Current Affairs - Defence

Reliance Defence, in collaboration with U.S.-based Coastal Mechanics Inc., has launched a major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Maharashtra, specifically at MIHAN, Nagpur. This strategic move aims to modernize and extend the lifecycle of key defence platforms like Jaguar aircraft, MiG-29 fighter jets, and Apache helicopters. The initiative supports India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, focusing on self-reliance in defence production and services. With a projected ₹20,000 crore MRO market, Maharashtra is positioned as a vital defence hub, leveraging its infrastructure and strategic location to support both domestic forces and international defence exports.

Parag Jain, a senior IPS officer from the 1989 Punjab cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief of RAW, India’s external intelligence agency. His appointment follows the retirement of Ravi Sinha on June 30, 2025. Jain earned high-level recognition for his instrumental role in Operation Sindoor, a strategic counterterrorism operation launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. With over two decades of experience within RAW and a solid background in counterterrorism, cross-border intelligence, and international espionage networks, his leadership is seen as a move to further strengthen India’s external security and intelligence operations amid evolving regional threats.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting took place in Qingdao, China. During this meeting, India declined to sign the joint declaration due to dissatisfaction with the document's language, particularly its failure to address cross-border terrorism, including the recent Pahalgam terror attack. This disagreement led to the meeting concluding without a unified communique. The event underscored tensions in multilateral diplomacy and India's firm stance on issues of national security and terrorism. China's role as the host nation highlights its central position in regional groupings like the SCO.

India and South Africa entered into two significant agreements focused on submarine cooperation during the 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting held in Johannesburg. These agreements aim to enhance bilateral capabilities in areas such as submarine rescue operations, training, surveillance, and joint research and development. This collaboration is particularly important in strengthening maritime security and countering non-traditional threats like piracy and trafficking in strategic sea routes. The defence ties between India and South Africa reflect a growing alignment in their maritime interests and shared commitment to maintaining regional stability in the Indian Ocean and surrounding waters.

In a decisive step to enhance India's defence preparedness and self-reliance, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has offered 28 indigenously developed weapon systems for emergency procurement. These systems are intended for immediate deployment by the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the government’s emergency procurement framework. This move follows the success of Operation Sindoor and supports military readiness amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. The list includes key indigenous assets like the BrahMos cruise missile, Akash and MRSAM air defence systems. The initiative is aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision to reduce reliance on foreign arms and empower domestic defence manufacturing.