Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Navy is set to induct a unique, traditionally constructed stitched ship at its Naval Base in Karnataka. This ship is a recreation of a 5th-century maritime vessel, inspired by ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques depicted in paintings from the Ajanta Caves. The vessel does not use nails or rivets but is held together with rope stitching, reflecting maritime craftsmanship from centuries ago. Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will preside over the ceremony. The event not only showcases India’s naval heritage but also underscores Karnataka’s growing importance as a hub for maritime and cultural initiatives.

India is set to participate in LIMA 2025, the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, which will be held in Malaysia. The Indian delegation will be led by Sanjay Seth, who will inaugurate the Indian Pavilion and engage in talks with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin. This participation is part of efforts to enhance bilateral defence cooperation between India and Malaysia under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting the importance of defence ties in the region and fostering collaboration in the maritime and aerospace sectors.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art automotive and weapons systems testing centre in Chennai, specifically at Vellanur near the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) in Avadi. This facility includes 26 different types of tracks designed to test the full range of automotive performance parameters for tracked armoured fighting vehicles. The strategic location and specialized infrastructure aim to enhance India's defence capabilities by enabling rigorous testing and development of military vehicles, thereby contributing significantly to the indigenisation and modernisation of the nation’s armed forces.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a significant contract with the Indian Army Air Defence to supply the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), a state-of-the-art indigenous counter-drone system developed in collaboration with DRDO. This contract strengthens India’s defence capabilities by addressing emerging aerial threats through advanced technology. The project aligns with the Make in India initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Additionally, BEL secured orders worth ₹572 crore that include AI-based solutions for naval ships and software-defined radios (SDRs), demonstrating its expanding role in the country’s strategic defence infrastructure.

The Teesta Prahar exercise was conducted by the Indian Army at the Teesta field firing range in West Bengal. This comprehensive military drill involved multiple units, including infantry, mechanised infantry, artillery, armoured corps, para special forces, army aviation, engineering, and signals. The exercise aimed to enhance operational coordination and preparedness across diverse combat and support arms. Its strategic importance is elevated in the context of Operation Sindoor, reflecting the Army’s focus on readiness in high-sensitivity regions. Such exercises reinforce India's defence capabilities and demonstrate the integration of advanced training and real-time coordination across military divisions.