Current Affairs - Defence

Operation Sindoor, launched on 7th May 2025 by the Indian Armed Forces, was a precision strike operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was a response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi played key roles in communicating the details of this mission to the public and media, representing the coordinated efforts of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their leadership in the briefing underlined the transparency and strategic intent behind the operation, as well as honouring the memory of the victims.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at an altitude of approximately 17 kilometres. This high-altitude test was a key step toward advancing India’s capabilities in persistent earth observation and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The platform operates in the stratosphere, which spans from around 17 km to 50 km above Earth. As a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), the airship offers unique advantages over traditional satellites and aircraft by maintaining prolonged coverage over specific areas. This successful trial lays the foundation for future development of stratospheric surveillance and communication platforms.

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force employed several high-precision weapons to ensure accurate targeting with minimal collateral damage. Among these, the SCALP cruise missile, also known as "Storm Shadow," played a crucial role. Developed by the European defence company MBDA, SCALP is designed for deep strikes against fortified and high-value targets. It is typically launched from platforms like the Rafale fighter jet and has a strong combat track record, having been deployed in missions in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and more recently, Ukraine. Its long-range and precision capabilities make it a vital asset for modern air operations.

The Indian Navy is set to acquire the advanced stealth warship INS Tamal from Russia under the framework of a 2016 Indo-Russian deal. As part of this agreement, four frigates were planned—two to be constructed in Russia and two in India. INS Tamal is the second ship built by Russia after INS Tushil. The vessel boasts stealth features, high-speed capability, and is equipped with advanced weaponry, including torpedoes and BrahMos missiles. Its ability to deploy helicopters further enhances its surveillance and combat functionality. The project reflects the longstanding defence partnership between India and Russia, particularly in naval modernization.

INS Sharda participated in a joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) at Maafilaafushi Atoll in the Maldives. This exercise aligns with India’s "MAHASAGAR" vision to promote security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The engagement is part of India's broader strategic and humanitarian outreach, building on past efforts like Operation Castor following the 2004 tsunami. Strengthening interoperability with the MNDF through such joint initiatives ensures both nations are better prepared to handle regional humanitarian emergencies, further reinforcing India's role as a net security provider in the region.