1. India’s Defence exports touch all-time high of 15 thousand 920 crore rupees
Tags: Economy/Finance Defence National News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 1 said that India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of 15 thousand 920 crore rupees in Financial Year 2022-2023.
An overview of the news
India exported military hardware worth Rs 8,434 crore in 2020-21, Rs 9,115 crore in 2019-20 and Rs 10,745 crore in 2018-19.
The amount was Rs 4,682 crore in 2017-18 and Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17.
The government has set a target of manufacturing defense hardware worth Rs 1,75,000 crore and taking defense exports to Rs 35,000 crore by 2024-25.
In recent years, the government has implemented various measures to promote domestic defense production.
Steps taken by the Government to boost defence production
Simplified defence industrial licensing, relaxation of export controls and grant of No Objection Certificate.
Specific incentives introduced under the foreign trade policy.
Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy 2020.
The government had issued two "positive indigenization lists" which included 209 items that could not be imported.
The government has also announced two dedicated corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh to act as clusters of defense manufacturing.
The vision of the government
To achieve a turnover of $25 billion, including exports of $5 billion in aerospace and defence goods and services by 2025.
2. Defense Ministry signs Rs 1700 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace
Tags: Defence National News
On March 30, 2023 The Defense Ministry signed a Rs 1,700 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd (BAPL) for the procurement of next generation marine mobile coastal batteries and BrahMos missiles.
An Overview of the News
The systems will be armed with supersonic BrahMos missiles, which are known for their speed and accuracy.
The deliveries of these batteries are scheduled to begin in 2027, indicating that the Ministry of Defense is making long-term plans to strengthen its military capabilities.
BAPL is a joint venture between India and Russia, highlighting the collaborative efforts of both countries in advancing defence technology.
About BrahMos Missile
BrahMos missiles are medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircrafts or land. These missiles are capable of travelling at a speed of Mach 2.8 and can carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
Its first successful launch took place on June 12, 2001. The missile has undergone several successful tests and is considered one of the most reliable missiles in the world.
It is named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia, symbolising the cooperation between the two countries in developing this technology.
In 2016, India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which aims to prevent the proliferation of missiles capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. India's entry into MTCR made it easier for India to export BrahMos missiles to other countries which are members of MTCR.
3. Defence Ministry signs contract for 11 next generation OPVs
Tags: Defence National News
The Defense Ministry on 30 March signed contracts with Indian shipyards worth Rs 19,600 crore for the acquisition of 11 next-generation offshore patrol vessels
(OPVs) and six next-generation missile vessels.
An overview of the news
The contract for the acquisition of 11 OPVs under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) of Kolkata for a total of Rs 9,781 crore.
Out of 11 next generation offshore patrol vessels, 7 vessels will be built by GSL and 4 vessels by GRSE.
These ships will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. Delivery of the vessels will begin in September 2026.
The acquisition of these ships will enable the Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability and meet various operational requirements.
Indian Navy's anti-piracy, counter-infiltration, anti-poaching, anti-trafficking, non-combatant evacuation operations, search and rescue (SAR), security of offshore assets etc. will be strengthened.
A contract was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the acquisition of six Next Generation Missile Ships (NGMVs) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The deliveries of these ships will commence from March 2027.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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'.
9. 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)
10. 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.
