1. Indian Navy conducts Exercise Poorvi Lehar (XPOL) off the East Coast
Tags: Defence
On April 20, 2024, the Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar (XPOL) 2024 on the East Coast to assess its preparedness for maritime security challenges.
An Overview of the News
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer-Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) headquartered in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, oversaw the exercise.
XPOL comprised multiple phases:
Tactical Phase: Involving combat training in realistic scenarios.
Weapon Phase: Conducting various firings successfully.
The exercise saw active participation from ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces.
Assets from the Indian Air Force (IAF), Andaman and Nicobar Command, Eastern Naval Command, and Coast Guard participated, showcasing high interoperability among the services.
Notably, aircraft operated from various locations to ensure continuous Maritime Domain Awareness.
About the Indian Navy:
Dinesh Kumar Tripathi was appointed as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff by the Government of India, taking charge on 30 April.
Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4 December.
Headquarters - New Delhi, Delhi
Established-1950
2. DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Cruise Missile at Odisha
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
On April 18, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.
An Overview of the News
Features of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM):
Advanced Avionics: Equipped with advanced avionics and software to ensure enhanced and reliable performance.
Development: Developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with contributions from other Indian laboratories and industries.
Propulsion System: The missile features an indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Key Observations during the Test:
Range Sensors: Various Range Sensors including Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (ETOS), and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure comprehensive coverage of the flight path.
Monitoring from Aircraft: The flight of the missile was monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
About ADE:
Responsibility: A laboratory of DRDO entrusted with conducting research and development in military aviation.
Director: Y Dilip
Headquarters: Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
3. India Sends Inaugural BrahMos Missile Shipment to Philippines in Defense Pact Fulfillment
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
India delivered its first BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines under a $375 million deal signed in January 2022.
An Overview of the News
The deal involves supplying three export versions of the BrahMos missile system along with integrated logistics support and training for operators and maintainers.
The first batch of munitions has arrived in the Philippines after two years since the pact was signed.
Components and Support Package:
Each system delivered includes two missile launchers, a radar unit, and a command-and-control center.
Additionally, an integrated logistics support package and training for operators and maintainers were part of the deal.
Arrival of First Batch:
Two years after the agreement, the first batch of BrahMos missiles reached the Philippines.
The system enables firing two missiles within 10 seconds, adaptable to various platforms like submarines, ships, aircraft, or land-based installations.
Export Process:
The BrahMos missiles were transported from India to the Philippines via an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster jet.
This marks India's inaugural export of BrahMos missiles.
Global Interest and Capabilities:
Several nations, including Argentina, have shown interest in procuring BrahMos missiles from India.
BrahMos missiles boast a speed of 2.8 Mach, nearly three times the speed of sound.
4. Naval Investiture: Honors for Bravery and Excellence at INS Hansa Ceremony
Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), presided over the ceremony at INS Hansa, Goa.
An Overview of the News
Awards presented on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu of India.
Awards and Recognitions
35 naval personnel honored for acts of bravery, leadership, professional excellence, and distinguished service.
Notable recipients:
Commander Manish Singh Karki
Commander Kaustab Banerjee
Lieutenant Commander Panneerselvam Vishnu Prasanna
Lieutenant Commander Bhaskar, awarded Nao Sena Medals for Gallantry.
Special Recognitions
CNS Trophy for Best Green Practices 2023: Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, Maharashtra, and INS Valsura.
Unit Citations awarded to various Naval units, including INS Teg, INS Kolkata, INS Karmuk, INS Sumedha, INS Sumitra, INS Sharda, submarine INS Sindhukesari, flight squadron INAS 550, and shore establishments Chilka, Circars, Eksila, Dronacharya, and Naval Ship Repair Yard (Karwar).
Individual Achievements
Lt VK Jain Memorial Gold Medal 2024 presented to Shubham Hira for pioneering research in weapon improvement and electrical engineering.
Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal 2024 awarded to Tabsheer Ahmed Wani for contributions to flight safety.
5. India Air Force Readies for 'Gagan Shakti-2024': Ten-Day Exercise at Pokhran
Tags: Defence
On April 1, 2024, the exercise started at the field firing range in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
An Overview of the News
Over ten thousand Air Force personnel are expected to participate in this exercise.
The exercise, held every five years, involves both the Western and Northern fronts, with fighter planes and helicopters engaged in simulated attacks on mock targets at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
Logistical Support by the Indian Army:
An operational rail deployment that moved almost 10,000 IAF personnel across the country was made possible by the logistical support that the Indian Army provided prior to 'Gagan Shakti 2024'.
Strategic rail transport planning, provision of 'Joint Express' trains with required facilities, and network assurance via the Movement Control Organization (MCO) are all part of the Army's engagement.
To enhance operational capabilities, two ammunition trains are being sent to supply exercise zones with ammunition from depots.
Recap of 'Gagan Shakti-2018’ Exercise:
More than 11,000 sorties were conducted in the 2018 version, which tested the readiness for fast deployment from the western to the eastern regions in less than 48 hours.
'Tarang Shakti', the Future Mega Exercise:
The IAF will organize "Tarang Shakti," an international exercise involving 12 air forces from around the world, after "Gagan Shakti-2024."
'Tarang Shakti's' Goals:
The objectives of "Tarang Shakti" are to improve interoperability, exchange best practices, and promote military cooperation among member countries.
With the participation of AWACS, transport, fighter, helicopter, and unmanned systems, Tarang Shakti is expected to be the biggest international air exercise conducted in India.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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
9. 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.
10. 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.
