Current Affairs - Defence

The ‘Ekuverin’ exercise involves military personnel from India and the Maldives, reflecting a long-standing defence partnership built over years of collaboration. This edition includes 45 participants from India’s Garhwal Rifles and an equal number from the Maldives National Defence Force, working together to strengthen coordination in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The training covers diverse terrains such as jungles, semi-urban zones, and coastal regions. Conducted alternately in both countries since 2009, the exercise highlights mutual trust, operational cooperation, and India’s continued commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy, ensuring regional stability and stronger bilateral ties.

Chief Praveen Kumar, who currently serves as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has taken additional charge as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF). His appointment followed the retirement of Daljit Singh Chawdhary and was formalised through an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. A 1993-batch IPS officer from the West Bengal cadre, Kumar has extensive experience in security operations, including service in the Intelligence Bureau and leadership roles in Naxal-affected regions. His proven expertise is expected to strengthen India’s border management and enhance coordination across security agencies.

Air Marshal Tejbir Singh has taken over as the Director General (Inspection & Safety) of the Indian Air Force, bringing with him nearly four decades of rich experience. His 37-year career includes significant command and staff appointments, such as Air Attaché to Bangladesh and Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College. With over 7000 flying hours and a key role in inducting the C-130J ‘Super Hercules’ into IAF operations, he has contributed extensively to operational capability and training reforms. His leadership is further distinguished by prestigious honours, including the Vayu Sena Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, a highly experienced naval officer with over 38 years of service, has taken charge as the Controller Warship Production & Acquisition. His extensive career includes significant roles on major Indian Navy ships such as INS Viraat, INS Brahmaputra, and INS Dunagiri, as well as leadership contributions to major acquisition programs like the Vikramaditya and the ATV Program. He succeeds Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, who oversaw the induction of eight warships during his tenure.

The HAMMER system is a precision-guided air-to-ground weapon created by Safran Electronics & Defence, a major French defence and aerospace manufacturer. Its modular design allows standard unguided bombs to be transformed into high-accuracy strike weapons capable of operating effectively even in GPS-denied or electronic warfare environments. With a stand-off range of up to 70 km, it enhances the ability of combat aircraft such as the Rafale and Tejas to engage targets while staying outside enemy air defence coverage. The India–France agreement to co-produce HAMMER components further strengthens bilateral defence cooperation and boosts India’s technological indigenisation.