Defense Exercises in News for UPSC IAS Prelims Examination
NATO Exercise- Steadfast Defender 2024
February 29, 2024↓Source-This post on NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 has been created based on the article “Why is NATO’s Steadfast Defender 2024 military exercise significant?″ published in “The Hindu” on 28th February 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started the Steadfast Defender 2024 exercise.
The Hindu About Steadfast Defender 2024
1) About: Steadfast Defender 24 is NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War.
2) Duration: It is being held from January to May 2024.
3) Location: The first part of the exercise focuses on securing the Atlantic up to the Arctic and the second part focuses on moving troops across Europe, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe
4) Purpose: Its main purpose is to highlight its collective military might and commitment to the security of its members.
5) Participants: It has approximately 90,000 troops from all 31 NATO Allies and Sweden as .
6) Features:
a) The exercise will showcase a wide range of military equipment, with more than 50 naval vessels, from aircraft carriers to destroyers, and an air force consisting of over 80 units, including fighter jets, helicopters, and drones
b) The ground forces will demonstrate NATO’s capabilities with at least 1,100 combat vehicles, including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles.
c) The drills are strategically designed to rehearse Nato’s execution of its regional plans. These plans are the first of their kind in decades.
d) It outlines the alliance’s response mechanisms to potential threats, addressing concerns regarding Russian aggression.
About NATO
1) About: North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a deterrent intergovernmental military alliance.
2) Origin: It was established in the aftermath of World War II through the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949.
3) Members: It comprises of 31 member states, among which 29 European countries and two North American countries.
4) Purpose: The primary purpose of NATO is to ensure the freedom and security of its members by cooperating in defence and conducting crisis-management operations.
5) Headquarters- Brussels, Belgium
UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercise, International Organization
EXERCISE ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ 2024
February 27, 2024↓Source-This post on Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ 2024 has been created based on the article “INDIA-JAPAN Joint exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commences in Rajasthan” published in “PIB” on 27th February 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the 5th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India.
About Exercise Dharma Guardian
PIB Aspect Details Description 1) Dharma Guardian’ is a bilateral military exercise held alternately in India and Japan.
2) It is the 5th edition of the exercise.
3) The Japanese contingent is being represented by soldiers of the 34th Infantry Regiment, and the Indian Army contingent is being represented by a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles.
4) The exercise will also showcase India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defense industrial capability of the country.Frequency It is an annual exercise. Objective 1) To foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.
2) To develop inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troopsAreas of cooperation 1) The exercise will focus on the basics of high-level physical fitness, joint planning and special weapons skills.
2) Sharing their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting tactical operations.UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises in News
Exercise Dosti
February 24, 2024↓Source-This post on Exercise Dosti has been created based on the article “Trilateral Coast Guard Exercise ‘Dosti 16’ Kicks Off In Maldives Amid Security Concerns” published in “ETV Bharat” on 22 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Indian and Sri Lankan coast guard ships have recently reached the Maldives to participate in the trilateral coast guard exercise Dosti 16.
About Exercise Dosti
PSM news Aspect Details Description It is a trilateral coast guard exercise between India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Frequency It is a biennial exercise. History 1) It was first conducted in 1991 between the Indian and Maldives Coast Guards.
2) Sri Lanka joined the exercise for the first time in 2012. Exercise Dosti was last conducted in 2021.Objective To fortify the friendship, enhance mutual operational capability, build cooperation between the Coast Guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Areas of cooperation 1) Providing assistance in sea accidents
2) Eliminating sea pollution and addressing issue of oil spillSome important points about Dosti 16 1) It is the 16th edition of the exercise.
2) The Coast Guards of the Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka, along with observers from Bangladesh, are participating in Dosti 16 to enhance collaboration between the forces.
3) India is sending ICGS Samarth (with integral helo), ICGS Abhinav, and ICG Dornier for the exercise.What is the Indian Coast Guard?
Description– It is an armed force that protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
Established– It was formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent Armed force of India.
Concerned ministry– It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
Read more about-Exercise SAMPRITI
UPSC Syllabus-Defence Exercises.
SADA TANSEEQ: India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise
January 30, 2024↓Source-This post is based on the article “India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ commences in Rajasthan” published in “PIB” on 29th January 2024.
Why in the News?
The first edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ has commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
What is Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’?
Aspect Details About It is a joint Joint Military Exercise between India-Saudi Arabia. Aim To train troops of both sides for Joint Operations in Semi Desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Edition First Features 1. The Exercise allows both sides to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domain.
2. The Exercise includes setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Posts, conducting Cordon & Search Operations, House Intervention Drills, Reflex Shooting, Slithering, and Sniper Firing.Significance 1. It will aid in the development of interoperability, camaraderie, and goodwill among troops from both sides.
2. It serves as a platform to achieve shared security objectives, enhance defense cooperation, and foster bilateral relations between friendly nations.UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercise
Exercise Desert Knight
January 25, 2024↓Source-This post is based on the article “EX- DESERT KNIGHT” published in “PIB” on 24th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise Desert Knight along with French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force.
About Exercise Desert Knight
Aspect Details Aim It primarily aimed at bolstering synergy and interoperability among the three Air Forces (IAF,FASF and UAE Air force). Location This trilateral exercise took place within Indian Flight Information Region (FIR) over the Arabian Sea. Participating contingent 1. French contingent included the Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi Role Tanker Transport.
2. The UAE Air Force fielded the F-16.
3. The IAF contingent comprised of Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J and Air to Air Refueller aircraft.Significance It facilitated the sharing of operational knowledge, experiences, and best practices among the participating forces. Note- IAF aircraft operated from bases situated within India, while French and UAE aircraft operated from the Al Dhafra air base in the UAE.
UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises
India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone
January 23, 2024↓
Source-This post is based on the article “Indian army special forces contingent reaches Egypt for Joint Exercise CYCLONE” published in “PIB” on 22nd January 2024.
Why in the News?
India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone, A 25-member Indian Army contingent has arrived in Egypt for the 2nd edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise, CYCLONE. It will be conducted at Anshas, Egypt from January 22 to February 1, 2024.
What is Exercise CYCLONE?
Aspect Details About It is a Joint Special Forces exercise between India and Egypt. Aim To enhance mutual understanding of operational protocols for desert/semi-desert Special Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. First Edition 2023 (India) Features of 2nd Edition 1. The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
2. Egyptian contingent is being represented by Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
3. The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain and will be conducted in three phases.Significance 1. It will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices.
2. It will serve as a platform to achieve common security goals and enhance ties between two friendly nations.UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises
DESERT CYCLONE: India-UAE Joint Military Exercise
January 3, 2024↓Source– This post is based on the article “India-UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ commences in Rajasthan” published in “PIB” on 2nd January 2024.
Why in the News?
A 45-member UAE Land Forces group has arrived in India for the inaugural India-UAE Joint Military Exercise, ‘DESERT CYCLONE.’
What is ‘DESERT CYCLONE’?
Aspect Details What is it? It is a joint military exercise between India and UAE. Aim 1) To improve interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations, including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the UN Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.
2) To achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.Started in 2024 (First Edition) Participating contingents 1) Indian Army– Represented by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
2) UAE- Represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade.Significance 1) It will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations.
2) It will also foster collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides.UPSC Syllabus- Miscellaneous (Defence)
VINBAX-2023: Joint Military Exercise
December 12, 2023↓Source – This post is based on the article “VINBAX-2023: INDIAN ARMED FORCES CONTINGENT REACHES HANOI FOR JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE” published in “PIB” on 11th December 2023.
Why in the News?
The Indian Armed Forces contingent arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam for the fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023.
What is Exercise VINBAX?
Specification Details What is it? It’s an annual training event held alternately in India and Vietnam. Participating Nations India and Vietnam Type Military Exercise Started in 2018 (First edition-Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) Aim To enhance collaboration, promote interoperability, and share best practices under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. What are the key features of 2023 edition of Exercise VINBAX?
1) The joint exercise promotes idea exchange and collaborative rehearsal of tactics, techniques, and procedures.
2)They will perform technical military operations aligned with scenarios resembling global deployment of United Nations’ contingents.
3) This joint effort enhances understanding, interoperability, and strengthens defense cooperation between the friendly armies.
UPSC Syllabus- Defence/ Miscellaneous
MAHASAGAR: Indian Navy’s outreach initiative between Maritime Heads
December 1, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “MAHASAGAR: Indian Navy’s outreach initiative between Maritime Heads” published in “PIB” on 30th November 2023
Why in the News?
Indian Navy has successfully conducted the first edition of the MAHASAGAR: Indian Navy’s outreach initiative between Maritime Heads.
What is MAHASAGAR?
Specifications Details Hosted by Indian Navy Purpose It is a high level interaction between the Maritime Heads of the Indian Ocean Region. Full Form Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region. Aim To promote security and growth for all in the Indian Ocean Region Participating countries Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania Theme ‘Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges’ Significance This interaction is in line with the Government of India’s vision of SAGAR(Security and Growth for All in the Region). UPSC Syllabus: Defence
9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) conducted by Indian Coast Guard
November 27, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) conducted by Indian Coast Guard” published in “PIB” on 26th November 2023
Why in the News?
The 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard off Vadinar, Gujarat.
What is Exercise NATPOLREX?
Specifications Details What is it It is a marine oil spill preparedness exercise. Conducted by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Objectives 1) To test the level of preparedness and coordination between various resource agencies to respond to a marine oil spill.
2) To implement the guidelines as contained in the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP)What is the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP)?
Specifications Details What is it It outlines the steps required for the management of responses to marine oil spills Promulgated in 1996 (and updated in 2014) Prepared by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Nodal Authority National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs. Objectives of the plan 1) To establish an effective system for detection and reporting of oil spills;
2) To establish adequate measures for preparedness for oil and chemical pollution;
3) To facilitate rapid and effective response to oil pollution;
4) To establish record-keeping procedures to facilitate recovery of costs;
5) To maintain the evidence for the purpose of identifying the polluter and taking suitable administrative, civil or criminal action against the polluter.What is the role of ICG in oil spills?
1) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) functions as the Central Coordinating Authority for response to Oil spills in Indian waters.
2) ICG formulated the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) which is the apex plan for responding to oil spill disasters in Indian waters.
3) At present, it operates three Pollution Response Vessels also known as Pollution Control Vessels – ICGS Samudra Prahari, ICGS Samudra Paheredar and ICGS Samudra Pavak. These vessels are fitted with specific equipment to deal with chemical and oil spills at sea.
4) It has also established four Pollution Response Centers at Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair and Vadinar.
UPSC Syllabus: Exercises in News
