Kudos to the tri-services for selfless service
The ongoing natural disaster in Chennai has wrecked havoc and massive relief operations are on at the moment. Leading the relief operations are the three services – the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The tri-services have deployed personnel and equipment to provide succour to the victims of the deluge and they are working round the clock in a highly commendable manner. Kudos to all who have put service before self.
The Navy Chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan, in an exclusive response to queries by SP’s, mentioned how the Navy had deployed its personnel with boats and other equipment to rescue marooned people and how they were distributing relief material. Importantly, how INS Rajali had become an alternate airport for Chennai with the present airport having shut down due to flooding. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who made an aerial survey of the damage announced ` 1,000 crore towards relief operations.
Admiral R.K. Dhowan also mentioned how the Indian Navy was operationally capable and combat ready. He has dwelt at length on the Navy’s acquisition plans, particularly on EMALS (electromagnetic aircraft launch system) and how that a study will reveal on what kind of launch and recovery system the Navy would need. Similarly, on the acquisition of the E-2D Hawkeye he indicated that it would become clear after the report was submitted. Nevertheless, the Navy’s plans are aligned with national objectives that lay emphasis on the ‘Make in India’ programme.
The Prime Minister had just returned from official visits to Malaysia and Singapore, two key nations in South East Asia from a trade and strategic point of view. Not just economic issues were discussed but strategic ones with regard to security and peace in the region and how they could contribute to that. With both Malaysia and Singapore, India has historic ties with quite a large Indian population settled in these countries. India and Malaysia have outlined several areas in defence where the two could cooperate effectively. With Singapore, the Indian Navy had a joint exercise called Simbex 2015.
As the programmes gains momentum, there is renewed interest from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and one of them Rockwell Collins has expanded its presence in India to work out ways of participating in various programmes. This issue also carries an interview with Joseph Parsley of Yulista which sees numerous opportunities in the aircraft (rotary-wing and fixed-wing) and combat vehicle (tracked and wheeled vehicle) modification and technology insertion markets.
In his fortnightly viewpoints, Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) has lambasted the Defence Research and Development Organisation following the crash of the Nishant unmanned aerial vehicle and how the organisation is draining resources without producing anything of significant value, commensurate with the investments made. In another viewpoint, he has talked about how China is working strategically its military organisational structure to ensure that it goes ahead with its plans of dominance in the region.
Besides these features, we have the regular departments and we look forward to your feedback.
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