Current Affairs - Defence

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Navy, successfully carried out four in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150). The trials were conducted from a P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 01, 2026, under various extreme release conditions. The ADC-150 is designed to carry and deliver a payload of 150 kg to naval ships operating in distant waters. This system enables rapid delivery of essential supplies such as equipment, critical stores, and medical aid to vessels in distress. The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam served as the nodal laboratory, with support from other DRDO units for parachute systems, certification, and instrumentation.

The 11th edition of the joint military exercise “LAMITIYE-2026” is being conducted in Seychelles with the participation of the Indian Armed Forces. The exercise aims to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, improve interoperability between the two countries, and enhance operational coordination. “Lamitiye,” meaning “Friendship” in the Creole language, reflects the spirit of collaboration between India and Seychelles. The 2026 edition is significant because it includes participation from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force. The training program focuses on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments, peacekeeping operations, tactical drills, and joint planning exercises conducted over a 12-day period.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has been appointed as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) of the Indian Army with effect from April 1, 2026. Before this appointment, he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Southern Command based in Pune. The Southern Command is one of the largest geographical commands of the Indian Army and is responsible for military operations and infrastructure across several states in peninsular India. With extensive experience in operational, staff, and command roles, Lt Gen Seth succeeded Lieutenant General PP Singh in this prestigious position. The role of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff is the second-highest rank in the Indian Army hierarchy, just below the Chief of the Army Staff.

The Indian Army’s Central Command organised its inaugural Strategic Communication Conclave on 7 March 2026 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The event marked an important initiative to strengthen strategic communication as a key capability within India’s national security framework. Around 500 participants attended the conclave, including senior military officers, diplomats, government communication experts, media professionals, and specialists from the private sector. Discussions focused on the role of communication in managing the modern information environment shaped by digital platforms, social media, disinformation campaigns, and hybrid threats. The conclave also featured expert sessions and speeches by distinguished personalities, including retired diplomats and senior military officials.

Operation Sankalp is a major maritime security mission launched by the Indian Navy on June 19, 2019, to safeguard Indian merchant vessels and ensure the security of vital sea routes in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. The operation was initiated after several attacks on commercial ships raised global concerns about maritime safety in the region. Under this mission, Indian Navy warships such as frigates and destroyers maintain continuous deployment in strategic waters. The initiative also includes maritime surveillance and rapid response units like MARCOS commandos. Operation Sankalp plays a vital role in protecting India’s trade routes and securing energy supplies, as a large portion of India’s oil imports passes through these sensitive maritime corridors.