Correct Answer :   Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

The Indian Army inducted the lighter and more compact version of the indigenously developed Weapon Locating Radar (WLR-M) called "Swathi Mountains."

The induction ceremony took place on August 5, 2023, at Agra, where Lieutenant General JB Chaudhari, the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (DCOAS) for Capability Development and Sustenance (CD&S), flagged off the radar system.

The Swathi Mountains WLR is an advanced electronically scanned phased array radar, specifically designed for operations in mountainous and high-altitude areas and was developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru.

What is a Weapon Locating Radar?

The Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) stands as a critical asset for modern militaries, employing advanced signal processing techniques to autonomously detect and track hostile artillery, mortars, and rocket launchers. Notably, it even tracks friendly fire trajectories, enabling precise calculations for more accurate artillery strikes. The radar's sophistication lies in its ability to detect and track small projectiles across the battlefield while factoring in environmental conditions for precise launch and impact point estimations.

A hallmark of the WLR is its high mobility and swift deployment capabilities, allowing it to adapt to changing operational requirements efficiently. Its slewable platform further enhances its agility, enabling scanning of different areas without the need for physical repositioning. Ensuring effectiveness in hostile environments, the radar is designed with survivability and resistance to electronic warfare measures in mind. The WLR also acts as a potent friendly force multiplier by providing critical information on enemy weapon systems.

The older version of India's Swathi WLR (Plains) operates on a passive phased array system with side lobe levels, making it capable of handling simultaneous fire from weapons deployed at multiple locations. It can effectively process a high density of returned signals caused by various factors such as weather conditions, ground clutter, and aerial objects, enabling it to provide real-time information for mission success.

Swathi Plains vs. Swathi Mountains :

The Swathi radar comes in two versions: the Swathi Plains (WLR) and the Swathi Mountains (WLR-M). The Swathi Plains version is primarily designed to locate hostile guns, mortars, and rockets, and it can also track the fall of shot from friendly weapons for corrective measures on flat terrains like Plains, as the name of the version suggests.

On the other hand, the Swathi Mountains version, the one inducted yesterday, is a more compact and mobile version specifically designed for operations in mountainous and high-altitude terrains.The WLR-M, or Swathi Mountains, is capable of detecting mortar shells and rockets and tracking projectiles. It classifies projectile and non-projectile targets, rejecting unwanted signals like birds, clutter, and aircraft. Moreover, it offers trajectory estimation and launch/impact point extrapolation, automatically correcting for height to enhance accuracy. The radar system is equipped to store and display trajectory data and maintain communication with higher echelons for better coordination.

Swathi's Success :

The Ministry of Defence signed contracts on March 30, 2023, for the procurement of an improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars (WLR) Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army, worth over Rs 9,100 crore.Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "A welcome development, which will boost self-reliance and particularly help the MSME sector."

Last year, the IA ordered six additional Swathi WLR-M systems. With the inclusion of the recent orders for the Swathi Plains radar, the IA will soon operate a total of 48 such systems. The initial order of Swathi radars was delivered by BEL in 2007 and was accepted by the IA in 2008. As of today, according to estimates, the IA operates 30 Swathi MK 1 radars, with 12 more on order. Additionally, the induction of MK 2 radars began yesterday.

Also, in March 2020, India exported four Swathi Weapons Locating Radars to Armenia valued at $40 million. Both countries are currently discussing expanding their collaboration for defence equipment sales..

Source : Republicworld

Correct Answer :   India

Made-in-India laser-guided Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) were successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army 4th August 2023 from the KK Range in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar.

The missiles hit targets with precision and successfully defeated them from two different ranges. Telemetry systems recorded the flight performance of the missiles.

The all-indigenous Laser Guided ATGM employs a High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA)-protected vehicles.

The ATGM has been developed with multi-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from a 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun.

With today’s trials, conducted with the support of Armoured Corps Centre & School (ACC&S), Ahmednagar, the consistency of ATGM’s capability to engage targets from minimum to maximum range has been established successfully.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO and the Indian Army for the successful performance of the laser-guided ATGMs..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Israel

Indian Air Force (IAF) received (3rd August 2023) air-launched Israeli Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles(ATGM) from Israel which can hit targets upto 50 km from a helicopter and 32 km from the ground.



The NLOS missiles will be integrated with the fleet of Russian-origin Mi-17V5 helicopters, manufactured by Kazan Helicopters.

Key features of Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) missiles :

* It was designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
* It is available in various configurations, including man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants.
* Utilizes a fire-and-forget system with lock-on before launch and automatic self- guidance features.
* The long and extended range versions of the Spike introduce the “Fire, Observe and Update” operating mode.
* Air-launched SPIKE NLOS ATGMs are capable of executing precise strikes against ground targets from standoff distances.
* Demonstrates the ability to inflict significant damage to enemy tank regiments and effectively halt their advances.
* It has the highest level of survivability due to stand-off range and passive guidance.
* It enables the handling of Anti-access/area denial (A2AD) targets

Increased production of missiles through “Make-in-India” :

A limited quantity of Spike NLOS ATGMs has been placed on order. There is intent to produce a more substantial amount of these missiles through the “Make-in-India” approach.

Correct Answer :   Russia

Russia announced Wednesday (2nd August 2023) that it had begun naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, amid rising tensions with its European neighbours over the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia regularly holds naval drills in the Baltic Sea, often in response to NATO exercises in the area.

The Russian navy has played a key role in Moscow's assault on Ukraine by pummelling the Western-backed country with ship- and submarine-launched cruise missiles, among other weapons.

"The Ocean Shield-2023 naval exercises have begun in the Baltic Sea," the defence ministry said in a statement.

It added that 30 warships and boats as well as 20 support vessels would participate alongside some 6,000 military personnel.

During the drills, the navy will practise how to protect sea lanes, transport troops and military cargo, and defend the coastline, the statement said.

"In total, it is planned to perform more than 200 combat exercises, including with the use of weapons," it said..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   Bharat Dynamics Limited

The Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has handed over the first Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker of Akash - the Next Generation Weapon System produced at its newly commissioned state-of-the-art Seeker Facility Centre (SFC) to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

Seeker is a critical and technology intensive subsystem used in Surface-to-Air Missiles and Air-to-Air Missiles for target tracking in the terminal phase.

The RF Seeker has been designed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, and produced by BDL at its state-of-the-art Seeker Facility Centre set up at BDL, Kanchanbagh Unit in Hyderabad.

In a special ceremony held at BDL’s Kanchanbagh Unit 2nd August 2023, the Chairman and Managing Director of BDL, Commodore A Madhavarao handed over the 1st RF Seeker manufactured by BDL at this facility to the Secretary, the Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat.

As per a release, Dr Kamat stated on the occasion that the establishment of the Seeker Facility Centre at BDL has enabled India to achieve self-reliance in the field of RF seeker production and contribute greatly towards realizing the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   China and UAE

The air forces of China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will conduct their first joint training in China's Xinjiang in August 2023.

According to a statement from the Chinese defence ministry on Monday (July 31).

Aim : The FALCON Shield-2023 training aims to deepen pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries and enhance mutual understanding and trust.

The exact dates of the training, the size of the contingent, or the scope of the training are not yet known. Xinjiang has hosted combined military exercises earlier as well.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the infantries of China and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation bloc trained in Korla in 2016.

China trained in Xinjiang with Pakistan’s air force in Xinjiang. The joint training between China and the UAE comes months after the latter signed up to buy several L-15 advanced training jets from China. As per the SCMP report, the UAE has been using combat drones from China.

In 2017, the UAE bought Blue Arrow 7 anti-tank missiles from China for use on its Wing Loong 2 fleet, the report said, citing the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The UAE has also been planning to buy CR500 Golden Eagle helicopter drones made by Norinco, a Chinese state-owned defence contractor..

Source : WIO News

Correct Answer :   Canberra

The 8th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks (DPT) was held at Canberra in Australia on 24-25 July 2023.

The Defence policy talks were co-chaired by Special Secretary in Ministry of Defence Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, and Acting Deputy Secretary in Department of Defence, Australia Mr Steven Moore.

During the Defence Policy talks, both sides reviewed the bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries and explored new initiatives to further strengthen and deepen bilateral defence engagements.

Aim or Focus : The discussions also focused on identifying ways to strengthen partnership in co-development and co-production of defence equipment. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and rule of law. The Indian side highlighted the potential of the Indian defence industry with capacity and capability to cooperate with Australian Armed forces in its shipbuilding and maintenance plans.

India – Australia share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since June 2020 and defence is a key pillar of this partnership. India and Australia’s partnership is based on a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The two democracies have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region.

The two countries have 2+2 mechanism at the Ministerial level. The 8th DPT reviewed the outcomes of maiden 2+2 conducted in September 2021. Both sides agreed for early finalization of hydrography agreement. The two sides also exchanged views on geo-political situation, regional and global issues of shared interest.

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Lisa Francetti

President Joe Biden on 21st July 2023 nominated Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, an historic step that would break a gender barrier in the U.S. military by making her the first woman to command the service and to become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The decision by Mr. Biden is a surprise. Pentagon officials had widely expected the nomination to go to Admiral Samuel Paparo, who leads the Navy in the Pacific and who has experience grappling with the growing challenge from China.

Still, Ms. Franchetti, who is currently the Vice-Chief of Operations for the Navy, was among the candidates believed to be in the running for the position, is widely respected and counts broad experience, including as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, officials said.

In a statement, Mr. Biden noted Ms. Franchetti’s 38 years of experience.

Franchetti Career :

Throughout her career, Admiral Franchetti has demonstrated extensive expertise in both the operational and policy arenas, Mr. Biden said in a statement, noting that she was the second woman ever to achieve the rank of four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy.

Last year, Mr. Biden picked Admiral Linda Fagan to lead the U.S. Coast Guard, making her its first female commanding officer. But the coast guard is not formally part of the Department of Defence, and instead falls under the Department of Homeland Security.

Ms. Franchetti would become the first woman to lead a military service within the Defence Department and to join the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a group of eight top uniformed service members who advise the President on military issues.

Mr. Biden also elevated Mr. Paparo, nominating him to become the commander of all U.S. military forces in the Pacific. He picked Vice-Admiral Stephen “Web” Koehler to succeed Mr. Paparo as commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   India and Indonesia

Two frontline Indian Naval ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata arrived in Indonesia's Jakarta on Monday (17th July 2023) to participate in the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Indonesian Navy.

The Indian Navy, in a press statement, said that INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata, the mission which is deployed in South Eastern IOR were accorded a warm welcome by the Indonesian Navy.

During the port call, personnel from Indian and Indonesian navies will engage in a wide range of professional interactions, joint yoga sessions, sports fixtures and cross-deck visits, aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation and understanding between the two navies.

Upon completion of the operational turnaround, the two ships will also participate in a MPX at sea with the Indonesian Navy towards further bolstering the high degree of interoperability that already exists between the two navies, according to the press statement.

INS Sahyadri is the third indigenously designed and built Project-17 class stealth frigate and INS Kolkata is the first indigenously designed and built stealth destroyer of the Project-15A class. Both the ships have been built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai.

India and Indonesia's relations are becoming strong with time. Recently, Indo-Indonesia concluded its bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 in the South China Sea..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   China and Russia

Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced Saturday (15th July 2023) that Russia will dispatch naval and air forces to participate in "Northern/Interaction-2023" drills in the central region of the Sea of Japan organized by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Northern Theater Command.

The event marks Russia's second time participating in the PLA annual strategic drills, and also a first that Russia has dispatched both naval and air forces to participate in similar events, according to Chinese military observers.

Chinese miliary experts believed that such military drills would be carried out with strong and clear purpose of safeguarding the national interests of both sides in key passages of the Sea of Japan waters.

According to a statement released by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Saturday (15th July 2023), the drills are themed "safeguarding the safety of strategic maritime routes" and are designed to further elevate the coordination capability of the two militaries and strengthen their capabilities of jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, as well as responding to various security challenges..

Source : Global Times