Current Affairs - Defence

INS Sagardhwani is a DRDO-operated oceanographic research vessel that plays a key role in India’s maritime scientific outreach. It was flagged off from Kochi for the fifth edition of the ‘Sagar Maitri’ mission, a Navy–DRDO initiative aligned with the MAHASAGAR vision. The mission focuses on strengthening scientific collaboration and capacity-building among Indian Ocean Rim countries. By retracing historic sea routes and undertaking joint ocean research with eight regional partners, beginning with the Maldives, the mission reinforces India’s role as a trusted maritime partner and a leader in cooperative ocean science.

Garuda Aerospace partnered with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to supply indigenous Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to India’s defence forces. Under this collaboration, BEL serves as the lead bidder, while Garuda Aerospace contributes its expertise in drone design, manufacturing, and deployment. The partnership aims to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence technology (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) by delivering fully Indian, mission-ready UAS solutions for both defence and internal security applications. This collaboration highlights the growing role of private Indian companies in enhancing the country’s indigenous defence capabilities.

The Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was successfully flight-tested at the KK Ranges located in Maharashtra. This advanced third-generation missile features a fire-and-forget capability, an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker, and a tandem warhead designed to defeat modern armored battle tanks. The test validated its performance against moving targets during both day and night conditions. With Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited as production partners, the missile system has now been cleared for induction into the Indian Army, strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS), a portable water purifier designed for soldiers operating in remote, coastal, and high-altitude areas. This lightweight, hand-operated system can convert saline water into potable water, supporting the hydration needs of 10–12 personnel per unit, while the engine-operated version can serve 20–25 soldiers. SWaDeS enhances operational self-sufficiency, reduces dependence on water supply lines, and ensures safe drinking water during long patrols and deployments in challenging terrains like coastal regions and the Pangong Tso area in Ladakh.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on January 1, 2026, marking nearly seven decades of contributions to India’s defence and security infrastructure. DRDO operates 52 laboratories and focuses on key domains such as Cyber, Space, and Artificial Intelligence, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence. In 2025, it secured 22 AoN approvals worth Rs.1.30 lakh crore, signed 11 defence contracts worth Rs.26,000 crore, and completed 245 technology transfer agreements (LAToT). DRDO continues to drive indigenous defence research, industry collaborations, and operational readiness, making it central to India’s strategic and technological advancement.