Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Air Force contingent arrived in France to take part in the Garuda-2025 air exercise held at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base. This bilateral exercise is an important symbol of the deep strategic cooperation between India and France, particularly in the area of defence and aviation. The drill involves frontline fighter aircraft from both nations, enhancing interoperability and strengthening mutual operational capabilities. The exercise also helps Indian pilots gain exposure to advanced tactics, mission planning frameworks, and logistical environments of the French Air and Space Force. Such engagements further reinforce a long-standing partnership rooted in technology, trust and shared strategic goals.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, has successfully created next-generation Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs). These systems are designed to significantly enhance underwater mine countermeasure capabilities. Equipped with side scan sonar, underwater cameras, deep learning-based target recognition, and acoustic communication, the AUVs enable accurate detection and classification of mine-like objects while coordinating effectively with multiple units. Field trials validated their ability to autonomously execute complex missions with minimal human involvement. This development strengthens India’s underwater defence preparedness and supports the nation’s broader goal of indigenising critical military technologies.

Operation Akhand Prahar was carried out in Jaisalmer as part of Exercise Trishul, demonstrating India’s ability to coordinate across multiple domains of warfare. The exercise involved close synchronisation between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, highlighting improved joint operational readiness. It also validated the capabilities of the newly established RUDRA Brigade, an integrated formation combining infantry, armoured units, mechanised forces, and air defence assets. Advanced technologies such as drones, counter-drone systems, and indigenous equipment further strengthened the exercise’s objective of showcasing next-generation combat preparedness and modernised battlefield effectiveness.

The Nyoma Airbase was inaugurated in Ladakh, a region of immense strategic importance due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet, the airbase significantly enhances India’s air combat readiness and logistical capabilities in high-altitude terrain. With a 2.7-km runway capable of handling aircraft such as the C-130J and various fighter jets, the base allows quicker troop movement, improved surveillance, and rapid response to frontier developments. Developed by the Border Roads Organisation, the project also showcased women-led engineering excellence. The airbase stands as a major leap in strengthening India’s frontier infrastructure and operational preparedness.

The Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command conducted its inaugural full-scale air show in Guwahati to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the IAF. The spectacular event featured over 75 aircraft, including Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage, and C-17, executing 25 coordinated formations above the Brahmaputra River. Operations were supported by seven regional bases to ensure precision and safety. The air show also included a cultural tribute to the late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, with his popular song “Mayabini Ratir Bukut,” blending regional pride with national celebration and showcasing India’s growing air power and aviation excellence.