Defense

Sea trials of India’s first floating missile test range (FTR), INS Anvesh, are set to begin this month with the ship expected to be commissioned in the next two months. Built by Cochin Shipyard and designed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the nearly 9000 tonne ship will be used to test missiles up to range of 1500 kilometers deep inside the Indian Ocean without the threat to population or sea traffic as well as land mass limitation.

 On leaving the port of Alexandria on 05 September 21, INS Tabar undertook a maritime partnership exercise with ENS Alexandria, a frontline frigate of the Egyptian Navy, in the Mediterranean Sea.

Indian Navy Task Group comprising IN Ships Shivalik and Kadmatt, under the Command of Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, VSM is participating in the 4th edition of AUSINDEX from 06 to 10 Sep 21. Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac Class Frigate, HMAS Warramunga which participated in Exercise MALABAR along with the IN units is also part of the exercise. This edition of AUSINDEX includes complex surface, sub-surface and air operations between ships, submarines, helicopters and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the participating Navies.

Nepal and Indian Army personnel will participate in the 15th edition of two-week joint military exercise Suryakiran from September 20. Suryakiran is the biggest of cross-country military exercise that Nepal participates in, in terms of the number of personnel involved.

As part of her ongoing overseas deployment, INS Tabar entered Alexandria harbour in Egypt on 03 Sep 21. The ship was received by officials from the Egyptian Navy and the Indian Defence Attache.

In a big boost for the capabilities of the Indian Army, the force has signed a contract to procure over 100 armed drones called “SkyStrikers” from Bengaluru-headquartered Alpha Design-led joint venture (JV) with the Israel’s Elbit Security Systems (ELSEC), reports Economic Times.

Guided-missile destroyer INS Ranvijay, with a ship-borne helicopter, anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan and guided-missile corvette INS Kora, along with a P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, took part in the ‘SIMBEX’ exercise on the southern fringes of the South China Sea from September 2 to 4.

The Indian Army on Thursday carried out an integrated manoeuvre and live-fire exercise in Ladakh amid a year-long tension with China in the region. The exercise was carried out in super high altitude areas close to 15,000 feet, as the operational preparedness was reviewed by Corps Commander Lt. Gen PGK Menon.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to commission India’s first satellite and ballistic missile tracking ship Dhruv from Visakhapatnam on September 10. Built by Hindustan Shipyard in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), INS Dhruv has the capability to also map ocean beds for research and detection of enemy submarines.