Current Affairs - Defence

DRDO, or the Defence Research and Development Organisation, is developing the 30kW-class directed-energy weapon (DEW). The laser-based system is mounted on a truck chassis and is designed to counter drone swarms, fixed-wing UAVs and surveillance sensors at ranges of up to 5 km. DRDO plans to release an Expression of Interest within six months to select an industrial partner for developing the first-of-production model. The final trial of the system was conducted in August 2025. The 30kW DEW is currently described as the most powerful directed-energy weapon system developed by DRDO, forming part of India’s broader directed-energy capability programme.

Visakhapatnam is the venue for SLINEX-26, the 13th edition of the annual maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy. The exercise is being conducted from September 17 to 21, 2026, under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command. It includes a Harbour Phase followed by a Sea Phase, focusing on professional interactions, operational coordination and interoperability. Indian Navy ships INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti, along with Sri Lanka Navy ship SLNS Sindurala, are participating. SLINEX strengthens maritime cooperation, information exchange and mutual understanding between the two neighbouring countries.

West Bengal is set to host a new missile testing range being established by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Junput in the Purba Medinipur district. The facility is planned to supplement the existing Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha, thereby expanding India’s capacity for testing missiles and other advanced weapon systems. Located along the coast, the new testing site is expected to strengthen the country’s defence infrastructure and support the evaluation of sophisticated weapon systems. The project reflects efforts to enhance India’s capabilities in defence research, development, and testing.

The United States hosted the 12th iteration of Exercise Eager Lion 2026 at Fort Carson, Colorado, on September 16, 2026. This was the first time the United States hosted the biennial military training exercise, which involves the US Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces. More than 200 military personnel from both countries participated, along with National Guard personnel from Colorado and Illinois. The two-week exercise focuses on strengthening collective operational effectiveness through counterterrorism, air defence, maritime security, cybersecurity, and disaster response training. The exercise is conducted under the State Partnership Program, which has linked Colorado and Jordan since 2004.

Ayodhya has been selected for a new regional centre of the National Security Guard (NSG). The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the transfer of 65 acres of land in Ayodhya to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs at no cost. The land is valued at approximately Rs 16.9 crore. The proposed NSG centre is expected to strengthen security arrangements around the Ram Temple and improve rapid response capabilities in the region. The facility will enhance the availability of specialised counter-terrorism resources and support quicker deployment of security personnel in response to potential emergencies and security threats.