Current Affairs - Defence

India has signed a $248 million deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to acquire advanced 1,000 horsepower engines for its T-72 battle tanks. This agreement is aimed at enhancing the mobility and combat strength of the Indian Army. In addition, the deal includes the transfer of technology to India’s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL) for the licensed production of these engines, supporting India’s defence manufacturing sector and aligning with its Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Russia continues to be a vital defence partner for India, especially for tank and aircraft technology.

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (1TS), consisting of INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, successfully concluded its visit to Phuket, Thailand. During their visit to the Phuket Deep Sea Port, the squadron participated in coordinated tactical manoeuvres, joint exercises, and professional exchanges with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). The visit strengthened the maritime partnership between India and Thailand and involved various cultural and training engagements, highlighting the importance of international naval cooperation and enhancing regional security.

INS Imphal, commissioned in December 2023, participated in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025. This marked the ship's maiden port call in Mauritius, where it contributed a marching contingent, a naval band, and a helicopter for the flypast. INS Imphal is the third ship of the four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers, designed to enhance India's naval capabilities. Participation in the National Day celebrations highlights the strengthening of ties between India and Mauritius.

The 2025 Edition of the Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) was conducted by the Indian Navy over a period of three months, from January to March 2025. This exercise included multiple phases, such as the Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX) and a Joint Work Up Phase, and focused on cyber and electronic warfare as well as tactical operations. It is a key operational event for the Indian Navy, marking the importance of this exercise in enhancing naval capabilities.

India conducts the Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII with Kyrgyzstan. This exercise is part of a long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries and has been held annually since its inception in 2011. The 12th edition is set to take place in Kyrgyzstan from 10 March to 23 March 2025, marking the continuation of this important military collaboration. The previous edition was conducted in India in January 2024.