The Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview is a profound exploration of a candidate’s personality, drawing extensively from their life experiences. It’s often said that the SSB is a microcosm of life itself. Essentially, what you exhibit in the SSB is a reflection of who you are in your daily life.
Frequently, the challenge isn’t the absence of requisite qualities in a candidate, but rather a lack of awareness and the inability to effectively demonstrate these qualities during the assessment. To bridge this gap, candidates should focus on enhancing their ability to showcase these qualities in the SSB. Here are 10 strategies to help you develop yourself for your next SSB Interview:
Enhance Your Social Skills: Social Adaptability is a key trait sought in candidates. This quality, crucial for officer-like attributes, cannot be instilled through training alone. Begin by actively improving your social skills.
Keep a Journal: Regular journaling aids in self-reflection. Document your thoughts, goals, emotions, and progress. This practice is invaluable for personal growth and self-awareness.
Conduct a Thorough SWOT Analysis: SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This analysis is a detailed process, potentially taking weeks or months, but it’s crucial for uncovering your latent strengths and weaknesses.
Utilize the Johari Window Technique: This model involves four quadrants that help you understand your known and unknown qualities. Seek feedback from others, a critical step for the Self Description Test in SSB.
Fuel Your Passion: Your enthusiasm for the role and the forces you aspire to join is vital. Embrace your passion, learn from any setbacks, and persistently strive for excellence.
Improve Communication and Listening Skills: Despite any suggestions to the contrary, proficiency in English is important. Enhance your language skills through reading and practice. Equally, develop your listening skills, as they are essential for understanding and responding effectively.
Embrace Mistakes and Cultivate Confidence: View mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth. Adopting a positive outlook and confidently acknowledging errors is key to personal development.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: True growth occurs when you push beyond your comfort boundaries. Challenge yourself with new routines and experiences, whether it’s rising early or adopting new habits.
Visualize Your Ideal Self: Picture the best version of yourself and use this image as your inspiration. Whether it’s about discipline, helping others, or personal habits, let this ideal guide your transformation.
Maintain a Positive Outlook and Avoid Overthinking: The choice between success and failure often lies in your mindset. Focus on positivity and steer clear of overthinking, which can hinder progress. Believe in your capabilities and pursue your goals.
In Conclusion:
These strategies offer a starting point for self-improvement. However, the most significant growth must come from within. Trust in your abilities and be open to the journey of self-enhancement. Remember, the journey to becoming the best version of yourself is continuous and self-driven.
In this weekly digest, we cover 9 important topics in the Indian defence from 22 – 28 July 2018.
Indian Air Force Participates in ‘Pitch Black’ for the first time:
It is for the first time that an IAF contingent is participating in a multinational air exercise in Australia with Royal Australian Air Force. This exercise involves over 100 aircraft from around the globe and will provide a unique opportunity to the air-warriors to operate in a dynamic warlike environment. The IAF aircraft in the exercise include – 4 Su-30 MKI, 1 C-130 Super Hercules and 1 C-17 Globemaster. After the success of Exercise Gaganshakti-2018, the IAF in Exercise Pitch Black-18 in Australia will once again showcase its capability to be an effective net security provider in the region.
IAF Su-30 Pilots in Ex-Pitch Black 2018
Air Defence India – 2018 Inaugurated:
Junior Defence Minister Dr Subhash Bhamre inaugurated a 2-day Air Defence India – 2018 Seminar & Exhibition on 26 July. It was organised by Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Subhash Ramrao Bhamre addressing the inaugural function of Air Defence India 2018
After its bifurcation from the artillery corps in 1994, the Corps of Army Air Defence has received the importance it deserves to grow and add the much-required punch. The term ‘Air Defence’ implies defence operations but it is an important operational function which helps our Strike Corps to be offensive and the Air Force to act with impunity.
Kargil Vijay Diwas observed on 26 July:
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas-2018 homage to the courage, valour, and sacrifices of the heroes of Operation Vijay at Amar Jawan Jyoti was paid by the defence minister and the service chiefs. Operation Vijay was fought between May and July 1999, in the most inhospitable and rugged terrain along the Line of Control (LoC).
Smt Nirmala Sitharaman along with three Service Chiefs paid their homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti
The Pakistani troops infiltrated and occupied vacated dominating heights across the LoC overlooking and threatening National Highway beside violating the territorial integrity of the Nation.
Indian Army soldiers, displaying utmost fortitude and resilience, fought legendary battles in Dras, Kaksar, Batalik and Turtok sectors at heights above 12,000 feet and evicted Pakistani intruders. Indian Air Force also contributed significantly and supported the Army operations.
168 contracts signed by Defence Ministry in the last 3½ years:
During the last three years and current year (up to June 2018) a total of 168 contracts have been signed with vendors for procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces such as Helicopters, Radar, Ballistic Helmets, Artillery Guns, Simulators, Missiles, Bullet Proof Jackets, Electronic Fuzes, and ammunition. 106 of these contracts are with Indian vendors.
This gives a boost to ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India, by promoting indigenous design, development and manufacturing of defence equipment, platforms, systems and sub-systems.
Shekhatkar Committee recommendations taken up by the government:
The Shekatkar Committee submitted its report in December 2016 and key action points and roadmap for implementation was taken up with the MoD. The measures taken up for implementation include:
Shekatkar Committee submitting its report
Optimization of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support Signal Regiments, Air Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of Corps Operating and Engineering Signal Regiments.
Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops and Static / Station Workshops in the field Army.
Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central Ordnance Depots apart from streamlining inventory control mechanisms.
Better utilization of Supply and Transportation echelons and Animal Transport Units.
Closure of Military Farms and Army Postal Establishments in peace locations.
Enhancement of standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army.
Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps.
Seemingly low defence budget allocation is actually increasing:
Defence Budget as a %age of GDP may appear to be decreasing due to increasing trend in the growth of GDP. However, it is increasing in absolute terms, implying higher spending.
The allocated budgetary resources are optimally utilized towards meeting the operational requirements of the Armed Forces. Depending upon the allocated resources schemes are also reprioritized to ensure that urgent and critical capabilities are acquired without compromise of operational preparedness.
Strategic roads identified on North-Western and North-Eastern Borders:
The Government has identified 73 roads as strategic roads. Out of 73 roads, 61 roads covering 3417.50 km are entrusted to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for maintenance and construction.
Clarification on Ban on Employment for retired officers:
While there is no ban on re-employment of retired Armed Forces officials in companies dealing in the defence sector, officers of the rank of Colonel or equivalent and above, who retire with pension, gratuity or other benefits are, required to obtain prior permission of the Government for accepting any commercial employment within a period of one year of the retirement. There are conditions that stipulate that they should not have dealt with sensitive projects or the company which they wish to join.
Special Uniforms for soldiers:
The Government is undertaking procurement of necessary protective equipment/clothing for soldiers. During 2016-17, 50,000 Bullet Proof Jackets and 1,58,279 Ballistic Helmets had been procured for Indian Army through Revenue route.
Bullet-proof jackets
Upgradation and provision of an improved version of special uniforms is a continuous process for which necessary steps are taken regularly.
Join Indian Navy Executive and Technical Branch June 2019 Course. Applications are invited from unmarried eligible male/female candidates for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) in Technical Branch (Naval Architecture) & Executive Branch [Naval Armament Inspectorate Cadre (NAIC)] and from unmarried eligible male candidates for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) in Executive Branch viz. General Service/Hydro and Technical Branch (General Service) in the Indian Navy for Jun 19 Course conducted at Indian Naval Academy (INA) Ezhimala, Kerala. Candidates must fulfill conditions of nationality as laid down by the Government of India.
Eligibility Conditions
Age: Born between 02 Jul 1994 & 01 Jan 2000 (both dates inclusive).
Educational Qualifications: Candidates who have passed Engineering Degree or are in the final year of Engineering course in any of the undermentioned disciplines from an AICTE recognised educational institute with 60% marks till 5th/7th semester in regular/integrated course respectively.
Call up for SSB Candidates will be issued Call Up for Service Selection Board (SSB) interview based on their academic performance till 5th/7th semester for all eligible regular/integrated course respectively.
Minimum %age on Joining INA The candidates will, however be required to pass final examination (BE/B Tech) with minimum 60% before joining INA. The candidates failing to meet minimum cut off %age will not be permitted to join INA Ezhimala.
Indian Navy Executive and Technical Branch June 2019 Course
Events
Date
Indian Navy Notification Date
04 August 2018
Indian Navy Last Date
24 August 2018
Indian Navy Cut Off
60%
Indian Navy SSB Date
Nov 2018 – Mar 2019
Indian Navy Merit List
May 2019
Note: – (i) Only one application is to be filled by a candidate. (ii) Candidates who are eligible for more than one Branch/Cadre should mention their preference in the application. (iii) Candidates will be shortlisted for SSB based on their first preference. (iv) However, if not shortlisted for the first preference you may be considered for alternate Branch/Cadre subject to availability of spare slots in SSB batches of that Branch/Cadre. (v) Once shortlisted for a Branch/Cadre, subsequent stages of selection process (SSB, medicals & meriting) will be exclusively for that Branch/Cadre only. (vi) Candidates for Technical Branch mentioned above at Ser. No. 3(a)(iii) & 3(a) (iv) can also be allotted Air Technical Specialization/appointed as Air Technical Officer by IHQ MoD (Navy). (vii) No equivalent stream of BE/ B.Tech other than that mentioned in para 3 above will be considered valid for selection process at any stage.
Selection Procedure The selection procedure is as follows:-
(a) IHQ of MoD reserves the right to shortlist applications and to fix cut off percentage without assigning any reason. No communication will be entertained on this account. SSB interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled at Bangalore/Bhopal/Coimbatore/Visakhapatnam/ Kolkata during Nov 18 – Mar 19. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about their selection for SSB interview on their e-mail or through SMS (provided by candidates in their application form).
(b) A choice of date for appearing in SSB will be indicated in the application dashboard on www.joinindiannavy.gov.in for shortlisted candidates. Candidate is to choose suitable date and submit the same.
(c) SSB interview will be conducted in two Stages. Stage I test consisting of Intelligence Test, Picture Perception and Discussion test will be conducted on the first day of arrival at SSB. Candidates who fail to qualify in Stage I will be routed back on the same day. Stage II tests comprising of Psychological testing, Group testing and Interview will last for 04 days. Successful candidates will thereafter undergo Medical Examination (approx duration 03-05 days).
(d) Candidates recommended by the SSB and declared medically fit will be appointed for training as per all India merit of SSB marks depending on the number of vacancies.
(e) Change of SSB Centre for interview is not permissible under any circumstance.
(f) Any correspondence regarding change of SSB dates be addressed to the call up officer of the SSB on receipt of call up letter. Candidates are to download the call up letter on receiving intimation from IHQ MoD (N) at SMS/email (provided by candidate in their application).
(g) No compensation will be paid in respect of any injury sustained as a result of tests during SSB interviews.
(h) AC 3 tier rail fare is admissible for the SSB interview, if appearing for the first time for that type of commission. Candidates will carry photocopy of the first page of pass book or cheque leaf where the name, A/C No. & IFSC details are mentioned, while appearing for SSB.
How to Apply: Candidates are to register and fill application on recruitment website www.joinindiannavy.gov.in. The candidates are to apply from 04 Aug 18 to 24 Aug 18.
Online (e-application): Whilst filling up the e-application, it is advisable to keep the relevant documents readily available to enable the following:-
Correct filling up of personal particulars. Details are to be filled up as given in the Matriculation Certificate.
Fields such as e-mail address, mobile number are mandatory fields and need to be filled.
All relevant documents (preferably in original), marks sheets upto 5th & 7th semester for regular and integrated courses respectively, date of birth proof (as per 10th & 12th certificate), CGPA conversion formula for BE/B.Tech and a recent passport size colour photograph should be scanned in original JPG/FITT format, for attaching the same while filling up the application.
If any scanned document is not legible/readable for any reason the application will be rejected. Candidates are to take print out of application and carry it while appearing for SSB interview.
There have been times when in the Personal Interview we were asked questions that we handled amazingly. In this article, we bring you 20 such questions and answers to them. Please do not take this as a reference to answer these in the actual SSB as the answers differ from person to person.
What are your future career options?
(This is not the same as alternate career options) Sir I want to be a part of the Indian Army. If I couldn’t make it, I will be trying for Air Force and the Navy.
Talk to me about your parents? What do you think of them?
I think of them as people who gave birth to me and I owe my life to them, literally.
I mean, whom do you share your problems with?
I share it with the relevant people. For e.g. College and studies related problems, I share with my college friends, personal problems with parents and so on.
What will you do if I run away with your sister?
Then I’ll have someone qualified for guiding me through SSB procedure. I’ll clarify all my SSB related doubts.
What if one morning you woke up & found that you were pregnant?
I’ll be happy about it and celebrate with my husband and family.
Why have you only applied for army? Don’t you like Navy or Air Force?
Sir, it doesn’t matter where I get selected, but the passion for defence will be there in me and I will try for Air Force and Navy too.
Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend?
No/Yes, depending on you.
Why don’t you have a girlfriend? Are you a gay?
I do support LGBTQ for equal rights but I am not gay.
Why should I recommend you?
Because you will not find anyone better than me.
Why do you want to leave your current job for the army?
I don’t want to leave my current job. The only reason I’ll be leaving is when I am selected in the forces.
A military trainer’s main function is to make a soldier out of you because you are being prepared for combat. In this is training, death only happens by accident while fear and pain, are dished out totally. Not only does the training break you mentally, but also makes you more strong.
Here are some insane army training regimen from around the world that is designed to break even the toughest of soldiers:
“Hell Week” – Indian Special Forces
As a part of their probation, the selected SF soldiers of India are made to go sleepless for an entire week and are allowed only limited rest each day. And along with this, they have to run, jog, crawl, prepare meals and do everything.
Indian PARA SF
Passing live grenade – China
The People’s Liberation Army of China passes a live grenade with the pin pulled out before the last person throws it in a hole for a contained explosion wherein they have to cover themselves to save from the debris. It does not only instill discipline but also makes the person more careful and attentive while dealing with live ammunition.
Chinese Soldiers Playing Hot Potato With Live Grenade
While most of the military training around the world only last for 1 year or 2, India’s National Defence Academy takes in young blood – straight out of teenage to train them for 3 whole years and prepare them for the pre-commission training academy where they train for another year. So, 4 whole years of their lives, they will be spend in military training.
NDA Passed Out Cadets
Taking a live bullet – Russia
The Russian specialized confidence training requires a soldier to take a bullet. While they do wear bulletproof vests, some of them get injured. This training teaches the soldier to quickly react with a counter fire despite of taking a hit.
RUSSIAN SPETSNAZ
64 km in 20 hours – United Kingdom
As a part of selection/probation for UKs Special Air Services, the recruits are sent to an unknown location and are told to cover in 64 km in 20 hours while carrying a 30 kg weight, with just a water bottle. On their way, the police and armed services attempt to capture and disqualify them.
UKs Special Air Services Required 64 km Run in 20 Hours
Shirtless snow fights – South Korea
Most soldiers run, play sports and do all sorts of activities to stay fit and acclimatize themselves to a new posting. But imagine going shirtless in a cold place like Leh and doing all these activities. Soldiers of South Korea and China are made to go shirtless in temperatures as low as -30 degrees wherein they play, fight and run.
South Korean Soldiers Playing Shirtless in Snow
So, what according to you was the most insane military training regimen? Do you know about something that is more grueling than this? Let us know in the comments below.
The following letter was sent to SSBCrack by the female defense aspirants who were recommended but got merit out several times.
On one hand, the entire nation is talking about women empowerment, upliftment of the societal plight of a woman, so that she sees herself at par with her male counterparts, but on a contrary, we would like to bring your kind notice, the almost negligible number of vacancies for women in the Indian Armed Force. We, a group of candidates are writing to you with the hope that you will help us in highlighting the discrimination. Every year 200 seats are declared for IMA and 175 seats for OTA for male candidates through Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS). Whereas we female candidates get only 11 seats to pave our ways. This is not even 10% of total seats. Through CDS 1/2017 only 124 seats are filled out of 150 of IMA, 26 seats are still vacant. Same is the case with OTA, only 181 seats are filled out of 225, 44 seats are still vacant. Whereas 51 girls got recommended to join by the Service Selection Boards (SSB) but only 11 were lucky enough to get through. We feel extremely dejected at the fate of the other 40, who clearly suffered at the hands of their gender.
There are many countries across the world that lay mandate on women serving in their respective Armed Forces, so there is an obvious denial to the so-called biological reasons that are forcefully slapped across our face, whenever we seek an explanation for this prejudice inflicted on us. The actual reasons are never thrown light upon. It is nothing but, the appalling reality, of lack of infrastructure, to train the women, that compels us to hang our heads in shame. The shocking data shared above pertains to only non-technical entries into the Indian Army. The biased nature of the system shows no mercy towards the female candidates in other entries like technical, NCC and JAG, either. Few facts and statistics will pinpoint the exact issue and will make things go smoothly for further consideration. We, hereby, present a few very recent of them with apt details.
Indian Army 2018 Courses Merit Details
Indian Army 2017 Courses Merit Details
Indian Army 2017 Courses Merit Details
Indian Airforce Courses Merit Details
Similar is the scenario in the INDIAN NAVY. We girls toil hard day in and day out, leaving behind all the mental, physical, emotional restraints that any defence aspirant has to go through, only to find the wings to our aspirations left chopped after the announcement of any merit. In fact, to an utter dismay, not less than hundreds of seats alloted for the male candidates, go waste due to a very low recommendation rate of the male candidates. Our question to the concerned authorities is why these vacant seats of male candidates can’t be allotted to us? Why can’t we have a combined merit list? We wrote letters to the PM and the Defence Minister, but didn’t get any reply. Nevertheless, we would not stop trying to make ourselves heard. This letter is not like any other ordinary letter. It has been written with a blend of both facts and emotions after a thorough discussion and a detailed study. Before starting with what this letter contains, I would like to draw your attention to the following two facts. 1) The released manifesto of the current Government during 16th Lok Sabha elections, preached ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas’ which is inclusive of the empowerment of women. 2) We get to hear that common people get to directly contact the Government to address their issues and the Government does respond to their grievances. On the lines of both these facts, we too want to express our concern directly to the highest authorities as I believe that the honorable Government of my nation listens to its each citizen. As we voice our concern on behalf of a section of society, a section so small that hardly anyone notices the injustice being done to it, but sir, the dream of this section stands par with the biggest dreams of any other section of society and that is joining the Indian Armed forces. The section we are talking about is that of the ‘FEMALE DEFENCE ASPIRANTS’. Defence Forces are one of the elite services of Government of India. Ever since the induction of women started into the forces, many girls have lived their dream of becoming an officer in the forces. But with the advancements and opportunities, there lies a lack of equality in terms of the number of vacancies. Every year a large number of girls apply for Defence Forces through the available entries but only a mere percentage gets merit in. All candidates, irrespective of the gender reach till the merit after clearing the written exam(some entries are direct also) then, a five day SSB procedure and subsequently the medicals, but for most woman candidates it is just to reach a fate where they are declared as merit out candidates. There are rare chances of boys getting merit out because of two reasons- 1) More number of entries 2) fairly large number of vacancies per entry. We take Combined Defence Services Exam after graduation as part of non tech entry and we cover the same syllabus (except mathematics, which is not required for OTA) and put same amount of effort and all we get is one choice that is Officer Training Academy. We would like to draw attention to the fact that every year, so many seats are left vacant which are declared for boys because of less no. of them getting recommended. These seats could be allotted to potential female candidates who miss to be a part of the merit because of very less vacancies. To make this more understandable, the number of vacancies declared for boys in the following three elite training institutes almost a total of 2850.
Just the data from only three academies and the number goes to nearly three thousand. Whereas, for women candidatesit is a small number of 50 only. Not even 2% of the male’s vacancies from three academies. But the more disheartening reality is that out of all the seats which are declared for boys per year, just 50-60% get fulfilled. The central issue of our concern is not that the seats for men are more but the fact that for women it is too less. When IBN Live released a news report on one of Rajya Sabha sessions where honorable Defence Minister quoted that, ‘ There is a shortage of officers in Defence Forces. There is a shortage of 9, 106 officers in Indian Army and Indian Navy faces a shortage of 1467 officers’. If there is a shortage of officers in Indian Army then why girls are facing a merit out after getting recommended and being declared physically and medically fit. The idea of an Officer is extremely gendered and it’s high time to break grounds and stereotypes.
In IMA there were 150 vacancies through 1/2017 CDS out of which only 124 were filled. It is evident that many seats go vacant as there is a shortage of potential male candidates. Now let’s consider the case of Merit Out girls candidates in 1/2017 CDS entry – 40, Technical entry – 16, NCC entry- 30, JAG Entry – 24. A total of 110 girls could not join academy and the reason is quoted above.
The SSB declared them recommended along with the medical board declaring them fit for forces. Then why merit out? It’s because of lack of infrastructure to train them which is surely not a step towards development and empowerment.
The shortage of officers in Indian Army is not due to lack of deserving candidates but because of lack of infrastructure in terms of academies to train the potential recommended candidates. We have a few possible suggestions coming out of our limited experience-
1) Increasing the number of entries and also vacancies per entry in the Armed Forces.
2) Release a combined merit list so that lady candidates can compete for all seats and not just for a small number like 35-40.
3) Transfer vacant seats of male candidates to potential female candidates to reduce merit out cases which is a very high number among girls. Or a similar privilege of being called from the other Force if merit out from one of the Forces.
4) Lady Cadets should be allowed to get trained in IMA Dehradun also. If OTA Gaya can be established in three months than IMA can also be equipped in one month with the facilities to train lady cadets.
Also, there is one argument which we listen very often, it is that lady cadets and officers need to be given special facilities like proper accommodation, toilets etc., but we are assuring you that we are here to become soldiers and not on some leisure trip where we want all the luxuries of life. On behalf of all the women aspirants we assure that we don’t want any special treatment or facilities. We are docile enough to be trained to be both mentally and physically to live in & with exactly the same environment and facilities as our male counterparts are.
Our only concern is to get inducted into the Forces on the basis of performance and combined merit. Getting merit out shatters the dreams of many of us, when we are equally competent to render our services to the nation. Many of us aspire to be like Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi, Capt Divya Ajith Kumar, Wing Cdr Pooja Thakur etc. Such aspirations can only get wings if the Government tends to increase the seats for women candidates in all the three services. We appreciate that the Government is working towards all round development but the disparity in defence forces is now a major concern. Many of us have been recommended 6 times and are nearing our last attempts to be a part of the Forces. Many dreams don’t get a chance to turn into reality because of this. Kindly let hardwork triumph over luck. Not alone Beti Bachao Beti Padhhao is the need of hour but actualy “Beti Bachao Beti Padhhao Beti ko Aage Badhhao” is what we girls need because simply reducing the female feticides and educating the girls won’t bring any good unless their future is secured from all kinds of disparity. What fears us is that the Governmental policies and the language of the politicians is phallogocentric and women being equally good while performing in the SSB’s, securing a better recommendation rate has served us, even now, no right of demanding more seats in the Forces. What pains us is the fact that the high recommendation rate viz. the potential of being an officer is approved by the highest authority, the SSB; we are sought to be labeled with a natural ability of putting across and thoughts, commands and ideas into action. I argue if the ability is so NATURAL, then why are we being stopped from being the Officers that we could become After acquainting you with all the possible known areas which require your immediate attention, it’s a kind request for some policy intervention and please kindly look into the matter and please offer all the female defence aspirants a hope of keeping their dream of becoming an officer in defence forces alive as one fine day it will be a reality.
Thank you
Jai Hind
Note: SSBCrack has not verified the data mentioned in this letter.
Recently, India witnessed the loss of one of the passionate pilots of the Indian Air Force, Sqn Ldr Meet Kumar, whose Mig-21 crashed near Kangra in HP.
This was the first and only military aircraft accident till date in India. However, from the recent past, the crash history does not look so good. Since financial year 2015-16, there has been 30 aircraft crash in the Indian military with 43 personnel dying as a result of this. It has also resulted in a loss of 29 aircrafts of the Indian military. Let us have a look at these numbers since FY 2015-16:
2015-16
During this year, 2 aircrafts of the Army Aviation Corps and 6 aircrafts of the Indian Air Force crashed in separate incidents. Luckily there was no loss of life. However, all the 8 aircrafts were lost in the crashes.
2016-17
In the financial year 2016-17, the Army Aviation Corps reported crash of 1 aircraft, resulting in the loss of 4 lives. The accident occurred when a Cheetah helicopter crashed at Sukna Base in West Bengal, killing 3 officers and 1 JCO.
Sukna Base
On the other hand, the Indian Air Force reported a crash of 10 aircrafts, the highest in the recent years. One of these incidents is the infamous disap
pearance of An-32. All the 29 personnel on-board were feared dead. However, in crashes of other 9 aircrafts during this year, all the crew was safe.
The cell of an air warrior was ringing after the crash, but the location was not ascertained.
2017-18
During FY 2017-18, the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps reported 2 aircraft crashes with loss of 1 aircraft and no loss of life.
However, the Indian Air Force reported a crash and loss of 6 aircrafts. This resulted in a loss of 9 lives of air warriors.
2018-19
This fiscal year, there was no crash reported by the Army Aviation Corps till date.
But in the Air Force, there were 3 crashes of the aircrafts which resulted in the loss of 2 lives this year and loss of all 3 aircrafts. These crashes include the loss of lives of Air Commodore Sanjai Chauhan and Sqn Ldr Meet Kumar.
Sqn Ldr Meet Kumar
No crashes in Navy
The Indian Navy was the safest force in terms of aircraft accidents. It did not report any aircraft crash incidents since 2015.
What is done after an aircraft accident?
Every aircraft accident is investigated by a Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of accident and the recommendations of the completed Courts of Inquiry are implemented.
In this weekly digest, we cover all the hot topics that happened in the Indian defence from 15 – 21 July 2018.
Brahmos Test Fired Under Extreme Weather Condition
BrahMos was successfully test-fired as part of service life extension programme for Indian Army under extreme weather condition.
The precision strike missile followed the designated trajectory and the key components functioned perfectly. BrahMos has proved again all-weather capability flying in sea-state 7 with waves as high as 9 meters. DRDO’s range capability to operate in the most severe weather condition has also been validated at ITR Balasore.
Nigerian Naval Staff Visited India from 16 to 19 July 2018
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Chief of the Naval Staff, Nigerian Navy is visited India from 16 to 19 July 2018 along with a 4 member Nigerian Navy delegation.
During his visit, the Chief of the Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy held bilateral discussions with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff and other senior officials of the Indian Navy. The Nigerian Navy Chief is also met with the Chief of the Air Staff and the Chief of the Army Staff.
After New Delhi, the Admiral proceeded to Mumbai, Kochi and Goa where he held discussions with the Commanders-in-Chief of Western and Southern Naval Commands and Flag Officer Goa Area respectively.
Republic of Singapore Naval Delegation Visits INS Teg at Djibouti
A delegation led by Rear Admiral Saw Shi Tat, Republic of Singapore Navy, visited INS Teg which is presently berthed at Djibouti harbour.
The Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr Anurag Srivastav, and Mr Nalin Kothari, Consulate General, Djibouti also visited the ship at Djibouti harbor. The Ambassador walked around the ship and was given a presentation on Indian Naval activities and operations in Gulf of Aden. Subsequently, the ship’s team had an interaction with the Ambassador on the growing strategic importance of Djibouti and the growing interest of other navies in the region.
IAF Warriors Summit Mt Kun
IAF Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Kun (7077 m) was flagged off on 27 Jun 2018 with 17 Air-Warriors in this expedition. They successfully reached the summit on 15 Jul 18. The team had 4 women Air-Warriors out 17 and was successfully led by Squadron Leader Lalita Mishra.
IAF Participates in “Pitch Black”
The Indian Air Force for the first time is participating with fighter aircraft in Exercise Pitch Black 2018 (PB-18), which is scheduled from 24 Jul 18 to 18 Aug 18 in Australia. Ex Pitch Black is a biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The exercise will provide unique opportunity for exchange of knowledge and experience with these nations in a dynamic warfare environment.
Privatisation Promoted in Defence Production
The Government is promoting privatisation in Defence Production. Till June 2018, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) has issued 379 licenses to 230 Indian Companies for manufacture of various licensable defence items. Apart from this, one manufacturing license has also been issued by Ministry of Home Affairs for Small Arms and ammunitions. Till June 2018, 70 license companies covering 114 licenses have reported commencement of production.
Army to resume trails of M777 howitzer
Indian Army is going to resume trials of US-made M777 ultralight howitzer in the Pokhran firing range, Rajasthan. During the trails local ammunition will be used and tentatively 100 to 150 rounds will be fired. The trials will begin after they were suspended in September 2017 following a barrel burst caused by faulty ammunition during firing.
India-US Held Bilateral Defence Meet
As part of Indo-US Bilateral Defence Cooperation, the 7th Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) meeting was held between India and the US delegation on 18 July. The meetings are held twice a year, alternately in India and the USA with the aim to bring sustained leadership focus to the bilateral defence trade relationship and create opportunities for co-production and co-development of defence equipment.
A number of Joint Working Groups have been established under DTTI to progress mutually agreed projects for the benefit of the Armed Forces. Discussions on the formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure and the Industrial Security Annex to take forward projects under DTTI are proceeding as planned.
Bharat Electronics Ltd inks deal with Swedish Saab Group
Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saab for jointly marketing L-B and 3D air surveillance radar (RAWL-03) which is co-developed by the companies. Saab is Swedish aerospace and defence firm that serves global market with world-leading products, services and solutions in military defence and civil security.
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Project Reviewed by Defence Secretary
The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Project was reviewed by Shri Sanjay Mitra, IAS, the Defence Secretary at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on 19 Jul 18. He was accompanied by Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar.
During the onboard visit, the Defence Secretary was given a first-hand briefing on the progress of IAC construction. highlighted the shipyard’s focus on outfitting and trial activities as the project enters its final phase, and re-iterated the CSL’s commitment to meet the timelines for delivery of the ship. The sea trials of the ship are expected to commence by early 2020.
IAF’s maintenance command organized Annual Aerospace Safety Council Meeting
Maintenance Command of the IAF organized its Annual Aerospace Safety Council Meeting on 19 Jul 18 at 7 Base Repair Depot, Air Force Station Tughlakabad. The meeting was attended by 100 Officers and 50 Airmen.
Attendees of the meeting
The meeting focused on issues related to IAF Aerospace Safety during Maintenance and Operations undertaken at units under Maintenance Command in the year gone by and discussed new challenges, current trends and developments in the field of aerospace safety.
The occasion was also utilized to audit what had been achieved and the task that lay ahead in ensuring safe flying environment while achieving 100% mission success. The meeting holds significance as Maintenance Command provides support to platforms and systems across entire Indian Air Force, thereby making a noteworthy contribution to its operational potential and aerospace safety.
Junior Officers Leadership Seminar held at Visakhapatnam
With an endeavor to provide a forum to the junior officers to put forth their views on aspects ranging across professional, technical, training and personnel issues, a Junior Officers Leadership Seminar was conducted by Eastern Fleet at Samudrika Auditorium on 18 Jul and 19 Jul 18. Junior officers upto the rank of Lieutenant Commanders, Master Chief Petty Officers, Chief Petty Officers representing all important branches of the Navy and important senior officers attended the meet.
The martyred IAF pilot who was killed in a Mig-21 crash yesterday was identified as Squadron Leader Meet Kumar. He was a resident of Delhi. His Mig 21 was reduced to debris after the crash and it immediately caught fire.
The Incident
Sqn Ldr Meet got airborne from Pathankot air base on 18 July on a routine sortie, and an hour after the take-off, his aircraft crashed near Jwali, Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, killing the officer.
Eyewitnesses reported that it seemed like the pilot is steering away the aircraft from the civilian area to an open field ensuring that no harm was caused to the civilian population.
He has also featured in a video shot by the IAF – A Date With An Air Warrior.
A Passionate Pilot
Squadron Leader Meet Kumar
Sqn Ldr Meet thought of his Mig-21 as a close partner. He had also mentioned that he spent more time with “this beautiful machine” than his wife and that the special bond that he shared with this machine was much more than his love for his wife.
Here is a transcript of the video featuring him –
“My name is Squadron Leader Meet Kumar. I am posted to 18 Wing, right now I’m a 26 Sqn warrior. I have been flying this beautiful machine called MiG-21.
This machine is a multi-role aircraft wherein it can undertake any sort of missions. This aircraft is, particular for a high landing speed. So, every landing is different. On this aircraft, we have a 57 mm rocket. We can carry high-calibre and low calibre bombs. The aircraft is capable of carrying 8 bombs at a time.
When you are flying this aircraft, you feel none other than God. …fighter pilot is god on this earth. Only fear is there is no fear of evil to them…
…fighter pilot is different wrt other people in terms of attitude, in term of their high dedication, in terms of their motivation factor, in terms of their preparedness and foremost thing is – they get to fly this fighter machine…
…it is very satisfying job. I mean, I would say that flying this machine after getting airborne with only few people at that particular time is in the air. So very rare people will be in the air at that time. So, I am one of those…
The bond which we share, I mean, me, with this machine is very rare. It is more than my wife. We know each other very well. I mean, I have spent more time with this machine than my wife.”
Reactions
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed “deep grief” over his death. “Our heartfelt condolences to the family of brave pilot Sqn Ldr Meet Kumar, who we lost in the fateful crash,” she said. A Court of Inquiry (COI) has been ordered into the accident.
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre had on Wednesday told the Lok Sabha that a total of 25 accidents involving IAF aircraft have been reported since 2015-16. He said that a total of 39 people died in the accidents and that IAF lost all the aircraft involved in the crashes. He said there were five accidents involving aircraft of the Army during the period in which four people were killed.
Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur has also expressed grief over his death.
Family
Sqn Ldr Meet Kumar was survived by a daughter, his wife and parents. Meet is the eldest son of Mr. Pravin Kumar. No further information about his family has been out yet.
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