Current Affairs - Defence

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed three successive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) off the Odisha coast. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the VSHORADS system, which is designed to neutralize aerial threats, including drones, flying at very low altitudes and high speeds. The successful trials demonstrate the system's capabilities and its potential to enhance India's air defence capabilities.

TROPEX-25 is a biennial large-scale military exercise conducted in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It involves around 65 Indian Navy ships, 9 submarines, and over 80 aircraft, along with assets from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The exercise focuses on validating the Indian Navy’s maritime operational strategies and enhancing joint operational readiness against various threats, including conventional, asymmetric, and hybrid threats. By conducting TROPEX-25 in the Indian Ocean, India ensures the protection of its maritime interests, strengthens fleet management capabilities, and refines its combat readiness in real-world maritime scenarios.

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, consisting of INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, arrived at Changi Naval Base on 6th February 2025. This visit is part of a Long-Range Training Deployment aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation. During their stay, engagements such as professional exchanges, cross-training visits, and sports fixtures with the Republic of Singapore Navy were planned, highlighting the significance of naval partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Army has collaborated with IIT Guwahati to develop bamboo-based composite bunkers as an alternative to conventional construction materials. These bunkers aim to enhance sustainability, reduce weight, and improve deployability in high-altitude areas like Arunachal Pradesh. The agreement, signed between the Army’s 4 Corps and IIT Guwahati, aligns with the Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ vision. The new bunkers will be tested for durability, including small arms fire resistance, and provide an eco-friendly solution to military infrastructure challenges while improving logistics and operational efficiency.

The 13th edition of the bilateral military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between India and the Maldives is being held in the Maldives. This annual exercise is conducted alternately in both nations, fostering military cooperation and strengthening defence ties. The previous edition in 2023 took place in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. ‘Ekuverin,’ which means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language, reflects the close partnership between India and the Maldives in maintaining regional security and enhancing interoperability between their armed forces.