Current Affairs - Defence

INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, represented India at Exercise Malabar 2025 in Guam, North Pacific. This exercise, the 28th edition under the Quad framework involving India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia, focuses on strengthening naval cooperation and enhancing maritime interoperability. INS Sahyadri’s participation demonstrates India’s commitment to regional security, technological self-reliance, and operational readiness. The event included both a Harbour Phase for planning and a Sea Phase with joint fleet maneuvers, anti-submarine warfare, and gunnery operations, emphasizing collaboration among Quad nations.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a $1 billion agreement with General Electric (GE) for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines, which will power 97 LCA Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets of the Indian Air Force. This deal marks a crucial milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthens the indigenous aircraft production ecosystem. The F404 engines are known for their reliability, high performance, and compatibility with advanced fighter systems. This partnership not only supports Tejas Mk 1A production but also paves the way for future collaboration on F414 engines for the LCA Mk 2, enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to jointly produce Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Army. Under this collaboration, L&T will act as the prime bidder for the 87 MALE RPAS programme, while GA-ASI will serve as the technology partner. This agreement strengthens India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by boosting indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and promoting greater Indo-US cooperation in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, assumed the role of the 40th Chief of Materiel on the specified date, taking over from Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh. His extensive background, including being an NDA alumnus, a postgraduate from IIT Chennai, and having over 38 years of service, is detailed. His prior experience as the Director General of Naval Projects in Visakhapatnam and his expertise in naval technology and warship production further confirm his identity as the officer who took on this key leadership position within the Indian Navy.

Pravaig, a Bengaluru-based company, has launched VEER, India’s first indigenous electric vehicle developed for defence applications. Built under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Pravaig VEER EV offers stealth capabilities, high terrain mobility, and quick field-repair readiness, making it ideal for modern military missions. The vehicle recently received the iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) award, recognizing its contribution to indigenous defence innovation. By combining sustainability, tactical efficiency, and technological advancement, the VEER strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and positions the nation as a potential leader in electric military vehicle technology on the global stage.