Current Affairs - Defence

The deal between India and France for the acquisition of Rafale-M fighter jets includes a total of 26 jets, comprising 22 single-seat carrier-capable jets and 4 twin-seat trainer jets. This government-to-government agreement marks a significant enhancement of India’s naval capabilities. The Rafale-M jets will be equipped for operations from India’s aircraft carriers, particularly enhancing the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy. This deal builds upon a previous 2016 agreement for 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force, further strengthening India's defence infrastructure.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) unit, successfully conducted a long-duration ground test of an advanced Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor at the Scramjet Connect Test Facility in Hyderabad. This over 1,000-second test marks a major breakthrough in India's development of hypersonic cruise missile technology. Scramjet engines, which allow sustained supersonic combustion using atmospheric oxygen, are key to enabling missiles to fly at speeds over Mach 5. This accomplishment not only validates crucial propulsion technology but also reinforces India’s indigenous capabilities in next-generation missile systems and strengthens national defence preparedness.

Exercise 'Aakraman' was conducted by the Indian Air Force to simulate attacks on both mountainous and ground targets, showcasing the IAF’s enhanced operational capabilities. The drills prominently featured advanced fighter jets like the Rafale and Su-30MKI, demonstrating their effectiveness in ground attack operations and electronic warfare. With rising regional tensions, the exercise emphasized readiness to respond to threats, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Meteor and Rampage missiles, along with the powerful S-400 air defence system. 'Aakraman' focused on live fire drills, electronic warfare, and complex mission scenarios to test the IAF’s preparedness in modern aerial combat environments.

The deal for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets between India and France is set to be finalized on April 28, 2025. The deal is valued at ₹63,000 crore and represents a significant boost to India’s naval aviation capabilities. The Rafale-M jets, which will be deployed on India’s aircraft carriers, reflect the strengthening of the strategic partnership between India and France. The jets will bridge operational gaps until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) project is completed, further enhancing India's maritime strike capabilities.

The 10th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 24, was officially inducted into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. These barges play a crucial role in transporting ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles to various naval platforms. Designed by M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd from Thane, the barge represents an effort to strengthen Indigenous defence manufacturing and enhance logistics capability. The delivery of LSAM 24 continues a series of successful inductions, with additional contracts aimed at encouraging Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the defence sector.