Current Affairs August 2019 - Defence
1 - India, US agree to pursue collaboration between their defence industry & start-ups
Indian and US officials have agreed to pursue a policy environment conducive to collaboration between the defence industry and start-ups in both countries. An understanding in this regard was reached during the 15th meeting of the India-US Defence Policy Group (DPG) in Washington.
The Defence Policy Group or DPG is the top official-level meeting mechanism between India and the US on defence issues, which comprehensively reviews and guides all aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
2 - DRDO successfully test fires Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile
India successfully test-fired a sophisticated all-weather and all-terrain Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) against live aerial targets from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have developed the state-of-the-art missile for the India Army.
The systems are equipped with indigenously developed Phased array radar, Inertial Navigation System, Data Link & RF seeker. The system is being developed for Indian Army with search and track on move capability with very short reaction time.
3 - DAC accords approval for procurement of indigenous SDR
Defence Acquisition Council, DAC, has accorded approval for procurement of indigenous Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries for the Indian Navy. The SDR is a complex and state of art communication system which will enable information sharing, collaboration and situational awareness through high-speed data and secure voice communication with anti-jamming capability.
Next-Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries will be fitted with supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface cruise missiles and would be deployed along the coast. It has been developed and manufactured in India by Indo-Russia Joint Venture Company, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.
4 - Indian Navy signed MoU with CIAL
The Naval Air Enclave (NAE), Kochi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).
The memorandum was signed in connection with commencement of naval air operations from the NAE, a naval aviation facility comprising an independent dispersal, aircraft hangar, administrative building and taxy track, located on the northwest side of CIAL. Military aircraft would use the CIAL runway for take-off and landing and the NAE taxy track for proceeding to and from the dispersal / hangar.
5 - Defence council approves acquisition of two Brahmos missile batteries for Indian Navy
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved procurement of indigenous Software Defined Radio (SDR Tactical) and Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (NGMMCB–Long Range) for Indian Navy.
The SDR is a complex and state of art communication system which will enable information sharing, collaboration and situational awareness through high-speed data and secure voice communication with anti-jamming capability. Next-Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries will be fitted with supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface cruise missiles and would be deployed along the coast.
6 - 5th Army International Scout Masters Competition concluded at Jaisalmer Military Station
The Indian Army team won the 5th Army International Scout Masters Competition held at Jaisalmer Military Station against teams from Armenia, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Sudan and Uzbekistan. The Indian Army team was selected and trained under the aegis of Southern Command.
The prize distribution ceremony took place wherein the Defence Minister Rajnath singh gave away the Champions Trophy to the winning Indian team. The Runner’s Up Trophy was awarded to Uzbekistan, while the Second Runner’s Up position was secured by Russia.
7 - DRDO transferred design of mobile metallic ramp to Indian Army
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over an indigenously developed Mobile Metallic Ramp (MMR) to the Indian Army. MMR has been designed and developed by Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), DRDO’s premier research laboratory.
CFEES developed the MMR on the requirements projected by Army for reducing the Strategic Mobility time of mobilising Armoured Fighting Vehicles. The MMR has a load-bearing capacity of 70 metric ton (MT). It will provide strategic mobility to the mechanized units and formations of the Army.
8 - Indo Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference 2019 to be held in Thailand
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa will embark on a three-day visit to Thailand and attend the Indo Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference in Bangkok. The conference based on theme ‘Collaboration in a free and Open Indo – Pacific’ will provide perspectives on common challenges faced by attending nations. The Chiefs of Defence of over 33 countries are scheduled to attend the Conference.
The participation of Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa, who is also Chairman of Chief of Staff Committee, will provide further impetus towards increasing defence cooperation with Thailand.
9 - Indian Naval Ship Tarkash at Dakar, Senegal
As part of Indian Navy's Overseas Deployment to Africa, Europe and Russia, Indian Naval Ship Tarkash made a port call at Dakar, Senegal for a three-day visit. The ship is part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet. The port call is a demonstration of India's warm ties with Senegal.
INS Tarkash is one of the most potent frontline frigates of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors. Tarkash will undertake a Passage Exercise at sea with ships of the Senegalese Navy which will enhance interoperability between both navies.
