Current Affairs - Defence

The Defence Space Agency's "Antariksha Abhyas - 2024" exercise represents a significant milestone in India's defence preparedness, focusing on securing space assets and integrating cutting-edge technologies. This comprehensive exercise brings together key stakeholders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Cyber Agency, Intelligence Agency, Strategic Forces Command, ISRO, and DRDO. By hosting this tri-services exercise, the Defence Space Agency demonstrates its critical role in safeguarding India's national security interests in space, ensuring the country's strategic advantage and readiness in this vital domain.

The Indian Navy's 'Sea Vigil-24' exercise is a comprehensive nationwide coastal defence exercise, involving 21 organizations alongside six government ministries. This significant participation demonstrates an unprecedented level of coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders. The exercise aims to enhance India's coastal security capabilities, protect vital infrastructure, and prevent maritime threats. The involvement of multiple organizations ensures a unified approach to national security, showcasing India's commitment to defence preparedness. The exercise's scope covers India's entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone, underscoring its strategic importance.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), demonstrating its capability with a range of 1,000 km. Launched from a mobile platform off Odisha's coast, the missile showcased advanced avionics, waypoint navigation, and varying altitude and speed capabilities. This new variant of the Nirbhay missile highlights India's growing self-reliance in missile development, with contributions from DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment and Indian industries like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) took a significant step in enhancing its pilot training capabilities with the inauguration of the C-295 Full Motion Simulator at Air Force Station Agra. This advanced simulator enables realistic mission training, including airlift, para-dropping, and medical evacuation, thereby improving operational readiness and flight safety. The inauguration, led by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, marks a crucial milestone in India's efforts to strengthen its military aviation capabilities. Additionally, this development supports the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative by promoting indigenous aircraft production through the private sector.

The Defence Minister inaugurated the Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing Museum of Valour at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, honouring the legacy of Major Bob Khathing. This museum commemorates his pivotal role in securing Tawang for India in 1951, amidst concerns of Chinese encroachment into Tibet and potential border realignment. By establishing the Indian administration in the region, Major Khathing's bravery and diplomacy played a significant part in shaping India's northeastern borders. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the country's resilience and strategic foresight.