Ballistic Missile ‘Agni Prime’

DATE: 9th June , 2023

The successful flight test of ‘Agni Prime’ reaffirms India’s position as a competent player in the field of advanced missile
technology.

Key Points:

• In a significant achievement for India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisa-
tion (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden pre-induction night launch of the new-generation ballistic missile
‘Agni Prime.’

• The test, held at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, showcased the missile’s exceptional accu-
racy and reliability, meeting all objectives set for the trial.

• The recent launch of ‘Agni Prime’ marked the first pre-induction night launch following three successful develop-
mental trials of the advanced ballistic missile.

Maritime Partnership Exercise

DATE: 9th June, 2023

The first edition of India, France, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Maritime Partnership Exercise commenced on 7th June
2023 in the Gulf of Oman.

Key Points:
• The first edition of India, France, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Maritime Partnership Exercise commenced on
7th June 2023 in the Gulf of Oman, featuring the participation of INS Tarkash, French Ship Surcouf, French Rafale
aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

• The aim of the Maritime Exercise is to enhance trilateral cooperation between India, France, and the UAE.

• The exercise will enhance collaboration in ensuring the safety of mercantile trade and freedom of navigation on
high seas in the region.
• India and France have regularly conducted joint exercises such as Exercise Shakti, Exercise Varuna, and Exercise
Garuda involving their respective army, navy, and air force.
 • India and the UAE conduct joint air combat exercises, such as ‘Desert Eagle II’, to enhance security cooperation and
counter terrorist threats.
• Naseem-Al-Bahr is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the UAE Navy.
• Gulf Star is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the UAE Navy.

Ekuverin

DATE: 9th June, 2023

The 12th edition of the joint military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army and the Maldives National
Defence Force has commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.

Key Points:

• The primary focus of “Ex Ekuverin” is to share best practices, enhance coordination, and improve cooperation at
a tactical level.

• The bilateral annual exercise, which bears the meaning of “Friends” in the Maldivian language, aims to enhance
interoperability in Counter Insurgency/Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN mandate.

• Additionally, it provides an opportunity for both forces to carry out joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief operations.

‘Sanshodhak’

DATE: 14th June, 2023

The fourth ship of the Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) Project, named ‘Sanshodhak’ meaning ‘Researcher’, was launched at
Kattupalli, Chennai.

Key Points:
• They will replace the existing Sandhayak Class survey ships, with new generation hydrographic equipment to
collect oceanographic data.

• The primary role of the ships is to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of Ports and
navigational channels.
 • The ships would also be deployed for collecting oceanographic and geophysical data for defence as well as civil
applications.

• In their secondary role, the ships can provide limited defence, HADR, and serve as a Hospital ship during emer-
gencies.

‘Predator Drone’

DATE: 20th June, 2023

The approval of the ‘Predator drone’ deal by India’s Defence Ministry sets the stage for the acquisition of advanced MQ-
9B Reaper drones from the United States.

Key Points:

• The MQ-9B drone, a variant of the MQ-9 Reaper, has been chosen by India for its diverse capabilities, including
maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and over-the-horizon targeting.

• The Indian Navy is set to receive 14 drones, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each receive eight.

• The high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones can remain airborne for over 35 hours and are equipped with
the capacity to carry four Hellfire missiles and approximately 450 kg of bombs.

Julley Ladakh Outreach

DATE: 20th June , 2023

The Indian Navy recently launched an outreach program called “Julley Ladakh” (Hello Ladakh) to increase awareness
about the Navy.

Key Points:
• The “Julley Ladakh” initiative aims to Celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which marks 75 years of Indian Indepen-
dence.

• The “Julley Ladakh” initiative Motivate the youth to consider joining the Indian Navy.

• The “Julley Ladakh” initiative aims to Conduct awareness campaigns in Ladakh’s institutions and schools to draw
attention to the Agnipath Scheme and other career prospects provided by the Indian Navy.
India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X)

DATE: 23rd June 2023

Key Points:
• The India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) was launched at an 2-day event in
Washington DC which was co-organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Ministry of Defence and
US Department of Defence (DoD).

• The event aimed to foster collaboration between Indian and US start-ups in deeptech innovations especially in
the domains of Space and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

• A highlight of the event was the joint showcasing of innovative technologies by 15 Indian start-ups and 10 US
start-ups across various domains, including maritime, AI, autonomous systems, and space.

• The recent launch of iCET(India- US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) was a landmark event in In-
dia-US relationship.

• By fostering co-development, co-production, and deepening collaborations, INDUS X paves the way for a mu-
tually beneficial partnership, contributing to the advancement of defence technologies and strengthening the
strategic ties between the two nations.
corvette INS Kirpan

DATE: 26th June 2023

Key Points:
• A meeting was held in New delhi to review progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initatives.
• It was decided that Khukri class warship INS Kirpan which is scheduled to be decommissioned will be gifted to
Vietnam in order to enhance its forces.
• Aim of the meeting is to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of defense industry cooper-
ation, maritime security and multinational cooperation.
Dhruv

DATE: 28th June 2023

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC) ‘Dhruv’ at the Southern Naval
Command in Kochi .

Key Points:
• The ISC ‘Dhruv’ houses advanced, indigenous simulators designed to enhance practical training in the Indian
Navy.

• This state-of-the-art facility is expected to provide real-time experience in navigation, fleet operations, and naval
tactics, benefiting both Indian Navy personnel and trainees from friendly nations.

• The ISC ‘Dhruv’ features a range of modern simulators aimed at enhancing practical training for naval personnel.

Tarang Shakti

DATE: 1st July , 2023

The Indian Air Force will hold the largest multi-national air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ to strengthen military co-operation
between the air forces.

Key Points:

• The ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise holds paramount importance for the Indian Air Force and the participating nations.

• With the participation of several nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia, this
exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation and foster strategic alliances.

• ‘Tarang Shakti’ is anticipated to be the largest multi-national air exercise ever hosted by India, showcasing the
IAF’s commitment to global engagement.
JIMEX 23

DATE: 5th July , 2023

The seventh edition of the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023 hosted by the Indian Navy, to be con-
ducted at Visakhapatnam.
Key Points:

• This exercise marks the 11th anniversary of JIMEX since its inception in 2012 and aims to enhance the interoper-
ability and cooperation between the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Indian Navy.

• JIMEX 23 saw the involvement of several Indian naval vessels, including INS Delhi, which is India’s first domesti-
cally constructed Guided Missile Destroyer.

• INS Kamorta, a Corvette designed and built within India for Anti-Submarine Warfare purposes, as well as the
fleet tanker INS Shakti, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft P8I and Dornier, ship-borne helicopters, and fighter
aircraft, will also be participating.
• The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) would be represented by the guided missile destroyer JS
Samidare and its accompanying helicopters.

world’s most powerful military

DATE: 15th July , 2023

According to Global Firepower, a prominent data website specializing in defence-related information, the United States
possesses the most powerful military force worldwide.

Key Points:
• Russia and China follow closely in second and third place, respectively, while India secures the fourth position.

• The recently released 2023 Military Strength list, which evaluates over 60 factors, also highlights nations with
comparatively weaker military forces such as Bhutan and Iceland.

• The assessment by Global Firepower takes into account various criteria, including the number of military units,
financial resources, logistical capabilities, and geographical considerations, to determine each nation’s overall
score.
Nomadic Elephant – 2023

DATE: 18th July , 2023

A group of 43 Indian Army personnel departed for Mongolia today to take part in the 15th edition of the joint military
exercise called “NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23.”

Key Points:
• The exercise is set to occur in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from July 17th to July 31st, 2023.

• NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual training event between India and Mongolia, held alternately in both countries.

• The previous edition took place in October 2019 at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, India.

• The exercise encompasses a Platoon level Field Training Exercise (FTX) where Indian and Mongolian troops will
partake in diverse training activities to elevate their skills and capabilities.