Current Affairs - Defence

OCF Avadi, a unit under Defence PSU Troop Comforts Limited, successfully carried out India's first defence export order to Suriname on January 28, 2025. The shipment included 4,500 army uniforms valued at ₹1.71 crore, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Suriname. The factory is optimistic about future orders worth ₹5 crore, reinforcing the reputation of "Made in India" defence products on the global stage.

The bid from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), in collaboration with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), cleared the technical evaluation for the ₹43,000 crore P-75I submarine project. The project involves the acquisition of six advanced conventional submarines with a focus on indigenous content and technological upgrades. MDL-TKMS’s offering is based on the Class 214 submarine design, known for its operational success and proven Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) module, a key criterion for qualification. With commercial negotiations set to begin, this bid emphasizes the importance of indigenization in India’s defence capabilities.

India has joined the Eurodrone (MALE RPAS) programme as an observer, marking a significant step in international defence cooperation. This €7.1 billion initiative, led by Airbus Defence and Space and managed by OCCAR, focuses on various advanced capabilities like intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). With payload capabilities of up to 2.3 tonnes and endurance of 40 hours, Eurodrone aims to bolster maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and early warning systems.

The DRDO successfully conducted a 120-second ground test of an active-cooled scramjet combustor, marking a significant advancement in hypersonic missile technology. Hypersonic missiles, capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5, can evade modern air defences. The Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) is spearheading these efforts to develop next-generation hypersonic weapons. India joins nations like the US, Russia, and China in pushing the boundaries of advanced weaponry, positioning itself as a key player in this strategic defence sector.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Battlefield Surveillance System named SANJAY to strengthen the Indian Army's reconnaissance capabilities. This advanced system integrates data from both ground and aerial sensors, offering real-time surveillance and situational awareness to aid in strategic decision-making. Developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics, SANJAY represents a significant step forward in modernizing India’s defence infrastructure and is planned for phased deployment by October 2025. The system underscores the importance of technology in enhancing national security.