IAF takes delivery of second C295 transport aircraft

    IAF takes delivery of second C295 transport aircraft

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) received the second of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace its ageing Avro-748 fleet. The aircraft, part of a Rs 21,935 crore acquisition deal formalized in September 2021, will be produced in Spain and Gujarat's Vadodara under India's 'Make in India' Aerospace program. The first India-made C295 is expected to roll out in September 2026. The C295MW aircraft features modern technology and will replace the Avro aircraft, offering capabilities for quick reaction and paradropping of troops and cargo.

    Seoul spy agency warns N. Korea plotting attacks on embassies

    Seoul spy agency warns N. Korea plotting attacks on embassies

    South Korea's intelligence agency warned of potential "terrorist" attacks by North Korea targeting South Korean officials and citizens abroad. The agency detected signs of North Korean preparations in countries like China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. This is believed to be linked to defections by elite North Koreans who are avoiding returning home. South Korea raised its anti-terrorism alert for diplomatic missions in five countries. North Korea has a history of aggressive actions, including assassination attempts and attacks on South Korean assets abroad.

    National

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    IAF takes delivery of second C295 transport aircraft:Image

    IAF takes delivery of second C295 transport aircraft

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) received the second of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace its ageing Avro-748 fleet. The aircraft, part of a Rs 21,935 crore acquisition deal formalized in September 2021, will be produced in Spain and Gujarat's Vadodara under India's 'Make in India' Aerospace program. The first India-made C295 is expected to roll out in September 2026. The C295MW aircraft features modern technology and will replace the Avro aircraft, offering capabilities for quick reaction and paradropping of troops and cargo.

    International

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    Rafah assault 'could lead to a bloodbath': WHO chief:Image

    Rafah assault 'could lead to a bloodbath': WHO chief

    The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a potential "bloodbath" if Israel launches a military incursion into Gaza's southern city of Rafah. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern for the 1.2 million people seeking refuge in Rafah, stating that the already strained health system could not cope with a surge in casualties. The WHO announced contingency plans to address potential casualties, but emphasized that these measures would not prevent substantial additional mortality and morbidity resulting from a military operation.

    Industry

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    Missile defence successes in Gulf, Ukraine fuel global urgency to acquire systems:Image

    Missile defence successes in Gulf, Ukraine fuel global urgency to acquire systems

    Experts predict that the successful use of ballistic missile defenses in recent high-stakes combat scenarios in Israel, the Red Sea, and Ukraine will lead to increased global investment in these systems. The U.S. SM-3 and Israeli Arrow interceptors, as well as the MIM-104 Patriot batteries, have demonstrated effectiveness against missile attacks, encouraging more countries to invest in similar defense systems. This trend is expected to intensify missile arms races, particularly in regions like Asia, where countries are already heavily investing in missile technology.

    India fourth-largest military spender, overall global spending accelerates: SIPRI report:Image

    India fourth-largest military spender, overall global spending accelerates: SIPRI report

    In 2023, India ranked as the world's fourth-largest military spender, with a total expenditure of $83.6 billion, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year. This data comes from a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which also revealed a global rise in military spending, reaching $2,443 billion, a 7% increase from 2022. The top 10 spenders, including the United States, China, and Russia, all boosted their military expenditures.

    The Economic Times