1. Indian soldiers posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal
Tags: Defence
Indian head constables Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal.
An Overview of the News
- The Dag Hammarskjold Medal is the highest award given to United Nations peacekeepers.
- The medals were received by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations on behalf of the departed Head Constables.
- The Dag Hammarskjold Medal is awarded posthumously to peacekeepers who have lost their lives during peacekeeping operations.
- The award ceremony took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
- The medal is named after Dag Hammarskjold, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Important Points:
- Border Security Force (BSF) head constables Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi lost their lives while serving under the UN flag in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of the MONUSCO mission.
- Shabar Tahir Ali, an Indian national serving with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), was also awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal posthumously.
- The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed annually on 29 May to recognize the dedication, professionalism and bravery of peacekeepers around the world.
- India holds the distinction of being the first country to send an all-women contingent to the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia in 2007.
2. MiG-29K makes night landing on INS Vikrant
Tags: Defence
The Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone on May 24, 2023 by performing the first-ever night landing of a MiG-29K onboard INS Vikrant.
An Overview of the News:
- It is noteworthy in this context that the MiG-29K night landing within three months of the first landing on INS Vikrant is a challenging feat.
- INS Vikrant is currently undergoing air certification and flight integration trials with rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft to achieve 'combat ready' status very quickly.
- As part of these trials, the first landing of MiG-29K and indigenous LCA (Navy) took place on 06 February 2023 and since then there has been considerable progress in day and night landing trials of all helicopters of the Indian Navy.
MiG-29K:
- It is capable of flying in any weather.
- This jet is part of the fighter fleet of INS Vikrant.
- It can fly at twice the speed of sound (2000 km per hour).
- It is capable of carrying a load eight times its own weight.
- It can fly at an altitude of 65000 feet.
INS Vikrant:
- The country's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant has completed extensive sea trials ahead of her maiden voyage on August 4, 2021.
- It was inducted into the Indian Navy on 2 September 2022 in the presence of the Prime Minister.
- It is modeled after INS Ajay, the first indigenous warship built in the country, and INS Nilgiri, the indigenous light warship (frigate).
- Built by : M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited.
3. INSV Tarini crew back home after 188 days
Tags: Defence National News
The crew of INSV Tarini, who returned after an inter-continental voyage, were accorded a grand welcome at the flag-in ceremony in Goa.
An overview of the news
The crew returned home on 23 May after an arduous voyage of 17,000 nautical miles.
Two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, were involved in the entire operation.
Lt Cdr Dilna is a Logistics Officer in the Navy.
Roopa, who hails from Puducherry, has graduated in Aeronautical Engineering from Chennai. He is a Naval Armament Inspection Officer.
Both Dilna and Roopa are currently posted at INS Mandovi in Goa.
The historic voyage from Goa to Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town was completed by INSV Tarini in 188 days.
It reflects an exemplary display of gallantry, courage and tenacity by the crew and highlights the role of the Indian Navy as a pioneer in the country in ocean sailing.
4. AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval Exercise
Tags: International Relations Defence International News
Indian Navy ships INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA arrived at Port Al-Jubail in Saudi Arabia on 21st May.
An overview of the news
The visit of these ships marks the beginning of the harbor phase of the second edition of the naval exercise between the two countries, known as 'Al-Mohad Al-Hindi 2023'.
This year the naval exercise also includes the participation of a Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
During the exercise, naval forces from both countries will engage in joint maneuvers, training activities, and exchange of expertise.
The exercise will focus on enhancing maritime security capabilities and promoting interoperability between the two navies.
The inaugural edition of the exercise was successfully conducted in 2021.
About Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise
The decision on this bilateral exercise between India and Saudi Arabia was taken at the Riyadh summit held in 2019.
Its aim is to carry out tactical maneuvers, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill to enhance interoperability.
It aims to strengthen the defense ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
Importance of the Exercise
AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 signifies the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in the defense sector.
The exercise will provide an opportunity for both navies to learn from each other's experiences and improve their operational capabilities.
The naval exercise also serves as a platform for fostering diplomatic relations and strengthening regional security cooperation.
The successful conduct of AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 may pave the way for future collaborations in defense technology, intelligence sharing, and joint defense projects.
The exercise contributes to maintaining stability and security in the region by promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between the Indian and Saudi Arabian navies.
5. Defence production crosses Rs 1 lakh crore mark for the first time ever
Tags: Economy/Finance Defence National News
The value of defense production in the financial year (FY) 2022-23 has crossed the Rs one lakh crore mark for the first time.
An overview of the news
The value is currently Rs 1,06,800 crore and may increase further once data is received from the remaining private defense industries.
The present value of defense production in FY 2022-23 is over 12 per cent higher than Rs 95,000 crore in FY 2021-22.
Government's efforts to boost defense 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 number of defense licenses issued by the government to industries has increased by almost 200 per cent in the last 7-8 years.
These measures have given a boost to the defense industrial manufacturing ecosystem in the country and have generated tremendous employment opportunities.
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.
6. Ashutosh Dixit appointed as Vice Chief of the Air Staff
Tags: Defence Person in news
On 15 May Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was appointed as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
An Overview of the News
He has commanded the Mirage 2000 Squadron, a frontline fighter base in the Western Sector and a major fighter training base.
He has held various positions at Air Headquarters, including Principal Director Air Staff Requirements, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans).
He has participated in missions like 'Safed Sagar' and 'Rakshak'.
Prior to this appointment, he was the Air Defense Commander of the Southern Air Command and the Senior Air Officer in the South Western Air Command.
Indian Air Force (IAF):
It is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.
Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts.
Establishment - 26 January 1950
Headquarters - New Delhi
Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) - General Anil Chauhan
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) - Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhary
Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) - Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh
7. Ministry of Defence approves fourth positive indigenization list
Tags: Defence National News
The Defence Ministry approved the fourth positive indigenization list, which includes 928 strategically important line replacement units, sub-systems, spares and components.
An Overview of the News
The list aims to promote self-reliance ('self-reliance') in the defence sector and reduce imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
The import substitution value of the approved list is Rs 715 crore.
The Defence Public Sector Undertakings will indigenize these items through various routes including 'Make'category and in-house development through the capabilities of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and private Indian industry.
Ministry of Defence (India):
Formed - 1776
Predecessor Ministry -Department of Defence (1938–47)
Headquarters - Secretariat Building Raisina Hill, New Delhi
Defence Minister - Rajnath Singh
8. INS Kavaratti arrives in Batam to participate in India-Indonesia exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’
Tags: Defence
INS Kavaratti, indigenously designed & built ASW Corvette, arrived at Batam, Indonesia to participate in the 4th edition of India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 from 14-19 May 23.
An overview of the news
An Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter are also participating in the exercise.
The Indonesian Navy is represented by KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and AS565 Panther helicopters.
The Harbor Phase will include cross deck visits, professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges and sports fixtures.
During the sea phase, weapons firing, helicopter operations, anti-submarine warfare and air defense exercises and boarding operations are planned.
Samudra Shakti-23 will showcase the high degree of interoperability between the two navies and their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.
About exercise 'Samudra Shakti'
Samudra Shakti is a joint naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy.
Objective of the exercise: The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
Activities during the exercise: The exercise includes a range of activities, including tactical exercises, communication drills, helicopter operations, and maritime patrol operations.
Benefits of participating in joint naval exercises: Participating in joint naval exercises helps in building trust and understanding between countries, promotes interoperability between different navies, and enhances the security of the region.
About INS Kavaratti
INS Kavaratti is a stealth corvette that belongs to the Indian Navy.
Design and capabilities: INS Kavaratti has been specially designed for anti-submarine warfare operations.
It is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems that make it highly capable in detecting and neutralizing submarines.
Features of INS Kavaratti: The ship has a low radar cross-section and infrared signature, making it difficult to detect.
It is also equipped with a wide range of communication and surveillance systems, which enable it to operate in a network-centric environment.
Operational history: INS Kavaratti was commissioned into the Indian Navy in October 2020. Since then, it has participated in several exercises and operations, including 'Operation Samudra Setu' and 'TROPEX.'
9. Exercise Ajeya Warrior-23
Tags: Defence International News
The 7th editionof the joint military exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-23” between India and the United Kingdom was conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom from 27 April to 11 May 2023.
An overview of the news
Indian Army soldiers chanted 'Bajrang Bali Ki Jai' along with 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' during the 7th edition of Ajeya Warrior-23.
Army soldiers were seen shouting these slogans loudly with guns in their hands.
The exercise is part of an initiative to develop interoperability and share expertise with friendly foreign nations.
Military forces of both countries participate in thisjoint military exercise.
About Exercise Ajay Warrior 2023
It is a bilateral training exercise between the armies of India and UK.
The exercise saw the participation of an infantry company from India and a unit of similar strength from the British Army.
The armies of both countries practiced each other's weapons, battle tactics, equipment and procedures to conduct joint military operations under difficult conditions.
In addition, expert academic discussions were also held on several topics of common interest such as joint weapon concepts, operation logistics, experience sharing of joint forces, etc.
Aim of the exercise
It aims to improve interoperability between the two forces while working in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations.
Its objective is to provide training to soldiers of both countries in counter-terrorist operations.
10. First Airbus C295 for India successfully completes its maiden flight
Tags: Defence National News
India's first Airbus C295 successfully completed its maiden flight on 8th May. This is an important milestone towards its delivery by the second half of 2023.
An overview of the news
This maiden flight marks a significant milestone for the first Make in India aerospace programme.
With the Indian Air Force becoming the largest operator of the C295 in the world, this program exemplifies our commitment to improve the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This maiden flight represents a significant milestone for the first Make in India aerospace programme.
With the Indian Air Force becoming the largest operator of the C295 in the world, this program exemplifies India's commitment to improving the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Background of Airbus C295
The aircraft was tested in Seville, Spain and flew for three hours to check various onboard systems.
The first 16 such aircraft are being built in Spain, while 40 are to be built in Gujarat by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in collaboration with Airbus.
The first aircraft is likely to be delivered by September 2023 and Indian Air Force personnel are already being trained in Spain.
Tata is setting up a main manufacturing facility at Vadodara and will also set up an aerospace and defense complex at Dholera.
The company hastied up with Airbus which signed a Rs 21,935 crore contractto supply 56 transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force in 2021.
The new complex will be India's first private sector aircraft manufacturing facility.
While small aircraft have been built in India in the past, the projects were executed by public sector enterprises, primarily Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Features of C-295
It is a medium tactical transport aircraft that was designed by the Spanish aerospace company CASA.
The manufacturing and final assembly of the C-295 is normally done at the Airbus Defense and Space facilities at San Pablo Airport in Seville, Spain.
As a tactical transporter, the C-295 is capable of effectively carrying out a variety of missions.
