Current Affairs - Defence

The Maharashtra Tourism Department plans to acquire the decommissioned naval warship INS Guldar and sink it off Sindhudurg near Nivati Rocks to create India’s first artificial reef. This project aims to promote adventure tourism, specifically scuba diving, by enhancing marine biodiversity. The artificial reef will provide a habitat for fish and marine species while attracting tourism revenue, similar to global examples like the USS Spiegel Grove in Florida. The ship will undergo complete decontamination before being sunk, ensuring a safe and environmentally responsible project.

The successful test-firing of India's Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) was conducted from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. This significant defence achievement was carried out at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, with collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy. The missile successfully demonstrated its precision strike capabilities, highlighting India's advancements in missile technology and naval warfare systems. The test marks a crucial milestone for India's defence capabilities, especially in the domain of naval operations.

The military exercise ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ was conducted at Bet Dwarka, Gujarat, by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police. The exercise aimed at strengthening island security, preventing illegal encroachment, and improving coordination among various security forces. The exercise included activities like hovercraft landings, response simulations, and interdepartmental coordination to ensure preparedness for potential security threats. The location, Gujarat, plays a crucial strategic role in enhancing India’s coastal defence capabilities.

Tamal is set to become India's last imported warship, with its commissioning scheduled for early June 2025. The Indian Navy crew has already reached St. Petersburg, Russia, to prepare for the ship's trials. This marks a significant step in India's transition to self-reliance in warship design and construction. After the commissioning of Tamal, India will no longer rely on imported warships, as it focuses on developing indigenous naval vessels. This shift underscores India's growing capabilities in defence manufacturing.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance research, skill development, and technological innovation in the aerospace sector. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia, offering opportunities for higher education, research, and training in emerging aerospace technologies. HAL’s involvement will strengthen India’s aerospace and defence capabilities, contributing to self-reliance and global competitiveness in the sector.