Defence

The army took roadways to ensure the restoration of winter supplies in Ladakh and J&K, after railway services were suspended in Punjab due to the "Farmer Protests". It is reported that the supplies have been delivered successfully, and further assistance will be provided through airways. The "Rail Roko" started by farmers in Punjab against the new farm laws has affected the neighbouring states and the military.

CAG stated that retrofitting 56 Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force is not a sound decision. Currently operating at limited capability, after upgradation, the choppers will be left with a 2-year life; hence, 223 crore expenditure would be unproductive, stated CAG. Earlier, In 2002, IAF tried upgradation proposal to 172 helicopters which was later sliced to 90 helicopters. Israel’s Elbit Systems has agreed to help HAL and BEL in… read-more

The US on September 12 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fund a new training centre to be set up in Cyprus. The centre, which will be named Cyprus Centre for Land, Open-seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS), will provide expertise for rest of the region on border security and non-proliferation. US State Secretary Pompeo said, "We are committed to deepening our bilateral relationship."

Pentagon has revealed that China is going to double its nuclear weapons, from its current 200s mark, over the decade. The study also pointed to Beijing's ability of completing a nuclear triad soon. The Pentagon further alarmed that China does not need any further addition to its fissile material for doubling the nuclear warheads. The report was surfaced during the US Congress' discussion over the $700 billion Defence Authorisation Bill.