Current Affairs - Defence

The ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-swarm drone system has been successfully test-fired and is designed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). It is a cost-effective solution for detecting and neutralising multiple drones simultaneously, which is vital in modern asymmetric warfare scenarios. The system stands out for its capability to operate effectively even in challenging terrains, including high-altitude areas exceeding 5000 meters. Its development aligns with the growing need for indigenous, scalable, and efficient anti-drone technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure and defence zones from aerial threats in various operational environments.

Prime Minister Modi’s strong push for indigenous military equipment in his address after Operation Sindoor, Indian defence stocks witnessed a significant rise, surging nearly 9%. This reflects investor confidence in the government’s focus on self-reliance in the defence sector. Companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) saw the highest individual surge of 9.4%, while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) also experienced notable gains. Other key players, such as Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock, benefited from the sentiment, indicating a broader market reaction tied to policy-driven support for domestic defence manufacturing.

Operation Sindoor, launched on 7th May 2025 by the Indian Armed Forces, was a precision strike operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was a response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi played key roles in communicating the details of this mission to the public and media, representing the coordinated efforts of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their leadership in the briefing underlined the transparency and strategic intent behind the operation, as well as honouring the memory of the victims.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at an altitude of approximately 17 kilometres. This high-altitude test was a key step toward advancing India’s capabilities in persistent earth observation and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The platform operates in the stratosphere, which spans from around 17 km to 50 km above Earth. As a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), the airship offers unique advantages over traditional satellites and aircraft by maintaining prolonged coverage over specific areas. This successful trial lays the foundation for future development of stratospheric surveillance and communication platforms.

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force employed several high-precision weapons to ensure accurate targeting with minimal collateral damage. Among these, the SCALP cruise missile, also known as "Storm Shadow," played a crucial role. Developed by the European defence company MBDA, SCALP is designed for deep strikes against fortified and high-value targets. It is typically launched from platforms like the Rafale fighter jet and has a strong combat track record, having been deployed in missions in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and more recently, Ukraine. Its long-range and precision capabilities make it a vital asset for modern air operations.