Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Army has raised new Bhairav Battalions along with specialised drone platoons to strengthen its rapid-response and high-mobility warfare capabilities. Each Bhairav Battalion consists of around 250 personnel and is designed to operate between regular infantry and Special Forces. These units will enhance surveillance, strike precision, and adaptability during surprise operations along India’s borders with China and Pakistan. The concept of the Bhairav Battalions and drone platoons evolved from operational lessons learned during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, reflecting India’s growing emphasis on technology-integrated military readiness.

INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, participated in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX) 2025 at Yokosuka, Japan. This exercise underscores the growing defence cooperation between India and Japan, which share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The collaboration highlights mutual interests in maintaining regional maritime security, strengthening interoperability, and enhancing strategic coordination between the two navies. Such joint exercises have been a key feature of their defence ties since 2014, reinforcing shared commitments toward peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant was inaugurated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in strategic materials for defence, aerospace, and electronics. The facility produces high-grade titanium and superalloys used in fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites. With a production capacity exceeding 6,000 tonnes annually, it supports indigenous manufacturing of critical components like turbine blades and missile parts. Located within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, this plant strengthens India’s technological and industrial base, promotes employment, and reduces dependence on foreign imports for strategic defence materials.

Bangladesh participated with the Indian Navy in the 4th edition of Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025, held in the Bay of Bengal in March 2025. The Bangladesh Navy deployed BNS Abu Ubaidah, while the Indian Navy was represented by INS Ranvir. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and included activities such as surface firing, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations, tactical maneuvers, and strategies to address challenges like piracy and illegal fishing. This bilateral exercise strengthens naval cooperation and interoperability between India and Bangladesh, contributing to regional maritime safety and security.

Uzbekistan participated alongside India in the joint military exercise DUSTLIK-VI 2025, conducted from April 16 to 28 at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. The exercise focused on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a semi-urban scenario, involving India’s JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force with the Uzbekistan Army. A key aspect of the exercise was the emphasis on Battalion-level Joint Operations Centre coordination for counter-terrorism operations. This collaboration enhances interoperability, strategic partnerships, and knowledge-sharing between India and Uzbekistan in addressing contemporary security challenges.