1. Defence Ministry signs three contracts worth about 5400 crore rupees to bolster defence capabilities
Tags: Defence
The Defense Ministry has signed three contracts with domestic manufacturers at a total cost of about Rs 5400 crore to enhance the country's defense capabilities.
An overview of the news
First Contract
The first contract has been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) which pertains to the procurement of Project Akashtir, an automated air defense control and reporting system worth Rs 1982 crore for the Indian Army.
Second Contract
The second contract with BEL pertains to the acquisition of Sarang Electronic Support Measure System for the Indian Navy at a total cost of Rs 412 crore.
Sarang is an advanced electronic support measure system for helicopters of the Indian Navy.
Both will empower the air defense units of the Indian Army to operate effectively in an integrated manner.
Third Contract
The third contract with New Space India Limited pertains to procurement of GSAT 7B, an advanced communication satellite for the Indian Army at a total cost of Rs 2963 crore.
The satellite will significantly enhance the communications capability of the Indian military by providing mission-critical beyond-line-of-sight communications for troops and formations as well as weapon and airborne platforms.
2. Passing out parade of first batch of Agniveers at INS Chilka
Tags: Defence
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The first batch of 2,585 Agniveers celebrated their passing out parade at INS Chilka in Odisha on 28 March.
An overview of the news
The parade was held under the aegis of Southern Naval Command.
The parade was reviewed by Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, in the presence of Hon’ble Member of Parliament PT Usha, eminent sports personality Mithali Raj and eminent naval veterans.
There are also 272 women Agniveers among those passing out in the parade.
Khushi Pathania was awarded the General Bipin Rawat Trophy for Best Female Agniveer at the first passing out parade of Agniveers at INS Chilka.
Khushi, 19, from Pathankot, is the granddaughter of a Subedar Major and the daughter of a farmer.
Amalakanti Jayaram, Agniveer (SSR), Ajith P, Agniveer (MR) were awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR and MR in the men's category respectively.
About ‘Agnipath’ scheme
Under this scheme, to reduce the rising salary and pension expenses, short-term soldiers will be recruited on contract basis, which will be called 'Agniveer'.
Under the scheme the soldiers will be recruited initially for a period of four years and some of them would be retained.
Indian youth will be provided an opportunity to serve in the Armed Forces as 'Agniveer'.
Women will also be recruited into armed forces under the scheme.
This will help in ensuring optimum balance between youth and experience in the Army.
The "Agneepath" scheme, earlier named as "Tour of Duty", was initiated in the presence of the Chiefs of the three Services.
At present, the Army recruits youth under Short Service Commission for an initial tenure of 10 years, which can be extended up to 14 years.
Salary of Agniveers
Agniveers will get a salary of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per month plus applicable allowance.
The Seva Nidhi will be exempt from Income Tax.
No one will be entitled to gratuity and pensionary benefits.
Agniveers will be provided a non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh.
3. Ministry of Defence inks Rs 3,700 crore contracts with BEL
Tags: Defence National News
To enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defense Ministry on March 23 signed two separate contracts with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at a total cost of over Rs 3,700 crore.
An overview of the news
The first contract, worth over Rs 2,800 crore, pertains to the supply of Medium Power Radar (MPR) 'Arudhra' to the IAF.
The second contract, at a total cost of about Rs 950 crore, pertains to 'Radar Warning Receivers' (RWR).
Both the projects are under the indigenously designed, developed and manufactured-IDMM category.
The radar has been designed and developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and will be manufactured by BEL.
The RWR has been designed to also enhance the capabilities of Su-30 MKI aircraft.
About Arudhra Radar
This 4D radar is capable of automatic detection and tracking of slow moving aerial targets ranging from fighter jets.
The system has an instrumented range of 400 km.
It is capable of detecting RCS targets with a range of 300 km with altitudes ranging from 100 m to 30 km.
The radar operates in either Staring or Rotation mode.
4. 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.
5. 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'.
6. 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)
7. 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.
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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.
