Current Affairs - Defence

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast. This advanced system integrates multiple cutting-edge defence technologies, including the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). The system is centrally managed through a Command & Control Centre developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL). Additionally, VSHORADS and DEW were developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), marking a significant step in strengthening India’s air defence capabilities.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) launched its first all-women commando unit in Madhya Pradesh, marking a major step towards strengthening gender inclusivity in paramilitary forces. The training for this unit is being conducted at the Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, where 30 women personnel are undergoing an intensive 8-week advanced course. The training modules include physical fitness, advanced weapons handling, live-fire drills, rappelling, and survival techniques. Once trained, these women commandos will be deployed in Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and Special Task Forces (STFs), enhancing the force’s operational capabilities while promoting women’s empowerment in security services.

India and France have entered into a significant defence collaboration to co-develop a 120-kilonewton jet engine for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project involves DRDO from India and Safran from France, with an estimated cost of $7 billion. While the initial batch of AMCA aircraft will use GE-414 engines, the indigenously co-developed engine with France will power future aircraft. The collaboration is expected to ensure 100% technology transfer, boosting India’s defence self-reliance and strengthening bilateral strategic ties. This initiative represents a major leap toward advanced indigenous capabilities in aerospace and defence technology.

The Agni-5 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 24, making it one of the fastest strategic missiles in India’s arsenal. The launch was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command and validated all key operational and technical parameters. This speed enables the missile to cover vast distances within minutes, ensuring high precision and deterrence capabilities. Alongside Agni-5, India has also maintained operational readiness of other systems like Prithvi-II and Agni-I, strengthening the country’s layered missile defence and strategic strike capability.

India has approved the purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets under a ₹62,000 crore deal, marking a major step towards strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This order comes in addition to an earlier purchase of 83 jets, bringing the total number of Tejas Mark 1A aircraft ordered to 180. The new fleet will replace the ageing MiG-21s, enhancing the IAF’s operational capabilities with modern avionics, advanced radar, and electronic warfare systems. With 65% indigenous content, the deal boosts the Make in India mission, supports HAL, creates jobs, and strengthens India’s defence exports potential.