Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth ₹4,666 crore to modernise infantry weapons and naval capabilities. Bharat Forge Ltd & PLR Systems Pvt Ltd will supply over 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines to the Indian Army and Navy, replacing older rifles. These carbines feature compact design, high rate of fire, and enhanced lethality, improving effectiveness in urban and confined-space combat. The procurement supports the Make in India initiative, boosts indigenous defence manufacturing, encourages MSME participation, and strengthens operational preparedness of India’s armed forces. Other contracts, like heavyweight torpedoes, involve different companies.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently conducted the maiden flight of the Dhruv–New Generation (NG) helicopter in Bengaluru, marking its entry into the civil and export helicopter markets. The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter derived from the Dhruv ALH Mk-III civil platform, powered by indigenous Shakti engines. It is designed for day-night, all-weather operations, including offshore roles for ONGC. With DGCA certification for the Shakti civil engine and EASA restricted certification, Dhruv NG strengthens India’s indigenous helicopter capabilities, supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and provides a cost-effective alternative to imported twin-engine helicopters.

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.