National
DRDO carries out successful flight trials of High-speed Expendable Aerial Target ‘ABHYAS’
⇒ Four flight trials of High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) – ABHYAS were successfully carried out by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha during January 30 to February 02, 2024.
- The trials were conducted with four different mission objectives in a revised robust configuration using a single booster designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad to provide reduced launch acceleration.
Highlights:
» The objectives like safe release of booster, launcher clearance and attaining the required end of launch velocity were achieved.
- During the flight trials, various parameters like required endurance, speed, manoeuvrability, altitude and range were successfully validated.
» Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), ABHYAS offers a realistic threat scenario for practice of weapon systems.
- It is designed for autonomous flying with the help of an auto pilot indigenously made by the ADE.
- It has Radar Cross Section, Visual and Infrared augmentation system required for weapon practice.
- It has a laptop-based Ground Control System with which the aircraft can be integrated and pre-flight checks, data recording during the flight, replay after the flight and post-flight analysis can be carried out.
- ABHYAS requires minimum logistics and is cost effective compared to imported equivalents.
» The systems tested recently were realised through Production Agencies – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence.
- With identified production agencies, ABHYAS is ready for production. The system has export potential and can be offered to friendly countries.
International
12th edition of Multinational Exercise MILAN 2024
⇒ Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the formal opening ceremony of Exercise MILAN 2024 at Visakhapatnam on February 21, 2024.
Shri Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the Maritime Technical Exposition ‘MTEX-24’ in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
- MTEX-24 highlighted India’s push towards self-reliance in the defence sector.
- It showcased the latest advancements in naval technology viz shipbuilding, communication systems, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy solutions.
- Featuring presentations, demonstrations and exhibits, the event served as a platform for forging partnerships and accelerating the development of cutting-edge technologies crucial for maritime defence.
- MTEX-24 was open from 21st to 23rd February, 2024.
The 12th edition of the Multinational Exercise MILAN 2024 (Multilateral Naval Exercise – 2024), hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh from 19 – 27 February 2024.
Theme:
The theme of the Exercise was “Cohesion, Camaraderie, Collaboration” and aimed to enhance professional interaction between navies, boost operational skills, foster better interoperability and encourage exchange of best practices/ procedures.
» MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise held under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.
- This edition was the largest and more complex than previous editions, with the participation of Indian ships and 16 foreign warships, one Maritime Patrol Aircraft and delegations from friendly countries.
Phase:
» The harbour phase of MILAN 24 comprised of International Maritime Seminar, City Parade at RK Beach, Swavlamban Exhibition, Subject Matter Expert Exchange and Milan of Young Officers.
» The sea phase saw participation of Ships, Maritime patrol aircraft and submarines of Friendly Foreign Countries along with Indian Naval units.
- They involved large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, Anti-submarine warfare and Anti-surface warfare operations.
International Maritime Seminar:
Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the International Maritime Seminar conducted as part of MILAN 2024 on 22 February.
- The International Maritime Seminar, which was a pivotal component of MILAN 2024, proved to be a convergence of global maritime excellence.
- The seminar served as a platform for collaboration, synergy, and growth among nations across the oceans.
- Themed “Partners across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy, Growth,” the seminar featured an illuminating array of presentations and discussions.
History:
- The Flagship event, MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise, which was incepted by the Indian Navy in 1995.
- Originally conceived in consonance with India’s ‘Look East Policy, MILAN expanded in ensuing years with the Govt of lndia’s ‘Act East policy’ and PM Narendra Modi’s Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative, to include participation from other Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
- The exercise brings together like-minded nations that train and operate jointly towards establishing the regional synergy needed to achieve the shared objective of peace and prosperity.
- ‘MILAN’ means ‘a meeting of confluence and its motto – ‘Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration’ symbolises the enduring spirit of international maritime cooperation.
- MILAN 2022 was conducted at/off Visakhapatnam from 25 Feb – 04 Mar 22 and witnessed participation from 39 countries.