According to the Maldives Foreign Ministry, both parties agreed that the Government of India will replace military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by 10 March 2024, and will complete the replacement of military personnel in the other two platforms by May 10, 2024.
Scheduled for late February or early March, the missile launch will take place from the Junput coast near Digha, a location facilitated by the West Bengal government, which has provided the necessary land for constructing the launchpad.
A key highlight of the Rudram-II lies in its versatility, offering two distinct variants tailored to specific operational requirements. The first variant functions as an Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM), armed with a PHH-IIR Seeker designed to neutralize radar installations with unparalleled accuracy.
The approved sale involves 31 MQ-9B armed drones, enhancing India's capabilities for unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. The deal comprises 15 SeaGuardian drones for the Navy, along with eight each of the land version, SkyGuardian, for the Army and the Indian Air Force.
During their interaction, Turnbull emphasized the commonalities between the two nations, such as a love for cricket, adherence to the rule of law, and democracy.
The Indian Coast Guard is poised for a significant expansion with the planned acquisition of new ships and aircraft, enhancing its capabilities for maritime security and search and rescue operations in coastal regions.
Equipped with a semi-active laser homing guidance system, SAMHO ensures precise targeting of enemy main battle tanks, including those protected by explosive reactive armour, as well as hardened point targets and low-flying helicopters.
The sale includes drones allocated to the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force, with the Indian Navy set to receive 15 out of the 31 drones. The collaboration between the two nations also extends to the GE-414 engine deal, with both defence deals managed by the national security advisors of India and the US, Ajit Doval and Jake Sullivan.
Of the total Defence budget, Rs 1.72 lakh crore, equivalent to 27.67%, has been dedicated to capital acquisition. Simultaneously, the Armed Forces' revenue expenditure, excluding salaries, stands at Rs 92,088 crore, highlighting a comprehensive approach to ensure both modernization and operational preparedness.
The Defence Pension Budget has witnessed a significant increase, reaching Rs 1.41 lakh crore, a 2.17% rise from the previous fiscal year. This allocation is crucial for supporting approximately 32 lakh pensioners through various disbursing authorities, including the SPARSH system.
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