The Indian Defence Ministry inked contracts worth Rs. 5,083 crore ($552mn) for the purchase of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard, and Russian Surface-to-Air, Vertical Launch 'Shtil' missiles for the Indian Navy. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, on Tuesday, (March 3).&nbsp;The contract for ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been signed with the government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru. ALH Mk-III is an indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured platform that is a variant of the ALH or Dhruv series of helicopters that have been operational with the Indian armed forces for over two decades. These 5.5 ton-class, twin-engine helicopters are meant to undertake a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from the Coast Guard's shore-based airfields&nbsp;and from ships at sea. The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen and marine environment. The six helicopters will add to the existing fleet of the Coast Guard's ALH helicopters. The Indian ALH fleet had come under scrutiny in 2025, after a crash at the Porbandar airport runway in Gujarat. Tragically, all three Coast Guard crew onboard had lost their lives in the mishap. Following this incident, the entire ALH fleet of the Indian Armed Forces were grounded for inspection. While the Army and Air Force fleet of ALH's resumed flying after a grounding period of a few months, the maritime variants(operated by the Navy and Coast Guard) have had a year-long grounding. The contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch 'Shtil' missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with the Russian Government defence firm JSC Rosoboronexport.&nbsp;The acquisition is intended to enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. The Shtil missiles have been operational with Indian frontline warships for well over two decades. These missiles are meant to counter incoming missiles, helicopters, aircraft, among others.

Indian government inks $552 million deal for indigenous helicopters, Russian missiles

The Indian Defence Ministry inked contracts worth Rs. 5,083 crore ($552mn) for the purchase of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard, and Russian Surface-to-Air, Vertical Launch 'Shtil' missiles for the Indian Navy. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, on Tuesday, (March 3). The contract for ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been signed with the government firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru. ALH Mk-III is an indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured platform that is a variant of the ALH or Dhruv series of helicopters that have been operational with the Indian armed forces for over two decades. These 5.5 ton-class, twin-engine helicopters are meant to undertake a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from the Coast Guard's shore-based airfields and from ships at sea. The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen and marine environment. The six helicopters will add to the existing fleet of the Coast Guard's ALH helicopters. The Indian ALH fleet had come under scrutiny in 2025, after a crash at the Porbandar airport runway in Gujarat. Tragically, all three Coast Guard crew onboard had lost their lives in the mishap. Following this incident, the entire ALH fleet of the Indian Armed Forces were grounded for inspection. While the Army and Air Force fleet of ALH's resumed flying after a grounding period of a few months, the maritime variants(operated by the Navy and Coast Guard) have had a year-long grounding. The contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch 'Shtil' missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with the Russian Government defence firm JSC Rosoboronexport. The acquisition is intended to enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. The Shtil missiles have been operational with Indian frontline warships for well over two decades. These missiles are meant to counter incoming missiles, helicopters, aircraft, among others.

The Indian ALH fleet had come under scrutiny in 2025, after a crash at the Porbandar airport runway in Gujarat. Tragically, all three Coast Guard crew onboard had lost their lives in the mishap

The Indian Army has achieved a huge milestone with the Akash Prime missile on Wednesday, as it successfully destroyed two aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh sector. India's Defence Ministry took to social media and posted impressive video of the missile being launched.&nbsp;In a post on X, the defence ministry noted that the Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army.&nbsp;The Indian Army Air Defence and DRDO achieved the milestone in conjunction with defence PSUs, including Bharat Dynamics Limited &amp; Bharat Electronics Limited, and other industry partners.&nbsp;"India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army," the office of Defence Ministry stated in a post on X. It also shared the video of the Akash Prime missile, being launched at an altitude over 15,000 feet in Ladakh.<h2>Watch video here:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army. <a href="https://t.co/DjJAc5uzkk">pic.twitter.com/DjJAc5uzkk</a>&mdash; रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1945778396799418637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres, and with the latest upgrades, it has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.&nbsp;The Akash Prime system would form the third and fourth regiments of the Akash air defence systems in the Indian Army. The system also performed very well in thwarting aerial attacks by the Pakistani military using Chinese aircraft and Turkish drones during Operation Sindoor, according to the defence officials.&nbsp;The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday said, "Based on the operational feedback from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system."&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Army's and DRDO's achievements, saying that it is a significant boost to India's air defence capabilities, particularly for meeting high-altitude operational requirements.

It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres and has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.

The Indian Army has achieved a huge milestone with the Akash Prime missile on Wednesday, as it successfully destroyed two aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh sector. India's Defence Ministry took to social media and posted impressive video of the missile being launched. In a post on X, the defence ministry noted that the Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army. The Indian Army Air Defence and DRDO achieved the milestone in conjunction with defence PSUs, including Bharat Dynamics Limited & Bharat Electronics Limited, and other industry partners. "India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying 2 Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh Sector on 16th July by Akash Prime, which is the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System for the Indian Army," the office of Defence Ministry stated in a post on X. It also shared the video of the Akash Prime missile, being launched at an altitude over 15,000 feet in Ladakh. Watch video here:

It was the first-ever such trial of Akash Prime at high altitudes. The weapon has been modified to operate in altitudes above 4500 metres and has an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which gives radio signals to track and destroy targets.

WATCH - How India's new Akash Prime missiles destroyed two aerial targets at 15,000ft in Ladakh

India announced a team of 59 MPs for its unprecedented diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor. On May 7, India struck nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The operation was a response to Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hyderabad-building-fire-at-least-17-killed-in-massive-building-fire-in-indias-hyderabad-1747549143183">At least 17 killed in massive building fire in India's Hyderabad</a>&nbsp;The chosen leaders will be part of the seven delegations that will go to 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels.The BJP-led government has said that the aim of the diplomatic outreach mission is to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-clarifies-rahul-gandhis-pak-informed-post-on-operation-sindoor-as-misrepresentation-of-facts-1747557544908">MEA clarifies Rahul's 'Pak Informed' post on Op Sindoor as fabrication of facts</a>&nbsp;Each delegation has MPs from various political parties who are prominent political figures and seasoned diplomats.&nbsp;These are the leaders who will lead the seven delegations: Shashi Tharoor (INC), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena).&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-did-youtuber-jyoti-malhotra-visit-pakistan-1747556138034">Why did YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra visit Pakistan? Here's what her father claims</a>&nbsp;As per the list shared by the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday (May 17), Shashi Tharoor, Shambhavi, Dr Sarfaraz Ahmad, GM Harish Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Murli Deora, Tejasvi Surya, and &nbsp;Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu will visit US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia.&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-ceasefire-has-no-expiry-date-1747553312571">India-Pakistan ceasefire has "NO EXPIRY DATE': Indian Army</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Supriya Sule, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Anand Sharma, V Muraleedharan, and Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin will visit Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, South Africa.&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-another-copycat-move-pakistan-announces-own-global-outreach-to-send-bilawal-bhutto-on-mission-for-image-makeover-1747547818971">Pakistan copies India again, announces own global outreach for ‘image makeover’</a>&nbsp;

On May 7, India struck nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The operation was a response to Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.



India announced a team of 59 MPs for its unprecedented diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor. On May 7, India struck nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The operation was a response to Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Also read: At least 17 killed in massive building fire in India's Hyderabad The chosen leaders will be part of the seven delegations that will go to 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels. The BJP-led government has said that the aim of the diplomatic outreach mission is to put across India's resolve to tackle terrorism against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. Also read: MEA clarifies Rahul's 'Pak Informed' post on Op Sindoor as fabrication of facts Each delegation has MPs from various political parties who are prominent political figures and seasoned diplomats. These are the leaders who will lead the seven delegations: Shashi Tharoor (INC), Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Baijayant Panda (BJP), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Supriya Sule (NCP), and Shrikant Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena). Also read: Why did YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra visit Pakistan? Here's what her father claims As per the list shared by the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday (May 17), Shashi Tharoor, Shambhavi, Dr Sarfaraz Ahmad, GM Harish Balayogi, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Milind Murli Deora, Tejasvi Surya, and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu will visit US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. Also read: India-Pakistan ceasefire has "NO EXPIRY DATE': Indian Army Meanwhile, Supriya Sule, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Vikramjeet Singh Sahney, Manish Tewari, Anurag Singh Thakur, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Anand Sharma, V Muraleedharan, and Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin will visit Egypt, Qatar, Ethiopia, South Africa. Also read: Pakistan copies India again, announces own global outreach for ‘image makeover’

On May 7, India struck nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan. The operation was a response to Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.&nbsp;

Tharoor to US, Sule to Egypt: All you need to know about India's Operation Sindoor delegations

India on Wednesday declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms and said that the focus will be to roll out integrated theatre commands to boost tri-services synergy and ensure simpler and time-sensitive military procurement with a broader aim to transform the military into a technologically-advanced force.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-increased-crop-insurance-allocation-and-fertiliser-subsidy-for-farmers-8583830">PM Modi announces increased crop insurance allocation and fertiliser subsidy for farmers</a>
The overall aim of the nine-point reforms planned by the defence ministry would be to ensure deeper collaboration among key stakeholders, break silos, eliminate inefficiencies, and optimise utilisation of resources.
The reforms would lay the foundation for &ldquo;unprecedented&rdquo; advancements in defence preparedness and ensure India&rsquo;s security and sovereignty amidst challenges of 21st century, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
The defence ministry&rsquo;s aim on theatre commands assumes significance as it virtually indicated a resolve to unveil the ambitious reform measure in 2025.
Under the theaterisation model, the government seeks to integrate the capabilities of the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy and optimally utilise their resources for wars and operations.
As per the theaterisation plan, each of the theatre commands will have units of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, and all of them will work as a single entity looking after security challenges in a specified geographical territory.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-hostage-deal-at-impasse-unlikely-to-be-completed-before-end-of-bidens-term-report-8583822">Israel-Hamas hostage deal at impasse; 'unlikely to be completed before end of Biden's term': Report</a>
At present, the Army, Navy, and Air Force have separate commands.
The decision on observing 2025 as the 'year of reforms' and the broad objectives under it were finalised at a high-level meeting chaired by Singh. It was attended by all the secretaries of the defence ministry.
One of the nine points listed by the ministry following the deliberations was to take initiative to instil a &ldquo;sense of pride&rdquo; in Indian culture and ideas, fostering confidence in achieving global standards through indigenous capabilities, while imbibing best practices from modern militaries that suit the nation&rsquo;s conditions.
&ldquo;(The) &lsquo;year of reforms&rsquo; will be a momentous step in the modernisation journey of the armed forces,&rdquo; Singh said.
The defence ministry said the focus in 2025 will also be on new domains such as cyber and space and&nbsp;emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, hypersonics, and robotics.
In order to give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms, it was unanimously decided to observe 2025 as the &lsquo;year of reforms&rsquo;, it said in a statement.
The reforms would aim at transforming the armed forces into a technologically advanced&nbsp;combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations, the ministry added.
The defence minister-led meeting held that the reforms should aim to further bolster jointness and integration initiatives and facilitate the establishment&nbsp;of the integrated theatre commands, it said.
During the deliberations, it was decided that the reforms should focus on new domains such as cyber and space&nbsp;and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, hypersonics, and robotics.
It was agreed that associated tactics, techniques, and procedures required to win future wars should also be developed.
The meeting also called for developing a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities through inter-service cooperation and training.
It also emphasised on the need to make acquisition procedures simpler and time-sensitive to facilitate swifter and robust capability development.
The aim of the defence reforms also includes rolling out steps to facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civil industries and promoting public-private partnerships by improving ease of doing business.
The meeting also underlined the need for focusing on collaboration across various stakeholders in the defence ecosystem and breaking silos.
It said the ministry should work towards positioning India as a credible exporter of defence products, fostering R&amp;D and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign original equipment manufacturers.
The meeting also pitched for ensuring the welfare&nbsp;of the veterans while leveraging their expertise. Efforts will be made towards optimisation of welfare measures for veterans, the ministry said. 
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

India news: The overall aim of the nine-point reforms planned by the defence ministry would be to ensure deeper collaboration among key stakeholders, break silos, eliminate inefficiencies and optimise utilisation of resources.

India on Wednesday declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms and said that the focus will be to roll out integrated theatre commands to boost tri-services synergy and ensure simpler and time-sensitive military procurement with a broader aim to transform the military into a technologically-advanced force. Also read: PM Modi announces increased crop insurance allocation and fertiliser subsidy for farmers The overall aim of the nine-point reforms planned by the defence ministry would be to ensure deeper collaboration among key stakeholders, break silos, eliminate inefficiencies, and optimise utilisation of resources. The reforms would lay the foundation for “unprecedented” advancements in defence preparedness and ensure India’s security and sovereignty amidst challenges of 21st century, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. The defence ministry’s aim on theatre commands assumes significance as it virtually indicated a resolve to unveil the ambitious reform measure in 2025. Under the theaterisation model, the government seeks to integrate the capabilities of the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy and optimally utilise their resources for wars and operations. As per the theaterisation plan, each of the theatre commands will have units of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, and all of them will work as a single entity looking after security challenges in a specified geographical territory. Also read: Israel-Hamas hostage deal at impasse; 'unlikely to be completed before end of Biden's term': Report At present, the Army, Navy, and Air Force have separate commands. The decision on observing 2025 as the 'year of reforms' and the broad objectives under it were finalised at a high-level meeting chaired by Singh. It was attended by all the secretaries of the defence ministry. One of the nine points listed by the ministry following the deliberations was to take initiative to instil a “sense of pride” in Indian culture and ideas, fostering confidence in achieving global standards through indigenous capabilities, while imbibing best practices from modern militaries that suit the nation’s conditions. “(The) ‘year of reforms’ will be a momentous step in the modernisation journey of the armed forces,” Singh said. The defence ministry said the focus in 2025 will also be on new domains such as cyber and space and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, hypersonics, and robotics. In order to give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms, it was unanimously decided to observe 2025 as the ‘year of reforms’, it said in a statement. The reforms would aim at transforming the armed forces into a technologically advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations, the ministry added. The defence minister-led meeting held that the reforms should aim to further bolster jointness and integration initiatives and facilitate the establishment of the integrated theatre commands, it said. During the deliberations, it was decided that the reforms should focus on new domains such as cyber and space and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, hypersonics, and robotics. It was agreed that associated tactics, techniques, and procedures required to win future wars should also be developed. The meeting also called for developing a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities through inter-service cooperation and training. It also emphasised on the need to make acquisition procedures simpler and time-sensitive to facilitate swifter and robust capability development. The aim of the defence reforms also includes rolling out steps to facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civil industries and promoting public-private partnerships by improving ease of doing business. The meeting also underlined the need for focusing on collaboration across various stakeholders in the defence ecosystem and breaking silos. It said the ministry should work towards positioning India as a credible exporter of defence products, fostering R&D and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign original equipment manufacturers. The meeting also pitched for ensuring the welfare of the veterans while leveraging their expertise. Efforts will be made towards optimisation of welfare measures for veterans, the ministry said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Defence Ministry declares 2025 as 'year of reforms'; lists simpler procurement as priority

India announced&nbsp;late Thursday (June 1) that it has conducted a successful training launch of its Agni-1 ballistic missile&nbsp;from the island in the Indian state of Odisha named after former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The successful training launch of the medium-range ballistic missile validated all operational and technical parameters of the strategic weapon said the Indian Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;

<h2>About the training launch</h2>

In a brief statement, the Indian defence ministry said, “A successful training launch of a medium-range ballistic missile, Agni-1, was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, on June 1.”&nbsp;

It added, “The missile is a proven system, capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agni-5-the-8-things-about-indias-nuclear-capable-ballistic-missile-543619">Agni 5 Missile Test explained: India roars back at China after Tawang border clashes, the 8 things to know</a>

The development of the Agni missile series began in early 1980 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) led by former president, Dr Kalam, who played a key role in India’s missile and space programmes. India has since developed various variants of the Agni series of missiles.

<h2>Agni-1 ballistic missile</h2>

The word “Agni” means fire. In the last two decades or so India has moved to strengthen its strategic deterrent capability by developing various ballistic missiles, precision-guided munitions and related platforms.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/agni-5-vs-chinas-df-17-missile-indias-nuclear-capable-missile-is-a-gamechanger-424757">Agni-5 vs China's DF-17 missile: India's nuclear-capable missile is a gamechanger</a>

The medium-range Agni-1 ballistic missile has a strike range of over 700 kilometres and weighs around 12,000 kilogrammes. It is also capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,000 kg. The development of Agni-1 began in 1999 and the missile underwent its first successful test launch in 2003 after a failed attempt a year prior.&nbsp;

<h2>India’s missile programme</h2>

The training launch also comes months after India successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V that can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km. Earlier this year, India also successfully carried out the maiden flight trial of an endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a ship off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-test-fires-agni-v-missile-29910">India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-V missile</a> 
 
The flight trial&nbsp;was also a part of its ambitious ballistic missile defence programme with the aim for the sea-based missile to engage and neutralise a hostile ballistic missile threat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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India announced late Thursday (June 1) that it has conducted a successful training launch of its Agni-1 ballistic missile from the island in the Indian state of Odisha named after former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

India announced late Thursday (June 1) that it has conducted a successful training launch of its Agni-1 ballistic missile from the island in the Indian state of Odisha named after former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The successful training launch of the medium-range ballistic missile validated all operational and technical parameters of the strategic weapon said the Indian Ministry of Defence. About the training launch In a brief statement, the Indian defence ministry said, “A successful training launch of a medium-range ballistic missile, Agni-1, was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, on June 1.” It added, “The missile is a proven system, capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision. The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.” ALSO READ | Agni 5 Missile Test explained: India roars back at China after Tawang border clashes, the 8 things to know The development of the Agni missile series began in early 1980 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) led by former president, Dr Kalam, who played a key role in India’s missile and space programmes. India has since developed various variants of the Agni series of missiles. Agni-1 ballistic missile The word “Agni” means fire. In the last two decades or so India has moved to strengthen its strategic deterrent capability by developing various ballistic missiles, precision-guided munitions and related platforms. ALSO READ | Agni-5 vs China's DF-17 missile: India's nuclear-capable missile is a gamechanger The medium-range Agni-1 ballistic missile has a strike range of over 700 kilometres and weighs around 12,000 kilogrammes. It is also capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,000 kg. The development of Agni-1 began in 1999 and the missile underwent its first successful test launch in 2003 after a failed attempt a year prior. India’s missile programme The training launch also comes months after India successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-V that can strike targets at ranges up to 5,000 km. Earlier this year, India also successfully carried out the maiden flight trial of an endo-atmospheric interceptor missile from a ship off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal. ALSO READ | India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-V missile The flight trial was also a part of its ambitious ballistic missile defence programme with the aim for the sea-based missile to engage and neutralise a hostile ballistic missile threat. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India successfully carries out training launch of Agni-1 ballistic missile

To keep the armed forces ready for battle at a short notice, India has inked emergency deals for ammunition and spares worth Rs 20,000 crore ($3 billion), reported The Times of India (TOI). The deals were reportedly signed over the last two to three months period.

The aim was to guarantee that the armed forces could undertake at least ten days of &quot;intense fighting&quot; without worrying about ammunition, spares and other reserves, defence ministry sources told TOI.&nbsp;

According to the TOI report, the new contracts will be primarily signed with Russia, Israel and France.&nbsp;

Since the attack on Jammu &amp; Kashmir&#39;s Uri air base, the government has stepped up its anti-terrorism operation, with surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has concluded 43 contracts worth over Rs 9,200 crore ($1.4 billion) for ammunition and spares for its fighter jets. Meanwhile, the Army has inked around 10 contracts worth over Rs 5,800 crore ($863 million) with Russian companies alone.

&quot;The emergency purchases will obviate the need for armed forces to present long shopping lists to the government after every major terror strike. They can now maintain operational readiness for different contingencies,&quot; the source added.

As per operational norms, the War Wastage Reserves (WWR) should be sufficient for 30 days of &quot;intense&quot;&nbsp;and 30 days of &quot;normal&quot; fighting,&nbsp;the&nbsp;report said.

Last week, the overall defence budget saw a marginal 6.2 per cent increase in the budget for the next fiscal at Rs 2.74&nbsp;lakh crore ($40.8 billion) from the Rs 2.58 lakh crore ($38.4 billion) allocated last year, with the capital outlay to cover the modernisation programmes getting a hike of 10.05 per cent.&nbsp;

(This article first appeared on DNA)

Defence ministry sources told Indian daily that the aim is to ensure that the forces can undertake 10 days of 'intense fighting'

To keep the armed forces ready for battle at a short notice, India has inked emergency deals for ammunition and spares worth Rs 20,000 crore ($3 billion), reported The Times of India (TOI). The deals were reportedly signed over the last two to three months period. The aim was to guarantee that the armed forces could undertake at least ten days of "intense fighting" without worrying about ammunition, spares and other reserves, defence ministry sources told TOI. According to the TOI report, the new contracts will be primarily signed with Russia, Israel and France. Since the attack on Jammu & Kashmir's Uri air base, the government has stepped up its anti-terrorism operation, with surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Air Force (IAF) has concluded 43 contracts worth over Rs 9,200 crore ($1.4 billion) for ammunition and spares for its fighter jets. Meanwhile, the Army has inked around 10 contracts worth over Rs 5,800 crore ($863 million) with Russian companies alone. "The emergency purchases will obviate the need for armed forces to present long shopping lists to the government after every major terror strike. They can now maintain operational readiness for different contingencies," the source added. As per operational norms, the War Wastage Reserves (WWR) should be sufficient for 30 days of "intense" and 30 days of "normal" fighting, the report said. Last week, the overall defence budget saw a marginal 6.2 per cent increase in the budget for the next fiscal at Rs 2.74 lakh crore ($40.8 billion) from the Rs 2.58 lakh crore ($38.4 billion) allocated last year, with the capital outlay to cover the modernisation programmes getting a hike of 10.05 per cent. (This article first appeared on DNA)

India signs urgent arms deal of about $3 billion: Report

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Indian government inks $552 million deal for indigenous helicopters, Russian missiles

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