Current Affairs - Defence

INS Arnala, delivered to the Indian Navy on May 8, 2025, is India’s first indigenously developed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC). Built through a public-private collaboration between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and L&T Shipyard, this 77-meter-long vessel is equipped with a diesel engine-waterjet propulsion system—the largest Indian warship with such a configuration. It is designed for underwater surveillance in shallow coastal waters, mine laying, low-intensity maritime operations, and search and rescue missions. Named after the historic Arnala Fort in Maharashtra, this ship significantly boosts India's coastal defence capabilities and marks a major step in self-reliant naval manufacturing.

The civil defence mock drill conducted in Bengaluru was named ‘Operation Abhyas’. It was organised by the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services under the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of a nationwide initiative to bolster emergency preparedness. The drill was held in the Halasuru area and involved realistic simulations of emergencies such as building evacuations, fire incidents, and debris rescue operations. It aimed to educate citizens on how to respond in crisis situations, especially amid rising national tensions following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The coordinated exercise highlighted the importance of public awareness and inter-agency response capabilities.

INS Kiltan docked in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025, a major international maritime defence exhibition. This visit highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime diplomacy and bolstering regional security partnerships. The engagement showcases the close and strategic naval relations between India and Singapore, underlining mutual interests in maritime security and cooperation. Crew interactions and outreach programs are intended to enhance interoperability with global navies, demonstrate India’s naval capabilities, and promote greater awareness about maritime issues in the Indo-Pacific region. The choice of Singapore as the host city underscores its central role in regional maritime affairs.

In response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, the Indian Armed Forces launched a counteroffensive named Operation Sindoor. This military operation specifically targeted terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, locations known for facilitating and directing attacks against India. A total of nine sites were struck in this operation, emphasising India's intent to respond decisively to cross-border terrorism and to protect national security. The operation demonstrates a strategic and calculated military posture aimed at dismantling terror networks across the border.

INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll in the Maldives to participate in a week-long Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise. This joint initiative aims to improve coordination and operational readiness between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force in times of natural disasters or humanitarian crises. The exercise reflects India's broader "MAHASAGAR" vision, which emphasizes maritime cooperation, regional peace, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region. Deployments like that of INS Sharda demonstrate India's commitment to being a responsible maritime partner and first responder in the region.