Current Affairs - Defence

Safran, a French aerospace company, signed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to jointly develop the Aravalli helicopter engine for India’s future multirole military helicopters. The engine will belong to the 3,500–4,000 shaft horsepower class and is intended to power the 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the 12.5-tonne Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). The project will be undertaken through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, a 50:50 joint venture between HAL and Safran, with production planned at HAL’s facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka.

Ladakh was the location of the first successful high-altitude test of DRDO’s indigenous Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS). The trial was conducted at the Nyoma-Mudh drop zone, one of the world’s highest drop zones. The jump took place from 22,000 feet above mean sea level in temperatures of around minus 15 degrees Celsius. The parachute system demonstrated its efficiency, reliability, and tactical usability under extreme conditions. Developed by DRDO’s ADRDE and DEBEL, the MCPS includes features such as improved guidance, reduced descent rate, and NavIC compatibility, strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

Nipun is the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Indian Navy and is scheduled to be commissioned on 31st August 2026 at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The vessel was indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. Nipun is equipped for specialised diving, underwater interventions, medical support and submarine rescue operations. Its commissioning will strengthen the Navy’s capabilities in deep-sea diving and underwater missions while also highlighting India’s growing expertise in indigenous defence shipbuilding and supporting the broader objective of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

CSIR unveiled three Indian-made micro and small gas turbine engines—NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100—on 25th August 2026. Developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), these engines generate thrusts of 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg respectively. They are designed for tactical UAVs, drone interceptors and compact missile systems. The development strengthens India’s indigenous propulsion capabilities and supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It is also expected to reduce dependence on imported propulsion systems while creating opportunities for Indian aerospace industries and start-ups to manufacture specialised engines.

Haryana hosted the inauguration of the National Security Guard’s (NSG) first-ever Mahila Commando Conversion Course (MCCC) at the NSG Training Academy in Manesar. The 12-week specialised programme is designed for selected women personnel from State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Participants receive rigorous training in physical fitness, endurance, weapon handling, marksmanship, tactical intervention, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism operations. After completing the course, the women commandos will return to their respective forces and contribute their specialised skills. The initiative aims to increase women’s operational capabilities and strengthen coordination among India’s security forces.