Current Affairs - Defence

The Ayni Airbase, located near Dushanbe in Tajikistan, was India’s only overseas military facility until its quiet withdrawal in 2022. Originally a Soviet-era base, Ayni was renovated by India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in the early 2000s with an investment of around $80 million. The base featured a 3,200-metre runway, hangars, and fuel storage, and served as a key strategic outpost near Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China. India’s withdrawal followed the non-renewal of its lease by Tajikistan, reportedly under Russian and Chinese pressure, marking a significant reduction in India’s military footprint in Central Asia.

India signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support with Vietnam during the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue held in Hanoi in November 2025. The agreement, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Defence Minister Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien, aims to enhance cooperation in submarine rescue operations, ensure rapid assistance in emergencies, and strengthen interoperability between the two navies. Alongside, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was also signed to deepen collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology, reinforcing the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Indo-Pacific maritime security.

INS Savitri, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel constructed by Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai, arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius as part of an operational deployment. Commissioned on 7 June 1990, the vessel operates under the Eastern Naval Command based at Visakhapatnam. Equipped with a 40×60 Bofors Gun and a helicopter deck for Chetak helicopter operations, INS Savitri is designed for aerial surveillance, search and rescue, and patrol missions. Its visit to Mauritius underscores India’s commitment to maritime cooperation, regional security, and fostering strong bilateral ties with Indian Ocean nations.

INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, represented India at Exercise Malabar 2025 in Guam, North Pacific. This exercise, the 28th edition under the Quad framework involving India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia, focuses on strengthening naval cooperation and enhancing maritime interoperability. INS Sahyadri’s participation demonstrates India’s commitment to regional security, technological self-reliance, and operational readiness. The event included both a Harbour Phase for planning and a Sea Phase with joint fleet maneuvers, anti-submarine warfare, and gunnery operations, emphasizing collaboration among Quad nations.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a $1 billion agreement with General Electric (GE) for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines, which will power 97 LCA Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets of the Indian Air Force. This deal marks a crucial milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthens the indigenous aircraft production ecosystem. The F404 engines are known for their reliability, high performance, and compatibility with advanced fighter systems. This partnership not only supports Tejas Mk 1A production but also paves the way for future collaboration on F414 engines for the LCA Mk 2, enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities.