1. IAF's 'Tarang Shakti' multinational exercise rescheduled
Tags: Defence
The 'Tarang Shakti' multinational military exercise originally planned for October has been postponed to mid-2024.
An Overview of the News
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will host the 'Tarang Shakti' multinational military exercise.
The rescheduling was due to several participating air forces being unable to attend this year's event.
Miscellaneous Partnership:
'Tarang Shakti' will include several major air forces such as France, the UK, Australia, the US, and Japan.
These countries will contribute fighter jets, military transport aircraft, and mid-air refuellers to the exercise.
In addition, six other countries have been invited as observers, highlighting the global importance of the exercise.
Objectives of 'Tarang Shakti':
Expected to involve around 12 air forces, 'Tarang Shakti' aims to showcase international cooperation and military capabilities.
The main goal of the exercise is to enhance military coordination and promote seamless interaction between the participating nations.
The exercise is set to be India's most comprehensive air exercise, underscoring its growing role in global military cooperation.
Recent International Exercises of IAF:
In April, the Indian Air Force sent four Rafale jets, two C-17 aircraft, and two IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft for a multinational air exercise at the Mont-de-Marsan military base in France.
Another notable incident involved four Rafale fighter jets carrying out a "strategic" mission over the Indian Ocean region lasting more than six hours.
It showcased the combat capabilities of the advanced aircraft and showcased India's air power launch capabilities.
Additionally, the Indian and US air forces conducted the Cope India exercise in locations such as Kalaikunda, Panagarh, and Agra, involving US assets such as B1 bomber jets and F-15 fighter aircraft. This highlighted the strong cooperation between the two countries.
2. Indian Navy launches second edition of 'G20 THINQ' quiz
Tags: Defence
The Indian Navy, in association with the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA) and the G20 Secretariat, launched the second edition of "G20 THINQ''. The initiative aims to bring together young individuals from different walks of life and geographies, fostering lasting friendship with the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - The World is One Family.
An Overview of the News
"G20 THINQ" is a national and international quiz competition designed for students studying in classes IX to XII and their counterparts.
More than 10,000 schools from across the country will participate in the national round. Sixteen schools will qualify for the semi-finals to be held in Mumbai on 16 November 2023. The top eight teams will compete in the National Championship Finals on 18 November 2023 at the iconic Gateway of India.
The Indian team in the International round will consist of two main quizzers and one standby member, who will be selected by an eminent jury. Additionally, all the sixteen semi-finalist teams will have an opportunity to visit the Naval Dockyard and interact with naval personnel onboard ships and submarines.
The quiz will be conducted in English and international standards will be followed. After a rigorous selection process, eleven international teams along with the Indian team will be selected to compete in the international finals to be held at the iconic India Gate on 22nd November 2023.
The primary objective of G20 THINQ is to enlighten the brightest young minds about the Indian Navy, which is considered to be the leader of the future.Through this quiz competition, the participants will showcase their knowledge and intelligence, thereby instilling in them a sense of patriotism and national pride.
Current Navy Chief Admiral R.K. Hari Kumar, who is taking over as the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff.
3. INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata arrive at Jakarta for Bilateral Maritime Exercise
Tags: Defence
INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, two flagship ships of the Indian Navy, arrived at Jakarta on 17 July 2023 to participate in a bilateral maritime exercise with the Indonesian Naval Forces.
An Overview of the news:
- On arrival at Jakarta, both the naval ships of the mission deployed in the South-Eastern IOR were accorded a warm welcome by the Indonesian Navy.
- The Indian and Indonesian navies will engage in an elaborate program of professional interactions, joint yoga sessions, sports events and cross-deck visits, with an aim to strengthen mutual cooperation and understanding between the two navies.
- Both the ships will also participate in the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) at sea with the Indonesian Navy to further strengthen the high level of interoperability that both navies have from the Middle East.
- Recently Indian and Indonesian naval forces conducted their bilateral exercise named Samudra Shakti 2023 in the South China Sea.
INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata:
- INS Sahyadri is the third indigenously designed and built stealth frigate of the Project-17 class.
- INS Kolkata is the first indigenously designed and built Project-15A class stealth destroyer.
- Both these ships have been built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
4. India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise "Nomadic Elephant-2023"
Tags: Defence
The 15th edition of India-Mongolia joint military exercise "Nomadic Elephant-2023" is scheduled to be held from 17 to 31 July 2023 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
An Overview of the news:
- Exercise Nomadic Elephant is an annual training program of India with Mongolia which is conducted alternately in Mongolia and India.
- Earlier the military exercise program was organized at Special Forces Training School, Bakloh in October 2019.
- Troops from Mongolian Armed Forces Unit 084 and Indian troops from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment will participate in the 15th edition of the military exercise.
Objective of military exercise:
- The aim of the military exercise is to strengthen positive military-to-military relations, exchange of best military practices, bilateral interoperability, camaraderie, camaraderie and friendship.
- The primary objective of this military exercise under the mandate of the United Nations is to curb terrorist activities in the mountainous areas.
- This military exercise includes platoon level Field Training Exercise (FTX). During this military exercise, Indian and Mongolian troops will participate in various training activities designed to enhance their capabilities and skills.
- These activities include endurance training, reflex firing, room intervention, small team tactics and mountain drills (rock craft firing).
Mongolia:
- Capital: Ulaanbaatar
- Currency: Mongolian tugrik
- President: Ukhnagin Hurelsukh
- Prime Minister: Oyun Erdan Luv-Sanm-Saren
5. INS Sunayana participated in Operation Southern Readiness - 2023
Tags: Defence
INS Sunayna participated in 'Operation Southern Readiness 2023' conducted by the Combined Maritime Force (CMF) being conducted off Seychelles from 10 to 12 July. India is not a member country of this CMF.
An Overview of the news:
- It was aimed at strengthening multilateral relations and enhancing cooperation through CMF exercise in the region.
- It is a multinational initiative which mainly focuses on four areas; These are:
- Defeat Terrorism,
- Stopping Piracy,
- Encourage regional cooperation and
- Promoting a safe marine environment.
- During the visit, personnel from the participating navies of the US, Italy, UK, Seychelles Defense Forces and Marine Police, EUNAVFOR member states were involved in extensive professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges and visits.
- During this, a joint yoga session was conducted onboard with the participation of the ship's crew as well as personnel from Seychelles Defense Forces and CMF.
- A CMF delegation from Bahrain, led by Commodore Oliver, Commander CTF 56, oversaw the training exercises onboard.
Importance of CMF Exercise:
- The CMF reinforces the Indian Navy's commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
Seychelles:
- Capital: Victoria
- Currency: Seychelles Rupee
- President: Wavel Ramkalawan
6. All the three armies of India will participate in the Bastille Day Parade of France
Tags: Defence
France celebrates Bastille Day, also known as Fête Nationale Française, on 14 July each year.
An Overview of the News
The event commemorates the historic demolition of the Bastille in 1789 during the French Revolution.
In 2023, France and India are celebrating 25 years of their strategic partnership.
As part of the celebrations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as the guest of honor at the Bastille Day parade in France.
All the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces will participate in the Bastille Day parade along with their French counterparts. This highlights the growing military cooperation between the two countries.
About Bastille Day Parade
Captain Aman Jagtap will lead the 77 marching personnel and 38 band members of the Indian Army contingent participating in the Bastille Day Parade.
Commander Vrat Baghel will lead the Indian Navy contingent, while Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy will lead the Indian Air Force contingent.
The contingent representing India is from the Punjab Regiment, one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army.
He earned the Battle Honors 'Loose' and 'France and Flanders' when he took part in an offensive near Neuve Chapelle in September 1915. In World War II, he earned 16 battle honors and 14 theater honors.
The Rajputana Rifles Regimental Band is accompanied by a contingent of the Punjab Regiment, which is the most senior rifle regiment in the Indian Army. Prior to India's independence, the regiment had received six Victoria Crosses. The regiment's band was established in 1920 at Nasirabad, Rajasthan.
7. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Malaysia
Tags: Defence
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is on an official visit to Malaysia from 10 to 11 July 2023, the main objective of this visit is to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and further enhance political partnership.
An Overview of the News:
- Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with Malaysian Defense Minister Dato' Seri Mohd Hassan, in which the two ministers will review defense cooperation between the two countries and explore new ways to further strengthen these ties.
- The two countries will also exchange views on regional and global issues of bilateral interest.
- Rajnath Singh will also call on Malaysian Prime Minister C YB Dato' Seri Anwar Bin-Ibrahim during his visit.
- Both India and Malaysia have a common interest in the peace and prosperity of the entire region.
- The two democracies share a strong and multi-faceted relationship, which extends to a number of strategic areas, including defense and security.
About Malaysia:
- Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia located on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo.
- It is a country of diverse culture, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous influences.
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Currency: Ringgit
- Prime Minister: C YB Dato' Seri Anwar bin-Ibrahim
8. Agreement between Ministry of Defense and HAL for the manufacture of Dornier aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard
Tags: Defence
On July 7, 2023, The Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 2 Dornier aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with Associated Engineering Support Package at a total cost of Rs 458.87 crore in New Delhi.
An Overview of the news:
- The aircraft will be equipped with many advanced equipment such as glass cockpit, maritime patrol radar, electro optic infra-red device, mission management system etc.
- Its addition will further boost the aerial surveillance capability of the maritime areas under the responsibilities of the ICG.
- Dornier aircraft are indigenously manufactured at HAL (Transport Aircraft Division) in Kanpur.
- This initiative of the Ministry of Defense will contribute significantly in achieving self-reliance in defense in line with the Government's 'Make in India'.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):
- Establishment: 23 December 1940 (Aircraft manufacturing started from 1942).
- Founder: Incorporated as Hindustan Aircraft Limited in Bangalore by Walchand Hirachand.
- It was formed on 1 October 1964 as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Headquarters: Bangalore
- Management: by a Board of Directors appointed by the President of India through the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
- The HAL HF-24 Marut fighter-bomber was the first indigenously built fighter aircraft in India.
9. Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX 23) 2023
Tags: Defence
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The seventh edition of the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX 23) 2023 being conducted by the Indian Navy is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 5 to 10 July 2023.
An Overview of the news: -
- The seventh edition marks the 11th anniversary of JIMEX since its inception in 2012.
Practice Leadership:
- Units of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) under the command of RADM Nishiyama Takahiro while Indian Navy ships under the command of Admiral Gurcharan Singh are participating in the exercise.
Demonstration of practice weapons:
- The exercise will see the participation of INS Delhi, India's first indigenously built Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kamorta, an indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, Fleet Tanker INS Shakti, Maritime Patrol Aircraft P-8I and Dornier.
- The JMSDF will be represented by the guided missile destroyer JS Samidare and its integral helicopters.
Six Day Practice:
- The exercise will be conducted over six days in two phases - a harbor phase at Visakhapatnam which will include professional, sports and social interactions.
- Both the navies will jointly hone their warfare skills at sea and enhance interoperability in the surface, sub-surface and air domains through complex multi-discipline operations.
Japan:
- Capital: Tokyo
- King: Prince Naruhito (The reign of the 126th king will be known as 'Riwa'.)
- Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
- Currency: Japanese Yen
10. Member countries of the SCO should collaborate to fully capitalize on the potential of the Chabahar Port: PM Modi
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
The Prime Minister has suggested that the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should collaborate to fully capitalise on the potential of the Chabahar Port, especially with Iran's recent accession to this major regional organisation.
An Overview of the News
During a virtual summit hosted by India, Iran was formally inducted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The induction took place within the influential SCO, with the virtual summit serving as the forum for this announcement.
Chabahar Port:
Location and Access: The Chabahar Port is located in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province, at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
It provides direct access to the Indian Ocean and is situated outside the Hormuz Strait.
Importance and Potential: As Iran's only seaport, the Chabahar Port has the potential to become a significant commercial hub in the region.
Its strategic proximity to countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, along with its role in the International North-South Transport Corridor, contributes to its importance.
Chabahar Project:
Tripartite Agreement: In May 2016, India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a tripartite agreement to develop the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar.
This marked India's first foreign port project.
Objectives: The agreement aimed to establish an International Transport and Transit Corridor at Chabahar.
Key highlights of the project include the construction of the Chabahar Port and a rail line connecting it to Zahedan.
Bypassing Pakistan: The Chabahar Port provides India with an alternative route to access Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
This offers increased trade and connectivity opportunities.
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):
Description: The INSTC is a multimodal transportation route that connects the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea.
It further extends to northern Europe through St. Petersburg, Russia.
Components: The corridor encompasses seaports in the Persian Gulf and the Caspian region, as well as road and rail networks.
Objective: The primary aim of the INSTC is to reduce transportation costs and transit time between India and Russia.
Once fully functional, it is expected to significantly decrease transit time by nearly half.
