DEFENCE

• Raksha Mantri interacts with Defence Civilian Employees’ Federations on issues related to Corporatisation of OFB.
• Indian Navy accepts first batch of two MH-60r Multi Role Helicopters (MRH).
• Investment for Procurement of Indigenously Manufactured Defence Equipment
  Sarang performs at MAKS air show in Russia.
• MoD issues RFP for construction of six P-75(I) submarines for Indian Navy.
• DRDO successfully flight-tests indigenously developed MPATGM for minimum range.
• DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG.
• Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Navy.
• INS Tabar in Russia, INS Airavat in Indonesia and INS Talwar is participating in Exercise Cutlass Express 2021.
• COVID vaccination dramatically reduces infection, finds AFMS study.
• Raksha Mantri addresses SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
• Induction of Rafale aircraft into No. 101 Squadron.
• CAS visit to UAE.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Cameroon

• Army killed at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists in an attack in Far-North region.

Afghanistan

• Islamic State claimed responsibility for rocket attacks near Presidential Palace in Kabul.
• “Islamic State’s terrorists moving into Afghanistan,” claimed Russian Defence Minister Shoigu.

Pakistan

• ISI persuading Taliban terrorists to target infrastructure developed by India in Afghanistan.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Security forces eliminated two TRF terrorists in Srinagar.
• Security forces eliminated two LeT terrorists in Baramulla.
• NIA filed charge-sheet in HM Narco-terror case.
• J&K Police shot down drone equipped with IED material in Jammu.
• NIA conducted searches at nine locations in J&K and arrest a terrorist in LeM conspiracy case.
• NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in J&K in connection to Bathindi IED recovery case.

Left-Wing Extremism

• NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in Telangana in Dummugudem Explosives case.
• Police arrested five Maoists from Telangana.
• Police arrested ‘most wanted’ Maoist from Chhattisgarh.

Islamic Extremism

• NIA conducted raid at multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in IS-Hizbut-Tahrir, Facebook case of Tamil Nadu.
• NIA arrested two LeM terrorists in connection with LeM conspiracy case.

North-East Region Insurgency

• NIA filed a charge-sheet against two UNLF terrorists in connection with an attack on security forces in Manipur.

Cyber, Information Warfare & AI (Security Perspective)

• Russia opened case against WhatsApp for violating Russia’s Personal Data Legislation.

Defence

Raksha Mantri interacts with Defence Civilian Employees’ Federations on issues related to OFB Corporatisation.

Since the announcement of the Government to undertake corporatisation of OFB in May, 2020, the Government has held various discussions with the OFB employees’ Federations regarding the corporatisation of OFB under Chairmanship of Secretary (Defence Production). Their concerns and suggestions were noted. Their main concern about safeguarding the interests of the employees of OFB has been adequately addressed. It is pertinent to mention that Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) also held discussions with Government & OFB Federations as part of the conciliation process under the ID Act 1947. To enhance functional autonomy, efficiency and unleash new growth potential and innovation in Ordnance Factories, the Government has decided to convert the production units of Ordnance Factory Board into 07 Defence Public Sector Undertakings.
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Indian Navy(IN) accepts first batch of two MH-60r Multi Role Helicopters (MRH)

The IN accepted the first two of its MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters (MRH) from US Navy in a ceremony held in San Diego on 16 Jul 21. The helicopters are manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, USA and are all-weather helicopter designed to support multiple missions with state of the art avionics/ sensors. Twenty four of these helicopters are being procured under Foreign Military Sales from the US Government. The helicopters would also be modified with several India Unique Equipment and weapons.
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Investment for Procurement of Indigenously Manufactured Defence Equipment

In line with Government of India’s initiative of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, it has been decided to earmark an amount of Rs 71,438.36 crore for domestic capital procurement out of the total allocation of Rs 1,11,463.21 crore for Capital Acquisition.

Capital procurement of defence equipment are undertaken from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness. During last three financial years i.e.2018-19 to 2020-21, 102 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors for capital procurement of defence equipment such as aircrafts, missiles, tanks, bullet proof jackets, guns, navy vessels, radars, networks etc.
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Sarang performs at MAKS air show in Russia

The Sarang Helicopter Display Team of the IAF performed for the first time at the MAKS International Air Show held at Zhukovsky International Airport, Russia. The air show is a biennial fixture and this year’s edition was scheduled from 20 July 2021 to 25 July 2021.This is the first occasion when the Sarang Team performed its four helicopter aerobatics display in Russia, with its ‘Made in India’ ‘Dhruv’ Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). These HAL manufactured machines have hinge less rotors and are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, which makes them extremely suitable for military aviation. The Sarang Team was formed in 2003 at Bangalore and its first international display was at the Asian Aerospace Airshow at Singapore in 2004.

MoD issues RFP for construction of six P-75(I) submarines for Indian Navy

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued Request of Proposal (RFP) for the first acquisition programme under the Strategic Partnership Model for construction of six AIP fitted Conventional Submarines named Project 75(India) [P-75(I)] for the Indian Navy. The RFP was issued to shortlisted Strategic Partners (SPs) or Indian Applicant Companies for the project viz, M/s Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and M/s Larsen &Tubro (L&T). The project cost is over Rs 40,000 crore.

Project-75(I) envisages indigenous construction of six modern conventional submarines (including associated shore support, Engineering Support Package, training and spares package) with contemporary equipment, weapons & sensors including Fuel-Cell based AIP (Air Independent Propulsion Plant), advanced torpedoes, modern missiles and state of the art countermeasure systems.
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DRDO successfully flight-tests indigenously developed MPATGM for minimum range

DRDO successfully flight-tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) on July 21, 2021. The missile was launched from a man portable launcher integrated with thermal site and the target was mimicking a tank. The missile hit the target in direct attack mode and destroyed it with precision. The test has validated the minimum range successfully. All the mission objectives were met. The missile has already been successfully flight tested for the maximum range. The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics. The test brings the development of indigenous third generation man portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile close to completion.

DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG

DRDO successfully flight-tested the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG), a surface-to-air Missile from Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the coast of Odisha on July 21, 2021. The flight trial was conducted from a land-based platform with all weapon system elements such as Multifunction Radar, Command, Control & Communication System and launcher participating in deployment configuration.

Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Navy

The maiden two day exercise between IN and the Royal Navy’s latest Aircraft Carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth included participation of CSG-21 comprising Type 23 Frigates and an Astute-class submarine in addition to the other surface combatants. IN was represented by its Ships and a submarine. Anti-Submarine Warfare capable Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I also participated in the exercise. With the presence of the CSG-21 in the Indian Ocean, the ongoing exercise has afforded excellent opportunity to engage over the entire spectrum of maritime operations including ASW, Anti-Air and Anti-Surface warfare. The exercise also witnessed the maiden participation of the F 35 B Lightning which operate from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

INS Tabar in Russia, INS Airavat in Indonesia and INS Talwar is participating in Exercise Cutlass Express 2021

INS Tabar arrived at St Petersburg 22 Jul 21 as part of a five-day goodwill visit to Russia and to participate in the 325th Navy Day celebrations of the Russian Navy. INS Airavat arrived at the Port of Jakarta, Indonesia on 24 Jul 2021, carrying COVID-19 relief supplies. The ship brought five Cryogenic containers containing 100 MT of Liquid Oxygen and 300 Concentrators to support Indonesia in its fight against the ongoing pandemic. INS Talwar is participating in the multi-national maritime exercise Cutlass Express 2021 (CE 21), being conducted from 26 Jul to 06 Aug 21 in Kenya.

COVID vaccination dramatically reduces infection finds AFMS study

On 16 Jan 2021, India launched its immunization program against COVID-19. Among the first recipients were 1.59 million Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Frontline Workers (FLWs) of the Indian Armed Forces, who were administered COVISHIELD (Astra Zeneca).Data of 1,595,630 individuals (mean age 27.6 years; 99% male) over 135 days was analysed. Till 30 May 21, 95.4% and 82.2% were partially and fully vaccinated. The number of breakthrough cases in the UV(Un Vaccinated), PV (Partially Vaccinated) and FV(Fully Vaccinated) were 10061, 1159 and 2512; while the deaths were 37, 16 and 7 respectively. Corrected VE was 91.8–94.9% against infections. The conclusion of the interim study of 1.59 million HCWs and FLWs of Indian Armed Forces showed a ∼93% reduction in COVID-19 breakthrough infections with COVISHIELD vaccination.
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Raksha Mantri addresses SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Highlights of the RMs address:
-SCO completed 20 years; has collective stakes to create a safe and secure region
-India completed 500 projects in Afghanistan; gave aid of USD 3 Bn.
-Peace and Prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism, which is a crime against humanity.
-Non-traditional threats like water security, climate change pose challenges as Covid-19 pandemic.
-Indian Armed Forces and DRDO played a stellar role to counter Covid-19 challenges.
-India determined to vaccinate 90 crore adult population and to help other friendly countries with vaccine.
-6.6 crore doses of vaccines provided to 94 countries and United Nations peacekeepers
-‘Vande Bharat’ logistic service helped over 70 lakh stranded people including foreigners move out of distress.
-India accords high priority to consolidation of trust in security domain within SCO as well as strengthening ties with SCO partners.
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Induction of Additional Rafale aircraft into No. 101 Squadron

The Indian Air Force formally inducted Rafale aircraft into No. 101 Squadron at Air Force Station Hasimara in Eastern Air Command (EAC) on 28 Jul 21.
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CAS visit to UAE

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of the Air Staff, embarked on an official goodwill visit to UAE. He will be visiting UAE on an invitation from Major General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi Cdr UAE Air Force and Air Defence (UAE AF & AD). IAF and UAE AF & AD have had significant professional interactions in the past few years and this visit will further strengthen the defence cooperation and Air Force level exchanges, as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides.

International Terrorism

Africa

Cameroon

Army killed at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists in an attack in Far-North region.

On 24 July 2021, at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists were killed during an attack on Cameroon Army’s outpost in Far-North region. Next day, villagers found several bodies of terrorists in Belgafe—an Island in the region after Cameroon military deterred Boko Haram’s attack on its outpost. In the same attack, eight Cameroon military personnel were martyred, and 13 others wounded, said Cameroon Army spokesman—Colonel Didier Badjeck.
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Afghanistan

Islamic State claimed responsibility for rocket attacks near Presidential Palace in Kabul

In a statement circulated through one of its channel/group on Telegram application, Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for targeting Presidential Palace with at least three rockets on 20 July 2021 as President Ashraf Ghani and a group of leaders were gathered to offer Eid al-Adha prayers in the Presidential Garden. The rockets landed near the Presidential Palace. In early morning, the sound of incoming rockets heard over the Green Zone that houses Afghanistan Presidential Palace, and several Embassies, including the United States (US) Embassy in Kabul. No casualties were reported in the attack.
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“Islamic State’s terrorists moving into Afghanistan,” claimed Russian Defence Minister Shoigu

On 28 July 2021, Russia’s Defence Minister—Sergei Shoigu warned about the deterioration of security situation in Afghanistan amid United States (US) troops’ withdrawal. “Islamic State (IS) terrorists were moving into Afghanistan from Syria, Libya, and several other countries. We can also see that these movements are seriously organised. In concern, Russia was training Tajik military personnel at Russian military universities and facilities affiliated with the military base it operates in Tajikistan,” said Defence Minister Shoigu.
“Moscow views Taliban gains in northern Afghanistan as having a security upside because the group is hostile to what Russia regards as more dangerous Islamist extremists,” said a senior Russian diplomat on basis of anonymity.
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Pakistan

ISI persuading Taliban terrorists to target infrastructure developed by India in Afghanistan

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been persuading Taliban terrorists to target infrastructure developed and financed by India in war-torn country—Afghanistan. As reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, India has invested over USD three billion. The ISI, reportedly, already send around 10,000 Pakistani terrorists to Afghanistan to assist Taliban in the violent takeover of Afghan territories from Afghan government’s control amid the United States (US) and allied forces withdrawal. On 16 July 2021, Afghanistan’s President—Ashraf Ghani informed during a Central and South Asia Connectivity Conference held in Tashkent in Uzbekistan, that around 10,000 jihadis have entered Afghanistan from Pakistan during last one month and had blamed Pakistan government for this terror migration.
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Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces eliminated two TRF terrorists in Srinagar

In a pre-dawn counter-terrorism (CT) operation on 16 July 2021, security forces killed two terrorists—Irfan Ahmad Sofi and Bilal Ahmad Bhat, of The Resistance Front (TRF) terror group, in Srinagar’s Alamdar Colony. “Acting on specific information, a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CaSO) was launched at Alamdar Colony in Danmar area of Srinagar district. Terrorists were given opportunities to surrender, however, they fired indiscriminately. Two terrorists of self-claimed TRF of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed,” said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar.
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Security forces eliminated two LeT terrorists in Baramulla

On 23 July 2021, security forces eliminated two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists—Fayaz Ahmad War aka Rukana and Shaheen Ahmad Mir aka Shaheen Molvi, in a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CaSO) in Warpora village of Sopore in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The slain terrorists were given an opportunity to surrender, however, they started fired indiscriminately. “War was a top commander of the LeT, as he was associated with the terror group since 2008,” said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar.
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NIA filed charge-sheet in HM Narco-terror case

On 30 July 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge-sheet against Manpreet Singh aka Mann, before NIA Special Court in Mohali, Punjab, in connection with the arrest of Hilal Ahmad Shergojri and recovery of a truck along with ₹ 29 lakhs from his possession upon arrest. Hilal Ahmad was an Over-Ground Worker (OGW) of Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) and a close associate of Riyaz Naikoo. Manpreet Singh is a narcotics trafficker and was in close contact with other terrorists for supply of weapons and channelizing the proceeds of sale of narcotics. During search around 130 live rounds of 9mm calibre of Pakistan-origin were recovered from Manpreet’s possession.
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J&K Police shot down drone equipped with IED material in Jammu

On 23 July 2021, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police shot down a Hexacopter (drone) equipped with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing approximately 5 kgs near Akhnoor in Jammu district of J&K. “Police had received inputs that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was planning to drop a payload through a drone near Akhnoor. Acting swiftly, police team rushed to the area mentioned in the input and started surveillance. During mid-afternoon, police team spotted a drone and kept close watch on it. When it was about to drop the payload, police team shot it down and recovered the IED. The drone was assembled as the parts were made in China, Taiwan and Hongkong,” said the Additional Director-General of Police (ADGP) Mukesh Singh.
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NIA conducted searches at nine locations in J&K and arrest a terrorist in LeM conspiracy case

On 31 July 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at nine locations in Anantnag, Shopian, and Jammu districts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and arrested a Lashkar-e-Mustafa (LeM) terrorist—Irfan Ahmed Dar. The case is related to the conspiracy of LeM on behest of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) to carry out terrorist activities in J&K.
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NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in J&K connection to Bathindi IED recovery case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 31 July 2021, with assistance of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel raided six locations in Shopian and Ramban districts of J&K in connection to 2021 Bathindi IED recovery case.

The case is related to recovery of 5kgs of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist in Bathindi, Jammu on 27 June 2021. During the search operation at these locations, several digital devices, mobile phones, handwritten jihadi material, ID cards of al-Aqsa media and other incriminating material were recovered.
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Left-Wing Extremism

NIA conducted searches at multiple locations in Telangana in Dummugudem Explosives case

On 19 July 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at nine locations in Mahboob Nagar, Warangal, Jangaon, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Medchal districts in Telangana, in connection with Dummugudem Explosive case.
The case was registered against eight accused people including four Under-Ground Cadres (UGC) of CPI (Maoist), along with recovery of explosive materials including 400 electric detonators, 500 non-electric detonators, 400 gelatine sticks, and 549 meters of fuse wire from the possession of arrested UGCs—Muthu Nagaraju and KommarajulaKanuKaiah.
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Police arrested five Maoists from Telangana

On 26 July 2021, Police arrested five Maoists from Kunrapalli forest area in Cherla Mandal in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana, while they were posting wall-posters related to the CPI (Maoist)’s martyrs’ week. Five wall-posters and 30 pamphlets bearing the CPI (Maoist) logo and name were seized from their possession, said a police official on the basis of anonymity. Police mounted a strict vigil in the forest fringe areas in view of the martyrs’ week slated to be observed from 28 July to 03 August 2021.
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Police arrested ‘most wanted’ Maoist from Chhattisgarh
On 25 July 2021, Sukma Police arrested—Tiger Hunga, a Maoist for 21 years, during a search operation in the forests of Palodi in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. Tiger Hunga was wanted by Chhattisgarh and Telangana police for killing 13 security personnel.
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Islamic Extremism

NIA conducted raid at multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in IS-Hizbut-Tahrir, Facebook case of Tamil Nadu

On 24 July 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at six locations in Thanjavur, Madurai, Theni, and Tirunelveli districts in Tamil Nadu, including at residence of an arrested accused—Abdullah aka Saravankumar and his associates. The case is related to incendiary messages on Facebook on 23 March 2021 and 25 March 2021, instigating people on religious grounds to wage war against India and establishment of Khilafat.
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NIA arrested two LeM terrorists in connection with LeM conspiracy case

On 22 July 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two Lashkar-e-Mustafa (LeM) terrorists—Mohammad Arman Ali aka Arman Mansuri (20 years-old) and Mohammad Ehsanullah aka Guddu Ansari (23 years-old), in connection with a LeM conspiracy case registered in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Both terrorists were co-conspirators and were involved in transportation of two separate consignments of illegal arms/ammunition from Bihar to Mohali and Ambala.
Mohammad Arman Ali was arrested from Bihar, and Mohammad Ehsanullah was arrested from Jammu, J&K.
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North-East Region Insurgency

NIA filed a charge-sheet against two UNLF terrorists in connection with an attack on security forces in Manipur

On 22 July 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge-sheet in the NIA Special Court, Manipur, against two United National Liberation Front (UNLF) terrorists—Lisham Ibosana Meitei aka Jojo aka Michael and Konsam Manithoi Singh, in connection with attack on security forces at Raj Bhavan Gate in Imphal. The NIA had re-registered the case on 05 March 2021 and took the investigation.
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Cyber, Information Warfare & AI (Security Perspective)

Russia opened case against WhatsApp for violating Russia’s Personal Data Legislation

Russia, on 30 July 2021, opened legal proceedings against Facebook’s WhatsApp for a failure to localise data of Russian users on Russian territory. A day earlier to the proceedings, on 29 July 2021, a Russian Court fined Alphabet Inc’s Google three million Roubles for violating terms of Russia’s Data Legislation and registered administrative proceedings against Facebook and Twitter for the same offence.
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