Current Affairs - Defence

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.

Visakhapatnam has been chosen as the venue for the commissioning of the Indian Navy’s latest indigenous stealth frigate ‘Taragiri’ on 03 April 2026. The event marks a major milestone in India’s push for naval self-reliance and indigenous defence manufacturing. Built under Project 17A by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the vessel incorporates advanced stealth features, modern weapon systems, and over 75% indigenous content. The commissioning ceremony, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlights the strategic importance of strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and ensuring robust security across its naval frontiers.

Exercise Amogh Jwala was conducted by the Southern Command of the Indian Army at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh from 6 to 18 March 2026. The exercise aimed to validate advanced combat capabilities, including the integration of mechanised forces, Apache helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems. It also tested network-enabled warfare systems for real-time communication and decision-making. The drills emphasized modern warfare strategies such as electronic warfare, air defence coordination, and night operations, demonstrating the army’s preparedness for future, technology-driven battle scenarios.