Current Affairs - Defence

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a significant contract with the Indian Army Air Defence to supply the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), a state-of-the-art indigenous counter-drone system developed in collaboration with DRDO. This contract strengthens India’s defence capabilities by addressing emerging aerial threats through advanced technology. The project aligns with the Make in India initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Additionally, BEL secured orders worth ₹572 crore that include AI-based solutions for naval ships and software-defined radios (SDRs), demonstrating its expanding role in the country’s strategic defence infrastructure.

The Teesta Prahar exercise was conducted by the Indian Army at the Teesta field firing range in West Bengal. This comprehensive military drill involved multiple units, including infantry, mechanised infantry, artillery, armoured corps, para special forces, army aviation, engineering, and signals. The exercise aimed to enhance operational coordination and preparedness across diverse combat and support arms. Its strategic importance is elevated in the context of Operation Sindoor, reflecting the Army’s focus on readiness in high-sensitivity regions. Such exercises reinforce India's defence capabilities and demonstrate the integration of advanced training and real-time coordination across military divisions.

Operation Nader was launched in the Nader area of Tral, located in Awantipora, as part of India’s continued counter-terrorism efforts. The joint operation involved the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), highlighting inter-agency coordination. Tral has been a sensitive region in Jammu and Kashmir, often witnessing security operations against militant activity. This operation was based on specific intelligence input and follows previous successes such as Operation Sindoor, demonstrating a sustained and focused approach by Indian forces in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability in Kashmir.

The ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-swarm drone system has been successfully test-fired and is designed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). It is a cost-effective solution for detecting and neutralising multiple drones simultaneously, which is vital in modern asymmetric warfare scenarios. The system stands out for its capability to operate effectively even in challenging terrains, including high-altitude areas exceeding 5000 meters. Its development aligns with the growing need for indigenous, scalable, and efficient anti-drone technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure and defence zones from aerial threats in various operational environments.

Prime Minister Modi’s strong push for indigenous military equipment in his address after Operation Sindoor, Indian defence stocks witnessed a significant rise, surging nearly 9%. This reflects investor confidence in the government’s focus on self-reliance in the defence sector. Companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) saw the highest individual surge of 9.4%, while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) also experienced notable gains. Other key players, such as Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock, benefited from the sentiment, indicating a broader market reaction tied to policy-driven support for domestic defence manufacturing.