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March 2010 Issue |
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The sixth edition of DefExpo 2010 has left warmth in its wake: for the Indian defence industry, for FORCE, as well as the weather. While the Indian industry is excited with the number of joint venture proposal and MoUs that are coming its way, for FORCE, the Show was special as it gave us opportunity to showcase FORCE editorial uniqueness (three show specials brought out by FORCE on February 15, 16 and 17 can be viewed on our website www.forceindia), meet old friends and make new ones. As promised, this issue is the post-mortem of the exhibition. We have tried to capture the flavour of the show, both editorially and pictorially and also highlight the business that was transacted as well as promised during the Show. Our cover story gives a broad sweep of the joint ventures and the MoUs that were signed during the Show.
With DefExpo as the focus, our special report in this issue is on the ballistic missile defence being developed by the DRDO. We are grateful for the exclusive interaction on all types of missiles with the DRDO chief, Dr V.K. Saraswat; he spoke so much that we have decided to carry it forward into the next issues. Thus, the March issue deals with the BMD alone. Considering that FORCE is read by discerning people, we would welcome the feedback on this story to generate some kind of debate.
The Indian Air Force chose the end of February to showcase its prowess to the President and selected audience in the desert of Pokhran. Called Vayu Shakti, the demonstration highlighted IAF’s firepower during day, dusk and night. FORCE correspondent was part of the media team that witnessed the grand event, with President Pratibha Patil as the chief guest. More than the report, we bring you some visuals of the event which drew cheers and is expected to become a regular IAF exercise in the future. For the first time, the AWACS and the air-to-air refuellers participated in this mega demonstration.
Finally, the tough part; talks with Pakistan even when it has cared little to assuage Indian hurt over 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Ironically, Pakistan seems to be having its way in Afghanistan as well. Ambassador Kanwal Sibal has written a comprehensive and objective analysis on where India stands in war-ravaged Afghanistan. Sibal is amongst a few seasoned diplomats who always calls a spade a spade. We hope his views will help generate debate on this critical issue that concerns India’s national security. In addition, to our regular industry section, there is an update on Jammu and Kashmir and comprehensive story on what paramilitary forces require to successfully combat unrest within the country. On this note, happy reading.
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