Defense Exercises in News for UPSC IAS Prelims Examination
Exercise KHAAN QUEST
July 27, 2024↓Source- This post on the Exercise KHAAN QUEST has been created based on the article “INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR MULTINATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISE KHAAN QUEST” published in “PIB” on 27 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the Indian Army contingent has departed for Exercise KHAAN QUEST.
About Exercise KHAAN QUEST
PIB Aspects Description About 1. This exercise is a multinational military exercise.
2. It will take place from 27th July to 9th August 2024 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
3. It began as a bilateral event between the USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in 2003 and expanded to become a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise in 2006.
4. The current edition is the 21st iteration of the exercise.Purpose To bring together military forces worldwide to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. Partcipants It includes 40 personnel mainly from a Battalion of the MADRAS REGIMENT, along with personnel from other Arms and Services including one Woman Officer and two Women Soldiers. Aim 1. To prepare Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions in a multinational environment.
2. To increase interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.Activities 1. The exercise will involve practicing tactical drills such as establishing static and mobile checkpoints, and conducting cordon and search operations.
2. This exercise aims to enhance interoperability, foster camaraderie, and build strong relationships among soldiers from the participating countries.UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercise
Exercise Pitch Black 2024
July 12, 2024↓Source- This post on the Exercise Pitch Black 2024 has been created based on the article “INDIAN AIR FORCE EX PITCH BLACK 2024 AT DARWIN, AUSTRALIA” published in “PIB” on 12 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in Darwin, Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. This year marks the largest edition in its 43-year history, involving 20 countries, 140+ aircraft, and 4400 military personnel.
About Exercise Pitch Black 2024
Source:IE Aspects Description Location 1. The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia.
2. The exercise will take place from 12 July 2024 to 02 August 2024.Nature It is biennial multinational exercise hosted by the RAAF.
It emphasizes nighttime flying over expansive, unpopulated areas.Objectives 1. It focuses on Large Force Employment warfare, enhancing international cooperation and operational experience.
2. It also aims to integrate IAF’s Su-30 MKI with other advanced fighter aircraft like F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon.Participation 1. Over 150 skilled Air Warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, and controllers are part of the Indian contingent.
2. IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of Exercise Pitch Black, contributing to its ongoing commitment to international military exercises and cooperation.Benefits 1. It facilitates force integration among participating nations and exchange of best practices.
2. It strengthens capabilities for deploying over large distances, supports integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region, and fosters robust aviation partnerships.UPSC Syllabus: Exercise in news
Exercise HOPEX
June 28, 2024↓Source-This post on Exercise HOPEX has been created based on the article “Ex-HOPEX: India-Egypt Defence Cooperation Strengthens; IAF And Egyptian Air Force hold drill” published in “Financial express” on 25 June 2024.
Why in the news?
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale fighter jets are presently in Egypt for Exercise HOPEX. Additionally, the C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 tankers are participating in the weeklong exercise, which takes place from June 21 to June 26.
About Exercise HOPEX
Source-Financial Express 1) Participating Nations-It is the fourth joint exercise of IAF (Indian Air Force) and EAF (Egyptian Air Force) which was held in Egypt from 21 to 26 June.
2) Aim-To enhance bilateral and regional cooperation, symbolizing the enduring relationship between the two nations.
3) Significance-
A) It will enhance operational capabilities of both air forces.
B) It will improve interoperability.
C) It will encourage sharing of best practices and tactics
D) It will further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Egypt.
About India and Egypt relationship
1) India and Egypt established diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level on August 18, 1947.
2) As founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, both nations have collaborated closely on multilateral platforms. In 2022, India and Egypt celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, underscoring the strength and depth of their bilateral ties.
Read more-DUSTLIK- Military Exercise
UPSC Syllabus-Defence Exercises
Tarang Shakti Exercise 2024
June 17, 2024↓Source- This post on Tarang Shakti Exercise is based on the article “India to host its first multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti in August” published in “The Hindu” on 17th May 2024.
Why in the News?
India will host its first multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 in August.
About Tarang Shakti Exercise 2024
Source: The Hindu Aspects Description About It is the Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise which will be held in August. Participating Nations 1. Ten countries will be participating in the exercise. In addition to this, few others would be acting as observers.
2. Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States will be sending contingents.
3. Germany will deploy fighter jets and also an A-400M transport aircraft.Objectives The plan is to invite friendly foreign countries with whom the IAF interacts regularly and has a certain degree of interoperability. What will happen during the exercise 1. The exercise is now planned to take place in two phases.
2. The first phase will occur in southern India during the first two weeks of August, and the second phase will be in the western sector from late August to mid-September.
3. Some countries will participate in both phases, while others will join only one of the two phases.About Red Flag exercise
Aspects Description About 1. Red Flag is an air combat exercise conducted with multiple scenarios designed to provide realistic combat settings.
2. It is the Second edition of Red Flag this year.
3. Red Flag is conducted four times annually by the USAF.Hosted by U.S. Air Force (USAF) Held at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska Parcipating Force Indian Air Force (IAF), Singapore Air Force, U.K.’s Royal Air Force, Royal Netherlands Air Force and German Luftwaffe What will happen during the exercise 1. Air combat exercise with multiple realistic combat scenarios
Forces divided into two groups:
2. Red Force:It will simulates air defence elements
3. Blue Force: It will simulates offensive composite elements
4. In this edition, the Red Force comprised mainly of the USAF Aggressor Squadron, flying F-16 and F-15 aircraft.UPSC Syllabus: Defence Exercise
Exercise SHAKTI
May 15, 2024↓Source- This post on Exercise SHAKTI is based on the article “India -France joint military exercise Shakti commences in Meghalaya” published in “PIB” on 14th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently India and France commenced the 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at Umroi, Meghalaya.
About Exercise SHAKTI
Source: PIB Aspects Description About 1. It is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France. The last edition was conducted in France in November 2021.
2. The 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at Meghalaya.Participating Nations India and France Objectives Objectives of Joint Training:
i) Achieve a high degree of physical fitness.
ii) Rehearse and refine tactical level operations.
iii) Exchange best practices between forces.Focus The joint exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain. What will happen during the exercise 1. The tactical drills will cover a range of operations including responding to terrorist actions that involve seizing a specific territory, setting up a Joint Command Post.
2. It also includes establishing an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre, securing helipads or landing sites, conducting Small Team Insertion & Extraction.Benefits 1. It will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting joint operations.
2. The joint exercise will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between armed forces personnel of the two countries.
3. This will also enhance the level of defence cooperation and foster bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.UPSC Syllabus: Defence Exercises
Exercise Poorvi Lehar
April 23, 2024↓Source-This post on Exercise Poorvi Lehar has been created based on the article “INDIAN NAVY CONDUCTS EXERCISE POORVI LEHAR ON THE EAST COAST” published in “PIB” on 20 April 2024.
Why in the news?
The Indian Navy carried out Exercise Poorvi Lehar on the East Coast under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
About Exercise Poorvi Lehar
Source-PIB Description-It is a maritime exercise conducted by the Indian Navy along the East Coast, under the operational direction of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
Aim of the exercise-The exercise is aimed at assessing the ability of the Indian Navy to handle maritime security challenges in the region by testing its procedures.
Participation-The exercise witnessed participation of Ships, Submarines, Aircraft and Special Forces.
Phases-The exercise had different stages. In one part, there was combat training in a realistic scenario, and in another, they successfully fired various weapons to show the Indian Navy’s ability to hit targets accurately.
Interoperability-Apart from assets from the Eastern Naval Command, the exercise also included assets from the Indian Air Force, Andaman & Nicobar Command, and Coast Guard. This demonstrated a high degree of interoperability amongst the Services
What is the significance of the Exercise Poorvi Lehar?
1) It provided important lessons to the participating forces. This has helped them to prepare themselves in a better way to respond effectively to real maritime challenges in the region.
2) It has helped in maintaining continuous Maritime Domain Awareness throughout the Area of operations by using aircraft from diverse locations.
Read more-Exercise Dosti
UPSC Syllabus-Defence Exercises.
DUSTLIK- Military Exercise
April 16, 2024↓Source- This post on DUSTLIK Military Exercise is based on the article “Indian Army contingent departs for joint military exercise with Uzbekistan” published in “PIB” on 15th April 2024.
Why in the News?
The Indian Army contingent has departed for the 5th edition of India- Uzbekistan joint military Exercise Dustlik.
About Exercise Dustlik
Source: The Financial Express Aspects Description About 1. Exercise DUSTLIK is a yearly event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan.
2. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 15th to 28th April 2024 at Termez, the Republic of Uzbekistan.
3. The last edition was conducted at Pithoragarh (India) in February 2023.Participating Nations India and Uzbekistan Objectives The aim of Exercise Dustlik is:
a) to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in mountainous as well as semi-urban terrain.
b) to enhance tactical, technical, and procedural interoperability and strengthen defense cooperation and bilateral relations between the two participating nations.Focus The exercise will emphasize high physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and the basics of special arms skills. UPSC Syllabus: Defence Exercise
Parivartan Chintan- Armed forces conference
April 8, 2024↓Source– This post on ‘Parivartan Chintan’ is based on the article “Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan to chair maiden ‘Parivartan Chintan’, a Tri-Service Conference on Jointness & Integration” published in “PIB” on 7th April 2024.
Why in the News?
Maiden Armed forces conference ‘Parivartan Chintan’ is to be held at New Delhi.
About Parivartan Chintan
Source: BS 1. Parivartan Chintan will be the first-ever conference of the Heads of all Tri-Services Institutions. It will be chaired by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan.
2. Aim: The conference’s objective is to foster the creation of innovative and forward-thinking strategies, initiatives, and reforms that will accelerate the efforts towards achieving jointness and integration.
3. Participants: The conference will see participation from the Department of Military Affairs, the Headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff, and the three Services.
4. Officers across various ranks will attend the conference, bringing their unique insights and experiences. They will propose recommendations to swiftly realize the goal of a cohesive and unified defense framework.
About the Integrated Defence Staff
1. About: The Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) was established as part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) by the Government of India in 2001.
2. Headed by: The body is headed by the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, who is Vice Chief of Staff rank level officer and is also Vice Chief of Defence Staff.
3. Members: Members from all three branches of the military, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Department of Defence (DoD), and the Department of Defence Finance.
4. Mission: To promote high-level coordination and integration among the armed forces regarding policies, military strategies, and procurement processes through the adoption of best management practices.
Read more: Integrated Theatre commands in India
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar
March 27, 2024↓Source-This post on ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar is based on the article “As part of overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar arrives at Manila Bay, Philippines” published in “PIB” on 26th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The Minister of External Affairs recently visited Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, which is in Manila Bay in the Philippines, as part of an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.
About Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar
Source: Shipspotting Aspects Details About It is a specialised Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) of the Indian Coast Guard. It is the second PCV of India (the first being ICGS Samudra Prahari). Built by ABG Shipyard, Surat Stationed on East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Features a) The ship’s primary role is pollution response at sea. It is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated pollution response and control equipment for mitigating oil spills.
b) It includes containment equipment like hi-sprint booms and river booms, recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms. The ship is capable of unhindered oil-recovery operations.
c) The special features include an integrated platform management system, a power management system and a high-powered external firefighting system.
d) It is capable of operating one twin-engine ALH/ Chetak helicopter.Read More: Indian Coast Guard Pollution
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
IMT Trilateral Exercise- 2024
March 23, 2024↓Source-This post on IMT Trilateral Exercise- 2024 is based on the article “India – Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024 ” published in “PIB” on 21st March 2024.
Why in the News?
INS Tir and INS Sujata are set to join the upcoming India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Trilateral (TRILAT) Exercise 2024.
What is IMT Trilateral Exercise 2024?
Source- PIB Aspect Details About It is a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24 among the Indian, Mozambique and Tanzania navies. Objectives 1. Capability development to address common threats through training and sharing of best practices.
2. Enhancing interoperability.
3. Strengthening maritime cooperation.First Edition The first edition of IMT TRILAT exercise conducted in Oct 22. Phases The current exercise is divided into two phases
1. Harbour Phase:
a. During the harbor phase from March 21st to March 24th, 2024, Naval ships Tir and Sujata will interact with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique).
b. This phase will start with a Planning Conference, followed by joint harbor training activities such as Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation, and Diving operations.
2. Sea Phase:
a. The sea phase of the exercise focuses on practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, maneuvers, and firing exercises.
b. Additionally, a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance is planned during this phase.UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises
