MilMat: Indo-Sino joint training exercise ends; Modi hands over Dhruv chopper to Nepal

Chennai/New Delhi, Nov 25: The fourth edition of the Indo-Sino Joint Military Training Exercise -- Hand-in-Hand 2014 -- culminated today at the Aundh Military Camp in Pune. Army officials said that the exercise came to an end following a rigorous a Joint Tactical Exercise.

During the 12-day exercise, armies of both countries undertook training in understanding of transnational terrorism, developing interoperability and conduct of a joint tactical operation controlled by a Joint Command Post.

"The exercise involved insertion of troops by slithering from helicopters and destroying a terrorist hide out. It demonstrated the commitment of both armies in working closely with each other to eradicate the menace of terrorism in all its forms," an Army spokesperson said.

Avia Indra enters action phase

In Halwara (Punjab), the Indo-Russian joint Exercise -- Avia Indra-- entered its action phase. The exercise is being held at the Air Force Station Halwara.

The Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF) contingent had arrived here on November 17 and underwent a week long orientation and adaptation phase. "They familiarised themselves with the operational environment and procedures. The Russians will jointly exercise with the IAF crew," an IAF spokesperson said.

In the next few days, the visiting aircrew is likely to be flown over the Himalayas. The exercise will culminate on November 27.

BEL hands over Schilka Weapon System

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) handed over the first upgraded Schilka Weapon System to the Indian Army today. BEL had received the contract for upgrading Schilka Weapon Systems in March 2011 from the Indian Army after the successful evaluation of the prototype system.

BEL said that the Bulk Production Clearance has been obtained from the user which paved the way for handing over the firstsystem.

Schilka Upgrade is an all-weather, self-propelled, tracked, low-level Air Defence Weapon System. The upgrade carried out involves upgradation from Analog Radar system to state-of-the-art Search-cum-Track Digital Radar, with electro optical fire control system.

Modi hands over Dhruv to Nepal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv to Nepal today. Built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the chopper was received by Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala at Kathmandu.

HAL said that the copter will be used by the Nepalese Army. HAL Chairman R K Tyagi said that the copter was handed over ‘in line with PM's thrust on Make in India and the government's policy of neighbourhood.

He said the HAL's technical support team will be positioned at Kathmandu to provide maintenance and logistics support. Last year in November, India had provided two Dhruv helicopters to the Nepalese Army.

30 IAF assets crashed 3 years: Parrikar tells Rajya Sabha

India's recently-appointed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that the Indian Air Force lost 30 aircraft in crashes in the last 3 years.

The minister said that Rs 1,161.50 crore went up in flames due these crashes, which have been attributed to technical defects and human error. Among the crash list are: three Su-30s, two Mirage 2000s, four Jaguars, three Mig-29s, one Mig-27, eight Mig-21s, one C-130J, one AN-32, one Hawk, two Kirans, two Mi-17s and two Dhruvs.

[#MilMat or Military Matters will bring to you aerospace and defence happenings in brief on a regular basis. #MilMat is compiled by OneIndia Defence Desk.]