Multinational Military Exercise 'Shanti Prayas IV' Commences in Kathmandu
Kathmandu became the focal point of global peacekeeping efforts as it is hosting the multinational military exercise 'Shanti Prayas IV'. This significant event, which draws army representatives from 19 countries actively involved in United Nations Peacekeeping missions, underscores the collaborative spirit and dedication towards maintaining global peace and security.
The exercise was inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda in a ceremony held at the Nepali Army Headquarters in Bhadrakali, Kathmandu. This marked the beginning of an intensive training program aimed at enhancing the peacekeeping capabilities of the participating nations.
The Shanti Prayas Exercise is co-hosted by the Nepali Army and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, reflecting the strong military cooperation between Nepal and the United States. The training sessions are taking place at the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre in Nepal, with over 1,125 participants from 19 countries engaged in the exercise from February 20 to March 4, 2024.
The primary objective of Shanti Prayas IV is to showcase Nepal's proficiency in peacekeeping operations and to highlight the United States' support for the Nepali Army's contributions to global peacekeeping efforts.
Feb 21, 2024
Indian Air Force (IAF) Conducted 'Exercise Vayu Shakti-24'
Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted 'Exercise Vayu Shakti-24' at the Pokhran range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, presenting a formidable display of its aerial firepower. The event, attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, marked a significant demonstration of the IAF's offensive capabilities through a series of meticulously planned aerial manoeuvres and precision strikes.
Adhering to this year's theme, 'Lightning Strike from the Sky', the exercise involved over 120 aircraft showcasing the IAF's day and night offensive prowess. A variety of fighter aircraft including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas, and Hawk participated, executing precision attacks on simulated enemy targets using an array of Precision Guided Munitions and conventional ordnance.
Feb 20, 2024
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who has vast operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan, assumed charge as Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar.
Prior to taking over as Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dwivedi was serving as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command from 2022-2024 in an extremely challenging operational environment.
An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, Lt Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984, a unit he later commanded.
SAMAR Air Defense Missile Debuts in Vayushakti Exercise at Jaisalmer
The SAMAR (Surface-to-Air Missile for Assured Retaliation) air defense missile system marked a significant milestone as it was fired for the first time during the Vayushakti Exercise in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer in February.
SAMAR represents a remarkable achievement in indigenous defense technology, being developed entirely by units of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Maintenance Command.
Notably, it was conceptualised utilising outdated Russian-origin air-to-air missile systems, showcasing innovative adaptation and utilisation of existing resources.
SAMAR represents a significant leap forward in India's air defense capabilities, embodying the nation's commitment to self-reliance and innovation in defense technology.
Its successful deployment and integration into operational exercises underscore its readiness to safeguard national airspace, marking a pivotal moment in India's defense preparedness.
Feb 19, 2024
Eastern Naval Command Undertake Exercises over the Bay of Bengal
Eastern Naval Command of Indian Navy accorded a warm welcome to the crew of two French aircraft – Atlantique 2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Airbus A400 French Transport Aircraft – at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam. Their visit was a notable chapter in the ongoing collaboration between the Indian and French navies, focusing on enhancing interoperability through bilateral exercises.
Atlantique 2 is operated by French Navy's Flottille 23F. Its skilled air crew had professional interactions with Indian Navy's Dornier Squadron, INAS 311, stationed at INS Dega.
Both Indian Navy's P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft and French Atlantique 2 undertook combined exercises over the Bay of Bengal. These exercises facilitated synergy and interoperability between the two naval forces, enhancing their ability to operate seamlessly in the maritime domain.
Feb 18, 2024
Nikhil Joshi New Managing Director of Boeing Defence India
Boeing, the US-based aerospace company, announced the appointment of Nikhil Joshi as Managing Director of Boeing Defense India (BDI), in a move to strengthen the company's operations and accelerate its growth strategy for India.
Based in New Delhi, Nikhil Joshi will lead current and future programs for BDI to enhance the mission readiness and modernization of India's defence forces. Reporting to Salil Gupte, president, of Boeing India and South Asia, Nikhil Joshi will work in close collaboration with Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) and Boeing Global Services (BGS).
Nikhil Joshi has more than 25 years of aerospace and defence industry experience, including over two decades of service with the Indian armed forces in the aviation branch of the Indian Navy.