Current Affairs - Defence

Bangladesh participated with the Indian Navy in the 4th edition of Naval Exercise Bongosagar 2025, held in the Bay of Bengal in March 2025. The Bangladesh Navy deployed BNS Abu Ubaidah, while the Indian Navy was represented by INS Ranvir. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and included activities such as surface firing, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) operations, tactical maneuvers, and strategies to address challenges like piracy and illegal fishing. This bilateral exercise strengthens naval cooperation and interoperability between India and Bangladesh, contributing to regional maritime safety and security.

Uzbekistan participated alongside India in the joint military exercise DUSTLIK-VI 2025, conducted from April 16 to 28 at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. The exercise focused on Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a semi-urban scenario, involving India’s JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force with the Uzbekistan Army. A key aspect of the exercise was the emphasis on Battalion-level Joint Operations Centre coordination for counter-terrorism operations. This collaboration enhances interoperability, strategic partnerships, and knowledge-sharing between India and Uzbekistan in addressing contemporary security challenges.

The first bilateral naval exercise between India and the Republic of Korea, named IN–RoKN, took place at the Busan Naval Base in South Korea. This exercise was designed to enhance maritime cooperation, build naval interoperability, and strengthen strategic ties between the two nations. The Harbour Phase focused on mutual understanding, professional exchanges, and camaraderie, while the Sea Phase involved complex joint operations and real-time drills. Conducting the exercise in South Korea highlights the host nation’s role in facilitating Indo-Pacific maritime security collaboration and underscores the significance of bilateral defence relations.

India and Indonesia are conducting the 5th edition of the ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ naval exercise at Visakhapatnam, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between the two nations. First initiated in 2018, the exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding, and the exchange of best practices in naval operations. Such joint drills improve operational readiness, foster strategic partnerships, and enable both navies to collaborate effectively during maritime security operations. This continued engagement reflects the growing significance of India-Indonesia defence relations in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) from an altitude of 32,000 feet — the highest deployment ever for an indigenous system. Developed jointly by ADRDE (Agra) and DEBEL (Bengaluru), this advanced parachute system ensures safe and controlled deployment above 25,000 feet. The success of this test highlights DRDO’s progress in developing high-altitude military technology, strengthening India’s self-reliance and operational capabilities in defence research and innovation.