Current Affairs - Defence

INS Nirdeshak, the Indian Navy's new survey ship, will be commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on December 18, 2024. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), this 110-meter vessel is the second in the Survey Vessel (Large) Project. Equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic tools, it enhances India's maritime capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region. The ship also underscores India's focus on self-reliance, with over 80% of its components sourced domestically. The event marks a continuation of the legacy of the original INS Nirdeshak, which served the Navy for over 30 years.

The "Desert Knight" air combat exercise was a trilateral drill conducted by India, France, and the UAE over the Arabian Sea. The focus of the exercise was on interoperability and enhancing advanced combat skills, featuring aircraft like the Sukhoi-30MKIs and Rafales. This three-day exercise builds on the 2022 trilateral roadmap aimed at fostering collaboration between the three nations in the defence, technology, and energy sectors. It also highlights their growing defence ties and commitment to strengthening security in the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions.

India is preparing to sign a $4 billion deal with Russia for an advanced long-range radar system, which is part of Russia's Voronezh series. This radar system offers surveillance capabilities over 8,000 km, aligning with India's "Make in India" initiative, as 60% of its components are planned to be produced domestically. The system will be installed in Karnataka, strengthening India's strategic monitoring infrastructure.

INS Tushil, a stealth-guided missile frigate of the Krivak-III class, was developed under Project 1135.6. This project focuses on advanced frigates with state-of-the-art stealth designs, multi-role capabilities, and cutting-edge weapon systems. The ship is the 7th in the series and was built under a 2016 agreement between India and Russia, bolstering the operational strength of the Indian Navy.

The United States approved a $1.17 billion deal under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities. This agreement includes advanced communication systems, sensors, and logistical support for the Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, which are critical for anti-submarine warfare and surface combat operations. This defence partnership strengthens India's strategic position in the Indian Ocean Region, addressing challenges posed by regional adversaries. The MH-60R helicopters, equipped with Mk 54 torpedoes and Hellfire missiles, also modernize India's fleet, replacing the ageing Sea King helicopters.