Current Affairs - Defence

INS Imphal, commissioned in December 2023, participated in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025. This marked the ship's maiden port call in Mauritius, where it contributed a marching contingent, a naval band, and a helicopter for the flypast. INS Imphal is the third ship of the four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers, designed to enhance India's naval capabilities. Participation in the National Day celebrations highlights the strengthening of ties between India and Mauritius.

The 2025 Edition of the Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) was conducted by the Indian Navy over a period of three months, from January to March 2025. This exercise included multiple phases, such as the Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX) and a Joint Work Up Phase, and focused on cyber and electronic warfare as well as tactical operations. It is a key operational event for the Indian Navy, marking the importance of this exercise in enhancing naval capabilities.

India conducts the Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII with Kyrgyzstan. This exercise is part of a long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries and has been held annually since its inception in 2011. The 12th edition is set to take place in Kyrgyzstan from 10 March to 23 March 2025, marking the continuation of this important military collaboration. The previous edition was conducted in India in January 2024.

The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise began off the Guam coast in the western Pacific Ocean. This multilateral anti-submarine warfare exercise is designed to enhance coordination in maritime security operations among participating countries. The exercise is hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet and involves the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The primary aim of the exercise is to improve anti-submarine tactics, ensuring better defence preparedness and collaboration among the participating nations.

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft. This system is designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen, removing the need for traditional liquid oxygen systems. The trials were conducted at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, showcasing DRDO's capabilities in developing advanced life support systems that enhance the operational efficiency and safety of aircraft like the LCA Tejas.