Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Army and the Ladakh Forest Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts in fragile high-altitude ecosystems. The initiative focuses on protecting species such as the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Ibex, Himalayan Marmot, and the Black-necked Crane. The agreement also includes the establishment of a Joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell to monitor wildlife and coordinate conservation actions. Ladakh’s cold desert environment, characterised by low oxygen levels, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation, makes its biodiversity highly vulnerable, making this collaborative conservation effort particularly important.

DRDO successfully carried out three consecutive flight trials of the indigenous VSHORADS missile system from Chandipur, Odisha, demonstrating its operational readiness. The Very Short Range Air Defence System is a man-portable missile designed to intercept low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and high-speed aerial threats. Developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the system was tested in its final deployment configuration with trained field operators handling target acquisition and firing. Data from telemetry, radar, and electro-optical tracking confirmed its precision and effectiveness, strengthening India’s short-range and layered air defence capabilities significantly.

INS Anjadip was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 27 February 2026 at Chennai Port as the fourth ship under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project. The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of the Naval Staff, marking a major boost to India’s littoral and coastal defence capabilities. The 77-meter vessel, with a displacement of 1,400 tons, is specially designed for shallow-water anti-submarine operations. With over 80% indigenous content, including defence electronics and weapon systems, it highlights India’s strong commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maritime security preparedness.

Exercise Kalari Leap was conducted as a high-impact joint maritime operation led by the Southern Air Command in coordination with the Armed Forces Special Operations Division and the Indian Coast Guard. The exercise took place in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands, focusing on rapid force projection, precision strikes, and multi-domain coordination in a challenging maritime environment. It aimed to validate operational readiness, enhance interoperability among forces, and strengthen India’s maritime security posture. The operation highlighted the importance of jointness, technological integration, and swift response capabilities in strategically significant island territories.

Uttarakhand is the state where the 7th edition of the India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia. The exercise involves participation from the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force, with 120 personnel from each side. The drill focuses on enhancing interoperability, strengthening military collaboration, and improving joint operational capabilities in semi-urban environments. Activities such as heliborne operations, cordon and search missions, intelligence grid development, and house intervention drills are conducted to ensure combat readiness and coordinated response to regional security challenges.