Current Affairs - Defence

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The operation involved the deployment of Indian naval ships, including INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, to deliver essential relief materials to affected areas in Colombo. Cyclone Ditwah led to heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding, creating an urgent need for support. Operation Sagar Bandhu exemplifies India’s commitment to regional disaster relief and cooperation, showcasing how timely aid and coordination can help neighboring countries recover from natural calamities.

The Army has laid out a three-phase roadmap to develop a future-ready force by 2047. The first phase, HOP 2032, focuses on transformation under the Army’s Decade of Transformation (2023–2033). The second phase, STEP 2037, involves consolidating the progress made in the initial phase. The final phase, JUMP 2047, envisions the Army as an integrated and technologically advanced force capable of addressing future security challenges. This long-term plan underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces, leveraging advanced technology, and ensuring operational readiness for emerging threats.

Exercise Suryakiran is a bilateral military training exercise conducted between India and Nepal, aimed at strengthening cooperation and interoperability between their armed forces. The 19th edition of the exercise commenced in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, continuing the tradition of alternating locations each year. Launched in 2011, this annual exercise allows both armies to engage in joint drills, share operational expertise, and enhance coordination in mountain warfare and other tactical operations. Such exercises play a key role in reinforcing defence diplomacy, fostering mutual trust, and promoting regional security in the strategically important Himalayan region.

INS Vikrant, India’s first fully indigenous aircraft carrier, arrived at the Port of Colombo to take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025. The event is part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th-anniversary celebrations and showcases naval capabilities and regional maritime cooperation by bringing together fleets from multiple countries. Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant represents a significant achievement in India’s naval self-reliance and technological advancement. Its participation in IFR 2025 highlights India’s commitment to strengthening maritime diplomacy, interoperability with international navies, and projecting strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region.

Bharat Electronics Limited is set to play a key role in the new joint venture with Safran Electronics and Defence of France by taking charge of the final assembly, testing, and quality assurance of the HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground weapon. This collaboration signifies an important step toward enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. By handling crucial stages of the weapon’s production, BEL strengthens India’s technological self-reliance and supports the broader vision of developing advanced defence systems within the country.