Author
Manish Kumar Jha is an Associate Editor, BW BUSINESSWORLD & BW DEFENCE. He writes on the Foreign affairs, International Trade & Defence. His global coverage-on the ground- spans more than 25 countries worldwide. Received International Press Fellowship award.
In an exclusive interaction, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO speak with Manish Kumar Jha of BW Businessworld on the wide range of technological breakthroughs and innovations which are taking place in DRDO’s laboratories spread across India
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Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister GL Peiris met with Manish Kumar Jha of BW Businessworld in Colombo. In an Exclusive interaction, he speaks on the entire range of issues that include severity of economic crisis and the measures to salvage the economic stress. He also explains the economics behind the mega projects. The questions remain on the Return on Investment. He put forth his priorities on maritime security cooperation with India in the IOR. On the issue of fishing rights in the Palk Strait, Foreign Minister says, time has come to remove such “constant irritant”. He going to discuss with the Indian foreign minister in Colombo during the BIMSTEC summit. But what is the final political solution to the North East Conflict? He speaks for the Tamil minority in North East Jaffna. Excerpts:
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In its new avatar, with structural changes and thrust on accountability, DRDO strives to push the boundaries. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO has been responsible for much of the changes lately. In an exclusive interaction, Dr Reddy speaks with Manish Kumar Jha of BW Businessworld on the wide range of technological breakthroughs and innovations which are taking place in DRDO’s laboratories spread across India. He makes major announcement on critical technologies, including aero-engine for AMCA, Rustom II, ATAGS, Light tank, Hypersonic system and Quantum breakthroughs.
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Kalyani Strategic Systems, the defence arm of Bharat Forge is aiming to be the leading Indian OEM of the world in Defence & Aerospace. KSSL is developing an entire range of field Artillery for Army: Bharat 52/ 45, Garuda 105 and ATAGS with DRDO. Fact that in decades, Indian Army could only acquire M777 howitzer into its Artillery, reflects how heavy our defence import has been — a dereliction in addressing the huge technological gaps. In an exclusive interaction, Baba Kalyani speaks with Manish Kumar Jha of BW Businessworld on his boldest steps and efforts, where he is striving to build indigenous capabilities for Indian Armed Forces. He also puts forth his vision for the critical advance technology in the areas of complex materials and structure for the engine & propulsion system.
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In an Exclusive interaction, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda speaks with BW Businessworld’s Manish Kumar Jha on a diverse set of issues ranging from trade, investment, energy to defence and security. He recently proposed developing the thrust areas to scale up the strategic relations in his unique effort which is enshrined in the ‘Integrated Country Strategy’. He talks about the restructuring and tightening debt- measures for economic recovery. His previous role as the Minister of Economic Reform in the Sri Lankan government places him crucially on the right spot to bring back the economy on its maritime strength and its relations with India. He dwells on strategic pacts like Colombo Dialogue, SAGAR and maritime security in the IOR.
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P&W is the powerhouse of aerospace engineering for its after burning turbofan engine for the world’s only operational 5th gen fighter aircraft -- F-35 and F-22 Raptor. India is on course to develop its very own 5 gen multi role fighter jet—AMCA. While Navy and IAF are gunning for Deck Based Fighter and 114 MRFA fighter program. Could P&W collaborate on such futuristic program with govt.of India? BW Businessworld’s Manish Kumar Jha speaks with Ashmita Sethi, President and Country Head, P&W on such critical technologies and the possibilities that could propel India leaf frog into building next gen advance aero engine. She also opens up on technological breakthroughs/R&D as the new hybrid-electric propulsion technology and Ceramic matrix composites will set forth the new era of aviation.
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The fifth submarine of Project 75, Yard 11879, Indian Navy’s Kalvari class commenced her sea trials on 01 Feb. The submarine is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in the year 2022 after completion of these trials. While the Project 75 is near completion, It has been marked with incessant delays and subsequent late delivery to the Indian Navy. Also, the Socorpene submarines are yet not fitted with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which was planned earlier. The AIP system was supposed to add desired capability to the conventional diesel-electric submarines underwater. DRDO is making on the AIP system and it is estimated to take another 2-3 years from the technology-demonstrator to the proven operational capability.
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In the Union Budget 2022-23 on Tuesday, a total of Rs 5.25 lakh crores has been allocated to the Defence Ministry and the Services this year. Overall, the budgetary allocation is increased by Rs 47,000 crores from last year's allocation of Rs 4.78 lakh crores which is around 10% compared to the last year. While the announcement to reserve 68% of the capital procurement budget for domestic industry is towards indigenization, the finer aspect of the budget is the focus on R&D.
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German Navy Chief Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach tended his resignation late on Saturday over his comments in India that Ukraine never become a NATO member and cannot get back Crimea while adding to remarks that Russian President Vladimir Putin “probably” deserved respect. While Navy Chief spoke on the Ukraine crisis, it was his ‘tough remark’ on China which sent another flurry among the experts of geopolitics. In the wide-ranging talk at M-IDSA, Schoenbach said that India must forge wider military alliances internationally to shield itself against a potential war with China.
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The German frigate FGS Bayern (F217) dropped anchor in Mumbai earlier today as a part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. Germany considers the Indo-Pacific to be the entire region characterised by the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. The visit marks the last stop of the frigate’s deployment, which saw German Naval presence in the region after a decade. Germany and India are advocates of free trade. Also, the chief of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, is currently in New Delhi for high level consultations with his Indian Navy.
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