Current Affairs September 2018 - Defence

---

---

1 - Lockheed, Tata in JV to Make F-16 Jet Wings

In an advance step to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, American security and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin announced that the wings of its F-16 fighter jets will be manufactured in India.

Maryland, (the US) based Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the project. Further, Lockheed has offered to move its entire F-16 manufacturing base to India. However, India is yet to make a decision on it.

2 - Field Training Military Exercise (MILEX-18)

The first joint military exercise of the seven member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), with a emphasis on counter-terrorism in semi-urban areas, was held in Pune, Maharashtra.

The week-long field training exercise, named as MILEX-18, was held between September 10 and 16 at the city’s Aundh Military Station. As reported by Lt. Gen. D.R. Soni, Chief, Southern Command, such field training is a crucial step towards regional security and diplomacy. The armies of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand participated.

3 - INDO-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018

As a part of the ongoing Indo-US defence co-operation, a joint military training Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018 is scheduled to be conducted from 16 September to 29 September 2018.The 14^th edition of the joint military exercise hosted alternately by both countries will be conducted in the foothills of Himalayas at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. The joint exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018 is designed to simulate a scenario where both nations will work together in counter insurgency and counter terrorism environment in mountainous terrain under United Nation charter.

4 - Home Minister inaugurated First Project of Smart Fencing Along Indo-Pak Border

First of its kind, ‘smart fence’ pilot project was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. This fencing will be done along the Indo-Pak border.

The Smart fencing technology uses various devices for surveillance, communication and data storage and it can work 24×7 (surveillance) on the border irrespective of the weather condition. This pilot project encompasses setting up of laser-activated fences and technology-enabled barriers to safeguard vulnerable gaps along the borders.

Part of the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) programme of BSF, initially it would have two border fencing projects, each covering a 5.5 km stretch along the International Border in Jammu.

5 - DAC Approves Procurement Worth of Rs 9,100 Crore

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman, the Defence Minister, has approved Rs 9,100 crore for the procurement of equipment for the Defence Forces.

Defence Minister approved this procurement of two regiments of Akash missile system under ‘Buy (Indian)’ category from Bharat Dynamics Limited. The new missile system would be the upgraded version, as it has advanced technology such as 360-degree coverage and compact configuration with reduced signature.

6 - India-France Set to Work Together On Maritime Surveillance Satellites

India and France agreed to begin work on launching a constellation of maritime surveillance satellites next year. These satellites will be designed to cover areas starting from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean and also the Atlantic Ocean.

To materialize this project, ISRO (the Indian Space Research Organization) and CNES (The National Centre for Space Studies) will work together. ISRO and CNES will design and develop the whole project including Automatic Identification System to monitor and protect assets in land sea. The satellites thus developed, will also monitor the sea traffic management in the region.

This is India’s largest space co-operation with any country ever.