Current Affairs - Defence

Rudrastra is the name of the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle successfully tested by the Indian Army for precision strikes and deep-target engagements. Developed by Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL), this indigenous drone is part of India's broader effort to strengthen self-reliance in defence technology. The trials, conducted at Pokhran, validated Rudrastra's capabilities in long-range targeting, automated return, and real-time video relay. With a total range of 170 km and airburst munitions for anti-personnel roles, the Rudrastra significantly enhances the Army’s stand-off strike capacity against high-value enemy positions and cross-border threats.

The multinational military Exercise Khaan Quest is hosted by Mongolia in its capital, Ulaanbaatar. Initially launched in 2003 as a bilateral effort between the United States and Mongolia, the exercise has grown into a multinational event promoting peacekeeping and military cooperation. The Indian Army's participation in Khaan Quest reflects its commitment to global peacekeeping and enhances its interoperability with armed forces from various nations. The exercise serves as a platform for sharing best practices, developing joint operational capabilities, and strengthening military-to-military ties with participating countries, particularly in the area of United Nations peace support operations.

Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) in 2025, a key role overseeing critical areas like Military Operations, Intelligence, and Strategic Planning. A veteran of the Kumaon Regiment, Lt Gen Ghai has held significant operational commands, including as the General Officer Commanding of the Chinar Corps. He gained national prominence for his leadership during Operation Sindoor, a successful precision strike campaign targeting terrorist infrastructure. In recognition of his exceptional strategic leadership, he was also awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025, solidifying his reputation as one of India’s top military strategists.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated Ibex Tarana 88.4 FM, a community radio station, in Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand, during his visit to assess troop readiness in the Garhwal region. This initiative, the first Army-backed community radio in a border area, aims to strengthen civil-military ties, promote local culture, and provide educational, employment, and disaster-preparedness programs. The launch underscores the Indian Army’s role in community empowerment alongside national security, particularly in strategic frontier regions like Uttarakhand.

Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace company, has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to jointly manufacture the fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft in India. This collaboration marks the first time the critical fuselage component will be produced outside France. As part of the agreement, Tata will establish a state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad, enhancing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the aerospace sector.