Defence - General Knowledge Questions

Correct Answer :   Singapore

The Singapore - India annual Naval Maritime Bilateral Exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy is being held from 21st Sep 2023 to 24th Sep 2023.

* The SIMBEX enhances interoperability and mutual understanding between two navies. The Exercise is conducted in two phases.

* The Harbour Phase includes wide range of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and sports fixtures.

* The Sea phase of SIMBEX includes exercises of air- defence, gunnery firing, anti-submarine and other maritime operations.

* Ranvijay, Kavaratti, and Sindhukesari, Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P81 participate in the exercise.

* SIMBEX is the longest naval exercise that Indian Navy has with any other country. Units of both the navies will hone their war-fighting skills with multi-discipline operations jointly in the Maritime domain..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Nireekshak

Indian Naval Ship (INS) 'Nireekshak' successfully conducted vital Mixed Gas Diving training sessions as part of IN-SLN Divex 23.

The Indian Navy’s diving support vessel initiated the sea dive on Sunday and after a successful diving exercise, returned today with the Sri Lanka Navy divers.
 
Earlier last week, the vessel arrived at Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee port where Commanding Officer Jeetu Singh Chauhan, held productive discussions with Rear Admiral PS De Silva.

The ship's crew also engaged in activities such as yoga sessions, interactions with local schoolchildren, and beach cleaning efforts.
 
The Indian Naval Ship is well-equipped with two six-man recompression chambers and a three-man diving bell. It possesses the capability to execute submarine rescue operations and train saturation divers.
 
This marks the ship's continued engagement with the Sri Lanka Navy, aligning with India's 'Neighborhood First' policy for capacity building in neighboring nations. The vessel had previously visited Trincomalee in September 2019 and March 2022 for similar training initiatives..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   United States Army

* The Indian Army and the United States Army will co-host the 13th  Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference.

* It is a 3 day conference of Chiefs of Armies and delegates of 35 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September 2023.

* Theme of 2023 :  is “Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.”

* Aim :  To promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, and friendship amongst the littoral partners..


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   ICGS Samudra Prahari

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, is currently on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries from 11 Sep to 14 Oct 2023.

* This deployment is part of India's ASEAN initiatives for Marine Pollution Response, showcasing the Pollution Response capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and its commitment to addressing marine pollution issues and enhancing capacity in the region.

* The ship is equipped with a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, enhancing its capabilities in this area. This initiative was announced by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting in Cambodia in November 2022.

* During this deployment, the ship is scheduled to make port calls in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, and Jakarta. It will demonstrate the ICG's pollution response capabilities and its dedication to collaborative efforts for marine pollution response.

* As part of an overseas exchange program, the ship has embarked 13 NCC cadets to participate in "Puneet Sagar Abhiyan," an international outreach program focused on beach clean-ups and similar activities in coordination with partner nations.

* This visit holds significant importance in strengthening bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, including the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre and BAKAMLA (Indonesia Maritime Security Agency). These relationships have evolved over the years to ensure the safety, security, and cleanliness of the seas in the region. Engagements with senior officials and personnel from these agencies during the visit will further enhance regional safety and security.

* The visit's agenda includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, planning and tabletop exercises, joint exercises, as well as official and social engagements including visits to capacity-building facilities.

* The visit of ICGS Samudra Prahari to ASEAN countries reinforces India's continuous efforts to foster friendly relations through maritime cooperation. This aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, known as "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region," which seeks to unite the region. It also echoes the Indian government's theme during its G20 Presidency: "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – One Earth, One Family, One Future..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   DRDO

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has developed P7 Heavy Drop System which is capable of para dropping military stores up to 7-ton weight class from IL 76 aircraft.

This system is fully indigenous and being manufactured by L&T who makes the platform system, parachutes manufactured by Ordnance Factory, DRDO said.

This system has been made under the Make in India programme.

"As part of mandatory requirement prior to accord Bulk Production Clearance (BPC), joint team of Indian Army, IAF and ADRDE conducted validation Trials at Agra today, on two systems, which were dropped from IL76 ac from an altitude of 600 mtrs at 280 kmph speed.

The store landed safely with the help of cluster of five large size parachutes (750 sqm each)," according to a release by DRDO.

The system would be a force multiplier for armed forces, while enabling the rapid delivery of combat store in the far flung inaccessible areas.

"The system has been manufactured with 100 per cent indigenous ferrous/non ferrous materials. Engineering textiles for Parachutes have been developed with the latest combination of Fluorocarbon and Silicon treatment to provide water/oil repellency and improved abrasion resistance"..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Indian Army

The Defence Ministry has cleared the proposal of buying a regiment of "Pralay Tactical Ballistic Missiles" for the Indian Army which can strike targets at 150–500 km. It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations, according to senior defence officials.

The Pralay missiles are currently being mass-produced and are expected to be ready for operational service soon, the officials added.

As per information, the acquisition of these missiles is part of a broader strategy to develop a strategic rocket force, a concept advocated by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.

This development comes after the recent remarks of Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, who said General Rawat had been working on the creation of a rocket force to counter enemies on the border.

The missile was successfully tested twice on two consecutive days last December, and the forces have been working towards its acquisition and induction ever since.

The Pralay missiles, propelled by a solid-propellant rocket motor and other novel technologies, are expected to provide a substantial boost to the Indian Army's offensive capabilities..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Indonesia

Indonesia kicked off the first joint military drills by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc on Batam island on 19 September 2023 amid rising maritime tension with China in the South China Sea region.

The five-day ASEAN Solidarity Exercise-01 Natuna (ASEX-01N) exercise, will be held at Indonesia’s Natuna Islands near the South China Sea. Military personnel from all ASEAN member countries, including East Timor will participate.

The non-combat drills are aimed at cooperation and strengthening strategic partnership among the member countries, Indonesia military chief Yudo Margono told reporters at the opening ceremony.

The drills come amidst rising tension with China after Beijing released a map in August with a “10-dash line” showing what appeared to be an expansion of the area it considers its territory in the South China Sea. Several ASEAN members rejected the map..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   2nd

The Indian Navy is gearing up for the second(2nd) edition of its Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, known as 'Swavlamban-2023,' set to take place on 4th October to 5th October 2023.

This seminar follows the resounding success of the inaugural edition held in July 2022.

The first edition of Swavlamban witnessed the honourable Prime Minister launching the 'SPRINT Challenges' initiative.

Under SPRINT, 75 challenges were presented to startups and MSMEs, aimed at fostering the use of indigenous technology within the Indian Navy.

Aim : The Navy is committed to developing a minimum of 75 technologies and products in line with the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations.

SPRINT, which stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), is a collaborative initiative involving the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), NIIO (Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation), and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC).

This initiative received an overwhelming response, with 1106 proposals submitted.

After a rigorous evaluation process, 113 winners under the DISC 7 SPRINT category, each receiving grants of up to 1.5 crore, were declared.

Additionally, 5 winners in the DISC7 SPRINT-PRIME category, receiving grants of up to 10 crores, were announced. These winners are actively developing prototypes in collaboration with iDEX and industry partners.

The projects span a wide spectrum of niche technologies, including blue-green lasers for underwater applications, autonomous weaponized swarms, underwater swarm drones, various firefighting aids, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for diverse applications.

Notably, an ultra-endurance small drone designed for maritime missions is also in development.

Swavlamban-2023, scheduled for October 4-5, 2023, in New Delhi, aims to showcase these 75 prototypes.

The event will feature live demonstrations of select promising technologies, highlighting the Indian Navy's commitment to innovation and indigenization in defence technology..

Source : ToI

Correct Answer :   Rs 45,000 crore

On September 15, the Government of India took a significant step towards strengthening the country’s defense capabilities by approving a series of proposals. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave the green light to nine acquisition proposals, amounting to a total of Rs 45,000 crore.

These proposals encompassed various aspects of defense, from the Indian Air Force’s modernization to improving the Indian Navy’s capabilities and enhancing the overall indigenous content in defense projects.


Enhancing the Indian Air Force :

One of the key decisions made by the DAC was the approval of the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI aircraft for the Indian Air Force. These advanced fighter jets will be manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a significant step towards bolstering the nation’s indigenous defense production capabilities. The project involves not only the assembly of aircraft but also the development of related ground systems.

Crucially, these Su-30MKIs will need to incorporate more than 60 percent indigenous content, marking a substantial stride in achieving self-reliance in defense production. These aircraft will be equipped with state-of-the-art Indian weapons and sensors, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities.

A Boost for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ :

The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized that all these procurements will be sourced from Indian vendors under the Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)/Buy (Indian) category. This move aligns with the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ or self-reliant India, by promoting indigenous defense manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign imports.


Indian Air Force Upgrades :

In addition to the Su-30MKI procurement, the Indian Air Force is set to receive crucial upgrades. The DAC approved avionic upgrades for Dornier aircraft, enhancing their accuracy and reliability for operations. Furthermore, the Dhruvastra Short Range Air-to-Surface Missile, a potent indigenous precision-guided weapon, will be provided for the indigenously built ALH Mk-IV choppers. These enhancements will significantly improve the Air Force’s capabilities.

Strengthening Mechanized Forces :

The DAC also focused on enhancing the protection, mobility, attack capability, and survivability of mechanized forces. It approved proposals to procure Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) and Integrated Surveillance and Targeting System (ISAT-S). Additionally, High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Gun Towing Vehicles will be acquired to facilitate swift mobilization and deployment of artillery guns and radars. These acquisitions will bolster India’s mechanized forces and increase their readiness.


Next-Generation Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy :

Furthermore, The Indian Navy will receive a substantial upgrade with the approval of the procurement of Next Generation Survey Vessels. These vessels will significantly enhance the Navy’s capabilities in performing hydrographic operations, strengthening its maritime presence and security.

Correct Answer :   Airbus

India on Wednesday (13 September 2023) received the first C-295 MW transport aircraft. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhari attended the formal handing over ceremony of the first C-295 MW transport aircraft at Seville in Spain.

* According to the Indian Air Force, the aircraft was formally handed over by Airbus to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

* India has formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C-295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force AVRO fleet. As per the contractual agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in fly-away condition from its final assembly line at Seville.

* 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies. All the C-295 aircraft will be handed over in transport configuration and equipped with an indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite.

* The acquisition of 56 C295 aircraft will boost the Make in India initiatives. The partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced System will pave the way for the development of the industrial ecosystem in the aviation sector.

* As the process will involve manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft, it will attract huge investment and create several skilled and indirect jobs.

* The C-295 is used for tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, and for conducting logistic operations to locations that are not accessible for heavier aircraft...

Source : AIR