Daily Current Affairs : 19-August-2023
The Indian Navy, with its ever-expanding responsibilities in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests, has taken another significant stride towards self-reliance and operational efficiency. Yard 76, also known as LSAM 8 (Missile Cum Ammunition Barge), stands as a testament to India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Delivered at Guttenadeevi, Andhra Pradesh, Yard 76 is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the Indian Navy’s capabilities. This essay delves into the significance of Yard 76, its indigenous roots, operational features, and its potential impact on the Indian Navy’s mission.
The ‘Make in India’ Endeavor
The development of the Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Yard 76, is a compelling example of India’s commitment to bolstering its defense manufacturing capabilities. This endeavor is not only aligned with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision but also resonates with the broader ‘Make in India’ campaign. The key aspects of this effort include:
- Boosting Local Manufacturing: Yard 76 embodies the government’s intent to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and harness domestic talent and resources. By sourcing major and auxiliary equipment and systems from indigenous manufacturers, it ensures that critical components are made in India.
- Self-Reliance in Defense: Self-reliance in defense production is vital for national security. Yard 76 represents a substantial step towards achieving this self-reliance by reducing vulnerabilities associated with imports of crucial defense assets.
Operational Significance
Yard 76 is more than just a vessel; it is a strategic asset that is designed to serve the Indian Navy for the next 30 years. Its operational significance is multi-faceted:
- Adaptation to Indian Conditions: These MCA Berges are custom-built to endure the challenging Indian tropical environment conditions. This ensures that they remain operational and effective, even in the harshest of weather conditions.
- Enhanced Naval Logistics: Yard 76’s primary mission is to facilitate the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to Indian Navy ships. This capability is invaluable for the Navy’s logistical needs, allowing it to efficiently supply its vessels both alongside jetties and at outer harbors.
- Operational Commitments: With India’s expanding maritime commitments, Yard 76 is a welcome addition that supports the Navy’s ability to meet its operational commitments effectively. Whether it’s humanitarian missions, patrolling, or strategic deterrence, the barge plays a pivotal role.
Impact on Indian Navy
The delivery of Yard 76 brings several tangible benefits to the Indian Navy:
- Operational Flexibility: With Yard 76 in service, the Navy gains a versatile asset that can swiftly respond to emerging needs. It streamlines the process of replenishing naval vessels, ensuring they are always ready for action.
- Cost-Efficiency: By relying on domestic manufacturers and technology, the Navy stands to reduce long-term maintenance and operational costs. This fiscal prudence aligns with broader national economic goals.
- Strategic Autonomy: The self-reliance achieved through Yard 76 contributes to India’s strategic autonomy. It minimizes the Navy’s vulnerability to geopolitical fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
Important Points:
- Yard 76, also known as LSAM 8, is a Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge delivered to the Indian Navy in Guttenadeevi, Andhra Pradesh.
- It represents India’s commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ by sourcing major equipment from indigenous manufacturers.
- Yard 76 has a service life of 30 years and is designed to operate in the challenging Indian tropical environment conditions.
- Its primary role is to facilitate the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to Indian Navy ships, both alongside jetties and at outer harbors.
- The ‘Make in India’ endeavor behind Yard 76 aims to boost local manufacturing and enhance self-reliance in defense production.
- Yard 76’s adaptability to Indian conditions ensures it remains operational and effective in harsh weather conditions.
- It enhances the Indian Navy’s logistical capabilities, making the supply of naval vessels more efficient.
- Yard 76 supports the Navy in meeting its operational commitments effectively, including humanitarian missions, patrolling, and strategic deterrence.
- The barge contributes to cost-efficiency by relying on domestic manufacturers and technology, reducing long-term maintenance and operational costs.
- It promotes strategic autonomy by minimizing the Navy’s vulnerability to geopolitical fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
- Overall, Yard 76 stands as a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s future operations, ensuring the nation’s maritime interests are protected efficiently for decades to come.
Why In News
Yard 76 (LSAM 8), the second Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, was successfully delivered to the Indian Navy in Guttenadeevi, Andhra Pradesh, equipped with a full suite of major and auxiliary systems, all proudly sourced from domestic manufacturers.
MCQs about Yard 76
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What initiatives does Yard 76 align with in India’s defense sector?
A. ‘Space Force’ and ‘Digital India’
B. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’
C. ‘Green Energy’ and ‘Clean India’
D. ‘Startup India’ and ‘Smart Cities’
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What is the expected service life of Yard 76 (LSAM 8)?
A. 5 years
B. 15 years
C. 30 years
D. 50 years
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How does Yard 76 contribute to cost-efficiency in the Indian Navy?
A. By reducing fuel consumption
B. By outsourcing equipment from foreign manufacturers
C. By relying on domestic manufacturers and technology
D. By increasing the number of naval personnel
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