1. Third ASW SWC class ship 'Anjadeep' launched at Chennai
Tags: Defence
The third ship of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project 'Anjadeep' was launched on June 13, 2023 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli.
An Overview of the News
Kattupalli is a suburb located north of Chennai, a metropolitan city in Tamil Nadu, India.
The launch function was presided over by VADM RB Pandit, C-in-C (SFC).
The ship has been named 'Anjadeep' to reflect the strategic maritime importance of Anjadeep Island.
The ASW SWC ships are being built by M/s GRSE for the Indian Navy.
Signing of contract for construction of ASW SWC ships:
The contract for construction of eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and GRSE on April 29, 2019.
Four ships are being built at GRSE, Kolkata, while the remaining four ships are being built by M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli.
The ASW SWC ships are designed to replace the in-service Abhay class ASW corvettes and are meant for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low intensity maritime operations (LIMO), mine laying operations and subsurface surveillance in coastal waters.
The ASW SWC ships have a length of 77 metres, a displacement of 900 tonnes, a maximum speed of 25 knots and an endurance of 1800 nautical miles.
The launch of the three ships within six months reflects India's commitment towards indigenous shipbuilding and the government's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
About Tamil Nadu
The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.
It is situated at the mouth of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Governor - Ravindra Narayan Ravi
Chief Minister - MK Stalin
Assembly seats - 235 seats
Rajya Sabha seats - 18
Lok Sabha seats - 39
2. Fourth warship of Indian Navy 'Sanshodhak' launched
Tags: Defence National News
The fourth Survey Vessel Large (SVL) of the Indian Navy, named 'Sanshodhak', was launched at Kattupalli, Chennai on 13th June.
An overview of the news
The launch ceremony, held on June 13, was attended by Adhir Arora, Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, as the chief guest.
Tanvi Arora launched the ship while an invocation from the Atharva Veda was chanted, following naval maritime traditions.
About 'Sanshodhak' warship
The ship's name, meaning 'Researcher', reflects its primary role as a Survey Vessel.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the launch of the fourth SVL as a testament to India's commitment to indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.
The project, undertaken by L&T/GRSE for the Indian Navy, demonstrates the nation's resolve in promoting self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.
Purpose and features of SVL ships
The SVL ships are designed to replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships and are equipped with new-generation hydrographic equipment to collect oceanographic data.
These ships have a length of 110 meters, a width of 16 meters, and a displacement of 3,400 tons.
The hull of the ships is constructed using DMR 249-A steel, an indigenously developed material manufactured by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
With over 80 percent indigenous content by cost, the SVL project promotes defense production by Indian manufacturing units, contributing to employment generation and enhancing warship building capabilities in the country.
Construction and launch timeline
The contract for building four SVL ships was signed between the MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on October 30, 2018.
As per the build strategy, the first ship was built at GRSE, Kolkata, while the construction of the remaining three ships up to the outfitting stage was sub-contracted to L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli.
The first three ships, named Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, and Ikshak, were launched on December 5, 2021, May 26, 2022, and November 26, 2022, respectively.
3. Indo-Maldives joint military exercise “Ekuverein” at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand
Tags: Defence
The 12th edition of the joint military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defense Force has commenced on 11 June 2023 at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
An Overview of the News:
- Ekuverein, meaning 'friend', is a bilateral annual exercise held alternately in India and Maldives.
- The joint military exercise "EX EKUVERIN" between the two countries will be held from 11 to 24 June 2023.
- A platoon-strength contingent of the Indian Army and Maldives National Defense Force will participate in the 14-day long exercise.
- The 14-day exercise aims to enhance interoperability in UN counter-insurgency/anti-terrorist operations and promote joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
- It will focus on sharing best practices, enhancing coordination and cooperation between the two forces at the tactical level.
- The 11th edition of joint military exercise "EX EKUVERIN" was held in Maldives in December 2021.
Maldives:
- Capital: Malé
- President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
- Currency: Rufiyaa
Uttarakhand:
- Capital: Dehradun
- Governor: Gurmeet Singh
- Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
4. Indian Navy commemorates 130th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's 'Satyagraha' in Durban
Tags: National Defence National News
INS Trishul, a flagship warship of the Indian Navy, celebrated the 130th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's 'Satyagraha' at the Durban port in South Africa.
An Overview of the News
The purpose of its visit was to commemorate the 130th anniversary of an incident that took place on 7 June 1893 at Pietermaritzburg railway station.
The incident led to Mahatma Gandhi being ejected from a train and played an important role in his fight against discrimination.
INS Trishul's visit to Durban harbour serves as a commemoration of Gandhi's 'Satyagraha'.
'Satyagraha' refers to Gandhi's doctrine of nonviolent resistance.
By celebrating 'Satyagraha' on board INS Trishul, the Indian Navy pays tribute to the principles of Gandhi and inspires generations to come.
About the visit of INS Trishul warship to Durban
Its visit to Durban is part of the Navy's celebrations for India's 75th Independence anniversary and the resumption of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa 30 years ago.
The visit included a commemorative meeting at Pietermaritzburg Railway Station, paying homage to the Gandhi Plinth and a performance by the Indian Navy Band.
A 'Gandhi-Mandela-King Conference' will be organised in association with the Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Foundation and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Mahatma Gandhi Satyagraha
Satyagraha was a nonviolent resistance movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian independence struggle against British rule.
Satyagraha was first employed in South Africa in 1915 when Gandhi led a successful resistance against discriminatory racial laws.
The movement gained momentum in India during the 1920s and 30s, leading to important civil disobedience campaigns such as the Salt March and the Quit India Movement.
The principles of satyagraha were also applied to other struggles around the world, including the fight against colonialism in Africa and Latin America.
Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha is considered one of the most powerful and successful tools for social and political change, adopted by people across the world.
5. First edition of India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise begins
Tags: Defence International News
The first edition of the India, France and UAE maritime partnership exercise began in the Gulf of Oman.
An Overview of the News
The exercise includes the participation of INS Tarkash and French Ship Surcouf, both equipped with integral helicopters, as well as French Rafale aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The exercise focused on a wide range of naval operations, including surface combat, tactical firing, missile engagement on surface targets, helicopter cross deck landing operations, advanced air defence exercises and boarding operations.
The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance trilateral cooperation between the three navies and address conventional and non-conventional threats in the maritime environment.
The exercise serves as a platform for sharing of knowledge, experience and best practices in maritime security.
The participating navies aim to strengthen ties, promote mutual understanding and promote regional security and stability in the maritime domain.
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
Capital - Abu Dhabi
Official language - Arabic
Government - Federal Islamic parliamentary elective semi-constitutional monarchy
President/Crown Prince - Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice President - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Oman:
Capital - Muscat
Currency - Omani Rial
Official language - Arabic
Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq
Crown Prince - Thiazin bin Haitham
6. NATO plans German-led air force exercise, "Air Defender 23"
Tags: Defence International News
NATO is set to commence its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe, known as "Air Defender 23," according to German and US officials.
An overview of the news
The exercise will span approximately 10 days, starting from 12th June, and will involve the participation of around 220 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries.
The exercise will be conducted across Germany, with some of the training taking place at Ramstein Air Base, one of NATO's largest air bases.
Air Defender 23
The exercise is purely defensive in nature.
Its primary objective is to enhance the defense capabilities of participating nations and ensure preparedness to respond to potential security challenges.
The exercise also intends to send a message to other countries including Russia.
The demonstration of NATO's unity and collective defense posture serves as a reminder of the Alliance's commitment to address potential threats and maintain regional stability.
By conducting this exercise, NATO seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen the effectiveness of its air defense capabilities.
By conducting this exercise, NATO seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen the effectiveness of its air defense capabilities.
About NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is a military alliance between North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
It was created during the Cold War as a defence pact to prevent Soviet expansion and protect member states from possible aggression.
The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg
7. ‘Agni Prime’ ballistic missile successfully flight-tested by DRDO
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
New Generation Ballistic Missile ‘Agni Prime’ was successfully flight-tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on June 7, 2023.
An overview of the news
DRDO's successful test flight of 'Agni Prime' missile marks a significant achievement.
This was the first pre-induction night launch by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.
Range instrumentation such as radar, telemetry and electro optical tracking systems were deployed at various locations including two down-range vessels at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of the vehicle.
About 'Agni Prime' Missile
The missile is a two-stage canisterised missile.
It is the latest and sixth variant of the Agni series missiles, developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
The missile is equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles, enabling it to deliver warheads to separate locations. It has a range of 1,000 - 2,000 km.
The missile has a diameter of 1.2 m and a height of 10.5 m.
It has a payload capacity of up to 1.5 tonnes for carrying warheads.
The missile is capable of performing high maneuvers while homing in on its targets.
After a series of user-associated launches, these missiles will be officially inducted into the armed forces.
8. Indian Navy undertakes first combat firing of Varunastra torpedo
Tags: Defence Science and Technology National News
The Indian Navy and the country's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) undertook the first ‘combat' test-firing of the Varunastra heavyweight torpedo on 5 June.
An overview of the news
It will enhance the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the indigenous Navy and give it a formidable force.
The torpedo was fired from a submarine and successfully hit the target at a distance of 40 km.
The test was conducted in the Arabian Sea in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Navy and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
About Varunastra torpedo
It has been designed and developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory at Visakhapatnam under the Defense Research and Development Organisation.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is responsible for the production of the Varunastra missile system.
This would become the mainstay of anti-submarine torpedoes for all Navy warships.
It will replace the old torpedoes on all naval ships that can fire heavy-weight torpedoes.
Features of the Varunastra
It is seven to eight meters long, weighs 1,500 kg and has a diameter of 533 mm.
When fired it can travel at 40 knots, or 74 kmph.
The operational range is 40 km and it can carry a warhead weighing 250 kg.
Varunastra was inducted by Indian Navy in 2016
It can be fired from all Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships capable of firing heavy-weight torpedoes in an intense countermeasures environment.
Benefits of the Varunastra Torpedo
It is a powerful and sophisticated weapon that will significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to detect, track, and engage enemy submarines.
It is the first indigenously developed heavyweight torpedo that is capable of meeting the Navy’s operational requirements.
This will reduce the Navy’s dependence on foreign weapons systems.
It is a cost-effective weapon that will save the Navy money in the long run.
9. Sarbananda Sonowal flags off maiden International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress in Chennai
Tags: International Relations Defence
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India's first international cruise vessel - MV Empress, from Chennai to Sri Lanka on June 5.
An overview of the news
This is the launch of the International Cruise Tourism Terminal at Chennai built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crore, ushering in a new era of cruise tourism and maritime trade in the country.
On the occasion of Environment Day, Sonowal along with the port officials also planted 2,500 saplings at the port.
The launch of the first cruise service between Chennai and Sri Lanka has opened a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country.
This is the result of an MoU signed during the Incredible India International Cruise Summit in 2022 between Chennai Port and M/s Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd to start domestic and international cruise services.
International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress
It is a renowned and luxurious cruise ship that operates globally.
It offers passengers a unique and unforgettable experience on the open seas, combining comfort, entertainment, and leisure.
The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems and safety features, ensuring a secure and smooth journey for all on board.
Its elegant design and modern amenities make it a preferred choice for travelers seeking a premium cruising experience.
10. NATO Launches Arctic exercise
Tags: Defence International News
NATO countries have started military exercises in the Arctic region.
An Overview of the News
The exercise involves approximately 1,000 allied forces from Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with NATO applicant Sweden.
Finland, NATO's newest member, is hosting its first joint training in the Arctic region since joining the Western alliance in April.
The exercise took place at Rovajärvi in northern Finland, near the Russian border, at one of Europe's largest artillery training grounds.
Oath to defend Finland:
NATO has pledged to protect its newest member, Finland.
The decision to join NATO was influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which raised tensions between Moscow and the West.
Participation and Scope of Practice:
About 6,500 Finnish soldiers and 1,000 vehicles are participating in the exercise.
The Arctic Challenge 2023 exercise also includes 150 aircraft from 14 NATO members and partner countries.
The objective of the exercise is to enhance military cooperation and preparedness in the Arctic region.
Joint training reinforces NATO's commitment to collective defence and regional security.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
It is a military alliance between North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
It was created during the Cold War as a defense pact to prevent Soviet expansion and protect member states from possible aggression.
The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg
About Finland
Finland is the 31st member of NATO.
Prime Minister- Sana Marin
Capital- Helsinki
Currency- Euro
