Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a major exercise to demonstrate its operational preparedness by performing a flypast and landing drill on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The exercise took place on a 3.5-kilometre stretch of the under-construction expressway near Shahjahanpur. It involved the participation of advanced fighter jets like Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage, along with transport aircraft, emphasizing the strategic utility of such infrastructure for emergency operations and national defence purposes.

Alok Joshi, the former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), has been appointed as the new Chairman of the revamped National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). This appointment is part of a strategic restructuring to strengthen India's national security framework, particularly in response to rising terror threats and the Pahalgam attack. The reshaping of the NSAB aims to enhance the country's security responses and offer strategic advice on military, intelligence, and diplomatic matters, signalling India's commitment to improving its defence strategies amidst growing security challenges.

Lt Gen JP Mathew stepped down from his role as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) on April 30 after serving the Indian Armed Forces for nearly four decades. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in promoting jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and made significant contributions to the development of Defence Cyber and Space capabilities. His leadership also strengthened collaboration with the Indian defence industry. In recognition of his exemplary service and dedication, he was awarded prestigious honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal. His retirement marks the conclusion of a highly impactful military career.

The deal between India and France for the acquisition of Rafale-M fighter jets includes a total of 26 jets, comprising 22 single-seat carrier-capable jets and 4 twin-seat trainer jets. This government-to-government agreement marks a significant enhancement of India’s naval capabilities. The Rafale-M jets will be equipped for operations from India’s aircraft carriers, particularly enhancing the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy. This deal builds upon a previous 2016 agreement for 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force, further strengthening India's defence infrastructure.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) unit, successfully conducted a long-duration ground test of an advanced Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor at the Scramjet Connect Test Facility in Hyderabad. This over 1,000-second test marks a major breakthrough in India's development of hypersonic cruise missile technology. Scramjet engines, which allow sustained supersonic combustion using atmospheric oxygen, are key to enabling missiles to fly at speeds over Mach 5. This accomplishment not only validates crucial propulsion technology but also reinforces India’s indigenous capabilities in next-generation missile systems and strengthens national defence preparedness.