Current Affairs - Defence

India has approved the purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets under a ₹62,000 crore deal, marking a major step towards strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This order comes in addition to an earlier purchase of 83 jets, bringing the total number of Tejas Mark 1A aircraft ordered to 180. The new fleet will replace the ageing MiG-21s, enhancing the IAF’s operational capabilities with modern avionics, advanced radar, and electronic warfare systems. With 65% indigenous content, the deal boosts the Make in India mission, supports HAL, creates jobs, and strengthens India’s defence exports potential.

Assam Rifles entered into a collaboration with IIIT Manipur to promote drone technology specifically for defence and security applications. This partnership involved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at Mantripukhri and the launch of an Advanced Drone Training and Refresher Course. The program was designed to equip Assam Rifles personnel with skills in drone flight operations, proper maintenance, and DGCA-certified training. Such collaborations highlight the growing importance of academic–defence partnerships in advancing indigenous technological capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring that security forces remain well-trained in modern surveillance and defence tools.

The Sudarshan Chakra Mission envisions India developing a fully indigenous multi-layered air defence system by 2035. This shield aims to protect both strategic military assets and civilian infrastructure from aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and fighter jets. The system will integrate radar networks, AI-driven sensors, missile interceptors, and directed energy weapons, ensuring nationwide coverage. The initiative underscores India’s focus on self-reliance in defence technology, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, enhancing deterrence against regional adversaries, and safeguarding civilian and critical infrastructure across the country.

The SLINEX-25 naval exercise is being held in Sri Lanka, with the harbour phase in Colombo and the sea phase in nearby waters from 14–18 August 2025. Indian naval vessels INS Rana and INS Jyoti are joined by Sri Lanka’s SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Vijayabahu, along with assets from the Sri Lanka Air Force. Activities include gunnery drills, seamanship exercises, VBSS operations, and cultural exchanges. This 12th edition of SLINEX reflects the strong naval partnership under India’s MAHASAGAR initiative, aimed at enhancing maritime interoperability, strengthening trust, and building collective security in the Indian Ocean Region against common challenges.

The government has announced the establishment of two new Defence Industrial Corridors in Maharashtra and Assam, aimed at strengthening India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector. These corridors will enhance indigenous manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and create significant employment opportunities in advanced defence production. Building on the success of the existing corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the new ones are expected to foster collaboration between public sector units, private firms, startups, and academia. Maharashtra’s clusters will leverage its strong industrial base, while Assam’s corridor will promote regional growth and integration into national defence manufacturing.