Little is known about China’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-enters-service-268713">aircraft carrier</a> programme, which is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-chinas-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-type-001a-is-a-state-secret-262893">state secret</a>. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the armed forces by developing everything from stealth jets to anti-satellite missiles, as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan.

The carrier, the country’s second, began sea trials last year from its base in Shandong province in the northern port of Dalian, where it was built, and has now been given the official name the Shandong, state media reported, following its commissioning.

Xi oversaw the ceremony at a naval base in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, a major facility on the coast of the South China Sea, where China has constructed man-made islands, to alarm around the region and in Washington.

Xi boarded the ship, chatting with its crew and offering his “affirmation” for China’s success at building its own carrier, state media said.

Xi was accompanied by two close political allies, the report added - Vice Premier Liu He who has been leading trade talks with the United States, and Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission which is in charge of the armed forces and which Xi heads.

Last month the ship, still unnamed at the time, sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on its way to what China called routine exercises in the South China Sea.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory and gearing up for elections in early January, denounced the move, saying Beijing was trying to intimidate it.

China has been using the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-aircraft-carrier-spotted-in-huge-naval-drill-127317/amp">Liaoning</a> mainly for training, as the navy hones its ability to operate fighter jets at sea and with other warships.

Unlike the US&nbsp;Navy’s longer-range nuclear carriers, both of China’s feature Soviet-design ski-jump bows, intended to provide sufficient take-off lift for fighter jets. They lack the powerful catapult launch technology US&nbsp;carriers have.

State media have quoted experts as saying China <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-build-four-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-to-catch-up-with-us-navy-report-195614">needs</a> at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more.

Most experts agree that developing such a force will be a decades-long task for China, but progress on a home-built carrier boosts prestige for Beijing, seen by many experts as keen to eventually erode US&nbsp;military prominence in the region.

Satellite images show the construction of a new, much bigger carrier is progressing steadily alongside expansive infrastructure work that analysts say suggests the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-aircraft-carrier-superior-to-indias-ins-vikrant-chinese-experts-30482">ship</a> will be the first of several large vessels produced at the site.

The images of the Jiangnan shipyard outside Shanghai were taken in September and provided to Reuters by the non-partisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies, building on satellite photos it obtained in April and September last year.

China’s military has not formally announced plans for the third carrier, but official state media have said it is being built.

It is expected to be China’s first carrier with a flat deck and catapult launch system, allowing the use of a wider range of aircraft and more heavily armed fighter jets.

China’s first two carriers are relatively small, accommodating only up to 25 aircraft launched from ramps built on their decks. US&nbsp;carriers routinely deploy with nearly four times that number.

Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China.

Little is known about China’s aircraft carrier programme, which is a state secret. But the government has said the new carrier’s design draws on experiences from the country’s first carrier, the Liaoning, which was bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted in China. President Xi Jinping is overseeing a sweeping plan to refurbish the armed forces by developing everything from stealth jets to anti-satellite missiles, as China ramps up its presence in the South China Sea and around self-ruled Taiwan. The carrier, the country’s second, began sea trials last year from its base in Shandong province in the northern port of Dalian, where it was built, and has now been given the official name the Shandong, state media reported, following its commissioning. Xi oversaw the ceremony at a naval base in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan, a major facility on the coast of the South China Sea, where China has constructed man-made islands, to alarm around the region and in Washington. Xi boarded the ship, chatting with its crew and offering his “affirmation” for China’s success at building its own carrier, state media said. Xi was accompanied by two close political allies, the report added - Vice Premier Liu He who has been leading trade talks with the United States, and Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission which is in charge of the armed forces and which Xi heads. Last month the ship, still unnamed at the time, sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on its way to what China called routine exercises in the South China Sea. Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory and gearing up for elections in early January, denounced the move, saying Beijing was trying to intimidate it. China has been using the Liaoning mainly for training, as the navy hones its ability to operate fighter jets at sea and with other warships. Unlike the US Navy’s longer-range nuclear carriers, both of China’s feature Soviet-design ski-jump bows, intended to provide sufficient take-off lift for fighter jets. They lack the powerful catapult launch technology US carriers have. State media have quoted experts as saying China needs at least six carriers. The United States operates 10 and plans to build two more. Most experts agree that developing such a force will be a decades-long task for China, but progress on a home-built carrier boosts prestige for Beijing, seen by many experts as keen to eventually erode US military prominence in the region. Satellite images show the construction of a new, much bigger carrier is progressing steadily alongside expansive infrastructure work that analysts say suggests the ship will be the first of several large vessels produced at the site. The images of the Jiangnan shipyard outside Shanghai were taken in September and provided to Reuters by the non-partisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies, building on satellite photos it obtained in April and September last year. China’s military has not formally announced plans for the third carrier, but official state media have said it is being built. It is expected to be China’s first carrier with a flat deck and catapult launch system, allowing the use of a wider range of aircraft and more heavily armed fighter jets. China’s first two carriers are relatively small, accommodating only up to 25 aircraft launched from ramps built on their decks. US carriers routinely deploy with nearly four times that number.

China's new aircraft carrier enters service at South China Sea base

Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-says-deeply-concerned-about-developments-in-south-china-sea-244942">oil survey vessel</a> and its escorts spent months within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in what Hanoi called a blatant violation of its sovereignty.

Vietnam, the region's most forceful challenger of China's extensive maritime claims to the busy waterway, will take on the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020.

"I hope that during our chairmanship China will show restraint and refrain from these activities," Vietnam's deputy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-denies-reports-of-sale-of-brahmos-missile-to-vietnam-19191">foreign minister</a>, Nguyen Quoc Dung, said at a lecture at The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.

"What China did is very alarming and also kind of threatening not only Vietnam but also other countries that see the potential of being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-provide-ship-to-vietnam-to-boost-south-china-sea-patrols-263403">threatened </a>in the future," he said.

China's claims within its so-called "Nine-Dash Line" in the South China Sea are a source of friction with ASEAN members Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei as well as with the United States.

But China's closest allies within the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asian-leaders-meet-expected-to-discuss-rohingyas-south-china-sea-229680">Southeast Asian bloc</a> have historically opposed taking tougher words or action against China, which is nonetheless negotiating a code of conduct with regional states.

The Vietnamese minister said it wasn't that other ASEAN countries supported China's actions, but that they did not protest in the same way.

More than $3 trillion a year in trade pass through the waterway, which also has oil and gas reserves and historic fishing grounds for the surrounding countries.

The Chinese oil survey vessel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-ship-at-vanguard-bank-a-threat-need-to-address-it-collectively-vietnam-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238428">Haiyang Dizhi 8</a> left Vietnam's extended economic zone in late October after more than three months there. Beijing said it had been carrying out a scientific survey in Chinese-controlled waters.

Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in what Hanoi called a blatant violation of its sovereignty.

Vietnam said it hoped China would show restraint in the South China Sea next year after a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts spent months within Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in what Hanoi called a blatant violation of its sovereignty. Vietnam, the region's most forceful challenger of China's extensive maritime claims to the busy waterway, will take on the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020. "I hope that during our chairmanship China will show restraint and refrain from these activities," Vietnam's deputy foreign minister, Nguyen Quoc Dung, said at a lecture at The Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. "What China did is very alarming and also kind of threatening not only Vietnam but also other countries that see the potential of being threatened in the future," he said. China's claims within its so-called "Nine-Dash Line" in the South China Sea are a source of friction with ASEAN members Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei as well as with the United States. But China's closest allies within the Southeast Asian bloc have historically opposed taking tougher words or action against China, which is nonetheless negotiating a code of conduct with regional states. The Vietnamese minister said it wasn't that other ASEAN countries supported China's actions, but that they did not protest in the same way. More than $3 trillion a year in trade pass through the waterway, which also has oil and gas reserves and historic fishing grounds for the surrounding countries. The Chinese oil survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 left Vietnam's extended economic zone in late October after more than three months there. Beijing said it had been carrying out a scientific survey in Chinese-controlled waters.

Vietnam hopes for Chinese restraint in South China Sea in 2020

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics.&nbsp;

Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean.

And the question is simple - is India ready for the final frontier? How does India compare with other countries, especially China?

As always, numbers give perspective. According to the Global Firepower Index, the US tops the list, followed by Russia, China and India, but on the seas, China's navy is the clear leader.

One can check any metric, china's maritime power has multiplied in the last decade.

China's naval ambitions have two aspects:

One, the careful and gradual build-up to dominate the East China Sea, as well as, South China Sea. Two, Beijing wants more access to the Indian ocean

China has trade interests and territorial interests and it won't back down. It is buying access to crucial ports through big-ticket infrastructure loans.

In future, these ports could host China's military installations. The pattern is obvious and that brings us to India.

India's Navy is by no means inferior, but it's not enough to be on the back foot and play a catch-up - it's time to match-up with China.

There are 32 ships and submarines that are under construction. The Indian government has also approved the construction of another 56 warships and six submarines - as a part of its 10-year plan.

Some of these plans are already at an advanced stage. There is a 12 billion-dollar initiative called project 75I to acquire advanced submarines.&nbsp;

It's not just acquisition, India has also domestically built a nuclear-powered missile submarine - the INS Arihant.

This submarine has already completed its first deterrence patrol and will enable India to fire nuclear weapons across all routes - sea, air and land.

India has to boost its maritime power to counter China. It is making the right moves. India is strengthening ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region, like the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

India is engaging with strategic coalitions such as the QUAD (the four-nation bloc of India, Japan, Australia and America-- to counter China's maritime expansion).

In fact today, India's Navy chief admiral Karambir Singh highlighted the Navy's success in curbing piracy and reiterated the commitment to force modernisation of Indian Navy.&nbsp;

Not just that, Admiral Singh acknowledged the rise of China's influence in the Indian ocean but he expressed confidence in India's ability to meet any challenge on coastal security. The comments signify India's emphasis on naval supremacy in the Indian ocean.

About 40 per cent of India's trade happens with the littoral countries along the Indian Ocean rim. For maritime trade as well as security, the Indian Ocean region is the biggest game. India needs to put all its energy in preserving the advantages in the ocean and find new gains.

Without an iota of doubt, the sea is the next frontier. There are plenty of challenges, but there are truckloads of opportunities too for New Delhi. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics. Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean.

The power game in the seas is a challenging arena and India must realise the changing dynamics. Strategic influence and trade supremacy - these battles will be fought on the Indian ocean. And the question is simple - is India ready for the final frontier? How does India compare with other countries, especially China? As always, numbers give perspective. According to the Global Firepower Index, the US tops the list, followed by Russia, China and India, but on the seas, China's navy is the clear leader. One can check any metric, china's maritime power has multiplied in the last decade. China's naval ambitions have two aspects: One, the careful and gradual build-up to dominate the East China Sea, as well as, South China Sea. Two, Beijing wants more access to the Indian ocean China has trade interests and territorial interests and it won't back down. It is buying access to crucial ports through big-ticket infrastructure loans. In future, these ports could host China's military installations. The pattern is obvious and that brings us to India. India's Navy is by no means inferior, but it's not enough to be on the back foot and play a catch-up - it's time to match-up with China. There are 32 ships and submarines that are under construction. The Indian government has also approved the construction of another 56 warships and six submarines - as a part of its 10-year plan. Some of these plans are already at an advanced stage. There is a 12 billion-dollar initiative called project 75I to acquire advanced submarines. It's not just acquisition, India has also domestically built a nuclear-powered missile submarine - the INS Arihant. This submarine has already completed its first deterrence patrol and will enable India to fire nuclear weapons across all routes - sea, air and land. India has to boost its maritime power to counter China. It is making the right moves. India is strengthening ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region, like the Maldives and Sri Lanka. India is engaging with strategic coalitions such as the QUAD (the four-nation bloc of India, Japan, Australia and America-- to counter China's maritime expansion). In fact today, India's Navy chief admiral Karambir Singh highlighted the Navy's success in curbing piracy and reiterated the commitment to force modernisation of Indian Navy. Not just that, Admiral Singh acknowledged the rise of China's influence in the Indian ocean but he expressed confidence in India's ability to meet any challenge on coastal security. The comments signify India's emphasis on naval supremacy in the Indian ocean. About 40 per cent of India's trade happens with the littoral countries along the Indian Ocean rim. For maritime trade as well as security, the Indian Ocean region is the biggest game. India needs to put all its energy in preserving the advantages in the ocean and find new gains. Without an iota of doubt, the sea is the next frontier. There are plenty of challenges, but there are truckloads of opportunities too for New Delhi. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India vs China - battle for influence in Indian Ocean

Battle For Supremacy On The High Seas: U.S. Versus China

Gravitas: To counter China, U.S Navy Pushes for Major Upgrades

Indian Navy on Thursday successfully test-fired the 290-km strike range Brahmos supersonic cruise missile.

According to sources, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired in the Arabian Sea. BrahMos is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from ships, aircraft, or land.

In September this year, the missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply, and other major indigenous components, was successfully test-fired from ITR, Chandipur in Odisha.

In May this year, the IAF successfully fired the BrahMos air version missile from its frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The air-launched BrahMos missile is a 2.5-tonne supersonic air to surface cruise missile with ranges of close to 300 km, designed and developed by BAPL.

The IAF became the first Air Force in the world to have successfully fired an air-launched 2.8 Mach surface attack missile of this category on a sea target on November 22, 2017.

The integration of the weapon on the aircraft was a very complex process involving mechanical, electrical and software modifications on aircraft.

The IAF has been involved in the activity from its inception. The software development of the aircraft was undertaken by the IAF engineers while HAL carried out mechanical and electrical modifications on the aircraft.&nbsp;

Indian Navy on Thursday successfully test-fired the 290-km strike range Brahmos supersonic cruise missile. According to sources, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired in the Arabian Sea.

Indian Navy on Thursday successfully test-fired the 290-km strike range Brahmos supersonic cruise missile. According to sources, the supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired in the Arabian Sea. BrahMos is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from ships, aircraft, or land. In September this year, the missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply, and other major indigenous components, was successfully test-fired from ITR, Chandipur in Odisha. In May this year, the IAF successfully fired the BrahMos air version missile from its frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The air-launched BrahMos missile is a 2.5-tonne supersonic air to surface cruise missile with ranges of close to 300 km, designed and developed by BAPL. The IAF became the first Air Force in the world to have successfully fired an air-launched 2.8 Mach surface attack missile of this category on a sea target on November 22, 2017. The integration of the weapon on the aircraft was a very complex process involving mechanical, electrical and software modifications on aircraft. The IAF has been involved in the activity from its inception. The software development of the aircraft was undertaken by the IAF engineers while HAL carried out mechanical and electrical modifications on the aircraft.

Indian Navy successfully test-fires BrahMos cruise missile

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations.

The three special forces, namely, the Army`s Para (Special Forces), Navy`s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and Indian Air Force`s Garud Special Forces are being deployed in the Kashmir valley under the Defence Ministry`s newly-raised Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), senior Defence sources told ANI.

The induction of the joint special troops of the three forces has already started as the Army Para (SF) elements have already been inducted into an area considered to be a traditional terror hotbed near Srinagar, they said.

The elements of the MARCOS and the Garuds would also be getting fully inducted into the anti-terrorist operations very soon, they said.

Although small teams of Navy`s MARCOS and IAF`s Garuds have been operating in the Kashmir valley, this is the first time when the three services would be deployed jointly there.

The MARCOS commandos are deployed in and around the Wular lake area while the Garud teams have been operating in the Lolab area and Hajin.

The Air Force Special Forces had a very successful stint in the Kashmir valley as they managed to eliminate six terrorists in one go in Operation Rakh Hajin for which its Corporal JP Nirala was also awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously.

The aim of joint Special Forces deployment in the Kashmir valley is to give the troops exposure of operating jointly in real operations.

The AFSPD has already carried out two exercises in different locations practising assault on strategic enemy positions and taking back captured areas.

The first exercise of the AFSOD was in the Kutch region codenamed Ex Smelling Field while the second was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands codenamed DANX-2019.

The first head of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) is Major General Ashok Dhingra.

The division has performed well since it came into existence and is still facing issues involved in raising including manpower and equipment shortcomings.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations.

In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the special forces of Army, Navy and Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations. The three special forces, namely, the Army`s Para (Special Forces), Navy`s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and Indian Air Force`s Garud Special Forces are being deployed in the Kashmir valley under the Defence Ministry`s newly-raised Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), senior Defence sources told ANI. The induction of the joint special troops of the three forces has already started as the Army Para (SF) elements have already been inducted into an area considered to be a traditional terror hotbed near Srinagar, they said. The elements of the MARCOS and the Garuds would also be getting fully inducted into the anti-terrorist operations very soon, they said. Although small teams of Navy`s MARCOS and IAF`s Garuds have been operating in the Kashmir valley, this is the first time when the three services would be deployed jointly there. The MARCOS commandos are deployed in and around the Wular lake area while the Garud teams have been operating in the Lolab area and Hajin. The Air Force Special Forces had a very successful stint in the Kashmir valley as they managed to eliminate six terrorists in one go in Operation Rakh Hajin for which its Corporal JP Nirala was also awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously. The aim of joint Special Forces deployment in the Kashmir valley is to give the troops exposure of operating jointly in real operations. The AFSPD has already carried out two exercises in different locations practising assault on strategic enemy positions and taking back captured areas. The first exercise of the AFSOD was in the Kutch region codenamed Ex Smelling Field while the second was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands codenamed DANX-2019. The first head of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) is Major General Ashok Dhingra. The division has performed well since it came into existence and is still facing issues involved in raising including manpower and equipment shortcomings.

Army, Navy, Air Force Special Forces deployed jointly to hunt terrorists in Kashmir valley

The US&nbsp;military formally notified a court-martialed Navy SEAL commando on Wednesday that he faces proceedings to expel him from the ranks of elite special forces after his demotion was reversed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ordered-ukraine-deal-to-probe-biden-us-diplomat-sondland-263493">President Donald Trump</a>, his lawyer and a Navy spokeswoman said.

A trident review board hearing is set for December&nbsp;2 to weigh whether Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, who was charged with committing war crimes during a 2017 deployment to Iraq, is fit to remain in the SEALs, Navy Captain Tamara Lawrence said.

She told Reuters that three of Gallagher's commanding officers face separate hearings to review whether they, too, should be removed from the SEALs.

Gallagher's civilian lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, confirmed his client was served with papers in San Diego, where he is based, informing him of the upcoming review, convened by Naval Special Warfare commander Rear Admiral Collin Green.

Parlatore said Green's move to strip Gallagher of his SEAL status marked a direct challenge to Trump's authority as commander-in-chief and an act of insubordination for which Parlatore said the admiral himself could be court-martialed.

Parlatore contested the move in a complaint filed on Tuesday with the US&nbsp;Defense Department inspector general's office.

Gallagher's notice of a trident review board hearing cited the verdict rendered in his court-martial trial in July as evidence calling into question his suitability to continue serving in naval special warfare, the Navy said.

A military jury acquitted him of charges he fired at unarmed civilians and murdered a captured Islamic State fighter by stabbing the wounded prisoner in the neck. But he was found guilty of illegally posing with the detainee's corpse.

Although spared prison time, he was sentenced to a demotion in rank and pay, from chief petty officer to petty officer first-class, along with a two-month forfeiture of his salary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/donald-trump-says-us-is-still-talking-to-china-on-trade-263477">Trump last Friday intervened in the case</a> to restore his rank and pay, allowing Gallagher to retire later this year on a full pension. The president also granted pardons to two Army officers separately accused of war crimes in Afghanistan.

Critics said Trump's moves undermined military justice and sent a message that US&nbsp;battlefield atrocities would be tolerated.

The US military formally notified a court-martialed Navy SEAL commando on Wednesday that he faces proceedings to expel him from the ranks of elite special forces after his demotion was reversed by President Donald Trump, his lawyer and a Navy spokeswoman said.

The US military formally notified a court-martialed Navy SEAL commando on Wednesday that he faces proceedings to expel him from the ranks of elite special forces after his demotion was reversed by President Donald Trump, his lawyer and a Navy spokeswoman said. A trident review board hearing is set for December 2 to weigh whether Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, who was charged with committing war crimes during a 2017 deployment to Iraq, is fit to remain in the SEALs, Navy Captain Tamara Lawrence said. She told Reuters that three of Gallagher's commanding officers face separate hearings to review whether they, too, should be removed from the SEALs. Gallagher's civilian lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, confirmed his client was served with papers in San Diego, where he is based, informing him of the upcoming review, convened by Naval Special Warfare commander Rear Admiral Collin Green. Parlatore said Green's move to strip Gallagher of his SEAL status marked a direct challenge to Trump's authority as commander-in-chief and an act of insubordination for which Parlatore said the admiral himself could be court-martialed. Parlatore contested the move in a complaint filed on Tuesday with the US Defense Department inspector general's office. Gallagher's notice of a trident review board hearing cited the verdict rendered in his court-martial trial in July as evidence calling into question his suitability to continue serving in naval special warfare, the Navy said. A military jury acquitted him of charges he fired at unarmed civilians and murdered a captured Islamic State fighter by stabbing the wounded prisoner in the neck. But he was found guilty of illegally posing with the detainee's corpse. Although spared prison time, he was sentenced to a demotion in rank and pay, from chief petty officer to petty officer first-class, along with a two-month forfeiture of his salary. Trump last Friday intervened in the case to restore his rank and pay, allowing Gallagher to retire later this year on a full pension. The president also granted pardons to two Army officers separately accused of war crimes in Afghanistan. Critics said Trump's moves undermined military justice and sent a message that US battlefield atrocities would be tolerated.

US Navy moves to expel court-martialed SEAL commando after Trump restored his rank

Four Indian firms including Tata, Adani, Mahindra Defence Systems and Bharat Forge have been shortlisted by the Indian Navy as strategic partners for the project involving a deal worth Rs 25,000 crore for indigenous manufacturing of 111 Naval Utility Choppers.

Under the first project of the strategic partnership policy of the Narendra Modi government to develop indigenous industry's defence manufacturing capacity, 111 light helicopters have to be built indigenously through joint ventures between Indian and foreign firms.

"The four Indian firms will now need to partner with foreign original equipment manufacturers including European Airbus Helicopters which has offered two choppers, American Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin and Russian Rosoboronexport," sources in the Navy told ANI.

The Navy will now take the case to the Defence Acquisition Council with the shortlisted names of both Indian and foreign manufacturers for the ambitious project to get the approval from the government for its shortlist and take the process forward.

Sources said a total of eight Indian companies had shown interest in becoming strategic partners including a public sector undertaking but only four have been shortlisted by the force which will use the new choppers to replace its fleet of Cheetah/Chetak helicopters.

The Strategic Partnership model was first envisaged under the leadership of late Manohar Parrikar during his stint as defence minister and gained shape later under Nirmala Sitharaman.

The strategic partnership model envisages tie-up between Indian and foreign firms leading to the acquisition of niche technologies and setting up of modern production facilities in India.

Under the plan, the first 16 helicopters have to be delivered from the OEM's overseas production facility and the remaining 95 helicopters Are to be manufactured in India by the selected strategic partner form.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Four Indian firms including Tata, Adani, Mahindra Defence Systems and Bharat Forge have been shortlisted by the Indian Navy as strategic partners for the project involving a deal worth Rs 25,000 crore for indigenous manufacturing of 111 Naval Utility Choppers.

Four Indian firms including Tata, Adani, Mahindra Defence Systems and Bharat Forge have been shortlisted by the Indian Navy as strategic partners for the project involving a deal worth Rs 25,000 crore for indigenous manufacturing of 111 Naval Utility Choppers. Under the first project of the strategic partnership policy of the Narendra Modi government to develop indigenous industry's defence manufacturing capacity, 111 light helicopters have to be built indigenously through joint ventures between Indian and foreign firms. "The four Indian firms will now need to partner with foreign original equipment manufacturers including European Airbus Helicopters which has offered two choppers, American Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin and Russian Rosoboronexport," sources in the Navy told ANI. The Navy will now take the case to the Defence Acquisition Council with the shortlisted names of both Indian and foreign manufacturers for the ambitious project to get the approval from the government for its shortlist and take the process forward. Sources said a total of eight Indian companies had shown interest in becoming strategic partners including a public sector undertaking but only four have been shortlisted by the force which will use the new choppers to replace its fleet of Cheetah/Chetak helicopters. The Strategic Partnership model was first envisaged under the leadership of late Manohar Parrikar during his stint as defence minister and gained shape later under Nirmala Sitharaman. The strategic partnership model envisages tie-up between Indian and foreign firms leading to the acquisition of niche technologies and setting up of modern production facilities in India. Under the plan, the first 16 helicopters have to be delivered from the OEM's overseas production facility and the remaining 95 helicopters Are to be manufactured in India by the selected strategic partner form.

Four Indian firms including Tata, Adani in final race for Rs 25,000 crore chopper deal for Navy

The Defence Ministry on Monday issued four tenders worth over Rs 15,000 crore for the acquisition of warships and craft for the Navy and the Coast Guard.

"While the RFP for 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) has been issued to seven shipyards, RFPs for 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), 12 Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) and 8 Missile-cum-Ammunition Barges have been issued to shortlisted Indian shipyards," the ministry said in a release.

The RFP for hovercrafts also includes the initial requirement for six of these vessels of the Indian Army.

"In addition to the above, few more RFPs for more shipbuilding projects are likely to be issued in the next few months," the ministry said.

In order to make the process of qualifying the shipyards for the issue of RFPs for shipbuilding projects of various ships and craft of the Navy and the Coast Guard more objective and to encourage participation by a larger number of Indian shipyards, an exercise was undertaken by the ministry along with the Navy and the Coast Guard.

This led to the rationalisation of guidelines for the capacity assessment of shipyards that have been promulgated recently.

Rationalisation and promulgation of financial selection criteria have paved the way for issue of RFPs for a large number of shipbuilding projects that have been pending.

"In a significant move to encourage smaller shipyards, participation in the projects with the anticipated annual outflow of less than Rs 75 crore has been restricted to smaller shipyards having an average annual turnover less than Rs 500 crore," the release said.

In addition to a wide application in military and coastal surveillance, Air Cushion Vehicles have substantial potential in the commercial sector like civil transportation, disaster management and tourism.

Considering the need for absorbing the relevant design and construction technology for building these craft in India at affordable cost, a feature to encourage joint development of design by Indian shipyards in collaboration with a foreign design house of ACVs or by sourcing the design for construction of ACVs with substantial Indian content has been included in the RFP for ACVs.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry on Monday issued four tenders worth over Rs 15,000 crore for the acquisition of warships and craft for the Navy and the Coast Guard. "While the RFP for 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) has been issued to seven shipyards, RFPs for 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), 12 Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) and 8 Missile-cum-Ammunition Barges have been issued to shortlisted Indian shipyards," the ministry said in a release.

The Defence Ministry on Monday issued four tenders worth over Rs 15,000 crore for the acquisition of warships and craft for the Navy and the Coast Guard. "While the RFP for 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) has been issued to seven shipyards, RFPs for 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), 12 Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) and 8 Missile-cum-Ammunition Barges have been issued to shortlisted Indian shipyards," the ministry said in a release. The RFP for hovercrafts also includes the initial requirement for six of these vessels of the Indian Army. "In addition to the above, few more RFPs for more shipbuilding projects are likely to be issued in the next few months," the ministry said. In order to make the process of qualifying the shipyards for the issue of RFPs for shipbuilding projects of various ships and craft of the Navy and the Coast Guard more objective and to encourage participation by a larger number of Indian shipyards, an exercise was undertaken by the ministry along with the Navy and the Coast Guard. This led to the rationalisation of guidelines for the capacity assessment of shipyards that have been promulgated recently. Rationalisation and promulgation of financial selection criteria have paved the way for issue of RFPs for a large number of shipbuilding projects that have been pending. "In a significant move to encourage smaller shipyards, participation in the projects with the anticipated annual outflow of less than Rs 75 crore has been restricted to smaller shipyards having an average annual turnover less than Rs 500 crore," the release said. In addition to a wide application in military and coastal surveillance, Air Cushion Vehicles have substantial potential in the commercial sector like civil transportation, disaster management and tourism. Considering the need for absorbing the relevant design and construction technology for building these craft in India at affordable cost, a feature to encourage joint development of design by Indian shipyards in collaboration with a foreign design house of ACVs or by sourcing the design for construction of ACVs with substantial Indian content has been included in the RFP for ACVs.

Defence Ministry issues 4 tenders of over Rs 15,000 crore for Navy, Coast Guard vessels

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday hailed the Navy and called it the most important component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's "Act East Policy".

"I believe the Indian Navy is working as the most important component in our 'Act East Policy'. I believe Indian Navy will keep growing its strength," Singh said at the Eastern Naval Command headquarters here.

He also said that the Navy becomes more significant given neighbouring China's provocative activities. "Our neighbour China is always up to some activity or the other," he said.

He said the force not only plays an important role in maritime security but also assists authorities in tackling natural calamities.

Singh promised the naval personnel that he will try his best in resolving their housing problems. "I have been apprised about the housing problem. I will try my best to sort it out," he said.

Singh was on his maiden visit to the Eastern Naval Command as defence minister where he was briefed on the operational readiness of the Command and other aspects of maritime and coastal security on the eastern seaboard.

The minister also visited Indian Navy Submarines (INS) Shivalik and Sindhukirti and interacted with the crew members.

"Visited the indigenously conceived, designed and constructed frontline stealth frigate INS Shivalik and Indian Naval Submarine Sindhukirti at Visakhapatnam today. Indian Navy is maintaining a constant vigil against maritime threats and safeguarding our Nation's maritime interests," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday hailed the Navy and called it the most important component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's "Act East Policy".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday hailed the Navy and called it the most important component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's "Act East Policy". "I believe the Indian Navy is working as the most important component in our 'Act East Policy'. I believe Indian Navy will keep growing its strength," Singh said at the Eastern Naval Command headquarters here. He also said that the Navy becomes more significant given neighbouring China's provocative activities. "Our neighbour China is always up to some activity or the other," he said. He said the force not only plays an important role in maritime security but also assists authorities in tackling natural calamities. Singh promised the naval personnel that he will try his best in resolving their housing problems. "I have been apprised about the housing problem. I will try my best to sort it out," he said. Singh was on his maiden visit to the Eastern Naval Command as defence minister where he was briefed on the operational readiness of the Command and other aspects of maritime and coastal security on the eastern seaboard. The minister also visited Indian Navy Submarines (INS) Shivalik and Sindhukirti and interacted with the crew members. "Visited the indigenously conceived, designed and constructed frontline stealth frigate INS Shivalik and Indian Naval Submarine Sindhukirti at Visakhapatnam today. Indian Navy is maintaining a constant vigil against maritime threats and safeguarding our Nation's maritime interests," he tweeted.

Navy has important role in Act East Policy: Rajnath Singh

A major fire broke out at an under-construction warship of the Navy at Mazgaon Dockyard in Mumbai on Friday evening.

One contract worker succumbed to his injuries, while another has sustained minor burns.

The fire took place on Yard 12704 (Visakhapatnam), the first class of Project 15 B during operations in tank at MDL.

The fire which broke out at around 5:44 pm was brought under control by 7 pm.

About eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the fire which did not spread to any other deck except for the second and the third.&nbsp;

The authorities have launched an enquiry to ascertain the cause of the fire.

"Under-construction warship 'Visakhapatnam' caught fire at 5.44 pm. The blaze erupted on the second deck of the ship," said P S Rahangdale, the chief of city fire brigade.

Eight fire-fighting engines, along with quick-response vehicle, have been pressed into service to extinguish the blaze, he said.

"Fire is confined to second and third deck of the warship. Fire-fighting operation is underway along with Dockyard fire-fighters. Smoke has spread in the warship," Rahangdale said.

"The cause of the fire will be ascertained after a proper inquiry, but the first priority is to douse the fire with a minimum loss," another fire brigade official said.

Mazgaon Dockyard is the only facility in India having the capability to build submarines. Visakhapatnam, the largest warship of its class, was unveiled for construction in Mazgaon Docks in April 2015.

It is the first of the four stealth guided missile destroyers to be built under Project 15-B Class.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A major fire broke out at an under-construction warship of the Navy at Mazgaon Dockyard in Mumbai on Friday evening. One contract worker succumbed to his injuries, while another has sustained minor burns.

A major fire broke out at an under-construction warship of the Navy at Mazgaon Dockyard in Mumbai on Friday evening. One contract worker succumbed to his injuries, while another has sustained minor burns. The fire took place on Yard 12704 (Visakhapatnam), the first class of Project 15 B during operations in tank at MDL. The fire which broke out at around 5:44 pm was brought under control by 7 pm. About eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the fire which did not spread to any other deck except for the second and the third. The authorities have launched an enquiry to ascertain the cause of the fire. "Under-construction warship 'Visakhapatnam' caught fire at 5.44 pm. The blaze erupted on the second deck of the ship," said P S Rahangdale, the chief of city fire brigade. Eight fire-fighting engines, along with quick-response vehicle, have been pressed into service to extinguish the blaze, he said. "Fire is confined to second and third deck of the warship. Fire-fighting operation is underway along with Dockyard fire-fighters. Smoke has spread in the warship," Rahangdale said. "The cause of the fire will be ascertained after a proper inquiry, but the first priority is to douse the fire with a minimum loss," another fire brigade official said. Mazgaon Dockyard is the only facility in India having the capability to build submarines. Visakhapatnam, the largest warship of its class, was unveiled for construction in Mazgaon Docks in April 2015. It is the first of the four stealth guided missile destroyers to be built under Project 15-B Class. (With inputs from agencies)

Fire breaks out at under-construction Navy warship in Mumbai, 1 dead

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships.

"The Defence Ministry cleared the Rs 3,600 crore proposal for buying around 10 Kamov-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control choppers for the aircraft carrier operations and deployment on future warships," government sources told ANI.

The decision was taken by the Defence Ministry at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Navy already has a fleet of 12 of these Kamov-31 choppers which sanitise the air space around the aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in open seas.

For the anti-submarine warfare operations, the Navy has a fleet of Russian Kamov-28 choppers along with the Seaking choppers which were procured long back in the 1980s and are in need of an upgrade.

The Narendra Modi led government has not let the election season affect the military modernisation plans as Defence Acquisition Council and Cabinet Committee on Security meetings are being held regularly to clear important acquisitions for the forces.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships.

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships. "The Defence Ministry cleared the Rs 3,600 crore proposal for buying around 10 Kamov-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control choppers for the aircraft carrier operations and deployment on future warships," government sources told ANI. The decision was taken by the Defence Ministry at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Navy already has a fleet of 12 of these Kamov-31 choppers which sanitise the air space around the aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in open seas. For the anti-submarine warfare operations, the Navy has a fleet of Russian Kamov-28 choppers along with the Seaking choppers which were procured long back in the 1980s and are in need of an upgrade. The Narendra Modi led government has not let the election season affect the military modernisation plans as Defence Acquisition Council and Cabinet Committee on Security meetings are being held regularly to clear important acquisitions for the forces.

Defence Ministry clears Navy's Rs 3,600 crore deal with Russia for 10 Kamov-31 choppers

Navy and Coast Guard ships and helicopters, relief teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in strategic locations, while Army and Air Force units have been put on standby as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-to-hit-puri-on-friday-odisha-cm-wants-polls-to-be-postponed-214742">severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' is approaching towards India's eastern coast</a>, officials said Tuesday.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the country's top body to deal with emergency situations, met here Tuesday for the second time in as many days and reviewed the preparedness with the states and departments concerned of the central government to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm.

"The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief and rescue operations. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force units in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal have also been put on standby," a Home Ministry official said.

Indian Naval ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai are standing-by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid, the Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;

"These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats and relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets, in quantities sufficient. Naval aircraft are also standing-by at the Naval Air Stations INS Rajali at Arakkonam, Tamilnadu and INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and airdrop of relief material to the stranded if required," the Navy said.&nbsp;

The NDRF is deploying 41 teams in Andhra Pradesh (8), Odisha (28) and West Bengal (5) for prepositioning. In addition, the NDRF is keeping on standby 13 teams in West Bengal and 10 in Andhra Pradesh, the official said. A team NDRF comprises about 45 personnel.

A Home Ministry statement said based on the decision of the first meeting of the NCMC, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, the central government has already released advance financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal to assist them in undertaking preventive and relief measures.

The states have issued advisories and are ensuring that fishermen do not venture into the sea.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing three hourly bulletins with the latest forecast to all the states concerned. The Home Ministry is also in continuous touch with the state governments and the central agencies concerned.

Reviewing the preparedness of the states and central agencies, the cabinet secretary directed that all necessary measures be taken to prevent any loss of life and to keep in readiness essential supplies, including food, drinking water and medicines, the statement said.

He also advised all concerned to make adequate preparations to ensure the maintenance of essential services such as power, telecommunications in the event of damages caused to them.

During the meeting, officers of all the state governments concerned confirmed their preparedness to deal with any emerging situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. 
The IMD informed that the severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' lay centred this afternoon at about 800 km south of Puri.

According to the IMD, it is 'very likely' to intensify further into an 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours and move northwestwards till May 1 evening, and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards and reach Odisha coast by the afternoon of May 3.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha, East and West Medinipur, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Kolkata districts of West Bengal, and Srikakulam and Vijayanagram districts of Andhra Pradesh are likely to be affected according to present indications, the statement said.

Chief secretaries and principal secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal participated in the NCMC Meeting through video conference.

Senior officers from the ministries of home, shipping, fisheries, power, telecommunications, defence, IMD and NDRF also attended the meeting.

The NCMC will meet again Wednesday to take stock of the emerging situation.

Navy and Coast Guard ships and helicopters, relief teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in strategic locations, while Army and Air Force units have been put on standby as severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' is approaching towards India's eastern coast, officials said Tuesday.

Navy and Coast Guard ships and helicopters, relief teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in strategic locations, while Army and Air Force units have been put on standby as severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' is approaching towards India's eastern coast, officials said Tuesday. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the country's top body to deal with emergency situations, met here Tuesday for the second time in as many days and reviewed the preparedness with the states and departments concerned of the central government to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. "The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief and rescue operations. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force units in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal have also been put on standby," a Home Ministry official said. Indian Naval ships at Visakhapatnam and Chennai are standing-by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR), evacuation, logistic support including providing medical aid, the Navy said in a statement. "These ships are embarked with additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats and relief material that include food, tentage, clothes, medicines, blankets, in quantities sufficient. Naval aircraft are also standing-by at the Naval Air Stations INS Rajali at Arakkonam, Tamilnadu and INS Dega at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to undertake reconnaissance, rescue, casualty evacuation and airdrop of relief material to the stranded if required," the Navy said. The NDRF is deploying 41 teams in Andhra Pradesh (8), Odisha (28) and West Bengal (5) for prepositioning. In addition, the NDRF is keeping on standby 13 teams in West Bengal and 10 in Andhra Pradesh, the official said. A team NDRF comprises about 45 personnel. A Home Ministry statement said based on the decision of the first meeting of the NCMC, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, the central government has already released advance financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal to assist them in undertaking preventive and relief measures. The states have issued advisories and are ensuring that fishermen do not venture into the sea. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing three hourly bulletins with the latest forecast to all the states concerned. The Home Ministry is also in continuous touch with the state governments and the central agencies concerned. Reviewing the preparedness of the states and central agencies, the cabinet secretary directed that all necessary measures be taken to prevent any loss of life and to keep in readiness essential supplies, including food, drinking water and medicines, the statement said. He also advised all concerned to make adequate preparations to ensure the maintenance of essential services such as power, telecommunications in the event of damages caused to them. During the meeting, officers of all the state governments concerned confirmed their preparedness to deal with any emerging situation arising out of the cyclonic storm. The IMD informed that the severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' lay centred this afternoon at about 800 km south of Puri. According to the IMD, it is 'very likely' to intensify further into an 'extremely severe' cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours and move northwestwards till May 1 evening, and thereafter recurve north-northeastwards and reach Odisha coast by the afternoon of May 3. Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha, East and West Medinipur, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly and Kolkata districts of West Bengal, and Srikakulam and Vijayanagram districts of Andhra Pradesh are likely to be affected according to present indications, the statement said. Chief secretaries and principal secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal participated in the NCMC Meeting through video conference. Senior officers from the ministries of home, shipping, fisheries, power, telecommunications, defence, IMD and NDRF also attended the meeting. The NCMC will meet again Wednesday to take stock of the emerging situation.

Navy, Coast Guard ships, NDRF teams deployed along east coast to deal with cyclone Fani

A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday, addressing top commanders of the Indian Navy.

The commanders will extensively deliberate on emerging challenges facing the country in the maritime domain at a three-day conference which began Monday.

In her address, Sitharaman touched upon various operational issues and said the primacy of the Carrier Battle Group (CBG) in maritime operations and its ability to shape the battlespace was very evident.

CBGs are the large formation of battleships, which comprise aircraft carrier, anti-submarine vessels, destroyers, frigates, submarines and tankers.&nbsp;

The defence minister also complimented the Navy for its quick transition from "exercise mode to battle mode" following the Pulwama attack.

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarine Chakra, 60 ships and nearly 80 aircraft were put on operational deployment in the North Arabian sea in the wake of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama attack.

The naval assets were&nbsp;part of the theatre level operational readiness exercise (TROPEX 19) but were redeployed in North Arabian sea following the strain in Indo-Pak ties.

Sources said the commanders will explore ways to bolster the Navy's operational capabilities in the wake of China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

"A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity," Sitharaman said, in her address.

Navy officials said the commanders' conference is expected to fine-tune the force's strategy for responding to any possible threats and added it will discuss overall security challenges in the backdrop of the Pulwama attack and developments thereafter.&nbsp;

The conference is the apex forum within the Navy for interaction among the naval commanders.&nbsp;

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will review major operational, material, logistics, training, human resources and administrative issues at the conference.&nbsp;

Themes like the functional reorganisation of Indian Navy towards improving operational efficiency and optimal manning will form the core of discussions towards finalising long term road map for the force, the Navy said.&nbsp;

A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday, addressing top commanders of the Indian Navy.

A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday, addressing top commanders of the Indian Navy. The commanders will extensively deliberate on emerging challenges facing the country in the maritime domain at a three-day conference which began Monday. In her address, Sitharaman touched upon various operational issues and said the primacy of the Carrier Battle Group (CBG) in maritime operations and its ability to shape the battlespace was very evident. CBGs are the large formation of battleships, which comprise aircraft carrier, anti-submarine vessels, destroyers, frigates, submarines and tankers. The defence minister also complimented the Navy for its quick transition from "exercise mode to battle mode" following the Pulwama attack. Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarine Chakra, 60 ships and nearly 80 aircraft were put on operational deployment in the North Arabian sea in the wake of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama attack. The naval assets were part of the theatre level operational readiness exercise (TROPEX 19) but were redeployed in North Arabian sea following the strain in Indo-Pak ties. Sources said the commanders will explore ways to bolster the Navy's operational capabilities in the wake of China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. "A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity," Sitharaman said, in her address. Navy officials said the commanders' conference is expected to fine-tune the force's strategy for responding to any possible threats and added it will discuss overall security challenges in the backdrop of the Pulwama attack and developments thereafter. The conference is the apex forum within the Navy for interaction among the naval commanders. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will review major operational, material, logistics, training, human resources and administrative issues at the conference. Themes like the functional reorganisation of Indian Navy towards improving operational efficiency and optimal manning will form the core of discussions towards finalising long term road map for the force, the Navy said.

Strong navy guarantor of India's security and prosperity: Nirmala Sitharaman

The Indian Navy Tuesday resumed its operation to retrieve the decomposed body of one of the trapped miners detected inside a 370-feet deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district but failed to achieve success.

Navy divers, who had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/navy-abandons-efforts-to-pull-out-decomposed-body-of-miner-191659">suspended their operation on Sunday</a> on the advice of the district administration, along with NDRF personnel, used remotely operated vehicles.

After day-long efforts, they only managed to move the body a few metres from where it was left on Sunday and brought it near the bottom of the main shaft, officials said.

"The body has been pulled near the bottom of the main shaft... The process to bring the body to the top will take some more time due to the presence of some obstructions inside the mine," spokesperson of the operation R Susngi said.

Efforts to retrieve the body would continue Wednesday, he added.

The Navy personnel had earlier managed to pull the body, seen 200 ft along the horizontally dug small hole, about halfway to the bottom of the shaft. But, it could not be brought out due to apprehension that further moving it could result in its disintegration, Susngi said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was briefed on the development at the site and he is constantly monitoring the situation, a senior home official said.

The district authorities are waiting for the family members of at least seven miners trapped inside to identify the retrieved body, he said.

At least 15 miners are trapped in the rat hole mine at Khlooryngksan area of the district since December 13 which has led to a multi-agency operation involving the Navy, the NDRF and leading firms in the country to join the efforts to rescue them in the longest such mission in the country.

Close on heels of Navy's Sunday decision, Conrad had on Monday suspended operations to retrieve the body to avoid disintegration of the decomposed corpse.

The Navy had also spotted several skeletons in the flooded mines.

Coal India Ltd, Odhisa Fire Service and the KSP continued dewatering the nearby abandoned mines and the total discharge of water since yesterday was 80.15 lakh litres, Susngi said.

The Indian Navy Tuesday resumed its operation to retrieve the decomposed body of one of the trapped miners detected inside a 370-feet deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district but failed to achieve success.

The Indian Navy Tuesday resumed its operation to retrieve the decomposed body of one of the trapped miners detected inside a 370-feet deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district but failed to achieve success. Navy divers, who had suspended their operation on Sunday on the advice of the district administration, along with NDRF personnel, used remotely operated vehicles. After day-long efforts, they only managed to move the body a few metres from where it was left on Sunday and brought it near the bottom of the main shaft, officials said. "The body has been pulled near the bottom of the main shaft... The process to bring the body to the top will take some more time due to the presence of some obstructions inside the mine," spokesperson of the operation R Susngi said. Efforts to retrieve the body would continue Wednesday, he added. The Navy personnel had earlier managed to pull the body, seen 200 ft along the horizontally dug small hole, about halfway to the bottom of the shaft. But, it could not be brought out due to apprehension that further moving it could result in its disintegration, Susngi said. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was briefed on the development at the site and he is constantly monitoring the situation, a senior home official said. The district authorities are waiting for the family members of at least seven miners trapped inside to identify the retrieved body, he said. At least 15 miners are trapped in the rat hole mine at Khlooryngksan area of the district since December 13 which has led to a multi-agency operation involving the Navy, the NDRF and leading firms in the country to join the efforts to rescue them in the longest such mission in the country. Close on heels of Navy's Sunday decision, Conrad had on Monday suspended operations to retrieve the body to avoid disintegration of the decomposed corpse. The Navy had also spotted several skeletons in the flooded mines. Coal India Ltd, Odhisa Fire Service and the KSP continued dewatering the nearby abandoned mines and the total discharge of water since yesterday was 80.15 lakh litres, Susngi said.

Meghalaya: Navy resumes operation to retrieve trapped miner's body, not successful

China's military, the world's largest force, has cut the size of its land-based army by about 50 per cent and significantly boosted its navy and air force as part of an "unprecedented" strategic shift designed to transform the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into a comprehensive modern force.

The 2 million-strong Chinese military has significantly boosted its navy, air force and new strategic units and downsized its land-based army, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported quoting a state-run Xinhua report.

In a feature report highlighting the "transformational changes" made by the PLA, Xinhua on Sunday said "this new data is unprecedented in the history of the PLA – the army now accounts for less than 50 per cent of the total number of PLA troops; almost half of our non-combatant units have been made redundant, and the number of officers in the PLA has been reduced by 30 per cent."

In the last few years, the PLA has downsized its military by retrenching three lakh troops under the military reforms initiated by President Xi Jinping. But it still remained the world's largest military with two million personnel in the ranks.

The statement indicated that the four other branches of the PLA – the navy, air force, rocket force and strategic support force, which is responsible for areas such as cyber warfare - now together make up more than half of the Chinese military, overtaking the army, which has traditionally been the dominant unit of the PLA.

The expansion of the navy in the past few years was massive as China now has one aircraft carrier, another undergoing trial and third in making. Official media reports said China plans to have about five to six aircraft carriers.

The rocket force and strategic support force mainly focus on missile warfare.

Shanghai-based military analyst Ni Lexiong said the overhaul marked a significant strategic shift from having a homeland-based defensive force to one with the capacity to allow Beijing to flex its muscles beyond its national borders and to protect its interests overseas.

Ni told the Post that it also means that branches such as the navy, air force and missile units can now play a bigger role in the event of conflict by fighting enemy forces beyond China's borders.

He explained that modern warfare puts a greater emphasis on superiority in areas such as the air, space and cyberspace – further reducing the importance of the ground force.

"The Chinese military used to... operate following the model established in the second world war.

"It had to be reformed and optimised to meet the pressing needs of the changing times and this is the purpose of the overhaul," Ni said.

"In the old set-up, the PLA had too many officers. In this overhaul, all these officers must find new positions and adapt or they will be made redundant," he added.

The Chinese military currently has five independent branches, including the army, navy, air force, rocket force – the strategic and tactical missile operator – and strategic support force, which is in charge of cyber, space, and electronic warfare.

The last two were established three years ago as President Xi stepped up efforts to modernise the military.

The PLA Army, founded in 1927 as the Red Army of China, was the key to the Chinese Communist Party's victory in the civil war in 1949 and maintained its dominance within the military throughout 10 major overhauls between 1950 and 2005.

The PLA had no navy or air force until 1949 and the PLA Rocket Force, first known as 'the Second Artillery Corps', was founded in 1966.

In 2013, the PLA had a total of 2.3-million servicemen, with only 235,000 in the navy and 398,000 in the air force, according to a 2013 defence white paper.

China's military, the world's largest force, has cut the size of its land-based army by about 50 per cent and significantly boosted its navy and air force as part of an "unprecedented" strategic shift designed to transform the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into a comprehensive modern force.

China's military, the world's largest force, has cut the size of its land-based army by about 50 per cent and significantly boosted its navy and air force as part of an "unprecedented" strategic shift designed to transform the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into a comprehensive modern force. The 2 million-strong Chinese military has significantly boosted its navy, air force and new strategic units and downsized its land-based army, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported quoting a state-run Xinhua report. In a feature report highlighting the "transformational changes" made by the PLA, Xinhua on Sunday said "this new data is unprecedented in the history of the PLA – the army now accounts for less than 50 per cent of the total number of PLA troops; almost half of our non-combatant units have been made redundant, and the number of officers in the PLA has been reduced by 30 per cent." In the last few years, the PLA has downsized its military by retrenching three lakh troops under the military reforms initiated by President Xi Jinping. But it still remained the world's largest military with two million personnel in the ranks. The statement indicated that the four other branches of the PLA – the navy, air force, rocket force and strategic support force, which is responsible for areas such as cyber warfare - now together make up more than half of the Chinese military, overtaking the army, which has traditionally been the dominant unit of the PLA. The expansion of the navy in the past few years was massive as China now has one aircraft carrier, another undergoing trial and third in making. Official media reports said China plans to have about five to six aircraft carriers. The rocket force and strategic support force mainly focus on missile warfare. Shanghai-based military analyst Ni Lexiong said the overhaul marked a significant strategic shift from having a homeland-based defensive force to one with the capacity to allow Beijing to flex its muscles beyond its national borders and to protect its interests overseas. Ni told the Post that it also means that branches such as the navy, air force and missile units can now play a bigger role in the event of conflict by fighting enemy forces beyond China's borders. He explained that modern warfare puts a greater emphasis on superiority in areas such as the air, space and cyberspace – further reducing the importance of the ground force. "The Chinese military used to... operate following the model established in the second world war. "It had to be reformed and optimised to meet the pressing needs of the changing times and this is the purpose of the overhaul," Ni said. "In the old set-up, the PLA had too many officers. In this overhaul, all these officers must find new positions and adapt or they will be made redundant," he added. The Chinese military currently has five independent branches, including the army, navy, air force, rocket force – the strategic and tactical missile operator – and strategic support force, which is in charge of cyber, space, and electronic warfare. The last two were established three years ago as President Xi stepped up efforts to modernise the military. The PLA Army, founded in 1927 as the Red Army of China, was the key to the Chinese Communist Party's victory in the civil war in 1949 and maintained its dominance within the military throughout 10 major overhauls between 1950 and 2005. The PLA had no navy or air force until 1949 and the PLA Rocket Force, first known as 'the Second Artillery Corps', was founded in 1966. In 2013, the PLA had a total of 2.3-million servicemen, with only 235,000 in the navy and 398,000 in the air force, according to a 2013 defence white paper.

China reduces army by half, increases size of navy and air force in big way: Report

When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, most of the world imagined that the end of an era of confrontation was upon us. That sentiment probably was also present when the Second World War ended in 1945. &nbsp;

However, each time, humanity was disappointed because these events led it from one era of turbulence to another. That is why nations pursue trends and ways they can maximise what is potentially available to their populations, in keeping with their value systems.&nbsp;

Obliquely, that is what national security is all about; the phenomenon by which nations retain their identity, values and the ability of their people to pursue a higher quality of life achieved through stability, security and prosperity.

Each year, we in India undertake this exercise to determine what would be the core concerns of national security. The current one is an effort to identify five such core areas and there is nothing sacrosanct about them.

First on the list is economics. Right from 1991, India has steadfastly pursued an economic policy for better growth, upliftment of a large segment of people from poverty, and improvement in the quality of life. It ensures better infrastructure, education and more equilibrium in society among many other pluses, which are indirect contributions to internal security.&nbsp;

The second domain of focus remains external security to include border security and the pursuance of such policies that it contributes to the stability of the borders and the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The armed forces, in particular, also have to project deterrence and dissuasion. The foremost issue in this domain is the determination of threats, force structure to meet them and the optimum equipping and manning of the forces to ward off threats.&nbsp;

An allotment of 1.47 per cent of the GDP to defence in the current financial year, does not appear to be sync with the optimum needs of the armed forces and needs revision.&nbsp;

In addition, while there is a flurry of activity in the equipment domain with approvals by the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC), their fructification appears tardy primarily due to antiquated procedures, which despite serious attempts by the government does not appear resolved.&nbsp;

The Make in India programme is conceptually the finest idea, but to make it happen is not easy in the absence of yielding of space to the private sector. With so much investment in DRDO, it’s a severe challenge to let go the strings from the public sector to enable an optimum entry by private players.&nbsp;

In external security, an area of concern remains insufficient resources available to the Indian Navy to meet its responsibilities for maritime security. With India’s expanded role in the Indo-Pacific, much more is required here. The Indian Air Force too is sub-optimally equipped and structured today, needing to expand and modernise.&nbsp;

The Indian Army is in a tenuous position, where its technological needs and manpower levels do not appear to be in conceptual sync. However, premature efforts at resource-based and budget-based restructuring are not going to pay a dividend. The domain of internal security comes next. As a large nation with a young population, India has the inherent disadvantage of being ethnically, regionally, socially and religiously diverse with far too many interest groups that compete for limited resources. &nbsp;

The resultant effect is turbulence in society, which has to be overcome through an efficient internal security system. Unfortunately, even with a large footprint of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the optimisation of internal security is insufficient, necessitating the deployment of the army to meet the demands of stabilisation of the environment. Unfortunately, with hybrid conflict now more the norm than the exception, the early involvement of the Army and the persistent need for it to remain deployed in internal security prevents the emergence of its true potential for conventional defence, deterrence and dissuasion. J&amp;K and the North Eastern states are classic examples.&nbsp;

However, it is also a truism that the presence of the Army in internal security of border states indirectly contributes to border security. In 2019, India’s concerns, besides J&amp;K and the North East, will need to also remain focused on Punjab where an attempt is being made by Pakistan to revive by proxy, elements of separatism.

The fourth domain is the field of active diplomacy. India has an outstanding diplomatic corps, which has dutifully delivered. Yet, the challenges in diplomacy are growing as India’s reach and influence expands and the size of the diplomatic corps needs to grow with that.&nbsp;

An element of prudence appears to dictate India’s foreign policy in that its ardent efforts towards engagement across the international strategic divide, have been of a multilateral nature. While collusive threats from China and Pakistan persist, the decision to engage with China through various forums and the maintenance of robust trade with it (although skewed in its favour) has contributed towards lowering the temperature on the border.&nbsp;

Lastly, unconventional threats appear to be growing. Cybersecurity, information and psychological domain, space and ideological threats are included in this ambit. These are threats, which need to be studied closely and suitable security structures against them created.&nbsp;

The threat from radical ideology has been real and it is only through better cultural awareness across society that such threats will be neutralised. Divisive trends within the nation promoted by interest groups can grow to become existential threats.&nbsp;

The ever-growing social media space, a domain for disinformation and fake news, needs to be optimally monitored with minimal invasiveness on norms of privacy. This last domain, which includes modern technological threats is likely to emerge to higher levels of prominence unless countermeasures are developed in the near term.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-five-security-threats-in-2019-2706078">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, most of the world imagined that the end of an era of confrontation was upon us. That sentiment probably was also present when the Second World War ended in 1945.

When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, most of the world imagined that the end of an era of confrontation was upon us. That sentiment probably was also present when the Second World War ended in 1945. However, each time, humanity was disappointed because these events led it from one era of turbulence to another. That is why nations pursue trends and ways they can maximise what is potentially available to their populations, in keeping with their value systems. Obliquely, that is what national security is all about; the phenomenon by which nations retain their identity, values and the ability of their people to pursue a higher quality of life achieved through stability, security and prosperity. Each year, we in India undertake this exercise to determine what would be the core concerns of national security. The current one is an effort to identify five such core areas and there is nothing sacrosanct about them. First on the list is economics. Right from 1991, India has steadfastly pursued an economic policy for better growth, upliftment of a large segment of people from poverty, and improvement in the quality of life. It ensures better infrastructure, education and more equilibrium in society among many other pluses, which are indirect contributions to internal security. The second domain of focus remains external security to include border security and the pursuance of such policies that it contributes to the stability of the borders and the neighbourhood. The armed forces, in particular, also have to project deterrence and dissuasion. The foremost issue in this domain is the determination of threats, force structure to meet them and the optimum equipping and manning of the forces to ward off threats. An allotment of 1.47 per cent of the GDP to defence in the current financial year, does not appear to be sync with the optimum needs of the armed forces and needs revision. In addition, while there is a flurry of activity in the equipment domain with approvals by the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC), their fructification appears tardy primarily due to antiquated procedures, which despite serious attempts by the government does not appear resolved. The Make in India programme is conceptually the finest idea, but to make it happen is not easy in the absence of yielding of space to the private sector. With so much investment in DRDO, it’s a severe challenge to let go the strings from the public sector to enable an optimum entry by private players. In external security, an area of concern remains insufficient resources available to the Indian Navy to meet its responsibilities for maritime security. With India’s expanded role in the Indo-Pacific, much more is required here. The Indian Air Force too is sub-optimally equipped and structured today, needing to expand and modernise. The Indian Army is in a tenuous position, where its technological needs and manpower levels do not appear to be in conceptual sync. However, premature efforts at resource-based and budget-based restructuring are not going to pay a dividend. The domain of internal security comes next. As a large nation with a young population, India has the inherent disadvantage of being ethnically, regionally, socially and religiously diverse with far too many interest groups that compete for limited resources. The resultant effect is turbulence in society, which has to be overcome through an efficient internal security system. Unfortunately, even with a large footprint of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the optimisation of internal security is insufficient, necessitating the deployment of the army to meet the demands of stabilisation of the environment. Unfortunately, with hybrid conflict now more the norm than the exception, the early involvement of the Army and the persistent need for it to remain deployed in internal security prevents the emergence of its true potential for conventional defence, deterrence and dissuasion. J&K and the North Eastern states are classic examples. However, it is also a truism that the presence of the Army in internal security of border states indirectly contributes to border security. In 2019, India’s concerns, besides J&K and the North East, will need to also remain focused on Punjab where an attempt is being made by Pakistan to revive by proxy, elements of separatism. The fourth domain is the field of active diplomacy. India has an outstanding diplomatic corps, which has dutifully delivered. Yet, the challenges in diplomacy are growing as India’s reach and influence expands and the size of the diplomatic corps needs to grow with that. An element of prudence appears to dictate India’s foreign policy in that its ardent efforts towards engagement across the international strategic divide, have been of a multilateral nature. While collusive threats from China and Pakistan persist, the decision to engage with China through various forums and the maintenance of robust trade with it (although skewed in its favour) has contributed towards lowering the temperature on the border. Lastly, unconventional threats appear to be growing. Cybersecurity, information and psychological domain, space and ideological threats are included in this ambit. These are threats, which need to be studied closely and suitable security structures against them created. The threat from radical ideology has been real and it is only through better cultural awareness across society that such threats will be neutralised. Divisive trends within the nation promoted by interest groups can grow to become existential threats. The ever-growing social media space, a domain for disinformation and fake news, needs to be optimally monitored with minimal invasiveness on norms of privacy. This last domain, which includes modern technological threats is likely to emerge to higher levels of prominence unless countermeasures are developed in the near term. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Five security threats in 2019

A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

The Navy divers and their equipment arrived at the site around 1.30 pm Sunday after which the Navy personnel started measuring the actual level of the water in the mine shaft.&nbsp;

The 10 pumps brought by the rescue team from Odisha have been kept on standby. Meanwhile, the divers have also been kept on standby, the officials said.

The Navy wanted to ascertain the water level as their divers can operate up to 100 feet in a closed container-type situation, a district official said.

Nearly 200 rescuers from various agencies are stationed at the site. The Odisha Fire Service team had brought 10 high-powered pumps with them.

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East Jaintia Hills: Visuals of operations underway to rescue the trapped miners. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalayaminers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalayaminers</a> <a href="https://t.co/6eaPArPqpd">pic.twitter.com/6eaPArPqpd</a>
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East Jaintia Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtynger said that at least two pumps will have to be lowered down to the water level inside the mine shaft to begin the operation.

Odisha Chief Fire Officer S Sethi said his team was tasked with pumping water out and they are ready for the job.

"Our only concern is that if we install the pumps now, the carbon exhaust may suffocate the entire mine shaft," Sethi said.

The remaining eight pumps will be placed at various locations identified in the area, he said.

One high-powered submersible pumps with an output capacity of 500 gallons per minute is arriving Sunday from CIL Ranchi, CIL Kolkata GM A K Bharali said.

Bharali, who arrived here four days ago, said that as soon as the generators and platforms are made available at the mine shaft, the pumping of water will begin.

Five more pumps from CIL Centres in Ranchi, Dhanbad and Asansol are on road and are expected to arrive anytime, he said.

A senior district official said a few pumps of Coal India Ltd have arrived in Guwahati and are expected to reach the site soon.

A team of 25 CIL personnel are at the site and survey teams are doing their job, Bharali said.

The miners have been trapped in the mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district since December 13, after water from the nearby Lytein river gushed into it.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is coordinating the rescue operations with the help of Navy, the NDMA and Coal India Ltd.

"The Navy divers have reported that they have the capacity to go a depth of 100 feet, whereas the NDRF divers can go to a depth of 30 feet," East Jaintia Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtyngerthe said.

A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said. The Navy divers and their equipment arrived at the site around 1.30 pm Sunday after which the Navy personnel started measuring the actual level of the water in the mine shaft. The 10 pumps brought by the rescue team from Odisha have been kept on standby. Meanwhile, the divers have also been kept on standby, the officials said. The Navy wanted to ascertain the water level as their divers can operate up to 100 feet in a closed container-type situation, a district official said. Nearly 200 rescuers from various agencies are stationed at the site. The Odisha Fire Service team had brought 10 high-powered pumps with them. East Jaintia Hills: Visuals of operations underway to rescue the trapped miners. #Meghalayaminers pic.twitter.com/6eaPArPqpd — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × East Jaintia Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtynger said that at least two pumps will have to be lowered down to the water level inside the mine shaft to begin the operation. Odisha Chief Fire Officer S Sethi said his team was tasked with pumping water out and they are ready for the job. "Our only concern is that if we install the pumps now, the carbon exhaust may suffocate the entire mine shaft," Sethi said. The remaining eight pumps will be placed at various locations identified in the area, he said. One high-powered submersible pumps with an output capacity of 500 gallons per minute is arriving Sunday from CIL Ranchi, CIL Kolkata GM A K Bharali said. Bharali, who arrived here four days ago, said that as soon as the generators and platforms are made available at the mine shaft, the pumping of water will begin. Five more pumps from CIL Centres in Ranchi, Dhanbad and Asansol are on road and are expected to arrive anytime, he said. A senior district official said a few pumps of Coal India Ltd have arrived in Guwahati and are expected to reach the site soon. A team of 25 CIL personnel are at the site and survey teams are doing their job, Bharali said. The miners have been trapped in the mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district since December 13, after water from the nearby Lytein river gushed into it. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is coordinating the rescue operations with the help of Navy, the NDMA and Coal India Ltd. "The Navy divers have reported that they have the capacity to go a depth of 100 feet, whereas the NDRF divers can go to a depth of 30 feet," East Jaintia Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtyngerthe said.

Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy, NDRF personnel enter shaft to ascertain water level

Meghalaya mine collapse: 15 member team of Navy Divers to join rescue operation

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday.

Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 last month off the coast of Russian-annexed Crimea and accused them of illegally entering Russian waters.

Ukraine has said Russia captured the two small gunboats and one tugboat illegally and accused Moscow of military aggression.

The United States and the European Union have called for the release of the sailors, who are in pretrial detention in Moscow.

Roman Mokryak, the commander of one of the gunboats, told Russian investigators he would not provide any information until his crew was released, his lawyer, Ilya Novikov, said on Wednesday.

"He believes he alone answers for what happens on board, that his crew carried out his orders and that they cannot be held to account," Novikov wrote on Facebook.

Oleh Melnychuk, the captain of the tugboat, has also refused to testify, denying Moscow's accusations and calling himself a prisoner of war, his lawyer Edem Semedlyayev wrote in a separate Facebook post on Wednesday.

No date has been set for the sailors' trial.

Ukraine has said it fears Russia is preparing to attack it, citing an alleged military build-up along its border. Russia denies this and says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is trying to whip up anti-Russian sentiment as part of an election campaign.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and backs, separatists, fighting Kiev's forces in the east of the country.

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday.

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 last month off the coast of Russian-annexed Crimea and accused them of illegally entering Russian waters. Ukraine has said Russia captured the two small gunboats and one tugboat illegally and accused Moscow of military aggression. The United States and the European Union have called for the release of the sailors, who are in pretrial detention in Moscow. Roman Mokryak, the commander of one of the gunboats, told Russian investigators he would not provide any information until his crew was released, his lawyer, Ilya Novikov, said on Wednesday. "He believes he alone answers for what happens on board, that his crew carried out his orders and that they cannot be held to account," Novikov wrote on Facebook. Oleh Melnychuk, the captain of the tugboat, has also refused to testify, denying Moscow's accusations and calling himself a prisoner of war, his lawyer Edem Semedlyayev wrote in a separate Facebook post on Wednesday. No date has been set for the sailors' trial. Ukraine has said it fears Russia is preparing to attack it, citing an alleged military build-up along its border. Russia denies this and says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is trying to whip up anti-Russian sentiment as part of an election campaign. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and backs, separatists, fighting Kiev's forces in the east of the country.

We won't testify: Captured Ukrainian navy captains tell Russia

The Indian Navy's submarine rescue capabilities have got a boost with the successful maiden trials of its newly inducted deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV), the Navy has said.

The Western Naval Command here conducted the trials of the DSRV, which also set a record for "deepest submergence by a manned vessel" in the Indian waters, the Navy said in an official release issued Tuesday late night.

The DSRV, operated by a crew of three, can rescue 14 personnel from a disabled submarine at one time, it said.

"On October 15, the DSRV carried out under water mating with a bottomed submarine at a depth of over 300 feet and transferred personnel from the submarine to the rescue vehicle," the release said.

These trials have proven the DSRV's ability to undertake rescue operations from disabled submarines at sea and have provided the Indian Navy with a "critical capability", it said.

"During the trials, the DSRV also dived successfully up to 666 metres. This is a record for deepest submergence by a 'manned vessel' in the Indian waters," the release said.

The DSRV crew also carried out ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations at a depth of over 750 metres and side scan sonar operations at over 650 metres, which are all "firsts" for the Indian Navy, it said.

Once the trials are completed, it will put the Indian Navy into a small league of world navies that have an integral submarine rescue capability, the release added.

The Indian Navy's submarine rescue capabilities have got a boost with the successful maiden trials of its newly inducted deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV), the Navy has said.

The Indian Navy's submarine rescue capabilities have got a boost with the successful maiden trials of its newly inducted deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV), the Navy has said. The Western Naval Command here conducted the trials of the DSRV, which also set a record for "deepest submergence by a manned vessel" in the Indian waters, the Navy said in an official release issued Tuesday late night. The DSRV, operated by a crew of three, can rescue 14 personnel from a disabled submarine at one time, it said. "On October 15, the DSRV carried out under water mating with a bottomed submarine at a depth of over 300 feet and transferred personnel from the submarine to the rescue vehicle," the release said. These trials have proven the DSRV's ability to undertake rescue operations from disabled submarines at sea and have provided the Indian Navy with a "critical capability", it said. "During the trials, the DSRV also dived successfully up to 666 metres. This is a record for deepest submergence by a 'manned vessel' in the Indian waters," the release said. The DSRV crew also carried out ROV (remotely operated vehicle) operations at a depth of over 750 metres and side scan sonar operations at over 650 metres, which are all "firsts" for the Indian Navy, it said. Once the trials are completed, it will put the Indian Navy into a small league of world navies that have an integral submarine rescue capability, the release added.

Indian Navy's submarine rescue capability gets a boost

Enhancing its operational capabilities, the Navy has inducted its first deep submergence rescue vehicle which is deployed to rescue downed or disaster-struck submarines at high sea.

Navy Spokesperson Capt D K Sharma said that with induction of the deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV), India has joined a select group of countries that have the capability to locate and rescue "distressed submarines".

At present, the US, China, Russia and a few other countries have the capabilities to deploy DSRVs.

"Indian Navy joins select league of nations with capability to search, locate and provide rescue to distressed submarines by induction of first Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel(DSRV) and associated kit in fly away configuration," he said.

Though DSRVs are used for rescue of personnel in downed submarines, they are also deployed for various other missions including to lay cables on the sea bed.

Some DSRV vessels are air transportable in very large military cargo.&nbsp;

Capt Sharma said the DSRV which was inducted can be mobilised from the naval base in Mumbai to nearest mounting port by air, land and sea.

The second DSRV is expected to be inducted at Visakhapatnam in 2019.

"The DSRV can be mobilised from Naval base at Mumbai to nearest mounting port by air/ land or sea for providing rapid rescue to the submarine in distress," the Navy spokesperson said.

Indian Navy sources said induction of the DSRV was part of the Navy's efforts to enhance operational capabilities when China has been ramping up its maritime presence in critical sea lanes which are of strategic importance to India.

Last year, the Indian Navy operationalised a new concept of deployment of warships in the Indian Ocean region to effectively counter China's growing presence in the strategically key waters.

The "new mission-based deployment" involves deploying mission-ready ships and aircraft along critical sea lanes of communications.&nbsp;

Enhancing its operational capabilities, the Navy has inducted its first deep submergence rescue vehicle which is deployed to rescue downed or disaster-struck submarines at high sea.

Enhancing its operational capabilities, the Navy has inducted its first deep submergence rescue vehicle which is deployed to rescue downed or disaster-struck submarines at high sea. Navy Spokesperson Capt D K Sharma said that with induction of the deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV), India has joined a select group of countries that have the capability to locate and rescue "distressed submarines". At present, the US, China, Russia and a few other countries have the capabilities to deploy DSRVs. "Indian Navy joins select league of nations with capability to search, locate and provide rescue to distressed submarines by induction of first Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel(DSRV) and associated kit in fly away configuration," he said. Though DSRVs are used for rescue of personnel in downed submarines, they are also deployed for various other missions including to lay cables on the sea bed. Some DSRV vessels are air transportable in very large military cargo. Capt Sharma said the DSRV which was inducted can be mobilised from the naval base in Mumbai to nearest mounting port by air, land and sea. The second DSRV is expected to be inducted at Visakhapatnam in 2019. "The DSRV can be mobilised from Naval base at Mumbai to nearest mounting port by air/ land or sea for providing rapid rescue to the submarine in distress," the Navy spokesperson said. Indian Navy sources said induction of the DSRV was part of the Navy's efforts to enhance operational capabilities when China has been ramping up its maritime presence in critical sea lanes which are of strategic importance to India. Last year, the Indian Navy operationalised a new concept of deployment of warships in the Indian Ocean region to effectively counter China's growing presence in the strategically key waters. The "new mission-based deployment" involves deploying mission-ready ships and aircraft along critical sea lanes of communications.

Indian Navy acquires deep submarine rescue capabilities

Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam after sustaining grievous injuries while participating in the Golden Globe Race, was brought to Visakhapatnam safely Saturday, a Navy statement said.

On September 21, his sailing vessel 'Thuriya' was caught in a violent storm in the South Indian Ocean.

Tomy, who had suffered severe back injury, has now been shifted to INHS Kalyani, the naval hospital of the Eastern Naval Command for observation and medical assistance as required.

"Vice Adm Karambir Singh FOC-in-C ENC briefly interacted with Cdr Tomy and enquired about his health condition and the rescue operation," the statement said.&nbsp;

The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre at Canberra coordinated the rescue mission in conjunction with many agencies, including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy launched 'Operation Raksham' to rescue the injured officer by immediately deploying the Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I in the area staging through Mauritius for providing close support and monitoring the rescue operations and diverted IN Ships Satpura and Jyoti to undertake search and rescue operations.&nbsp;

On September 24, French Fishing Vessel (FV) Osiris reached in vicinity of 'Thuriya' and carried rescue and later shifted Tomy to Ile Amsterdam for shelter.

INS Satpura, after fuelling from INS Jyoti, arrived off the Ile Amsterdam and safely evacuated Tomy using the ship's helicopter on September 28.

He was thereafter provided the requisite medical treatment on board during the passage to Visakhapatnam.&nbsp;

"The ship successfully executed 'Operation Raksham' and brought Cdr Tomy safely to Visakhapatnam displaying Indian Navy's reach, mobility and versatility to responding to the challenges of 'Search and Rescue' mission. The event is another testimony of the Indian Navy being a credible 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region," the statement said.

Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam after sustaining grievous injuries while participating in the Golden Globe Race, was brought to Visakhapatnam safely Saturday, a Navy statement said.

Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam after sustaining grievous injuries while participating in the Golden Globe Race, was brought to Visakhapatnam safely Saturday, a Navy statement said. On September 21, his sailing vessel 'Thuriya' was caught in a violent storm in the South Indian Ocean. Tomy, who had suffered severe back injury, has now been shifted to INHS Kalyani, the naval hospital of the Eastern Naval Command for observation and medical assistance as required. "Vice Adm Karambir Singh FOC-in-C ENC briefly interacted with Cdr Tomy and enquired about his health condition and the rescue operation," the statement said. The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre at Canberra coordinated the rescue mission in conjunction with many agencies, including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy launched 'Operation Raksham' to rescue the injured officer by immediately deploying the Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I in the area staging through Mauritius for providing close support and monitoring the rescue operations and diverted IN Ships Satpura and Jyoti to undertake search and rescue operations. On September 24, French Fishing Vessel (FV) Osiris reached in vicinity of 'Thuriya' and carried rescue and later shifted Tomy to Ile Amsterdam for shelter. INS Satpura, after fuelling from INS Jyoti, arrived off the Ile Amsterdam and safely evacuated Tomy using the ship's helicopter on September 28. He was thereafter provided the requisite medical treatment on board during the passage to Visakhapatnam. "The ship successfully executed 'Operation Raksham' and brought Cdr Tomy safely to Visakhapatnam displaying Indian Navy's reach, mobility and versatility to responding to the challenges of 'Search and Rescue' mission. The event is another testimony of the Indian Navy being a credible 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region," the statement said.

Commander Abhilash Tomy arrives in Visakhapatnam

An Indian Navy Chetak helicopter crashed on Monday which was on a training sortie crash landed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;

According to police and naval officials, three persons who were on board were safe and no casualty has been reported as of now.

The Chetak CH422 crashed while carrying out dry winching dual sortie. The chopper has suffered damage to main and tail rotors according to the reports.

(With inputs from ANI)

An Indian Navy Chetak helicopter crashed on Monday which was on a training sortie crash landed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, Navy said in a statement. According to police and naval officials, three persons who were on board were safe and no casualty has been reported as of now.

An Indian Navy Chetak helicopter crashed on Monday which was on a training sortie crash landed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, Navy said in a statement. According to police and naval officials, three persons who were on board were safe and no casualty has been reported as of now. The Chetak CH422 crashed while carrying out dry winching dual sortie. The chopper has suffered damage to main and tail rotors according to the reports. (With inputs from ANI)

Indian Navy's helicopter Chetak CH442 crashes at Rajali base in Tamil Nadu, crew safe

The Indian Navy currently has only two minesweeper ships at its disposal to safeguard sea lanes and ports spread across thousands of kilometres of coastlines in the eastern and western seaboards, a top Navy officer has said.

The Navy requires 12 minesweeper ships, but at present has only two, Rear Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Assistant Chief of Material, Indian Navy, said.

"The Navy needs these ships urgently," Swaminathan said.

Minesweepers are small naval warships that detect and destroy underwater mines and are considered vital for keeping the critical sea lanes safe for movement of essential cargo,including crude oil.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of a fuel barge for the Navy on Friday, he said that Defence PSU Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) is in the process of collaborating with a foreign firm for manufacturing minesweepers.

The government has been looking for a foreign collaborator for its over&nbsp;Rs&nbsp;32,000 crore project, entrusted to GSL, for procuring 12 minesweeper ships.

The basic function of these ships would be to locate,classify, sweep and neutralise all types of ground moored and drift mines.

A parliamentary standing committee on defence last year had slammed the government for delay in procurement of the minesweepers and asked it to make efforts to fill the gap in the Navy's capability.

There are at least 12 major ports and several other minor or intermediate ports in the eastern and western seaboards.

The Indian Navy currently has only two minesweeper ships at its disposal to safeguard sea lanes and ports spread across thousands of kilometres of coastlines in the eastern and western seaboards, a top Navy officer has said.

The Indian Navy currently has only two minesweeper ships at its disposal to safeguard sea lanes and ports spread across thousands of kilometres of coastlines in the eastern and western seaboards, a top Navy officer has said. The Navy requires 12 minesweeper ships, but at present has only two, Rear Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Assistant Chief of Material, Indian Navy, said. "The Navy needs these ships urgently," Swaminathan said. Minesweepers are small naval warships that detect and destroy underwater mines and are considered vital for keeping the critical sea lanes safe for movement of essential cargo,including crude oil. Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of a fuel barge for the Navy on Friday, he said that Defence PSU Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) is in the process of collaborating with a foreign firm for manufacturing minesweepers. The government has been looking for a foreign collaborator for its over Rs 32,000 crore project, entrusted to GSL, for procuring 12 minesweeper ships. The basic function of these ships would be to locate,classify, sweep and neutralise all types of ground moored and drift mines. A parliamentary standing committee on defence last year had slammed the government for delay in procurement of the minesweepers and asked it to make efforts to fill the gap in the Navy's capability. There are at least 12 major ports and several other minor or intermediate ports in the eastern and western seaboards.

Navy in urgent need of minesweepers, left with only 2, says official

The body of a 27-year-old Indian Navy sailor, who slipped and fell into the sea off Ramanathapuram coast, was recovered some five nautical miles off Jegadapattinam in Pudukottai district, intelligence bureau officials here said.

Ramprakash, a Grade-II sailor, was sailing INS Car Nicobar&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;night when he fell off the patrol vessel between Thondi and Jegadapattinam, they said.

A search involving ships of the Navy and Coast Guard was launched to trace the sailor.

His body was found last night, about five nautical miles off Jegadapattinam coast, IB officials said.

The mortal remains of the sailor were taken to Chennai.

A search involving ships of the Navy and Coast Guard was launched to trace the sailor

The body of a 27-year-old Indian Navy sailor, who slipped and fell into the sea off Ramanathapuram coast, was recovered some five nautical miles off Jegadapattinam in Pudukottai district, intelligence bureau officials here said. Ramprakash, a Grade-II sailor, was sailing INS Car Nicobar on Wednesday night when he fell off the patrol vessel between Thondi and Jegadapattinam, they said. A search involving ships of the Navy and Coast Guard was launched to trace the sailor. His body was found last night, about five nautical miles off Jegadapattinam coast, IB officials said. The mortal remains of the sailor were taken to Chennai.

Body of Indian Navy sailor recovered off Tamil Nadu coast

The Defence Ministry is likely to finalise in the next few days the broad contours of Indian Navy's ambitious project to build six advanced submarines under the multi-billion P-75 (I) programme.

Sources said that the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) is likely to be given the responsibility to implement the project as against the government's earlier indication that private shipbuilders would be involved in constructing the submarines.

A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), defence ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, is likely to deliberate extensively on the submarine project in the next few days, the sources said.

The government is seriously considering involving MDL in the nearly $ 8 billion project, they said.

Last year, the ministry had given indications that the six submarines would be built under the strategic partnership model with the involvement of private players.

The strategic partnership model was unveiled in May last year under which select private firms are to be roped in to build military platforms such as submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities.

Six Scorpene-class submarines are currently being built under 'Project 75' of the Indian Navy. The submarines, designed by French firm Naval Group, are being built by the Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.

The project P-75 (I) will be a follow-on for Project 75.&nbsp

The Defence Ministry is likely to finalise in the next few days the broad contours of Indian Navy's ambitious project to build six advanced submarines under the multi-billion P-75 (I) programme

The Defence Ministry is likely to finalise in the next few days the broad contours of Indian Navy's ambitious project to build six advanced submarines under the multi-billion P-75 (I) programme. Sources said that the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) is likely to be given the responsibility to implement the project as against the government's earlier indication that private shipbuilders would be involved in constructing the submarines. A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), defence ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, is likely to deliberate extensively on the submarine project in the next few days, the sources said. The government is seriously considering involving MDL in the nearly $ 8 billion project, they said. Last year, the ministry had given indications that the six submarines would be built under the strategic partnership model with the involvement of private players. The strategic partnership model was unveiled in May last year under which select private firms are to be roped in to build military platforms such as submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities. Six Scorpene-class submarines are currently being built under 'Project 75' of the Indian Navy. The submarines, designed by French firm Naval Group, are being built by the Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. The project P-75 (I) will be a follow-on for Project 75.

MDL may play lead role in building six advanced submarines for Navy

China&#39;s air force has held another round of drills in the disputed South China Sea and the Western Pacific after passing through Japan&#39;s southern islands, the air force said on Sunday, calling such exercises the best preparation for war.

China is in the midst of an ambitious military modernisation programme overseen by President Xi Jinping with a heavy focus on its air force and navy, from building stealth fighters to adding aircraft carriers.

China insists it has no hostile intent, but its sabre-rattling in the busy South China Sea waterway, and around Taiwan, has touched a nerve in the region and in Washington.

In a statement, the air force said H-6K bombers and Su-30 and Su-35 fighters, among other aircraft, carried out combat patrols over the South China Sea and exercises in the Western Pacific after passing over the Miyako Strait, which lies between two southern Japanese islands.

It did not say when the exercises took place nor specify the parts of the South China Sea or the Western Pacific.

In a &quot;freedom of navigation&quot; operation on Friday, a U.S. Navy destroyer came within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island China has built in the South China Sea, provoking condemnation from China, which claims most of the strategic waterway.

Sending Su-35 fighters over the South China Sea aims to help increase the air force&#39;s ability to fight far out at sea, the air force said in the statement on its microblog.

Flying across the Miyako Strait, which also sits to the northeast of the self-ruled island of Taiwan that China claims as its own, accorded with international law and practice, it added.

&quot;Air Force exercises are rehearsals for future wars and are the most direct preparation for combat,&quot; it said.

The more exercises China practices far from its shores the better it will be positioned as &quot;an important force for managing and controlling crises, containing war and winning battles&quot;, it added.

China is in the midst of an ambitious military modernisation programme overseen by President Xi Jinping.

China's air force has held another round of drills in the disputed South China Sea and the Western Pacific after passing through Japan's southern islands, the air force said on Sunday, calling such exercises the best preparation for war. China is in the midst of an ambitious military modernisation programme overseen by President Xi Jinping with a heavy focus on its air force and navy, from building stealth fighters to adding aircraft carriers. China insists it has no hostile intent, but its sabre-rattling in the busy South China Sea waterway, and around Taiwan, has touched a nerve in the region and in Washington. In a statement, the air force said H-6K bombers and Su-30 and Su-35 fighters, among other aircraft, carried out combat patrols over the South China Sea and exercises in the Western Pacific after passing over the Miyako Strait, which lies between two southern Japanese islands. It did not say when the exercises took place nor specify the parts of the South China Sea or the Western Pacific. In a "freedom of navigation" operation on Friday, a U.S. Navy destroyer came within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island China has built in the South China Sea, provoking condemnation from China, which claims most of the strategic waterway. Sending Su-35 fighters over the South China Sea aims to help increase the air force's ability to fight far out at sea, the air force said in the statement on its microblog. Flying across the Miyako Strait, which also sits to the northeast of the self-ruled island of Taiwan that China claims as its own, accorded with international law and practice, it added. "Air Force exercises are rehearsals for future wars and are the most direct preparation for combat," it said. The more exercises China practices far from its shores the better it will be positioned as "an important force for managing and controlling crises, containing war and winning battles", it added.

China Air Force holds drills again in South China Sea, Western Pacific, says 'best preparation for war'

China&rsquo;s navy will carry out combat drills in the South China Sea, the military&rsquo;s official newspaper said on Friday, describing the move as part of regular annual exercises.

Taiwan&rsquo;s defence ministry said this week it had shadowed a Chinese aircraft carrier group traversing the Taiwan Strait in a southwesterly direction - meaning into the disputed South China Sea - in what Taiwan judged to be a drill.

Also, the Chinese People&#39;s Liberation Army Navy is to hold regular military drills in the South China Sea soon, reports said.

The drills are planned annual exercises, the goal of which is to test and improve the military&rsquo;s training level and ability to win, China Central Television reported. They are not directed against any third parties or targets, according to the channel.

China regularly holds military drills in the South China Sea, a marginal sea that Beijing claims most of. Apart from Beijing, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines also claim parts of the South China Sea and often protest over China&rsquo;s military exercises.

In a brief report on its WeChat account, the People&rsquo;s Liberation Army Daily said the combat exercises would take place shortly, though it gave no details of timing, location or what ships would participate.

&ldquo;This is a routine annual planned arrangement for the navy, the aim of which is to test and improve the military&rsquo;s training level and to fully raise the ability to win. It is not aimed at any specific country or target,&rdquo; the newspaper added, without elaborating.

China&rsquo;s navy and air force frequently carry out drills in the South China Sea, where the government has been building man-made islands and constructing airstrips and other facilities, unnerving the region.

Meanwhile, A US Navy destroyer carried out a &ldquo;freedom of navigation&rdquo; operation on Friday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea, U.S. officials told Reuters, a move likely to anger Beijing.

Friday&rsquo;s operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing&rsquo;s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS Mustin travelled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands and carried out manoeuvring operations. China has territorial disputes with its neighbours over the area.

The U.S. military has a longstanding position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations.

However, the latest operation, the first since January, comes just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump lit a slow-burning fuse when he signed a presidential memorandum that will target up to $60 billion in Chinese goods with tariffs, but only after a 30-day consultation period that starts once a list is published.

The United States has criticized China&rsquo;s construction of islands and build-up of military facilities in the sea, and is concerned they could be used to restrict free nautical movement.

China&rsquo;s claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The U.S. military put countering China and Russia at the centre of a new national defence strategy recently unveiled.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The drills are planned annual exercises, the goal of which is to test and improve the military’s training level and ability to win

China’s navy will carry out combat drills in the South China Sea, the military’s official newspaper said on Friday, describing the move as part of regular annual exercises. Taiwan’s defence ministry said this week it had shadowed a Chinese aircraft carrier group traversing the Taiwan Strait in a southwesterly direction - meaning into the disputed South China Sea - in what Taiwan judged to be a drill. Also, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy is to hold regular military drills in the South China Sea soon, reports said. The drills are planned annual exercises, the goal of which is to test and improve the military’s training level and ability to win, China Central Television reported. They are not directed against any third parties or targets, according to the channel. China regularly holds military drills in the South China Sea, a marginal sea that Beijing claims most of. Apart from Beijing, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines also claim parts of the South China Sea and often protest over China’s military exercises. In a brief report on its WeChat account, the People’s Liberation Army Daily said the combat exercises would take place shortly, though it gave no details of timing, location or what ships would participate. “This is a routine annual planned arrangement for the navy, the aim of which is to test and improve the military’s training level and to fully raise the ability to win. It is not aimed at any specific country or target,” the newspaper added, without elaborating. China’s navy and air force frequently carry out drills in the South China Sea, where the government has been building man-made islands and constructing airstrips and other facilities, unnerving the region. Meanwhile, A US Navy destroyer carried out a “freedom of navigation” operation on Friday, coming within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea, U.S. officials told Reuters, a move likely to anger Beijing. Friday’s operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS Mustin travelled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands and carried out manoeuvring operations. China has territorial disputes with its neighbours over the area. The U.S. military has a longstanding position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations. However, the latest operation, the first since January, comes just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump lit a slow-burning fuse when he signed a presidential memorandum that will target up to $60 billion in Chinese goods with tariffs, but only after a 30-day consultation period that starts once a list is published. The United States has criticized China’s construction of islands and build-up of military facilities in the sea, and is concerned they could be used to restrict free nautical movement. China’s claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The U.S. military put countering China and Russia at the centre of a new national defence strategy recently unveiled. (With inputs from Reuters)

Chinese navy to carry out combat drills in South China Sea

Japan&#39;s navy on Tuesday appointed the first woman to command a warship squadron, including the flagship Izumo helicopter carrier, as it tries to lure more females to make up for a dearth of male recruits in greying Japan.

Ryoko Azuma, will command four ships with a combined crew of 1,000, of which only 30 are women, that make up the Maritime Self Defense Force&#39;s (MSDF) First Escort Division.

&quot;I don&#39;t think about being a woman. I will concentrate my energy on fulfilling my duties as commander,&quot; Azuma, 44, said at a change of command ceremony attended by 400 sailors aboard the Izumo, which was docked at a shipyard in Yokohama near Tokyo for repairs.&nbsp;

When she joined the MSDF in 1996 women were barred from serving on warships, a rule that the navy abolished ten years ago. Submarines, however, are still crewed only by men.

Japan&#39;s military, like the wider economy, is turning to women to make up a shortfall in personnel as the nation&#39;s working-age population shrinks amid a drop in birthrates. The number of people aged between 18 and 26 years old is forecast by the government to shrink to seven million people by 2065 from 11 million last year.

Unlike commercial companies, however, Japan&#39;s military is unable to relocate units overseas or hire foreigners to supplement to their Japanese staff.

By 2030, the SDF plans to increase the combined number of women serving in the air-sea and ground forces to 9 percent of the total from 6 percent, or 14,000 people now. In addition to Azuma, other senior female officers in the MSDF include four captains and a rear admiral in charge of logistics.

&quot;I want to devote myself to becoming a person that will inspire others,&quot; Azuma said when asked if she wanted to serve as a role model for other women.&nbsp;

Ryoko Azuma, will command four ships with a combined crew of 1,000, of which only 30 are women

Japan's navy on Tuesday appointed the first woman to command a warship squadron, including the flagship Izumo helicopter carrier, as it tries to lure more females to make up for a dearth of male recruits in greying Japan. Ryoko Azuma, will command four ships with a combined crew of 1,000, of which only 30 are women, that make up the Maritime Self Defense Force's (MSDF) First Escort Division. "I don't think about being a woman. I will concentrate my energy on fulfilling my duties as commander," Azuma, 44, said at a change of command ceremony attended by 400 sailors aboard the Izumo, which was docked at a shipyard in Yokohama near Tokyo for repairs. When she joined the MSDF in 1996 women were barred from serving on warships, a rule that the navy abolished ten years ago. Submarines, however, are still crewed only by men. Japan's military, like the wider economy, is turning to women to make up a shortfall in personnel as the nation's working-age population shrinks amid a drop in birthrates. The number of people aged between 18 and 26 years old is forecast by the government to shrink to seven million people by 2065 from 11 million last year. Unlike commercial companies, however, Japan's military is unable to relocate units overseas or hire foreigners to supplement to their Japanese staff. By 2030, the SDF plans to increase the combined number of women serving in the air-sea and ground forces to 9 percent of the total from 6 percent, or 14,000 people now. In addition to Azuma, other senior female officers in the MSDF include four captains and a rear admiral in charge of logistics. "I want to devote myself to becoming a person that will inspire others," Azuma said when asked if she wanted to serve as a role model for other women.

Japan's navy appoints first woman to command warship squadron

Japan&#39;s navy wants to buy its first oil tanker to carry fuel to Okinawa as it cranks up operations in the East China Sea to counter a growing Chinese naval presence, two sources familiar with plan said.

The Maritime Self Defence Forces (MSDF) needs a tanker able to carry 300,000 barrels of fuel to White Beach port on Okinawa where it stores fuel for warships that patrol the region.

The plan will be included in a defence review outlining equipment procurement for the five years beginning April 2019, the sources said.&nbsp;

&quot;It takes too long time for ships to return to their base in (mainland) Kyushu for refuelling so more are stopping in Okinawa instead,&quot; said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to the media.&nbsp;

Operations in the East China Sea, where Japan and China are locked in a territorial dispute over the ownership of a group of islands claimed as the Senkaku in Tokyo and Diaoyu in Beijing, are intensifying as China&#39;s military strength there grows.

&quot;Activity at White Beach has increased by three to four times, but there isn&#39;t enough space to expand capacity,&quot; said the other source, who had just returned from a visit there.&nbsp;

The White Beach facility is currently supplied by commercial shippers who usually take two months to complete deliveries once a contract is agreed. Management of the fuel dump, however, has become difficult as the pace of naval operations increase, making it more difficult for the MSDF to forecast future demand.

The tanker is expected to cost &quot;several tens of billions of yen&quot; and will have a crew of up to 20 sailors, the sources said.

The plan will be included in a defence review outlining equipment procurement for the five years beginning April 2019

Japan's navy wants to buy its first oil tanker to carry fuel to Okinawa as it cranks up operations in the East China Sea to counter a growing Chinese naval presence, two sources familiar with plan said. The Maritime Self Defence Forces (MSDF) needs a tanker able to carry 300,000 barrels of fuel to White Beach port on Okinawa where it stores fuel for warships that patrol the region. The plan will be included in a defence review outlining equipment procurement for the five years beginning April 2019, the sources said. "It takes too long time for ships to return to their base in (mainland) Kyushu for refuelling so more are stopping in Okinawa instead," said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to the media. Operations in the East China Sea, where Japan and China are locked in a territorial dispute over the ownership of a group of islands claimed as the Senkaku in Tokyo and Diaoyu in Beijing, are intensifying as China's military strength there grows. "Activity at White Beach has increased by three to four times, but there isn't enough space to expand capacity," said the other source, who had just returned from a visit there. The White Beach facility is currently supplied by commercial shippers who usually take two months to complete deliveries once a contract is agreed. Management of the fuel dump, however, has become difficult as the pace of naval operations increase, making it more difficult for the MSDF to forecast future demand. The tanker is expected to cost "several tens of billions of yen" and will have a crew of up to 20 sailors, the sources said.

Japan's navy to buy tanker to fuel ships patrolling East China Sea

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