Ammo Anti-Jamming Protocol Faces Infrastructure Challenges as Stakeholders Push for Solutions Nagpur: Defence industry stakeholders in the region highlighted the growing complexity of implementing an anti-jamming protocol for ammunition, emphasizing the critical need for dedicated testing facilities. The discussion unfolded during a stakeholder meeting chaired by Garima Bhagat, the joint secretary (land and systems) at the Ministry of Defence. Bhagat acknowledged the challenge, stating that infrastructure for electromagnetic interference and compatibility testing is being developed and is expected to be operational soon. The meeting revealed that the mandatory testing of ammunition for anti-jamming features, a requirement following Operation Sindoor, has exposed a significant gap in infrastructure. Industry representatives noted that current testing capabilities are limited, forcing reliance on the armed forces’ electronic warfare units. However, these resources are not easily accessible, creating bottlenecks for manufacturers. The issue is particularly pressing for new-age ammunition systems that rely on remote control, which necessitate robust anti-jamming measures to ensure operational reliability. Stakeholders also raised the need for a dedicated testing range for medium-calibre ammunition. A proposal was suggested to allocate space within the proposed defence nuclear and aerospace corridor at Saoner, which could serve as a centralized facility. Officials confirmed that the government is actively expanding trial ranges to address the disparity between existing infrastructure and industry demands. Another key concern raised was the delay in obtaining export licenses.#operation_sindoor #ministry_of_defence #saoner #garima_bhagat #defence_nuclear_and_aerospace_corridor
UK Marines Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel, PM Announces British armed forces conducted a six-hour operation on Sunday morning to board a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel, according to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers, supported by RAF aircraft, intercepted the vessel, which will be detained and monitored off the south coast of England as investigations proceed. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the move, emphasizing its significance in countering Russia’s efforts to circumvent sanctions. The intercepted vessel, named Smyrtos, is registered under a Cameroon flag and is currently anchored off the coast of Weymouth. Tracking data from MarineTraffic reveals the ship began its journey on June 5 from Russia’s Ust-Luga port, an oil terminal near St. Petersburg, before entering the English Channel on Saturday. The MoD stated the vessel was sanctioned in July 2025, prompting it to change its name from Myrtos to Smyrtos and switch flags twice. This aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of operating a "shadow fleet" of over 700 tankers to evade international sanctions on oil exports. The Smyrtos is part of a network responsible for transporting 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil, providing a critical lifeline for the Kremlin. The UK’s sanctions prohibit sanctioned vessels from entering UK ports and bar British entities from offering financial, insurance, or brokerage services to ships involved in Russian oil trade. The MoD noted that more than 500 vessels have been sanctioned under these measures, underscoring the scale of the effort to disrupt Russia’s oil revenues.#prime_minister_keir_starmer #ministry_of_defence #royal_marine_commandos #national_crime_agency #smyrtos
MoD Signs Rs 858 Crore Contracts for Tunguska Air Defence System and P8I Aircraft Inspection The Ministry of Defence has finalized agreements totaling Rs 858 crore for the acquisition of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and the Depot-Level Inspection of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The contracts were signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi on March 27, 2026. The Tunguska missile system contract, valued at Rs 445 crore, involves the Indian Army purchasing the advanced air defence system from JSC Rosoboronexport, a Russian state-owned defense company. The agreement was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. These missiles are designed to bolster India’s layered air defence capabilities against modern aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The deal is expected to deepen the strategic defence collaboration between India and Russia. Separately, the Ministry has inked a Rs 413 crore contract for the Depot-Level Inspection of the P8I aircraft, which will be carried out by Boeing India Defense Private Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing. This agreement, under the "Buy Indian" category with 100% indigenous content, ensures in-country maintenance and repair of the P8I fleet at a domestic MRO facility. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India policies, emphasizing self-reliance in defense infrastructure. Both contracts highlight the government’s focus on enhancing military capabilities while promoting indigenous manufacturing and strategic partnerships. The agreements were signed by senior defense officials, underscoring their significance in strengthening India’s defense preparedness.#ministry_of_defence #tunguska_air_defence_system #jsc_rosoboronexport #defence_secretary_rajesh_kumar_singh #boeing_india_defense_private_ltd
