Current Affairs - Defence

On 26 August 2025, the Indian Navy will achieve a historic first by commissioning two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, on the same day at Visakhapatnam. Both ships are part of Project 17A, featuring stealth-optimised hulls, advanced propulsion systems, and formidable multi-role weaponry. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, while INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. This event not only marks a milestone in India’s naval modernisation and indigenous shipbuilding but also showcases the country’s industrial strength, involving over 200 MSMEs and generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

INS Tamal, the Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, commissioned in Russia on 1 July 2025, concluded a three-day port visit to Casablanca, Morocco, from 6–9 August 2025. The visit featured joint naval exercises, bilateral discussions with senior Moroccan naval officials, cultural exchanges, and sports events aimed at fostering camaraderie and operational cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Moroccan Navy. Upon departure, INS Tamal conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Morocco’s Ship Mohammed VI, enhancing interoperability and communication skills. This engagement highlights India’s commitment to strengthening maritime diplomacy and expanding its defence partnerships in North Africa.

The 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and the United Arab Emirates took place in New Delhi, highlighting the nations’ shared focus on strengthening defence cooperation. Discussions included enhanced military training, joint defence manufacturing, maritime security collaboration, and co-development of technologies such as AI and shipbuilding. The meeting also emphasised inter-service cooperation to improve interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The choice of New Delhi as the venue underscores its role as the hub for India’s strategic and diplomatic engagements, reinforcing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The Indian Army, in collaboration with IIT Madras, launched 'Agnishodh', a dedicated research cell named the Indian Army Research Cell (IARC), as part of its broader transformation initiative. Situated on the IIT Madras campus, this initiative aligns with the Army’s Five Pillars of Transformation strategy, specifically focusing on Modernisation and Technology Infusion. The goal of Agnishodh is to translate academic and laboratory research into practical, deployable defence technologies. This is achieved through synergistic efforts involving the IIT Madras Research Park and the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC), highlighting a strong civil-military partnership for innovation.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan has assumed charge as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. He is a distinguished officer with expertise in Gunnery and Missile Systems and has commanded significant naval assets, including the Eastern Fleet. His leadership was particularly notable during critical operational periods. In addition to sea commands, he has served in key tri-service capacities, such as Deputy Commandant at the National Defence Academy and Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff. His contributions were recognised with the award of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2021, reflecting his dedication and strategic impact in the Indian Navy.