Current Affairs - Defence

The sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025 will be held at Mount Fuji, Japan, from February 25 to March 9. The exercise will focus on urban warfare and counter-terrorism. This military exercise strengthened the defence cooperation between India and Japan, building on the momentum from the Indian Army Chief’s visit to Japan in October 2024. The location of Mount Fuji in Japan has been specifically chosen for the exercise.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) partnered with Safran Electronics & Defense to jointly manufacture and maintain the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) weapon in India. HAMMER is a precision-guided, air-to-ground weapon that can be adapted for use with Rafale and LCA Tejas jets. This collaboration is part of India’s effort to strengthen its defence manufacturing capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing dependency on imports for advanced weaponry and supporting the growth of Indigenous defence technology.

Saab signed an MoU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to collaborate on the production and maintenance of the Electronic Warfare Laser Warning System-310 (LWS-310) in India. The agreement allows HAL to manufacture this advanced system domestically and involves the transfer of critical maintenance technology. This partnership aligns with India’s "Make in India" initiative, enhancing the country's self-reliance in key defence technologies. The system will improve the survivability of military assets by providing early warnings against laser-guided weapons.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has renamed the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36) as 'Yashas' after making significant modifications to enhance its spin resistance and stability. The aircraft is equipped with an advanced glass cockpit, a FADEC-controlled AL55I engine, and Indian-made avionics, improving its efficiency for pilot training. 'Yashas' plays a crucial role in Stage II pilot training, counter-insurgency operations, and aerobatics, with the capability to carry a 1,000 kg armament load. The renaming aligns with HAL’s efforts to modernize Indigenous aircraft for defence applications.

The joint military exercise 'Cyclone 2025' between India and Egypt has commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. This 14-day exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation and interoperability between the special forces of both nations. The training focuses on counter-terrorism operations, reconnaissance, sniping, surveillance, and other specialized military tactics in challenging desert conditions. The Indian Army is represented by the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while Egypt has deployed its Commando Squadron and Airborne Platoon. The exercise strengthens bilateral defence ties and improves coordination in tackling modern security threats.