Current Affairs - Defence

INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, participated in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX) 2025 at Yokosuka, Japan. This exercise underscores the growing defence cooperation between India and Japan, which share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The collaboration highlights mutual interests in maintaining regional maritime security, strengthening interoperability, and enhancing strategic coordination between the two navies. Such joint exercises have been a key feature of their defence ties since 2014, reinforcing shared commitments toward peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant was inaugurated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in strategic materials for defence, aerospace, and electronics. The facility produces high-grade titanium and superalloys used in fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites. With a production capacity exceeding 6,000 tonnes annually, it supports indigenous manufacturing of critical components like turbine blades and missile parts. Located within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, this plant strengthens India’s technological and industrial base, promotes employment, and reduces dependence on foreign imports for strategic defence materials.

Bangladesh participated with the Indian Navy in the 4th edition of Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025, held in the Bay of Bengal in March 2025. The Bangladesh Navy deployed BNS Abu Ubaidah, while the Indian Navy was represented by INS Ranvir. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and included activities such as surface firing, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations, tactical maneuvers, and strategies to address challenges like piracy and illegal fishing. This bilateral exercise strengthens naval cooperation and interoperability between India and Bangladesh, contributing to regional maritime safety and security.

Uzbekistan participated alongside India in the joint military exercise DUSTLIK-VI 2025, conducted from April 16 to 28 at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. The exercise focused on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a semi-urban scenario, involving India’s JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force with the Uzbekistan Army. A key aspect of the exercise was the emphasis on Battalion-level Joint Operations Centre coordination for counter-terrorism operations. This collaboration enhances interoperability, strategic partnerships, and knowledge-sharing between India and Uzbekistan in addressing contemporary security challenges.

The first bilateral naval exercise between India and the Republic of Korea, named IN–RoKN, took place at the Busan Naval Base in South Korea. This exercise was designed to enhance maritime cooperation, build naval interoperability, and strengthen strategic ties between the two nations. The Harbour Phase focused on mutual understanding, professional exchanges, and camaraderie, while the Sea Phase involved complex joint operations and real-time drills. Conducting the exercise in South Korea highlights the host nation’s role in facilitating Indo-Pacific maritime security collaboration and underscores the significance of bilateral defence relations.