FRINJEX-23, The First-ever Joint Military Exercise between Indian Army and French Army
FRINJEX-23, the first-ever joint military exercise between Indian Army and French Army held in 2024. It was between the 7th and 8th of March 2023 at Pangode Military Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Both contingents consist of a Company Group. India was represented by Indian Army troops based in Thiruvananthapuram and France was represented by the French 6th Light Armoured Brigade.
The exercise's objective is to enhance inter-operability, coordination, and cooperation between both forces at the tactical level. It will involve establishing and operationalising a joint command post to secure an area for joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, setting up an Internally Displaced Population (IDP) camp, and moving disaster relief material. The exercise will strengthen India's defence cooperation with France, which is a crucial component of the overall Indo-France strategic partnership.
Indian Armed Forces to Conduct Mega 'Bharat-Shakti' Exercise in Jaisalmer
The three forces of India – Army, Navy, and Air Force – are going to conduct the biggest exercise called 'Bharat-Shakti' at Asia's largest field firing range located in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. PM Modi's Likely Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Pokhran on March 12, 2024, to witness this show of strength by the Indian Armed Forces.
Bharat Shakti is a significant tri-Service exercise showcasing the firepower of the Army, Air Force, and Navy. The three Indian Services will showcase the capability of indigenously manufactured weapons and platforms during the exercise.
Only indigenous weapon systems developed in India will be included in this exercise.
Participation of Top Military Leaders Top officers of the three forces, including Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, will participate in the Bharat-Shakti exercise to be held on March 12 in Pokhran.
Mar 07, 2024
Raksha Mantri Inaugurates 'Chola' Building at Naval War College, Goa
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Administrative & Training building at the Naval War College (NWC), Goa. The modern edifice, named the 'Chola', pays homage to the mighty maritime empire of the Chola dynasty of ancient India. The event marked a significant milestone in the history of the NWC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in military education and nurturing maritime thought.
Rajnath Singh described Chola Bhawan as a symbol of the aspirations of the Navy and India's legacy of maritime excellence.
On the occasion, Rajnath Singh inaugurated two major piers in Naval Base, Karwar, which are part of ongoing Phase IIA of Project Seabird. These developments will significantly enhance the strategic presence on the western coast of the country.
Mar 06, 2024
INAS 334 Squadron Welcomes MH 60R 'Seahawks' into the Indian Navy
The Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone, with the commissioning of the MH 60R Seahawk helicopter at INS Garuda, Kochi. This induction marked a crucial juncture in India's defence modernisation efforts, further bolstering its maritime capabilities. The Seahawks squadron is designated as INAS 334, symbolising a new era in naval aviation for the country. These helicopters are part of a 24-aircraft Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract inked with the US government in February 2020.
Designed as a multi-role helicopter, it is equipped for various operations including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).
Rigorously tested under Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions, these helicopters are fully integrated into the Fleet.
Their advanced weapons, sensors, and avionics suite cater to the diverse maritime security needs of the Indian Navy, enhancing capabilities against both conventional and asymmetric threats.
Mar 05, 2024
Rajnath Singh Launches Rs. 750 crore Scheme ADITI for Start-ups
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme with a corpus of Rs. 750 crore for start-ups. The scheme will focus on innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies from start-ups through grants of up to Rs. 25 crore for research, development, and innovation in defence technology.
The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth, and help the country leap forward in the field of technology.
The scheme operational for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence to develop around 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe.
In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges – Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5) and Defence Space Agency (4) – to develop the latest technologies have been launched.
Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari Makes History as BSF's First Female Sniper
Sub-Inspector Suman Kumari etched her name in history as the first woman sniper of the Border Security Force (BSF). Her completion of an eight-week intensive sniper course at the Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) in Indore not only showcases her exceptional abilities but also her pioneering spirit. Suman achieved the prestigious 'instructor grade', a testament to her proficiency and expertise.
Mar 04, 2024
Exercise Samudra Laksamana
Exercise Samudra Laksamana, a significant bilateral maritime exercise between India and Malaysia, concluded on March 2, 2024, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
This collaborative effort involved the participation of Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and the Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir, marking the third edition of the exercise.
The exercise is aimed at harbouring professional interactions between the two navies followed by the operational phase at sea.
During the harbour phase of the exercise, crew members from both ships engaged in a variety of professional interactions. These included Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) sessions on topics of mutual interest, sports fixtures, and other cultural and professional exchanges. These activities were designed to enhance the knowledge base of the participants and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
The sea phase of Exercise Samudra Laksamana was a critical component, where the naval units from both countries collaboratively honed their skills through various operations. These exercises were aimed at improving the tactical and operational capabilities of the participating ships, ensuring they are better prepared to handle maritime challenges collaboratively.