The Indian Army and the Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at two key air bases for upgrading their surveillance capabilities all along the Line of Actual Control with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. The drone deal, expected to be worth around USD 4 billion is being done at tri services level with the Indian Navy leading the negotiations for it with the American side. "The MQ-9B drones require a significant runway length for take off and landing which are available with the Indian Air Force. That is why, the Army drones are planned to be deployed with the IAF at airbases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur," defence officials told ANI. As per of the drone deal with the US, 31 MQ-9B drones are being acquired of which 15 would be for coverage of the maritime zone and would be deployed by the Indian Navy. The IAF and the Army will have eight each of these highly capable long endurance drones and would be able to cover almost all the areas of interest along the LAC with support from other existing assets, the officials said. The American side has given its letter of acceptance to the Indian side at a price tag of around USD 4 billion. There is also a provision of transfer of technology of some equipment to Indian entities under the agreement, they said. With a flight time of over 36 hours at heights over 40,000 feet, the drones can be armed with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs, this fighter-sized drone specializes in (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions. The Predator drones are expected to significantly enhance India's ability to conduct unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and along its land borders with China and Pakistan. MQ-9B has proven to be a critical asset in safeguarding India's security interests as it was used to extensively to monitor anti-piracy operations from naval headquarters to get a clear picture of the actions taking place almost 3,000 km from Indian shores.
06 May,2024 11:52 AM IST
Air India Express on October 18 rebranded its aircraft with a new logo, livery. The event was held at the Mumbai airport. The new Air India Express mainly features four colours including orange, turquoise, tangerine and ice blue. According to the airline, the livery of the first new Boeing 737-8 aircraft was inspired by the Bandhani textile design. Air India Express is in the process of mearing with AIX Connect-Air Asia India and will operate as one airline. This comes a little over two months after Air India unveiled its new brand identity.
19 October,2023 03:12 PM IST | Mumbai
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over the first LCA Tejas twin-seater trainer version aircraft to IAF on Oct 04. MoS for Defence Ajay Bhatt, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari were present at the LCA Tejas division plant. This historic event mark the achievement of a key milestone of producing LCA Twin Seater. It is designed with a strategic intent of graduating budding pilots from the Twin Seater variants to fighter Pilots. HAL has an order of 18 twin seater from IAF and is planning to deliver eight twin seater in FY 2023-24. Further, 10 Light Combat Aircraft twin seaters would be delivered progressively by 2026-27. LCA-Tejas is the largest R-D program ever undertaken in India that made its maiden flight in 2001. It is going to be the backbone of the IAF fleet in years to come and is slated to be produced in high numbers. HAL has already received an order for 123 aircraft out of which 32 fighters have been supplied to IAF. This adds India to the list of elite countries that have created such capabilities in their Defence Forces. LCA Tejas is the best platform for India to be a flag bearer to achieve export targets set by the government.
04 October,2023 05:45 PM IST | Mumbai
Hindi Film Actress Alia Bhatt celebrates her 30th birthday today! She, mentioned, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali works with actors when they are at their prime."Let's catch up on an exclusive interview of her in case you missed it! "When it happened, it was like a dream, come true," she said on working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
15 March,2023 03:04 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
