Current Affairs - Defence

The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket, designated as LRGR-120, in December 2025. The LRGR-120 demonstrated a maximum range of 120 km with high precision and in-flight manoeuvrability, meeting all mission objectives. Developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, the rocket is compatible with existing Pinaka launchers, enhancing operational flexibility. The successful test validated the accuracy, reliability, and stability of the LRGR-120, significantly strengthening India’s indigenous rocket artillery capabilities and boosting the combat readiness of the armed forces.

The successful maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) was conducted at Chandipur in Odisha. This location houses the Integrated Test Range, a key facility operated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation for testing advanced missile and rocket systems. The trial marked an important milestone in India’s defence capabilities, as the Pinaka LRGR-120 demonstrated its maximum strike range of 120 km. Conducting the test at Chandipur ensured precise tracking and evaluation of the rocket’s performance, accuracy, and guidance systems, reinforcing India’s growing expertise in indigenous long-range guided weapon technologies.

A strategic memorandum of understanding was signed to strengthen research and technical collaboration in the field of non-metallic materials such as polymers, ceramics, and technical textiles. The agreement emphasizes joint research activities, shared testing facilities, and coordinated efforts to enhance material evaluation capabilities crucial for national defence. In addition to research and testing, the collaboration also includes organizing seminars and workshops aimed at building technical skills and knowledge among professionals. Through this partnership, National Test House plays a key role in supporting advanced material development and quality assurance aligned with defence requirements.

Goa Shipyard Limited played a key role in strengthening India’s maritime self-reliance by designing and constructing the first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel, inducted under the 02 PCV project, represents a major milestone in indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. As the largest ship in the Coast Guard’s fleet, it significantly enhances operational reach, pollution response capacity, and maritime safety. Equipped with advanced pollution control systems and a high-capacity external firefighting system, the ship improves preparedness for environmental protection and emergency response across India’s maritime zones.

INSV Kaundinya has been chosen by the Indian Navy to symbolize and revive India’s rich ancient maritime traditions. The vessel is named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian mariner associated with historic sea voyages to Southeast Asia. The planned journey will commence from Porbandar in Gujarat and conclude at Muscat in Oman, highlighting India’s long-standing seafaring links with the region. The initiative reflects a blend of cultural revival and naval outreach and has been developed through a tripartite memorandum of understanding involving the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations.