China will discuss building a defence system against near-earth asteroids, a senior space agency official said on Saturday, as the country steps up efforts towards realising its longer-term space ambitions.&nbsp;

Zhang Kejian, head of the China National Space Administration, didn't provide any further details in his opening remarks at a ceremony for China's space day in the eastern city of Nanjing. &nbsp;

China has made space exploration a top priority in recent years, aiming to establish a programme operating thousands of space flights a year and carrying tens of thousands of tonnes of cargo and passengers by 2045.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia and China unveiled plans earlier for a joint lunar space station, as Moscow seeks to recapture the glory of its space pioneering days of Soviet times, and Beijing gears up its own extraterrestrial ambitions.&nbsp;

Though Moscow was once at the forefront of space travel as it sent the first man into space, its cosmic ambitions have dimmed thanks to poor financing and endemic corruption. &nbsp;

It has been eclipsed by China and the United States, which have both clocked major wins in space exploration and research in recent years. &nbsp;

The Russian space agency Roscomos said in a statement that it had signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop a "complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface and/or in the orbit of the Moon".&nbsp;

The CNSA, for its part, said that the project was "open to all interested countries and international partners" in what experts said would be China's biggest international space cooperation project to date.&nbsp;

Moscow is seeking to re-take the lead in the space race.&nbsp;

This year, it celebrated the 60th anniversary of Russia's first-ever manned space flight, it sent Yuri Gagarin into space in April 1961, followed by the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, two years later. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China will discuss building a defence system against near-earth asteroids, a senior space agency official said on Saturday, as the country steps up efforts towards realising its longer-term space ambitions.

China will discuss building a defence system against near-earth asteroids, a senior space agency official said on Saturday, as the country steps up efforts towards realising its longer-term space ambitions. Zhang Kejian, head of the China National Space Administration, didn't provide any further details in his opening remarks at a ceremony for China's space day in the eastern city of Nanjing. China has made space exploration a top priority in recent years, aiming to establish a programme operating thousands of space flights a year and carrying tens of thousands of tonnes of cargo and passengers by 2045. Meanwhile, Russia and China unveiled plans earlier for a joint lunar space station, as Moscow seeks to recapture the glory of its space pioneering days of Soviet times, and Beijing gears up its own extraterrestrial ambitions. Though Moscow was once at the forefront of space travel as it sent the first man into space, its cosmic ambitions have dimmed thanks to poor financing and endemic corruption. It has been eclipsed by China and the United States, which have both clocked major wins in space exploration and research in recent years. The Russian space agency Roscomos said in a statement that it had signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop a "complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface and/or in the orbit of the Moon". The CNSA, for its part, said that the project was "open to all interested countries and international partners" in what experts said would be China's biggest international space cooperation project to date. Moscow is seeking to re-take the lead in the space race. This year, it celebrated the 60th anniversary of Russia's first-ever manned space flight, it sent Yuri Gagarin into space in April 1961, followed by the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, two years later. (With inputs from agencies)

China to consider building an asteroids defence system 

The former chairperson of China’s defence giant China North Industries Group Co (Norinco) is currently being probed for alleged disciplinary violations. Yin Jiaxu allegedly committed “serious violations” like graft, going against laws, as stated by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) - the top anti-graft watchdog in China.

Yin was at the helm of the company’s leadership between 2013-2018, and is among many being probed from the defence industry. According to Beijing Daily, the CCDI found evidence of abuse of power by some senior officials in order to further their personal gains. These include providing convenience to family members to run businesses.

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Yin started off as the deputy general manager in 2002, and then served as the chairman from 2013.

Norinco is the backbone of military support for China’s People’s Liberation Army. The company ranked 154th in Fortune 500 company rankings with $68.7 billion operating revenue. It also ranks number 1 in China for military enterprises.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research institute, Norinco is the ninth-largest arms company in the world, and the third-largest in the country.

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President Xi Jinping is undertaking an anti-corruption exercise which has caught several senior officials. In January, Hu Wenming, the head of one of China’s largest shipping companies was arrested on corruption charges.&nbsp;In 2020, he was expelled from the Communist Part of China for allegedly taking bribes and violating party discipline.

The former chairperson of China’s defence giant China North Industries Group Co (Norinco) is currently being probed for alleged disciplinary violations. Yin Jiaxu allegedly committed “serious violations” like graft, going against laws, as stated by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) - the top anti-graft watchdog in China.

The former chairperson of China’s defence giant China North Industries Group Co (Norinco) is currently being probed for alleged disciplinary violations. Yin Jiaxu allegedly committed “serious violations” like graft, going against laws, as stated by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) - the top anti-graft watchdog in China. Yin was at the helm of the company’s leadership between 2013-2018, and is among many being probed from the defence industry. According to Beijing Daily, the CCDI found evidence of abuse of power by some senior officials in order to further their personal gains. These include providing convenience to family members to run businesses. Also read: Over 3,000 drones take over skies in China setting a world record Yin started off as the deputy general manager in 2002, and then served as the chairman from 2013. Norinco is the backbone of military support for China’s People’s Liberation Army. The company ranked 154th in Fortune 500 company rankings with $68.7 billion operating revenue. It also ranks number 1 in China for military enterprises. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research institute, Norinco is the ninth-largest arms company in the world, and the third-largest in the country. Also read: India trumps China, US with over 25 billion digital transactions in 2020 President Xi Jinping is undertaking an anti-corruption exercise which has caught several senior officials. In January, Hu Wenming, the head of one of China’s largest shipping companies was arrested on corruption charges. In 2020, he was expelled from the Communist Part of China for allegedly taking bribes and violating party discipline.

Former chief of Chinese defence giant Norinco being probed for corruption

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel.

Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China’s air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.

Late last month, Taiwan reported 20 Chinese aircraft were involved in one such incursion.

In the latest incident, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said four Chinese J-16 and four J-10 fighters were involved, as well as an early warning plane and anti-submarine aircraft, the latter of which flew to the south of Taiwan through the Bashi Channel that connects the Pacific to the South China Sea.

Taiwan’s air force sent up a combat air patrol and warned the Chinese aircraft away, the ministry added.

There was no immediate response from China’s Defence Ministry, but the flights coincided with other Chinese military activity to Taiwan’s north.

Japan’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the Chinese aircraft carrier the Liaoning, accompanied by five escort ships, had transited the Miyako Strait on their way to the Pacific.

Though China’s air force has not flown over Taiwan itself, the flights have ramped up pressure, both financial and physical, on the island’s air force to ensure its aircraft are ready to go at any moment in what security officials describe as a ‘war of attrition’.

China views democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

While Taiwan’s air force is well trained, it is dwarfed by that of China’s.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel. Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China’s air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. Late last month, Taiwan reported 20 Chinese aircraft were involved in one such incursion. In the latest incident, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said four Chinese J-16 and four J-10 fighters were involved, as well as an early warning plane and anti-submarine aircraft, the latter of which flew to the south of Taiwan through the Bashi Channel that connects the Pacific to the South China Sea. Taiwan’s air force sent up a combat air patrol and warned the Chinese aircraft away, the ministry added. There was no immediate response from China’s Defence Ministry, but the flights coincided with other Chinese military activity to Taiwan’s north. Japan’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the Chinese aircraft carrier the Liaoning, accompanied by five escort ships, had transited the Miyako Strait on their way to the Pacific. Though China’s air force has not flown over Taiwan itself, the flights have ramped up pressure, both financial and physical, on the island’s air force to ensure its aircraft are ready to go at any moment in what security officials describe as a ‘war of attrition’. China views democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. While Taiwan’s air force is well trained, it is dwarfed by that of China’s. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan reports new incursion by China’s Air Force into defence zone

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Defence of Republic of Korea Suh Wook held bilateral talks and explored new domains in defence cooperation.&nbsp;

"The defence and security engagements between India and RoK have grown exponentially over the last few years. The latest talks explored new domains of bilateral defence cooperation and avenues to strengthen the long-standing bilateral defence partnership," read the official statement. &nbsp;

Both the Ministers exchanged views on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the defence and security engagements as well as best practices followed by the Armed Forces of both nations.&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh lauded the stellar contribution of RoK in the pandemic mitigation efforts. Both sides also expressed satisfaction over the commitment exhibited by diverse agencies of both countries to sustain structured annual dialogues at various levels of leadership through virtual means when travel and physical engagements became increasingly challenging during the ongoing pandemic.&nbsp;

"This has kept up the momentum of bilateral defence engagements. The Armed Forces of both countries hope to approach 2021 with renewed confidence," it stated.&nbsp;

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane, Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar and Secretary Department of Defence R&amp;D and Chairman Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO) G Satheesh Reddy formed part of the Indian delegation during the talks, the statement read. &nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, Rajnath Singh and Suh Wook jointly inaugurated the India-Korea Friendship Park in a ceremony to mark the occasion at Delhi Cantonment. The park is a symbol of close relations between both countries and acknowledges the contribution of the Indian Army's Medical Mission during the Korean War.&nbsp;

The presence of distinguished guests from the Korean War Veterans Association during the inauguration ceremony was an acknowledgement of the event. Both the Ministers planted a sapling each to mark the momentous occasion. Suh Wook felicitated the Korean War Veterans Association of India General Secretary Anil Malhotra on the occasion. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Defence of Republic of Korea Suh Wook held bilateral talks and explored new domains in defence cooperation. "The defence and security engagements between India and RoK have grown exponentially over the last few years.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Defence of Republic of Korea Suh Wook held bilateral talks and explored new domains in defence cooperation. "The defence and security engagements between India and RoK have grown exponentially over the last few years. The latest talks explored new domains of bilateral defence cooperation and avenues to strengthen the long-standing bilateral defence partnership," read the official statement. Both the Ministers exchanged views on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the defence and security engagements as well as best practices followed by the Armed Forces of both nations. Rajnath Singh lauded the stellar contribution of RoK in the pandemic mitigation efforts. Both sides also expressed satisfaction over the commitment exhibited by diverse agencies of both countries to sustain structured annual dialogues at various levels of leadership through virtual means when travel and physical engagements became increasingly challenging during the ongoing pandemic. "This has kept up the momentum of bilateral defence engagements. The Armed Forces of both countries hope to approach 2021 with renewed confidence," it stated. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane, Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar and Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) G Satheesh Reddy formed part of the Indian delegation during the talks, the statement read. Earlier on Friday, Rajnath Singh and Suh Wook jointly inaugurated the India-Korea Friendship Park in a ceremony to mark the occasion at Delhi Cantonment. The park is a symbol of close relations between both countries and acknowledges the contribution of the Indian Army's Medical Mission during the Korean War. The presence of distinguished guests from the Korean War Veterans Association during the inauguration ceremony was an acknowledgement of the event. Both the Ministers planted a sapling each to mark the momentous occasion. Suh Wook felicitated the Korean War Veterans Association of India General Secretary Anil Malhotra on the occasion. (With inputs from agencies)

India, South Korea hold talks, explore new domains in defence cooperation

The United Kingdom government is all set to unveil much-anticipated military modernisation plans, which will overhaul the shape and size of the country's armed forces in the future.

WION Dispatch: UK to unveil global focus in military modernisation plan

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. &nbsp;

It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. &nbsp;

This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion?&nbsp;

It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests.&nbsp;

The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year.&nbsp;

Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states.&nbsp;

Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed?&nbsp;

Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown.&nbsp;

From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen. &nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening. Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion? It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests. The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific. This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year. Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states. Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed? Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown. From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen.

British Prime Minister unveils integrated defence, security review 

The US Defense Department is planning to give&nbsp;jetpacks to cadres of special forces. Even though the department is not explicitly calling them “jetpacks”, it is being called a “portable personal air mobility system”.

The Pentagon’s Research and Development hub for military technology - the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently opened a bid for proposals&nbsp; involving jetpacks. To develop the “air mobility system”, the agency has offered up to $1.5 million in development costs to vendors that may be interested in lift off!

But that’s not all! The focus of the new systems is just not jetpacks as an array of other flying outfits could be created. The department hopes to create powered fliers, powered wing suits, and powered parafoils. No, you are not stuck in an emulation of the hit game series Just Cause; this is actually happening!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-3d-structure-responsible-for-controlling-gene-expression-370624" hreflang="en">Scientists discover 3D structure responsible for controlling gene expression</a>

According to DARPA, these outfits may be highly useful in a variety of military settings and operations, which include “urban augmented combat”, and CSAR (combat search and rescue), among many.

The agency has made its expectations clear - it hopes the outfits are quick, simple, and effective. Gizmodo cited the agency as saying that the outfits “[should be] such that assembly and deployment can occur in less than 10 minutes using only simple tools or no tools at all."

In addition, the agency specifically adds how the system should be made effective - "The platforms must not require assistance from external equipment or other unique environmental factors (e.g. wind, elevation, etc.) for launch/recovery...When deployed, the platform will be designed with simplified operations in mind, so that someone unfamiliar with the platform could be educated in its safe and effective use with relatively little training”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-just-ejected-its-biggest-pile-of-garbage-into-earths-orbit-should-we-worry-370525" hreflang="en">NASA just ejected its biggest pile of garbage into Earth's orbit. Should we worry?</a>

Jetpacks are usually seen as works of fiction, but have existed for decades - only being used at big events. The current technology makes jetpacks noisy, difficult to manage, and inefficient. Perhaps, this newly found interest could change that!

The US Defense Department is planning to give jetpacks to cadres of special forces. Even though the department is not explicitly calling them “jetpacks”, it is being called a “portable personal air mobility system”.

The US Defense Department is planning to give jetpacks to cadres of special forces. Even though the department is not explicitly calling them “jetpacks”, it is being called a “portable personal air mobility system”. The Pentagon’s Research and Development hub for military technology - the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently opened a bid for proposals involving jetpacks. To develop the “air mobility system”, the agency has offered up to $1.5 million in development costs to vendors that may be interested in lift off! But that’s not all! The focus of the new systems is just not jetpacks as an array of other flying outfits could be created. The department hopes to create powered fliers, powered wing suits, and powered parafoils. No, you are not stuck in an emulation of the hit game series Just Cause; this is actually happening! Also read: Scientists discover 3D structure responsible for controlling gene expression According to DARPA, these outfits may be highly useful in a variety of military settings and operations, which include “urban augmented combat”, and CSAR (combat search and rescue), among many. The agency has made its expectations clear - it hopes the outfits are quick, simple, and effective. Gizmodo cited the agency as saying that the outfits “[should be] such that assembly and deployment can occur in less than 10 minutes using only simple tools or no tools at all." In addition, the agency specifically adds how the system should be made effective - "The platforms must not require assistance from external equipment or other unique environmental factors (e.g. wind, elevation, etc.) for launch/recovery...When deployed, the platform will be designed with simplified operations in mind, so that someone unfamiliar with the platform could be educated in its safe and effective use with relatively little training”. Also read: NASA just ejected its biggest pile of garbage into Earth's orbit. Should we worry? Jetpacks are usually seen as works of fiction, but have existed for decades - only being used at big events. The current technology makes jetpacks noisy, difficult to manage, and inefficient. Perhaps, this newly found interest could change that!

Pentagon wants to develop ready-to-use jetpacks for US defence forces

The new US Defense Secretary&nbsp;Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March.&nbsp;His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries.

This will be the first in-person visit of any top Biden administration official to Delhi and comes two&nbsp;months after the new president took charge in Washington.

During his India visit, Llyod will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both ministers held talks in January, with a key focus on the Indo-Pacific vision backed by New Delhi and Washington.

The visit happens&nbsp;as work is in progress for the Quad leadership meeting. The meet will be attended by US President Joe Biden,&nbsp;Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japan's&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga.

Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India."

India and the US share close defence cooperation with Washington authorising&nbsp;over $20 billion in defence sales to India.

US State Department last week said, "It’s these offers of advanced U.S. defense platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India’s security and sovereignty. It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership."

The new US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March. His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries.

The new US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March. His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries. This will be the first in-person visit of any top Biden administration official to Delhi and comes two months after the new president took charge in Washington. During his India visit, Llyod will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both ministers held talks in January, with a key focus on the Indo-Pacific vision backed by New Delhi and Washington. The visit happens as work is in progress for the Quad leadership meeting. The meet will be attended by US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japan's Yoshihide Suga. Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India." India and the US share close defence cooperation with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India. US State Department last week said, "It’s these offers of advanced U.S. defense platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India’s security and sovereignty. It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership."

New US Defense Secretary Austin to visit India this month

The second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise `Sea Vigil-21` will be conducted on January 12-13, with the aim to assess country`s preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence, Indian Navy informed on Monday.

The exercise will be undertaken along the entire 7,516 kilometres coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India and will involve all the 13 coastal states and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities, according to an official release.As per the release, the entire coastal security set up was reorganised after the 26/11 Terror attack at Mumbai which was launched via the sea route.

Navy said that the scale and conceptual expanse of the exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met.

"The exercise is a build-up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which the Indian Navy conducts every two years. SEA VIGIL and TROPEX together will cover the entire spectrum of maritime security challenges, including the transition from peace to conflict," the release said.Assets of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Customs and other maritime agencies will participate in SEA VIGIL.

"It provides opportunity, at the apex level, to assess our preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence. Exercise `SEA VIGIL 21` will provide a realistic assessment of our strengths and weaknesses and thus will help in further strengthening maritime and national security," the release further said.

The inaugural edition of this exercise was conducted in January 2019.

The second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise `Sea Vigil-21` will be conducted on January 12-13, with the aim to assess country`s preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence, Indian Navy informed on Monday.

The second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise `Sea Vigil-21` will be conducted on January 12-13, with the aim to assess country`s preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence, Indian Navy informed on Monday. The exercise will be undertaken along the entire 7,516 kilometres coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India and will involve all the 13 coastal states and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities, according to an official release.As per the release, the entire coastal security set up was reorganised after the 26/11 Terror attack at Mumbai which was launched via the sea route. Navy said that the scale and conceptual expanse of the exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met. "The exercise is a build-up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which the Indian Navy conducts every two years. SEA VIGIL and TROPEX together will cover the entire spectrum of maritime security challenges, including the transition from peace to conflict," the release said.Assets of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Customs and other maritime agencies will participate in SEA VIGIL. "It provides opportunity, at the apex level, to assess our preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence. Exercise `SEA VIGIL 21` will provide a realistic assessment of our strengths and weaknesses and thus will help in further strengthening maritime and national security," the release further said. The inaugural edition of this exercise was conducted in January 2019.

Indian Navy to kick-start second edition of coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil' on Tuesday

US President Donald Trump suffered a stinging rebuke in the Senate in his last days in office with the Congress voting overwhelmingly to override his veto of a sweeping defence bill.

This is the first time lawmakers have done so during his presidency.&nbsp;

By a lopsided vote of 81-13, well more than the two-thirds of the 100-member chamber required, the Republican-controlled Senate approved the $740.5 billion National Defence Authorisation Act to fund the military for fiscal year 2021.&nbsp;They met in a rare New Year's Day session.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives had voted 322 to 87 on Monday to override Trump's veto.&nbsp;

Both houses of Congress had earlier passed the legislation in early December by strong majorities, but Trump, citing a litany of objections, vetoed it on December 23.

New members will be sworn in on Sunday, just 17 days before Democrat Joe Biden is inaugurated to succeed Trump.

Trump had called the bill a "gift" to China and Russia and said it restricted his ability to lower troop numbers in Afghanistan, South Korea and elsewhere. He bristled at language to rename military installations that currently honor leaders of the breakaway Civil War-era, pro-slavery Confederacy.&nbsp;

He also insisted the bill should include a repeal of a federal law, known as Section 230, that provides liability protection to internet companies such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, which he regularly accuses of anti-conservative bias.

A president has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress, but lawmakers can uphold the bill if two-thirds of both houses vote to override the veto.

The $740 billion National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) determines everything from how many ships are bought to soldiers' pay and how to address geopolitical threats.

Trump refused to sign it into law because it did not repeal certain legal protections for social media platforms and included a provision stripping the names of Confederate generals from military bases.

Until Friday's vote, Trump had been on track to be the first president since Lyndon Johnson with no vetoes overridden.

(with inputs)

US President Donald Trump suffered a stinging rebuke in the Senate in his last days in office with the Congress voting overwhelmingly to override his veto of a sweeping defence bill.

US President Donald Trump suffered a stinging rebuke in the Senate in his last days in office with the Congress voting overwhelmingly to override his veto of a sweeping defence bill. This is the first time lawmakers have done so during his presidency. By a lopsided vote of 81-13, well more than the two-thirds of the 100-member chamber required, the Republican-controlled Senate approved the $740.5 billion National Defence Authorisation Act to fund the military for fiscal year 2021. They met in a rare New Year's Day session. The Democratic-led House of Representatives had voted 322 to 87 on Monday to override Trump's veto. Both houses of Congress had earlier passed the legislation in early December by strong majorities, but Trump, citing a litany of objections, vetoed it on December 23. New members will be sworn in on Sunday, just 17 days before Democrat Joe Biden is inaugurated to succeed Trump. Trump had called the bill a "gift" to China and Russia and said it restricted his ability to lower troop numbers in Afghanistan, South Korea and elsewhere. He bristled at language to rename military installations that currently honor leaders of the breakaway Civil War-era, pro-slavery Confederacy. He also insisted the bill should include a repeal of a federal law, known as Section 230, that provides liability protection to internet companies such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, which he regularly accuses of anti-conservative bias. A president has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress, but lawmakers can uphold the bill if two-thirds of both houses vote to override the veto. The $740 billion National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) determines everything from how many ships are bought to soldiers' pay and how to address geopolitical threats. Trump refused to sign it into law because it did not repeal certain legal protections for social media platforms and included a provision stripping the names of Confederate generals from military bases. Until Friday's vote, Trump had been on track to be the first president since Lyndon Johnson with no vetoes overridden. (with inputs)

US Congress deals Trump a blow, overrides veto of defence bill

In a clear message to China, just ahead of talks to resolve border issue, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that India is facing challenges on its borders and will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. 
 
"India is a peace-loving country and that peace can only be ensured through the ability to deter war," Singh said while speaking at a webinar celebrating the Diamond Jubilee to mark 60 years of the National Defence College in Delhi. 
 
The webinar theme was on `India`s National Security - The Decade Ahead` and it started with a keynote address by Rajnath Singh. 
 
The Minister said: "We believe that differences should not become disputes. We attach importance to the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue. India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice." 
 
India and China are engaged in border dispute for the last seven months in Eastern Ladakh. Despite several rounds of talks between the two countries, the dispute remains unresolved. 
 
Talking about India`s relations with friendly counties he said: "We have enhanced the scope and quality of our relations with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman in the West and with Indonesia, Vietnam and South Korea in the East." 
 
He also mentioned that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s special interest in reaching out to partner countries in West Asia, South East and East Asia. 
 
"India`s strategic partnership with the US is stronger than ever before," Singh said. 
 
Talking about India`s ally Russia, Singh said: "India also has a strong, traditional and deep-rooted relations with Russia. Our two countries have weathered many a challenge in the past through our close understanding and appreciation of each other`s concerns and interests." 
 
He said working with like minded countries, India has achieved substantial success to not only expose Pakistan`s regressive policies, but also make it is increasingly difficult to continue with its previous business as usual approach. 
 
"With the exception of Pakistan, given its agenda of fuelling terrorism, India has improved its relations with all neighbours. We have invested heavily to help and support our friends to forge a relationship of mutual-respect and mutual-interest," he added. 
 
From now on more officers from neighbouring counties will be trained at India`s prestigious strategic leadership institution the National Defence College (NDC) as New Delhi increases its engagement with neighbours to the counter growing influence of China. 
 
Five new friendly countries -- Tajikistan, Indonesia, Maldives, Uzbekistan and Philippines -- will now be able to send its officers to India for annual training in national and international security related fields.

In a clear message to China, just ahead of talks to resolve border issue, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that India is facing challenges on its borders and will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a clear message to China, just ahead of talks to resolve border issue, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that India is facing challenges on its borders and will defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "India is a peace-loving country and that peace can only be ensured through the ability to deter war," Singh said while speaking at a webinar celebrating the Diamond Jubilee to mark 60 years of the National Defence College in Delhi. The webinar theme was on `India`s National Security - The Decade Ahead` and it started with a keynote address by Rajnath Singh. The Minister said: "We believe that differences should not become disputes. We attach importance to the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue. India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice." India and China are engaged in border dispute for the last seven months in Eastern Ladakh. Despite several rounds of talks between the two countries, the dispute remains unresolved. Talking about India`s relations with friendly counties he said: "We have enhanced the scope and quality of our relations with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman in the West and with Indonesia, Vietnam and South Korea in the East." He also mentioned that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s special interest in reaching out to partner countries in West Asia, South East and East Asia. "India`s strategic partnership with the US is stronger than ever before," Singh said. Talking about India`s ally Russia, Singh said: "India also has a strong, traditional and deep-rooted relations with Russia. Our two countries have weathered many a challenge in the past through our close understanding and appreciation of each other`s concerns and interests." He said working with like minded countries, India has achieved substantial success to not only expose Pakistan`s regressive policies, but also make it is increasingly difficult to continue with its previous business as usual approach. "With the exception of Pakistan, given its agenda of fuelling terrorism, India has improved its relations with all neighbours. We have invested heavily to help and support our friends to forge a relationship of mutual-respect and mutual-interest," he added. From now on more officers from neighbouring counties will be trained at India`s prestigious strategic leadership institution the National Defence College (NDC) as New Delhi increases its engagement with neighbours to the counter growing influence of China. Five new friendly countries -- Tajikistan, Indonesia, Maldives, Uzbekistan and Philippines -- will now be able to send its officers to India for annual training in national and international security related fields.

India faces challenges on borders, will defend territorial integrity: Rajnath Singh

India will hold off on importing 101 items of military equipment in an effort to boost domestic defence production, defence minister Rajnath Singh announced on Sunday.

Singh said a separate budget of nearly 520 billion rupees ($7 billion) has been created for domestic capital procurement this fiscal year.

He said the ministry has prepared a list of 101 items for which the embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024.

"The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to #AtmanirbharBharat initiative," Singh said on Twitter while making the announcement.

"The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024," Singh wrote in a series of tweets.

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The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtmanirbharBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtmanirbharBharat</a> initiative. MoD will introduce import embargo on 101 items beyond given timeline to boost indigenisation of defence production.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317269599518721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Taking cue from that evocation, the Ministry of Defence has prepared a list of 101 items for which there would be an embargo on the import beyond the timeline indicated against them. This is a big step towards self-reliance in defence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtmanirbharBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtmanirbharBharat</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317413657075715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation."

The list of 101 embargoed items comprises some high technology weapon systems like artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircraft, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars and many other items.

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This decision will offer a great opportunity to the Indian defence industry to manufacture the items in the negative list by using their own design and development capabilities or adopting the technologies designed &amp; developed by DRDO to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317668377104385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The list is prepared by MoD after several rounds of consultations with all stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, public &amp; private industry to assess current and future capabilities of the Indian industry for manufacturing various ammunition &amp; equipment within India.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317727512604672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Almost 260 schemes of such items were contracted by the Tri-Services at an approximate cost of Rs 3.5 lakh crore between April 2015 and August 2020. It is estimated that contracts worth almost Rs 4 lakh crore will be placed upon the domestic industry within the next 6 to 7 years.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317793086365696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Singh said all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for domestic production of equipment identified under a negative list for import are met, adding the measures will include a co-ordinated mechanism for hand-holding of the industry by the defence services.

"The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024. The aim behind promulgation of the list is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the armed forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation," he said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024. Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292318262655479809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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All necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for production of equipment as per the Negative Import List are met, which will include a co-ordinated mechanism for hand holding of the industry by the Defence Services.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292318328619282432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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MoD has also bifurcated the capital procurement budget for 2020-21 between domestic and foreign capital procurement routes. A separate budget head has been created with an outlay of nearly Rs 52,000 crore for domestic capital procurement in the current financial year.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292318459083120641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

India will hold off on importing 101 items of military equipment in an effort to boost domestic defence production, defence minister Rajnath Singh announced on Sunday.

India will hold off on importing 101 items of military equipment in an effort to boost domestic defence production, defence minister Rajnath Singh announced on Sunday. Singh said a separate budget of nearly 520 billion rupees ($7 billion) has been created for domestic capital procurement this fiscal year. He said the ministry has prepared a list of 101 items for which the embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024. "The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to #AtmanirbharBharat initiative," Singh said on Twitter while making the announcement. "The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024," Singh wrote in a series of tweets. The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to #AtmanirbharBharat initiative. MoD will introduce import embargo on 101 items beyond given timeline to boost indigenisation of defence production. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × Taking cue from that evocation, the Ministry of Defence has prepared a list of 101 items for which there would be an embargo on the import beyond the timeline indicated against them. This is a big step towards self-reliance in defence. #AtmanirbharBharat — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × "Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation." The list of 101 embargoed items comprises some high technology weapon systems like artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircraft, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars and many other items. This decision will offer a great opportunity to the Indian defence industry to manufacture the items in the negative list by using their own design and development capabilities or adopting the technologies designed & developed by DRDO to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × The list is prepared by MoD after several rounds of consultations with all stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, public & private industry to assess current and future capabilities of the Indian industry for manufacturing various ammunition & equipment within India. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × Almost 260 schemes of such items were contracted by the Tri-Services at an approximate cost of Rs 3.5 lakh crore between April 2015 and August 2020. It is estimated that contracts worth almost Rs 4 lakh crore will be placed upon the domestic industry within the next 6 to 7 years. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × Singh said all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for domestic production of equipment identified under a negative list for import are met, adding the measures will include a co-ordinated mechanism for hand-holding of the industry by the defence services. "The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024. The aim behind promulgation of the list is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the armed forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation," he said. The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024. Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × All necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for production of equipment as per the Negative Import List are met, which will include a co-ordinated mechanism for hand holding of the industry by the Defence Services. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × MoD has also bifurcated the capital procurement budget for 2020-21 between domestic and foreign capital procurement routes. A separate budget head has been created with an outlay of nearly Rs 52,000 crore for domestic capital procurement in the current financial year. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 ×

India to halt imports of 101 defence items, announces Rajnath Singh

Israel's defence exports amounted to $7.2 billion in 2019, slightly down from $7.5 billion the previous year, the government said Monday. 
 
As in 2018, the bulk went to Asia and the Pacific region, according to a defence ministry statement. 
 
The head of Israel's International Defence Cooperation Directorate, Yair Kulas, said the novel coronavirus pandemic was likely to impact this year's sales.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/israels-miracle-mask-sonovia-expects-99-coronavirus-success-after-lab-test-307664" hreflang="en">Israel's miracle mask: Sonovia expects 99% coronavirus success after lab test</a> 
 
"We were expecting to see a trend of growth in G2G (government-to-government) agreements throughout the year 2020, but the corona(virus) pandemic has devastated the global economy and the defence sector," Kulas said in the statement. 
 
The Israeli government does not comment on individual arms contracts, but Monday's statement said radar and early warning systems accounted for 17 percent of sales, with missiles, rockets and air defence systems bringing in 15 percent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/palestinians-fear-israeli-annexation-could-further-limit-dead-sea-access-307514" hreflang="en">Palestinians fear Israeli annexation could further limit Dead Sea access</a> 
 
It said that piloted aircraft and avionics contributed to 13 percent of 2019 sales, with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drone systems amounting to eight percent. &nbsp; 
 
Other areas included cyber and intelligence systems, ammunition and armament and naval systems. 
 
Sales to Asia and the Pacific region accounted for 41 percent of the total, according to the statement, with 26 percent going to Europe, 25 percent to North America and four percent each to Latin America and Africa.

Israel's defence exports amounted to $7.2 billion in 2019, slightly down from $7.5 billion the previous year, the government said Monday. As in 2018, the bulk went to Asia and the Pacific region, according to a defence ministry statement.

Israel's defence exports amounted to $7.2 billion in 2019, slightly down from $7.5 billion the previous year, the government said Monday. As in 2018, the bulk went to Asia and the Pacific region, according to a defence ministry statement. The head of Israel's International Defence Cooperation Directorate, Yair Kulas, said the novel coronavirus pandemic was likely to impact this year's sales. Also read: Israel's miracle mask: Sonovia expects 99% coronavirus success after lab test "We were expecting to see a trend of growth in G2G (government-to-government) agreements throughout the year 2020, but the corona(virus) pandemic has devastated the global economy and the defence sector," Kulas said in the statement. The Israeli government does not comment on individual arms contracts, but Monday's statement said radar and early warning systems accounted for 17 percent of sales, with missiles, rockets and air defence systems bringing in 15 percent. Also read: Palestinians fear Israeli annexation could further limit Dead Sea access It said that piloted aircraft and avionics contributed to 13 percent of 2019 sales, with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drone systems amounting to eight percent. Other areas included cyber and intelligence systems, ammunition and armament and naval systems. Sales to Asia and the Pacific region accounted for 41 percent of the total, according to the statement, with 26 percent going to Europe, 25 percent to North America and four percent each to Latin America and Africa.

Israeli defence sales $7.2 billion in 2019: Ministry

Aircraft maker Boeing has been awarded two defence contracts worth more than 2 billion dollars for the delivery of 1000 missiles to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia to receive over 1000 missiles

The Pentagon said a test missile&nbsp;flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point.

The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/pentagon-looks-for-defence-to-putins-invincible-hypersonic-missiles-277593" hreflang="en">Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles</a>

"Today we validated our design and are now ready to move to the next phase towards fielding a hypersonic strike capability," Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe said in a statement.

Hypersonic weapons can take missile warfare, and particularly nuclear warfare, to a new, and for many frightening, level: they can travel much faster than current nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, at different altitudes and with the maneuverability that makes them difficult to defeat with current missile defence systems.

In December, Russia declared it had placed into service their first Avangard hypersonic missile, making it the first country to claim an operable hypersonic weapon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/were-constructing-many-hypersonic-missiles-us-president-donald-trump-273112" hreflang="en">We're constructing many hypersonic missiles: US President Donald Trump</a>

Russian officials claimed that in tests it had reached speeds of up to Mach 27, roughly 33,000 kilometres (20,500 miles) per hour.

China is also investing significantly in their development. Last October it displayed its DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle in its national day military parade.

The Pentagon said a test missile flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point. The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed.

The Pentagon said a test missile flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point. The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed. Also read: Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles "Today we validated our design and are now ready to move to the next phase towards fielding a hypersonic strike capability," Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe said in a statement. Hypersonic weapons can take missile warfare, and particularly nuclear warfare, to a new, and for many frightening, level: they can travel much faster than current nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, at different altitudes and with the maneuverability that makes them difficult to defeat with current missile defence systems. In December, Russia declared it had placed into service their first Avangard hypersonic missile, making it the first country to claim an operable hypersonic weapon. Also read: We're constructing many hypersonic missiles: US President Donald Trump Russian officials claimed that in tests it had reached speeds of up to Mach 27, roughly 33,000 kilometres (20,500 miles) per hour. China is also investing significantly in their development. Last October it displayed its DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle in its national day military parade.

Pentagon says successfully tested hypersonic missile

Global spending on defence rose by four per cent in 2019, the largest growth in 10 years, led by big increases from the US and China, a study said Friday (Feb 14).

Beijing's military modernisation programme -&nbsp;which includes developing new hard-to-detect hypersonic missiles -&nbsp;is alarming Washington and helping drive US defence spending, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said.

The IISS's annual "Military Balance" report said the increase alone in US spending from 2018 to 2019 - US$53.4 billion - was almost as big as Britain's entire defence budget.

Both China and the US increased spending by 6.6 per cent, the report said, while Europe - driven by ongoing concerns about Russia - stepped up by 4.2 per cent.

But this growth only brought European defence spending back to levels seen in 2008, before the global financial crisis saw budgets slashed.

European NATO members have been seeking to increase spending to placate President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly accused them of freeloading on the US.

Trump has railed at European allies, particularly Germany, for not living up to a 2014 NATO pledge to spend two percent of GDP on defence.

The mercurial president's anger over spending has fuelled concern about his commitment to the transatlantic alliance, culminating in an explosive 2018 summit where he launched a blistering public attack on Germany in a televised meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Global spending on defence rose by four per cent in 2019, the largest growth in 10 years, led by big increases from the US and China, a study said Friday (Feb 14).

Global spending on defence rose by four per cent in 2019, the largest growth in 10 years, led by big increases from the US and China, a study said Friday (Feb 14). Beijing's military modernisation programme - which includes developing new hard-to-detect hypersonic missiles - is alarming Washington and helping drive US defence spending, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said. The IISS's annual "Military Balance" report said the increase alone in US spending from 2018 to 2019 - US$53.4 billion - was almost as big as Britain's entire defence budget. Both China and the US increased spending by 6.6 per cent, the report said, while Europe - driven by ongoing concerns about Russia - stepped up by 4.2 per cent. But this growth only brought European defence spending back to levels seen in 2008, before the global financial crisis saw budgets slashed. European NATO members have been seeking to increase spending to placate President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly accused them of freeloading on the US. Trump has railed at European allies, particularly Germany, for not living up to a 2014 NATO pledge to spend two percent of GDP on defence. The mercurial president's anger over spending has fuelled concern about his commitment to the transatlantic alliance, culminating in an explosive 2018 summit where he launched a blistering public attack on Germany in a televised meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Biggest jump in world defence spending in 10 years: Study

A Defence security corps(DSC) staff shot his colleague dead at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, a high-security facility at Avadi, near Chennai, where battle tanks, other strategic assets and their components are manufactured and assembled. The DSC personnel are responsible for providing security at the Defence Ministry sites.

In the vicinity, there are several other Ordnance Factories such as Engine Factory (EFA), Ordnance Clothing Factory(OCF) and Defence Installations like Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Ordnance Depot etc.

Defence officials said that the incident occurred around 20 minutes past the midnight hour, when Nilambar Sinha, who was on duty with his INSAS rifle barged into the place where the guards were sleeping and opened fire. Nilambar Sinha hails from Tripura and is said to be recently posted the facility.

He is said to have fired seven bullets, of which three had hit Garjesh Kumar who was hailing from Himachal Pradesh. Three others who were said to be near Kumar hid for their safety and escaped.&nbsp;

After the shooting incident, armed with the INSAS rifle Nilambar Sinha is said to have roamed around the campus for a little over 30 minutes, after which he surrendered in the presence of higher officials. &nbsp;

The local police have been investigating the incident since the wee hours of the morning, while defence officials are conducting their internal enquiry on what would have led to this incident of fratricide.

A Defence security corps(DSC) staff shot his colleague dead at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, a high-security facility at Avadi, near Chennai, where battle tanks, other strategic assets and their components are manufactured and assembled.

A Defence security corps(DSC) staff shot his colleague dead at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, a high-security facility at Avadi, near Chennai, where battle tanks, other strategic assets and their components are manufactured and assembled. The DSC personnel are responsible for providing security at the Defence Ministry sites. In the vicinity, there are several other Ordnance Factories such as Engine Factory (EFA), Ordnance Clothing Factory(OCF) and Defence Installations like Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Ordnance Depot etc. Defence officials said that the incident occurred around 20 minutes past the midnight hour, when Nilambar Sinha, who was on duty with his INSAS rifle barged into the place where the guards were sleeping and opened fire. Nilambar Sinha hails from Tripura and is said to be recently posted the facility. He is said to have fired seven bullets, of which three had hit Garjesh Kumar who was hailing from Himachal Pradesh. Three others who were said to be near Kumar hid for their safety and escaped. After the shooting incident, armed with the INSAS rifle Nilambar Sinha is said to have roamed around the campus for a little over 30 minutes, after which he surrendered in the presence of higher officials. The local police have been investigating the incident since the wee hours of the morning, while defence officials are conducting their internal enquiry on what would have led to this incident of fratricide.

Security personnel guns down colleague at Defence facility near Chennai

General Bipin Rawat today began his tenure as India's first Chief of Defence Staff began with a farewell guard of honour as the army chief.

The uniform of India's first Chief of Defence Staff draws emblematic elements from all three national services - the army, the navy, and the air force.

The CDS' attire including the peak cap, dress buttons, belt buckle, and the epaulette, which are all engrained with the ethos of the three defence services.

''Feel lighter in the head'', announced the new CDS after taking over the duties.

Rawat now has a host of new responsibilities, and he's primarily expected to bring convergence among the army, the navy, and the air force.

The new CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs and act as a military advisor to the government.

<img alt="CDS' attire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="321ea4a7-ffc7-49cf-9ad8-7fc78821e938" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_38.jpg" />

The attire of the new CDS | Image source: Indian Army

However, the new CDS will work in tandem with the National Security Advisor, who is an integral part of the Indian security set-up. There is much functional interplay between the roles of CDS and the NSA.

The NSA heads the defence planning committee, which was created in 2018. It has all three service chiefs as members. The main agenda is the implementation of security strategy in the country.

On the other hand, the CDS will head the department of military affairs. One of his tasks includes providing undiluted military advice to the government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-named-as-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-271016">Read:&nbsp;Army chief General Bipin Rawat appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff</a>

The NSA receives all intelligence reports from the likes of RAW and presents them before the prime minister.

Additionally, the CDS will be the point-person with information from an independent pool of military resources.

Watch:&nbsp;General Bipin Rawat takes charge as first CDS

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The NSA works on inter-ministerial coordination and integration of inputs in forming national security policies.

The CDS will have the authority to direct the three service chiefs and also create a theatre command when needed.

General Bipin Rawat today began his tenure as India's first Chief of Defence Staff began with a farewell guard of honour as the army chief. The uniform of India's first Chief of Defence Staff draws emblematic elements from all three national services - the army, the navy, and the air force.

General Bipin Rawat today began his tenure as India's first Chief of Defence Staff began with a farewell guard of honour as the army chief. The uniform of India's first Chief of Defence Staff draws emblematic elements from all three national services - the army, the navy, and the air force. The CDS' attire including the peak cap, dress buttons, belt buckle, and the epaulette, which are all engrained with the ethos of the three defence services. ''Feel lighter in the head'', announced the new CDS after taking over the duties. Rawat now has a host of new responsibilities, and he's primarily expected to bring convergence among the army, the navy, and the air force. The new CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs and act as a military advisor to the government. The attire of the new CDS | Image source: Indian Army However, the new CDS will work in tandem with the National Security Advisor, who is an integral part of the Indian security set-up. There is much functional interplay between the roles of CDS and the NSA. The NSA heads the defence planning committee, which was created in 2018. It has all three service chiefs as members. The main agenda is the implementation of security strategy in the country. On the other hand, the CDS will head the department of military affairs. One of his tasks includes providing undiluted military advice to the government. Read: Army chief General Bipin Rawat appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff The NSA receives all intelligence reports from the likes of RAW and presents them before the prime minister. Additionally, the CDS will be the point-person with information from an independent pool of military resources. Watch: General Bipin Rawat takes charge as first CDS The NSA works on inter-ministerial coordination and integration of inputs in forming national security policies. The CDS will have the authority to direct the three service chiefs and also create a theatre command when needed.

Bipin Rawat takes over as Chief of Defence Staff, his uniform draws emblematic elements from all defence services

1. A new department called&nbsp;the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the&nbsp;Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing&nbsp;with larger defence-related issues.

2. Armed forces would fall within lines of the Department of Military Affairs, with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-announce-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-today-269990">Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)</a> at the helm. This department would&nbsp;have a mix of defence and civilian officers. CDS would&nbsp;be responsible for restructuring the military command and to promote jointness in procurement, training, and staffing for the services. The CDS would also be responsible for joint theatre command and&nbsp;for bringing jointness in operations.

3. The CDS would&nbsp;be a four-star general and shall not be eligible to hold any government office after demitting the office of CDS. He would also not be part of any private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS.

4. The CDS would&nbsp;also be the permanent Chief of Staff and would be supported by the integrated defence staff. He would also act as the permanent advisor to the Raksha Mantri. The CDS&nbsp;will, however, not exercise any military command, including over the three service chiefs. He will also have to&nbsp;administer tri-service organisations. Additionally, the command&nbsp;related to cyber and space will be under the office of CDS.

5. CDS will provide integrated inputs of the services to relevant authorities and will also be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee. He will bring jointness in operations, logistics, transport training and support services, communications, repair and maintenance within three years of first CDS assuming office.

6. CDS&nbsp;will also enhance the usage of indigenous equipment and evaluate plans for out of area contingencies including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.&nbsp; He will also implement a five-year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and Annual Acquisition Plans.

7. The CDS would also be responsible for bringing reform in the functioning of three services aimed at augmenting combat capabilities of the armed forces. CDS will also prepare an annual report for RM on the annual achievements in jointness during the year. He will also integrate and rationalise international cooperation plans.

1. A new department called the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing with larger defence-related issues.

1. A new department called the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing with larger defence-related issues. 2. Armed forces would fall within lines of the Department of Military Affairs, with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) at the helm. This department would have a mix of defence and civilian officers. CDS would be responsible for restructuring the military command and to promote jointness in procurement, training, and staffing for the services. The CDS would also be responsible for joint theatre command and for bringing jointness in operations. 3. The CDS would be a four-star general and shall not be eligible to hold any government office after demitting the office of CDS. He would also not be part of any private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS. 4. The CDS would also be the permanent Chief of Staff and would be supported by the integrated defence staff. He would also act as the permanent advisor to the Raksha Mantri. The CDS will, however, not exercise any military command, including over the three service chiefs. He will also have to administer tri-service organisations. Additionally, the command related to cyber and space will be under the office of CDS. 5. CDS will provide integrated inputs of the services to relevant authorities and will also be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee. He will bring jointness in operations, logistics, transport training and support services, communications, repair and maintenance within three years of first CDS assuming office. 6. CDS will also enhance the usage of indigenous equipment and evaluate plans for out of area contingencies including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He will also implement a five-year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and Annual Acquisition Plans. 7. The CDS would also be responsible for bringing reform in the functioning of three services aimed at augmenting combat capabilities of the armed forces. CDS will also prepare an annual report for RM on the annual achievements in jointness during the year. He will also integrate and rationalise international cooperation plans.

7 things one needs to know about Chief of Defence Staff and his functions

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. PM Modi congratulated Johnson on his victory in the recently conducted general elections. &nbsp;

The two leaders resolved to continue working closely together on issues such as trade, security and defence and to step up our cooperation on climate change ahead of next year’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, news agency ANI reported citing the UK government.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last week, took to Twitter and posted a congratulatory message on Johnson's electoral victory.&nbsp;

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UK Government: The two leaders resolved to continue working closely together on issues such as trade, security and defence, and to step up our cooperation on climate change ahead of next year’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. <a href="https://t.co/eLFQ3D7tsF">https://t.co/eLFQ3D7tsF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207341895598272512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties," Modi's tweet read.&nbsp;

Johnson, last week, thanked the voters for the landslide victory in the general election, securing Britain's exit from the European Union on January 31.

During his speech at Downing Street at London, Johnson thanked the voters "for the trust" placed in his party.&nbsp;

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Many congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. <a href="https://t.co/D95Z7XXRml">pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1205360968810803200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We have a strong mandate for Brexit," he said while calling on Britain move on from Brexit.

"I urge everyone to find closure and let the healing begin," he said.

Johnson's Conservative party has won 365 of 650 seats in parliament, giving it a majority of 80, final results of the general election showed.

The main opposition Labour party won 203 of the remaining seats, while the Scottish National Party was third on 48. The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats won 11 seats. Other parties took 23.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. PM Modi congratulated Johnson on his victory in the recently conducted general elections.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. PM Modi congratulated Johnson on his victory in the recently conducted general elections. The two leaders resolved to continue working closely together on issues such as trade, security and defence and to step up our cooperation on climate change ahead of next year’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, news agency ANI reported citing the UK government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last week, took to Twitter and posted a congratulatory message on Johnson's electoral victory. UK Government: The two leaders resolved to continue working closely together on issues such as trade, security and defence, and to step up our cooperation on climate change ahead of next year’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. https://t.co/eLFQ3D7tsF — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2019 × "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties," Modi's tweet read. Johnson, last week, thanked the voters for the landslide victory in the general election, securing Britain's exit from the European Union on January 31. During his speech at Downing Street at London, Johnson thanked the voters "for the trust" placed in his party. Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2019 × "We have a strong mandate for Brexit," he said while calling on Britain move on from Brexit. "I urge everyone to find closure and let the healing begin," he said. Johnson's Conservative party has won 365 of 650 seats in parliament, giving it a majority of 80, final results of the general election showed. The main opposition Labour party won 203 of the remaining seats, while the Scottish National Party was third on 48. The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats won 11 seats. Other parties took 23.

In talks with UK's Boris Johnson, PM Modi resolves to work closely together

Russia plans to establish an air defence "dome" across its polar region by arming all of its Northern Fleet's Arctic divisions with S-400 missile batteries, a Russian naval commander said on Monday.

Russia has been stepping up its military presence in the Arctic, building new infrastructure and overhauling its ports as it vies for dominance in a region with huge untapped mineral wealth amid warmer climate cycles.

Other countries have also scrambled to boost their Arctic presence, stoking fears of intensifying geopolitical rivalry. In May, Washington accused Russia of aggressive behaviour in the polar region and said China's actions must be watched closely.

Russia in September deployed its S-400 air defence systems to the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the far north, and the commander of Russia's Northern Fleet said on Monday that similar deployments would be made across the region.

"The plan is for all our Arctic divisions to be supplied with such complexes in the coming years and there will effectively be an air defence dome created over the Russian part of the Arctic," Vice-Admiral Alexei Moiseyev said.

"This means that the Arctic will be protected from any kind of enemy aerial attack, whether from planes, cruise or ballistic missiles," Moiseyev said in an interview with the Russian Defence Ministry's Zvezda TV channel.

Russia plans to establish an air defence "dome" across its polar region by arming all of its Northern Fleet's Arctic divisions with S-400 missile batteries, a Russian naval commander said on Monday.

Russia plans to establish an air defence "dome" across its polar region by arming all of its Northern Fleet's Arctic divisions with S-400 missile batteries, a Russian naval commander said on Monday. Russia has been stepping up its military presence in the Arctic, building new infrastructure and overhauling its ports as it vies for dominance in a region with huge untapped mineral wealth amid warmer climate cycles. Other countries have also scrambled to boost their Arctic presence, stoking fears of intensifying geopolitical rivalry. In May, Washington accused Russia of aggressive behaviour in the polar region and said China's actions must be watched closely. Russia in September deployed its S-400 air defence systems to the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the far north, and the commander of Russia's Northern Fleet said on Monday that similar deployments would be made across the region. "The plan is for all our Arctic divisions to be supplied with such complexes in the coming years and there will effectively be an air defence dome created over the Russian part of the Arctic," Vice-Admiral Alexei Moiseyev said. "This means that the Arctic will be protected from any kind of enemy aerial attack, whether from planes, cruise or ballistic missiles," Moiseyev said in an interview with the Russian Defence Ministry's Zvezda TV channel.

Russia plans to set up Arctic air defence 'dome' with S-400 missiles

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-slams-us-bill-on-uighur-muslims-266287">China</a> on Thursday denied posing a threat to other countries, insisting it is a "peaceful power" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../netanyahu-pushes-pompeo-for-more-pressure- on-iran-in-portugal-266280">NATO members</a> signed a statement acknowledging the "challenges" posed by Beijing for the first time.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that the alliance had to jointly tackle China's growing military capabilities, which include missiles that could reach Europe and the United States.

The alliance said in a declaration Wednesday it recognised that "China's growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges" after a summit in London of leaders from NATO's 29 member states.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Thursday that "the growth of China's power is the growth of peaceful power" and that "there is not necessarily a connection between the threat and the size of a country".

Speaking at a regular press conference, she said "the largest threat facing the world today is unilateralism and bullying actions," making a thinly veiled reference to the US.

"Even American allies have been harmed," she added.

The two-day summit in London was overshadowed by bad blood with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../how-us-public-opinion-has-evolved-on- impeachment-of-trump-266209">Donald Trump branding Canada's prime minister "two-faced"</a> after a group of allied leaders were caught on video at a Buckingham Palace reception mocking the US president's rambling press appearances.

NATO's summit declaration also stressed the need for "secure and resilient" communications, particularly 5G infrastructure.

This points to growing anxiety in NATO and the West at large about the role of Chinese companies, particularly Huawei, in building the networks needed for the next generation of mobile communications.

China on Thursday denied posing a threat to other countries, insisting it is a "peaceful power" after NATO members signed a statement acknowledging the "challenges" posed by Beijing for the first time.

China on Thursday denied posing a threat to other countries, insisting it is a "peaceful power" after NATO members signed a statement acknowledging the "challenges" posed by Beijing for the first time. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that the alliance had to jointly tackle China's growing military capabilities, which include missiles that could reach Europe and the United States. The alliance said in a declaration Wednesday it recognised that "China's growing influence and international policies present both opportunities and challenges" after a summit in London of leaders from NATO's 29 member states. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Thursday that "the growth of China's power is the growth of peaceful power" and that "there is not necessarily a connection between the threat and the size of a country". Speaking at a regular press conference, she said "the largest threat facing the world today is unilateralism and bullying actions," making a thinly veiled reference to the US. "Even American allies have been harmed," she added. The two-day summit in London was overshadowed by bad blood with Donald Trump branding Canada's prime minister "two-faced" after a group of allied leaders were caught on video at a Buckingham Palace reception mocking the US president's rambling press appearances. NATO's summit declaration also stressed the need for "secure and resilient" communications, particularly 5G infrastructure. This points to growing anxiety in NATO and the West at large about the role of Chinese companies, particularly Huawei, in building the networks needed for the next generation of mobile communications.

Beijing brushes off NATO fears of China 'challenges'

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''.

The brief clean-up operation came at the end of a week of particularly intense clashes between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-set-fire-to-hold-off-police-at-university-campus-262783">police and protesters</a> that had caused chaos across Hong Kong.&nbsp;Soldiers, besides trying to quell the violence, were seen helping out clean nearby streets that were soiled by protesters.

"There were some Hong Kong citizens clearing roadblocks near the PLA Hong Kong garrison," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters at a security event in Bangkok when asked about the brief deployment.

"The soldiers from the PLA Hong Kong garrison joined these citizens in clearing these roadblocks and their efforts were welcomed by Hong Kong citizens", Qian added.

China has made it clear that it won't entertain any of the demands put forward by the protesters while adding that no violence will be tolerated.

After another weekend of violence and protesters setting fire to the entrance of a university entrance on Monday morning to defend themselves from police, Wu issued another warning.

"Ending violence and restoring order is the most pressing task we have in Hong Kong," Wu said after China's defence minister Wei Fenghe met his US counterpart, Mark Esper, in Bangkok.

China's People Liberations' Army has maintained a garrison in Hong Kong since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997.

However, these troops barely leave their barracks. They were last seen on the streets to help clean up after a typhoon in 2018.

According to Hong Kong's Basic Law, troops from mainland China can operate in the city if local authorities request it.

Hong Kong authorities may, "when necessary", ask the central government for assistance from the garrison "in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief", according to Article 14.

Article 18 of the Basic Law allows the central government to effectively suspend Hong Kong's laws if there is a "state of war" or "turmoil" which "endangers national security or unity".&nbsp;

Hong Kong's government said on Saturday that it did not request the Chinese troops to clean up the streets.

Recently, A government ban on demonstrators wearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-mask-law-to-quell-protests-unconstitutional-hong-kong-high-court-262838">face masks</a>, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, was ruled unconstitutional by the territory's high court.

Owing to the unrest in Hong Kong, many Asian carriers have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-airlines-slash-flights-to-hong-kong-as-unrest-escalates-262832">cancelled flights</a> to Hong Kong.

(With inputs from AFP)

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''.

As violence continues to eclipse Hong Kong, China's military today defended the deployment of soldiers into the city. They referred to the violence as the ''most pressing task''. The brief clean-up operation came at the end of a week of particularly intense clashes between police and protesters that had caused chaos across Hong Kong. Soldiers, besides trying to quell the violence, were seen helping out clean nearby streets that were soiled by protesters. "There were some Hong Kong citizens clearing roadblocks near the PLA Hong Kong garrison," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters at a security event in Bangkok when asked about the brief deployment. "The soldiers from the PLA Hong Kong garrison joined these citizens in clearing these roadblocks and their efforts were welcomed by Hong Kong citizens", Qian added. China has made it clear that it won't entertain any of the demands put forward by the protesters while adding that no violence will be tolerated. After another weekend of violence and protesters setting fire to the entrance of a university entrance on Monday morning to defend themselves from police, Wu issued another warning. "Ending violence and restoring order is the most pressing task we have in Hong Kong," Wu said after China's defence minister Wei Fenghe met his US counterpart, Mark Esper, in Bangkok. China's People Liberations' Army has maintained a garrison in Hong Kong since the former British colony was returned to China in 1997. However, these troops barely leave their barracks. They were last seen on the streets to help clean up after a typhoon in 2018. According to Hong Kong's Basic Law, troops from mainland China can operate in the city if local authorities request it. Hong Kong authorities may, "when necessary", ask the central government for assistance from the garrison "in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief", according to Article 14. Article 18 of the Basic Law allows the central government to effectively suspend Hong Kong's laws if there is a "state of war" or "turmoil" which "endangers national security or unity". Hong Kong's government said on Saturday that it did not request the Chinese troops to clean up the streets. Recently, A government ban on demonstrators wearing face masks, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, was ruled unconstitutional by the territory's high court. Owing to the unrest in Hong Kong, many Asian carriers have cancelled flights to Hong Kong. (With inputs from AFP)

China defends deploying soldiers in Hong Kong, calls it 'most pressing task'

Amid growing military ties between India and the United States, the Indian armed forces are moving closer towards deals for procuring American defence equipment worth over&nbsp;$7 billion from the United States of America, including Sea Guardian armed drones and naval spy planes. 
 
The two projects are moving ahead separately as one of them is a tri-services project while the other is being steered by the Indian Navy. 
 
"All the three services are collating their requirement for the Sea Guardian armed drones which will give us a strong capability in terms of high altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicles and also enhance our capabilities to carry out surveillance," government sources told ANI. 
 
They said since some of the capability requirements of the three services would be different from each other, their collation would take a few months and a Letter of Request is expected to be issued to the American government for the government-to-government deal by the February-March time frame. 
 
The Trump administration had approved the sale of armed drones to India in June this year and offered it to be equipped with required missiles and other systems. 
 
Earlier, among the three services, only the Navy seemed to be interested in the procurement but now all the three services are showing interest in the project, the sources said. 
 
The project is expected to cost over USD 4.5 billion to the defence services. 
 
Once the Letter of Request (similar to a Request for Proposal) is issued to the American government for the deal under its Foreign Military Sales route, the American side would send the Letter of Acceptance in which it will specify the terms and conditions for the project. 
 
The other major deal in the pipeline is the project for the acquisition of the 10 P-8I anti-submarine warfare and long-range surveillance aircraft which would be adding to the existing fleet of 12 such planes in the Indian Navy. 
 
The sources said the project was supposed to be fielded before the Defence Acquisition Council in its last meeting but was withheld due to some reasons. "Now the proposal is expected to be put up before the DAC again in the next meeting," the sources said. 
 
The P-8I planes are expected to cost around USD 3 billion. These planes would also be acquired under the FMS route once it gets final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
 
In the last over one decade, India has inducted a large number of American defence hardware including Apache attack choppers, Chinook heavy-lift Helicopters, C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules Transport aircraft, M-777 ultra-light howitzers and AN-TPQ weapon locating radars. 
 
The two sides are also in discussions for the NASAMS air defence system for providing protection to the national capital region.

Amid growing military ties between India and the United States, the Indian armed forces are moving closer towards deals for procuring American defence equipment worth over $7 billion from the United States of America, including Sea Guardian armed drones and naval spy planes.

Amid growing military ties between India and the United States, the Indian armed forces are moving closer towards deals for procuring American defence equipment worth over $7 billion from the United States of America, including Sea Guardian armed drones and naval spy planes. The two projects are moving ahead separately as one of them is a tri-services project while the other is being steered by the Indian Navy. "All the three services are collating their requirement for the Sea Guardian armed drones which will give us a strong capability in terms of high altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicles and also enhance our capabilities to carry out surveillance," government sources told ANI. They said since some of the capability requirements of the three services would be different from each other, their collation would take a few months and a Letter of Request is expected to be issued to the American government for the government-to-government deal by the February-March time frame. The Trump administration had approved the sale of armed drones to India in June this year and offered it to be equipped with required missiles and other systems. Earlier, among the three services, only the Navy seemed to be interested in the procurement but now all the three services are showing interest in the project, the sources said. The project is expected to cost over USD 4.5 billion to the defence services. Once the Letter of Request (similar to a Request for Proposal) is issued to the American government for the deal under its Foreign Military Sales route, the American side would send the Letter of Acceptance in which it will specify the terms and conditions for the project. The other major deal in the pipeline is the project for the acquisition of the 10 P-8I anti-submarine warfare and long-range surveillance aircraft which would be adding to the existing fleet of 12 such planes in the Indian Navy. The sources said the project was supposed to be fielded before the Defence Acquisition Council in its last meeting but was withheld due to some reasons. "Now the proposal is expected to be put up before the DAC again in the next meeting," the sources said. The P-8I planes are expected to cost around USD 3 billion. These planes would also be acquired under the FMS route once it gets final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the last over one decade, India has inducted a large number of American defence hardware including Apache attack choppers, Chinook heavy-lift Helicopters, C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules Transport aircraft, M-777 ultra-light howitzers and AN-TPQ weapon locating radars. The two sides are also in discussions for the NASAMS air defence system for providing protection to the national capital region.

India-United States defence deal worth $7.5 billion to procure drones, planes in the works

The respective chiefs of defence for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-could-scale-back-joint-drills-defense-secretary-mark-esper-262137">South Korea and the United States</a> on Friday asserted their commitment to protecting South Korea against North Korea. According to South's Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, this will also include efforts to continue denuclearisation of North Korea.

Jeong and the US Defence Secretary Mark Esper believe in a fair and mutually agreeable cost-sharing pact for American troops that are stationed in South Korea.&nbsp;

Mark Esper made it clear that South Korea had to bear more burden of the cost for retaining US troops in the country,

''South Korea is a wealthy country and could and should pay more for the deployment of US military in the South'', Esper told a briefing after meeting South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo.

North Korea has long protested joint military drills, which it condemns as preparations for invasion, and has set Washington an end-of-year deadline to come up with a new offer in deadlocked negotiations on its weapons programmes.

The US and South Korea last year cancelled several joint drills in the wake of the Singapore summit between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un, but are due to carry out a combined air exercise later this month.

"We will adjust our exercise posture either more or less depending on what diplomacy may require," Esper told reporters on board his plane to Seoul, where he started an Asian tour Thursday.

The possible downsizing of the joint drills should not be seen as a "concession" to Pyongyang, he said, "but as a means to keep the door open to diplomacy".

"I'm all for diplomacy first," he added.

His comments came after Pyongyang reiterated its demands for the combined exercise to be scrapped.

"The US is not accepting with due consideration the year-end time limit that we set out of great patience and magnanimity," a spokesman for the State Affairs Commission (SAC) said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

The SAC is the North's top governing body and it is unusual for it to issue such declarations.

Holding the drills would be an "undisguised breach" of the Singapore summit declaration, it said, adding: "Betrayal is only what we feel from the US side."

"We no longer feel the need to exercise any more patience," it went on, but gave no details of the "new way" it was threatening to pursue if Washington did not meet its demands.

Negotiations have been gridlocked since the Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump broke up in February with disagreement over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return.

Working-level talks restarted in Sweden in October only to break down quickly, with the North blaming the US for not giving up its "old attitude".

Pyongyang has carried out a series of missile tests in recent weeks and months, including one launched at sea, which it said was fired from a submarine -- a potential strategic game-changer.

The tests would improve the North's capabilities, Esper acknowledged.

"Anytime you test, you learn something," he said. "We take them very seriously and we watch them very closely, but we're also not going to overreact and do something that, for example, could close the door to diplomacy."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-of-retaliation-against-us-south-korea-military-drills-261949">North Korea's roving ambassador for the foreign ministry</a> said Thursday that Pyongyang was not interested in US talks without concessions from Washington.

"I intuitively feel that the US is not ready to give a satisfactory answer to us and its proposal for dialogue with us is a trick to earn time," KCNA quoted Kim Myong Gil as saying.

"Explicitly speaking once again, I am not interested in such a meeting."

(With inputs from Reuters)

The respective chiefs of defence for South Korea and the United States on Friday asserted their commitment to protecting South Korea against North Korea. According to South's Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, this will also include efforts to continue denuclearisation of North Korea.

The respective chiefs of defence for South Korea and the United States on Friday asserted their commitment to protecting South Korea against North Korea. According to South's Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, this will also include efforts to continue denuclearisation of North Korea. Jeong and the US Defence Secretary Mark Esper believe in a fair and mutually agreeable cost-sharing pact for American troops that are stationed in South Korea. Mark Esper made it clear that South Korea had to bear more burden of the cost for retaining US troops in the country, ''South Korea is a wealthy country and could and should pay more for the deployment of US military in the South'', Esper told a briefing after meeting South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo. North Korea has long protested joint military drills, which it condemns as preparations for invasion, and has set Washington an end-of-year deadline to come up with a new offer in deadlocked negotiations on its weapons programmes. The US and South Korea last year cancelled several joint drills in the wake of the Singapore summit between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un, but are due to carry out a combined air exercise later this month. "We will adjust our exercise posture either more or less depending on what diplomacy may require," Esper told reporters on board his plane to Seoul, where he started an Asian tour Thursday. The possible downsizing of the joint drills should not be seen as a "concession" to Pyongyang, he said, "but as a means to keep the door open to diplomacy". "I'm all for diplomacy first," he added. His comments came after Pyongyang reiterated its demands for the combined exercise to be scrapped. "The US is not accepting with due consideration the year-end time limit that we set out of great patience and magnanimity," a spokesman for the State Affairs Commission (SAC) said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. The SAC is the North's top governing body and it is unusual for it to issue such declarations. Holding the drills would be an "undisguised breach" of the Singapore summit declaration, it said, adding: "Betrayal is only what we feel from the US side." "We no longer feel the need to exercise any more patience," it went on, but gave no details of the "new way" it was threatening to pursue if Washington did not meet its demands. Negotiations have been gridlocked since the Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump broke up in February with disagreement over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return. Working-level talks restarted in Sweden in October only to break down quickly, with the North blaming the US for not giving up its "old attitude". Pyongyang has carried out a series of missile tests in recent weeks and months, including one launched at sea, which it said was fired from a submarine -- a potential strategic game-changer. The tests would improve the North's capabilities, Esper acknowledged. "Anytime you test, you learn something," he said. "We take them very seriously and we watch them very closely, but we're also not going to overreact and do something that, for example, could close the door to diplomacy." North Korea's roving ambassador for the foreign ministry said Thursday that Pyongyang was not interested in US talks without concessions from Washington. "I intuitively feel that the US is not ready to give a satisfactory answer to us and its proposal for dialogue with us is a trick to earn time," KCNA quoted Kim Myong Gil as saying. "Explicitly speaking once again, I am not interested in such a meeting." (With inputs from Reuters)

South Korea, US defence chiefs reaffirm commitment to defend against North Korea

WION Edit: Rafale Lessons: National Security is greater than Politics

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday.

Naftali Bennett, who heads the New Right party, will take the defence portfolio from the right-wing Netanyahu, who has simultaneously served as premier and defence minister for nearly a year.

"The appointment will be brought to the government for approval at an upcoming government meeting," the Likud spokesman said in a statement.

Israeli politics is deadlocked after two inconclusive elections this year. Former military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party emerged neck and neck with Netanyahu following a September vote, and both leaders have struggled to put together a ruling coalition.

Gantz, who was asked by Israel's president to forge a coalition after Netanyahu failed to do so, has less than two weeks left to form a government.

If he fails, the country could be headed towards an unprecedented third election although a smaller party might be given a chance before that.

Netanyahu has led a caretaker government throughout the political turmoil.

Bennett previously served in Netanyahu's cabinet as education minister. A former settler leader, he advocates tough action against Palestinian militants in Gaza and unusual tactics towards Israel's arch-foe Iran and its proxy Hezbollah.

Netanyahu took over the defence portfolio following the resignation of then-chief Avigdor Lieberman, who in stepping down in November 2018 helped plunge the country towards snap elections in April.

Netanyahu and Bennett also agreed to form a parliamentary alliance, the Likud spokesman said, adding that Bennett agreed another person would be appointed defence chief if a unity government or narrow right-wing coalition is formed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday. Naftali Bennett, who heads the New Right party, will take the defence portfolio from the right-wing Netanyahu, who has simultaneously served as premier and defence minister for nearly a year. "The appointment will be brought to the government for approval at an upcoming government meeting," the Likud spokesman said in a statement. Israeli politics is deadlocked after two inconclusive elections this year. Former military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party emerged neck and neck with Netanyahu following a September vote, and both leaders have struggled to put together a ruling coalition. Gantz, who was asked by Israel's president to forge a coalition after Netanyahu failed to do so, has less than two weeks left to form a government. If he fails, the country could be headed towards an unprecedented third election although a smaller party might be given a chance before that. Netanyahu has led a caretaker government throughout the political turmoil. Bennett previously served in Netanyahu's cabinet as education minister. A former settler leader, he advocates tough action against Palestinian militants in Gaza and unusual tactics towards Israel's arch-foe Iran and its proxy Hezbollah. Netanyahu took over the defence portfolio following the resignation of then-chief Avigdor Lieberman, who in stepping down in November 2018 helped plunge the country towards snap elections in April. Netanyahu and Bennett also agreed to form a parliamentary alliance, the Likud spokesman said, adding that Bennett agreed another person would be appointed defence chief if a unity government or narrow right-wing coalition is formed.

Israel's Netanyahu appoints far-right Bennett as defence minister

Defence experts PK Sehgal and Hemant Mahajan on Monday asserted that Pakistan is being undiplomatic by denying its airspace to Prime Minister Narendra Modi' flight and India has rightly complained about it to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

"Pakistan is a rogue nation. They don't believe in diplomatic courtesy. They don't adhere to any rules and regulation of ICAO. Pakistan ought to be punished," Sehgal told ANI.

"This move by Pakistan to deny airspace to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his movements is quite an undiplomatic act and India has rightly complained to ICAO. Pakistan is jealous of India's positive relationship with Saudi Arabia and therefore commits such undiplomatic acts. Saudi Arabia's biggest oil company Aramco is planning to open a centre on the western coast of India," Mahajan said.

As per media reports, Pakistan on October 27 turned down New Delhi's request for the use of its airspace for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia on October 28. Prime Minister Modi will be visiting Saudi Arabia to participate in an international business conference on October 29.

Pakistan had earlier also denied Prime Minister Modi access to its air space for his visit to the United States to attend the 74th UN General Assembly session on September 20.

Then Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had responded to Islamabad's unilateral actions, saying, "Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action.

Defence experts PK Sehgal and Hemant Mahajan on Monday asserted that Pakistan is being undiplomatic by denying its airspace to Prime Minister Narendra Modi' flight and India has rightly complained about it to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Defence experts PK Sehgal and Hemant Mahajan on Monday asserted that Pakistan is being undiplomatic by denying its airspace to Prime Minister Narendra Modi' flight and India has rightly complained about it to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). "Pakistan is a rogue nation. They don't believe in diplomatic courtesy. They don't adhere to any rules and regulation of ICAO. Pakistan ought to be punished," Sehgal told ANI. "This move by Pakistan to deny airspace to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his movements is quite an undiplomatic act and India has rightly complained to ICAO. Pakistan is jealous of India's positive relationship with Saudi Arabia and therefore commits such undiplomatic acts. Saudi Arabia's biggest oil company Aramco is planning to open a centre on the western coast of India," Mahajan said. As per media reports, Pakistan on October 27 turned down New Delhi's request for the use of its airspace for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia on October 28. Prime Minister Modi will be visiting Saudi Arabia to participate in an international business conference on October 29. Pakistan had earlier also denied Prime Minister Modi access to its air space for his visit to the United States to attend the 74th UN General Assembly session on September 20. Then Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had responded to Islamabad's unilateral actions, saying, "Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action.

India has rightly complained against Pakistan to ICAO: Defence experts

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies. Here are the key takeaways from the summit.&nbsp;

Trade

Putin called for doubling the Russia-Africa trade within the next 4-5 years and also announced plans to expand Russia's presence on the continent.

Investment in Africa

Russia is a "strong partner" who is welcomed to invest in Africa and help cover the continent’s needs totalling $2.1 trillion, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) President Benedict Oramah told Sputnik.

Trade financing

The Russian Export Center, VEB.RF state development corporation, Sberbank and GemCorpCapital LLP investment company have signed a $5 billion worth framework agreement for creating a mechanism of Russian-African trade financing, according to the document seen by Sputnik.

Nuclear energy

Russia and Ethiopia have signed an intergovernmental agreement in Sochi for cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said.

Defence ties

Russia plans to deliver $4 billion worth of weapons to Africa in 2019, Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev told Sputnik.

Russia and Nigeria have signed a contract for deliveries of 12 Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters, Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Deputy Director Anatoly Punchuk told Sputnik on Wednesday at the Russia-Africa forum.

"The contract has been signed, [for] 12 helicopters, the contract is being implemented," Punchuk said.

Nigerian Ambassador to Russia Steve Davies Ugbah earlier said in an interview with Sputnik that Russia had already delivered six Mi-35M attack helicopters to Nigeria under the contract, while the ways of securing the delivery of the remaining six were being discussed.

Tackling challenges

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies.

"We intend to continue to fully assist the efforts of our African partners aimed at resolving local crises, countering terrorism and extremism, cross-border crime and drug trafficking, as well as other challenges and security threats," Putin said at a reception in honour of the participants of the Russia-Africa summit.

The Russia-Africa summit and business forum, co-chaired by the presidents of Russia and Egypt, kicked off on Wednesday in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. Over 40 African nations are represented by heads of state or government at the summit, while 11 others sent their vice presidents, foreign ministers or ambassadors. 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies. Here are the key takeaways from the summit. Trade Putin called for doubling the Russia-Africa trade within the next 4-5 years and also announced plans to expand Russia's presence on the continent. Investment in Africa Russia is a "strong partner" who is welcomed to invest in Africa and help cover the continent’s needs totalling $2.1 trillion, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) President Benedict Oramah told Sputnik. Trade financing The Russian Export Center, VEB.RF state development corporation, Sberbank and GemCorpCapital LLP investment company have signed a $5 billion worth framework agreement for creating a mechanism of Russian-African trade financing, according to the document seen by Sputnik. Nuclear energy Russia and Ethiopia have signed an intergovernmental agreement in Sochi for cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said. Defence ties Russia plans to deliver $4 billion worth of weapons to Africa in 2019, Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev told Sputnik. Russia and Nigeria have signed a contract for deliveries of 12 Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters, Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Deputy Director Anatoly Punchuk told Sputnik on Wednesday at the Russia-Africa forum. "The contract has been signed, [for] 12 helicopters, the contract is being implemented," Punchuk said. Nigerian Ambassador to Russia Steve Davies Ugbah earlier said in an interview with Sputnik that Russia had already delivered six Mi-35M attack helicopters to Nigeria under the contract, while the ways of securing the delivery of the remaining six were being discussed. Tackling challenges Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia intends to continue to assist African partners in tackling the contemporary challenges and problems, and will continue to support the desire of African states to conduct independent policies. "We intend to continue to fully assist the efforts of our African partners aimed at resolving local crises, countering terrorism and extremism, cross-border crime and drug trafficking, as well as other challenges and security threats," Putin said at a reception in honour of the participants of the Russia-Africa summit. The Russia-Africa summit and business forum, co-chaired by the presidents of Russia and Egypt, kicked off on Wednesday in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. Over 40 African nations are represented by heads of state or government at the summit, while 11 others sent their vice presidents, foreign ministers or ambassadors.

From trade, defence to nuclear energy: Key takeaways from Russia-Africa Forum

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-must-present-new-solutions-for-conflict-north-korea-257194">Seoul would increase military spending</a> and urged the North to return to dialogue in a budget speech Tuesday that could infuriate Pyongyang with nuclear talks gridlocked.

Contact between North and South Korea stalled after the collapse of a February summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi.

Since then Pyongyang has excoriated its neighbour over joint military drills with the US, and the acquisition of American fighter jets.

It is a far cry from the cross-border warmth of last year when Moon seized on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to broker the North-South discussion process and held three summits himself with Kim.

South Korea will increase defence spending by seven per cent to more than $42 billion&nbsp;next year, Moon told parliament, emphasising that "strong defence" was crucial for "self-determination".

"We will strengthen the core defence system by boosting assets such as next-generation submarines and surveillance satellites."

The announcement came after North Korea this month tested what it said was a submarine-launched ballistic missile that marked a "new phase" in its capabilities -- the most provocative in a series of weapons tests it resumed after an 18-month hiatus.

North Korea is under multiple sets of UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes.

Pyongyang and Washington restarted working-level talks in Sweden this month only for them to quickly break down, with the North blaming the US for not giving up its "old attitude" and setting the end of this year as the deadline for Washington to change its stance.

It has also said it has nothing more to talk about with Seoul and condemned joint South Korea-US drills and the deployment of F-35A fighter jets in the South as&nbsp;rehearsals for invasion and violations of Seoul-Pyongyang agreements.

But Moon,&nbsp;who has long championed engagement with Pyongyang, held out hope for a breakthrough despite the setbacks, claiming that the deadlocked talks were the "last hurdle" before denuclearisation.

A "bright future" for the North would only be possible on the basis of a "peace economy" driven by inter-Korean economic projects, he said. "I urge the North to respond."

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Seoul would increase military spending and urged the North to return to dialogue in a budget speech Tuesday that could infuriate Pyongyang with nuclear talks gridlocked.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Seoul would increase military spending and urged the North to return to dialogue in a budget speech Tuesday that could infuriate Pyongyang with nuclear talks gridlocked. Contact between North and South Korea stalled after the collapse of a February summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi. Since then Pyongyang has excoriated its neighbour over joint military drills with the US, and the acquisition of American fighter jets. It is a far cry from the cross-border warmth of last year when Moon seized on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to broker the North-South discussion process and held three summits himself with Kim. South Korea will increase defence spending by seven per cent to more than $42 billion next year, Moon told parliament, emphasising that "strong defence" was crucial for "self-determination". "We will strengthen the core defence system by boosting assets such as next-generation submarines and surveillance satellites." The announcement came after North Korea this month tested what it said was a submarine-launched ballistic missile that marked a "new phase" in its capabilities -- the most provocative in a series of weapons tests it resumed after an 18-month hiatus. North Korea is under multiple sets of UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes. Pyongyang and Washington restarted working-level talks in Sweden this month only for them to quickly break down, with the North blaming the US for not giving up its "old attitude" and setting the end of this year as the deadline for Washington to change its stance. It has also said it has nothing more to talk about with Seoul and condemned joint South Korea-US drills and the deployment of F-35A fighter jets in the South as rehearsals for invasion and violations of Seoul-Pyongyang agreements. But Moon, who has long championed engagement with Pyongyang, held out hope for a breakthrough despite the setbacks, claiming that the deadlocked talks were the "last hurdle" before denuclearisation. A "bright future" for the North would only be possible on the basis of a "peace economy" driven by inter-Korean economic projects, he said. "I urge the North to respond."

South Korea's Moon ups defence spending, urges North to talk

The Defence Ministry on Monday cleared acquisitions worth over Rs 3,300 crore for the Indian Army including Made in India anti-tank guided missiles for taking out enemy tanks.

The defence acquisition council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved three projects to design, develop and manufacture defence equipment by private companies in India in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi government`s flagship initiative -- `Make in India`.

The projects include manufacturing of the third generation Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for T-72 and T-90 Tanks. The third project pertains to discrete Electronic Warfare (EW) systems for the mountain and high altitude terrain.

The EW system would be designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by a design-cum-production partner from the Indian industry, the government said.

While the third-generation ATGM would provide "fire and forget" and "top attack" capabilities to the troops in an armoured battle, the APUs would enable the incorporation of various upgrades to Fire Control System and Night Fighting capabilities of the Tanks.

"Both the projects will be progressed under the `Make-II` Category and will provide a boost to indigenous research and development in the private sector," according to an official release.

The Ministry of Defence, the release said, has offered complex military equipment to be designed, developed and manufactured by the Indian private industry for the first time.

Last month, the council approved proposals for capital procurement of approximately Rs 2,000 crore including indigenous production of special ammunition for T-72/T-90 tanks to increase the capacity of the Army to penetrate enemy armour.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry on Monday cleared acquisitions worth over Rs 3,300 crore for the Indian Army including Made in India anti-tank guided missiles for taking out enemy tanks.

The Defence Ministry on Monday cleared acquisitions worth over Rs 3,300 crore for the Indian Army including Made in India anti-tank guided missiles for taking out enemy tanks. The defence acquisition council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved three projects to design, develop and manufacture defence equipment by private companies in India in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi government`s flagship initiative -- `Make in India`. The projects include manufacturing of the third generation Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for T-72 and T-90 Tanks. The third project pertains to discrete Electronic Warfare (EW) systems for the mountain and high altitude terrain. The EW system would be designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by a design-cum-production partner from the Indian industry, the government said. While the third-generation ATGM would provide "fire and forget" and "top attack" capabilities to the troops in an armoured battle, the APUs would enable the incorporation of various upgrades to Fire Control System and Night Fighting capabilities of the Tanks. "Both the projects will be progressed under the `Make-II` Category and will provide a boost to indigenous research and development in the private sector," according to an official release. The Ministry of Defence, the release said, has offered complex military equipment to be designed, developed and manufactured by the Indian private industry for the first time. Last month, the council approved proposals for capital procurement of approximately Rs 2,000 crore including indigenous production of special ammunition for T-72/T-90 tanks to increase the capacity of the Army to penetrate enemy armour.

Defence Ministry clears Rs 3,300 crore acquisitions including anti-tank missiles

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