Current Affairs - Defence

The government has announced the establishment of two new Defence Industrial Corridors in Maharashtra and Assam, aimed at strengthening India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector. These corridors will enhance indigenous manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and create significant employment opportunities in advanced defence production. Building on the success of the existing corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the new ones are expected to foster collaboration between public sector units, private firms, startups, and academia. Maharashtra’s clusters will leverage its strong industrial base, while Assam’s corridor will promote regional growth and integration into national defence manufacturing.

The Border Security Force (BSF) launched ‘Operation Alert’ along the Rajasthan border to strengthen security measures in the lead-up to Independence Day. The operation focuses on enhancing vigilance through intensified patrols, conducting drills, and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs). Such measures are vital to ensure strict border management, prevent infiltration, and address emerging security challenges. The review and improvement of SOPs and instructions further demonstrate the BSF’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers. This operation underscores the proactive steps taken by India’s primary border-guarding force to maintain peace, security, and readiness during sensitive national occasions.

On 26 August 2025, the Indian Navy will achieve a historic first by commissioning two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, on the same day at Visakhapatnam. Both ships are part of Project 17A, featuring stealth-optimised hulls, advanced propulsion systems, and formidable multi-role weaponry. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, while INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. This event not only marks a milestone in India’s naval modernisation and indigenous shipbuilding but also showcases the country’s industrial strength, involving over 200 MSMEs and generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

INS Tamal, the Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, commissioned in Russia on 1 July 2025, concluded a three-day port visit to Casablanca, Morocco, from 6–9 August 2025. The visit featured joint naval exercises, bilateral discussions with senior Moroccan naval officials, cultural exchanges, and sports events aimed at fostering camaraderie and operational cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Moroccan Navy. Upon departure, INS Tamal conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Morocco’s Ship Mohammed VI, enhancing interoperability and communication skills. This engagement highlights India’s commitment to strengthening maritime diplomacy and expanding its defence partnerships in North Africa.

The 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and the United Arab Emirates took place in New Delhi, highlighting the nations’ shared focus on strengthening defence cooperation. Discussions included enhanced military training, joint defence manufacturing, maritime security collaboration, and co-development of technologies such as AI and shipbuilding. The meeting also emphasised inter-service cooperation to improve interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The choice of New Delhi as the venue underscores its role as the hub for India’s strategic and diplomatic engagements, reinforcing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.