Current Affairs - Defence

The IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX) TTX 2026 was conducted at the Maritime Warfare Centre under the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. This exercise marked an important occasion as India assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) for the 2026–2028 cycle. It brought together delegates from multiple countries to address non-traditional maritime threats such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal trafficking. The event focused on enhancing coordination, operational synergy, and communication among participating navies, thereby strengthening regional maritime security and fostering collaborative approaches to complex challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation partnered with the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers to boost defence indigenisation efforts. The collaboration focuses on developing indigenous engineering solutions to reduce reliance on foreign technologies. A Nodal Indigenisation Centre has been set up in Avadi, Chennai, to support this initiative. The partnership emphasises bridging the gap between field requirements and academic research, fostering innovation in areas such as sensing systems, cyber-physical systems, autonomous technologies, and upgrading legacy military equipment, ultimately enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence production.

Vayu Baan is India’s first helicopter-dropped unmanned aerial system project initiated by the Indian Air Force to enhance combat capabilities. Designed as an air-launched drone, it can be deployed from helicopters to perform both reconnaissance and precision strike missions. The system is capable of autonomous navigation, real-time video transmission, and operating in GPS-denied environments. With a stand-off range of over 50 km and an endurance of around 30 minutes, it significantly improves operational safety by allowing aircrew to stay out of high-threat zones while maintaining offensive reach.

INS Trikand, a frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived at Maputo, Mozambique, on March 26, 2026, as part of its operational deployment in the South West Indian Ocean Region. The visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance bilateral relations between India and Mozambique. During the port call, the ship is involved in humanitarian assistance by delivering disaster relief materials, conducting professional exchanges with the Mozambique Navy, and engaging in social outreach activities such as medical camps, yoga sessions, and community services, reflecting India’s commitment to regional partnership and security.

The Indian Navy launched Operation Urja Suraksha to protect India’s energy supply routes in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The operation involves deploying multiple frontline warships to escort Indian-flagged vessels carrying crucial resources such as LNG, LPG, and crude oil. It ensures safe passage for these ships and helps maintain uninterrupted energy supplies to India. The mission also includes coordination with various government agencies and focuses on safeguarding maritime trade routes, thereby strengthening national energy security and resilience against potential disruptions.