Current Affairs - Defence

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated Ibex Tarana 88.4 FM, a community radio station, in Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand, during his visit to assess troop readiness in the Garhwal region. This initiative, the first Army-backed community radio in a border area, aims to strengthen civil-military ties, promote local culture, and provide educational, employment, and disaster-preparedness programs. The launch underscores the Indian Army’s role in community empowerment alongside national security, particularly in strategic frontier regions like Uttarakhand.

Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace company, has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to jointly manufacture the fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft in India. This collaboration marks the first time the critical fuselage component will be produced outside France. As part of the agreement, Tata will establish a state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad, enhancing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the aerospace sector.

India’s first Tri-Services All-Women Sailing Team completed a pioneering international open-sea expedition by sailing 1,800 nautical miles to Seychelles aboard the indigenous vessel ‘Triveni’. This two-month mission, spanning from April 7 to June 4, 2025, was a landmark achievement showcasing the skill, endurance, and teamwork of women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The voyage demonstrated India’s maritime capabilities, strengthened diplomatic ties with Seychelles, and highlighted women's empowerment within the Indian Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in military history.

Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana took over as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on June 1, 2025. This position is significant as it leads India's only tri-services command, overseeing strategic operations in the Indian Ocean Region. With a career spanning several key military and academic appointments, Lt Gen Rana brings vast operational experience, having commanded an infantry brigade, division, and the Gajraj Corps. Prior to this, he served as the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency. His education and international exposure further strengthen India’s joint defence leadership in a geopolitically critical area.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Miniratna Category-I status for three Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL). These companies originated from the former Ordnance Factory Board, which was restructured in October 2021. The recognition of Miniratna status allows these companies more financial and operational autonomy, helping them to perform more efficiently in a competitive defence manufacturing landscape.