close

COVER STORY

COVER STORYDefence Industry & TechnologyMILITARYNavy

INS Hansa Marks Diamond Jubilee 2021

by admin on

INS Hansa, the Indian Navy’s premier air station, was celebrated its diamond jubilee on 05 Sep 2021. The Naval Jet Flight set up at Coimbatore in 1958 with Sea Hawk, Alize and Vampire aircraft, was later commissioned as INS Hansa on 05 September 1961. After the liberation of Goa, Dabolim airfield was taken over by the Navy in Apr 1962 and INS Hansa shifted to Dabolim June 1964.

Commissioned as a modest air station with only a few aircraft, INS Hansa has increased its prowess over the last six decades and is presently operating over 40 military aircraft, clocking an average yearly flying of over 5000 hours. The air station also supports civil aviation by handling domestic and international flights 24×7, with an average of 29000 flights in a year.

INS Hansa is the abode of the Indian Navy’s frontline air squadrons – INAS 310 ‘Cobras’ with Dornier-228 aircraft, INAS 315 ‘Winged Stallions’ with the long range maritime patrol aircraft IL-38SD, INAS 339 ‘Falcons’ with the airborne early warning Kamov-31 helicopter; INAS 303 ‘Black Panthers’ and INAS 300 ‘ White Tigers’ with the supersonic carrier-borne MiG 29K fighters, and INAS 323 ‘Harriers’ with ALH Mk III helicopters. The air station will soon operate the Boeing P8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft with the commissioning of INAS 316.

Cmde Ajay D Theophilus, Commanding Officer, INS Hansa said, “Over the years, the base has represented a crucial segment of the Navy’s combat power. Aircraft from Hansa augment the security of entire western seaboard significantly, including offshore assets, and undertake extensive surveillance to neutralise threats at and from the sea. The base has also provided substantial aid to civil authorities in the form of search and rescue, HADR, flood relief, community activities and numerous Vande Bharat flights.

INS Hansa is the host for the prestigious event of presentation of President’s Colour to naval aviation by the Hon’ble President of India on 06 September 2021. The event coincides with the diamond jubilee of INS Hansa and the liberation of Goa.

read more
COVER STORYDefence Industry & TechnologyTechnology

Defence Acquisition Council headed by Raksha Mantri approves proposals of value Rs.13,165 cr.

by admin on

Strengthening India’s Defence Capabilities

In a significant move towards modernizing India’s armed forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals amounting to ₹13,165 crore. This decision underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its defence preparedness while promoting indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Key Approvals

The DAC’s latest approvals include several crucial procurements aimed at bolstering the operational capabilities of the Indian Army and Navy. Some of the major acquisitions include:

  • 25 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mark III – Procured from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at an estimated cost of ₹3,850 crore. These helicopters will significantly improve the Army’s lift capability and operational readiness.
  • Rocket Ammunition Procurement – The council has sanctioned the purchase of Terminally Guided Munition (TGM) and HEPF/RHE Rocket Ammunition under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, amounting to ₹4,962 crore. This move aims to boost indigenous design and development of advanced weaponry.
  • Additional Defence Proposals – Other approvals worth ₹4,353 crore include modernization initiatives and amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, ensuring streamlined procurement processes and efficiency.

Focus on Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

A remarkable 87% of the total approved procurement will be sourced from domestic manufacturers, reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defence production. This decision aligns with the government’s vision of reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and fostering innovation within the Indian defence sector.

Conclusion

The DAC’s latest approvals mark a significant step in strengthening India’s defence capabilities while supporting indigenous industries. With a focus on modernization, efficiency, and self-reliance, these acquisitions will play a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.

read more