1. Indian Navy hosts CHAKRAVAT HADR exercise with 8 countries
Tags: Defence
The annual humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise 'Chakrawat' began in Goa on October 9, 2023. It is a three-day event organized by the Indian Navy.
An Overview of the News
The 'CHAKRAVAT' 9 exercise involves the participation of the three armed forces, paramilitary forces and several disaster response organizations.
The annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise CHAKRAVAT was initiated as a result of the Prime Minister's directive during the Joint Commanders' Conference in 2015.
CHAKRAVAT is an annual joint HADR exercise involving the participation of all three services (Army, Navy, Air Force), paramilitary forces, disaster response organizations, NGOs, academic institutions and international organizations.
In the 2023 edition, eight countries from the Indian Ocean region are also participating, with the aim of coordinating efforts at the national level.
Objective:
The primary goal of the exercise is to develop collective and coordinated response mechanisms to deal with humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
Given the increasing vulnerability of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to natural disasters due to climate change, the role of the Indian Navy in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations is critical.
Challenges arising from climate change:
Climate change has increased the risk of natural disasters in the IOR, and coastal states in the region have limited capacity to respond effectively.
The Indian Armed Forces aims to be the 'first responder' in the region, and a whole-of-government approach is being promoted to enhance preparedness and response.
Participating Agencies:
Apart from the three armed services, various national agencies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and others participate in the exercise.
This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive response to disaster situations.
Joint Partnership:
The insignia of this year's exercise represents the crests and flags of all participating agencies and countries, emphasizing the importance of joint and integrated action in HADR efforts.
Events during practice:
The three-day exercise includes a seminar, a table-top exercise and a multi-agency capacity demonstration.
Topics discussed at the seminar included climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, disaster response in IOR, and NGO collaboration in disaster reduction and response.
An industrial showcase displays HADR equipment, and a multi-agency capability display displays rescue and relief exercises with lessons learned.
2. IAF Unveils New Flag on 91st Foundation Day
Tags: Defence
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari unveiled the new flag of the Indian Air Force during the 91st Air Force Day Parade in Prayagraj on October 8, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The theme of the 91st Air Force Day is 'IAF - Airpower Beyond Boundaries'.
Features of the new flag:
The new flag features the national emblem Ashoka symbol prominently on the fly side, at the top right corner, just above the Air Force crest.
'Satyamev Jayate' is inscribed in the Devanagari script below the Ashoka symbol.
The Himalayan Garuda with outstretched wings symbolizes the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
There is a light blue circle around the Himalayan Garuda with 'Indian Air Force' written on it.
The motto of the Indian Air Force, 'Nabh Sprisham Deeptam', is inscribed in golden Devanagari letters below the Garuda, signifying the aspiration to "To touch the sky with splendour".
Retirement of the Old Flag:
During the Air Force Day Parade, the 72-year-old flag was lowered with full respect.
The retired flag will be preserved in a museum as a historical artifact.
Historical Background of Indian Air Force:
The Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, and its first flight took place on April 1, 1933.
Subroto Mukherjee, one of the founding members, is recognized as the "Father of the Indian Air Force" and became the first Chief of the Air Staff on April 1, 1954 after India gained independence.
The headquarters of the Indian Air Force is located in Delhi.
Before India's independence, the force was known as the Royal Indian Air Force and was later renamed the Indian Air Force.
The Indian Air Force has played a significant role in various wars, including the Kargil conflict in 1947, 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999.
3. India-Bangladesh SAMPRITI-XI: Joint Military Exercise Begins
Tags: Defence International News
India and Bangladesh began the 11th edition of their annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI, in Umroi, Meghalaya on October 3, 2023.
An Overview of the News
SAMPRITI is organized by both countries on a rotation basis and is a symbol of their strong bilateral defense cooperation.
Around 350 troops from India and Bangladesh will participate in SAMPRITI-XI and the exercise is scheduled to last for 14 days.
SAMPRITI-XI consists of a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX).
The CPX consists of 20 officials from each team and focuses on making decisions after thorough deliberations.
FTX validates ground-level operations and includes joint tactical exercises for counter-terrorism operations, such as hostage rescue and crowd control measures.
Verification Exercises and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' Tools:
A validation exercise will be conducted at Darrang Field Firing Range in Assam on October 14 and 15, 2023.
During this exercise, participants will see the capabilities of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' equipment highlighting indigenous manufacturing.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations:
SAMPRITI-XI aims to enhance defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
It promotes deeper bilateral relations, cultural understanding and mutual benefit through shared experiences in sub-traditional operations.
The exercise emphasizes on improving interoperability, sharing tactical expertise and promoting best practices between the two armies.
About Bangladesh
It is located in South Asia and is bordered by India to the north, east and west and Myanmar to the southeast.
The country is home to several major rivers, including the Padma (Ganga), Meghna and Jamuna, which flow through the country and create fertile plains important for agriculture.
Capital - Dhaka
Currency - Bangladeshi Taka
Official Languages - Bengali, English
Prime Minister - Sheikh Hasina
4. Indian Navy Chief R Hari Kumar participates in the 25th ISS in the US
Tags: Defence
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy participated in the 25th International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) in the United States of America.
An Overview of the News
The event was organized by the US Navy and was held at the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island from September 19 to 22, 2023.
CNS R Hari Kumar participated in bilateral talks with naval counterparts from several countries including the United States, Australia, Egypt, Fiji, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK.
Operating Partnerships and Exercises
It emphasized the Indian Navy's commitment to enhance operational partnership with the United States Navy in various exercises including MALABAR, RIMPAC, Sea Dragon and Tiger Triumph.
Detailed discussions took place regarding human resource management in the context of ISS, with a focus on recruitment, retention and gender equality within the Indian Navy.
Strengthening Defense Relations
The visit of CNS Admiral R Hari Kumar further strengthened defense ties between India and the United States.
The visit provided valuable opportunities for high-level naval engagement with diverse partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Military Exercises
Army Exercises:
Yudh Abhyas: Held at both brigade and battalion levels, around 250 soldiers from each army participate.
Vajra Prahar (Army Special Forces): A special forces exercise between American and Indian squads.
Air Force Exercise:
Cope India: Aerial exercise conducted at various Indian Air Force stations.
Tri-Service Exercises:
Tiger Triumph (TRIUMPH): A tri-service amphibious exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as the US Navy and Marine Corps.
Multilateral Exercises:
Malabar Naval Exercise: It involves India, the US, Australia, and Japan. Australia and Japan joined in recent years, with the latest edition being held in Australia in August 2023.
RIMPAC Naval Exercise: The world's largest naval exercise conducted by the US Navy, with India's participation in the 22nd edition in 2022.
Special Exercises between India and America:
Exercise Sangam: A joint Naval Special Forces exercise involving India's MARCOS and US Navy SEALs.
Exercise Tarkash: A joint exercise between elite counter-terrorism forces of the two countries, including India's National Security Guard and US special forces.
5. INS Nireekshak conducts diver training exercise in Trincomalee
Tags: Defence
Indian Navy's Diver Assistance and Submarine Rescue Ship, 'INS Nireekshak' participated in the 'Diver Training Exercise' conducted from 15 to 21 September 2023 conducted at Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
An Overview of the News
Diving teams from both the Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy conducted extensive dives in the port and sea.
Additionally, various interactions and training sessions were conducted between the crew of INS Nireekshak and Sri Lanka Navy personnel on topics of mutual interest.
Officials from the Junior Command and Staff College, Trincomalee visited INS Nireekshak and learned about its advanced diving capabilities.
Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral PS de Silva visited the ship and appreciated the support of the Indian Navy in training the divers of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Other activities during the Journey:
In addition to the training activities, a social outreach program was conducted at a school for underprivileged children in Trincomalee.
On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 16, 2023, a joint beach cleanup campaign was conducted at Dutch Beach.
A joint yoga session and a friendly basketball match with Sri Lankan Navy personnel were also organized to promote unity and well-being.
INS Inspector was open to visitors and more than 1,500 people visited the ship during its voyage.
The visit of the INS Nireekshak to Sri Lanka served to strengthen relations between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies.
INS Nireekshak:
INS Nireekshak is a dive assistance and submarine rescue ship belonging to the Indian Navy.
It was built in 1985 by Mazagon Shipbuilders.
This ship was inducted into the Indian Navy in 1995.
It is equipped with two deep submergence rescue vehicles (DSRVs), capable of carrying 12 people simultaneously to a depth of 300 meters.
The primary objective of INS Nireekshak is to facilitate the rescue of distressed submarines and the training of divers.
It holds the national record for the deepest dive, reaching a depth of 257 meters.
In February 2023, INS Nireekshak received the Chief of Naval Staff 'On-the-Spot Unit' Commendation for deep sea diving and rescue operations in extremely challenging conditions.
6. Indian Navy and IISc Bangalore sign MoU
Tags: Defence
The Indian Navy and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The MoU was signed by Rear Admiral K Srinivas representing the Navy Captain Sridhar Warrier (Retd) and Professor B Gurumurthy representing IISc.
The primary objective of this MoU is to promote technical cooperation and collaborative research and development between the Indian Navy and IISc, especially in the field of engineering related to defense technologies.
Benefits of MOU:
Academic Collaboration: It will promote academic collaboration in various engineering disciplines.
Enhanced technological understanding: The agreement aims to enhance scientific understanding of defense-related technologies and promote the development of new technologies.
Capacity Building: Both sides will engage in effective training, capacity building, and resolving on-field issues.
Equipment vendor base: The agreement aims to expand the vendor base for equipment used in defense.
Knowledge Exchange: Faculty and guest lectures will be exchanged to facilitate knowledge sharing.
Innovative Technology:
Indian Navy in collaboration with IISc has successfully developed an advanced transcritical carbon dioxide (CO2) based air conditioning (AC) system which works on natural refrigerant.
This technology is a significant advancement as it eliminates the need for Halon synthetic refrigerants, and has been developed domestically.
Future Technological Development:
The MoU serves as a formal basis for ongoing cooperation in the development and advancement of technologies such as CO2-based AC systems for the defense sector.
About the Indian Institute of Science (IISc):
IISc, located in Bengaluru, was founded in 1909 by Jamsetji Tata and Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV.
It is a premier public institution renowned for its contributions to science and technology since its inception.
7. DAC gave its approval to the indigenous missile Dhruvastra
Tags: Defence
The Indian Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) gave its approval to the indigenous short-range air-to-surface missile Dhruvastra.
An Overview of the News
The Dhruvastra missile is designed to enhance India's combat capabilities against enemy tanks and armored vehicles and will be deployed on DHRUV MK-IV helicopters.
DAC's approval of the Dhruvastra missile represents a significant enhancement to India's military capabilities.
Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), it is a valuable addition to India's military assets.
Dhruvastra Missile:-
It is a third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system known for its versatility and advanced features.
Dual Engagement Mode: Dhruvastra can operate in direct hit and top attack modes, increasing its adaptability to various combat scenarios.
Effective Range: Its range ranges from 500 meters to an impressive 7 kilometers, allowing it to engage targets across a wide spectrum.
High altitude launch: Dhruvastra can be launched from altitudes up to 4 kilometers, providing a strategic advantage in mountainous terrain.
Effective Target Tracking: Equipped with an Imaging Infrared-Seeker (IIS), it can track and guide the missile to its target based on the heat signature of the target, ensuring accuracy even in challenging conditions.
Penetrating Warhead: The Dhruvastra's specialized warhead is designed to penetrate various types of armor, including reactive armor found on modern tanks.
8. Indian Coast Guard conducts coastal security drill 'Operation Sajag'
Tags: Defence
Coastal security drill 'Operation Sajag' was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard off the west coast.
An Overview of the News
Operation Sajag aims to re-validate the coastal security mechanism and raise awareness among fishermen living at sea.
During the drill, comprehensive checking and verification of documents and crew passes of all fishing boats, barges, and crafts at sea was carried out.
A total of 118 ships took part in the drill. These included customs, maritime police, ports, and Indian Navy ships.
As part of security measures, biometric card readers have been provided to security agencies.
Various measures have been implemented to strengthen coastal security.
These measures include:
Issuance of biometric cards for fishermen
Color coding of fishing boats based on each state
Provision of fish landing centers and access control at entry/exit points.
Coastal Mapping
Designating specific sea band frequencies for security agencies
Training of Marine Police Personnel by Indian Coast Guard
9. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved 23 new Sainik Schools in partnership mode
Tags: Defence
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved the creation of an additional 23 new Sainik Schools under this partnership mode.
An Overview of the News
The Government of India approved the establishment of 100 new Sainik Schools starting from Class 6 in partnership with NGOs, private schools, and state governments.
Sainik School Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with 19 new proposed Sainik Schools located across the country.
Further evaluation of the applications has led to the approval of 23 additional new Sainik Schools under the partnership mode, taking the total number of such schools to 42, in addition to the existing 33 Sainik Schools operating under the previous model.
Objective and operational details
The objectives of this initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi includeproviding quality education in line with the National Education Policy and enhancing career opportunities for students, including the option to join the armed forces.
It also promotes collaboration between the private sector and the government for nation-building and the development of responsible citizens.
These new Sainik Schools, with affiliation to the respective education boards, will operate under the guidance of the Sainik School Society and will follow the rules and regulations prescribed for new Sainik Schools operating in partnership mode.
Apart from the regular curriculum affiliated with the education boards, these schools will offer an academic plus curriculum following the Sainik School pattern.
10. Indian government approves defense acquisitions worth Rs 45,000 crore from domestic vendors
Tags: Defence
The Government of India gave a significant boost to the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative by approving defense acquisitions worth Rs 45 thousand crore from domestic vendors.
An Overview of the News
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Approval of Requirement (AoN) for nine capital acquisition proposals.
These acquisitions will exclusively involve Indian vendors, which will significantly contribute to the growth of the Indian defense industry and align with the objective of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Approved acquisitions:
DAC grants AoN for the following purchases:
Lightly armored multi-role vehicle and integrated surveillance and targeting system.
High Mobility Vehicle Gun Towing Vehicle for rapid mobilization of artillery guns and radar.
Next-generation survey ship to enhance hydrographic capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Dhruvastra short-range air-to-surface missiles for indigenous ALH Mk-IV helicopters.
12 Su-30 MKI aircraft with associated equipment from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
