Current Affairs - Defence

The 14th edition of the India-Russia bilateral naval exercise, INDRA 2025, involves the participation of Russia alongside India. This exercise took place from March 28 to April 2, 2025, off the coast of Chennai, focusing on strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations. It comprises two phases: the Harbour phase, featuring exchanges and sports activities, and the Sea phase, which includes advanced naval drills. Russian naval ships such as Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov joined the exercise, highlighting the strategic naval collaboration between India and Russia.

Exercise Prachand Prahar, a tri-service military drill involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy, was conducted in Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise focused on integrated operations, utilizing advanced surveillance assets and synchronized joint firepower to neutralize targets in an electronically contested environment. Senior officials reviewed the exercise, building on the success of the previous Exercise Poorvi Prahar held in November 2024. Arunachal Pradesh's strategic location made it an ideal site for this high-level military exercise.

The successful flight test of the Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) was conducted by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Navy. The test took place at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha, where the missile demonstrated its ability to engage and destroy a high-speed aerial target, highlighting DRDO’s expertise in developing advanced defence technologies. The test also validated several indigenous systems, enhancing India’s defence capabilities.

As part of a Rs 54,000 crore defence procurement approval, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the purchase of 1350 high-performance engines for T-90 tanks, boosting their mobility, especially in high-altitude areas. This is one of several measures aimed at strengthening India’s defence capabilities. Additionally, Varunastra torpedoes for the Indian Navy and Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft Systems for the Indian Air Force were also approved as part of this comprehensive procurement plan.

VARUNA 2025 is a bilateral naval exercise between India and France, aimed at strengthening their maritime cooperation. It is the 23rd edition of this annual exercise, which has been held since 2001. The exercise showcases various naval capabilities, including aircraft carriers, fighter aircraft, and submarines. It focuses on improving coordination in air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat. VARUNA 2025 reflects the strong naval partnership between the two nations and their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region.