Current Affairs - Defence

Uttarakhand has announced the induction of Agniveer soldiers into its upcoming Tiger Protection Force at the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The declaration, made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on International Tiger Day, highlights a unique collaboration between environmental conservation and national defence personnel. This move aims to leverage the discipline and training of Agniveers to enhance protection for wildlife, especially tigers, in the state. More than 80 youth will be recruited for this force to help guard against poaching, habitat destruction, and other wildlife crimes. The initiative positions Uttarakhand as a leader in integrating military-trained youth into conservation efforts.

Exercise Divya Drishti was conducted by the Indian Army in East Sikkim under high-altitude operational conditions. Organised by the Trishakti Corps, the exercise aimed to evaluate the application of advanced technologies in modern warfare. It focused on testing artificial intelligence-based battlefield awareness, real-time surveillance, and next-generation combat readiness. The operation utilised ground-based systems, drones, and UAVs to simulate battlefield missions, enhancing operational coordination and situational responsiveness in challenging terrain. Conducting such exercises in Sikkim underscores the strategic importance of the region and the Indian Army’s focus on technological integration in defence preparedness.

The Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Atal’ was launched in Goa by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. This launch is part of a series of eight indigenously built FPVs, underscoring India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The vessel, measuring 52 meters in length with a displacement of 320 tonnes, is designed for diverse roles including coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations. The launch in Goa signifies a crucial boost to India’s maritime capabilities and its strategic preparedness in safeguarding its vast coastal and offshore assets.

Operation Mahadev was a high-intensity counter-terrorism mission launched by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police in the Dara region near Dachigam National Park. Acting on credible intelligence, the forces engaged and neutralised three Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists suspected to be linked with the deadly Pahalgam attack of April 2025. The encounter involved drone surveillance, rapid deployment, and coordinated action, highlighting India's growing reliance on technology and joint-force synergy in counter-insurgency efforts. Operation Mahadev not only marked a tactical success but also reinforced regional security by targeting militant hideouts in challenging terrain close to Srinagar.

‘Bold Kurukshetra 2025’ is a bilateral joint military exercise conducted between India and Singapore, aimed at enhancing urban warfare capabilities, counter-terrorism readiness, and joint tactical operations. Held in the desert terrain of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the exercise showcases the growing strategic defence partnership between the Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces. It features advanced combat simulations, use of modern technology, and real-time strategic coordination to strengthen interoperability. This exercise is part of broader military cooperation that includes naval and air engagements like SIMBEX and Joint Air Training, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to regional security and Indo-Pacific stability.