Defence Current Affairs And Updates 21 December 2020

35^th Edition of India – Indonesia Coordinated Patrol

• The 35th edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy is being conducted from 17 to 18 December 2020. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kulish, an indigenously built missile corvette along with P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) will undertake coordinated patrol with Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Cut Nyak Dien, a Kapitan Pattimura (Parchim I) class corvette and a MPA of the Indonesian Navy.
• As part of Government of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with countries in the Indian Ocean Region for Coordinated Patrols, cooperation in EEZ Surveillance, Passage exercises and Bilateral/ Multi-lateral exercises, towards enhancing regional maritime security. India and Indonesia have especially enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years.
• To reinforce maritime links, the two navies have been carrying out CORPAT along their International Maritime Boundary Line since 2002, with the aim of ensuring safety and security of shipping and international trade in the region. CORPATs build up understanding and interoperability between navies and facilitate institution of measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery and piracy.
• The 35th IND – INDO CORPAT will contribute towards the Indian Navy’s efforts to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship across the Indo Pacific.

5^th meeting of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

• Meeting of IONS Working Group on HADR was organised by Navy on 17 Dec 20.
• Navies of Australia, Bangladesh, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Maldives, Oman & Thailand participated through Video Conferencing.
• The important regional initiative enhances Maritime cooperation contributing significantly to fostering security and stability in Indian Ocean Region

Coast Guard commissions interceptor boat in Surat

• An indigenously built interceptor boat was handed over to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at an event at Hazira in Surat district on Tuesday. The vessel will operate from Gujarat under the control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (North-West) of the ICG, a Defence release said. Built by Larsen and Toubro at its Hazira plant, the interceptor boat C-454 was commissioned by Surat Police Commissioner Ajay Tomar in presence of Commander Coast Guard Region (NW) Inspector General Rakesh Pal, and other officials.
• “ICG is important for the security of our country. I feel that the quality of this boat is up to the mark and will also increase the strength of the coast guard,” Tomar, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said. Tomar added the interceptor boat will ensure maritime security of Gujarat’s 1,600-km coastline. Inspector General Rakesh Pal said the interceptor boat has state-of-the-art elements in terms of engine, navigation system or weaponry system and was “another feather in the cap of the state of Gujarat”.
• “After getting an intelligence input, the boat can swiftly and immediately reach to the location. The alloy used in this ship is 2.5 times lighter, as a result of which the speed increases with short time and it can run deep into the sea. Its capacity is it can run 24 hours without outsider logistic support. At the time of need, we can use this boat to reach to the international boundary,” he said.
• There are a total of 16 interceptor boats with the ICG in Gujarat. “It will also get two more ships in March and June next year and this will add more in terms of the security of our country. The sea in India is the prominent gateway to the world. The maritime trade and commerce had played an important role in the growth of Gujarat. Various new threats had emerged at the Indian coast, making coastal security a critical responsibility in addition to our mandated roles such as search and rescue, pollution response etc. Our capacity building in all spheres is essentially focused on making our seas safer and conducive activities in law enforcement and maritime commerce,” Commander Inspector General Pal said.
• Mohammed Danish, the Assistant Commanding Officer of the newly commissioned vessel, said, “The boat has two riffles and single pistol, 12.7 mm heavy machine gun (Prahari) on board as main armament. It can run at the speed of 45 knots (or 85 kilometres per hour). This boat (over 27 metres long) is made for interdiction (chase and catch) and for search and rescue. The ship is equipped with two twin diesel engines, twin water jet propulsion and has the endurance of 500 nautical miles at 25 knots of speed.”

Inauguration of Indigenous Hypersonic Wind Tunnel at DRDO Hyderabad

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex during his visit to Hyderabad on 19th Dec 2020. Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri G Kishan Reddy and Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO accompanied him during the visit. Cluster DGs, Lab Directors and Programme Directors briefed the dignitaries about the ongoing projects and technological developments. On this occasion, Hyderabad based DRDO labs showcased various indigenously developed systems and technologies in wide ranging areas including missiles, avionics systems, advanced materials, electronic warfare, quantum key distribution technology, directed energy weapons, Gallium Arsenide and Gallium Nitride technology capabilities.
• On this occasion, Raksha Mantri inaugurated the advanced Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) test facility. The state-of-the-art HWT Test facility is pressure vacuum driven enclosed free jet facility having nozzle exit diameter of 1 meter and will simulate Mach No 5 to 12 (Mach represents the multiplication factor to the speed of sound). After USA and Russia, India is the third country to have such a large facility in terms of size and operating capability. It is an indigenous development and an outcome of synergistic partnership with Indian industries. The facility has the capability to simulate hypersonic flow over a wide spectrum and will play a major role in the realization of complex futuristic aerospace and defence systems.
• During the exhibition of a range of missile systems, various avionic systems and other technologies, scientists explained all the systems and technologies in detail and Hon’ble Raksha Mantri showed keen interest in the technical explanations and demonstrations.

Demonstration of Anti-Drone Technologies at DRDO Hyderabad

• During Raksha Mantri’s visit, two anti-drone technologies were demonstrated by DRDO labs to Raksha Mantri. DRDO Young Scientists’ Laboratory – Asymmetric Technologies (DYSL-AT) and RCI demonstrated drone and innovative anti-drone technologies. It has multiple capabilities including neutralizing ground targets and anti-drone applications to counter stationery as well as high-speed moving targets. Key features of the weapon system include secure communication link, effective recoil management system, high firing angular resolution and vision-based target detection and tracking.
• Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the endeavors of contributions of DRDO Young Scientist Labs and said DRDO needs to focus on next generation needs including cyber security, space and artificial intelligence and evolve roadmaps.  The immense potential available in DRDO has been a catalyst for the development of industries and defence manufacturing sector. RM urged DRDO scientists to make India a Super Military Power thereby making India a Super Power.

Foundation stone of Explosive Test Facility for Propellant and Explosive Systems laid

• Shri Kishan Reddy laid the foundation stone of Explosive Test Facility for Propellant and Explosive Systems. This facility will be used for design validation and evaluation of missile sub-systems under different environmental conditions. He appreciated the efforts of DRDO for developing such a large number of systems. He said that he is happy that so much of high technology work is happening in the Hyderabad region, the region where he belongs.
• Raksha Mantri addressed the DRDO fraternity and applauded the phenomenal technological achievements and recent series of successful missions and technological achievements by various clusters of DRDO including Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV), Anti-Radiation Missile (RUDRAM), Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Supersonic Missile Assisted Release Torpedo (SMART) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology during last six months. He lauded DRDOs contributions, despite COVID pandemic conditions, towards strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat and for leading the indigenous development of state-of-the-art technology products and innovative solutions. He congratulated Dr G Satheesh Reddy for DRDO’s contribution to the development of technologies and products for combatting COVID-19 Pandemic. Also he acknowledged the tremendous efforts in establishment of COVID-19 hospitals at Delhi and Bihar, development of indigenous ventilators, PPE kits and other protective equipment in short span of time.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hands over DRDO systems to Armed Forces Chiefs

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today handed over three indigenously developed Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) systems to Army, Navy and Air Force at a function held in DRDO Bhawan.
• Shri Rajnath Singh handed over the Indian Maritime Situational Awareness System (IMSAS) to the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, ASTRA Mk-I Missile to Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauriaand Border Surveillance System (BOSS) to the Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane. The handing over of these products was done in the presence of Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, the Guest of Honour and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh also gave away awards to DRDO scientists for outstanding contributions in various categories during the function.
• The awards include DRDO Lifetime Achievement Award – 2018 to Shri N V Kadam for his contributions for developing control and guidance schemes for missiles. Excellence awards were given to academia and industry for technology absorption. Besides, individual awards, team awards, technology spin-off awards, techno managerial awards and awards in other categories were also given.
• Complimenting the DRDO scientists for their outstanding work in developing defence systems, Raksha Mantri said that DRDO has been developing high level technologies for defence systems for increasing the capacity and capability of armed forces.
• Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the role of DRDO scientists in combating COVID-19 pandemic. He congratulated all the scientists who received the awards and wished them the very best for their future endeavours.
• Speaking on the occasion, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik said that DRDO is playing an important role in self-reliance of Defence.
• He appreciated the efforts of DRDO towards development of technologies and products for combating COVID-19.
• Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat in his address congratulated the scientific fraternity for their achievements and emphasised on the need of working at the fast pace so that the country will have most of the indigenous systems. The development of these high technology systems has led to higher self-reliance in Defence technologies.
• These three systems which have completed the design and development cycles and are being deployed were handed over to the services.
• Among the systems handed over was BOSS. An all-weather electronic surveillance system successfully designed and developed by Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun. The system has been deployed at Ladakh border area for day and night surveillance. The system facilitates monitoring and surveillance by automatically detecting the intrusions in harsh high-altitude sub-zero temperature areas with remote operation capability. The system is being produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Machilipatnam.
• The IMSAS is state-of-the-art, fully indigenous, high performance intelligent software system that provide Global Maritime Situational Picture, Marine planning tools and Analytical capabilities to Indian Navy. The system provides Maritime Operational Picture from Naval HQ to each individual ship in sea to enable Naval Command and control (C2). Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru and Indian Navy has jointly conceptualised and developed the product and the BEL, Bengaluru has implemented it.
• The ASTRA Mk-I is the indigenously developed first Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile, which can be launched from Sukhoi-30, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Mig-29 and Mig-29K. Globally, very few countries have expertise and capabilities to design and produce this class of weapon system. Successful development of ASTRA weapon system by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) Hyderabad & production by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad is a major contribution towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
• Secretary, DDR&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy stated that DRDO is committed to the development of advanced systems and technologies for Defence. He added that DRDO strives to create robust ecosystem of Defense design, development and production along with academia, industry and armed forces. Several senior functionaries from Ministry of Defence and Government of India were present at the function.

Raksha Mantri Addressed 4^th Military Literature Festival through virtual link

• Addressing the 4th Military Literature Festival through virtual link in New Delhi today, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said such innovative initiatives provide an opportunity for the people in general and youth in particular to gain knowledge about the wars fought by our Armed Forces and get inspired from the experiences of the veterans as also imbibe their patriotic fervour.
• Emphasizing on the importance of military history, Shri Rajnath Singh said soon after taking over the charge of the Ministry of Defence, he constituted a committee to progress the work of writing border history of the country. Its aim is to benefit future generations by bringing out border history focusing on the battles fought there, sacrifices made by the soldiers in  a lucid language that is eminently readable and easily understood by general public.
• Shri Rajnath Singh said several Armed forces veterans and researchers publish periodicals and journals from time to time with a focus to narrow the knowledge gap between the people and experts.
• Raksha Mantri said that this year’s military literature festival coincides with the Swarnim Vijay Diwas Celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of 1971 war during which the valor displayed by our brave soldiers stands as a fine example even today. He appealed to the youth not to miss out on any opportunity to interact with veterans and gain firsthand knowledge from their experiences. Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated holding of various events and discussions during this literature festival that were not only limited to the military subjects but also covering the cultural aspects of our Nation.
• He said nature of war is changing with times, and with evolving technologies. “We need to be alert about the new security challenges posed by the modern technology”, He added. Shri Rajnath Singh appealed to the organisers to hold theme based events in future and conveyed his best wishes for the success of the Military Literature Festival. 
• Governor of Punjab Shri Vijayendra Pal Singh Badnore and Chief Minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh also addressed the event.

India, UK agree on key elements of 10-yr roadmap to broaden ties, to boost cooperation in Indo-Pacific

• British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India next month to attend the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced on December 15.
• After holding talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during which the two sides agreed on the key elements of an ambitious 10-year roadmap to further broaden ties, and also boost strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• In their wide-ranging talks, Jaishankar and Raab also discussed having an ‘Enhanced Trade Partnership’ by next year that could be a stepping stone towards a future free trade agreement.
• At a joint press conference with Raab, Jaishankar said the nearly four-hour talks focused on five key areas — trade and prosperity, defence and security, climate change, healthcare and people-to-people connectivity.
• In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said both sides agreed to “prioritise finalisation of an ambitious, 360 degree roadmap” for upgrading the India-UK partnership to the next level and it will be adopted at the forthcoming visit of the British Prime Minister to India.
• It said both sides recognised the importance of “fast tracking” the discussions on a trade deal as well as concluding a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership agreement that can facilitate swifter movement of students and professionals in both directions.
• The two sides also reviewed the situation in Afghanistan, the evolution of the Indo-Pacific and developments in the Middle East besides discussion on shared concerns over challenges posed by terrorism and radicalism, he said.
• “Overall, it would be fair to say that we had a very productive discussion as our partnership becomes more ambitious and consequential,” Jaishankar saaid.
• Raab said “Prime Minister Boris Johnson has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the UK-hosted G7 summit next year. The UK Prime Minister has also accepted the very generous invitation to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations (as chief guest) in January which is a great honour.”
• Johnson will be the second British Prime Minister to grace the Republic Day celebrations after John Major in 1993. Overall, he is set to be the sixth British leader to grace the occasion.
• According to Downing Street, Johnson while describing India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region said that his visit will mark the start of an “exciting year” for Global Britain and deliver a “quantum leap” in the bilateral ties.
• Downing Street said that trade and investment, defence and security, health and climate change have been identified as some of the priority areas of focus on both sides for the visit in the New Year.
• “I am absolutely delighted to be visiting India next year at the start of an exciting year for Global Britain, and look forward to delivering the quantum leap in our bilateral relationship that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I have pledged to achieve,” said Johnson.
• “As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom as we work to boost jobs and growth, confront shared threats to our security and protect our planet,” he said.
• Talking about growing congruence in strategic ties, the British foreign secretary said a closer relationship with India, and the wider Indo-Pacific region, is one of the “very highest policy priorities” for the UK government.
• He said the UK’s integrated strategic policy review will contain an “Indo-Pacific tilt”, noting that there is “no stronger partner” for his country in the east than India. “Welcomed UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt. Will cooperate closely on global issues and in multilateral organisations,” Jaishankar said.
• Raab further said: “We agreed on the key elements of a 10-year UK-India roadmap so that we can deliver a step change in ambition for the relationship between our two countries.”

India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Webinar and Expo

• A webinar and Expo between India and Maldives were held today. The Theme of webinar was ‘Joint Indo Maldives High Level Defence Engagement’.  It was organised under the aegis of Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD) through Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
• This webinar is the part of Aero India 21 series of webinars which is being organised to boost defence cooperation and engagements with friendly foreign countries.
• Both sides spoke about close, cordial and multi-dimensional relationship between the countries. Additional Secretary (DP) Shri Sanjay Jaju mentioned that India has a pre‐eminent position in the Maldives and, in accordance with the “Neighbourhood First” policy of the government, the country remains a committed development partner for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Maldives.
• Shri Jaju further said that Indian ecosystem is fast progressing in realising the dream of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ through the government’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative. Self-reliant India or the Atmanirbhar Bharat program is not inward-looking but it is to create an ecosystem where India is integrated with the global ecosystem. It is about producing cost effective quality products not just to meet the domestic requirements but also cater to the requirement of the world, especially the friendly nations, including the Maldives.
• During the webinar, the MNDF made a detailed presentation on their requirements and 11 Indian Defence Companies Bharat Electronics Limited, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), Mahindra Defence System Ltd, MKU Limited, SMPP, Ordnance Factory Board, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Zen Technologies Ltd, Larsen & Toubro and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd highlighted their capabilities, product offerings and solutions.
• Chief of Defence Force of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Major General Abdulla Shamaal, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Shri Sunjay Sudhir and other senior MoD officials from both sides participated in the webinar. The webinar was also attended by more than 375 participants and 41 virtual exhibition stalls have been set up in the Expo.

DAC approves proposals to procure equipment worth Rs 27,000 crores from domestic industry

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting, today held under the Chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approved Capital Acquisition proposals of various Weapons/Platforms/Equipment/Systems required by the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force at an approximate overall cost of Rs. 28,000 Cr.
• This is the first meeting of the DAC under the new regime of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 and these are the first set of Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) accorded with majority AoNs being accorded in the highest categorization of Buy Indian (IDDM).  6 of the 7 proposals, that is, Rs 27,000 Cr out of Rs 28,000 cr for which AoNs were granted will be sourced from the Indian industry to give a boost to the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government.
• Acquisition proposals approved today include the DRDO designed and developed Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Systems for the Indian Air Force, Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Navy and Modular Bridges for the Indian Army.

Air Force Academy POP – 19 December 2020

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer of the Passing out Parade that will be held at the Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal, Hyderabad on December 19, 2020.
• A Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) with full Military splendour took place to mark the successful completion of Pre-Commissioning Training of Flight Cadets of various branches of Indian Air Force.
• During the function, Defence Minister conferred the ‘President’s Commission’ to the graduating trainees. The ceremony included the presentation of ‘Wings’ and ‘Brevets’ to the Flight Cadets who successfully completed Flying and Navigation Training, respectively. Rajnath Singh also awarded ‘Wings’ to Officers of Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Officers from Friendly Foreign Countries on successful completion of their Flying Training at Air Force Academy.
• The Flight Cadet from Flying Branch standing First in the Order of Merit was awarded the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for excelling in overall training. The awardee had the privilege of commanding the Parade besides receiving the President’s Plaque for being the Best Trainee.
• The Reviewing Officer also presented the President’s Plaque to those who stand First in the overall merit in Flying and Ground Duty Branches.
• As a custom, on the eve of the Graduation Parade, the Reviewing Officer attended the ceremonial dinner and interacted with the graduating Flight Cadets.  During this event, he awarded trophies to the Flight Cadets who have excelled in their respective streams.
• The event also had an aerobatic display by the SU-30 aircraft, the famous Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, Sarang Helicopter Display Team, Pilatus PC-7 trainer and a flypast by formations of PC-7, Kiran and Hawk aircraft.
• Autumn term CGP heralded a milestone event in the annals of the history of AFA as the current 206th Course happens to be the 100th Course to pass out from the portals of this Academy. AFA celebrated its Golden Jubilee year in 2021 as the Academy completes fifty glorious years of its existence since January 16, 1971.

Extension of China-Russia agreement on mutual notification for ballistic missile

• The signing of a China-Russia protocol to extend the period of validity of an agreement on mutual notification for launches of ballistic missiles and carrier rockets will inject positive energy into the international arms control system and provide a strong guarantee for global strategic stability, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.
• Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu Tuesday signed the protocol to extend the period of the agreement, which was inked on Oct. 13, 2009, by 10 years.
• On that basis, the militaries of the two countries are ready to strengthen practical cooperation and enrich bilateral relations, the two defense ministers said at a video conference.
• When asked for comments, spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a daily news briefing that the signing of the protocol is a vivid manifestation of the high level and particularity of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
• “China is willing to work with Russia to continuously enrich the essence of bilateral relations and deepen the pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries, so as to bring more benefits to the two countries and their peoples and make more contributions to world peace and stability,” Wang added.

With eye on Iran, Israel tests missile defence system

• Israel’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday it conducted a series of successful live fire drills with its multi-range missile-defense system, providing protection against threats posed by arch-enemy Iran and its proxies along Israel’s northern and southern borders.
• Defense officials said it was the first time they have conducted an integrated test bringing together the various components of the country’s “multilayer” missile defense. They are the “Arrow,” which intercepts long-range missiles; “David’s Sling,” meant to shoot down medium-range missiles; and the “Iron Dome,” which has been used for years to defend against incoming rocket fire from Gaza Strip.
• Moshe Patel, head of Israel’s Middle Defense Organization, said the drill “demonstrated a multi-layered approach to dealing with threats” that incorporates all three systems.
• “Using this approach, a variety of threats may be identified and intercepted via full coordination and interoperability between the systems,” he said.
• Israel faces a wide range of rocket and missile threats from Palestinian militants in Gaza, from the Iranian-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon, and from Iran. Officials have expressed concerns about Iran’s development of long-range weapons and what they say are Hezbollah attempts to import or develop guided missiles capable of striking virtually anywhere in Israel with great precision.
• Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav, head of the Israeli Air Force’s air defense program, said the drill had simulated a series of threats and involved complex human and computerized decision making. He said it was a major accomplishment to intercept a cruise missile, which he said are tricky targets because of their speed, altitude and maneuverability.
• “What was special with this test is that it was a live drill dealing with a concrete scenario. You can understand the geopolitical situation in the Middle East has changed,” he said. “It advances us operationally and technologically, and allows us to absorb these advanced systems into the air force, carry out evaluation and training and knowledge so that we can get better.”
• Israel has developed the various missile defenses in conjunction with the United States. Tuesday’s drill was conducted with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, officials said.
• The test was conducted over the Mediterranean Sea and tested the systems’ capability to intercept a range of aerial targets from drones to larger and longer range ballistic missiles.
• Pini Yungman, head of the air and missile defense division at state-owned Israeli defense contractor Rafael, said the results were “magnificent” and “all the targets were destroyed in all the tests, and no threat, no target remained in the air after the interception.”
• Patel said it was too early to begin selling these weapons systems to Israel’s new allies in the Middle East — the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. “This is something that can be considered potentially in the future.”

QUICK REVIEW

1. Which Indian Ship has participated in the 35^th Edition of India – Indonesia Coordinated Patrol?
2. INS Kamorta
3. INS Kolkata
4. INS Kulish
5. INS Sahyadri

ANSWER: C

• Meeting of IONS Working Group on HADR was organised by Indian Navy on 17 Dec 20 through virtual mode. Which among these countries did not participate in it?
• Iran
• Kenya
• Oman
• South Africa

ANSWER: D

• The state-of-the-art HWT Test facility inaugurated at DRDO Hyderabad is pressure vacuum driven enclosed free jet facility that will simulate Mach Numbers between
• 4 to 11
• 5 to 12
• 6 to 13
• 7 to 14

ANSWER: B

• During Rajnath Singh’s visit to Hyderabad, two anti-drone technologies were demonstrated by which two DRDO labs?
• DRDO Young Scientists’ Laboratory – Asymmetric Technologies (DYSL-AT)
• Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
• Both A and B
• Liquid Propulsion Laboratory, DRDL

ANSWER: C

• Which among these is not an outcome of the recent meeting of UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and India’s Finance Minister S Jaishankar?
• India, UK agree on key elements of 5-yr roadmap to broaden ties, to boost cooperation in Indo-Pacific
• They also talked about Security in Indian Ocean Region.
• Five key areas of discussion – trade and prosperity, defence and security, climate change, healthcare, and people-to-people connectivity.
• British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India next month to attend the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.

ANSWER: A

• Border Surveillance System (BOSS) is designed and developed by
• Instruments Research & Development Establishment, Dehradun
• Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Bengaluru
• Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad
• Bharat Electronics Limited, Machilipatnam

ANSWER: A

• Border Surveillance System (BOSS) is produced by
• Instruments Research & Development Establishment, Dehradun
• Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Bengaluru
• Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad
• Bharat Electronics Limited, Machilipatnam

ANSWER: D

• Indian Maritime Situational Awareness System (IMSAS) is designed and conceptualized by Indian Navy and
• Instruments Research & Development Establishment, Dehradun
• Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Bengaluru
• Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad
• Bharat Electronics Limited, Machilipatnam

ANSWER: B

• In the first meeting of the DAC under the new regime of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, majority AoNs are being accorded in the highest categorization of
• Buy (Indian – IDDM)
• Buy (Indian)
• Buy & Make (Indian)
• Buy (Global – Manufacture in India)

ANSWER: A

1. ‘Joint Indo Maldives High Level Defence Engagement’ webinar by organized by Department of Defence Production (DDP), MoD and
2. Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM)
3. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
4. Both A and B
5. Neither A nor B

ANSWER: B