Current Affairs - Defence

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.

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi laid a wreath at the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial in France, honouring the sacrifices of Indian soldiers during World War I. The memorial specifically commemorates the Indian troops' contributions to the 1915 Battle of Neuve-Chapelle. In addition to this tribute, Gen Dwivedi visited Airbus' Marignane facility and engaged with the French Army on defence modernization, underscoring the ongoing defence cooperation between India and France.

The Indian Air Force conducted Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 at Jodhpur from February 24-28, which involved Army Para SF, Navy MARCOS, and Air Force Garud commandos. The exercise was designed to test the combat readiness of the forces through various scenarios such as airborne insertion, precision strikes, counter-terrorism, and urban warfare. Its primary aim was to improve inter-service coordination and enhance national security preparedness by fostering closer cooperation among the different branches of the armed forces.

The Maharashtra Tourism Department plans to acquire the decommissioned naval warship INS Guldar and sink it off Sindhudurg near Nivati Rocks to create India’s first artificial reef. This project aims to promote adventure tourism, specifically scuba diving, by enhancing marine biodiversity. The artificial reef will provide a habitat for fish and marine species while attracting tourism revenue, similar to global examples like the USS Spiegel Grove in Florida. The ship will undergo complete decontamination before being sunk, ensuring a safe and environmentally responsible project.