Current Affairs October 2016 - Defence

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News 1 - Indo-Russian military exercise 'INDRA-2016' culminated

The Indo-Russian military exercise 'INDRA-2016' culminated after eleven days of intense military training in counter-terrorism operations. The closing ceremony was held at 249^th Combined Armed Range, Sergieviesky in the Ussiriysk District of Primosski krai Province, Russia. Fifteen personnel from each side were awarded medals of excellence for their outstanding performance during the exercise.

Eighth in the series of bilateral exercises under this banner, the joint exercise this year focused on conduct of counter insurgency / counter terrorist operations under UN mandate in semi mountainous and jungle terrain.

News 2 - The 84^th Indian Air Force Day observed

The 84^th Indian Air Force Day 2016 was observed on 8 October 2016 with an extraordinary air show at the Hindon Air Force Base near Ghaziabad.

The Air Force Day was officially celebrated for the first time on 8 October, 1932. The guardians of the Indian skies form the fourth largest air force in the world. The day is observed to increase the awareness about the importance of Indian air force.

News 3 - The 67^th Raising Day celebrated by the Indian Territorial Army

The Territorial Army celebrated its 67^th Raising Day on 09 October 2016. To mark the occasion, an impressive parade was held at the Army Parade Ground in New Delhi. Territorial Army soldiers, resplendent in their regimental attires, marched with military precision to the martial tunes.

The parade was witnessed by other civil and military dignitaries, including military and defence-attaches from friendly foreign countries. The Chief of Army Staff applauded the good work done by the Territorial Army personnel in various fields.

News 4 - INS Sumitra visits Surabaya, Indonesia 10 – 12 Oct 16

The Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel Sumitra, arrived at Surabaya, Indonesia on a two day visit from 10-12 Oct 16, as part of its deployment to the South Western Pacific Ocean.

The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing maritime security cooperation between the two countries. During the stay in harbour, various activities are planned towards enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between the two navies. On departure, the ship would also undertake a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Indonesian Naval ships.

News 5 - Coordinated Patrol and India-Indonesia Bilateral Maritime Exercise Commenced at Belawan, Indonesia

The 28^th India and Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and Second Bilateral Maritime Exercise, scheduled from 10-27 Oct 16, have commenced at Belawan, Indonesia in the Andaman Sea.

The two navies have been carrying out Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) on respective sides of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping, International trade and legitimate marine activities.

News 6 - Defence contracts worth Rs. 50,000 Crores to be signed

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that another 50,000-60,000 Crore rupees’ worth of defence contracts would be signed during the current financial year, taking the total orders to three trillion rupees.

The Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared a proposal to get Goa Shipyard build mine counter measure vessels for the Navy at an estimated cost of over ₹32,000 crores in August. The defence exports have raised from ₹500 crores to ₹3,000 crores under the Make in India initiative.

News 7 - India, Russia sign agreement for defence deals

India and Russia signed three major defence deals which include two Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGA) for five S-400 Triumf air defence systems and four stealth frigates and a joint venture to manufacture Kamov-226T helicopters in India.

The five S-400 Triumf air defence systems will cost over Rs. 39,000 crores. It is considered one of the most advanced long range dmissile system in the world and can tackle all incoming airborne targets at ranges of up to 400 km. The deal for Krivak or Talwar class stealth frigates was signed for USD 3 billion. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for a Joint Venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Rostec State Corporation of Russia to manufacture Kamov-226T helicopters in India in a deal worth over USD one billion.

News 8 - US Navy's Most Advanced Warship, USS Zumwalt Commissioned

The US Navy's newest and most technologically advanced warship, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) was commissioned into active service at North Locust Point in Baltimore.

Zumwalt, the lead ship of a class of next-generation multi-mission destroyers, features a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design, and the latest warfighting technology and weaponry available. The ship costs nearly USD 4.4 billion. Its powerful new gun system can unload 600 rocket-powered projectiles on targets more than 70 miles away.

News 9 - India completes “Nuclear Triad” with INS Arihant

India has completed its nuclear triad after the indigenously built INS Arihant was commissioned into service. India joins the club of other 'nuclear triad' powers - UK, USA, China, Russia and France. A nuclear triad power has the ability to launch nuclear weapons from air, land & water.

It will be armed with the K-15 Sagarika missiles with a range of 750 kms. It is powered by an 83 MW pressurised light water nuclear reactor.

News 10 - Indian Navy commissioned new fast attack craft INS Tihayu

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Tihayu, a Car Nicobar Class Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC). It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE). The ship is an improved version of WJFAC.

The ship weighs 320-tonne, measuring 49 metres in length and can achieve speeds more than 35 knots.

It also has been loaded with an indigenouslybuilt 30 mm CRN gun, an assorted variant of machine guns and shoulder-launched IGLA surface to air missile.

News 11 - Vice Admiral SV Bhokare Assumes Office as the Commandant, Indian Naval Academy

Vice Admiral SV Bhokare, YSM, NM took over charge as the Commandant of Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on 20 October 2016.

He is a specialist in Navigation and Direction and a Graduate of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu. He attended the Higher Command Course at Army War College, Mhow and holds a Master Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Australian Defence College, Canberra.

News 12 - India and China conduct Sino India Joint Tactical Exercise in Ladakh

The armies of India and China held a successful second joint exercise under the Sino-India Cooperation 2016. It is part of the ongoing initiative to enhance interaction and cooperation between India and China under the provisions of Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) 2013.

It was a drill exercise on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR). Both the armies carried out joint rescue operations, evacuation and rendering of medical assistance for a fictitious situation of earthquake.

News 13 - Russia to lease second Russian Akula-2 class nuclear-powered submarine to India

Russia has agreed to lease out a second nuclear attack submarine of the Akula class to India in a deal worth around $2 billion. Akula 2 is among the quietest submarines which makes tracking it underwater very difficult. It can sail at speeds up to 35 knots (nearly 65 km per hour) under water.

The Indian Navy already operates an Akula 2 class nuclear submarine, INS Chakra (formerly known as K-152 Nerpa). The lease of the first Akula-class submarine expires in 2021.

News 14 - Two ships, Aryaman & Atulya, commissioned for the Coast Guard

Two Coast Guard Ships - Aryaman and Atulya - were commissioned into the service, 18^th and 19^th respectively in the series of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels. Both the ships have been designed and built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited.

The 50-meter indigenous FPVs displace 317 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots. The special features of the ships include an Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS) and Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS).

News 15 - Defence Minister inaugurates a copter maintenance facility in Goa

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurated a helicopter maintenance plant, a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and a French company, SAFRAN Helicopter Engines in North Goa. The facility named Helicopter Engine MRO PVt Ltd. will have an investment of 170 crore rupees.

The engines of advance light helicopters of various versions, light combat helicopters and future light utility helicopters which are common between HAL and SAFRAN will be maintained at this facility. Both the firms have invested 50:50 as a part of joint venture.

News 16 - Indian Army team wins gold medal in Cambrian Patrol exercise

Team 2/8 Gorkha from the Indian Army's Gorkha Rifles has won a gold medal in Exercise Cambrian Patrol organized by the British Army. The medal went to the eight men of the 2^nd Battalion of 8 Gorkha Rifles.

The Cambrian Patrol is an annual international military patrolling exercise in the rugged Cambrian Mountains of Wales. The exercise consists of a 55-km course to be done within 48 hours. It is a mission and task-oriented exercise.

News 17 - Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise Mitra Shakti 2016 began in Ambepussa, Sri Lanka

The fourth edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise ‘MITRA SHAKTI 2016’ started at Sinha Regimental Centre in Ambepussa, Sri Lanka from 24 October. The focus of this edition of the joint exercise is to enhance inter-operability while carrying out Counter Insurgency (CI)/Counter Terrorism (CT) operations under the United Nations Mandate.

"Mitra Shakti" series of bilateral exercises is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation initiatives between India and Sri Lanka since 2013.

News 18 - Supreme Court ordered ‘Armed forces’ to be answerable to the government

The Supreme Court has ordered ‘Armed Forces’ to be answerable to the government or ‘otherwise there will be martial law in the country’. The said order has been made by bench of justices Amitava Roy and U U Lalit.

The said decision came after a plea was filed by advocate M L Sharma stating that Union Ministers including the Defence Minister had been claiming credit for the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army whereas as per the provisions of the Constitution, the President is the head of the armed forces.