Current Affairs - Defence

INS Tamal is a Krivak/Tushil class multi-role stealth frigate built in Russia and will be commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 2025. Its induction marks a historic turning point as it is the final foreign-built warship to join the fleet, reinforcing India’s strategic shift toward indigenisation under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Built at the Yantar Shipyard, INS Tamal features advanced stealth capabilities, BrahMos cruise missiles, and a displacement of 3,900 tons. Its commissioning not only highlights India-Russia defence collaboration but also symbolizes the nation’s growing defence self-reliance and technological capability.

India is set to induct advanced variants of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system with a maximum range of 300 km. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these new systems mark a significant upgrade from previous versions and are a key part of India's push for indigenous defence capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The upgraded versions—Pinaka-3 and Pinaka-4 will offer both 120 km and 300 km range options. These systems are equipped with precision guidance, rapid firing capabilities, and mobility features such as shoot-and-scoot, enhancing India’s artillery strength and strategic deterrence.

India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate its nationals from Iran following the escalating tensions arising from the Iran-Israel conflict. The operation is aimed at ensuring the safety of Indian citizens, particularly in volatile regions. As part of the initial efforts, the Indian Embassy in Tehran successfully evacuated 110 Indian students from northern Iran and facilitated their safe passage into neighbouring Armenia. This operation demonstrates India’s proactive approach in responding to international crises to safeguard its citizens abroad, reflecting a strong commitment to citizen welfare and crisis diplomacy.

India is conducting the joint military exercise 'Shakti 2025' with France. This marks the eighth edition of the biennial Indo-French military drill, taking place from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac in France. The exercise involves 90 Indian Army personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and 90 troops from the French Army’s 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, sub-conventional warfare, and peacekeeping operations under UN mandates, fostering greater military interoperability and mutual trust between the two nations.

INS Arnala, commissioned on June 18, 2025, is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) inducted into the Indian Navy, marking a major milestone in coastal defence enhancement. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders, this indigenously designed vessel is part of a 16-ship series and boasts over 80% indigenous content. It is named after Arnala Fort off the coast of Maharashtra and is equipped with advanced technology to detect and counter enemy submarines in littoral waters. Its commissioning significantly boosts India’s maritime security and underscores the nation’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.