Indian armed forces | Business Upturn

Paras Defence signs agreement with Northstar USA for refueling systems

Arunika Jain — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:04:05 +0000

Paras Defence and Space Technologies has entered into a significant agreement with Bandak Aviation Inc., trading as Northstar, USA. This collaboration aims to supply and support Northstar’s air-to-air refueling systems and accessories for the Indian Armed Forces.

Northstar is renowned for its expertise in the design, development, and manufacturing of aerial refueling products for various airborne platforms. The agreement will see Paras Defence and Northstar working exclusively together to develop and provide facilities and depot-level capabilities to sell and support Northstar products and services to the Indian Air Force.

The agreement is set for a duration of ten years, during which both companies will collaborate exclusively. Paras Defence holds no shareholding in Northstar or its group companies, and the transaction does not fall within related party transactions.

This partnership marks a strategic move for Paras Defence as it strengthens its position in the defence sector by enhancing its product offerings and capabilities in collaboration with a leading international company.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

Bharat Dynamics completes first-off production model of Advanced Akash Weapon System

Kinjal — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:57:52 +0000

Bharat Dynamics has announced the successful completion of the First-off Production Model (FOPM) of the Advanced Akash Weapon System. The upgraded sub-systems in this model are designed to enhance the performance and combat capability of the Indian Armed Forces.

The Advanced Akash Weapon System demonstrated high precision against a range of aerial threats, underscoring Bharat Dynamics‘ ability to deliver complex systems to the Armed Forces. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to strengthening national defence capabilities.

The completion of the FOPM is a significant milestone that will soon lead to the commencement of deliveries of the Advanced Akash Weapon Systems to the Indian armed forces.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

Transgender Inclusion may become a historic chapter in the Indian Armed Forces

Vanshika Lodhi — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:24:09 +0000

Indian Armed Forces are considering the induction of transgender individuals into their ranks. This initiative is a response to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

A special committee has been established to evaluate the potential roles and job opportunities for transgender individuals within the Armed Forces. The committee is also tasked with understanding the implications of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, to ensure an equitable and inclusive approach.

The Act, which aims to protect the rights of transgender individuals, prohibits any form of discrimination, including in the workplace. It also calls for the development of welfare schemes and programs to support the livelihood of transgender persons, including vocational training and self-employment.

This initiative by the Indian Armed Forces marks a significant stride towards inclusivity and diversity. It reflects the broader societal transformation towards acknowledging and respecting the rights of transgender persons.

However, the specifics of this inclusion, such as the roles and responsibilities of transgender individuals in the Armed Forces, are yet to be defined. The ongoing discussions and studies will be instrumental in shaping the future of transgender individuals in the Indian Armed Forces. This progressive step by the Indian Armed Forces symbolizes the evolving attitudes and growing acceptance of transgender individuals in society. It represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of equality and the recognition of transgender rights in India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend SCO Defence Minister meet in Tashkent

Pranay Maniar — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:09:20 +0000

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will fly to Tashkent Uzbekistan tomorrow, 23rd August to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit (SCO) of Defence Ministers.

On the sidelines of the summit, he will hold bilateral talks with his Uzbek counterpart Lt General Nizamovich.

Discussions on counter-terrorism will be the key focus of the meeting.

Defence ministers of Russia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and host Uzbekistan will be present at the summit.

The full-fledged summit will be held next month on 22^nd September.

He has also planned interaction with the Indian community present in Uzbekistan.

Today, Rajnath Singh will be presiding over a high-level meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council. This crucial meeting will have discussions of DAC granting the defence forces emergency acquisition powers to procure crucial systems. This will allow the armed forces to purchase crucial weapon systems through fast-track routes.

This will include procurement of much need equipment like artillery, bulletproof vests and various other systems like swarm drones for the army.

These purchases have stretched the armed forces’ preparedness and readiness as acquisitions like the Israeli Heron reconnaissance drone, HAMMER air-to-ground bombs for Rafale and Sig Saur 716 rifles have been procured.

The armed forces have extensively used this power to strengthen their position in times of conflict and the government has granted them these powers in phases.

Indian Armed Forces have procured foreign and Indian-made weapons using such powers.

A pre-DAC meeting is also on his agenda and the three chiefs of all the branches of the armed forces are set to attend that meeting.

India to start manufacturing its own carbine for the Armed Forces

Pranay Maniar — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 19:50:07 +0000

Since the standoff against China that started in April 2020, the Indian armed forces have started to integrate cutting-edge systems to boost their capabilities. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat has similarly taken shape when it comes to defence.

The Indian armed forces and the government have been actively cutting down on foreign imported systems and have been replacing them with indigenous ones.

India chooses Indian carbines

With this, the Indian armed forces have dropped plans of importing 95,000 Caracal carbines. And have chosen to purchase 4.2 lakh Indian made guns which will be manufactured in India. The Caracal Carbines are made by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Initial estimates that the fund allocation for this project is going to be more than 5000 crores.

Since the production of these carbines will take time, a plan has been made which will allot the contract to two manufacturers, whether in the private or the public sector. This means that the L1 (or the firm with the best bids may get to make over 2 lakh carbines, but the firm that is L2 will get the remaining amount. This will ensure that the weapons are quickly delivered.

A decision of splitting the contract will be made if the contractors take more than 3 years. This is a decision, the armed forces are in favour of.

The indigenous manufacture of carbines has been discussed earlier. And there are several companies in both public and private sectors that have come up with their products.

Sources say “why to import something like a carbine that is not very high-tech. Why can’t it be made in India, even by collaborating with a foreign firm? Such a process has already been initiated with plans for the joint manufacture by India and Russia. Of the AK-203 (Kalashnikov) assault rifle in a VIP constituency in Uttar Pradesh. A similar project for the carbine is entirely possible. Thus, the defence ministry is expected to decide on this very shortly.”

Rahul & Priyanka slam government over Agnipath again

United News of India (UNI) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 05:41:47 +0000

New Delhi, June 17: Congress leaders on Friday slammed the government once again on the new recruitment scheme for the forces, and asked government to roll it back.

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, in a tweet said Agnipath was rejected by youth, farm laws were rejected by farmers, demonetization was rejected by economists, and GST was rejected by traders.
“PM does not understand what people of the country want because he can’t listen to anyone except his ‘friends’,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said government had to change the rules within 24 hours, which proves the plan was made in haste.

“Not even 24 hours passed that the BJP government had to change the rules of new army recruitment. It means the plan is being imposed on the youth in haste”. She said.

“Narendra Modi ji, withdraw this scheme immediately. Issue the results and start halted appointments for Airforce. Continue with Army recruitment (with age relaxation) as it was earlier,” she said.
Government on Thursday night announced upper age limit for the recruitment process for Agnipath scheme. For 2022 is increased to 23 years.

Government has decided that a one-time waiver shall be granted. For the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022.

Government said it is. ‘Cognizant of the fact that it has not been possible. To undertake the recruitment during the last two years’.

Massive protests have erupted across the country. Following government’s announcement of the new recruitment scheme Agnipath for the forces. Where youth would be hired for four years as ‘Agniveers‘.

(Except for the headline. This story has not been edited by Business Upturn staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Centre fixes upper age limit of Agnipath candidates to 23 yrs

United News of India (UNI) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 05:01:02 +0000

New Delhi, June 16: Days after announcing the Agnipath scheme for the defence services aspirants, the Union Government on Thursday decided to increase the upper age limit for the candidates by two years, a statement issued from the Centre said.

The upper age limit for the recruitment process for the scheme has been increased to 23 years. From 21 years announced earlier.

However, the Centre clarified that the extension has been a “one-time waiver”. And “shall be granted for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022”.

The Centre said it is “cognizant of the fact. That it has not been possible to undertake the recruitment during the last two years”. As the reason behind the latest move in the scheme.

Agnipath or ‘Agniveer‘ scheme is a process announced by the Centre for recruiting soldiers in the Army, Navy and Air force for a term of four years on contract.

According to the scheme. The entry age for all new recruits in the armed forces was fixed as 17 ½ – 21 years of age.

The scheme was announced by Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday.

Government tries to bust myths around Agnipath Scheme

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:06:34 +0000

New Delhi, June 16: The government on Thursday tried to address the myths surrounding the newly- launched Agnipath scheme of recruitment in the three Services, even as protests against the scheme turned violent in several parts of the country.

At least three trains were set on fire in Bihar. And there were incidents of protestors clashing with police forces. In Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

The government’s citizen engagement platform MyGovIndia came up with a short video on social media, which made an attempt to clear the doubts on the scheme to placate the agitators.

“Beware of the lies being spread about the Agnipath scheme. Learn how this scheme will open the doors of opportunities for the youth,” the platform said on Twitter.

The video tried to prove that the scheme will provide a great opportunity to serve the armed forces to the youth and that the exposure to discipline during the transformative years of their lives will lay the foundation for a successful life.

The video first talked about the questions being raised on the scheme. And then made an attempt to answer them.

“Those who spread confusion are asking – employment for only four years. What will be the future after four years, no pension, no guarantee of the future. The forces will become inexperienced”. It said.

Clarifying the doubts, the video further said. “With this scheme, the dream of youth to join the forces will come true. This will bring in patriotism in the youth. Unemployed youth will get four years of experience. After four years, there will be opportunities for other jobs.

“Preference will be given to them in police and other services. The Central government will give priority to Agniveers in the CAPFs and Assam Rifles. Various state governments will give priority to Agniveers in government jobs. There will be opportunities for technical training, diploma and studies during the service, which will help Agniveers get a place in the corporate world,” it added.

Further, it added that 25 per cent Agniveers will get the opportunity of full time service with the forces. They will get Rs 11.71 lakh Seva Nidhi, which they can utilise to pursue their studies or start their business.

“Army training will make them disciplined and create awareness about health and fitness. The average age of the forces will come down to 26 from 32. The forces will get youthful zeal and youthful thinking. This will bring newness in the strength of the forces. The forces will benefit from the technical skills of the youth,” it said.

The video claimed that Agnipath scheme was a means of extending services to the country, to guide the youth, to bring changes in a village and to empower the country.

Besides, as the protests against the scheme intensified across the country. Government sources came out with a fact sheet, busting all the myths surrounding the scheme.

The fact sheet basically denied that Agniveers will have an insecure future after four years of engagement with the forces. It said that those wishing to be entrepreneurs will get a financial package and bank loan scheme as well.

(Except for the headline. This story has not been edited by Business Upturn staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Department of School Education announces special programme for Agniveers

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 14:04:02 +0000

New Delhi, June 16: The Department of School Education on Thursday welcomed the Center’s recruitment scheme “Agnipath” scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors in the Armed forces.

The department which is working under the Ministry not Education also decided to institute a special programme in collaboration with its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling and Defence Authorities to enable those Agniveers who are 10th class pass to further their education and obtain a 12th class pass Certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service.

Welcoming the initiative Union Education Minister said union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Education Ministry is committed to support the Agnipath scheme.

He added that “Best of our talent in the best of our services is a matter of pride. And a win-win for all”

“The customized programme by @niostwit will be relevant to the spirit of the #Agnipath scheme.

This certificate will equip #Agniveer’s with relevant knowledge & skills and enable them to pursue jobs and higher education across India” the Minister tweeted after the announcement.

In a statement the department said the certificates that would be issued to the ‘Agniveer‘ candidates would be recognized throughout the country for both job and further education purposes.

“This will benefit the Agniveers to gain adequate educational qualification and skills to take up productive roles in society later in life” it said.

This special programme of NIOS will facilitate enrolment, development of courses, student support, provision of self-learning material. Accreditation of study centres, personal contact programme, evaluation and certification.

“Open schooling system of NIOS which is extremely user friendly and accessible to all from anywhere, anytime opens its doors to all the Agniveers under the Agneepath Scheme” the department said.

The Centre government on Tuesday unveiled the “Agnipath” scheme which is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors.

It is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces.

Under this scheme, young persons will be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as “Agniveer”.

It provides an opportunity for youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces. For a period of 4 years including a training period. Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years.

Candidates who are 10th or 12th pass can apply for the recruitment process.

Suspected Pakistani drone spotted by BSF Jawans in district of Jammu & Kashmir

Dipankar Ray — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:20:28 +0000

On Thursday, 9th June 2022 a suspected Pakistani Drone was spotted by a group of BSF Jawans in the Arnia District of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, during the early hours of the day, reported by PTI. The BSF Troops were reported of shooting various rounds of fire at the drone. The drone was at a height of 300 meters when the forces open fired. An extensive search has started in the Arnia district in search of explosives and other dangerous materials.

“A blinking light suspected to be from a drone was observed in Arnia area. (Along the International Border) about 04:15 hours today”. A BSF spokesperson said. “Alert BSF troops fired at the flying object which was at a height of about 300 meters, causing it to withdraw”. He added.

This drone spot came at perhaps the same time when Jammu & Kashmir Police had recovered parts of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Dropped by a Pakistani drone in the Kanchak District of the Jammu and Kashmir region. This drone was carrying a payload consisting of three magnetic IEDs. That were put inside a tiffin box. With the timer set to various intervals of 3 hours, 8 hours, and so on. Through a controlled explosion, the IED was disabled and dispersed by the BSF contingent.

Forces have also shot down several drones in the recent past in the Samba and Kathua districts of the J&K region. The payload carried by these drones were mostly consisting of IEDs, rifles, and ticky bombs. In April the BSF had shot down a drone entering from Pakistan. Wich was carrying a payload of heroin to deliver to Punjab’s Amritsar.

“The threat of drones is present everywhere along the Indo-Pakistan border but security forces are alert to foil any nefarious design from across the border in the region,” a senior BSF official told PTI on Monday.

The sticky bombs that were recovered from drones were also found in other places around the district. This has significantly increased the risk for the people in the region. Especially during the upcoming Amarnath yatra which is set to begin on June 30.

600 Indian Army paratroopers conduct airborne exercise within Siliguri corridor

United News of India (UNI) — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 07:36:55 +0000

New Delhi, March 26 (UNI) Indian Army conducted airborne exercise involving 600 paratroopers of the elite Airborne Rapid Response teams in the sensitive Siliguri corridor on March 24 and 25, sources said on Saturday. Around 600 paratroopers of the Indian Army‘s Airborne Rapid Response teams carried out large scale drops near the Siliguri corridor. “The Exercise has been carried out after being airlifted from various airbases. It involved advanced free-fall techniques; insertion, surveillance and targeting practice and seizing of key objectives by going behind enemy lines,” security sources said. The Siliguri Corridor, also known as Chicken’s Neck, is a strategically important narrow stretch of land bordering Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The Indian Army had also conducted a similar exercise at on March 4 wherein the airborne forces rehearsed their aerial insertion capability and rapid response at the Siliguri Corridor. In that exercise, the combat freefallers of the Special Forces inserted from an altitude of 20,000 feet, along with logistic supply loads on precision guided platforms. The freefallers, after landing at a location in the Siliguri Corridor, established surveillance positions to guide accurate fire onto select enemy targets. Indian Army, post the 2017 Doklam standoff, resorted to step up the security and defence of the geostrategically important Corridor.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Business Upturn staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Tech Mahindra signs ₹400 crores contract with HAL to serve the Indian Army

Shravan Kanade — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:50:06 +0000

On Thursday, the major Information Technology and business process outsourcing company Tech Mahindra signed a contract worth ₹400 crores with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for enterprise resource planning (ERP), implementation at defence public-sector unit and to support HAL’s ‘Project Parivartan’.

Tech Mahindra will implement ‘Project Parivartan’ initiated by HAL as an integrator for transforming the distributed application to a centralized application. It will happen over a period of nine years for 22 divisions and R&D centers of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on the base of a business transformation engineering process. The process will include the implementation of supplier relationship management (SRM) and customer relationship management (CRM).

“Tech Mahindra will be responsible for the modernization and transformation of the enterprise resource planning system as an implementation and support partner enabling HAL to streamline and standardize its business processes across the organization,” the company said in a statement.

Tech Mahindra aims to transform HAL’s ERP system to serve an enhanced experience to the Indian Armed Forces. “This project will transform HAL’s ERP system, serving the armed forces in an efficient and effective manner. This is in line with our TechMNxt charter that focuses on leveraging new generation technologies with original equipment manufacturers and aims to deliver an enhanced experience to our customers,” said Sujit Baksi, president of corporate affairs and business head of emerging markets, Tech Mahindra.

India Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Vigraha launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission by Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

Shravan Kanade — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 08:04:06 +0000

Tamil Nadu: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipbuilding has launched Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) the future ICGS Vigraha (38) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on October 6.

ICGS Vigraha(38) is the 7tgh and last in the series of 7 OPVs after ICGS Vikram, ICGS Vijaya, ICGS Veera, ICGS Varaha, ICGS Varad, and ICGS Vajra (37), was launched on February 27, 2020. These OPVs have been indigenously designed & built by L&T shipbuilding limited launched at Kattupalli Defence Shipyard near Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel is a highly versatile ship, designed to perform Economic Exclusion Zone management roles, including the provision of maritime security to coastal areas and effective disaster relief.

The 2,140-tonne vessels are approximate 97m long, 15m wide, and have a 3.6m draught. They can attain a sustained speed of up to 26 knots and have a range of 5,000 nautical miles.

The vessels are armed with a 30mm CRN 91 Naval Gun and two 12.7mm heavy machine guns (HMG) with a fire control system (FCS) and are built with an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) which enables special control capabilities generally integrated into larger warships like frigates and destroyers.

The vessels are fitted with front propulsion pods (bow thrusters) for providing an ability of high maneuverability. The entire design and construction process has been certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) as well as Indian Registrar of Shipping (IRS) and was overseen by the Indian Coast Guard’s resident team at Kattupalli.

The vessel, with Yard no: 45007, was ceremoniously launched by Hema Somanathan, wife of Dr. TV Somanathan, IAS, Secretary (Expenditure) at Indian Ministry of Finance, in presence of Coast Guard Director General K Natarajan and officials from Central and Tamil Nadu State governments.

https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1313376484371828736?s=20

General Rawat warns Pakistan says India’s armed forces are capable of handling Chinese actions

Nivedya P T — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 17:54:56 +0000

Speaking in an interactive session at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum held online, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff said that India’s armed forces are capable of handling aggressive Chinese actions in “best suitable ways”. “Of late, India has been seeing some aggressive actions by China but we are capable of handling these in the best suitable ways,” Gen Rawat said. At a time when tension between the two countries have reached its peak with China’s attempts recently to transgress the Line of Actual Control and change the status quo in certain areas in eastern Ladakh, his remarks have asserted that the Indian armed forces are ready to deal with them.”If not backed by credible military power and regional influence, would imply acknowledging China’s preeminence in the region. he said”.He indicated that India is facing complex threats along northern and western fronts from nuclear to subconventional and that the armed forces will have to be prepared all the time to face the crisis for the present and future.

The General also spoke about how Pakistan has also entered in a proxy waragainst Indian and added in a warning to Pakistan that the country will suffer “heavy losses” if it attempts any misadventure against India taking advantage of the border row with China.

He touched upon other issues including India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region, importance of defence and security ties with the US and the government’s focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing.