Monthly Defence Current Affairs And Updates June 2023 [DOWNLOAD PDF]

In the Monthly Defence current affairs for June 2023, we are going to see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be very helpful...

Divyanshu Pandey
June 30, 2023
1713

Divyanshu Pandey
June 30, 2023
1713

In the Monthly Defence current affairs for June 2023, we are going to see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be very helpful for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer 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.

Monthly Defence Current Affairs June 2023

Successful Training Launch of Agni-1 Ballistic Missile

A successful training launch of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-1 was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha on June 01, 2023. The missile is a proven system, capable of striking targets with a very high degree of precision.
The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

Name Type Range

Agni-I MRBM 700–1,200 km (Operational)
Agni-P MRBM 1,000-2,000 km (Under development)
Agni-II MRBM 2,000–3,500 km (Operational)
Agni-III IRBM 3,000–5,000 km (Operational)
Agni-IV IRBM 3,500–4,000 km (Operational)
Agni-V ICBM 7,000–8,000 km (Operational)
Agni-VI ICBM 11,000–12,000 km Under development)

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Change Of Command Of Air Force Station Hindan

Air Commodore Sanjay Chopra took over command of Air Force Station Hindan from Air Commodore Vinay Pratap Singh on 01 Jun 23. An impressive parade was held on this occasion.
Air Commodore Sanjay Chopra was commissioned as Helicopter Pilot in the Indian Air Force in December 1995. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, has flown more than 4700 hours and is an alumnus of the College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad.
The Air Officer has commanded a Helicopter Unit, a Flying Station and has held various operational appointments. He is a recipient of the Vayu Sena Medal.

Indian Navy’s Torpedo Engages An Underwater Target

The Indian Navy and DRDO on Tuesday successfully engaged an underwater target with an indigenously developed heavyweight Torpedo.
“Successful engagement of an Underwater Target by an indigenously developed Heavy Weight Torpedo is a significant milestone in Indian Navy’s and DRDO’s quest for accurate delivery of ordnance on target in the underwater domain,” the Indian Navy.
The Varunastra is an Indian advanced heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo, developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory of the DRDO for the Indian Navy. It is named after a legendary weapon created by the Hindu god of the oceans, Varuna.
The ship launched variant of Varunastra torpedo was formally inducted in the Indian navy by defence minister Manohar Parrikar and security designed by security adviser Satyam Kumar on 26 June 2016.
It can achieve speeds in excess of 40 kn (74 km/h; 46 mph), weighs around 1.5 tonnes and can carry 250 kg (550 lb) of conventional warhead.
Designer: Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, DRDO
Manufacturer: Bharat Dynamics Limited
Unit Cost: ₹10 crore – ₹12 crore

‘Agni Prime’ Ballistic Missile Successfully Flight-Tested

New Generation Ballistic Missile ‘Agni Prime’ was successfully flight-tested by DRDO from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on June 07, 2023. During the flight test, all objectives were successfully demonstrated.
This was the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users after three successful developmental trials of the missile, validating the accuracy and reliability of the system.
Range Instrumentation like Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking Systems were deployed at different locations, including two down-range ships, at the terminal point to capture flight data covering the entire trajectory of vehicle.
Agni-P is a medium-range ballistic missile being developed by DRDO as a successor for Agni-I and Agni-II missiles in the operational service of Strategic Forces Command with significant upgrades in the form of the composite motor casing, maneuverable reentry vehicle along with improved propellants, navigation and guidance systems.
Engine: Two stage rocket motor with 3^rd stage
Propellant: Solid fuel
Operational range: 1,000–2,000 km
The Strategic Forces Command sometimes called Strategic Nuclear Command, forms part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority. It is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile
It was created on 4 January 2003 by the Vajpayee Government. Air Marshal Teja Mohan Asthana became its first commander-in-chief.
Current Commander: Vice Admiral R B Pandit, AVSM

India, France, and UAE Begin Joint Maritime Exercise

The navies of India, France and the United Arab Emirates have carried out a two-day mega wargame in the Gulf of Oman reflecting their growing cooperation to deal with challenges in the maritime sphere. It was the first edition of the wargame involving the navies of the three countries.
INS Tarkash, the French ship Surcouf, French Rafale aircraft and the UAE Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft participated in the exercise that began on Wednesday.
The official said the exercise aimed to enhance trilateral cooperation between the three navies and pave the way for adopting measures towards addressing traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime environment.

General Manoj Pande Reviews POP At IMA

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff reviewed the POP of Gentleman Cadets at IMA, Dehradun. A total of 374 Gentleman Cadets of 152 Regular Courses and 135 Technical Graduate Courses, including 42 Gentleman Cadets from seven friendly foreign countries successfully passed out.
The prestigious Sword of Honour award was awarded to Academy Under Officer Mihir Banerjee.
Gold Medal for the Gentlemen Cadet standing First in the Order of Merit was awarded to Senior Under Officer Abhimanyu Singh.
‘Bangladesh Trophy & Medal’ for the GC standing First in the Order of Merit from Foreign GCs was awarded to GC Kinga Lhendup (Bhutanese Army).
The Passing Out Parade was followed by the most awaited “Pipping Ceremony,” in which the shining brass stars were pipped by the proud parents of the newly commissioned officers of the Indian Army. These newly commissioned young Lieutenants will be joining their respective units all across the country, including the Northern & Western borders.

Combined Operations Of INS VIKRAMADITYA & INS VIKRANT

The Indian Navy showcased its formidable maritime capabilities with a spectacular display of multi-carrier operations and the coordinated deployment of more than 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea.
This demonstration of naval prowess underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain.
INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, centre-pieces of the exercise, serve as ‘floating sovereign airfields’, providing a launch platform for a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, MH60R, Kamov, Sea King, Chetak and ALH helicopters.

IAF To Hold Multinational Aerial Wargames Involving 10-12 Major Global Powers in Desert Sector (Ex Tarang Shakti)

The Indian Air Force is going to hold a big multinational aerial exercise over its western desert which will include forces from countries including the US.
The multinational exercise is being planned to be held around the last quarter of 2023 where the air forces of around 10 to 12 countries are expected to participate.
The exercise would see the participating air forces carry out complex aerial missions involving a large number of aircraft from these countries, the sources said.
The Indian Air Force has just returned from a multinational exercise in France where a huge number of NATO members including host France and other countries had taken part.
Many major Air Forces including the US, UK, and France along with various other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces were also part of it.
Asked about her participation in the multinational exercise Orion, Shivangi Singh said, “It was a great experience where I got an opportunity to meet the fighter pilots of different countries.”

Global Nuclear Arsenal Grew Last Year, SIPRI

The number of operational nuclear weapons rose slightly in 2022 as countries implemented long-term force modernisation and expansion plans, a leading conflict think-tank said, warning that the world was entering a dangerous phase.
The estimated number of warheads in military stockpiles for potential use rose by 86 to 9,576, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in a statement, continuing a trend seen in the last couple of years.
Russia and the United States together possess almost 90% of all nuclear weapons but the think tank said the sizes of their respective arsenals appeared to have remained relatively stable in 2022.
Geneva-based International Campaign to Abolish nuclear weapons (ICAN) said the world’s nine nuclear countries spent a combined $82.9 billion on modernising and expanding their arsenals last year.
ICAN’s report said the United States spent $43.7 billion, more than all of the other nuclear-armed states combined.
China and Russia were the second and third-biggest spenders on nuclear weapons, with $11.7 billion and $9.6 billion in expenditures, respectively.

Ex Ekuverin 2023

12^th Edition of Joint Military Exercise Ekuverin b/w Indian Army & Maldives National Defence Force is being conducted at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. The two-week-long Exercise is focused on HADR Operations.
A platoon strength contingent from Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force will be participating in 14 days long exercise. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN mandate and carrying out joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. The focus is to share best practices and enhance coordination and cooperation between both the forces at tactical level.

Launch Of ‘Sanshodhak’, Survey Vessel (Large)

‘Sanshodhak’, the fourth of four ships of the Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) Project, being built by L&T/ GRSE for the Indian Navy was launched on 13 Jun 23 at Kattupalli, Chennai.
The ship named ‘Sanshodhak’, meaning ‘Researcher’, signifies the primary role of the ship as a Survey Vessel.
The contract for building four SVL ships was signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on 30 Oct 18.

Indian Navy Outreach Programme “Julley Ladakh”

Indian Navy is conducting “Julley Ladakah” (Hello Ladakh), an outreach programme to Ladakh to increase awareness about the service in the pristine state and to engage with youth and civil society there. Towards this a 5000km Motorcycle Expedition was flagged off by VAdm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, from the National War Memorial on 15 Jun 23.

The Main Objectives Of The Current Initiative In The Northern Territory Include: –

(a) Celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of Indian Independence).
(b) Conduct Awareness drives at Schools/ Colleges in Ladakh region about the career opportunities Indian Navy offers including the Agnipath Scheme
(c) Motivate Youth to join the Indian Navy.
(d) Showcase Nari Shakti, an initiative of PM Narendra Modi, by including Women Officers and spouses.
(e) Interact with naval veterans and Veer Naris in the region.

MoD Signs Rs 500 Cr. Contract To Strengthen Indian Army’s Communication System

Giving a further boost to indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment and incentivize the private sector to engage in realizing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, MoD inked a contract on June 15, 2023, in New Delhi with ICOMM Tele Limited, Hyderabad for the procurement of 1,035 numbers of 5/7.5 Ton Radio Relay Communication equipment containers.
The value of the contract under Buy (Indian) Category is nearly Rs 500 crore. The delivery of the containers is scheduled to commence from the current Financial Year 2023-24.
The Radio Relay Containers will address a long overdue requirement of mobile communication detachments of the Indian Army. These containers will be utilized to provide a protected environment for communication equipment to function in a failsafe and reliable manner.

Common Confidential Report For Maj Genl, Lt Gen Rank Military Officers Approved

As part of steps to bring in jointness among defence forces, a common Confidential Report for Major Gen and Lt Gen rank officers from three services has been approved and will be implemented in the next three to four months.
This reform will prove instrumental in the path towards achieving commonality in procedures, and assessments and lead to better outcomes thereby contributing to ‘jointness and integration’, they said.
The process is important as it is coming at a time when the Indian armed forces are moving towards theaterisation for which steps have already been undertaken in various domains to bring in jointness and integration.
Presently, for posting in combined or tri-services appointments, the selection system is based on parent service-specific parameters. Recent cross-service postings of a large number of officers were one such step.
Further, over a period of time, employment of officers in tri-services organizations and the environment will only increase as the armed forces progress towards joint structures and organizations.

UNGA Adopts Resolution Introduced By India To Establish Memorial Wall

UNGA has adopted a Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India. India piloted the adoption of the Resolution in the UNGA to establish a Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers.
The resolution was co-sponsored by nearly 190 UN Member States and was adopted by consensus.
The resolution was submitted by 18 countries including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Rwanda and the U.S.

Rustom II UAV Seen Equipped with Advanced Imaging Sensors for Surveillance and Precision Targeting

India’s indigenous Rustom II medium-altitude long-endurance UAV has recently been observed carrying payloads such as Synthetic Aperture Radar, Medium Range Electro Optic, and Long-Range Electro Optic. These cutting-edge payloads have been developed by the DRDO Electronics and Radar Development Establishment.
The SAR-equipped Rustom II UAV provides high-resolution imagery and ground-moving target information, making it invaluable for guiding precision-guided munitions and missiles.
The system’s key features include strip map mode imaging with resolutions of 6m and 3m, spotlight mode imaging with resolutions of 1m and 0.6m, and the ground moving target mode capable of detecting vehicles on the ground within a maximum range of 40 kilometres.

Mahindra Defence starts deliveries of Armado: India’s first Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle

Mahindra Defence Systems has started delivering ‘Armado,’ an Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle built specifically for the Indian armed forces. Anand Mahindra, Chairman, of Mahindra Group posted a tweet announcing the special feat.
The ALSV provides protected mobility at the front, side and rear as per STANAG Level I Ballistics and Blast for four crew members with battle load with ample stowage space for arms and ammunition inside the crew compartment and an additional 400 kgs cargo load-carrying capacity. It can also be upgradable up to STANAG – II Ballistics.
The Mahindra Armada makes use of a 3.2-litre diesel engine that makes 215 hp power and comes with an automatic transmission. It gets a standard 4X4 with front and rear differential locks with 1,000 kg payload capacity, a self-recovery winch, and a high travel all-wheel independent suspension with a central type inflation system.

Exercise “EX KHAAN QUEST 2023”

Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest 2023” featuring participation from military contingents and observers from over 20 countries has commenced in Mongolia.
Mr. Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the Hon’ble President of Mongolia inaugurated the Exercise in a ceremony organised at the exercise location in Mongolia. The exercise is co-sponsored by Mongolian Armed Forces and United States Army Pacific Command.
The Indian Army is represented by a contingent from the GARHWAL RIFLES. The 14-day exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability of the participating nations, for sharing experience and to train uniformed personnel for the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
The exercise will prepare participants for future UN Peacekeeping missions, develop peace operations capabilities and enhance military readiness. The exercise includes Command Post Exercise, Field Training Exercises, combat discussions, lectures and demonstration.
The military exercise will enhance the level of defence co-operation b/w Indian Army and participating countries especially with the Mongolian Armed Forces which will enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Raksha Mantri & Minister of National Defence of Vietnam Hold Talks

Rajnath Singh held talks with Minister of National Defence of Vietnam General Phan Van Gang in New Delhi on June 19, 2023. Progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives was reviewed during the meeting, with both sides expressing satisfaction at the ongoing engagements.
Both Ministers identified means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of defence industry cooperation, maritime security and multinational cooperation.
The Raksha Mantri also announced the gifting of an indigenously-built in-service Missile Corvette INS Kirpan which will be a milestone in enhancing the capabilities of the Vietnam People’s Navy.
As part of his engagements, the Defence Minister of Vietnam also visited DRDO headquarters and discussed ways to enhance defence industrial capabilities by cooperation in defence research and joint production.

BEL Bags Rs 5,900 Cr Orders From Akash Weapon System, Others

BEL has received orders worth Rs 5,900 crore, of which Rs 3,914 crore of orders are from the Akash Prime Weapon System. The public sector defence unit said it has received orders for two regiments of the improved Akash Weapon System with upgrades from BDL for a value of Rs 3,914 crore.
The contract involves improvements to include high altitude operations, simultaneous engagement of multiple threats over 360 degrees, missiles fitted with RF Seekers and reduced footprint.
It also said it bagged other orders to the tune of Rs 1,984 crore, which include orders for Shakti EW; Sanket & MK III (naval systems), Jammer systems, MKBT systems, MK-XII Crypto Modules and upgrading SDP display of Rohini radars etc.

World Hydrography Day: Rajnath Singh Attends Program

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the hydrography ship South Jetty, Indian Naval station Kochi on the eve of World Hydrography Day to support the sustainable use of the oceans.
The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) functions under the Indian Navy as the nodal agency conducting hydrographic surveys and producing nautical charts in India.
Celebrated on 21 June, World Hydrography Day is designed to raise awareness about hydrography and how it plays a role in improved knowledge of the seas and oceans.
The theme for 2023 is ‘Hydrography – Underpinning the Digital Twin of the Ocean’ which is in keeping with the development of virtual representation.”

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Integrated Simulator Complex ‘Dhruv’

Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex ‘Dhruv’ at SNC, Kochi on June 21, 2023. The ISC ‘Dhruv’ hosts modern state-of-the-art indigenously built simulators which will significantly enhance practical training in the Indian Navy.
These simulators are envisaged to give real-time experience in navigation, fleet operations and Naval tactics. These simulators will also be utilized for the training of personnel from friendly countries.
The Ship Handling Simulators produced by ARI Pvt Ltd, New Delhi have been exported to 18 countries. The Astronavigation Dome developed by Infovision Technologies Pvt Ltd is the first of its kind in the Indian Navy.

HAL, Argentinian Aerospace Firm FAdeA To Explore Collaboration In MRO Space

HAL and Argentina’s Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) signed an MoU towards exploring the possibilities of collaboration in the field of MRO. The agreement will also involve meeting any offset requirements in case of the probable sale of HAL-made platforms in the Latin American region.
The pact was inked during the ongoing Paris Air Show 2023, Bengaluru-headquartered state-run company HAL said.
Similar to HAL, FAdeA is an Argentinian state-owned aerospace company under the administrative supervision of the South American country’s Ministry of Defence involved in the design, manufacture and maintenance of civil and military aircraft, it was noted.

President Confers National Florence Nightingale Award

President Smt Droupadi Murmu, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has conferred the National Florence Nightingale award on ADG of MNS Major General Smita Devrani and Brigadier MNS, Headquarters, Southern Command Brigadier Amita Devrani for the years 2022 and 2023 respectively.
The National Florence Nightingale Award, instituted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in 1973, is given to recognise the meritorious services rendered by nurses and nursing professionals to society.
Major General Smita Devrani was commissioned into the MNS in 1983.
Brigadier Amita Devrani was commissioned into the service in 1986. She assumed her present appointment of Brigadier MNS, Southern Command on September 01, 2021.

GE Aerospace Has Signed A MOU With HAL

GE Aerospace announced that it has signed an MOU with HAL to produce fighter jet engines for the IAF, a major milestone amidst PM Narendra Modi’s official state visit to the United States and a key element in strengthening defence cooperation b/w the two countries.
Finally, India HAL & USA GE Signed the contract for Local manufacturing of the GE-414 Engine for India Tejas MK-2 Jet. 99 Engines will be made locally by HAL in 1st Phase. AMCA MK-1 will use the same engine & GE & HAL will continue the effort for AMCA MK-2 Engine.
GE noted that this puts the company in a strong position to create a family of products in India, including the F404 engine that currently powers the LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk1A aircraft and GE Aerospace’s selection for the “prototype development, testing and certification of the AMCA programme with our F414-INS6 engine.”
In addition, GE will continue to collaborate with the Indian government on the AMCA Mk2 engine program, it stated.

IAF Carries Out Exercise Ranvijay

With a focus on integration, the IAF carried out Exercise Ranvijay where day and night operations by combat aircraft including the Su-30s were conducted.
The exercise was carried out from different air bases of the command headquartered in Prayagraj.
Different IAF commands have been carrying out wargames and aerial drills to enhance jointness with the other two services as part of the government’s move to strengthen integration among the forces.
The IAF’s fighter jets touch the airstrip of Purvanchal Expressway on Saturday, during the Emergency Exercise between civil and military functionaries.

India-Maldives joint defence Exercise Ekuverin Ends

The twelfth edition of India-Maldives Joint Exercise Ekuverin concluded after intense validation training.
“The exercise has strengthened mutual confidence and enabled sharing of best practices.”
The 12^th edition of the joint military exercise “Ex Ekuverin” between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force has taken place at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand from 11 to 24 June 2023, reported the Ministry of Defence.
A platoon strength contingent from Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force has participated in a 14-day long exercise.
The exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism Operations under the UN mandate and carrying out joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. The focus was to share best practices and enhance coordination and cooperation between both the forces at tactical level, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Indian Army Adjudged Best Organisation In Ministry Of Defence For Procurement

The Indian Army has been adjudged as the best organisation in the MoD for procurement on Government e-Marketplace for the financial year 2022-23 in pursuance of the PMO’s overarching objective to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement.
Approximately 16000 buyers of the Indian Army are registered on the GeM. On an average 60- 80000 transactions per month took place with up to a maximum of two lakh tons in a month in Mar 2023 in FY 2022-23, added the release.
Since the inception of GeM (Government e-Marketplace), Indian Army has been earnestly working towards 100 per cent procurement of all goods & services. In FY 2016-17, the Indian Army procurement of Rs 21 Cr, and since then, Army has progressively enhanced its procurement potential by proactively engaging GeM SPV, various budget holders, and CFAs down to the unit level.

Tejas Mk 2 to be ready for first flight by 2025

The much-delayed, India-made Tejas Mk 2 LCA could be ready for its maiden flight by 2025 with an American engine, according to Prabhulla Chandran VK, director of avionics and weapons systems at the Aeronautical Development Agency, the nodal agency for the design of the indigenous fighter.
The Central Scientific Instrumentation Organisation, which had designed the head-up display for Tejas Mk 1, is also involved in the manufacture of the HUD for Tejas Mk 2. Prior to the US collaboration, India was looking at France and Rolls Royce for engine manufacture.
Director avionics, ADA — the nodal agency for the design of Tejas Mk 2 — who was in Chandigarh to attend a national conference on “Avionics technologies and display systems 2023” organised by the CSIO, said around 200 such fighters shall be rolled out.

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