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DEFENCE PROGRAMME & TECHNOLOGY

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

• It work under the Department of Defence Research and Development in Ministry of Defence
(Government of India).
• Formed in 1958, Headquarters at New Delhi
• DRDO is India's largest and most diverse research organisation.
• It has network of 52 laboratories, which are engaged in research & development of different defence
projects like missiles, materials, aeronautics, armaments, land combat engineering, naval systems etc.
• DRDO has developed major weapons, equipments, and critical technologies such as missiles, UAVs,
aircrafts, small arms, artillery systems, tanks and armoured vehicles, command and control systems etc.
• DRDO started its first major project in surface-to-air missiles (SAM) known as Project Indigo in the
1960s.
• Project Indigo was started by India in 1962, under it project an agreement was signed between India
and Switzerland to develop an intermediate-range surface-to-air missile (SAM).
• But in later years it was discontinued in without achieving full success.

Missile
• These are rocket propelled weapon, designed to deliver an explosive warhead with great accuracy at
high speed.

Types of missile on the basis of target and launching position.

• Air-to-Air Missile : Missiles which are fired in air (say by an aircraft) and targets the enemy in air.
• Surface-to-Air Missile : Missiles which are fired from the ground to the air.
• Air-to-Surface : Missiles which are fired from the air to the surface (e.g. targeting tanks, ships etc)
• Surface-to-Surface : Missiles which are fired from the ground at target on the ground.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)

• Ministry of Defence started this IGMDP between 1983 to 2008 for the development of a comprehensive
range of missiles.
• The program was managed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) in partnership
with other government agencies.
• Missile like –Prithvi, Trishul, Akash etc. were developed under this program.

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• The idea of IGMDP was conceptualized by the former President and eminent scientist, Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam. The objective of this program was to enable India to attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile
technology.
• The last major missile developed under this program was Agni-III, which was successfully tested in July-
2007.
• In May-2008, GOI announced the closing of the program but DRDO has independently continued
further development work on missile like Nag, Surya etc.

Agni Missile
• Agni - I is the first missile of the Agni series was developed under the IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program)
• It is surface to surface missile developed by DRDO.
• The Agni -V is the most advanced version of the indigenously built missile under this series.
• Agni -V is an intercontinental surface-to-surface nuclear capable ballistic missile.
• India is now became 6th nation to have ICBM technology, after USA, Russia, U.K, France, & China.
• Agni –VI is under the developmental phase and its range is about 8000 -10,000 Km.
• In Agni Missiles series Solid fuel is used.

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Agni Prime
• It is the advanced version of the ‘Agni-1’ missile.
• It is a short-range ballistic missile.
• Range: 1000 km to 1500 km
• It is a two-stage
• It is the latest and sixth variant of the Agni series missiles.
• Agni Prime has multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles. It is capable of delivering a number
of warheads at separate locations.
• It can carry warheads up to 1.5 tonnes.
• The Agni-P missile would further strengthen India’s credible deterrence capabilities
• Development by India & Russia
• Type:- Supersonic cruise missile.
• Variant:- Submarine, Ships, Aircraft, Land.
• Range:- 450 km.
• Engine stage:-
• Fist Stage – Solid fuel;
• Second Stage – Liquid fuel

{Note: Now BrahMos II Missile (Under Development) Type Hypersonic Cruise Missile Range 450 – 600
km.}

BrahMos Missile

• The BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched
from submarine, ships, aircraft or land.
• It is a joint venture between the Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), a
subsidiary of the state-owned JSC Tactical Missiles Corporation and India’s Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO), who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace.

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• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

• It is an international institute based in Stockholm (Sweden)
• Headquarters:- Solna
• Type – Global Think Tank
• Formed in May-1966
• Dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arm control and disarmament.
• Purpose – Provide data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymaker,
researchers, media and the interested public.
• Its publications and information material are distributed to a wide range of policy makers, researchers,
journalists, organizations etc.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)- Report -

2022
• During 2016-2020, 164 states are major arms importers. The five largest arms importers states were
Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Australia and China, which together accounted for 36% of total arms
imports.
• The five largest exporter of arms in 2016-20 - the United States, Russia, France, Germany and China
- accounted for 76% of the total volume of exports of major arms.
• The nine nuclear-armed states are U.S.A, Russia, U. K, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and
North Korea —continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals.
• Total number of nuclear weapons declined slightly between January 2021 and January 2022.
• India had 160 nuclear warheads as of January 2022 and it appears to be expanding its nuclear arsenal.
India’s nuclear stockpile increased from 156 in January 2021 to 160 in January 2022.
• As per the numbers of nuclear warheads India is at seventh position, after Russia, USA, China,
France, UK, Pakistan.
• Russia and the USA together possess over 90% of all nuclear weapons.

Shangri-La-Dialogue
▪ It is a inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International
Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
▪ IISS is a London-based independent think tank.
▪ 28 Asia-Pacific countries are the members. India is also a member.
▪ Attended by Defence ministers, permanent heads of ministries & military chiefs.
▪ Besides government delegations, the summit is also attended by legislators, academic experts,
distinguished journalists, and business delegates.
▪ The forum get its name from the shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held annually since
2002.
▪ The Shangri-La Dialogue has become one of the most important independent forums for the exchange
of views by international security policy decision-makers.
▪ It provides a unique platform for debate among government ministers and senior officials, as well as
business leaders and security experts, on Asia’s developing security challenges.
▪ Debate the region’s most pressing security challenges engage in important bilateral talks and come up
with fresh approaches together.
▪ It is Asia’s largest annual security forum.
▪ The 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue took place in Singapore from 31 May to 2 June

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Multilateral Export Control Regime (MECR)

• MECR is a voluntary & informal group of like-minded supplier countries.
• With the goal of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, delivery systems, and advanced
conventional weapons through national implementation of guidelines and control lists for exports.
• It is non-binding agreements among the major supplier countries.
• Aim to prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
• These groups are independent of the United Nations.
• And their regulations apply only to members and it is not obligatory for a country to join.

Multilateral Export Control Regime (MECR)

• MECR is a voluntary & informal group of like-minded supplier countries.
• With the goal of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, delivery systems, and advanced
conventional weapons through national implementation of guidelines and control lists for exports.
• It is non-binding agreements among the major supplier countries.
• Aim to prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
• These groups are independent of the United Nations.
• And their regulations apply only to members and it is not obligatory for a country to join.
• Voting Process: The NSG work under the principle of unanimity and even one member country vote
against other country entry, them particular country will not get membership.
• NSG decision needs all members majority, not just simple majority

Australia Group
• It is a multilateral export control regime (MECR), to control and not to contribute the spread of
chemical and biological weapons.
• Formed in 1985 after the used of chemical weapon by Iraq in 1984.
• The name came from Australia initiative to create the group.
• The member group maintain the export control of a uniform list of 54 compounds.
• Presently, 43 countries are the member.
• India is also a member (as on Jan-2018).

Wassenaar Arrangement
• It was established in 1996,
• To contribute to regional and international security and stability by promoting transparency and greater
responsibility in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technology.
• It is also a multilateral export control regime.
• It is not a treaty and hence not legally binding.
• Presently, 42 countries are the member.
• India is also a member since 2017.

Zangger Committee
• Zangger Committee was the group of 15 nuclear supplier state which held informal meeting in Vienna
(between 1971 and 1974)
• Chaired by Prof. Claude Zangger of Switzerland for the common understanding on nuclear equipment,
definition etc.
• Till date 39 countries are member, India is not a member.

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The Committee maintain

• List of equipment that may only be exported if safeguard are applied to the recipient facility called
the "Trigger List" because such exports trigger the requirement for safe guard.
• Allow members to co-ordinate on nuclear export issue.

Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

• Formed in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA.
• It is also multilateral export control regime (MTCR)
• Its aim to limit the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by controlling exports of goods and
technologies i.e. Rockets and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) capable of delivering a payload of at
least 500 kg to the range of at least 300 km.
• It is not a treaty and also does not legally binding.
• It is an informal political understanding among the members states.
• Presently there are 35 countries are members.
• India is also member since 2016.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)- TEJAS AIRCRAFT

• It is a single-bigger engine multirole aircraft designed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in
collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• It came from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India's
ageing MiG-21 fighters but later became part of a general fleet modernisation programme.
• In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas".
• The Tejas is the second supersonic fighter developed by HAL after the HAL HF-24 Marut.
• Tejas achieved initial operational clearance in 2011 and final operational clearance in 2019.
• It is lightest, smallest and tailless multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its class.
• It is designed to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision-guided, weapons.
• Air to air refuelling capability.
• It can attend the maximum speed of Mach 1.8.
• The range of the aircraft is 3000km
• Variants of Tejas:- Tejas Trainer, LCA Navy, LCA Tejas Navy MK2, LCA Tejas Mk-1A, LCA Tejas Mk-2.

Exercise Desert Knight

• Location:- Indian, Over the Arabian Sea
• Date:- January -2024
• Participating countries:- India, France, UAE
• Indian Air Force (IAF), French Air and Space Force (FASF) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force.

Exercise SHAKTI
• Location:- 7th edition of Exercise Shakti commenced at Umroi, Meghalaya.
• Date:- 13th to 26th May 2024.
• Participating countries:- Bilateral joint military exercise between the armies of India and France.

EXERCISE UDARA SHAKTI- 2024

• Location:- RMAF base in Kuantan, Malaysia.
• Date: August 5-9, 2024
• Participating countries:- India, Malaysia
• Exercise Udara Shakti is a significant bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and
the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
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• Aim:- To enhance military cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership between India and
Malaysia

Sada Tanseeq
• India and Saudi Arabia are conducted their first Joint Military Exercise named as Sada Tanseeq.
• Date: 29th January to 10th February 2024.
• Venue: Mahajan, Rajasthan.

Facts:- Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise:- India and Saudi Arabia :- Naval Exercise

Exercise Vayu Shakti-24:-

• Date: 17 February 2024.
• Venue: Pokhran Air to Ground Range, near Jaisalmer.
• Exercise Vayu Shakti will be a demonstration of the IAF’s capability to deliver weapons with long
range, precision capability as well as conventional weapon accurately, on time and with devastating effect,
while operating from multiple air bases.
• The exercise will also showcase joint operations with the Indian Army.
• The Indian Air Force is slated to carry out three large-scale war games namely, Vayu Shakti, Gagan
Shakti and Tarang Shakti.

NOMADIC ELEPHANT
• Bilateral military exercise conducted by the armies of India and Mongolia.
• Date: 03rd to 16th July 2024.
• Venue: Meghalaya (16th edition of exercise)
• The 15th edition of the exercise was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

MALABAR EXERCISE
• The Malabar Exercise is annual naval exercise that involves the navies of India, USA, Japan and
Australia.
• Date:- 9th Oct-2024
• Venue:- Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam. (28th edition of exercise)
• The Malabar Exercise began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the United
States Navy.
• Expansion: Japan became a permanent participant in 2015, and Australia joined in 2020, transforming it
into a quadrilateral exercise.

Exercise Poorvi Prahar

• Exercise is a high-intensity tri-service military exercise conducted by the Indian Armed Forces.
• The exercise aims to enhance the joint combat effectiveness of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in
executing integrated joint operations in challenging terrains.
• Dates:- November 10 to November 18, 2024.
• Place:- Arunachal Pradesh
• Participants:- Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Tarang Shakti
• India will host the international air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ in two phases, taking place in Tamil Nadu
and Rajasthan.
• It will be the largest international air exercise ever conducted in India, with invitations extended to
51 countries.
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• This exercise aims to strengthen strategic relations with our friends from the international community.
• Objective: The plan is to invite friendly foreign countries with whom the IAF interacts regularly and
has a certain degree of interoperability.
• Participating countries: Fifty-one countries were invited to take part in the exercise and nearly 30 of
them will be taking part in it
• Phase one of the exercise will be conducted at Sulur in Tamil Nadu from August 6 to August 14.
• Phase two will be held at Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 1 to 14.
• It represents a unique opportunity for these nations to collaborate and enhance their tactical and
operational capabilities.

Exercise Red Flag 2024

• Location:- Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (USA)
• Date:- 04 Jun to 14 Jun 24.
• This was the second edition, which is an advanced aerial combat training exercise, held four times a
year by the US Air Force.
• Participation:- Indian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Air Force (RAF) of the
UK, Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), German Luftwaffe, and the USA Air Force (USAF).
• Red Flag is an air combat exercise featuring realistic combat scenarios.

EXERCISE PITCH BLACK

• Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.
• The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.
• participation by 20 countries.
• Biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• The exercise is normally held in Northern Australia, primarily at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal.
• The aim of the exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA)
combat, in a simulated war environment.
• The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large un-populated
areas.

Exercise Varuna
• An annual bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy
• Date:- September 2 to September 4, 2024.
• Venue:- Mediterranean Sea (France) from
• The exercise began in 1993 and was named ‘Varuna’ in 2001.
• It aims to enhance interoperability, improve coordination, and share best practices between the two
navies.

EXERCISE SURYA KIRAN

• It is 18th Edition of Military Exercise.
• Background:–
• Venue :- Saljhandi, Nepal
• Date :- 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025.
• Exercise SuryaKiran is a bilateral military exercise conducted annually between the Indian and
Nepalese armies.
• The exercise is held alternately in India and Nepal
• Aim:- To enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountains, and
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under United Nations Charter

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Important Defence Exercises

• INDRA EXERCISE ( India - Russia )
• YUDH ABHYAS (India– USA)
• NOMADIC ELEPHANT (India– Mongolia)
• MITRA SHAKTI (India– Sri Lanka)
• MALABAR EXERCISE (India-USA- Japan-Australia)

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

• IONS was first held in 2008 with India as host country.
• It is a regional forum of Indian Ocean littoral states which represented by their Naval Chiefs.
• It provide a forum to enhance maritime security cooperation, discussion of regional maritime issues and
also promote friendly relationships among the members nations.
• It is a voluntary initiative among the countries.
• Presently there are 25 member nations.
• Date: December 19 to 22, 2023.
• Venue: Bangkok, Thailand.

INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) – 2023:-

• During the Conclave, Thailand assumed the role of Chair of IONS, and a comprehensive two-year
work plan was finalized.
• A noteworthy development was the selection of a flag designed by India as the official IONS flag.

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• India is also scheduled to take over as the Chair of IONS (2025-27) during 9th CoC planned to be
conducted in India in end 2025.
• The Republic of Korea Navy was welcomed as the latest observer increasing the collective strength
of IONS to 34.

Defence Space Agency

• The Defence Space Agency (DSA) is a tri-service agency of the Indian Armed Forces.
• The DSA draws personnel from all three branches of the Armed Forces.
• The agency is tasked with operating the space-warfare and Satellite Intelligence assets of India.
• Headquartered:- Bengaluru, Karnataka,
• Established:- 28 September 2018
• Operational:- November 2019
• The Defence Space Research Agency (DSRA) is the scientific organisation responsible for developing
space-warfare systems and technologies for the Defence Space Agency.

Defence Space Research Agency (DSRA)

• Government of India has cleared setting up of new agency called DSRA, which has been entrusted with
task of creating space warfare weapon systems and technologies.
• Now the agency has started taking shape under a joint secretary level scientist
• DSRA would be provided with a team of scientists, which work in co-ordination with tri-services
(Army, Navy, Air Force).
• It is also charged with finding and implementing defence related application for India’s entire spectrum of
space technology.
• It will develop modern weapons system & technology so as to enhance capabilities of armed forces to
fight wars in space.

AGNIPATH SCHEME
• Agnipath scheme for recruiting soldiers across the Three services (Army, Navy and Airforce).
• The youth joining the duty will be called Agniveer.
• Around 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually.
• Duration of services is four years,
• However after four years, only 25% of the batch will be recruited back into their respective services, for
a period of 15 years under permanent commission.

Eligibility Criteria:
1) It is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).
2) Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 23 years will be eligible to apply.

Benefits for Agniveers:

• After the completion of the 4-years of service, a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package of Rs 11.71 lakhs will be
paid to the Agniveers that will include their accrued interest thereon.
• They will also get a Rs 48 lakh life insurance cover for the four years.
• In case of death, the payout will be over Rs 1 crore, including pay for the unserved tenure.
• The government will help rehabilitate soldiers who leave the services after four years. They will be
provided with skill certificates and bridge courses.

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Types of Naval Forces:-

• Blue-water navy (open oceans) is a maritime force capable of operating globally, essentially across
the deep waters of open oceans. There ability is to exercise sea control at long range.
• Brown-water navy' or 'riverine navy' (river and near to shore), refers in its broadest sense to any naval
force capable of military operations in littoral zone waters.
• Green-water navy (near to shore), is a maritime force that is capable of operating in its
nation's littoral zones and has limited competency to operate in the surrounding marginal seas.

Central Paramilitary Force

• Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Also known as Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
• It includes 7 forces: Assam Rifles (AR), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP),
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF) and National Security Guard (NSG).
• Assam Rifles is the oldest Central Para Military Force in India.

Historical Background:-
• The Assam Rifles was set up as Cachar Levy in 1835 to protect British Tea estates and their
settlements against tribal raids.
• Post-Independence, role of the Assam Rifles continued to evolve ranging from:-
o Conventional combat role: during Sino-India War in 1962
o Operating in a foreign land: as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka in
1987 (Op Pawan)
o Peacekeeping role: in the North-Eastern areas of India.

Structure of Assam Rifles:-

• The Force is commanded by an officer of the rank of Lieutenant General of the Army.
• HQ Directorate General of AssamRifles: Shillong-Meghalaya

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Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter)

• Designed and manufactured by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• It is multi-role and can perform roles of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy
Air Defence (DEAD) and Counter Insurgency (CI) operations.
• The LCH has been designed as a twin-engine.
• It is a dedicated combat helicopter of 5.8-ton class, thus categorized as light.
• It features a narrow fuselage and tandem one-behind-the-other configuration for the pilot and co-pilot.
• The co-pilot is also the Weapon Systems Operator (WSO).
• It has a maximum take-off weight of 5.8 tonnes, a maximum speed of 268 kilometres per hour, range
of 550 kilometres
• It has an endurance of over three hours and a service ceiling the maximum density altitude to which it
can fly of 6.5 kilometres.
• LCH is powered by two French-origin Shakti engines manufactured by the HAL.
• The helicopter uses radar-absorbing material to lower radar signature and has a significantly crash-
proof structure and landing gear.
• A pressurized cabin offers protection from nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contingencies.
• The LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000
metres (16,400 ft), which makes it ideal to operate in the high-altitude areas of the Siachen glacier.

‘Ugram’
• DRDO launches ‘Ugram’, indigenous assault rifle for armed forces
• Developed by DRDO's Pune- based facility Armament Research and Development Establishments
(ARDE) in collaboration with Hyderabad-based Dvipa Armour India Private Limited.

• The rifle has an effective range of 500 metres and weighs less than four kilograms
• Assault rifle of the 7.62 x 51 mm calibre.
• The rifle has a 20 round magazine and fires in both single and full auto mode.
• DRDO’s Ugram will have to go through several internal tests, acceptance trials and user trials before it
can be considered for induction.

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Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

• The iDEX initiative was launched by the GOI in April 2018.
• Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is an ecosystem initiated by the Ministry of Defence to foster
innovation and technology development in defence & aerospace sectors
• By engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes &
academia.
• iDEX is funded and managed by a ‘Defence Innovation Organization (DIO)’ which has been formed
as a ‘not for profit’ company as per Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 for this purpose,
• By the two founder members i.e. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) – HAL & BEL.
• iDEX will function as the executive arm of DIO, carrying out all the required activities while DIO will provide
high level policy guidance to iDEX.

Objectives of iDEX:-
• Facilitate:- Facilitate rapid development of new, indigenized, and innovative technologies for the Indian
defence and aerospace sector, to meet needs for these sectors in shorter timelines
• Create:- Create a culture of engagement with innovative startups, to encourage co-creation for defence
and aerospace sectors
• Empower:- Empower a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the defence and
aerospace sectors.
• Funding and Support :- iDEX provides grants (up to ₹1.50 crore, or up to ₹10 crore for iDEX Prime)
through the Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart (SPARK) Framework.

National Terrorism Data Fusion & Analysis Centre (NTDFAC):-

• Inaugurated: January 2024.
• The NTDFAC will collect data from a variety of sources, including:-
• NIA’s National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), and
• National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders,
• Combined, the various databases will allow Indian intelligence to access subjects’ histories,
fingerprints, videos, pictures, social media profiles and information on affiliated terror groups.
• NAFIS holds 9.2 million biometric records, and data from more than 22,000 terrorism cases is being
added from the Integrated Monitoring of Terrorism system.
• It also includes a facial recognition system to scan CCTV footage for the faces of suspects.
• It has been modelled along the lines of the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) of the US.

Significance:-
• It will serve as a centralized database and analysis centre for information related to terrorism and
terrorists operating in the country.

Mission Divyastra
• India’s recent successful testing of an Agni-5 Missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable
Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology with multiple warhead capabilities.

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MIRV technology
• MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle.
• About– It is a missile technology that enables one missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each
capable of hitting different targets.
• Other Countries equipped with this technology– Currently, the United States, Russia, China, France,
and the United Kingdom.
• These missiles can be launched from either land-based platforms or submarines at sea.

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Mission Divyastra’.
About Agni-V:
• The Agni-V is an advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed under the Integrated Guided
Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) in India.
• The Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed indigenously by the DRDO.
• It’s a fire-and-forget missile, which means once fired, it doesn’t require further guidance and can’t be
stopped without an interceptor missile.
• Range of over 5000 km, making it capable of hitting targets beyond this range.
• It can carry a warhead of about 1500 kg.
• The Agni series of missiles, which includes Agni-1 to Agni-5, forms the backbone of India’s nuclear launch
capability.

Operation Ajay
• It is an operation by the Indian Armed Forces to evacuate Indian citizens from Israel during the Oct-
2023 Israel–Hamas war.
• On 7 October, the 2023 Israel–Hamas war began.
• An estimated 18,000 Indians were living in the affected areas.

Operation Indravati
• March, 2024:- It begins to Evacuate Indians from Haiti
• India is monitoring the situation through its mission at Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican
Republic, which has no embassy in Haiti.

PROJECT AKASHTEER:
• April, 2024:- The ‘Project Akashteer’ is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the air defence
capabilities of the Indian Army.
• It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
• This project is designed to automate air defence control.
• The system’s control centers, designed to be vehicle-based and mobile, can maintain operational
capabilities even in challenging communication environments.
• The total cost of the project is nearly Rs 1,982 crore.

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• The system integrates radar and communication systems at all levels into a unified network, providing an
unprecedented level of situational awareness and control.
• This enables swift engagement of hostile targets, significantly reduces the risk of fratricide, and ensures
the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.

CDS (Chief of Defence Staff)

• Background: Its creation was recommended in 2001 by a Group of Ministers (GoM) that was tasked
with studying the Kargil Review Committee (1999) report.
• After the GoM recommendations, in preparation for the post of CDS, the government created
the Integrated Defence Staff in 2002, which was to eventually serve as the CDS’s Secretariat.
• In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Committee recommended the appointment of a Permanent Chairman of
the Chiefs of Staff Committee as a midway to eliminate apprehensions over the CDS.
• Finally, the post of CDS was created in 2019 on the recommendations of a committee of defence
experts headed by Lt General DB Shekatkar.
• General Bipin Rawat was the first CDS in the country and was appointed on December 31, 2019 and
took office on 1 January 2020.
• The government amended Service Rules of the Army, Navy and Air Force, allowing retired Service
Chiefs and three-star officers eligible for consideration for the country’s top military post.
• Age limit that the retired officer should not have attained 62 years on the date of appointment.

Important Features:-
• It is the military head and permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) of the
Armed Forces.
• It is the highest-ranking uniformed officer on active duty in the Indian military and
• It is chief military adviser to the Minister of Defence.
• The Chief also heads the Department of Military Affairs.
• The position was created with the aim of improving coordination, tri-service effectiveness and
overall integration of the combat capabilities of the Indian armed forces.
• The CDS will be the single-point military adviser to the Defence Minister on matters involving all
three services and the service chiefs will be obliged to confine their counsel to issues pertaining to their
respective services.
• CDS as a key functionary in the nuclear command chain will also administer the Strategic Forces
Command.
• This measure will go a long way in enhancing the credibility of India's nuclear deterrent.

Integrated Theatre Command:-

• An integrated theatre command envisages a unified command of the three Services, under a single
commander, for geographical theatres (areas) that are of strategic and security concern.
• The commander of such a force will be able to bear all resources at his disposal — from the Army, the
Indian Air Force, and the Navy — with seamless efficacy.
• The integrated theatre commander will not be answerable to individual Services.
• Integration and jointness of the three forces will avoid duplication of resources. The resources
available under each service will be available to other services too.
• The services will get to know one another better, strengthening cohesion in the defense establishment.

The Shekatkar committee has recommended the creation of 3 integrated theatre commands —
• Northern for the China border,
• Western for the Pakistan border, and
• Southern for the maritime role

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Joint Command in Andaman & Nicobar islands:

• There is one joint command in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• It is the first Tri-Service theatre command of the Indian Armed Forces, based at Port Blair in the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India.
• It was created in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of
Malacca by increasing the rapid deployment of military assets in the islands.
• The other tri-service command, the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), looks after the delivery and
operational control of the country’s nuclear assets.

BHISHM Cube
• BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) Cube, a state-of-the-art indigenous
mobile hospital.
• BHISHM Cube emerged as a crucial lifesaver during a medical emergency.
• BHISHM cube is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, emphasizing rapid response and
comprehensive care.
• Aarogya Maitri Project:- It involves India supplying vital medical resources to any developing nation
facing the impact of natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
• The Aid Cube is equipped with several innovative tools designed to enhance disaster response and
medical support during emergencies
• It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time
monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
• The success of BHISHM Cube underscores the importance of mobile hospital units in delivering
immediate and effective medical assistance during emergencies.

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PROJECT UDBHAV
• Launched in 2023, with aims to enrich the nation’s outlook in the defence domain by integrating India’s
ancient strategic acumen into contemporary military practices, making the force “future-ready”.
• The objective of the Project is to synthesize ancient wisdom with contemporary military practices,
forging a unique and holistic approach to address modern security challenges.
• It is a visionary initiative by the Indian Army that seeks to integrate age-old wisdom with
contemporary military pedagogy.
• Literature like Chanakya’s Arthashastra underscores the importance of strategic partnerships,
alliances and diplomacy, aligning with modern military practices such as international cooperation and
soft power projection.
• Apart from ancient texts, a study of prominent military campaigns and leaders is also important.
The empires of Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka and Cholas flourished and expanded in influence,
during their times.
• There are examples of the Ahom Kingdom too, which successfully ruled for 600 years, repeatedly
defeating the Mughals.
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Project UDBHAV aims to

• Effectively integrate this ancient wisdom with modern military pedagogy through interdisciplinary
research, workshops and leadership seminars.
• It will facilitate emergence of previously under-explored thoughts and theories related to strategic thinking,
statecraft and warfare, foster deeper understanding and contribute to enriching military training curricula.

NAGASTRA-1

NAGASTRA-1
• First indigenous Loitering Munition
• Loitering Munition:- It is also known as a suicide drone, kamikaze drone, or exploding drone,
• It is a kind of aerial weapon with a built-in warhead that is typically designed to loiter around a target
area until a target is located, then attack the target by crashing into it
• Solar Industries, based in Nagpur, has delivered the first indigenously developed Loitering Munition,
Nagastra-1, to the Indian Army.
• The Indian Army has ordered 480 Loiter Munitions from Solar Industries’ Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL).

Technical Specifications
• Altitude Over 4,500 meters (stealth capability)
• Endurance 60 minutes
• Man-in-loop Range 15 km
• Autonomous Mode Range 30 km
• Precision GPS-enabled, 2-meter accuracy
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• Warhead Capability Capable of defeating soft-skin targets

• Surveillance Day-night cameras
• Recovery Parachute-assisted soft landing

Note:- Over 75% indigenous components, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defense technology.
Strategic Importance:- Enhances India’s military capabilities with advanced drone technology in modern
warfare scenarios.

Zarowar
• Zarowar is a joint effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and
Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
• Zorawar is the first tank to be designed and ready for trials in such a short timeframe.
• Named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, who led military operations in Ladakh
and Western Tibet,
• Its amphibious capabilities enable it to traverse steep climbs in mountainous terrain and cross rivers and
other water bodies more easily than heavier predecessors like the T-72 and T-90 tanks.
• The Zorawar tanks are designed with an active protection system to shield combat vehicles from
anti-tank guided missiles and projectiles.
• The tank is currently powered by a Cummins engine and DRDO has taken up a project to develop
a new engine domestically.

July, 2024:- Successful Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)

System Test
• The DRDO has successfully tested its Phase-II-BMD system showcasing India's advanced capabilities
in defending against long-range ballistic missile threats.
• Phase-II system can intercept ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km, enhancing India’s
strategic defence.
• Phase-I BMD, capable of intercepting missiles with ranges up to 2,000 km, has already been deployed.

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• The test demonstrated a network-centric warfare weapon system, including long-range sensors,
low-latency communication, and advanced interceptor missiles.

Indian Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme

• IBMD launched in 2000 post-Kargil War, it is important in safeguarding India against missile threats,
primarily from Pakistan and China.
• BMD has multi-layered approach, it deploys two interceptor missiles:
• Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) for high altitudes:- It is designed to tackle longer-range ballistic missiles
above (50km-80km) altitudes in exo-atmospheric space.
• Advanced Air Defence (AAD) for lower altitudes:- It provide an additional interception layer engaging
enemy missiles endo-atmospherically in the 15 to 30 km altitude range

Components of BMD Network

• Detection and tracking
• Command and control centres
• Interceptor launchers
• Communications network

Two-Tier Ballistic Missile Defence System

• BMD shield comprises two interceptor missile systems –
• Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) / High Altitude PAD Interceptors
• It is designed to tackle longer-range ballistic missiles above (50km-80km) altitudes in exo-atmospheric
space.
• Two PAD variants are developed:-
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• Pradyumna Missile
• Prithvi Defence Vehicle
• Advanced Air Defence (AAD):- The AAD missiles provide an additional interception layer engaging
enemy missiles endo-atmospherically in the 15 to 30 km altitude range.
• AAD Ashwin Interceptors

Two-Tier Ballistic Missile Defence System

• BMD shield comprises two interceptor missile systems –
• Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) / High Altitude PAD Interceptors
• It is designed to tackle longer-range ballistic missiles above (50km-80km) altitudes in exo-
atmospheric space.
• Two PAD variants are developed:
• Pradyumna Missile: It is a two-stage solid and liquid-fueled quick-reaction missile to intercept
incoming missiles at 80 km altitude with a maximum speed of Mach 5.
• Prithvi Defence Vehicle: Advanced variant consisting of a kinetic kill vehicle attached to the top of
dual stage PAD interceptor instead of explosives.
• It collides directly with hostile missiles above the atmosphere.

Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Interceptors for lower altitudes.

• The AAD missiles provide an additional interception layer engaging enemy missiles endo-
atmospherically in the 15 to 30 km altitude range:
• AAD Ashwin Interceptors: Single-stage solid rocket-propelled missiles that can attain 4.5 Mach
speeds, 100 km range and 20 km operational altitude to neutralise hostile projectiles.
• Together, the PAD and AAD interceptors form a robust and impenetrable missile shield reducing leakage
of hostile missiles significantly.

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Pinaka rocket system

• Pinaka Rockets are an indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system,
• Designed /Produced:- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• It plays a significant role in the country’s defense capabilities, particularly in artillery warfare.
• Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL):Pinaka is an all-weather, artillery multi-barrel rocket system.
• Range :- 75 km (accuracy of ±10 meters)
• Mounted on a Tata truck or Ashok Leyland.
• It is capable of firing a salvo of 72 rockets in 44 seconds, providing heavy firepower in a short period.

Key Features:
• Pinaka can strike targets with an accuracy of ±10 meters over a range of 75 km, significantly improving
its effectiveness in precision strikes.
• Pinaka system is mounted on a Tata truck or Ashok Leyland 8×8 chassis, making it mobile and easily
deployable in different terrains, including high-altitude regions.
• It is capable of firing a salvo of 72 rockets in 44 seconds, providing heavy firepower in a short period.
• Pinaka rockets can be equipped with various types of warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation,
incendiary, anti-tank, and anti-personnel warheads, making it versatile for different types of operations.
• The Pinaka system has been used effectively in combat, notably during the Kargil War (1999), where it
played a key role in neutralizing enemy positions in mountainous terrain.

CLUSTER MUNITIONS
• Nov, 2024: - A Russian ballistic missile with cluster munitions strike northern Ukraine.

What are Cluster Munitions?

• Cluster munitions are explosive weapons designed to release multiple smaller submunitions or bomblets
over a wide area.
• It is delivered via rockets, artillery, or aircraft.
• Cluster munitions open mid-air, scattering submunitions across a wide area.
• Many bomblets may remain unexploded, creating long-term risks similar to landmines.

International Concerns: -
• Humanitarian Issues:
• Environmental Damage

Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM)

• Adopted: - 2008;
• Entered into force: - 2010.
• Objective: - To prohibit the use, development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, and transfer of cluster
munitions.
• Ratifications: - Over 110 countries have ratified or acceded to the convention.
• Provisions: - Assistance for victims and clearance of contaminated areas.
• Following states that have not joined convention: - USA, Russia, China, and India.
• India’s Position: -
• India has not signed the CCM, citing:
• Security considerations and legitimate defensive needs.
• Lack of universal adherence to the convention.
• Concern over the efficacy of existing alternatives.
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