Defense Exercises in News for UPSC IAS Prelims Examination
Exercise Tiger Triumph – 24
March 19, 2024↓Source-This post on Exercise Tiger Triumph – 24 is based on the article “EX TIGER TRIUMPH – 24” published in “PIB” on 18th March 2024.
Why in the News?
India and the United States will conduct a bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise called Tiger Triumph – 24. It will take place on the Eastern Seaboard from March 18 to March 31, 2024.
Exercise Tiger Triumph About– It is the first tri-service military exercise between India and USA. India has previously conducted tri-service exercises only with Russia.
First edition– 2019
About Exercise Tiger Triumph-24
1. Aim– The exercise aims to improve cooperation between the forces of both countries in conducting HADR operations and to refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for smoother coordination.
2. Phases of the exercise– The exercise will be conducted in two phases– Harbour Phase and Sea phase
a. Harbour Phase– It will be carried out at Visakhapatnam. Personnel from both navies will engage in Training Visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, Sports Events, and Social interactions during this time.
b. Sea Phase– It will be carried out at Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. After the Harbour Phase, the ships, carrying troops, will sail for the Sea Phase and conduct Maritime, Amphibious, and HADR operations based on given scenarios.UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises
Anti-piracy mechanism of India
March 18, 2024↓Source– This post on Anti-piracy mechanism of India is based on the article “Marathon operation by Navy, IAF led to pirates’ surrender” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, Indian Navy’s highly secretive Marine Commandos (MARCOS) conducted their first-ever para-drop operation at sea.
They managed to secure and safely evacuate the 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the merchant vessel Lila Norfolk.
About Anti-piracy mechanism of India
swarajyamag 1. The pirate ship was intercepted by the navy’s destroyer INS Kolkata, approximately 1,400 nautical miles (2,600 km) from the Indian coast.
2. The MQ-9A high-altitude long endurance remotely piloted aircraft and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft we the pirate vessel.
3. The C-17 aircraft airdropped the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) for the anti-piracy operation.
4. The MARCOS conduct specialized warfare at sea, including combat diving, search and rescue, underwater demolition, visit, board, search and seizure, and reconnaissance operations. MARCOS can also conduct operations in the land and air.
4. A MQ-9 Sea Guardian, a high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, maintained uninterrupted aerial surveillance of the hijacked ship.
5. The Boeing P-8I Poseidon anti-submarine warfare aircraft and INS Subhadra, a Sukanya-class patrol vessel, also participated in the operation.
Read more: Piracy in Arabian Sea
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Defence)
Bharat Shakti Exercise
March 14, 2024↓Source- The post on Bharat Shakti Exercise is based on the article “Tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ to demonstrate prowess of indigenously manufactured equipment” published in “Times of India” on 9th March 2024.
What is the News?
Recently, the Integrated tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ was held at Pokhran in Rajasthan.
About ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise
Source: Financial Express Aspect Details Description It is an integrated tri-service exercise conducted at Pokhran, Rajasthan. Objective It aims to counter any threat through synergised joint operations. Features 1) The exercise will showcase live integrated multi-domain operations of the three services in offensive operations using indigenous equipment
2) It will display an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country.
i) It features indigenous weapon systems: T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons Systems, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules.
ii) The Indian Navy displays Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets.
iii) The Indian Air Force showcases indigenous aircraft: Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters.
3) It will simulate realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.Significance It highlights the resilience, innovation, and strength of India’s domestic defence capabilities on the global stage.
The exercise defines success of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense.Read more: Exercise Dharma Guardian
UPSC Syllabus: Defence Exercises in News
Sea Defenders-2024
March 9, 2024↓Source-This post on Sea Defenders-2024 is based on the article “US Coast Guard ship Bertholf arrives in Port Blair ahead of joint exercise” published in “India Today” on 7th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Bertholf ship reached Port Blair ahead of the ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ joint exercise.
What is Sea Defenders-2024?
Source- Zee Business 1. About– It is a joint exercise between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
2. Location– It is scheduled to take place on March 9-10 near Port Blair’s coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
3. Focus of the Joint Exercise: Maritime piracy and other threats, simulated drone attacks on merchant ships, joint search and rescue at sea, firefighting, pollution response, and counter-drug operations.
4. Emergency preparedness-The event will also include a simulated medical evacuation to improve preparedness in emergency situations.
Key details about Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
1. About– It is an armed force safeguarding India’s maritime interests, enforcing maritime law in its territorial waters, including the contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
2. Establishment– It was officially founded in 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, becoming an independent Armed force of India.
3. Nodal Ministry– It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
4. Headquarter– New Delhi
5. Working :
a. The ICG collaborates with other Union agencies, institutions, and authorities to protect India’s maritime interests and security, aid vessels and fishermen in trouble, and preserve the marine environment.
b. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) also functions as the Central Coordinating Authority for response to Oil spills in Indian waters.UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises
Exercise Samudra Laksamana
March 2, 2024↓Source-This post on Exercise Samudra Laksamana is based on the article “India-Malaysia Bilateral Maritime Exercise: Samudra Laksamana” published in “PIB” on 1st March 2024.
Why in the News?
The Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy are participating in the bilateral exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’. It is taking place from February 28 to March 2, 2024, at or off Visakhapatnam.
About Exercise Samudra Laksamana
Source- PIB 1. Aim– The exercise aims to strengthen ties and improve coordination between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navy.
2. Command under it is conducted– Visakhapatnam-based Eastern Naval Command
3. Edition– This is the 3rd Edition of this exercise which includes harbor professional interactions followed by the operational phase at sea.
4. Harbour Phase– The exercise will involve a harbor phase featuring professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange on topics of mutual interest, social events, interactions with locals, and various sports activities.
5. Sea Phase– During the sea phase, units will collectively refine their skills while performing various sea operations.
6. Participating ships- Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir
Note– INS Kiltan is a Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette of the Indian Navy.
UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercise
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
