Daily Defence Current Affairs And Updates 18 – 19 December 2022 [DOWNLOAD PDF]

Divyanshu Pandey
December 19, 2022
1,358

Today’s 18th & 19th December 2022 Defence Current Affairs and Updates will show us the latest defence-related news about national and international current events. These current events and questions will be very helpful for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agiveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article.

Defence Current Affairs 18 & 19 December 2022

INS Mormugao, 2^nd Warship Of P15B Class, Commissioned By Raksha Mantri

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mormugao (D67), second warship of the P15B class of stealth guided-missile destroyers, was commissioned in the august presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 18, 2022. The event marked the formal induction of the second of the four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers, indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.

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“Shining example of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence”

In his address, the Raksha Mantri described INS Mormugao as one of the most powerful indigenously-built warships which will significantly enhance the country’s maritime capabilities and secure national interests. “INS Mormugao is one of the world’s most technologically-advanced missile carriers. With over 75% indigenous content, it is a testimony to India’s excellence in design and development of warships and a shining example of our growing indigenous defence production capabilities. The warship will meet the present and future needs of our country as well as of our friendly countries across the globe,” he said.
“INS Mormugao – India’s giant leap in warship building capabilities”
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar stated that the commissioning of INS Mormugao is indicative of the large strides India has taken in warship design and building capability over the last decade. He added that the warship is a true illustration of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiative and it reinforces the Navy’s commitment to supporting India’s transformation into a global ship-building hub. The warship, with her multi-dimensional combat capability, will form part of the Western Fleet – the sword arm of the Indian Navy, he said.
Admiral R Hari Kumar complimented the Commanding Officer and his team of officers and sailors for their sustained efforts and perseverance during the trials and acceptance of the warship. He urged them to move forward with the same momentum and prepare for future operational deployments. He also commended MDL for playing a significant role in the transition from a ‘Buyers Navy to a Builders Navy’.

About Ins Mormugao

Stealth, fire power & manoeuvrability with indigenous content

Measuring 163m in length and 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, INS Mormugao is packed with sophisticated state-of-the-art weapons and sensors such as Surface-to-Surface Missile and Surface-to-Air Missiles. The ship is fitted with a modern Surveillance Radar which provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems. Its Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities are provided by indigenously-developed Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Launchers and the ASW helicopters.

P15B destroyers

P15B destroyers incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, seakeeping and manoeuvrability. Enhanced stealth has also been achieved, making the ships difficult to detect. With a significantly increased indigenous content, P15B destroyers are a hallmark of self-reliance in warship design and building and a shining example of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Japan Rolls Out New Defence Policy With Special Focus On Free And Open Indo-Pacific

Japan is finding itself in the midst of the most severe and complex security environment since the end of WWII with mounting threats from China and North Korea.
Japan has responded with what they call a “major shift” in defence policy. The new strategy does away with decades of precedent to acquire counter-strike capabilities, with a special focus on a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
Japan will build a multilayered network among its allies and like-minded countries, expand it, and strengthen deterrence. Thus, while utilizing frameworks such as the Japan-US-ROK, and Japan-US-Australia, Japan will enhance security cooperation with Australia, India, the ROK, European countries, ASEAN countries, Canada, NATO, EU, and others, read the National Security Strategy of Japan statement.
Specifically, Japan will promote enhanced engagement with like-minded countries and others in the Indo-Pacific region through bilateral and multilateral dialogues, bilateral training and exercises, conclusions of information protection agreements, Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), joint development of defence equipment, transfer of defence equipment and technology, capacity building support, strategic communication, and Flexible Deterrent Options (FDO).
Japan has the vital importance of striving to realize a free and open international order based on the rule of law and securing regional peace and stability in cooperation with its ally, like-minded countries and others, read the statement.
China has set clear goals to achieve “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” the full completion of “building China into a great modern socialist country” by the middle of this century, and the prompt buildup of the People’s Liberation Army to be elevated to “world-class standards,” added the statement.
Under these national goals, China has been increasing its defence expenditures at a continuously high level and extensively and rapidly enhancing its military power, including its nuclear and missile capabilities, without sufficient transparency.
In addition, China has intensified its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the maritime and air domains including in the East and South China Seas, such as its intrusions into the territorial waters and airspace around the Senkaku Islands, and has expanded and intensified its military activities that affect Japan’s national security in the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and other areas as well, added the statement.
Moreover, while maintaining its policy of peaceful reunification of Taiwan, China has not denied the possibility of using military force. In addition, China has been intensifying its military activities in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan, including the launch of ballistic missiles into the waters around Japan.
Regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, concerns are mounting rapidly, not only in the Indo-Pacific region including Japan, but also in the entire international community, added the statement
In recent years, North Korea has repeatedly launched ballistic missiles with unprecedented frequency and in new ways, rapidly enhancing its capabilities. In particular, North Korea is making rapid progress in its missile-related technologies and operational Ballistic Missile (ICBM)-class ballistic missiles with a range covering the US mainland, launching missiles in new ways including missiles flying with irregular trajectories, and launching missiles from various platforms such as Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL), submarines, and trains.
Furthermore, North Korea intends to bolster its nuclear capabilities both in quality and in quantity at maximum speed. When considered together with its rapid development of missile-related technologies, North Korea’s military activities pose an even more grave and imminent threat to Japan’s national security than ever before.
In order to checkmate threats from China and North Korea, Japan wants to maintain and develop a free and open international order and strengthen ties with its ally, like-minded countries and others, added NSC statement.
As a nation in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan will further promote efforts to realize a FOIP by deepening cooperation with like-minded countries through the Japan-US alliance as a cornerstone and through efforts such as the Japan-US-Australia-India (Quad) partnership.

IAF’s Combined Graduation Parade at Hyderabad Academy

The IAF’s Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) in Hyderabad on Saturday to mark the successful completion of the pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets of various branches of the Indian Air Force.
The Combined Graduation Parade holds a special place in the heart of every Air Force officer. On the day, each officer takes pledge to safeguard the security, safety, sovereignty, and honour of the country.
168 Flt Cadets were commissioned into the IAF. Six Officers of the Indian navy, Nine Officers of the Indian Coast Guard & One Officer from Vietnam were also awarded Wings.
The President’s Plaque & CAS Sword of Honour were awarded to Fg Offr Ashutosh N Paliwal from the 210 Course.
The President’s Plaque was also awarded to Fg Offr Mayuresh Shelar & Fg Offr Akansha Kharb from the Navigation & Ground Duty Officers Course respectively.

Sela Pass Tunnel In Arunachal’s Tawang To Provide All-weather Connectivity To China Border

The Sela Pass tunnel which will provide all-weather connectivity to the Indian Army towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Tawang near the China border is being constructed at 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh.
The construction of the Sela Pass tunnel is being done by BRO. Nanda Kishore, an employee associated with the project, said that the tunnel is expected to be completed by July 2023.
The tunnel will provide smooth vehicular movement. After completion of the tunnel, the distance will be reduced by about 8-9 km.
The project comprises two tunnels including one twin tube. Tunnel 2 has one bi-lane tube for traffic and one escape tube for emergencies.

India Has Jumped From 7^th To 3^rd Global Ranking In Scientific Publications

India has jumped from 7th to 3rd global ranking in scientific publications. This was disclosed here today by Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh after a review with Union Secretary Department of Science & Technology (DST) Dr S. Chandrasekhar.
Lauding the consistent efforts of India’s scientific fraternity, Dr Jitendra Singh gave all credit to an enabling milieu and freedom of working provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, the very fact that such quantum leaps in our scientific pursuits are happening only in the last few years is a testimony to the push given by PM Modi both in terms of the ease of policy as well as his personal indulgence and prioritisation.
Dr Jitendra Singh informed that as per the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Science & Engineering Indicators 2022 report of the United States, India’s position globally in scientific publications, has improved from 7th position in 2010 to 3rd position in 2020. He also added that India’s scholarly output increased from 60,555 papers in 2010 to 1,49,213 papers in 2020.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, this became possible only because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who not only has a natural predilection for science but is also forthcoming in supporting and promoting science and technology based initiatives and projects in the last 8 years. He said, India’s scientific prowess is going to have a major role in the making of “AtmaNirbhar Bharat ”.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, India’s research performance in science and technology has improved significantly over the past few years which is visible through large amount of scientific knowledge in terms of research publications, development of technologies and innovations contributing to overall development.
Dr Jitendra Singh also took pride that India now ranks 3rd in terms of number of PhDs in science and engineering. He was also apprised of the fact that the number of patents granted to Indian scientists at India Patent Office (IPO) during the last three years has also increased from 2511 in 2018-19 to 4003 in 2019-20 and 5629 in 2020-21.
The National Science Foundation is an independent agency of the United States government that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.
It may be recalled that as per the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022 brought out by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India’s GII ranking has also improved significantly from 81st in 2014 to 40th position in 2022.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the government has taken several steps to boost the science and technology sector which includes successive increase in allocations for Scientific Departments, incentivizing investment by private sector to increase their share in GERD, improving the ease of doing business in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) activities; introducing flexible tools for public procurement; creating avenues for collaborative STI funding through portfolio-based funding mechanisms such as Public-Private-Partnerships and other innovative hybrid funding mechanisms.
A senior official informed that the Department of Science and Technology is likely to get 20 percent more money in the upcoming Union Budget 2023-24 in comparison to last year.
In the last budget, DST received Rs 6,002 Crore, which was 42 percent of the total fund of Rs 14,217 Crore allocated to the Ministry of Science and Technology. DSIR received Rs 5,636 Crore (40%), while DBT got Rs 2,581 Crore (18%).

Indian Army Seeks Two Variants Of Logistic Drones

The Ministry of Defence, intends to procure 570 Numbers of Logistic Drones for the Indian Army as per the Request for Information that was issued. The army is seeking Two versions of the Logistic Drones that are envisaged i.e. Logistic Drones (Standard)(S) for deployment up to 12000 ft and Logistic Drones (High Altitude) for deployment above 12000 ft.
HA Logistic Drones should support a Payload Carrying Capability of Between 20-40 Kg and S Logistic Drones should support Payload Carrying Capability of Between 40-80 Kg. HA Logistic Drones should have operational altitudes of 12000-18000 ft above Mean Sea Level.
Both versions of Logistic Drones should be compatible with All Defense Series Map and GPS, GLONASS, NAVIC, and IRNSS. All types of maps provided with the system should be upgradeable.