The Indian singer could be seen apologising to the Pakistani actor for not recognising her at first instance
entertainment56 minutes ago
The Philippines is looking at procuring a batch of advanced light helicopters from India to crank up its combat capability, months after sealing a $375 million deal to acquire three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile.
Top officials in the security and defence establishment told PTI on Sunday that the Philippines has shown keen interest in procurement of a number of advanced light helicopters (ALH) to replace its ageing chopper fleet.
It is learnt the two sides are holding talks on the proposed acquisition.
The indigenously developed ALH helicopter is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class and is considered to be an effective platform for various military operations.
The officials said the Philippines has also been impressed by the performance of India's indigenously-developed Tejas light combat aircraft and could consider procuring it as the country continues its hunt for a fleet of fighter jets.
The Philippines is a key strategic partner of India in the Southeast Asian region and the bilateral defence and security ties have been on an upswing in the last few years, especially in the maritime domain.
The Philippines is also a key member of the 10 nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an influential bloc with whom India's ties have witnessed major expansion in the last one decade.
In January, the Philippines concluded a $375 million deal with India for procurement of three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile.
BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russian joint venture, produces supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
In a related development, India signed a framework agreement with the Philippines in March that provided for government-to-government deals for supply of defence hardware and equipment.
India has been looking at supplying critical military hardware and platforms to countries with whom it has strong strategic ties and convergence of interests.
The Tejas aircraft has already emerged as the top choice for Malaysia as the country is looking at replacing its ageing fleet of fighter jets.
Malaysia has already narrowed down on the Indian aircraft notwithstanding stiff competition from China's JF-17 jet, South Korea's FA-50 and Russia's Mig-35 as well as Yak-130.
Tejas, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, is a single-engine and highly agile multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments.
ALSO READ:
The Indian singer could be seen apologising to the Pakistani actor for not recognising her at first instance
entertainment56 minutes ago
The singer performed for over 54,000 fans
entertainment1 hour ago
The actor known for his romance flicks in Bollywood has been on a hiatus for 9 years
entertainment1 hour ago
Here are some thrilling ways to escape the summer heat and enjoy the indoors to the fullest
entertainment1 hour ago
After a bout of torrential rain, Dubai has bounced back like no other city, with automotive events being organised in full swing and big announcements being made
auto1 hour ago
Sounds of prayer 'hallelujah…praise the lord' filled the air as part of a religious ceremony marking the soft opening of the facility
uae1 hour ago
Afghanistan rulers are absent at the UN Human Rights Council meeting as Taliban are not recognised by the global body
asia1 hour ago
A recognition reaffirms Alaan's status as a leader in the corporate card and expense management sector in the Middle East
kt network1 hour ago