Defence Current Affairs And Updates 21 July 2020

Hemanth Kasturi
July 21, 2020
948

Nimitz Strike Group Participates in Cooperative Exercises with Indian Navy

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, consisting of flagship USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), participated in cooperative exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean commencing July 20.
“It was a privilege to operate with the Indian Navy,” said Rear Adm. Jim Kirk, commander, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. “Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, leads a powerful and highly skilled Fleet. The opportunity to have the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group join with his Fleet for a series of exercises improved our interoperability and is a testimony to the flexibility of both our Navies.”
While operating together, the U.S. and Indian naval forces conducted high-end exercises designed to maximize training and interoperability, including air defense. Nimitz CSG’s operations are designed to provide security throughout the region while building partnerships with friends and allies.
Naval engagements such as these exercises improve the cooperation of U.S. and Indian maritime forces and contribute to both sides’ ability to counter threats at sea, from piracy to violent extremism. These engagements also present opportunities to build upon the pre-existing strong relationship between the United States and India and allow both countries to learn from each other.
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the Indian Ocean is in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

IAF Moves Jaguars to Car Nicobar

The Indian Navy is having conducted a joint exercise with United States aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its accompanying warships near the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago which is expected to send a strong strategic signal to China. These exercises will be conducted today and tomorrow.
The Indian Air Force had moved half a squadron of Jaguar fighter jets to the Car Nicobar island in the last fortnight as a way of sending a message to China.
IAF has deployed around 10 Jaguar Attack Aircrafts half of the squadron to Andaman & Nicobar Island in Carnic (Car Nicobar island) armed with Anti-Ship Missiles.
The two navies conducted a PASSEX (passing exercise) with the USS Nimitz – which had earlier conducted a mega exercise in the South China Sea, entering the Indian Ocean after crossing the Malacca Strait on Saturday (18 July).
USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Regan had recently conducted one of US Navy’s biggest exercises in recent years amid objections by China.

Indian Air Force Commanders’ Conference

The Air Force Commanders’ Conference (AFCC) will be conducted from 22-24 Jul 20, at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) New Delhi. The theme of the conference is “IAF in the Next Decade”. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri is likely to grace the occasion by inaugurating the AFCC on 22 Jul 20. The Defence Secretary and Secretary Defence Production are also expected to be present during the inauguration.
The AFCC will be chaired by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. During the three-day conference, the discussions would take stock of the current operational scenario & deployments. The plan of action for operational capability enhancement of the IAF in the next decade will also be discussed.

Induction of Rafale in Indian Air Force

The first batch of five Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale is likely to arrive in India by end July 2020. The aircraft will be inducted at Air Force Station Ambala on 29 July subject to weather. No media coverage is planned on arrival. The final induction ceremony will take place in second half of August 20 wherein full media coverage would be planned.
IAF aircrew and ground crew have undergone comprehensive training on the aircraft, including its highly advanced weapons systems and are fully operational now. Post arrival, efforts will focus on operationalisation of the aircraft at the earliest.

Southern Army Commander Visits Armoured Corps Centre

Lieutenant General Chandi Prasad Mohanty, Army Commander, Southern Command, visited Armoured Corps Centre & School and the Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre at Ahmednagar.
He lauded the efforts of all troops and commended them for their high morale.

Major boost to ‘Make in India’: MoD signs contract with BEML for procurement of 1,512 Mine Plough for T-90 tanks

With an aim to boost ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government, with the approval of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD), has today signed a Contract with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for procurement of 1,512 Mine Plough (MP) for Tank T-90 S/SK at an approximate cost of Rs 557 crore. The contract has Buy and Make (Indian) categorisation with a minimum of 50 per cent indigenous content in make portion of the contract.
These mine ploughs will be fitted on T-90 Tanks of Indian Armoured Corps which will facilitate individual mobility to Tanks while negotiating mine field. Mobility of Tank Fleet will enhance manifold, which in turn would extend the reach of Armoured Formation deep into enemy territory without becoming mine causality.
With the induction of these 1,512 mine ploughs, planned to be completed by 2027, the combat capability of the Army will be further enhanced.

PoP of 89^th Batch of MESC at INS Shivaji

Total 48 officers successfully completed 105 weeks of professional training.
Commodore Ravnish Seth, Commanding Officer INS Shivaji reviewed the passing out ceremony of 89^th batch of Marine Engineering Specialisation Course (MESC) at INS Shivaji, Lonavala on 18^th of July 2020.

Sea Breeze 2020 International Exercise drills start in Black Sea

The Ukrainian-U.S. naval exercises Sea Breeze 2020 started in the Black Sea, Ukrainian Defence Ministry said on Monday.
This year they are being held for the twentieth time, and for the first time – due to the Covid-19 pandemic – without a coastal phase. The ships should meet at sea at the rendezvous point and carry out a multi-day set of exercises. Aviation will only work over the sea, interacting with ships.
Eight countries are participating in the exercise – Bulgaria, Georgia, Norway, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States.
In total, 27 ships participate in the manoeuvres. The aviation component includes 19 aircraft and helicopters.
Sea Breeze is an annual multinational exercise that has been held in Ukraine since 1997. The purpose of the exercise is to improve cooperation and coordination between the countries of the Black Sea region, except for the Russian Federation, to practice manoeuvres at sea and on land.
Ukraine provides the military and civilian infrastructure of the Black Sea coast, and the United States supports training financially and aids in technology and equipment. The annual Sea Breeze naval exercise has been held in Ukraine since 1997 as part of NATO’s Partnership for Peace program.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Which among the following warships have participated in cooperative exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean on July 20, 2020?
USS Nimitz
USS Princeton
USS Sterett
USS Ralph Johnson
All the Above

ANSWER: E