Defence Exercises in News

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Defense Exercises in News for UPSC IAS Prelims Examination

  • ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar

    Source-This post on ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar is based on the article As part of overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar arrives at Manila Bay, Philippines” published in “PIB” on 26th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    The Minister of External Affairs recently visited Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, which is in Manila Bay in the Philippines, as part of an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.

    About Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar

    ICGS Samudra Prahari
    Source: Shipspotting
    AspectsDetails
    AboutIt is a specialised Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) of the Indian Coast Guard. It is the second PCV of India (the first being ICGS Samudra Prahari).
    Built byABG Shipyard, Surat
    Stationed onEast Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
    Featuresa) The ship’s primary role is pollution response at sea. It is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated pollution response and control equipment for mitigating oil spills.
    b) It includes containment equipment like hi-sprint booms and river booms, recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms. The ship is capable of unhindered oil-recovery operations.
    c) The special features include an integrated platform management system, a power management system and a high-powered external firefighting system.
    d) It is capable of operating one twin-engine ALH/ Chetak helicopter. 

    Read More: Indian Coast Guard Pollution

    UPSC Syllabus: Defence

  • IMT Trilateral Exercise- 2024

    Source-This post on IMT Trilateral Exercise- 2024 is based on the article “India – Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024 ” published in “PIB” on 21st March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    INS Tir and INS Sujata are set to join the upcoming India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Trilateral (TRILAT) Exercise 2024.

    What is IMT Trilateral Exercise 2024?

    IMT Trilateral Exercise- 2024
    Source- PIB
    AspectDetails
    AboutIt is a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24 among the Indian, Mozambique and Tanzania navies.
    Objectives1. Capability development to address common threats through training and sharing of best practices.
    2. Enhancing interoperability.
    3. Strengthening maritime cooperation.
    First EditionThe first edition of IMT TRILAT exercise conducted in Oct 22.
    PhasesThe current exercise is divided into two phases
    1. Harbour Phase:
    a. During the harbor phase from March 21st to March 24th, 2024, Naval ships Tir and Sujata will interact with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique).
    b. This phase will start with a Planning Conference, followed by joint harbor training activities such as Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation, and Diving operations.
    2. Sea Phase:
    a. The sea phase of the exercise focuses on practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, maneuvers, and firing exercises.
    b. Additionally, a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance is planned during this phase.

    UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises

  • Exercise Tiger Triumph – 24

    Source-This post on Exercise Tiger Triumph – 24 is based on the article “EX TIGER TRIUMPH – 24” published in “PIB” on 18th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    India and the United States will conduct a bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise called Tiger Triumph – 24. It will take place on the Eastern Seaboard from March 18 to March 31, 2024.

    Exercise Tiger Triumph

    About– It is the first tri-service military exercise between India and USA. India has previously conducted tri-service exercises only with Russia.

    First edition– 2019

    About Exercise Tiger Triumph-24

    1. Aim– The exercise aims to improve cooperation between the forces of both countries in conducting HADR operations and to refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for smoother coordination.

    2. Phases of the exercise– The exercise will be conducted in two phases– Harbour Phase and Sea phase
    a. Harbour Phase– It will be carried out at Visakhapatnam. Personnel from both navies will engage in Training Visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, Sports Events, and Social interactions during this time.
    b. Sea Phase– It will be carried out at Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. After the Harbour Phase, the ships, carrying troops, will sail for the Sea Phase and conduct Maritime, Amphibious, and HADR operations based on given scenarios.

    UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises

  • Anti-piracy mechanism of India

    Source– This post on Anti-piracy mechanism of India is based on the article “Marathon operation by Navy, IAF led to pirates’ surrender” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, Indian Navy’s highly secretive Marine Commandos (MARCOS) conducted their first-ever para-drop operation at sea.

    They managed to secure and safely evacuate the 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the merchant vessel Lila Norfolk. 

    About Anti-piracy mechanism of India

    Somali pirates surrendering while an Indian Navy's Chetak helicopter can be seen hovering over the ship, MV Ruen. (X/@indiannavy)
    swarajyamag

    1. The pirate ship was intercepted by the navy’s destroyer INS Kolkata, approximately 1,400 nautical miles (2,600 km) from the Indian coast.

    2. The MQ-9A high-altitude long endurance remotely piloted aircraft and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft we the pirate vessel.

    3. The C-17 aircraft airdropped the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) for the anti-piracy operation.

    4. The MARCOS conduct specialized warfare at sea, including combat diving, search and rescue, underwater demolition, visit, board, search and seizure, and reconnaissance operations. MARCOS can also conduct operations in the land and air.

    4. A MQ-9 Sea Guardian, a high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, maintained uninterrupted aerial surveillance of the hijacked ship.

    5. The Boeing P-8I Poseidon anti-submarine warfare aircraft and INS Subhadra, a Sukanya-class patrol vessel, also participated in the operation.

    Read more: Piracy in Arabian Sea

    UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Defence) 

  • Bharat Shakti Exercise

    Source- The post on Bharat Shakti Exercise is based on the article “Tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ to demonstrate prowess of indigenously manufactured equipment” published in “Times of India” on 9th March 2024.

    What is the News?

    Recently, the Integrated tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ was held at Pokhran in Rajasthan.

    About ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise

    'Bharat Shakti' Exercise
    Source: Financial Express
    AspectDetails
    DescriptionIt is an integrated tri-service exercise conducted at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
    ObjectiveIt aims to counter any threat through synergised joint operations.
    Features1) The exercise will showcase live integrated multi-domain operations of the three services in offensive operations using indigenous equipment
    2) It will display an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country.
    i) It features indigenous weapon systems: T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons Systems, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules.
    ii) The Indian Navy displays Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets.
    iii) The Indian Air Force showcases indigenous aircraft: Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters.
    3) It will simulate realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
    Significance It highlights the resilience, innovation, and strength of India’s domestic defence capabilities on the global stage.
    The exercise defines success of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense.

    Read more: Exercise Dharma Guardian

    UPSC Syllabus: Defence Exercises in News

  • Sea Defenders-2024

    Source-This post on Sea Defenders-2024 is based on the article “US Coast Guard ship Bertholf arrives in Port Blair ahead of joint exercise” published in “India Today” on 7th March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Bertholf ship reached Port Blair ahead of the ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ joint exercise.

    What is Sea Defenders-2024?

    Sea Defenders-2024
    Source- Zee Business

    1. About– It is a joint exercise between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

    2. Location– It is scheduled to take place on March 9-10 near Port Blair’s coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

    3. Focus of the Joint Exercise: Maritime piracy and other threats, simulated drone attacks on merchant ships, joint search and rescue at sea, firefighting, pollution response, and counter-drug operations.

    4. Emergency preparedness-The event will also include a simulated medical evacuation to improve preparedness in emergency situations.

    Key details about Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

    1. About– It is an armed force safeguarding India’s maritime interests, enforcing maritime law in its territorial waters, including the contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.

    2. Establishment– It was officially founded in 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, becoming an independent Armed force of India.

    3. Nodal Ministry– It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

    4. Headquarter– New Delhi

    5. Working :
    a. The ICG collaborates with other Union agencies, institutions, and authorities to protect India’s maritime interests and security, aid vessels and fishermen in trouble, and preserve the marine environment.
    b. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) also functions as the Central Coordinating Authority for response to Oil spills in Indian waters.

    UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises

  • Exercise Samudra Laksamana

    Source-This post on Exercise Samudra Laksamana is based on the article “India-Malaysia Bilateral Maritime Exercise: Samudra Laksamana” published in “PIB” on 1st March 2024.

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy are participating in the bilateral exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’. It is taking place from February 28 to March 2, 2024, at or off Visakhapatnam.

    About Exercise Samudra Laksamana

    Exercise Samudra Laksamana
    Source- PIB

    1. Aim– The exercise aims to strengthen ties and improve coordination between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navy.

    2. Command under it is conducted–  Visakhapatnam-based Eastern Naval Command

    3. Edition– This is the 3rd Edition of this exercise which includes harbor professional interactions followed by the operational phase at sea.

    4. Harbour Phase– The exercise will involve a harbor phase featuring professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange on topics of mutual interest, social events, interactions with locals, and various sports activities.

    5. Sea Phase– During the sea phase, units will collectively refine their skills while performing various sea operations.

    6. Participating ships- Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir

    Note– INS Kiltan is a Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette of the Indian Navy.

    UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercise 

  • NATO Exercise- Steadfast Defender 2024

    Source-This post on NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 has been created based on the article “Why is NATO’s Steadfast Defender 2024 military exercise significant? published in “The Hindu” on 28th February 2024.

    Why in the news?

    Recently, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started the Steadfast Defender 2024 exercise.

    Steadfast Defender 2024
    The Hindu

    About Steadfast Defender 2024

    1) About: Steadfast Defender 24 is NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War.

    2) Duration: It is being held from January to May 2024.

    3) Location: The first part of the exercise focuses on securing the Atlantic up to the Arctic and the second part focuses on moving troops across Europe, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe

    4) Purpose: Its main purpose is to highlight its collective military might and commitment to the security of its members.

    5) Participants: It has approximately 90,000 troops from all 31 NATO Allies and Sweden as Invitee.

    6) Features:

    a) The exercise will showcase a wide range of military equipment, with more than 50 naval vessels, from aircraft carriers to destroyers, and an air force consisting of over 80 units, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones

    b) The ground forces will demonstrate NATO’s capabilities with at least 1,100 combat vehicles, including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles.

    c) The drills are strategically designed to rehearse Nato’s execution of its regional plans. These plans are the first of their kind in decades.

    d) It outlines the alliance’s response mechanisms to potential threats, addressing concerns regarding Russian aggression.

    About NATO

    1) About: North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a deterrent intergovernmental military alliance.

    2) Origin: It was established in the aftermath of World War II through the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949.

    3) Members: It comprises of 31 member states, among which 29 European countries and two North American countries.

    4) Purpose: The primary purpose of NATO is to ensure the freedom and security of its members by cooperating in defence and conducting crisis-management operations.

    5) Headquarters- Brussels, Belgium

    UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercise, International Organization

  • EXERCISE ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ 2024

    Source-This post on Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ 2024 has been created based on the article INDIA-JAPAN Joint exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commences in Rajasthan published in “PIB” on 27th February 2024.

    Why in the news?

    Recently, the 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India.

    About Exercise Dharma Guardian

    ‘Dharma Guardian’ is an annual exercise held alternately in India and Japan
    PIB
    AspectDetails
    Description1) Dharma Guardian’ is a bilateral military exercise held alternately in India and Japan.
    2) It is the 5th edition of the exercise.
    3) The Japanese contingent is being represented by soldiers of the 34th Infantry Regiment, and the Indian Army contingent is being represented by a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles.
    4) The exercise will also showcase India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defense industrial capability of the country.
    FrequencyIt is an annual exercise.
    Objective1) To foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.
    2) To develop inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops
    Areas of cooperation1) The exercise will focus on the basics of high-level physical fitness, joint planning and special weapons skills.
    2) Sharing their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting tactical operations.

    UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises in News

  • Exercise Dosti

    Source-This post on Exercise Dosti has been created based on the article “Trilateral Coast Guard Exercise ‘Dosti 16’ Kicks Off In Maldives Amid Security Concerns” published in “ETV Bharat” on 22 February 2024.

    Why in the news?

    Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships have recently reached the Maldives to participate in the trilateral coast guard exercise Dosti 16.

    About Exercise Dosti

    Exercise Dosti
    PSM news
    AspectDetails
    DescriptionIt is a trilateral coast guard exercise between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
    FrequencyIt is a biennial exercise.
    History1) It was first conducted in 1991 between the Indian and Maldives Coast Guards.
    2) Sri Lanka joined the exercise for the first time in 2012. Exercise Dosti was last conducted in 2021.
    ObjectiveTo fortify the friendship, enhance mutual operational capability, build cooperation between the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
    Areas of cooperation1) Providing assistance in sea accidents
    2) Eliminating sea pollution and addressing issue of oil spill
    Some important points about Dosti 16 1) It is the 16th edition of the exercise.
    2) The Coast Guards of the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, along with observers from Bangladesh, are participating in Dosti 16 to enhance collaboration between the forces.
    3) India is sending ICGS Samarth (with integral helo), ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier for the exercise.

    What is the Indian Coast Guard?

    Description– It is an armed force that protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.

    Established– It was formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent Armed force of India.

    Concerned ministry– It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

    Read more about-Exercise SAMPRITI

    UPSC Syllabus-Defence Exercises.

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