1. Indian Army and Air Force conduct 'Vayu Prahar' exercise in Eastern Sector
Tags: Defence National News
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The Indian Army and Air Force conducted a 96-hour multi-domain air and land exercise named 'Vayu Prahar' in the eastern sector.
An Overview of the News
The exercise took place in the second week of March amid the ongoing standoff between India and China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Its main objective was to draw up plans that could coordinate multi-domain operations and enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Army and Air Force in the eastern sector.
The exercise involved the use of various combat assets including fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters and ground forces.
The Indian Army and Air Force jointly executed complex operational scenarios during the exercise, which included deployment of troops and equipment, air strikes and air-to-ground warfare operations.
The exercise was conducted to test the readiness and interoperability of the Indian Army and Air Force in a joint operational environment.
About Multi-Domain Operations (MDO)
Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) is a military strategy that involves coordination of activities in various domains such as air, land, sea, cyber and space.
It aims to achieve convergent results by synchronising and integrating capabilities across various branches of the military.
MDO emphasises the importance of information sharing, communication, and cooperation between the various branches of the military.
MDO involves the use of advanced technologies and systems to facilitate joint operations across various domains.
About Vayu Prahar Exercise
Exercise Vayu Prahar is a joint military exercise conducted by the Indian Army and Air Force and aims to enhance coordination and rehearsal between various agencies for rapid mobilisation, transport and deployment of forces.
Its scope is to test the readiness and interoperability of the Indian Armed Forces in a joint operational environment, to prepare them to respond effectively to any potential threat or security challenge in the region.
About Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs)
Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) in India are military airstrips primarily used by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army for tactical or logistical purposes.
They are located in remote and high altitude areas near the borders with China and Pakistan.
ALGs are simple, single runway strips used for safe landing and take-off points for military aircraft.
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) is responsible for undertaking contingency operations in these high altitude areas.
2. Anti-submarine craft INS Androth launched
Tags: Defence National News
The INS Androth, second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was launched in Kolkata on 21 March.
About INS Androth
It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd for the Indian Navy.
It is 77.6 meters long and 10.5 meters wide.
It is powered by three diesel propellers, these ships can reach a top speed of 25 knots.
Its primary Role is to conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying operations.
The first ship was delivered in December 2022.
The contract for construction of eight ASW SWC vessels was signed on April 29, 2019.
The commissioning of two ships of the same class within three months reinforces the Prime Minister's commitment to indigenous shipbuilding as part of the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
3. India, UK hold joint maritime exercise 'Konkan' in Arabian Sea
Tags: Defence International News
The annual bilateral maritime exercise 'Konkan' between the Indian Navy and UK's Royal Navy was held off the Konkan coast in the Arabian Sea from March 20-22.
An overview of the news
The joint exercise by both the navies demonstrated operational readiness, enhanced interoperability and improved capability to conduct joint operations.
INS Trishul, a Guided Missile Frigate, and HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 Guided Missile Frigate, participated in 'Konkan 2023' and conducted several maritime exercises to enhance interoperability and imbibe best practices.
The exercise covered all domains of maritime operations, air, surface and subsurface.
India and the UK agreed on new cooperation on maritime domain awareness, including new agreements on maritime information sharing,
The UK has been invited to join India's Information Fusion Center in Gurugram.
About 'Konkan' exercise
It is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and the United Kingdom.
The Konkan series of exercises was started in 2004.
Since then, the exercise is conducted by both the navies in rotation.
The exercise provided excellent training to the personnel of both the navies.
Other Exercises between India and UK
Exercise ‘Indradhanush’ (Air Force Exercise)
'Ajeya Warrior' (Joint Military Exercise)
4. Africa-India military exercise AFINDEX-23 begins in Pune
Tags: Defence
India and 23 African nations on 21 March began a nine-day mega military exercise Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) in Pune.
An overview of the news
The aim of the exercise is to expand the participant's overall military cooperation.
Several new generation equipment made in India are being used in the exercise to give a feel of India's efficacy to the soldiers of the participating countries.
Keeping in view India's outreach to Africa, joint exercises have been hosted by the Indian Army.
The theme of the exercise is “humanitarian mine action and peacekeeping operations,”.
Army Chief General Manoj Pandey will also host the 'India-Africa Chiefs' Conference' on March 28, a day before the military exercise ends.
Objectives of the exercise
The objectives of the exercise are to continue to build upon the initiatives taken to strengthen India-Africa relations, with a focus on enhancing peace and security.
This joint exercise will bring out the practical aspects of theme-based training.
Participating African Countries
Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Seychelles, Senegal, Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
5. MoU signed for implementation of Green Hydrogen Projects in Army Establishments
Tags: National Defence National News
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd has signed an MoU with the Indian Army for setting up Green Hydrogen Projects in its establishments on Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model.
An overview of the news
It aims toreduce complex logistics, dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate decarbonisation.
The MoU was signed by Mohit Bhargava, CEO (NTPC REL) and Lt Gen Rajinder Dewan.
Within the scope of the MoU, potential sites will be identified for setting up green hydrogen projects for supply of electricity in a phased manner.
NTPC REL will also design, develop and install renewable energy projects (solar, wind etc.) for the Indian Army.
The MoU signals an advanced approach to modernization by the Indian Army.
This is the first of its kind agreement and heralds a new era of border security backed by energy security for the country's defense line.
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd
It is a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited.
It currently has a portfolio of 3.6 GW RE capacity under construction.
NTPC Group has an ambitious plan of 60 GW RE capacity by 2032 and currently has an installed RE capacity of 3.2 GW.
About NTPC
The NTPC which was earlier known as National Thermal Power Corporation of India is owned by the Government of India. It was set up in 1975.
The Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, with an installed capacity of 4,760MW, is currently the biggest thermal power plant in India.
It is a coal-based power plant owned and operated by NTPC.
Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairman and Managing Director: Gurdeep Singh
6. Bangladesh commissions its first submarine base
Tags: Defence International News
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the first submarine base of Bangladesh ‘BNS Sheikh Hasina’ at Pekua in Cox’s Bazar on 20 March.
An overview of the news
This new submarine base will help the Navy to enhance its operational capability to secure the vast maritime resources.
Ships passing through the Bay of Bengal can also take help from this base.
The government of Bangladesh is working on 'Forces Goal 2030' to transform its military force into a modern organization appropriate for the times.
The government established the Bangladesh Navy as a full-fledged three-dimensional force with the induction of two submarines ("BNS Navagatra" and "BNS Joyjatra") into the naval fleet on 12 March 2017.
Bangladesh is building ships at local shipyards for its own use as well as for others.
Bangladesh Navy has completed construction of five patrol vessels at Khulna Shipyard.
In the last 14 years, a total of 31 warships including 4 frigates, 6 corvettes, 4 large patrol craft, 5 patrol craft and 2 training ships joined the Bangladesh fleet.
The Government of Bangladesh signed an agreement with China in September 2019 for the construction of the submarine base.
People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina Wazed
President: Abdul Hamid
Currency: Taka
7. INS Sujata visits Port Maputo, Mozambique
Tags: Defence
INS Sujatha, a ship based at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, visited Port Maputo, Mozambique from 19 to 20 March 2023 as a part of overseas deployment.
An overview of the news
About 40 personnel from the Mozambican Navy visited the ship for cross deck training, which included a tour of the training facilities, briefing on diving ops, training on VBSS and light weapons, visual communication and maintenance of machinery and onboard sanitation.
Several other activities such as joint morning yoga sessions, football matches were conducted between the personnel of both the navies.
A reception was also organized onboard Sujata which was attended by several Indian/Mozambican dignitaries/diplomats.
The visit of INS Sujata to Maputo, Mozambique further enhanced mutual cooperation and bilateral relations between the two navies.
About INS Sujata
It is an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel.
The ship was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 3 November 1993.
It is designed for coastal and offshore patrolling, surveillance missions, monitoring of sea lines of communication and escort duties.
It has been modified for training cadets and is part of the 1st Training Squadron at SNC, Kochi.
8. Union Home Ministry announced 10% reservation for former Agniveers
Tags: Defence National News
The Union Home Ministry has announced a 10% reservation for former Agniveers in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
An Overview of the News
Its objective is to provide opportunities to a specific group and promote their participation in the Armed Forces.
This reservation is similar to the reservation announced for former Agniveers in the Border Security Force (BSF).
Former Agniveers will get relaxation in the upper age limit and will also be exempted from Physical Efficiency Test.
The upper age limit for candidates of the first batch of Agniveers shall be relaxed by up to five years, whereas the other batches shall get age relaxation by up to three years.
The Agnipath scheme has been launched by the central government for recruitment in the Armed Forces.
The Agnipath scheme was approved by the Indian Government in June 2022.
The scheme aims to induct youth between 17-and-a-half years of age and 21 years of age on a four-year short-term contractual basis.
The scheme has been designed to ensure a youthful profile of the Armed Forces.
9. President Draupadi Murmu awarded the President's Color to INS Dronacharya
On March 16, 2023, President Draupadi Murmu presented the "President's Colour" to INS Dronacharya at Kochi.
An Overview of the News
He also visited India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at the Cochin Shipyard.
President Murmu praised the aircraft carrier as a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat and said that India is among the very few countries that have the capability to build an aircraft carrier with indigenous technology.
About President's Color Award
The President's Color is the most prestigious decoration awarded by the President to a unit for outstanding service to the nation.
The highest military honour is an award given to military units for exceptional dedication and bravery in service.
Eligibility requires a minimum of 25 years of service and outstanding contribution to the military community.
It was instituted on May 27, 1951 and is considered one of the most prestigious military awards.
The award recognizes the collective efforts and sacrifices of a unit in defending their country, maintaining peace and order and upholding military values.
About INS Dronacharya
INS Dronacharya is responsible for training the Sagar Prahari Bal and is also the Navy's primary centre for training various nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
INS Dronacharya is a training establishment of the Indian Navy located in Kochi, Kerala.
It was commissioned in 1989 and provides training to naval personnel in various technical fields.
It also conducts research and development activities in the field of marine technology and provides consultancy services to the Indian Navy and other organisations.
INS Dronacharya has played an important role in the training of the submarine arm of the Indian Navy and is named after Dronacharya, the renowned warrior and teacher.
10. Indian Navy's P8I aircraft to participate in anti-submarine warfare exercise 'Sea Dragon 23'
Tags: Defence
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Indian Navy's long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft P8I will participate in the third edition of the coordinated multilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise 'Sea Dragon 23'.
An overview of the news
The exercise, scheduled for March 15-30, hosted by the US Navy, will emphasize coordinated anti-submarine warfare among participating nations.
The exercise will have representation from P8A of the US Navy as well as P8I of the Indian Navy, P1 of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, CP 140 of the Royal Canadian Air Force and P3C of the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).
The P8I aircraft of the Indian Navy arrived at Guam, US on 14 March.
About Sea Dragon Exercise
It is an annual US-led multinational exercise.
It is designed to exercise and discuss anti-submarine warfare tactics to operate simultaneously in response to conventional and non-conventional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
It will strengthen cooperation and develop mutual understanding between the participating navies and air forces.
The objective of the exercise is to achieve a high degree of synergy and coordination between the friendly navies.
It reflects shared values and a commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific.
