India, France Conduct Joint Naval Exercise Varuna in Arabian Sea
The 20th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – 'VARUNA' was conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 Mar – 03 Apr 22. Various units including ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter aircraft and helicopters of the two navies are participating in the exercise.
The Bilateral Naval Exercises between the two Navies were initiated in 1993. The exercise was christened as 'VARUNA' in 2001 and has become a vital part of India – France strategic bilateral relationship. Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, VARUNA series of exercises continue to provide both the navies opportunities to learn from each other's best practices.
Apr 02, 2022
IONS Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) concludes in Arabian Sea
The regional grouping Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) conducted its maiden edition of maritime exercise, IMEX-22, at Goa and in the Arabian Sea. The exercise witnessed participation of 16 of the 25 member nations. The aim of the exercise was to enhance interoperability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations among member navies.
In addition, 22 Observers from 15 IONS member navies, namely Australia, Bangladesh, France, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE and the U.K. also participated in the exercise. The IONS, established in 2007, is a premier forum for cooperation and collaboration among the navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. The forum has enabled discussions on regional maritime issues, promoted friendly relationships, and significantly improved maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
Mar 31, 2022
Second P-81 Aircraft Squadron Commissioned into Indian Navy
The Indian Navy commissioned its second long-range maritime reconnaissance air squadron comprising a fleet of P-8I aircraft to add muscle to its surveillance power in the Indian Ocean Region. The air squadron 316 was commissioned at the INS Hansa, a naval air station near Dabolim in Goa, in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff R Hari Kumar. The Indian Navy Air Squadron (INAS) 316 will operate the Boeing P-8I multi-role long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.
The new squadron is being raised amid growing concerns over China's increasing forays into the Indian Ocean Region, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy. The P-8I aircraft is powered by twin jet engines and can be equipped with air-to-ship missiles and torpedoes. The Indian Navy had acquired the first batch of eight P-8I aircraft in 2013 that are stationed at INS Rajali in Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu.
Mar 30, 2022
US, Philippines Kick Off 'Balikatan 2022' Largest-ever Military Drills
The Philippines and the United States launched the largest-ever joint military drills in the archipelago nation, signalling deepening defence ties as fresh tensions surface in the disputed South China Sea. The exercises cover maritime security, amphibious operation, live-fire training, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
'Balikatan', a Tagalog word meaning "shoulder to shoulder," has been held annually since 1991, the year that the U.S. committed to closing its two giant military bases at Subic Bay and Clark. But the exercise was cancelled in 2020 and held in scaled-down form in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
IAF Unveils New Initiative for Refuelling its Convoys
The Indian Air Force unveiled a new initiative with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd under which its convoys will be to refuel at fuel stations of the state-run energy major. The defence ministry said a 'Fleet Card - Fuel on Move' has been rolled out to facilitate the refuelling of convoys belonging to the IAF. Under the existing system, the IAF procures fuel from various agencies and distributes it within the Air Force establishments. The IAF convoys have to go to Air Force stations for refuelling. With the advent of the Fleet Cards, the IAF will be able to utilise the vast network of retail fuel distributors across the country to refuel its vehicles on the move. The availability of Fleet Card will permit the convoy to refuel at any IOCL fuel station, thus increasing the pace of movement and reducing the lead time for readiness at operational locations across the nation.
The new initiative was launched by Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari.
Mar 29, 2022
India Successfully Test-fires Two MRSAMs off Odisha Coast
India successfully test-fired two Indian Army-version Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles (MRSAMs) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. The flight tests were carried out as part of live-firing trials against high-speed aerial targets. The first missile hit a medium-altitude long-range target and the second a low-altitude short-range one.
This MRSAM version is a Surface-to-Air Missile developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for use by the Indian Army. The MRSAM Army weapon system comprises multi-function radar, mobile launcher system and other vehicles.
The flight tests were carried out with the weapon system in deliverable configuration. The performance of the weapon system was validated through the flight data captured by range instruments like radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry deployed by ITR, Chandipur.
President Kovind Presents President's Colour to INS Valsura
President Ram Nath Kovind awarded the prestigious President's Colour to Indian Naval Ship (INS) Valsura. The President's Colour is bestowed on a military unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in peace and in war.
Established in 1942, INS Valsura is a premier training establishment of the Indian Navy. It is entrusted with the responsibility of imparting training to officers and sailors of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign countries in electrical, electronics, weapon systems and information technology.
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