Page 4 - ADT APRIL - MAY 2021 Online Magazine

28 th
YEAR
CREDIT
LINE
Editor
Vittorio Rossi Prudente
vittorio.prudente@gbp.com.sg
Deputy Editor
Jay Menon
jay.menon@gbp.com.sg
Technology Editor
Atul Chandra
atul.chandra@gbp.com.sg
Managing Editor
Arun Sivasankaran
arun.sivasankaran@gbp.com.sg
Jakarta Bureau
Yulian Ardiansyah
Correspondent
yulian.ardiansyah@gbp.com.sg
Contributors
Nassim Ait Idir
Art Director
Miamica Khonglah
maya.khonglah@gbp.com.sg
Web Director
Elmer Valencia
elmer.valencia@gbp.com.sg
Circulation Manager
Akshay Satyamurthy
akshay.satyamurthy@gbp.com.sg
Advertising Contacts:
marketing@gbp.com.sg
Europe & Americas
and all other countries:
Global Communications sas
Tel: +39 049 723548
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India + South East Asia
Akshay Satyamurthy
Mob: +919980080246
akshay.satyamurthy@gbp.com.sg
Cover Image Copyright: Boeing
U.S. Navy MQ-25 Unmanned
Aircraft System (UAS)
ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY is a bi-monthly publication for diplomats and professionals in the defence, security and academic fields. Opinions
expressed by the contributors in Asian Defence Technology do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or editor. © GBP Pte. Ltd. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission
4 | April/May 2021
EDITOR’S NOTE
In the Balance
India’s COVID-19 second wave has caused tremendous distress
nationwide and resulted in another lockdown. Already under strain
from pandemic related impacts last year, the wildfire-like spread of the
pandemic’s second wave has caused a ripple effect across the
nation’s economy. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to
affect the long overdue modernisation of the Indian armed forces as
economic constraints will further hamper defence spending. India is
now looking at leasing of military platforms to offset current spending
constraints and as a first step is looking to lease mid-air refuelling
aircraft for the air force and 24 utility helicopters for the navy.
India’s military spending constraints could result in a greater
appreciation of military partnerships, traditionally shunned by an
establishment that procures military equipment from several nations.
One nation that is alive to this emerging opportunity is the United
Kingdom, which is keen on forging closer ties with India. The Prime
Ministers of both nations have already agreed to deeper partnerships
and a highly visible symbol of the UK’s intent to build greater
partnerships in India will be the arrival of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group
2021, led by the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, later in the year.
Unfortunately for the defence industry, the continued presence of the
COVID-19 pandemic has again resulted in the cancellation of defence
shows scheduled over the last few months, disrupting the
international defence exhibition calendar. However, with many nations
now witnessing reduced infection rates as vaccination drives take
root, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We may yet end the year
with physical trade shows that are vital to the industry to showcase
new wares, build relationships and market their products. We look
forward to the resumption of trade shows but until then will continue to
bring you the latest defence news at www.gbp.com.sg.
Editor
Asian Defence Technology
Global Business Press Pte.Ltd.
ASIAN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY
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