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The air force's MiG-21 fleet is in the process of being phased out since 2022. 

Air Force grounds entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets: reports

Air Force grounds entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets: reports
MiG-21 grounded pending probe into crash over Rajasthan: reports
An Indian Air Force MiG-21 crashed on May 8

The air force's MiG-21 fleet is in the process of being phased out since 2022.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has temporarily grounded its fleet of around 50 MiG-21 fighter aircraft following the crash of one of the jets in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh nearly two weeks ago, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.
Three persons were killed after the MiG-21 aircraft crashed into a house in Hanumangarh shortly after it took off for a routine training sortie from the Air Force Station at Suratgarh on May 8.
The people cited above said all the MiG-21 aircraft are currently undergoing technical evaluation and checks, adding they will be allowed to fly only after clearance by the teams concerned carrying out the scrutiny.
The crash of the jet had again put the spotlight on the ageing fleet of Soviet-origin aircraft which were involved in around 400 accidents since their first induction in the early 1960s.
The MiG-21s used to be the mainstay of the IAF for a long period of time. After the first induction, the IAF procured over 870 MiG-21 fighters to boost its overall combat prowess.
However, the aircraft has a very poor safety record. According to official data, MiG-21s were involved in 400 crashes in the last six decades.
At present, the IAF has three MiG-21 squadrons with a total of around 50 aircraft, according to officials.
The IAF last year finalised a timeline of three years to phase out the remaining MiG-21 fighter squadrons.
The IAF also plans to start the phasing out of the three squadrons of Mig-29 fighter jets in the next five years.
As part of the IAF's modernisation plan, the defence ministry in February 2021 sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 83 Tejas jets.
The IAF has already procured 36 Rafale jets to enhance its combat capabilities.
It is also in the process of acquiring 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft.

The global military expenditure has crossed the USD 2 trillion mark for the first time, with the US, the world’s largest economy, being the top spender

World military expenditure at record high, here's how much India spends

The global military expenditure has crossed the USD 2 trillion mark for the first time, with the US, the world&rsquo;s largest economy, being the top spender

The global military expenditure has crossed the USD 2 trillion mark for the first time, with the US, the world&rsquo;s largest economy, being the top spender, Sweden-based defence think-tank SIPRI said on Monday.
In its latest report, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said that the total global military expenditure increased by 0.7 per cent in real terms in 2021, to reach USD 2,113 billion.
&ldquo;The five largest spenders in 2021 were the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom and Russia, together accounting for 62 per cent of expenditure,&rdquo; it said.
India's military expenditure increased to USD 76.6 billion in 2021, which was the third highest in the world. "India's spending was up by 0.9 per cent from 2020 and by 33 per cent from 2012," the report issued by the Stockholm-based defence think-tank said.
The report said that world military spending continued to grow in 2021, reaching an all-time high of USD 2.1 trillion.
This was the seventh consecutive year that the spending on the military has increased, it said.
&ldquo;Even amid the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, world military spending hit record levels,&rdquo; said Dr Diego Lopes da Silva, Senior Researcher with SIPRI&rsquo;s Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme.
&ldquo;There was a slowdown in the rate of real-terms growth due to inflation. In nominal terms, however, military spending grew by 6.1 per cent,&rdquo; the report issued by the Stockholm-based defence think-tank said.
As a result of a sharp economic recovery in 2021, the global military burden -- world military expenditure as a share of world gross domestic product (GDP) -- fell by 0.1 percentage point from 2.3 per cent in 2020 to 2.2 per cent in 2021.
The report said that the US military spending amounted to USD 801 billion in 2021, a drop of 1.4 per cent from 2020.
Meanwhile, Russia increased its military expenditure by 2.9 per cent in 2021 to USD 65.9 billion at a time when it was building up its forces along the Ukrainian border, the SIPRI report said.
This was the third consecutive year of growth and Russia&rsquo;s military spending reached 4.1 per cent of GDP in 2021.
&ldquo;High oil and gas revenues helped Russia to boost its military spending in 2021. Russian military expenditure had been in decline between 2016 and 2019 as a result of low energy prices combined with sanctions in response to Russia&rsquo;s annexation of Crimea in 2014,&rdquo; said Lucie B&eacute;raud-Sudreau, Director of SIPRI&rsquo;s Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme.
As it has strengthened its defences against Russia, Ukraine&rsquo;s military spending has risen by 72 per cent since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Spending fell in 2021, to USD 5.9 billion, but still accounted for 3.2 per cent of the country&rsquo;s GDP.
China, the world&rsquo;s second-largest spender, allocated an estimated USD 293 billion to its military in 2021, an increase of 4.7 per cent compared with 2020, the report said. China&rsquo;s military spending has grown for 27 consecutive years.
Following initial approval of its 2021 budget, the Japanese government added USD 7.0 billion to military spending, the report said, adding that as a result, spending rose by 7.3 per cent, to USD 54.1 billion in 2021, the highest annual increase since 1972.
Eight European North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members reached the Alliance&rsquo;s target of spending 2 per cent or more of GDP on their armed forces in 2021. This is one fewer than in 2020 but up from two in 2014.
Germany, the third largest spender in Central and Western Europe, spent USD 56.0 billion on its military in 2021, or 1.3 per cent of its GDP. Military spending was 1.4 per cent lower compared with 2020 due to inflation, the report added.&nbsp;

Spending globally increased by 3.7% in real terms, but military expenditure in Europe was up 13%

World military spending up to an all-time high: Swedish report

Global military spending grew for the eighth consecutive year in 2022 to an all-time high of $2.24 trillion,

Spending globally increased by 3.7% in real terms, but military expenditure in Europe was up 13%

Global military spending grew for the eighth consecutive year in 2022 to an all-time high of $2.24 trillion, with a sharp rise in Europe, chiefly due to Russian and Ukrainian expenditure, a Swedish think tank said Monday.
Spending globally increased by 3.7% in real terms, but military expenditure in Europe was up 13% &mdash; its steepest year-on-year increase in at least 30 years, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, said in a report. Military aid to Ukraine and concerns about a heightened threat from Russia &ldquo;strongly influenced many other states' spending decisions.&rdquo; The independent Swedish watchdog said that last year, the three largest arms spenders were the United States, China and Russia, who between them accounted for 56% of global expenditure.
The rise &ldquo;is a sign that we are living in an increasingly insecure world,&rdquo; said Nan Tian, a researcher with SIPRI's Military Expenditure and Arms Production Program.
Several states significantly increased their military spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while others announced plans to raise spending levels over periods of up to a decade. Some of the sharpest increases were seen in countries near Russia: Finland (36 %), Lithuania (27%), Sweden (12%) and Poland (11%).
Both Sweden and Finland jointly applied for NATO membership in May 2022, abandoning decades of nonalignment in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While Finland has been admitted, Sweden's bid to join NATO remains stalled by opposition from Turkey and Hungary.
&ldquo;While the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 certainly affected military spending decisions in 2022, concerns about Russian aggression have been building for much longer,&rdquo; said Lorenzo Scarazzato, a researcher with SIPRI's Military Expenditure and Arms Production Program.
&ldquo;Many former Eastern bloc states have more than doubled their military spending since 2014, the year when Russia annexed Crimea.&rdquo; Russia also has increased its military spending. SIPRI said that grew by an estimated 9.2% in 2022, to around $86.4 billion. That is equivalent to 4.1% of Russia's gross domestic product in 2022, up from 3.7% the previous year.
Established in 1966, SIPRI is an international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.

 
No matter who is going to win this war,but these pictures of soldiers won millions of hearts today.
 

Ukrainian military shares pictures of hidden snipers, to observe your observation power.. Internet awed

Ukrainian National Guard posted 3 pictures, where snipers laying down, totally covered with snow, showing their bravery towards their duty.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

As the war with Russia continues amid bitter winter, images of Ukrainian soldiers camouflaged in snow has sent waves of awe among the netizens.&nbsp; The Ukrainian National Guard posted 3 pictures, where snipers are seen laying down, totally covered with snow, as they remain alert to scuttle the Russian advances.&nbsp; The Ukrainian National Guard posted the images on Twitter and asked the netizens to locate the snipers. Although the timing and location of the photographs are unknown, they received a lot of attention on social media with users trying to locate the soldiers.&nbsp;
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/nyt-leaked-russian-soldiers-contact-details-amid-ukraine-war-report-1673523318323">NYT leaked Russian soldiers' contact details amid Ukraine war: report</a>
&nbsp;

Explosion near Kabul military airfield, several killed

"A number of our compatriots have been martyred and wounded in the blast," Takor said, adding that authorities were investigating the incident.

An explosion at the entrance to a military airfield in the Afghan capital killed and wounded several people on Sunday, an official told AFP.
The cause of the blast at the gate of the facility next to Kabul's international airport was unclear, interior ministry spokesman Abdul Nafy Takor said.
"A number of our compatriots have been martyred and wounded in the blast," Takor said, adding that authorities were investigating the incident.
The Taliban authorities claim to have improved security since storming back to power in August 2021 but there have been scores of bomb blasts and attacks, many claimed by the local chapter of the Islamic State group.
Last month at least five Chinese nationals were wounded when gunmen stormed a hotel popular with Chinese business people in Kabul. The attack was claimed by IS.
Hundreds of people, including members of Afghanistan's minority communities, have been killed and wounded in attacks since the Taliban returned to power.
Also read|<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/protests-as-taliban-bar-afghan-women-from-university-1671629183536">Protests as Taliban bar Afghan women from university</a>

Watch: Russian Santa arrive in tank to interact with locals on war duty

Watch: Russian Santa arrives in tank to interact with locals on war duty

Ded Moroz, Russia's equivalent of Santa Claus was seen driving around in a armoured vehicle and interacting with people in Russian army uniforms in a forest

Ded Moroz, Russia's equivalent of Santa Claus was seen driving around in a armoured vehicle and interacting with people in Russian army uniforms in a forest

Images released by the authorities of Belgorod, a city on the border with Ukraine shelled on several occasions last fall, show Ded Moroz, Russia's equivalent of Santa Claus, driving around in a armoured vehicle and interacting with people in Russian army uniforms in a forest.
While for Ukraine, the country also marked dim celebrations with Christmas tree decorated with doves, which is considered a peace symbol.
Meanwhile, on the warfront a fresh barrage of Russian strikes battered Ukraine on Thursday, wounding at least three people including a teenager in Kyiv and cutting electricity in the west.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/russia-fires-more-than-120-missiles-into-ukraine-casualties-reported-1672306940140">Russia fires more than 120 missiles into Ukraine, casualties reported</a>
On Thursday morning, blasts were reported across the vast country including in the Ukrainian capital, the second city Kharkiv in the east and the western city of Lviv on the border with Poland.
Most of Lviv, where Russian strikes are still rare, was left without electricity, its mayor Andriy Sadoviy said.
(With agency inputs)

Taiwan extends mandatory military service over China threat

Taiwan restores 1-year military service amid threats by China

Beijing considers self-ruled, democratic Taiwan a part of its territory, to be taken one day, by force if necessary, and the island lives under the constant fear of a Chinese invasion.

Beijing considers self-ruled, democratic Taiwan a part of its territory, to be taken one day, by force if necessary, and the island lives under the constant fear of a Chinese invasion

Taiwan announced an extension in mandatory military service from four months to one year, citing the threat from an increasingly hostile China.
Beijing considers self-ruled, democratic Taiwan a part of its territory, to be taken one day, by force if necessary, and the island lives under the constant fear of a Chinese invasion.
China's sabre-rattling has intensified in recent years under President Xi Jinping, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine has further deepened worries in Taiwan that Beijing might move similarly to annex the island.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/after-india-lac-clash-china-sends-39-warplanes-3-ships-towards-taiwan-in-latest-border-aggression-1671688708142">After India LAC clash, China sends 39 warplanes, 3 ships towards Taiwan in latest border aggression</a>
China's "intimidation and threats against Taiwan are getting more obvious", President Tsai Ing-wen told a press conference after a high-level government meeting on national security.
"No one wants war... but my fellow countrymen, peace will not fall from the sky."
"The current four-month military service is not enough to meet the fast and ever-changing situation," she said. "We have decided to restore the one-year military service from 2024."
The extended requirement will apply to men born after January 1, 2005, Tsai added.
Mandatory service used to be deeply unpopular in Taiwan, and its previous government had reduced it from one year to four months with the aim of creating a mainly volunteer force.
But recent polling showed more than three-quarters of the Taiwanese public now believes that is too short.
Tsai described the extension as "an extremely difficult decision... to ensure the democratic way of life for our future generations".
"We can only avoid a war by preparing for a war and we can only stop a war by being capable of fighting a war."
The prospect of a Chinese invasion has increasingly worried Western nations and many of China's neighbours.
Xi, China's most authoritarian leader in decades, has made clear that what he calls the "reunification" of Taiwan cannot be passed on to future generations.
Taiwan and China split at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, and Tsai has said becoming a part of China is not acceptable to the people of the island.
Taiwan is a mountainous island and would present a formidable challenge to an invading force, but it is massively outgunned with 89,000 ground forces compared with China's one million, according to a Pentagon estimate released last month.
Beijing also has a huge advantage in military equipment.
Taiwan has stepped up reservist training and increased its purchases of warplanes and anti-ship missiles to bolster its defences. But experts have said that is not enough.
The island needs to go further than just extending mandatory service, said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based analyst.
"Given the threat level and the example of Russia in Ukraine, I hope the Taiwanese public realises that such measures are needed," he told AFP.
"The threat that Taiwan faces is just as existential."
The military service announcement on Tuesday came two days after Chinese military exercises near Taiwan, which were held in response to what Beijing described as "provocations" and "collusion" between Washington and Taipei.

Pak authorities arrest PTI Senator for tweets against military officials

The complaint said on Nov 24, @HaqeeqatTV_20 tweeted about outgoing General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the senator responded to it &ldquo;with strong language&rdquo;.

Pakistan authorities on Sunday arrested a Senator of Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party for allegedly using abusive and threatening language against senior military officials.
Azam Swati was taken into custody by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for the second time in less than two months for tweets against army leaders. He was previously arrested by the FIA in October.
A first information (FIR) report was registered under Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (Peca) by the FIA on the complaint of the state through Islamabad Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (CCRC) Technical Assistant Aneesur Rehman.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/in-first-rally-since-attack-imran-khan-announces-resignation-of-party-leaders-from-all-assembly-seats-1669517838945">In first rally since attack, Imran Khan announces resignation of party leaders from all assembly seats</a>
The FIR stated that Swati and three other Twitter accounts &mdash; @Wolf1Ak, @HaqeeqatTV_20 and @Azaadi99 &mdash; &ldquo;with malafide intentions and ulterior motives, started [a] highly obnoxious campaign of intimidating tweets [&hellip;] against state institutions&rdquo; and senior government functionaries, including outgoing army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Swati on November 26 tweeted that he would go after a senior military official at every forum, the FIR stated. On November 19, @Azaadi99 shared a tweet which held generals responsible for the country&rsquo;s destruction to which Swati replied with &ldquo;thank you&rdquo;.
Further, @Wolf1Ak on November 24 stated that &ldquo;tabdeeli&rdquo; had to begin by clearing the filth of the &ldquo;corrupt generals&rdquo; from the institution, to which Swati again replied with &ldquo;thank you&rdquo;.
The complaint said on Nov 24, @HaqeeqatTV_20 tweeted about outgoing General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the senator responded to it &ldquo;with strong language&rdquo;.
The FIR said such &ldquo;intimidating tweets of blaming and naming&rdquo; were a &ldquo;mischievous act of subversion to create a rift between personnel of armed forces to harm the state of Pakistan&rdquo;.

All you need to know about India-US mega military exercise in Uttarakhand

All you need to know about India-US mega military exercise

The "Yudh Abhyas" exercise is taking place in the backdrop of India's lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

All you need to know about the upcoming India-US mega military drill

The "Yudh Abhyas" exercise is taking place in the backdrop of India's lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

A major batallion-level exercise between India and US will be conducted from Novemebr 15- December 2 in Uttarakhand's Auli, reports say.
As part of this joint exercise titled 'Yudh Abhyas,' the military of both countries will be engaged in a number of complex drills.&nbsp;
The exercise will reportedly involve participation of 350 soliders empoloyed in intergrated battle groups in mountains and extreme cold climate.
The last such bilateral exercise was held in October 2021 in Alaska in the US.
The "Yudh Abhyas" exercise is taking place in the backdrop of India's lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.
In June 2016, the US designated India a "Major Defence Partner".
The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.
The two sides also signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India.
In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to further boost bilateral defence ties.
The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.
(With inputs from PTI)
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/yudh-abhyas-indo-us-joint-exercise-significant-in-the-wake-of-border-developments-1612350575388">'Yudh Abhyas': Indo-US exercise &lsquo;significant in wake of border concerns&rsquo;</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision this week to mobilise several hundred thousand reservists has spurred a fresh exodus over the country's borders.
"The situation in Russia would make anyone want to leave," said another new arrival, 44-year-old Sergei, who arrived with his teenage son.
Looking lost and exhausted in an Armenian airport, he confirmed that they had fled "because of the mobilisation", but refused to give his full name.
"We choose not to wait to be called up," said his 17-year-old son Nikolai. "I am not panicking, but I feel this uncertainty," he added.
It was a sentiment shared by other Russians arriving off the same flight to Yerevan.
"It's wrong to go to war in the 21st century -- to put it mildly," Alexei, 39, told AFP.
He was not sure if he would ever be able return to Russia, he added. "It all depends on the situation."
- 'False information' -
Military-aged men made up the majority of those arriving off the latest flight from Moscow. Many were reluctant to speak. Yerevan has become a major destination for Russians fleeing since war began on February 24.
Since then, Armenia says at least 40,000 Russians have arrived in the small Caucasus country, once a part of the Soviet Union.
Nearly 50,000 Russians have fled to neighbouring Georgia, national statistics from June showed.
The Kremlin on Thursday dismissed as "fake" reports that Russians eligible for mobilisation were rushing for the exit.
"A great deal of false information has emerged about this," said spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russians run-off to avoid Putin's military call-up for war against Ukraine

Nearly 50,000 Russians have fled to neighbouring Georgia, national statistics from June showed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision this week to mobilise several hundred thousand reservists has spurred a fresh exodus over the country's borders.
"The situation in Russia would make anyone want to leave," said another new arrival, 44-year-old Sergei, who arrived with his teenage son.
Looking lost and exhausted in an Armenian airport, he confirmed that they had fled "because of the mobilisation", but refused to give his full name.
"We choose not to wait to be called up," said his 17-year-old son Nikolai. "I am not panicking, but I feel this uncertainty," he added.
It was a sentiment shared by other Russians arriving off the same flight to Yerevan.
"It's wrong to go to war in the 21st century -- to put it mildly," Alexei, 39, told AFP.
ALSO WATCH: <a title="Saudi launches astronaut program, to send woman astronaut to space in 2023" href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/saudi-launches-astronaut-program-to-send-woman-astronaut-to-space-in-2023-1663902023171">Saudi launches astronaut program, to send woman astronaut to space in 2023</a>
He was not sure if he would ever be able return to Russia, he added. "It all depends on the situation."
- 'False information' -
Military-aged men made up the majority of those arriving off the latest flight from Moscow. Many were reluctant to speak. Yerevan has become a major destination for Russians fleeing since war began on February 24.
Since then, Armenia says at least 40,000 Russians have arrived in the small Caucasus country, once a part of the Soviet Union.
Nearly 50,000 Russians have fled to neighbouring Georgia, national statistics from June showed.
The Kremlin on Thursday dismissed as "fake" reports that Russians eligible for mobilisation were rushing for the exit.
"A great deal of false information has emerged about this," said spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a partial mobilization in Russia as the war in Ukraine reaches nearly seven months and Moscow loses ground on the battlefield.
Putin’s address to the nation comes a day after Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine announced plans to hold votes on becoming integral parts of Russia.
The Kremlin-backed efforts to swallow up four regions could set the stage for Moscow to escalate the war following Ukrainian successes.
Putin said he has signed a decree on the partial mobilization, which is due to start on Wednesday.

Russia-Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin signs decree on partial mobilization of military 

The Kremlin-backed efforts to swallow up four regions could set the stage for Moscow to escalate the war following Ukrainian successes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced a partial mobilization in Russia as the war in Ukraine reaches nearly seven months and Moscow loses ground on the battlefield.
Putin&rsquo;s address to the nation comes a day after Russian-controlled regions in eastern and southern Ukraine announced plans to hold votes on becoming integral parts of Russia.
The Kremlin-backed efforts to swallow up four regions could set the stage for Moscow to escalate the war following Ukrainian successes.
Putin said he has signed a decree on the partial mobilization, which is due to start on Wednesday.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/vladimir-putin-is-further-isolating-himself-from-international-community-1663410979666">&lsquo;Vladimir Putin is further isolating himself from international community&rsquo;</a>

Taiwan's military began a live-fire artillery exercise on Tuesday simulating a defence of the island against an attack by China amid massive military drills conducted by Beijing over the past week. 

Taiwan holds live-fire military drill to 'prep for invasion' by China

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu, reportedly, accused China of 'preparing for an invasion'.&nbsp;

Taiwan's military began a live-fire artillery exercise on Tuesday simulating a defence of the island against an attack by China amid massive military drills conducted by Beijing over the past week.
The drills, reportedly, started in the southern county of Pingtung and include the deployment of several troops and howitzers.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's foreign minister, reportedly, accused China of 'preparing for an invasion'. Joseph Wu said that Beijing is using air and sea drills encircling the island and to change the status quo in the Asia-Pacific region.
China launched its largest-ever war drills around Taiwan in response to a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the highest-ranking US official to visit the self-ruled island in 25 years. The visit was seen by China as the US undermining the 'One China Policy.'
China views its neighbour Taiwan as part of Chinese territory to be reclaimed one day.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/china-continues-military-drills-around-taiwan-even-after-end-of-four-day-schedule-1659970872647">China continues military drills around Taiwan even after end of four-day schedule</a>

The latest Chinese threats and Taiwan's defence move suggest the possibility of a renewed crisis in Taiwan Strait

military drill in Taipei

Military drill in Taiwan amid Pelosi visit & Chinese threats

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je in a presser asserted that the island nation needs to be prepared if there is war. Meanwhile, Beijing says that its actions are aimed at preventing other nations- mainly US from interfering in Taiwan's matters

Amid concerns of Chinese retaliation to US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's expected visit, Taiwan has conducted military drills in its capital city. Air raid sirens were sounded in Taipei as part of joint air and sea exercises. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je in a presser asserted that the island nation needs to be prepared if there is war. The situation has worsened after China said it will act if Pelosi visits Taiwan and its actions are aimed at preventing other nations- mainly US from interfering in Taiwan's matters &amp; advocating its independence.&nbsp;
The latest Chinese threats and Taiwan's defence move suggest the possibility of a renewed crisis in Taiwan Strait
China considers self-ruling Taiwan as its own territory and has time and again received global criticism for its forced tactics in the region. Taiwan, on the other hand, dismisses Chinese sovereignty claim vowing to defend its territory.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/taiwan-asks-countries-to-combat-china-s-regional-expansionism-1599570996470">Taiwan asks countries to combat China's regional expansionism</a>

With the new Agnipath programme of military recruitment causing widespread protests in India, let's take a look at how some other countries induct soldiers into their armed forces.
The United States of America has a voluntary armed force, like India. Most American soldiers serve for 4 years, and their tenure can be extended for 4 more years. Soldiers can also apply for full service, and they become eligible for benefits like pension after serving for 20 years.
In China, all males aged 18+ have to register for military service. Around 4.5 lakh soldiers are inducted into the Chinese People's Liberation Army every year. Many serve for 2 years after being trained for 40 days. Those serving for 2 years get tax and loan benefits. Some soldiers are promoted to permanent service.
ALSO WATCH | Agnipath vs Short Service Commission vs Permanent Commission in Indian armed forces: comparison
Russia has a hybrid conscription and contract model. Soldiers get 1-year training and then serve for a year. After this, they are added to reserve force ranks. From this pool, permanent recruitment is done. Recruits get education opportunities and benefits.
Israel has compulsory military service, and recruits are given basic training. Males have to serve for 32 months, while females have to serve for 24 months. Subsequently, soldiers are placed in reserve, and can be called as per requirement. 10% of the recruits are inducted for long-term service. This involves a 7-year contract. Soldiers are eligible for pension after 12 years of service.
Meanwhile, France follows various recruitment models. Some soldiers are inducted on contractual basis. Renewable contracts range from 1 year to 5 years. Soldiers are trained for 3 months. Pension benefits kick in after 19 years of service.
ALSO WATCH | India building hypersonic missile which may even beat US defence system? Watch BrahMos chief's prediction
The details of foreign armies were reportedly released by the government to fight criticism of the Agnipath scheme.
Under the recently-announced programme, recruits called Agniveer will be inducted into the forces for 4 years of service, with around 25% being eventually transferred to the regular cadre.
The government said that the scheme would infuse youth power into the forces, while also providing valuable experience and skills to recruits. The Narendra Modi administration had initially announced an age window of 17.5 to 21 years, but then declared a one-time relaxation in the upper limit to 23 years.
Protesting aspirants are worried about employment and benefits like pension. They feel that the new scheme will leave them in limbo after 4 years. The government has claimed that they will get preference for many government jobs, and also assistance if they want to start their own work. Also, earlier models of recruitment like permanent commission and short service commission will continue.
However, it is not just aspirants who are opposing the scheme. Many veterans of the armed forces have raised questions regarding the Agnipath programme, claiming that it will reduce the operational preparedness and impact organisational effectiveness of the military.

Agnipath: how USA, China, Russia, Israel recruit soldiers | Military comparison amid India protests

With Agnipath scheme sparking protests in many parts of India, here's a look at how USA, China, Russia, Israel, and France recruit soldiers - from compulsory conscription, to voluntary induction, and contractual service.

With the new Agnipath programme of military recruitment causing widespread protests in India, let's take a look at how some other countries induct soldiers into their armed forces.
The United States of America has a voluntary armed force, like India. Most American soldiers serve for 4 years, and their tenure can be extended for 4 more years. Soldiers can also apply for full service, and they become eligible for benefits like pension after serving for 20 years.
In China, all males aged 18+ have to register for military service. Around 4.5 lakh soldiers are inducted into the Chinese People's Liberation Army every year. Many serve for 2 years after being trained for 40 days. Those serving for 2 years get tax and loan benefits. Some soldiers are promoted to permanent service.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/agnipath-vs-short-service-commission-vs-permanent-commission-in-indian-armed-forces-explained-1655228750863" target="_blank">Agnipath vs Short Service Commission vs Permanent Commission in Indian armed forces: comparison</a>
Russia has a hybrid conscription and contract model. Soldiers get 1-year training and then serve for a year. After this, they are added to reserve force ranks. From this pool, permanent recruitment is done. Recruits get education opportunities and benefits.
Israel has compulsory military service, and recruits are given basic training. Males have to serve for 32 months, while females have to serve for 24 months. Subsequently, soldiers are placed in reserve, and can be called as per requirement. 10% of the recruits are inducted for long-term service. This involves a 7-year contract. Soldiers are eligible for pension after 12 years of service.
Meanwhile, France follows various recruitment models. Some soldiers are inducted on contractual basis. Renewable contracts range from 1 year to 5 years. Soldiers are trained for 3 months. Pension benefits kick in after 19 years of service.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/india-building-hypersonic-missile-which-may-even-beat-us-defence-system-watch-brahmos-chief-s-prediction-1655145065261" target="_blank">India building hypersonic missile which may even beat US defence system? Watch BrahMos chief's prediction</a>
The details of foreign armies were reportedly released by the government to fight criticism of the Agnipath scheme.
Under the recently-announced programme, recruits called Agniveer will be inducted into the forces for 4 years of service, with around 25% being eventually transferred to the regular cadre.
The government said that the scheme would infuse youth power into the forces, while also providing valuable experience and skills to recruits. The Narendra Modi administration had initially announced an age window of 17.5 to 21 years, but then declared a one-time relaxation in the upper limit to 23 years.
Protesting aspirants are worried about employment and benefits like pension. They feel that the new scheme will leave them in limbo after 4 years. The government has claimed that they will get preference for many government jobs, and also assistance if they want to start their own work. Also, earlier models of recruitment like permanent commission and short service commission will continue.
However, it is not just aspirants who are opposing the scheme. Many veterans of the armed forces have raised questions regarding the Agnipath programme, claiming that it will reduce the operational preparedness and impact organisational effectiveness of the military.

A military drone, capable of firing weapons and targeting enemies using artificial intelligence, and without specific commands, is in high demand. This is what the general manager of Turkish defence equipment company STM claimed recently.
STM's Ozgur Guleruz claimed that at least 20 countries are interested in buying the KARGU Rotary Wing Strike UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The KARGU drones have reportedly been in service with the Turkish military since 2018, but gained fame in defence circles after an incident in 2020.
The drone had been deployed in Libya in 2020, when it reportedly attacked a soldier without any command from its operator. The KARGU drone attacked the soldier from Khalifa Haftar's forces without any command as it was in a "highly efficient autonomous mode" which implies artificial intelligence, as per a bulgarianmilitary.com report, quoting a UN document.
This was widely described as the first case of a drone attacking a human fully autonomously.
The KARGU drone is a small, portable, rotary-wing kamikaze drone, with two control modes: autonomous and manual. It is programmed with artificial intelligence with integrated machine learning algorithm.
The drone has a 5 km operational range, and can be used for both day and night operations, for tracking moving targets, and navigation, among others. The KARGU offers different ammunition options, in-flight mission abortion, and also emergency self-destruction, as per bulgarianmilitary.com.

This military drone with AI attacks enemies without operator's command; in high demand, says Turkey's STM | KARGU

This military drone with AI attacks enemies without operator's command; in high demand, says Turkey's STM


The KARGU drone, made by Turkey's STM, had been deployed in Libya in 2020, when it reportedly attacked a soldier without any command from its operator.

A military drone, capable of firing weapons and targeting enemies using artificial intelligence, and without specific commands, is in high demand. This is what the general manager of Turkish defence equipment company STM claimed recently.
STM's Ozgur Guleruz claimed that at least 20 countries are interested in buying the KARGU Rotary Wing Strike UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The KARGU drones have reportedly been in service with the Turkish military since 2018, but gained fame in defence circles after an incident in 2020.
The drone had been deployed in Libya in 2020, when it reportedly attacked a soldier without any command from its operator. The KARGU drone attacked the soldier from Khalifa Haftar's forces without any command as it was in a "highly efficient autonomous mode" which implies artificial intelligence, as per a bulgarianmilitary.com report, quoting a UN document.
This was widely described as the first case of a drone attacking a human fully autonomously.
The KARGU drone is a small, portable, rotary-wing kamikaze drone, with two control modes: autonomous and manual. It is programmed with artificial intelligence with integrated machine learning algorithm.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/russia-readies-mariupol-port-for-operations-but-can-ukraine-expect-safe-passage-1653727087311" target="_blank">Russia readies Mariupol port for operations, but can Ukraine expect safe passage?</a>
The drone has a 5 km operational range, and can be used for both day and night operations, for tracking moving targets, and navigation, among others. The KARGU offers different ammunition options, in-flight mission abortion, and also emergency self-destruction, as per bulgarianmilitary.com.

Four Lashkar-e-Taiba militants were killed in two separate encounters in Kashmir in a span of 10 hours by security forces.
Of the four, two killed in an overnight operation in Awantipora were involved in the murder of artist Amreen Bhat. A police spokesman said that an encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Awantipora area of Pulwama district.
In a predawn operation, two LeT militants were killed in Soura, where a cop had been shot dead and his daughter injured just a few days earlier.
Inspector General of Police (Kashmir zone) Vijay Kumar confirmed the encounters.
Amreen Bhat, who worked as a TV artiste besides being an emerging social media starlet, was shot dead and her 10-year-old nephew injured by ultras inside her house at Chadoora in Budgam district on Wednesday.
(With PTI inputs)

4 LeT militants killed in 10 hours in Kashmir; 2 involved in killing of artist Amreen Bhat shot dead

4 LeT militants killed in 2 encounters in Kashmir; 2 involved in killing of artist Amreen Bhat shot dead

Four&nbsp;militants were killed in two separate encounters in Kashmir, including two who were involved in artist Amreen&nbsp;Bhat's&nbsp;death

Four Lashkar-e-Taiba militants were killed in two separate encounters in Kashmir in a span of 10 hours by security forces.
Of the four, two killed in an overnight operation in Awantipora were involved in the murder of artist Amreen&nbsp;Bhat. A police spokesman said that an encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Awantipora area of Pulwama district.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/kashmir-3-pakistani-terrorists-policeman-killed-in-chance-baramalla-encounter-1653469202953" target="_blank">Kashmir: 3 Pakistani terrorists, policeman killed in 'chance' Baramulla encounter</a>
In a predawn operation, two&nbsp;LeT&nbsp;militants were killed in&nbsp;Soura, where a cop had been shot dead and his daughter injured just a few days earlier.
Inspector General of Police (Kashmir zone) Vijay Kumar confirmed the encounters.
Amreen Bhat, who worked as a TV artiste besides being an emerging social media starlet, was shot dead and her 10-year-old nephew injured by ultras inside her house at Chadoora in Budgam district on Wednesday.
(With PTI&nbsp;inputs)

Captain Abhilasha Barak on Wednesday became the first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army.
Officials said she has been awarded the coveted 'wings' along with 36 Army pilots by the director-general of the Army Aviation during a ceremony held at Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik.
"Captain Barak became the first woman officer to join the Army Aviation Corps as combat aviator after successful completion of the combat Army aviation course," an official said.
She hails from Haryana and was commissioned into the Army Air Defence Corps in September 2018.
The combat aviator is the daughter of Col S Om Singh (Retd).
Captain Abhilasha has done a number of professional military courses before joining the Army Aviation Corps, said the official.
The Army Aviation Corps is a component of the Army that was formed in November 1986. The Corps is headed by a Lt Gen rank officer known as Director General of Army Aviation.
Over the years, the corps has expanded exponentially with the addition of new units and state of the alt equipment like Cheetah Dhruv, Rudra light combat helicopter and remotely piloted aircraft.
With the motto 'Swift and Sure', the youngest corps of the Indian Army is set to further grow in its tactical importance in the battlefield to take further its role of force multiplier.
The three services have gradually opened up key postings for women in the last few years.
In 2018, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo. She flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight.
Chaturvedi was part of a three-member women team commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.
In 2020, the Navy announced deploying its first batch of women pilots on the Dornier maritime aircraft.
In a significant move, the Army in 2019 began the process of inducting women into the military police.
The role of the military police includes policing cantonments and army establishments, preventing breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, and maintaining the movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war.

Indian Army gets its first woman combat aviator in Abhilasha Barak

She hails from Haryana and was commissioned into the Army Air Defence Corps in September 2018

Captain Abhilasha Barak on Wednesday became the first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army.
Officials said she has been awarded the coveted 'wings' along with 36 Army pilots by the director-general of the Army Aviation during a ceremony held at Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik.
"Captain Barak became the first woman officer to join the Army Aviation Corps as combat aviator after successful completion of the combat Army aviation course," an official said.
She hails from Haryana and was commissioned into the Army Air Defence Corps in September 2018.
The combat aviator is the daughter of Col S Om Singh (Retd).
Captain Abhilasha has done a number of professional military courses before joining the Army Aviation Corps, said the official.
The Army Aviation Corps is a component of the Army that was formed in November 1986. The Corps is headed by a Lt Gen rank officer known as Director General of Army Aviation.
Over the years, the corps has expanded exponentially with the addition of new units and state of the alt equipment like Cheetah Dhruv, Rudra light combat helicopter and remotely piloted aircraft.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/another-glass-ceiling-shattered-women-aiming-to-be-iaf-fighter-pilots-rejoice-1643772233169" target="_blank">Another glass ceiling shattered: women aiming to be IAF fighter pilots rejoice!</a>
With the motto 'Swift and Sure', the youngest corps of the Indian Army is set to further grow in its tactical importance in the battlefield to take further its role of force multiplier.
The three services have gradually opened up key postings for women in the last few years.
In 2018, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo. She flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight.
Chaturvedi was part of a three-member women team commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.
In 2020, the Navy announced deploying its first batch of women pilots on the Dornier maritime aircraft.
In a significant move, the Army in 2019 began the process of inducting women into the military police.
The role of the military police includes policing cantonments and army establishments, preventing breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, and maintaining the movement of soldiers as well as logistics during peace and war.

In a report on military spending across the world in 2021, India featured in the Top 3. In the analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, the largest military spending nation in 2021, was the United States of America. In second place, was China. India followed at third place. The Top 5 were rounded out by the United Kingdom, and Russia.
But how much did these countries actually spend on their militaries?
USA spent $801 billion in 2021, down 1.4% from 2020. China spent $293 billion on its military in 2021, up 4.7% from 2020. India spent $76.6 billion, an increase of 0.9% from 2020. The United Kingdom spent $68.4 billion, up 3% from 2020. Russia, which is currently engaged in an invasion of Ukraine, spent $65.9 billion on its military. This was an increase of 2.9% over 2020.
The top 5 countries, which included India, accounted for 62% of the global military expenditure. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, global military expenditure witnessed a 0.7% increase in real terms in 2021, according to SIPRI.

Military spending list: see India's rank; USA, China, Russia, UK comparison for 2021 expenditure

Military spending list: see India's rank versus USA, China, Russia, UK


Military spending list: See India's rank; USA, China, Russia, UK comparison for 2021 expenditure

THUMBNAIL MILITARY SPEND LIST: INDIA Vs CHINA Vs USA
&nbsp;
((JET FIRING MISSILE VISUALS))
VO: In a report on military spending across the world in 2021, India featured in the Top 3.
 ((GFX - ranking text should be big, come one by one))
HEADER - MILITARY EXPENDITURE RANKS
#1 USA #2 China #3 India #4 UK #5 Russia
*SIPRI 2021 REPORT
 VO ON GFX: In the analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, the largest military spending nation in 2021, was the United States of America. In second place, was China. India followed at third place. The Top 5 were rounded out by the United Kingdom, and Russia.
 ((TANKS, FIGHTER JET GOOD VISUALS))
 But how much did these countries actually spend on their militaries?
 &nbsp; ((GFX - ranking text should be big, come one by one on separate plates))
HEADER - MILITARY EXPENDITURE IN 2021
 USA $801 billion
1.4% (arrow down)
 *SIPRI 2021 REPORT
 --
 CHINA $293 billion
4.7% (arrow up)
 *SIPRI 2021 REPORT
 --
 INDIA $76.6 billion
0.9% (arrow up)
 *SIPRI 2021 REPORT
 --
 UK $68.4 billion
3% (arrow up)
 *SIPRI 2021 REPORT
 --
 RUSSIA $65.9 billion
2.9% (arrow up)
 *SIPRI 2021 REPORT
&nbsp;
VO ON GFX: USA spent $801 billion in 2021, down 1.4% from 2020.&nbsp;China spent $293 billion on its military in 2021, up 4.7% from 2020. India spent $76.6 billion, an increase of 0.9% from 2020. The United Kingdom spent $68.4 billion, up 3% from 2020.
Russia, which is currently engaged in an invasion of Ukraine, spent $65.9 billion on its military. This was an increase of 2.9% over 2020.
 ((TANKS, FIGHTER JET GOOD VISUALS))
The top 5 countries, which included India, accounted for 62% of the global military expenditure.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, global military expenditure witnessed a 0.7% increase in real terms in 2021, according to SIPRI.
==========================================
CAPTIONS Global military spending report Top 5 nations in 2021 revealed Military spending rose despite Covid Top 5 nations = 62% global budget

<div class="elementToProof">In an analysis by&nbsp;Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI,&nbsp;of military expenditure in 2021, India featured at third rank, after USA and China.</div>

In a report on military spending across the world in 2021, India featured in the Top 3.&nbsp;In the analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, the largest military spending nation in 2021, was the United States of America. In second place, was China.&nbsp;India followed at third place.&nbsp;The Top 5 were rounded out by the United Kingdom, and Russia.
But how much did these countries actually spend on their militaries?
USA spent $801 billion in 2021, down 1.4% from 2020.&nbsp;China spent $293 billion on its military in 2021, up 4.7% from 2020. India spent $76.6 billion, an increase of 0.9% from 2020.&nbsp;The United Kingdom spent $68.4 billion, up 3% from 2020.&nbsp;Russia, which is currently engaged in an invasion of Ukraine, spent $65.9 billion on its military. This was an increase of 2.9% over 2020.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/amid-ukraine-war-india-receives-russian-s-400-missile-system-simulators-for-training-squadron-report-1650042718493" target="_blank">Amid Ukraine war, India receives Russian S-400 missile system simulators for training squadron: report</a>
The top 5 countries, which included India, accounted for 62% of the global military expenditure.&nbsp;Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, global military expenditure witnessed a 0.7% increase in real terms in 2021, according to SIPRI.

India has reportedly cancelled a plan to buy almost 50 Russian military helicopters. The Indian Air Force has dropped a plan to purchase 48 Mi-17 V5 medium lift choppers, as per news agency ANI.
The tender was withdrawn in view of the Narendra Modi government's push for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', or self-reliant India. The decision was taken before the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, defence sources were quoted as saying in the report.
India has a large fleet of Mi-17 V5 and Mi-17 choppers, and these are reportedly used to fly VVIPs like the President and Prime Minister of India. Coincidentally, it was a Mi-17 chopper which crashed and killed India first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in December 2021.
The Mi-17s are also reportedly used heavily at Siachen, eastern Ladakh, and high-altitude areas in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Instead of buying more Mi-17s, the Indian Air Force wants to focus on encouraging the indigenous medium-lift chopper programme, as per the ANI report.

India cancels Russian military chopper deal, says report. Watch why IAF won't buy 48 Mi-17 V5s

India cancels Russian military chopper deal, says report. Watch why IAF won't buy 48 Mi-17 V5 helicopters


India has reportedly cancelled a plan to buy almost 50 Russian military helicopters. The Indian Air Force has dropped a plan to purchase 48 Mi-17 V5 medium lift choppers, as per news agency ANI. The tender was withdrawn in view of the Narendra Modi government's push for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', or self-reliant India. The decision was taken before the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, defence sources were quoted as saying in the report. India has a large fleet of Mi-17 V5 and Mi-17 choppers, and these are reportedly used to fly VVIPs like the President and Prime Minister of India. Coincidentally, it was a Mi-17 chopper which crashed and killed India first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in December 2021. The Mi-17s are also reportedly used heavily at Siachen, eastern Ladakh, and high-altitude areas in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Instead of buying more Mi-17s, the Indian Air Force wants to focus on encouraging the indigenous medium-lift chopper programme, as per the ANI report.
&nbsp;
 =================================
 CAPTIONS India won't buy 48 Mi-17 V5 choppers Decision to boost indigenous industry Decision taken before Ukraine conflict India has large Mi-17 chopper fleet Mi-17s used to fly VVIPs like PM CDS Gen Rawat died in Mi-17 crash

<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;">Coincidentally, it was a Mi-17 chopper which crashed and killed India first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in December 2021.</div>

India has reportedly cancelled a plan to buy almost 50 Russian military helicopters.&nbsp;The Indian Air Force has dropped a plan to purchase 48 Mi-17 V5 medium lift choppers, as per news agency ANI.
The tender was withdrawn in view of the Narendra Modi government's push for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', or self-reliant India.&nbsp;The decision was taken before the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, defence sources were quoted as saying in the report.
India has a large fleet of Mi-17 V5 and Mi-17 choppers, and these are reportedly used to fly VVIPs like the President and Prime Minister of India.&nbsp;Coincidentally, it was a Mi-17 chopper which crashed and killed India first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in December 2021.
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/amid-ukraine-war-india-receives-russian-s-400-missile-system-simulators-for-training-squadron-report-1650042718493" target="_blank">Amid Ukraine war, India receives Russian S-400 missile system simulators for training squadron: report</a>
The Mi-17s are also reportedly used heavily at Siachen, eastern Ladakh, and high-altitude areas in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Instead of buying more Mi-17s, the Indian Air Force wants to focus on encouraging the indigenous medium-lift chopper programme, as per the ANI report.

France has said that it was immediately recalling its ambassadors to the US and Australia after Australia scrapped a big French conventional submarine purchase in favour of nuclear subs built with US technology.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in a written statement said that the French decision, on request from President Emmanuel Macron, "is justified by the exceptional seriousness of the announcements" made by Australia and the United States.
He said Wednesday's announcement of Australia's submarine deal with the US is "unacceptable behaviour between allies and partners." Earlier on Friday, a top French diplomat spoke of a "crisis" in relations with the US.
The diplomat, who spoke anonymously in line with customary government practice, said that for Paris "this is a strategic question concerning the very nature of the relationship between Europe and the United States about the Indo-Pacific strategy." He would not speculate on the effects the situation would have on France's relationship with the US. "There's a crisis," he stressed.
Also watch:&nbsp;'That fella down under': U.S. President Joe Biden forgets Australian PM's name
Macron has not commented on the issue since US President Joe Biden's announcement of a strategic Indo-Pacific alliance with Australia and Britain, leading France to lose a nearly $100 billion deal to build diesel-electric submarines.

France recalls ambassadors to US, Australia over sub deal

In a first, France recalls its envoy to US, Australia over submarine deal

France has recalled its ambassadors to the US and Australia after Australia scrapped a big French conventional submarine purchase in favour of nuclear subs built with US technology.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in a written statement said that the French decision, on request from President Emmanuel Macron, "is justified by the exceptional seriousness of the announcements" made by Australia and the United States.
He said Wednesday's announcement of Australia's submarine deal with the US is "unacceptable behaviour between allies and partners." Earlier on Friday, a top French diplomat spoke of a "crisis" in relations with the US.
Macron has not commented on the issue since US President Joe Biden's announcement of a strategic Indo-Pacific alliance with Australia and Britain, leading France to lose a nearly $100 billion deal to build diesel-electric submarines.

It&rsquo;s also unclear whether more slights are planned and if France is expecting a US overture in order to move on.&nbsp;

France has recalled its ambassadors to the US and Australia after Australia scrapped a big French conventional submarine purchase in favour of nuclear subs built with US technology.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in a written statement said that the French decision, on request from President Emmanuel Macron, "is justified by the exceptional seriousness of the announcements" made by Australia and the United States.
He said Wednesday's announcement of Australia's submarine deal with the US is "unacceptable behaviour between allies and partners." Earlier on Friday, a top French diplomat spoke of a "crisis" in relations with the US.
The diplomat, who spoke anonymously in line with customary government practice, said that for Paris "this is a strategic question concerning the very nature of the relationship between Europe and the United States about the Indo-Pacific strategy." He would not speculate on the effects the situation would have on France's relationship with the US. "There's a crisis," he stressed.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/that-fella-down-under-u-s-president-joe-biden-forgets-australian-pm-s-name-1631765268352" target="_blank">'That fella down under': U.S. President Joe Biden forgets Australian PM's name</a>
Macron has not commented on the issue since US President Joe Biden's announcement of a strategic Indo-Pacific alliance with Australia and Britain, leading France to lose a nearly $100 billion deal to build diesel-electric submarines.

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