- Current Affairs August 2018
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Current Affairs August 2018 - Defence
1 - Strategic Partnership Model approved by DAC
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman has approved Implementation guidelines for the Strategic Partnership Model.
Strategic Partnership Model aims to revitalise defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon systems for the future needs of the Armed Forces. The DAC also accorded approval for the acquisition of 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard under 'Buy (lndian-lDDM)' category at an approximate cost of Rs. 800 crore.
2 - Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla assumed Command of SNC
Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, AVSM, NM, VSM, has taken over the reins of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) as its 28th Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief. The Admiral has replaced Vice Admiral AR Karve, PVSM, AVSM who retired after 38 years of service.
VAdm AK Chawla was previously the Chief of Personnel at the Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence, Navy at Delhi.
3 - Ballistic Missile Interceptor AAD successfully flight tested
DRDO conducted the successful test of the Ballistic Missile Interceptor Advanced Area Defence (AAD) from Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The endo-atmospheric missile, capable of intercepting incoming targets at an altitude of 15 to 25 kms was launched against multiple simulated targets of 1500 km class ballistic missile.
The interceptor is a 7.5-metre long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator.
4 - Indo - Thailand Joint Exercise Maitree 2018
Exercise Maitree is a joint military exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army which was conducted from 06th to 19th August 2018 in Thailand. It is a platoon level exercise which comprises of infantry component.
The exercise emphasized to hone the tactical and technical skills in joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in rural and urban scenario under UN mandate. The current drill comes after both sides participated in Ex Maitree 2017 in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh for 15 days. The exercise focused on familiarizing with each other’s modus operandi, basic maneuvers and evolving joint drills. The second phase included practicing of various drills & tactical scenarios in counter insurgency environment, execution of tactical operations like search and destroy operation, house intervention and survival techniques.
5 - Budget for DRDO
The total Budget of Department of Defence Research & Development (R&D) for the Financial Year 2018-19 is Rs. 17861.19 crore with manpower of approximately 24224 (including 7354 scientists).
A total of 13 research projects in Technology Development (TD) and Science & Technology (S&T) category have been taken up in the year 2018-19 in the broad areas of hybrid power system, advanced materials, CBW Defence technologies, laser diode technology, technologies for insensitive munition, etc., and since these are in design phase, outcome of research projects will be seen in the subsequent years.
6 - Joint cycling cum Trekking expedition by Indian Army & Royal Bhutan Army
A joint Cycling cum Trekking Expedition of Indian Army and Royal Bhutan Army was conducted to commemorate “Fifty years of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India and Bhutan”. The expedition began on 31 July from Haa Dzong in Bhutan and was flagged-in at Thimpu on 07 August 2018.
A total of seventeen personnel of both armies participated in the expedition which covered a total of 384 kms of distance across challenging mountainous terrain in both India and Bhutan.
7 - Defence Minister launched Defence India Startup Challenge
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched defence India start up challenge in Bengaluru with a vision to build an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in defence sector and to make India self reliant for meeting defence requirements.
The Ministry of Defence launched 11 challenges thrown open to provide solutions by the start up ecosystem. She also launched SPARK - Support For Prototype And Research Kickstart in defence, framework for IDEX (Innovation for defence excellence) partners, and promotion of start ups under Make II procedure.
8 - Operation 'Madad' by Southern Naval Command
The Southern Naval Command (SNC) at Kochi has launched Operation “Madad” for assisting the Kerala state administration and undertaking disaster relief operations due to the unprecedented flooding experienced in many parts of Kerala, owing to incessant rainfall and release of excess water from Idukki and other dams.
Naval helicopters were deployed for ferrying divers, power tools, axes and relief material to the flooded areas to augment ongoing relief operations.
9 - Exercise SCO Peace Mission 2018 held in Russia
As a part of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) initiatives, SCO Peace Mission Exercise is conducted biennially for SCO member states. The joint exercise for the year 2018 was conducted by Central Military Commission of Russia at Chebarkul, Chelyabinsk, Russia. It was the maiden participation of India post becoming a full member of the SCO in June 2017.
The joint exercise strengthened mutual confidence, interoperability and enabled sharing of best practices among armed forces of SCO Nations. It was a landmark event in the history of SCO defence cooperation.
10 - DAC approved procurement of six indigenously built NGOPVs for Navy
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of six indigenously designed and manufactured Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Navy at an approximate cost of Rs 4941 crore. The vessels will be built in indigenous shipyards and will be fitted with state-of-the-art sensor suite with increased endurance.
These platforms will strengthen maritime security by undertaking a multitude of operational roles both in blue water and littorals. These include seaward defence, protection of offshore assets and search and seizure operations, surveillance missions, anti-piracy missions and disaster relief and rescue missions.
11 - INDIAN NAVAL SHIP (INS) Sahyadri Visits Suva, Fiji
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri entered Port of Suva in Fiji after participation in the RIMPAC 2018 at Hawaii. It will strengthen the strong bilateral relations with Fiji.
INS Sahyadri (F49) is the third and latest ship among the Shivalik Class of indigenously built Stealth Frigates and forms a part of the Eastern Fleet of Indian Navy. INS Sahyadri draws her name from the beautiful, age-defying Western Coast (also known as Sahyadri ranges) stretching across 1600 Kms. along the Western Coast of India.
12 - India successfully tested indigenously Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ in Pokhran
India has successfully flight tested the indigenously developed helicopter launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ from Pokhran in Rajasthan. The weapon system tested for its full range was released smoothly from the launch platform. The missile hit the target with high precision.
The indigenously designed and developed guided bombs Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) was also successfully flight tested from IAF aircraft at Chandan range in Jaisalmer. The weapon system was integrated with the live warhead and has destroyed the targets with high precision.
13 - INS Khanjar visited Yangon, Myanmar
INS Khanjar a Missile Corvette of Indian Navy was on a three-day visit to Yangon, Myanmar to undertake operational turn around (OTR) and as part of goodwill visit. On arrival at Yangon, the Commanding Officer called-on Captain Tet Lwin Run, Fleet Commander 1st Fleet and the Indsian Ambassador to Myanmar Shri Vikram Misri.
A joint Yoga Session for IN and Myanmar Naval personnel was also organized in addition to the cross visits between Indian Navy and Myanmar Naval personnel.
14 - Exercise Pitch Black 2018 Australia concluded
Ex Pitch Black, a biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise was hosted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Darwin, Australia. Indian Air Force had earlier participated in the exercise as observers and this was for the first time that IAF participated with air assets in the Exercise Pitch Black (PB-18).
With participation of 16 nations and more than 140 aircrafts, the current edition was the largest Pitch Black ever conducted by Australia. The objectives for the exercise were to foster closer relationship between the participating friendly forces and to promote interoperability through exchange of knowledge and experience.
15 - Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) successfully flight tested
Indigenously designed and developed guided bombs Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) were successfully flight tested from IAF aircraft. The weapon system was integrated with live warhead and has destroyed the targets with high precision. The telemetry and tracking systems captured all the mission events.
This weapon is capable of destroying variety of ground targets using precision navigation. The weapon has undergone eight developmental trials and performance of system for different ranges under multiple launch conditions has been demonstrated.
16 - 1st Ever IAF-RMAF Joint Air Exercise held in Malaysia
The first-ever joint air exercise involving the Indian Air Force and the the Royal Malaysian Air Force was held at Subang Air Base in Malaysia. The exercise seeks to deepen defence and military ties between the two countries.
The theme of the exercise was "IAF & RMAF #JointExercise: Making History”. India has been eyeing a foothold at the strategically important Subang Air Base.
17 - INS Vikramaditya to get upgrade for its Air Wing
INS Vikramaditya will be fitted with a marine hydraulic system to boost the air operations of the ship. It is used for refuelling, cleaning and pressurisation of hydraulic systems of aircraft and helicopters on board the INS Vikramaditya. Hydraulics technology uses fluid pressure to power machines.
The air wing consists of 30 MiG 29K fighter jets and six Kamov helicopters. INS Vikramadityawas commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2013.
18 - DAC approved procurement for services amounting to nearly Rs. 46,000 Crores
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accorded approval for procurement for the Services amounting to approximately Rs. 46,000 crores. DAC approved procurement of 111 Utility Helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs. 21,000 crores. This is the first project under the MoD’s prestigious Strategic Partnership (SP) Model that aims at providing significant fillip to the Government’s ‘Make in India’ programme.
In addition, procurement of 14 Vertically Launched Short Range Missile Systems was also cleared by the DAC.
19 - SCO Peace Mission 2018
Exercise Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Peace Mission 2018 formally started at Chebarkul, Russia with military contingents of all the eight SCO member nations. The exercise provided an opportunity to the armed forces of SCO nations to train in counter terrorism operations in urban scenario in a multinational and joint environment.
The scope of the exercise included professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills & procedures, establishment of joint command and control structures and elimination of terrorist threat in urban counter terrorist scenario. The SCO Peace Mission Exercise is one of the major defense cooperation initiatives amongst SCO nations.