Current Affairs - Defence

The DSC A22, which is the third vessel in the five-ship Diving Support Craft project, was launched in Kolkata. This vessel has been constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd under a Ministry of Defence contract signed in 2021. The Diving Support Crafts are designed for crucial naval functions like submarine rescue, salvage operations, underwater inspection, hull cleaning, and diver training. Their construction follows the rules of the Indian Register of Shipping and involves hydrodynamic testing at NSTL, Visakhapatnam. The launch in Kolkata highlights the city’s growing role in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding program.

Tata Advanced Systems successfully installed the first Lanza-N 3D Air Surveillance Radar, a naval variant of Indra’s radar, on an Indian warship. This milestone was part of a $145-million agreement signed in 2020. Over the next decade, Tata will locally assemble and integrate 19 additional radars for the Indian Navy. The Lanza-N radar system is designed for advanced long-range air defence and anti-missile operations, making it highly suitable for the demanding conditions of the Indian Ocean. This initiative highlights Tata’s growing role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and enhancing naval preparedness.

The world’s first-ever Tri-service all-women sailing circumnavigation expedition has been named Samudra Pradakshina. It was flagged off by the Defence Minister and symbolises Nari Shakti, the jointness of the Armed Forces, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s maritime vision. Led by Lt Col Anuja Varudkar, a crew of 10 women officers will sail for nine months aboard the indigenously built IASV Triveni, covering 26,000 nautical miles. Their route includes crossing the Equator twice, rounding the three great Capes, and navigating the challenging Southern Ocean and Drake Passage. The mission also integrates scientific studies on microplastics and ocean health, while advancing India’s maritime diplomacy globally.

INS Aravali, the Indian Navy’s newly commissioned base, was inaugurated in Gurugram on 12th September 2025 in a ceremony presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The establishment of this base strengthens the Navy’s administrative and logistical capabilities, thereby boosting India’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). It also plays a crucial role in supporting advanced communication and information centres, enhancing strategic readiness. This initiative is closely aligned with the Prime Minister’s MAHASAGAR vision, which focuses on maritime security and growth. Choosing Gurugram as the site reflects its strategic importance in coordinating naval operations inland.

ZAPAD 2025 is a significant multilateral military exercise being hosted in Russia, with the active participation of Indian forces. The exercise involves the Indian Army’s KUMAON Regiment leading a contingent of 57 Army personnel, 7 from the Air Force, and 1 from the Navy. The key objectives are to enhance interoperability, foster greater cooperation among participating nations, and strengthen counter-terrorism preparedness. Moreover, the exercise emphasises joint planning, tactical drills, and the integration of emerging technologies in modern warfare. By engaging in this event, India seeks to deepen defence ties with Russia and build operational synergy in multinational scenarios.