Current Affairs - Defence

HAL entered into a strategic partnership with Germany’s HENSOLDT to enhance India’s capabilities in advanced helicopter safety technologies. The collaboration involves transfer of design, intellectual property rights, and manufacturing know-how for LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance and Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) systems, which are crucial for safe helicopter operations. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Air Show 2025, paves the way for joint system design, integration and rigorous testing. It also opens avenues for export in the future. By adopting such sophisticated technologies, India strengthens its indigenous aerospace ecosystem and moves closer to self-reliance in high-end aviation safety systems.

L&T secured the responsibility to build the BvS10 Sindhu all-terrain armoured vehicles for the Indian Army through a collaboration with BAE Systems. The project will be indigenised at L&T’s Hazira Armoured Systems Complex, ensuring that advanced manufacturing capabilities support domestic defence production. With BAE Hägglunds providing technical support, the programme includes integrated logistics support and provisions for future upgrades. These vehicles are designed for diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions, deserts, marshlands and amphibious environments. The partnership strengthens India's defence manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing the Army’s operational mobility across challenging landscapes.

New Delhi is the host city for the 4th edition of the Swavlamban 2025 Innovation Seminar, organised by the Naval Innovation & Indigenisation Organisation. The seminar is scheduled to begin on 26 November and is designed to bring together key stakeholders such as industry leaders, MSMEs, start-ups, and academic institutions. Its central theme, “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation,” highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to advancing technological self-reliance and enhancing naval capabilities. The event serves as a platform to promote collaboration, accelerate innovation, and support indigenous solutions crucial for strengthening national defence preparedness.

France is the nation with which DRDO signed a technical agreement aimed at deepening defence research and development cooperation. This collaboration, established in New Delhi with France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), will support the transfer of advanced equipment and technologies between the two countries. The partnership covers a wide spectrum of strategic domains, including aeronautical platforms, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, advanced sensors, propulsion systems, and both space and underwater technologies. By expanding cooperation across such high-end fields, the agreement reinforces long-term technological synergy and strengthens bilateral defence capabilities.

INS Mahe is the first vessel of the indigenously developed Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, designed to strengthen India’s coastal defence and underwater threat-neutralisation capabilities. The ship derives its name from the historic coastal town of Mahe, reflecting India’s maritime heritage and cultural identity. Its crest features the Urumi, a traditional flexible sword symbolising stealth, agility, and precision—qualities essential for shallow-water ASW operations. Complemented by rising waves that represent maritime vigilance, the crest highlights the Indian Navy’s fusion of combat readiness and cultural symbolism. As part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, the Mahe-class underscores advances in indigenous warship design, sonar systems, and coastal security preparedness.