraps Up Major Combat Exercise in Indian Ocean
- Tropex 2024 Concludes:
- A three-month-long naval exercise tested India’s maritime war-fighting readiness.
- Participation:
- 65-70 warships
- 10 submarines
- 80+ aircraft and helicopters
- Joint participation from the Army, IAF, and Coast Guard
- Focus Area: Indian Ocean Region (IOR), amid growing China-Pakistan naval cooperation.
- Objective: Strengthening combat readiness, interoperability, and maritime security.
As India faces evolving security challenges, these measures reinforce its strategic deterrence and operational preparedness.
Source: TOI
