Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Air Force retired the MiG-21 in 2025, marking the end of a 62-year service history. First inducted in 1963 at Air Force Station Chandigarh, the MiG-21 became India’s first supersonic fighter aircraft and formed the backbone of the IAF for decades. Over 870 aircraft were procured, participating in major operations including the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Renowned for its speed, maneuverability, and reliability, the MiG-21 was gradually replaced by modern aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Tejas LCA, with its retirement symbolising a significant step in India’s air force modernisation.

India successfully tested the Agni Prime missile from a rail-based launcher, demonstrating a significant enhancement in mobile strategic defense capabilities. With a range of up to 2,000 km, the Agni Prime, also known as Agni-P, is a lighter, more accurate, and faster-to-deploy addition to India’s Agni missile series. The rail-based launchability enhances India’s second-strike nuclear capability and overall deterrence posture, while reducing vulnerability compared to fixed silos. Equipped with advanced communication systems, autonomous launch mechanisms, and protective safeguards, the test showcases India’s growing ability to integrate strategic assets with civil infrastructure, ensuring rapid, flexible, and secure missile deployment.

India and Greece successfully conducted their first ever bilateral naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, marking an important step in strengthening defence ties. The exercise, held from 13–18 September 2025, was carried out in two phases—harbour and sea. The harbour phase at Salamis Naval Base included cross deck visits, professional exchanges, and cultural interactions, while the sea phase featured advanced operations such as anti submarine drills, coordinated gun firing, and cross deck helicopter missions. With INS Trikand and HS Themistokles participating, the exercise enhanced interoperability, reinforced maritime cooperation, and highlighted the shared commitment of India and Greece to maritime security and global stability.

India has established its first defence manufacturing plant in Africa at Berrechid, Morocco, through Tata Advanced Systems Maroc. This facility focuses on producing Wheeled Armoured Platforms and represents a milestone under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to make India self reliant in defence production. The inauguration coincided with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit, marking the first ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Morocco. This development enhances bilateral defence cooperation, strengthens India’s strategic outreach in Africa, and positions India as a global defence exporter. It also opens opportunities for joint projects, training, and industrial partnerships.

The ICGS Adamya, the first of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was commissioned at Paradip Port in Odisha. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, this vessel enhances India’s coastal security and patrolling capabilities. Paradip Port, established in 1962 by Late Biju Patnaik and declared India’s eighth major port in 1966, is Odisha’s only major port. Located at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal, the port plays a crucial role in maritime trade and strategic naval operations. Commissioning of ICGS Adamya here highlights the port’s significance in India’s defence infrastructure.