Defence & Security Current Affairs October 2015 (Part 1)

 ‘INS-Kochi’ Commissioned into Indian Navy

• Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has commissioned INS-Kochi, a Kolkata-class Guided Missile Destroyer in Indian Navy’s contingent on September 29, 2015. With this, India can showcase its indigenous efforts in the field of underwater warfare.

• It is the second ship of the three ships Kolkata-class Guided Missile Destroyer. Earlier in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had commissioned ‘INS-Kolkata’. The third and last ship of Kolkata-class Guided Missile Destroyer ‘INS-Chennai’ is expected to induct Indian Navy in 2016.
• The ship spanned over 164 m in length and 17 m at the bean. It weighs over 7500 tonnes. It is propelled by 4 gas turbines and the engine is designed to achieve maximum speeds in excess of 30 knots. It is also equipped to operate 2 Sea King or Chetak helicopters.

• The ship derived its name from the port city of Kochi (Kerala) which had distinct maritime character and culture and symbolises the special bond between the Indian Navy. It has been built at Mazagaon Docks (MDL), Mumbai and it is the 10th destroyer in India’s combat fleet.

Read Also – Smart Practice Current Affairs September 2015 [Part 2].

India and Sri Lanka Joint Exercise ‘MITRA SHAKTI 2015’

• In continuation with the series of Joint Exercise between India and Sri Lanka, Exercise ‘MITRA SHAKTI-2015’ conducted at Pune with the scheduled arrival of the Sri Lankan contingent at Aundh Camp on September 29, 2015. The Final Tactical Exercise scheduled to be held at Aundh Military Station on October 10 and 11, 2015.
• This is the third joint training exercise between the two Armies. The aim of the joint training is to share the best military practices, and promoting healthy military to military relations between the two Armies and developing joint strategies by sharing expertise of conducting operations.
• The exercise is planned for a duration of 14 days with the basic objective of enhancing confidence and trust between the two militaries, which are often called upon to engage in anti terrorism operations including those under the UN mandate.

‘INS-Vajrakosh’ Commissioned at Karwar

• The Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, commissioned Indian Naval Station (INS) ‘Vajrakosh’ at the third naval establishment Karwar, Karnataka on September 9, 2015. The commissioning will allow the Indian Navy to further bolster the offensive and defensive capabilities of its platforms.
• INS-Vajrakosh was made as the 2nd phase of Project seabird, which was initiated by the union government in 1985. INS-Kadamba had been the first phase commissioned earlier. Along with INS-Kadamba 20 km away, INS-Vajrakosh is currently the world’s largest naval base East of the suez canal. INS-Vajrakosh spread out over 1000 acres.
• It will be the biggest missiles, ammunition and spares dump on the Western sea Board. It’ll be base that will equip all warships and airplanes. INS-Vajrakosh has some of the most important naval assets already in service or being inducted.

Union Government Cleared over $ 2.5 Billion Deal with USA Aviation

• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a multi-billion dollar deal for 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers with American aviation giant Boeing on September 22, 2015.
• The deal, valued to be over $ 2.5 billion pending since 2013 following finalisation of cost negotiations, to be signed during the visit of US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter in June, 2015. Now, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the USA, it is cleared.
• The 22 Apache AH 64D Longbow helicopters are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, featuring all-weather and night fighting features, ability to track upto 128 targets in less than a minute and engage with 16, besides stealth characteristics, advanced sensors and beyond visual range missiles.

Visit Current-Affairs.org for latest current affairs, previous year question papers, free online quiz for SSC and others, Study material and lot more.