Current Affairs - Defence

India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. This significant milestone demonstrates India's advancement in hypersonic technology, joining an elite group of nations, including the United States, China, and Russia. The missile's capability to carry various payloads for ranges over 1,500 km enhances India's defence capabilities. Odisha's coastline provides a strategic location for testing missile technology, with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island serving as a key testing facility for India's defence research and development.

India and Russia have strengthened their defence cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Russia's Rosoboronexport. The partnership aims to develop advanced Pantsir air defence systems, enhancing India's capabilities against aerial threats. The Pantsir system boasts impressive capabilities, detecting and engaging targets up to 36 kilometres away and at altitudes of up to 15 kilometres. This collaboration underscores the strategic defence relationship between India and Russia, facilitating the transfer of critical technology and expertise. The MoU was signed during the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission Subgroup meeting in Goa.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight trials of the Guided Pinaka Weapon System. This advanced artillery system demonstrated its operational effectiveness, precision, and capabilities during the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials. Conducted in three phases across multiple field firing ranges, the tests evaluated key parameters such as range, accuracy, consistency, and rate of fire. The Pinaka system's development involved collaboration between multiple DRDO laboratories, including ARDE, RCI, DRDL, HEMRL, and PXE.

'Gyan Shakti,' the new think tank established by the South Western Command, is based in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between the armed forces, industry, state government, and academia, with a focus on strengthening the region's defence industrial base. By bringing together veterans, experts, and organizations, it seeks to contribute to India’s defence transformation and support Rajasthan’s growth, particularly in defence manufacturing. This initiative is also aligned with the state’s vision of becoming a $350 billion economy by 2029.

The 35th Tri-Services Commanders’ Conference (TSTCC) was held in Kochi, chaired by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan at the Southern Naval Command. This annual conference brought together senior commanders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defence formations to discuss joint training initiatives and evolving strategies. Emphasizing the need for unified operations, the conference focused on enhancing jointmanship and inter-service synergy to address emerging security challenges and prepare the forces for future conflicts as a theaterised, integrated force.