1. Indian Army Departs for 13th India-Thailand Joint Exercise ‘MAITREE’
Tags: Defence
Indian Army contingent departed for the 13th Exercise MAITREE, which will be conducted at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand from July 1 to 15.
An Overview of the News
The Indian contingent comprises 76 personnel, mainly from a Battalion of the Ladakh Scouts, along with personnel from other arms and services.
The Royal Thailand Army contingent also consists of 76 personnel, primarily from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division.
Previous Edition:
The last edition of Exercise MAITREE was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2019.
Objectives and Focus Areas
Exercise MAITREE aims to foster military cooperation between India and Thailand.
The exercise will enhance combined capabilities in executing joint counter-insurgency and terrorist operations in jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The focus areas include a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills.
Tactical Drills and Procedures
The exercise will facilitate the development of interoperability, camaraderie, and bonhomie between soldiers of both countries.
Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise include:
Creation of a Joint Operation Centre
Establishing an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre
Employment of drones and counter-drone systems
Securing a landing site
Small team insertion and extraction
Special heliborne operations
Cordon and search operations
Room intervention drills
Demolition of illegal structures
2. HAL Receives Rs 45,000 Crore RFP from MoD for 156 Indigenous Light Combat Helicopters
Tags: Defence National News
On 17th June 2024, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, received a Request For Proposal (RFP) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) Prachand, estimated to cost Rs 45,000 crore.
An Overview of the News
The MoD issued this RFP under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Of the 156 LCHs, 90 are allocated for the Indian Army (IA) and 66 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
About Light Combat Helicopter (LCH):
The LCH Prachand is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter, designed and manufactured by HAL in collaboration with French engine-maker Safran.
Key aviation technologies such as the glass cockpit and composite airframe structure have been indigenised.
It is the world's only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), suitable for operations in high-altitude areas like the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh.
The LCH is a 5-8 tonne class dedicated combat helicopter, powered by twin Shakti engines.
It features a countermeasure dispensing system that protects it from enemy radar detection.
Important Points:
In April 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The estimated worth of the tender is over Rs 65,000 crore.
About HAL:
HAL is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): C.B. Ananthakrishnan (Additional Charge)
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established: 1940
3. Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations Released by CDS General Anil Chauhan
Tags: Defence National News
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan unveiled the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations during a meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The doctrine is considered a pivotal publication that will direct Commanders in navigating Cyberspace Operations within complex military environments.
The Defence Ministry highlighted the Joint Doctrine's role in promoting Jointness and Integration across the Indian Armed Forces.
It marks a significant stride in enhancing the ongoing military processes.
In addition to traditional domains like Land, Sea, and Air, Cyberspace has become crucial in contemporary warfare.
Operations in this domain are crucially integrated into national security strategies to influence outcomes across other operational arenas.
Guidance and Focus Areas:
The doctrine focuses on comprehending the military aspects of cyberspace operations.
It provides conceptual guidance to commanders, staff, and practitioners involved in planning and executing operations in cyberspace.
4. Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev First Woman Helicopter Pilot in Indian Navy
Tags: Defence Person in news
Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev has made history as the Indian Navy's first female helicopter pilot.
An Overview of the News
She completed her training at INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, where she graduated from the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC).
Anamika is now qualified to pilot Sea Kings, ALH Dhruvs, Chetaks, and MH-60R Seahawks.
Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang: First Naval Officer from Ladakh
Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang became the first Commissioned Naval Officer from Ladakh.
He also completed his helicopter pilot training at INS Rajali as part of the 4th Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC).
Both Anamika and Jamyang were among the 21 officers awarded the Golden Wings at the passing out parade.
Significance of the Graduation Ceremony
The passing out parade marked the completion of Stage I training for the 4th BHCC.
It celebrated the graduation of the 102nd HCC, signifying a new cohort of trained helicopter pilots for the Indian Navy.
Historical Context
In 2018, Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo.
5. IITK and DRDO have collaboratively launched a Center of Excellence in Defense Technologies
Tags: Defence
IIT Kanpur and DRDO have jointly launched the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA COE) at the IIT Kanpur campus, focusing on interdisciplinary research in advanced defense technologies.
An Overview of the News
Sanjay Tandon, previously serving as the director of the Institute of Technology Management (ITM) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, has assumed the role of director at the center of excellence located at IIT Kanpur.
Research Focus:
The center aims to lead focused research in various defense verticals.
These include advanced nanomaterials, accelerated material design, high-energy materials, and bioengineering.
Funding and Infrastructure:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will fund the projects and establish key technical facilities.
Modern infrastructure will be set up to enable and boost Research and Development (R&D) programs.
Establishment Timeline:
The establishment of DIA COE at IIT Kanpur commenced in 2022.
It was initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Def-Expo-2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Background:
DefExpo 2022 was a flagship event of the Ministry of Defence.
It aimed to achieve Atma Nirbharta in defense and reach the USD 5 billion defense exports target by 2024.
About DRDO
It serves as the Research and Development (R&D) arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Founded:- 1958
Chairman:- Dr. Samir Venkatpati Kamat
HQ:- New Delhi, Delhi
6. Commemoration of the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
Tags: Defence
The Indian Army commemorated the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on May 29th.
An Overview of the News
A homage ceremony was held at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff, along with officials from the United Nations, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of External Affairs, laid wreaths to mark the occasion.
Historical Significance
This day celebrates the first UN Peacekeeping Mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), which began in Palestine in 1948.
Tributes are paid globally to the dedication and courage of UN Peacekeepers, honouring those who sacrifice for peace.
India's Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
India is a major contributor to UN Peacekeeping, having provided around 287,000 troops to various missions.
160 Indian soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in UN Peacekeeping missions.
Training and Deployment
The Centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi trains over 12,000 troops annually and shares best practices internationally.
Currently, Indian forces are deployed in nine countries.
7. DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests RudraM-II Missile from Su-30 MK-I Platform
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile.
An Overview of the News
The test was conducted from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force in Odisha.
The Defence Ministry announced that the flight test met all the trial objectives.
RudraM-II Missile System
RudraM-II is an indigenously developed, solid-propelled, air-launched missile system.
The missile system incorporates a number of state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories.
About DRDO
It is an agency under the Department of Defense Research and Development.
It works under the Ministry of Defense of the Government of India.
DRDO is responsible for military research and development.
Established:- 1958
Chairman:- Sameer V. Kamat
Headquarters:- DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi
Aircraft Design:- DRDO Nishant, DRDO Lakshya, Avatar
8. Pune's Army Sports Institute Inaugurated Khelo India Hostel & Army Girls Sports Company
Tags: Defence State News
The Khelo India Sports Hostel and Army Girls Sports Company's first batch were inaugurated at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.
An Overview of the News
Key dignitaries present included Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, Director General of Sports Authority of India Sandeep Pradhan, and celebrated athlete Ms. Anju Bobby George.
Khelo India Sports Hostel Integration:
The Khelo India Sports Hostel, funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is now part of the Army Sports Institute.
This initiative aims to provide top-notch facilities and training opportunities to Khelo India athletes, enhancing their performance at national and international levels.
Army Girls Sports Company Establishment:
The Army Girls Sports Company has been established, focusing on four key sports disciplines: boxing, weightlifting, archery, and athletics.
This initiative represents a significant commitment to nurturing female sports talent across India.
Recruitment Process:
Over 1000 young girls from various parts of the country participated in national-level trials for the Army Girls Sports Company.
Following a rigorous talent identification process, 24 exceptional candidates were selected for the inaugural batch.
9. IAF Chief Inaugurates First-Ever EMRS in Karnataka
Tags: Defence State News
Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of Indian Air Force (IAF), has inaugurated the inaugural Emergency Medical Response System (EMRS) at Command Hospital Air Force (CHAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
An Overview of the News
The EMRS functions as a 24/7 telephonic medical helpline dedicated to serving IAF personnel and their families nationwide.
It aims to ensure timely response by a specialized team of medical and paramedical professionals to any emergency situation encountered by callers anywhere in India.
Objectives:
The primary goal of this system is to provide prompt and efficient healthcare assistance during critical moments.
It reflects the IAF's commitment to leveraging technology for delivering high-quality healthcare services, particularly in emergency scenarios.
About Indian Air Force
Founded:- 8 October 1932
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):- General Anil Chauhan
Headquarters:- New Delhi
Fighter:- Su-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, MiG-21 HAL Tejas Mk2, HAL AMCA
Helicopter:- CH-47 Chinook, Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetah, Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-26, HAL IMRH
About Karnataka
Capital:- Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
Chief minister:- Siddaramaiah
Governor:- Thawar Chand Gehlot
Bird:- Indian roller
10. 146th NDA Passing Out Parade Honors Cadets in Pune Ceremony
Tags: Defence
Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 146th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) took place at Khadakwasala, Pune.
An Overview of the News
General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff, presided as the Reviewing Officer for the POP ceremony.
The event symbolizes the conclusion of the intensive three-year training program at the NDA.
The Convocation Ceremony of the 146th course was held at the Habibullah Hall.
Pro. Dr Sat Prakash Bansal, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh, served as the Chief Guest.
A total of 205 cadets were awarded Bachelor's degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University during the ceremony.
Additionally, 17 cadets from allied foreign nations received degrees.
132 cadets from the B Tech stream, representing the Navy and Air Force, were acknowledged with 'three years course completion' certificates.
These Naval and Air Force cadets will receive their degrees upon completion of one year of training at their respective pre-commissioning training academies.
About NDA
The National Defence Academy serves as the training hub for the Indian Armed Forces.
Cadets from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force undergo joint training at the NDA.
Following their NDA training, cadets proceed to their respective service academies for further pre-commission training.
Established - 7 December 1949
Commandant - Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM
