The year that is for Indian Defence
S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs037Â
The 2019 has been a year of achievements for Indian defence sector. Infodea wishes to recollect them at a time when the present year is about to end in a few days from now. In the first of first, Government approved to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a service chief.
The CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary. After formation of CDS, all the three forces will get effective leadership at the top level.
The brave legacy of our soldiers got a big salute when a National War Memorial was dedicated to the nation at a solemn ceremony this year. The memorial has been erected on February 25 in the memory of those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation after India became independent in 1947.
Our might on the defence front was made known to the globe when our soldiers attacked the biggest camp of Jais-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Balakot in Pakistan. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) had its day in October this year when Rafale fighter jet handing over ceremony was conducted. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took part in it. This will augment the capacity of IAF. The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft will make India stronger and give a boost to its air dominance to ensure peace and security in the region.
The moment turned colourful when IAF received surface-to-air missile from Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Bharat Dynamics Limited premises in Hyderabad. This marked the golden jubilee of the Defence public sector company.
On the army front, the notable achievement was successful summer trials of third generation of anti-tank guided missile NAG at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges. The trials of DRDO developed missile were conducted in July this year. NAG missile has been developed to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in all weather conditions with day and night capabilities and with a minimum range of 500 metres and maximum range of four kilometres.
The 14th edition of bilateral annual military exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIV between Indian and Nepal Army was held in December at Nepal Army Battle School (NABS), Salijhandi, Rupendehi district of Nepal.
On the Indian Navy front, memorable movement was commissioning of the second submarine of Scorpeone Class, INS Khanderi and Aircraft Carrier Dock by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on September this year. The first two aircraft of the 12 new Dornier contract were formally inducted into the Indian Navy at HAL, Kanpur on January 28.
Equipped and fitted with latest sensors, these aircraft will boost the surveillance effort towards security of maritime areas of the nation. This year was a bright one for Indian Air Force also. IAF integrated BrahMos Air to Surface Missile on Su-30MKI aircraft. The successful integration of BrahMos will enhance the strategic significance and combat potential of the aircraft.