New explosive detection device “RaIDer-X” unveiled at NWED-2020
The National Workshop on Explosive Detection (NWED-2020) was held at Pune, Maharashtra. The NWED workshop was organised by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune. During the workshop, a new explosive detection device known as “RaIDer-X” was also unveiled. The workshop featured the participation of delegates from different DRDO laboratories, Army, CRPF, CISF, State Police, academic Institutes, industries and other security agencies.
“ICGS Varad” commissioned as Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel
The Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel “ICGS Varad” has been commissioned by the Union Minister of State for Shipping (I/C) & Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya. The minister also accorded the ‘Guard of honour’ parade as part of commissioning ceremony of ICGS Varad which was held in Chennai.
About ICGS Varad:
The 98 metre long and 15 metre wide ICGS Varad is having a gross tonnage of 2100 tons. It has a maximum speed of 26 Knots along with endurance of 5000 nautical miles. The ICGS Varad will enable the fleet of ships of the Indian Coast Guard and will contribute in the monitoring and constant vigil for coastal security of Indian maritime borders. ICGS Varad has been built indigenously by Larsen & Toubro while keeping in mind the Government of India’s vision of Make in India.
Rajnath Singh inaugurates new Helicopter Production Hangar at HAL
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Production Hangar at Helicopter Division in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Complex at Bengaluru, Karnataka.
LCH is a 5.5-tonne class combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL. It is powered by two Shakti engines and inherits many technical features of the Advanced Light Helicopter. LCH has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in forwarding Bases at Siachen, 4,700 mts above sea level with 500kg load.
India has made significant progress towards manufacturing military equipment indigenously under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The defence industry plays a major role in the economic development of the country. Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) that has helped India leapfrog six places to become the fifth-largest economy in the world.
6th Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel “VAJRA” launched
The 6th Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) “VAJRA” has been launched in Chennai. The Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel is expected to strengthen the efforts Indian Coast Guard in securing the vast coastline of over 7500 km, including an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of over 20 lakh sq kms.
OPV “VAJRA” is the 6th vessel in the series of seven OPV projects. The Offshore Patrol Vessel has been built by M/s L&T Shipbuilding under the ‘Make in India’ policy. OPV Vajra is a state of the art platform which will increase the capabilities of Indian Coast Guard in terms of Operation, Surveillance, Search & Rescue. The OPV is empowered with two Navigation Radars along with ultra-modern technology, Sophisticated navigational and latest communication systems. The OPV will help the Indian Coast Guard in executing day and night patrol/surveillance along with anti-terrorist/ anti-smuggling operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as Coastal Security.
India-UK joint Air Force Exercise Indra Dhanush Exercise 2020 began
The 5th edition of the Exercise Indra Dhanush 2020 commenced on 24th February. It is a joint air force exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and British Royal Air Forces (RAF) has commenced at Air Force Station Hindan in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
‘Base Defence and Force Protection’ was the focus of this year exercise. 36 specialised combatants from RAF Regiment & 42 combatants of the GARUD Force from IAF team participated in this exercise with para drops from C-130J aircraft, tactical insertions by Mi-17 V5 helicopters and use of various airborne sensors.
During the exercise, both the elements of the air force will share and jointly validate strategies and tactics to tackle terror threats to their installations. Both the forces also to take up various missions including Airfield Seizure, Base Defence and anti-terror operations in Urban built-up zones.
India to have 1st “Integrated Tri-services Command” by year 2020
The Chief of the Defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has announced the plan of establishing the first Integrated Tri-Services Command. The Integrated Tri-Services Command will be responsible for handing the air defence of the entire country. The command is expected to be established by June 2020. The planned Integrated Tri-Services command will be headed by an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer.
Objective of Integrated Tri-Services Command:
The Integrated Tri-Services Command aims is to unite the resources of the three defence services of India under one command to protect the air space of the country. The air defence set-up of the the Army, Air Force and Navy would integrate to provide air defence cover to the country.
The Department of Military Affairs headed by General Bipin Rawat has been mandated to create joint military commands along with theatre commands, joint peninsula command and a logistics command.
DRDO developing new strike range Pranash ballistic missile
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started developing a 200-km strike range tactical ballistic missile ‘Pranash’. The missile is an advanced version of the 150-km strike range Prahar missile which was being developed for tactical missions. The surface-to-surface ballistic missile will be of use for the Air Force and Army. It is a solid-propellant surface to a surface missile which can travel at the speed of Mach 2.
India and UK to hold joint military drill ‘Ajeya Warrior’
India and the United Kingdom will conduct their 5th edition of joint military exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior-2020’ at Salisbury Plains, the United Kingdom from February 13-26. The exercise is being held from 2005.
The exercise will comprise of 120 soldiers each from Indian and United Kingdom Army who would be sharing their experiences gained during conduct of various counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in the past. e. The participants have also been trained in combat shooting, rock craft training, Jungle survival and martial arts for unarmed combat.
Indian Army develops world’s first bulletproof helmet
An Indian Army Major who had developed a bulletproof jacket for protection against sniper bullets, has now developed a helmet which is claimed to be first such in the world that can stop an AK-47 bullet round from a distance of 10 meters.
"The ballistic helmet has been developed under project Abhedya by Major Anoop Mishra who has also developed a full-body protection bulletproof jacket which can withstand even sniper rifles," Army officials told ANI.
The officer is part of the Indian Army's College of Military Engineering and had got into the development of bulletproof jackets after he had received gunshots on his vintage bulletproof jacket.
Indian Naval Academy awarded President’s Colour
President Ram Nath Kovind and Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, awarded President’s Colour to Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala at Kochi, Kerala.
The President’s Colour is the highest honour bestowed upon a military unit.
It was awarded to INA in recognition of the yeoman service rendered by the institution in training and shaping Indian Naval officers over the last 50 years at three different locations – Goa, Kochi and Ezhimala. To commemorate this occasion, a special postal cover was also released by the President.
The NIA will host the first-ever counter-terrorism (CT) exercise
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will host the first-ever counter-terrorism (CT) exercise for the Quad countries in New Delhi. The Quad countries include the United States (US), India, Australia, and Japan. According to the NIA, the exercise is to assess and validate CT response mechanisms in the light of emerging terrorist threats. It also aims to provide opportunities to share the best practices and to explore areas for enhanced cooperation amongst participating countries.
US clears sale of $1 billion worth of Naval Guns to India
The US State Department cleared the sale of sophisticated MK-45 naval guns worth $1 billion to India. The MK-45 guns will enhance India’s naval capabilities, particularly in the Arabian Sea.
The Gun System will provide the capability to conduct anti-surface warfare and anti-air defence missions while enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allied forces.
GRSE delivers ICGS ‘Amrit Kaur to Indian Coast Guard
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered to the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Amrit Kaur’, the third in a series of five ‘Fast Patrol Vessels’ (FPV). ICGS ‘Amrit Kaur’ is a 50-metre-long and 7.5-metre- wide medium-range surface vessel, with a displacement of around 308 tonnes. It is capable of performing a rescue, patrolling, anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations in the maritime zones of the country.
The vessel can attain a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of over 1,500 nautical miles. The ship is equipped with three main engines and has advanced control systems, water jet units and an ‘Integrated Bridge System’ constituting all communication and navigation systems.
1st Indo-Qatari joint Naval Exercise Za’ir-Al-Bahr begins in Doha, Qatar
A bilateral maritime exercise, Zair-al-Bahr or Roar of the Sea, is currently underway between India and Qatar. This maritime exercise is being organized from November 17 to November 21, 2019. The purpose of this exercise is to promote interoperability between the navies of the two countries.
This is the first bilateral naval exercise between India and Gulf country Qatar. Indian Navy warship Guided Missile Stealth Frigate INS Trikhand, along with aircraft P-8-I, are participating in this exercise.
Lt Col Jyoti Sharma appointed as Army’s first female JAG officer
Lieutenant Colonel Jyoti Sharma has been appointed as the Indian Army's first female Judge Advocate General officer to be deployed on a foreign mission.
She will be appointed as the military legal expert with the government of Seychelles. The main role of Jyoti would be to update the government of Seychelles officials on the defence and military act.
Indian Army conducts ‘Sindhu Sudarshan’ exercise in Rajasthan
The Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Indian Army conducted 'Sindhu Sudarshan' exercise in Rajasthan's Barmer. Around 40,000 jawans of the Indian Army are participating in the exercise.
'Sindhu Sudarshan' exercise started on November 16 and will continue till December 05.
First night trial of Agni II missile conducted successfully
India successfully conducted the first night trial of nuclear-capable intermediate range ballistic missile Agni-II from the Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
The Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army test-fired the versatile surface-to-surface medium-range nuclear-capable missile from launching complex IV of the Integrated Test Range.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile has already been inducted into the armed forces.
The 20-metre-long, two-stage ballistic missile has a strike range of 2,000 km. It has a launch weight of 17 tonnes and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg.
India-U.S. tri-services exercise Tiger Triumph begins
The India-U.S. tri-services amphibious exercise “Tiger Triumph” has begun in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Tiger Triumph will go on for 9 days off the Visakhapatnam and Kakinada coasts. The training events will enhance U.S.-India military-to-military relations and hone individual and small-unit skills in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
This kind of training is expected to build the capacity of both the U.S. and Indian participants as well as improving their ability to operate together.
Lt. Cdr. Karabi Gogoi posted as Assistant Naval Attache in Moscow
The Navy has selected Lt.Commander Karabi Gogoi as assistant naval attache at the Moscow Embassy.
She will become the first woman officer from the Indian Navy to be posted as a Defence Attache at an Indian mission abroad.
Indian Navy, Indonesian Navy bilateral maritime exercise ‘Samudra Shakti
India is jointly exercising its anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kamorta along with Indonesian warship KRI Usman Harun, a multi-role corvette, in the Bay of Bengal as part of an ongoing bilateral exercise ”Samudra Shakti”.
The aim of the exercise is to strengthen bilateral relations, expand maritime co-operation, enhance interoperability and exchange best practices. The joint exercises include manoeuvres, surface warfare exercises, air defence exercises, weapon firing drills, helicopter operations and boarding operations.
Indian Coast Guard conducted Exercise ReSAREX-2019
The Indian Coast Guard conducted the Regional level Search and Rescue Workshop and Exercise - 2019 (ReSAREX - 2019) to check the preparedness and response measures for search and rescue at sea in a coordinated manner.
The two days event organised by the Coast Guard District Headquarters - 11 (Goa) comprised of search and rescue workshop and table top exercise conducted on November 5 and was followed by search and rescue exercise at sea on November 6
Defence innovations conference to showcase accomplishments of iDEX
Defence ministry is organising Def-Connect in New Delhi tomorrow to showcase the accomplishments of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.
The conference aims to bring together all stakeholders of the iDEX ecosystem, Ministry of defence, iDEX selected startups, Partner Incubators, Defence Innovation Organisation, Nodal agencies (Indian Army, Navy, Airforce), Defence Research and Development Organisation and Defence Public Sector Undertakings and Indian Ordnance Factories.
GRSE delivers fast patrol vessel, ‘Annie Besant’ to Indian Coast Guard
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Annie Besant to Indian Coast Guard (ICGS) in Kolkata, West Bengal. This is second in the series of five such FPVs being built by GRSE for Indian Coast Guard and the 101st warship to be delivered by shipyard.
The entire design of these FPVs has been developed in-house by GRSE as per requirements specified by ICG. At present GRSE has a strong order book position of about Rs.27,400 crore under which there are a total of 22 warships at various stages of construction.
Biggest US-Bangladesh Navy exercise starts in Chattogram, Bangladesh
The second phase of the biggest US- Bangladesh Navy exercise named 'Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)- 2019' started in Chattogram.
Assistant chief of naval staff (operations) Bangladesh Navy rear admiral M Makbul Hossain was present as the chief guest in the opening ceremony. Rear admiral Murray Tynch, commander logistic group, Western Pacific Command Task Force 73 (CTF-73) of the US Navy was present as the special guest.
The exercise provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the operational activities of the Navies of two countries and to get acquainted with advanced technology through various theoretical and practical trainings.
The second phase of the exercise is being conducted from 4 to 7 November with different subject-based training and exercise.
Shripad Naik inaugurates DRDO’s Igniter Complex at HEMRL, Pune
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shripad Naik inaugurated the Defence Research &Development Organisation (DRDO) Igniter Complex at High Energy MaterialsResearch Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune.
Ignition is a crucial and highly critical phenomenon in the ignitionchain of Rocket motor. HEMRL has developed various fuel /oxidizer based ignitercompositions using organic binders. The laboratory has developed severalignition systems to ensure reliable initiation of rocket motors of various tacticalas well as strategic missiles.
Ignition system for Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Nag, Pinaka, Long RangeSurface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM), etc. have been designed and developed in HEMRL.Technology for AKASH, Nag missiles and Pinaka Mk-I Rocket has been transferredto Ordnance Factory, Dehu Road, Pune and private industries.