1. India Unveils Indigenous Light Tank Zorawar for High-Altitude Operations
Tags: Defence
On July 6, 2024, Indian Defence officials unveiled the prototype of the indigenous light tank Zorawar, marking a crucial advancement in India's defense capabilities.
An Overview of the News
This tank, named Zorawar, is designed to excel in high-altitude environments like Ladakh, focusing on enhanced mobility and operational efficiency.
Developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T), with L&T as the primary integrator.
Design and Features
Layout: Driver compartment at the front, turret in the middle, powerpack at the rear for balanced weight distribution.
Engine: Powered by a 1,000 hp Cummins engine for superior maneuverability in high-altitude regions.
Armament: Features a COCKERILL-3105 105mm turret with modifications for Indian Army requirements.
Weapon Systems: Includes a local 12.7mm NSV remote-controlled weapon station and twin anti-tank guided missile launcher.
Protection: Advanced active protection system to counter anti-tank guided missiles and enhance survivability.
Amphibious Capability: Designed to operate in water bodies like Pangong Tso Lake for tactical versatility.
Strategic Significance
Deployment: Initial order for 59 tanks with plans for 355 to form seven light tank regiments.
Strategic Purpose: Enhances defensive and offensive capabilities in border regions, particularly against armored threats.
Technological Integration
AI and Drones: Integrated with AI-enabled systems for improved situational awareness and tactical drone deployment.
Modern Warfare Edge: Capable of deploying loitering munitions, providing a strategic advantage.
Production and Trials
Manufacturing: Part of 'Make in India' initiative to reduce reliance on foreign military imports.
Testing: Currently undergoing internal trials, with user trials by the Indian Army expected by mid-2024.
2. World's Largest Maritime Exercise, RIMPAC 2024, Sets Sail in Hawaii
Tags: Defence
The 29th biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise commenced with an opening ceremony and press conference in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 27.
An Overview of the News
It involves participation from 29 nations and over 25,000 personnel.
Scheduled to take place from June 27 to August 1, activities will occur in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
The exercise includes approximately 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, and over 150 aircraft.
Additionally, it will feature 14 national land forces from various participating countries.
RIMPAC 2024 Theme: Partners: Integrated and Prepared
Objective: Foster stronger relationships among participating nations.
Focus: Enhance interoperability through joint exercises.
Outcome: Increase operational proficiency.
Impact: Promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
INS Shivalik at RIMPAC-24: Key Points
Mission Deployment: INS Shivalik, an Indian multi-role stealth frigate, reaches Pearl Harbour for RIMPAC-24.
Previous Exercises: Completed JIMEX 24 bilateral exercise with Japan before joining RIMPAC.
Harbour Phase: Includes symposiums, exercise planning, sports competitions, and reciprocal visits till July 7, 2024.
Sea Phase: Divided into three sub-phases focusing on integration exercises and large force tactical exercises.
INS Shivalik: A 6000-tonnes guided missile stealth frigate, showcasing Indian Navy's global operational capability.
Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise
RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise.
Biennially held in Honolulu, Hawaii during June and July (except in 2020, when it was in August).
Managed by the US Navy's Indo-Pacific Command at Pearl Harbor.
Involves coordination with US Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard.
First held in 1971 with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, and US.
Regular participants: Australia, Canada, US, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Royal New Zealand Navy rejoined in 2012 after an absence following the 1985 ANZUS nuclear ships dispute.
3. Indian Army Departs for 13th India-Thailand Joint Exercise ‘MAITREE’
Tags: Defence
Indian Army contingent departed for the 13th Exercise MAITREE, which will be conducted at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand from July 1 to 15.
An Overview of the News
The Indian contingent comprises 76 personnel, mainly from a Battalion of the Ladakh Scouts, along with personnel from other arms and services.
The Royal Thailand Army contingent also consists of 76 personnel, primarily from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division.
Previous Edition:
The last edition of Exercise MAITREE was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2019.
Objectives and Focus Areas
Exercise MAITREE aims to foster military cooperation between India and Thailand.
The exercise will enhance combined capabilities in executing joint counter-insurgency and terrorist operations in jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The focus areas include a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills.
Tactical Drills and Procedures
The exercise will facilitate the development of interoperability, camaraderie, and bonhomie between soldiers of both countries.
Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise include:
Creation of a Joint Operation Centre
Establishing an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre
Employment of drones and counter-drone systems
Securing a landing site
Small team insertion and extraction
Special heliborne operations
Cordon and search operations
Room intervention drills
Demolition of illegal structures
4. HAL Receives Rs 45,000 Crore RFP from MoD for 156 Indigenous Light Combat Helicopters
Tags: Defence National News
On 17th June 2024, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, received a Request For Proposal (RFP) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) Prachand, estimated to cost Rs 45,000 crore.
An Overview of the News
The MoD issued this RFP under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Of the 156 LCHs, 90 are allocated for the Indian Army (IA) and 66 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
About Light Combat Helicopter (LCH):
The LCH Prachand is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter, designed and manufactured by HAL in collaboration with French engine-maker Safran.
Key aviation technologies such as the glass cockpit and composite airframe structure have been indigenised.
It is the world's only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), suitable for operations in high-altitude areas like the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh.
The LCH is a 5-8 tonne class dedicated combat helicopter, powered by twin Shakti engines.
It features a countermeasure dispensing system that protects it from enemy radar detection.
Important Points:
In April 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The estimated worth of the tender is over Rs 65,000 crore.
About HAL:
HAL is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): C.B. Ananthakrishnan (Additional Charge)
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established: 1940
5. Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations Released by CDS General Anil Chauhan
Tags: Defence National News
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan unveiled the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations during a meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The doctrine is considered a pivotal publication that will direct Commanders in navigating Cyberspace Operations within complex military environments.
The Defence Ministry highlighted the Joint Doctrine's role in promoting Jointness and Integration across the Indian Armed Forces.
It marks a significant stride in enhancing the ongoing military processes.
In addition to traditional domains like Land, Sea, and Air, Cyberspace has become crucial in contemporary warfare.
Operations in this domain are crucially integrated into national security strategies to influence outcomes across other operational arenas.
Guidance and Focus Areas:
The doctrine focuses on comprehending the military aspects of cyberspace operations.
It provides conceptual guidance to commanders, staff, and practitioners involved in planning and executing operations in cyberspace.
6. Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev First Woman Helicopter Pilot in Indian Navy
Tags: Defence Person in news
Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev has made history as the Indian Navy's first female helicopter pilot.
An Overview of the News
She completed her training at INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, where she graduated from the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC).
Anamika is now qualified to pilot Sea Kings, ALH Dhruvs, Chetaks, and MH-60R Seahawks.
Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang: First Naval Officer from Ladakh
Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang became the first Commissioned Naval Officer from Ladakh.
He also completed his helicopter pilot training at INS Rajali as part of the 4th Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC).
Both Anamika and Jamyang were among the 21 officers awarded the Golden Wings at the passing out parade.
Significance of the Graduation Ceremony
The passing out parade marked the completion of Stage I training for the 4th BHCC.
It celebrated the graduation of the 102nd HCC, signifying a new cohort of trained helicopter pilots for the Indian Navy.
Historical Context
In 2018, Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo.
7. IITK and DRDO have collaboratively launched a Center of Excellence in Defense Technologies
Tags: Defence
IIT Kanpur and DRDO have jointly launched the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA COE) at the IIT Kanpur campus, focusing on interdisciplinary research in advanced defense technologies.
An Overview of the News
Sanjay Tandon, previously serving as the director of the Institute of Technology Management (ITM) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, has assumed the role of director at the center of excellence located at IIT Kanpur.
Research Focus:
The center aims to lead focused research in various defense verticals.
These include advanced nanomaterials, accelerated material design, high-energy materials, and bioengineering.
Funding and Infrastructure:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will fund the projects and establish key technical facilities.
Modern infrastructure will be set up to enable and boost Research and Development (R&D) programs.
Establishment Timeline:
The establishment of DIA COE at IIT Kanpur commenced in 2022.
It was initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Def-Expo-2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Background:
DefExpo 2022 was a flagship event of the Ministry of Defence.
It aimed to achieve Atma Nirbharta in defense and reach the USD 5 billion defense exports target by 2024.
About DRDO
It serves as the Research and Development (R&D) arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Founded:- 1958
Chairman:- Dr. Samir Venkatpati Kamat
HQ:- New Delhi, Delhi
8. Commemoration of the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
Tags: Defence
The Indian Army commemorated the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on May 29th.
An Overview of the News
A homage ceremony was held at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff, along with officials from the United Nations, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of External Affairs, laid wreaths to mark the occasion.
Historical Significance
This day celebrates the first UN Peacekeeping Mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), which began in Palestine in 1948.
Tributes are paid globally to the dedication and courage of UN Peacekeepers, honouring those who sacrifice for peace.
India's Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
India is a major contributor to UN Peacekeeping, having provided around 287,000 troops to various missions.
160 Indian soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in UN Peacekeeping missions.
Training and Deployment
The Centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi trains over 12,000 troops annually and shares best practices internationally.
Currently, Indian forces are deployed in nine countries.
9. DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests RudraM-II Missile from Su-30 MK-I Platform
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile.
An Overview of the News
The test was conducted from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force in Odisha.
The Defence Ministry announced that the flight test met all the trial objectives.
RudraM-II Missile System
RudraM-II is an indigenously developed, solid-propelled, air-launched missile system.
The missile system incorporates a number of state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories.
About DRDO
It is an agency under the Department of Defense Research and Development.
It works under the Ministry of Defense of the Government of India.
DRDO is responsible for military research and development.
Established:- 1958
Chairman:- Sameer V. Kamat
Headquarters:- DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi
Aircraft Design:- DRDO Nishant, DRDO Lakshya, Avatar
10. Pune's Army Sports Institute Inaugurated Khelo India Hostel & Army Girls Sports Company
Tags: Defence State News
The Khelo India Sports Hostel and Army Girls Sports Company's first batch were inaugurated at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.
An Overview of the News
Key dignitaries present included Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, Director General of Sports Authority of India Sandeep Pradhan, and celebrated athlete Ms. Anju Bobby George.
Khelo India Sports Hostel Integration:
The Khelo India Sports Hostel, funded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is now part of the Army Sports Institute.
This initiative aims to provide top-notch facilities and training opportunities to Khelo India athletes, enhancing their performance at national and international levels.
Army Girls Sports Company Establishment:
The Army Girls Sports Company has been established, focusing on four key sports disciplines: boxing, weightlifting, archery, and athletics.
This initiative represents a significant commitment to nurturing female sports talent across India.
Recruitment Process:
Over 1000 young girls from various parts of the country participated in national-level trials for the Army Girls Sports Company.
Following a rigorous talent identification process, 24 exceptional candidates were selected for the inaugural batch.
