Current Affairs - Defence

The third edition of the Kalam & Kavach strategic defence conference was inaugurated at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. The conference focused on the vision of Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation (JAI), while promoting indigenisation and international collaboration in defence technologies. Discussions covered AI-enabled warfare, autonomous systems, hypersonic technologies, quantum-enabled C4ISR capabilities, and emerging space threats. The event also highlighted the role of iDEX, MSMEs, and defence industrial corridors in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem. The initiative supports India’s long-term strategic objective of achieving Viksit Bharat@2047 through advanced indigenous defence capabilities.

Operation 777 is a strategic initiative launched in connection with the Kaal Bhairava autonomous combat aircraft programme developed by Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA). The initiative focuses on creating manufacturing and integration partnerships across 7 continents and 77 countries, strengthening India’s global defence manufacturing presence. Under this initiative, FWDA established its first overseas manufacturing facility in Portugal in collaboration with SKETCHPIXEL LDA. The Kaal Bhairava platform is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) autonomous combat aircraft equipped with advanced features such as AI-driven target recognition, encrypted communication systems, and swarm coordination capabilities, representing a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence technology development.

INS Sunayna successfully completed its maritime port call at Chattogram, Bangladesh, under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative. The deployment was carried out under the Ministry of Defence and included joint naval activities with the Bangladesh Navy, such as a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) and coordinated maritime manoeuvres with BNS Protoy. The ship also carried personnel from 16 partner nations during the mission, highlighting regional maritime cooperation. After concluding its Bangladesh visit, the vessel proceeded toward Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of its operational route. The initiative strengthens India’s maritime partnerships and regional security collaboration in the Indian Ocean region.

DRDO, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, successfully carried out a major long-duration test of an Actively Cooled Full Scale Scramjet Combustor for hypersonic missile technology on May 09, 2026. The test was conducted at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test Facility in Hyderabad and achieved a continuous engine runtime of more than 1,200 seconds, surpassing the earlier benchmark set in January 2026. The project involved advanced indigenous technologies such as liquid hydrocarbon endothermic fuel and high-temperature thermal barrier coatings. This achievement strengthens India’s Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Program and highlights the country’s growing capability in advanced aerospace and missile technologies.

The Girder Laying Ceremony for the 4th, 5th, and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) of the Indian Coast Guard was conducted in Goa on May 11, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard. These hovercrafts are being built with 50% indigenous material under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The ACVs are specially designed for high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, and search-and-rescue missions in shallow waters, marshy terrains, and deep sea regions. The project highlights India’s growing focus on strengthening coastal security and indigenous defence production.