Current Affairs - Defence

Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 is being hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base in Spain, with participation from several allied nations, including India, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and the United States. The Indian Air Force is showcasing its Su-30MKI fighter jets during the exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability, mutual learning, and advanced air combat skills among the participating air forces. Spain’s role as host highlights its growing collaboration with global defence partners, while India’s involvement underscores its commitment to strengthening international military cooperation and operational readiness through such joint exercises.

The Indian Coast Guard launched two Advanced Fast Patrol Vessels—ICG Ship Ajit and ICG Ship Aparajit—at Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa. Each vessel measures 52 meters in length and weighs about 320 tonnes, marking the seventh and eighth ships in a series of eight indigenously built patrol vessels. These ships are equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers, a technological advancement introduced for the first time in this class of vessels in India. The launch underscores Goa’s important role in India’s naval and shipbuilding capabilities, strengthening the nation’s coastal defence infrastructure.

The Indian Army has raised new Bhairav Battalions along with specialised drone platoons to strengthen its rapid-response and high-mobility warfare capabilities. Each Bhairav Battalion consists of around 250 personnel and is designed to operate between regular infantry and Special Forces. These units will enhance surveillance, strike precision, and adaptability during surprise operations along India’s borders with China and Pakistan. The concept of the Bhairav Battalions and drone platoons evolved from operational lessons learned during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, reflecting India’s growing emphasis on technology-integrated military readiness.

INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, participated in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX) 2025 at Yokosuka, Japan. This exercise underscores the growing defence cooperation between India and Japan, which share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The collaboration highlights mutual interests in maintaining regional maritime security, strengthening interoperability, and enhancing strategic coordination between the two navies. Such joint exercises have been a key feature of their defence ties since 2014, reinforcing shared commitments toward peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant was inaugurated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in strategic materials for defence, aerospace, and electronics. The facility produces high-grade titanium and superalloys used in fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites. With a production capacity exceeding 6,000 tonnes annually, it supports indigenous manufacturing of critical components like turbine blades and missile parts. Located within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, this plant strengthens India’s technological and industrial base, promotes employment, and reduces dependence on foreign imports for strategic defence materials.