Correct Answer :   Indrajaal

In a remarkable feat of innovation and technological prowess, Hyderabad-based private sector firm Grene Robotics has introduced Indrajaal, world’s only autonomous wide area, counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS).

This state-of-the-art system is touted as capable of safeguarding against micro, mini, small, large, and extra-large drones, signaling a significant advancement in Indian defense technology.


Grene Robotics’ Commitment to Showcasing Indrajaal :

Grene Robotics has spared no expense or effort, utilizing its own financial resources and scientific expertise to create live demonstrations of Indrajaal for government officials and tri-services officers. This commitment to self-reliance in defense technology demonstrates the firm’s dedication to bolstering India’s indigenous capabilities.

A Remarkable Unveiling :

* The grand unveiling of Indrajaal took place in the presence of Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh, the governor of Uttarakhand, who hailed the system as a groundbreaking advance in defense technology.
* General Singh emphasized that this innovation would not only enhance the nation’s self-reliant military capabilities but also address the pressing need to defend against the escalating threat posed by drones.


The Test at Grene Robotics’ Facility :
 
The trial for Indrajaal is being conducted at Grene Robotics’ expansive 79-acre test facility located in Hyderabad. This facility serves as the proving ground for a technology that has the potential to reshape the landscape of security for defense, public infrastructure, and private enterprises alike.

Indrajaal’s Innovative Design :

* Indrajaal is built on a foundation of 12 unique layers of technology, a feat powered by artificial intelligence, marking a world-first achievement.
* This cutting-edge system possesses the ability to detect, identify, classify, track, and swiftly neutralize threats in real time.
* Its coverage extends to 360 degrees, offering protection over areas spanning up to 4000 square kilometers against all categories and levels of unmanned autonomous threats.


Indrajaal’s Versatility in Defense :

Indrajaal is currently demonstrating its prowess in safeguarding against a wide array of aerial threats, including low radar cross-section (RCS) threats, medium altitude long endurance (MALE) and high-altitude long endurance (HALE) UAVs, loitering munitions, smart bombs, rocket showers, nano and micro drones, swarm drones, and other contemporary threats.

Correct Answer :   Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders

India’s latest warship, Mahendragiri, will be launched at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai, on 1st September 2023, marking a major step in the country's defence indigenisation programme, the defence ministry said.

Mahendragiri, named after a mountain peak in Eastern Ghats located in the state of Odisha, is the seventh ship of the Project 17A Frigates. These warships are follow-ons of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems.

"The newly christened Mahendragiri is a technologically advanced warship and stands as a symbol of India's determination to embrace its rich naval heritage, while propelling itself towards a future of indigenous defence capabilities," the ministry said.

Under the Project 17A program, a total of four ships by M/s MDL and three ships by M/s GRSE are under construction. The first six ships of the project have been launched so far by MDL & GRSE, between 2019-2023.

According to the ministry, Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the pioneer organisation for all warship design activities.

Aligning with the country's resolute commitment to 'Aatma Nirbharata', a substantial 75% of the orders for equipment and systems of Project 17A ships have been ordered on indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“The launch of Mahendragiri is an apt testament to the incredible progress our nation has made in building a self-reliant naval force," it added..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   130

* In continuation with its steps to strengthen intelligence and surveillance systems along the LAC, the Indian Army on Monday signed a contract with local manufacturers for the supply of tethered drone systems and tank driving simulators.

* The Indian Army in a message confirmed the signing of a contract for the procurement of 130 tethered drones and 19 tank-driving simulators. “The induction of the new equipment will enhance the overall operational preparedness of the Army,” said the force.

* Contract for the drone system for long-distance surveillance and intelligence gathering along the borders was signed with indigenous company New space Research Technologies Pvt Ltd. The contract for the other equipment was signed with Zen Technologies Limited, which will also involve skill development.

* The Request for Technical and Commercial Proposals for the drones was issued by the armoured branch of the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in January this year, under the fast-track procedure.

* As per the RFI, these systems are sought to fly not less than six hours in tethered mode and around 45 minutes in un-tethered mode.

* These drones are connected to a ground-based tethered system with a flexible wire or cable for power and communications and can provide surveillance of beyond-line-of-sight targets for a prolonged period.

Significance :

* Tethered drone systems are ideal for extended surveillance and security overwatch missions such as border control. Traditional drones have a greater range allowing them to perform missions the sensor cannot capture from a distance.


Advantages :

* Tethered UAVs are perfect for data capture and telemetry due to the reliability of tethered connections.
* They dramatically reduce technical and human error crashes in flight.
* They provide a secure line of communication between the ground station and the aircraft.
* It also does not require GPS navigation.
* Many tethered drones have longer flight times compared to free-flying, battery-operated drones.
* Due to the restricted movement of a tethered drone, the operator does not need piloting skills and can mainly focus on their tasks..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Egypt

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent departed 27 August 2023, for participating in ExerciseBRIGHT STAR-23 a biennial multilateral tri-service exercise scheduled to be held at Cairo (West) Air Base, Egypt from 27 August to 16 September 2023.

This is for the first time that IAF is participating in Ex BRIGHT STAR-23 which will also see participation of contingents from the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar.

The Indian Air Force contingent will consist of five MiG-29, two IL-78, two C-130 and two C-17 aircraft. Personnel from the IAF's Garud Special Forces, as well as those from the Numbers 28, 77, 78 and 81 Squadrons will be participating in the exercise.

The IAF transport aircraft will also provide airlift to approximately 150 personnel from the Indian Army.

Objective of the exercise : To practice planning and execution of joint operations. Besides leading to the formation of bonding across borders, such interactions also provide a means to further strategic relations between participating nations. IAF contingents to flying exercises abroad are thus no less than Diplomats in Flight Suits.

India and Egypt have had exceptional relationship and deep cooperation wherein the two jointly undertook development of aero-engine and aircraft in 1960s and training of Egyptian pilots was done by Indian counterparts.

The relationship between the two civilizational countries was further strengthened with the recent visits by Chief of Air Forces of the two countries and Indian Defence Minister and Prime Minister to Egypt. The two countries have also enhanced their joint training with regular exercises between their Armed Forces..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   INS Vagir

In a first-if-its-kind, longest ever deployment of India’s Scorpene submarines, INS Vagir, commissioned in January this year (2023), has made its way to Australia, covering a distance of nearly 7,000 km.

The Indian Navy released a statement Saturday evening saying that the submarine is on an extended-range deployment.

The deployment commenced in June 2023 and Vagir will reach Fremantle, Australia on 20 August 2023, it added.

The submarine, which is the Indian Navy’s fifth Kalvari class submarine, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in January this year and is based in Mumbai.

Sources in the defence and security establishment told ThePrint that except for one port call in Sri Lanka, as part of International Day of Yoga, the submarine has not made any other port call.

They also said that the submarine has traversed about 7,000 kilometres, or a little over 4,000 nautical miles, since it began its operational deployment in June.

This means that the Vagir has sailed continuously since the Sri Lanka stop, with it resurfacing every three-four days depending on the speed, to recharge its batteries for a few hours before sinking to the depth of the ocean again.

The extended range deployment is the maiden deployment by an Indian submarine to Australia and showcases the capability and professional acumen of the Indian Navy to undertake sustained operations at extended ranges from the base port for prolonged durations, the official statement read.

During her stay in Australia, INS Vagir will participate in various exercises with Royal Australian Navy (RAN) units on the West Coast of Australia.

Concurrently, on the East coast of Australia, Indian naval ships and aircraft are involved in Exercise Malabar between 11 and 21 August and AUSINDEX between 22-24 August.

During the Vagir’s ongoing deployment, basic, intermediate and advanced-level anti-submarine exercises are scheduled. In addition, RAN submarines and Indian Naval P8i aircraft are scheduled to exercise with INS Vagir..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   Kolkata

President Droupadi Murmu will launch Vindhyagiri, a Project 17A frigate, at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata, on August 17, 2023, the Indian Navy said in a statement on Sunday (13th August 2023).

Named after a mountain range in Karnataka, Vindhyagiri is the sixth ship of the Project 17A frigates.

Under the Project 17A programme, four ships by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) are under construction.

The project’s first five ships were launched by MDL and GRSE, between 2019-2022.

“These warships are follow-ons of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems,” the Navy said, adding that the technologically advanced frigate pays a befitting tribute to the distinguished service of its predecessor, the erstwhile INS Vindhyagiri, a Leander Class ASW Frigate.

INS Vindhyagiri : which was the sixth and last of the Nilgiri class frigates—in its nearly 31 years of service from 8 July 1981 to 11 June 2012, had seen many multinational exercises and performed maritime surveillance, coastal patrol and anti-piracy operations. It was decommissioned after being damaged in an accident with a merchant vessel in 2011.

The newly christened Vindhyagiri stands as a symbol of India’s determination to embrace its rich naval heritage while propelling itself towards a future of indigenous defence capabilities.

The Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. According to the Navy, as much as 75% of the orders for equipment and systems of Project 17A ships are from indigenous firms, including MSMEs..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   INS Kulish

Indian Naval Ship Kulish (INS Kulish), a guided missile Corvette which is on a four-day visit to Singapore to take part in a multilateral exercise joined the celebration of the 77th Independence Day here on Tuesday (15th August 2023).

The officers and crew of the ship participated in the 77th Independence Day celebrations at the High Commission of India in Singapore, the Commanding Officer Ashish Delsaria presented a memento to the Acting High Commissioner Pooja Madan Tulli, to commemorate the ship’s visit to the Lion City.

One of the key highlights of the event was also the Naval Jazz band, which enthralled more than 1,000 Indian community members in attendance with patriotic numbers.

The corvette of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) at Port Blair is visiting Singapore from August 14 to August 18 to take part in the Harbour Phase of multinational exercise SEACAT 2023 aimed at enhancing interoperability and collaboration on maritime security challenges with the participating nations, scheduled between August 14 and August 17, followed by the sea phase till August 25.

The ship will also host a reception for officials from Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, as well as, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and distinguished members of the Indian diaspora.

Designed to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, SEACAT addresses geopolitical crises, illegal activities, and contingencies, and standardizes tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Last year, the SEACAT was led by the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, the Republic of Singapore Navy, and the Information Fusion Centre for two weeks in August.

Correct Answer :   INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata

Indian Navy's indigenous frontline warships INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata will participate in Exercise MALABAR 2023.

* The 11-day exercise will commence 11th Aug 2023 in Sydney, Australia.

* Defence Ministry said, ships and aircraft from the US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force, and the Royal Australian Navy will also participate in the exercise.
 

* MALABAR series of maritime exercises commenced in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between Indian Navy and US Navy.

* It has grown in stature over the years to include four prominent navies in the Indo-Pacific Region.

* The exercise provides an opportunity for the Indian Navy to enhance and demonstrate interoperability and also gain from the best practices in maritime security operations from its partner nations..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand

Two Indian Navy ships, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand, arrived at Port Rashid in Dubai on Wednesday (9th August 2023) for a bilateral exercise with the UAE Navy.

* The exercise, which will be held from August 8 to August 11, 2023.

Aim :  To share best practices and increase synergies between the two navies.

* Under Rear Admiral Vineet McCarty's command, the ships will engage in professional interactions with the UAE Naval Force, focusing on maritime operations.

* 'Zayed Talwar,' a bilateral exercise, is scheduled to enhance interoperability and synergy between the two navies, contributing to regional security.

* Led by Captains Ashok Rao and Pramod G Thomas, INS Visakhapatnam, and INS Trikand showcase advanced maritime capabilities.

* This visit underscores growing diplomatic collaboration between the Indian and UAE navies..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   INS Chennai

The Indian Navy has placed its locally built guided missile destroyer, INS Chennai, in a key location within the Red Sea as part of a strong commitment to safeguarding secure marine environments. This mission is a crucial step in preserving the world’s oceans.

The INS Chennai made a crucial port call to Jeddah between August 3 and August 5, 2023, strengthening the sense of camaraderie and diverse defence ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

The Jeddah Border Guards Commander and the Commanding Officer of INS Chennai had a productive conversation during this port visit. Mohd Shahid Alam, CGI Jeddah, inspected the ship and learned about its operating prowess, furthering the diplomatic cooperation.

The vessel was warmly welcomed upon arrival by dignitaries from the Royal Saudi Naval forces, Border Guards and the Indian embassy.

On August 5, the INS Chennai set sail from Jeddah for its next destination and participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) alongside the Royal Saudi Naval Ship HMS Al Jubail. Off the coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this collaborative operation involved complex tactical manoeuvres, skillful seamanship developments, and rigorous communication drills.

These joint efforts strengthened not only the foundation of mutual dependence but also the operational chemistry between the two maritime forces. Additionally, this drill was a demonstration of the growing interoperability between the Saudi Navy and its Indian counterpart.

The mission of INS Chennai takes crucial relevance in a world where the waters are a witness to several difficulties. India’s commitment to maritime security and global security is embodied by its critical location within the Red Sea. Additionally, the joint exercise with HMS Al Jubail highlights the shared dedication of the two countries to foster long-lasting friendships in addition to protecting their waters.

A collaborative effort can be heard throughout the nautical expanse as the waves of the Red Sea encircle the INS Chennai and the echoes of joint manoeuvres reverberate with the HMS Al Jubail..

Source : First Post