Current Affairs - Defence

Air Marshal Tejbir Singh has taken over as the Director General (Inspection & Safety) of the Indian Air Force, bringing with him nearly four decades of rich experience. His 37-year career includes significant command and staff appointments, such as Air Attaché to Bangladesh and Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College. With over 7000 flying hours and a key role in inducting the C-130J ‘Super Hercules’ into IAF operations, he has contributed extensively to operational capability and training reforms. His leadership is further distinguished by prestigious honours, including the Vayu Sena Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, a highly experienced naval officer with over 38 years of service, has taken charge as the Controller Warship Production & Acquisition. His extensive career includes significant roles on major Indian Navy ships such as INS Viraat, INS Brahmaputra, and INS Dunagiri, as well as leadership contributions to major acquisition programs like the Vikramaditya and the ATV Program. He succeeds Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, who oversaw the induction of eight warships during his tenure.

The HAMMER system is a precision-guided air-to-ground weapon created by Safran Electronics & Defence, a major French defence and aerospace manufacturer. Its modular design allows standard unguided bombs to be transformed into high-accuracy strike weapons capable of operating effectively even in GPS-denied or electronic warfare environments. With a stand-off range of up to 70 km, it enhances the ability of combat aircraft such as the Rafale and Tejas to engage targets while staying outside enemy air defence coverage. The India–France agreement to co-produce HAMMER components further strengthens bilateral defence cooperation and boosts India’s technological indigenisation.

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The operation involved the deployment of Indian naval ships, including INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, to deliver essential relief materials to affected areas in Colombo. Cyclone Ditwah led to heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding, creating an urgent need for support. Operation Sagar Bandhu exemplifies India’s commitment to regional disaster relief and cooperation, showcasing how timely aid and coordination can help neighboring countries recover from natural calamities.

The Army has laid out a three-phase roadmap to develop a future-ready force by 2047. The first phase, HOP 2032, focuses on transformation under the Army’s Decade of Transformation (2023–2033). The second phase, STEP 2037, involves consolidating the progress made in the initial phase. The final phase, JUMP 2047, envisions the Army as an integrated and technologically advanced force capable of addressing future security challenges. This long-term plan underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces, leveraging advanced technology, and ensuring operational readiness for emerging threats.