Current Affairs - Defence

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to jointly produce Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Army. Under this collaboration, L&T will act as the prime bidder for the 87 MALE RPAS programme, while GA-ASI will serve as the technology partner. This agreement strengthens India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by boosting indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and promoting greater Indo-US cooperation in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, assumed the role of the 40th Chief of Materiel on the specified date, taking over from Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh. His extensive background, including being an NDA alumnus, a postgraduate from IIT Chennai, and having over 38 years of service, is detailed. His prior experience as the Director General of Naval Projects in Visakhapatnam and his expertise in naval technology and warship production further confirm his identity as the officer who took on this key leadership position within the Indian Navy.

Pravaig, a Bengaluru-based company, has launched VEER, India’s first indigenous electric vehicle developed for defence applications. Built under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Pravaig VEER EV offers stealth capabilities, high terrain mobility, and quick field-repair readiness, making it ideal for modern military missions. The vehicle recently received the iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) award, recognizing its contribution to indigenous defence innovation. By combining sustainability, tactical efficiency, and technological advancement, the VEER strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and positions the nation as a potential leader in electric military vehicle technology on the global stage.

Shri Raj Kumar Arora, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), has assumed charge as the Financial Advisor (Defence Services) on November 1, 2025. With over three decades of experience in defence finance, budgeting, audit, and policy, he brings vast expertise to one of India’s most critical financial positions. Before this role, he served as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) and held senior posts in the UPSC, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Finance. His leadership is expected to enhance fiscal efficiency, transparency, and strategic financial planning in India’s defence establishment.

‘Ex Trishul’ is a large-scale tri-service exercise conducted by India along its Western Front, which borders Pakistan. The exercise brings together the Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance interoperability, coordination, and joint combat readiness. Held across Gujarat and Rajasthan from October 30 to November 10, 2025, it focuses on integrated operations involving land, sea, and air components. With over 20,000 troops and advanced assets like Rafale jets, Arjun tanks, and naval destroyers, the exercise demonstrates India’s preparedness, technological strength, and commitment to maintaining security and strategic stability along its western border region.