Defence Scan by Air Mshl PK Roy (Retd)

 

 

On June 15, 2019, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Air Staff reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal. President’s Commission was awarded to 152 cadets. In his address to the graduating course the Air Chief complimented the cadets on their exceptional drill standards and impeccable turn out. He congratulated the officers from friendly foreign countries and those from sister Services for the successful completion of their training.

 

 

 

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff, and the GOC-in-Cs and complimented Indian Army for ensuring the highest level of professionalism, the continuous readiness against external and internal challenges and their role in Nation building. He added that “it is a matter of great pride that Indian Army is ready for full spectrum of challenges and it will be ensured that their capabilities keep getting continuously enhanced. Jointmanship of the Indian Armed Forces will be a key area and due endeavours towards the same will be ensured. Ministry of Defence will remain fully committed to speedily enhance the capabilities of Indian Armed Forces.

 

 

On June 13, 2019, the Safety Director of the British Royal Navy Commodore Stuart Henderson, along with a three-member delegation, paid a two-day visit to SNC. The delegation called on Rear Admiral RJ Nadkarni, Chief of Staff, SNC and other officials and held discussions on matters of mutual interest including matters pertaining to safe operations at sea and in shore units.

 

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, today announced the restoration of the ‘ration in kind’ for the officers of the three-Armed Forces posted in peace areas. Now all officers of the Armed Forces including those in peace stations will be getting ration.

 

 

Raksha Mantri met the official of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) and reviewed its working including the welfare schemes being extended to the ex-servicemen, widows and dependents. He has constituted a committee to work out the modalities and methodology of the implementation of next revision of pension under OROP.

 

 

ICG co-hosted the 12th Capacity Building workshop with Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre on June 19 and 20, 2019. A total of 31 International delegates from 19 countries along with officials from national stakeholders like major ports, state maritime boards, state marine police, Directorate General of Shipping and Indian National Ship-Owners Association participated in the workshop. The main objective of this workshop is to share updated situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia and best practices of Asian countries.

 

 

Raksha Mantri reviewed the progress of research and development activities of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Headquarters. The presentation by Chairman DRDO covered recent achievements, details of major ongoing projects and the roadmap of DRDO. It also apprised the RM about the DRDO developed cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies and systems accepted by the Armed Forces and those under development. The RM appreciated the commitment and dedication of DRDO scientists.

 

 

The year 2019, marks the 20th anniversary of victory in ‘Operation VIJAY’—the ‘Kargil War’. The Kargil War is a saga of strong political, military and diplomatic actions. This year, the victory is being celebrated with the theme ‘Remember, Rejoice and Renew’—We ‘remember’ our martyrs, by revisiting the sacrifices and instilling pride and respect among us, we ‘rejoice’ by celebrating the victory in Kargil and we ‘renew’ our resolve to safeguard the honour of the Tricolour. The celebrations spread over three days from July 25 to 27, 2019, will be organised at Dras and New Delhi. A ‘Wreath Memorial Ceremony’ will be organised at the ‘Kargil War Memorial’ in Dras to honour the brave—hearts who laid down their lives during the ‘Operation VIJAY. The celebrations in the National Capital will begin on July 14, 2019, with the illumination of a Victory Flame from the National War Memorial, New Delhi.

 

A 160–member delegation of Sri Lankan Armed Forces, led by Colonel WDM Kumarasinghe, visited Officer’s Training Institute (OTA) from June 15 to 18, 2019. During the visit to Gaya, the delegation visited places of religious interest at Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda. The delegation also met the Commandant of OTA Lieutenant General Sunil Srivastava and discussed issues related to training at OTA. Sri Lankan cadets are undergoing training at OTA since its establishment at Gaya.