India is on the verge of historic defence export dealings to supply its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems to Vietnam and Indonesia, and the deals are estimated at close to 450 million dollars. These future deals signify a major expansion of Indian defence diplomacy and export presence in Southeast Asia as both countries aim to gain sophisticated coastal and maritime strike capabilities amidst the problems of regional security. The BrahMos, which is a joint venture between India and Russia, has formal no-objection clearances, and without these clearances, export contracts cannot be finalised, and diplomatic talks have been documented as obtaining the agreement of Moscow to do so. These transactions would be after the first export by India to the Philippines, which would enhance its position as a world defence provider.

BrahMos Exports to Vietnam & Indonesia Cleared by Russia

• The BrahMos missile export to Vietnam and Indonesia is in the pipeline of being completed by India.

• The overall deals are approximately 450 million.

• Russia has granted the export since BrahMos is a project between India and Russia.

• The deals strengthen the defence relations of India in the South east Asia.

• Enhances regional security and strategic relations.

History of BrahMos Missile

• BrahMos Aerospace was established in 1998 as a joint venture of India and Russia in DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyenia to produce a supersonic cruise missile.

• The missile derives its name from a combination of the names of the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.

• Its first successful launch took place in Chandipur, Odisha, in 2001.

• The Indian Navy had first in 2005, then the Army and Air Force.

• BrahMos is now a multi-purpose (supersonic) precision strike system deployed on land, sea, and air.

Most Important Questions Asked on BrahMos Missile

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Conclusion (BrahMos Missile)

The BrahMos anti-missile system is an example of the technological capability and effective Indo-Russian cooperation in the field of defence technology of India. Its supersonic power, accuracy, and flexibility on land, sea, air, and underwater platforms thrust it as an effective strategic weapon. BrahMos also builds the defence strength of India, improves the regional security, and aids in the export of defence, which improves India's global reputation.

Japan is taking steps to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest nuclear power plant, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima incident. The Niigata Prefectural Assembly has passed the local consent procedure, and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) can proceed with plans to restart Units 6 and 7 after completing a safety inspection and obtaining other relevant approvals. This announcement will be a significant step in Japanese energy policy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, boost energy security, and increase the share of nuclear in the electrical grid. Operations are anticipated to commence as early as 2026.

Why Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant Shutdown?

• The 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan, halted nuclear operations around the country to review its safety, which led to the closure of the plant.

• Tighter post-Fukushima safety measures necessitated massive improvements and inspections that stalled restart arrangements.

• Security breaches, such as flaws in anti-terror and access control systems, led the regulating bodies to shut down operations.

• The approval of the restart was based on local government and popular approval, which extended the shutdown.

• Long-term lack of action was caused by strong public opposition and safety concerns regarding nuclear power.

Previous Year Question Based on Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant

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Conclusion (Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant)

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant accident was restarted, which indicates that Japan started paying closer attention to energy security and reliance on fossil fuel imports. The relocation is expected to be more environmentally friendly by balancing the requirement of clean energies with the safety concerns of the people following Fukushima, due to increased safety measures and regulatory measures.

The Anjadip, an indigenous-designed and constructed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) by the Indian Navy, has been a milestone in the modernisation of the navy and the manufacturing of defence-related items in India. The third vessel of such a series under production was Anjadip, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in collaboration with L&T Shipyard, and was delivered at Chennai Port Trust. These high-tech shallow water vessels will help the Navy to detect and counter underwater threats off the coast to support the anti-submarine, surveillance, and mine-laying missions and promote the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat of the government's indigenous defence capability.

Significance of Anjadip Indigenous Anti-Submarine

• The third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) commissioned in the Indian Navy is called Anjadip and was commissioned to enhance coast defence.

• It is native-designed and constructed as the ASW SWC Project, which augments the shallow-water anti-submarine power of India.

• It is a successful experience of collaboration between the public and the private since it was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in conjunction with L&T Shipyard.

• The ship is armed with anti-submarine equipment, coastal patrol, mine laying, and low-intensity maritime operations.

• It is more than 80 percent indigenous and thus is compatible with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat concept.

• The project facilitates Make in India and the modernisation of the Navy's littoral warfare fleet.

Recently Asked Questions (PYQs)

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Conclusion (Anjadip Indigenous Anti-Submarine)

Anjadip is an important achievement point to enhance the anti-submarine strength of the coasts and shallow waters of India. Being an indigenously developed platform, it improves maritime security and helps in updating the fleet as well as in strengthening other national programs such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in the defence industry.