India’s September 2024: Major Defense and Space Advancements
In September 2024, India made significant strides in defense and space sectors. The Defence Acquisition Council approved 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 145 billion, including Future-Ready Combat Vehicles for the Army and seven Project 17B stealth frigates for the Navy, costing Rs 700 billion. The Cabinet Committee on Security signed a Rs 260 billion contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for 240 AL-31FP jet engines for the Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.
India’s space ambitions received a boost with a Rs 227.5 billion budget for missions like Chandrayaan-4 and a Venus exploration mission. The government also approved a next-generation launch vehicle and an Indian space station. Cochin Shipyard launched two anti-submarine warfare watercraft, and the Ministry of Defence approved extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles for the Navy, with a Rs 25 billion budget.
Bharat Electronics Limited formed a joint venture with Israel Aerospace Industries for MRSAM systems maintenance. India signed a submarine rescue agreement with the South African Navy. PTC Industries secured a titanium components order from Israel Aerospace Industries. Dassault Aviation plans an MRO facility for Rafale and Mirage jets near Noida. DRDO awarded MTAR Technologies a Rs 154 million contract for air-breathing engine combustors.
India became the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, surpassing Japan. The Small Arms Factory received an export order for 2,000 medium machine guns, and the Indian Army ordered 700 Trinetra drones, highlighting indigenous technology focus.
Doubts Revealed
Defence Acquisition Council -: The Defence Acquisition Council is a group in India that decides on buying new equipment and technology for the military to keep the country safe.
Rs 145 billion -: Rs 145 billion is a large amount of money, specifically 14,500 crore rupees, which is being used to buy new military equipment for India.
Future-Ready Combat Vehicles -: These are advanced military vehicles designed to be used in future battles, equipped with the latest technology to protect soldiers and help them in combat.
Stealth frigates -: Stealth frigates are special navy ships that are designed to be hard to detect by enemy radar, making them more effective in naval operations.
Jet engines for the Air Force -: Jet engines are powerful engines used in fighter planes, and the Air Force is getting new ones to make their planes faster and more efficient.
Chandrayaan-4 -: Chandrayaan-4 is a planned space mission by India to explore the Moon, following the success of previous Chandrayaan missions.
Anti-submarine watercraft -: These are special boats or ships designed to find and destroy enemy submarines, helping to protect India’s waters.
Unmanned vehicles -: Unmanned vehicles are machines that can operate without a human driver, often used in military and space missions for safety and efficiency.
Asia Power Index -: The Asia Power Index is a ranking that shows how powerful countries in Asia are, based on their military, economy, and other factors. India becoming the third-largest power means it is very strong in these areas.