Current Affairs - Defence

Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 is a multinational anti-submarine warfare training exercise hosted by the United States Navy at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The drill includes participation from several allied nations such as India, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. It aims to strengthen anti-submarine capabilities, improve interoperability among partner forces, and enhance coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise involves complex scenarios in challenging maritime environments, allowing participating crews to detect and respond to simulated and real submarine threats, thereby contributing to regional security and strategic cooperation.

INS Sudarshini is an Indian Naval Sail Training Ship that arrived at Valletta, Malta, as part of its extensive Lokayan-26 expedition covering 22,000 nautical miles. The voyage highlights India’s maritime diplomacy and aims to strengthen bilateral relations through engagements with foreign nations. During its visit, the crew interacts with local authorities and armed forces to promote cooperation and goodwill. The expedition began in Kochi and includes multiple international stops, showcasing India’s naval capabilities and cultural outreach. The ship’s participation in global maritime events further enhances India’s presence on the international stage.

AVATAAR amphibious drone is India’s first drone designed to operate both in the air and underwater. It was developed by AquaAirX Autonomous Systems and features a carbon-fibre structure that provides high resistance to corrosion in marine environments. The drone uses advanced sonar systems, including multibeam imaging sonar, to map the seabed and detect underwater objects. It also includes an acoustic communication modem and an Ultra-Short Baseline navigation system for precise positioning during missions. The name AVATAAR stands for Amphibious Vehicle for Autonomous Tactical Aerial & Aquatic Reconnaissance and is intended for surveillance, reconnaissance, and security operations around ports, harbors, and coastal regions.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Navy, successfully carried out four in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150). The trials were conducted from a P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 01, 2026, under various extreme release conditions. The ADC-150 is designed to carry and deliver a payload of 150 kg to naval ships operating in distant waters. This system enables rapid delivery of essential supplies such as equipment, critical stores, and medical aid to vessels in distress. The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam served as the nodal laboratory, with support from other DRDO units for parachute systems, certification, and instrumentation.

The 11th edition of the joint military exercise “LAMITIYE-2026” is being conducted in Seychelles with the participation of the Indian Armed Forces. The exercise aims to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, improve interoperability between the two countries, and enhance operational coordination. “Lamitiye,” meaning “Friendship” in the Creole language, reflects the spirit of collaboration between India and Seychelles. The 2026 edition is significant because it includes participation from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force. The training program focuses on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments, peacekeeping operations, tactical drills, and joint planning exercises conducted over a 12-day period.