Current Affairs - Defence

Uzbekistan is participating with India in the 6th edition of the Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI, which began on April 16, 2025, at Aundh in Pune. The exercise focuses on joint multi-domain operations in semi-urban environments, involving 60 Indian personnel from the JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force. Key features of the drill include counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) strategies, drone deployment, firepower coordination, and special forces operations. These bilateral exercises are aimed at improving mutual military cooperation, tactical skills, and interoperability between the armed forces of India and Uzbekistan in a variety of combat scenarios.

The 3rd edition of the Indian Navy’s Meteorological and Oceanological Symposium, Meghayan-25, was held at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi on April 14, 2025. The event coincided with the celebration of World Meteorological Day and focused on enhancing collaboration and awareness in marine meteorology and oceanology. Inaugurated virtually by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the symposium brought together key figures from defence and scientific institutions. The choice of New Delhi as the venue highlighted the central role of national-level coordination in advancing maritime weather capabilities.

INSV Tarini was flagged off from Cape Town for the final leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, which is set to conclude in Goa by May 2025. This voyage underscores India's advancements in indigenous shipbuilding and its commitment to promoting ocean sailing. The expedition also highlights the role of Indian women in uniform, with Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A as the prominent crew members. INSV Tarini continues to symbolize India’s growing maritime presence and serves as an inspiration for promoting gender equality and showcasing national capabilities on the global stage.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the release trials of the indigenously developed Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft between April 8–10, 2025. The trials demonstrated the bomb’s high-precision strike capabilities at a range of approximately 100 km, targeting a land-based objective on an island. The Gaurav bomb, weighing around 1,000 kg, was integrated into multiple stations of the Su-30 MKI in different warhead configurations. This success marks a significant leap in India's air-launched weapons capability and showcases indigenous technological excellence and strategic collaboration with Indian defence industries.

India has approved a significant government-to-government deal with France worth ₹63,000 crore for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets to strengthen the Indian Navy’s air capabilities. The jets will be deployed on INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, enhancing maritime strike power and carrier-based operations. The deal includes 22 single-seater carrier-capable jets and 4 twin-seater trainer jets, along with fleet maintenance, weapons systems, training, and logistical support. This strategic defence partnership with France is also expected to stimulate local defence manufacturing and employment through offset obligations, contributing to India's self-reliance in defence production.